There is always light if you choose to see it & be it - By Jenn White

Art matters. Art has magical healing powers. Art is everywhere & in everything. You yourself are a work of art.

Have you ever been so inspired & uplifted by another artist your sensitive artist's heart swells too big for your chest? So overcome by emotion it causes happy tears to spill from your eyes? 

This is how I felt while watching the first ever Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman's recitation of her poetry. There were many other talented musical artists & speakers there I love too, sharing their gifts, performing throughout the inauguration.

They were all like sparks igniting so much shining light within me. I was positively glowing with inspiration. 

I felt compelled to create many art pieces after all I had witnessed & experienced in the days.

I decided to share one of those creations with you today. 

When I create, I begin by drawing rough sketch ideas in one of my many sketch books. As I look through all the inspiring photos of the products on sandraevertson.com I find so much inspiration there.

It is so pleasing to my imagination to visualize how Sandra's products can be combined to compliment each other in endless ways.

 In this creation, it was the curve & style of the finger petals on the Milagros III craft blanks set & the San Miguel Allende Nicho Kit that began the theme of this assemblage.

 I envisioned flower petals, a bird's tail & a peacock. I instantly wanted to use some peacock feathers with these pieces. The colors in the feathers coordinate so well with the Relics & Artifacts VerDay Patina paints. I love experimenting with the VerDay magic!

I was transported. I felt warmth & light on a cold Winter's day. I imagined myself into a brightly colored shopping bazaar full of Mexican folk art. Such a lovely cheerful place! A colorful feast for the eyes everywhere I looked. I love when my imagination allows me to travel without leaving home.

 I love layering Sandra's products!

I looked to see what I already had in my Relics and Artifacts Stash that would coordinate with the pieces I was about to order & found several to audition. I added one of the Three Marias Statuettes & two coordinating winged hearts. One from Sandra's Taos Sacred Heart set & one from Sandra's Mexican Folk Hearts Ojo de Dios set. I usually start out simply "less is more" but I always seem to end up "too much of a good thing can be wonderful!" 

 While editing the photos I decided my creation was missing something. I felt it needed some bling. I started having "What if" visions. What if I cut apart this silver & gold Daisy Chain Dresden? What if I add this flower petal shaped Dresden Coat of Arms piece? What if I add this Dresden Triangle Trim all around the outside edge? I thought it might be too much but it all ended up being the perfect added touched to shine up my creation

I wanted to incorporate hearts, wings & eyes into this piece to symbolize love, peace, hope & freedom. The awakening & opening of eyes, breaking the dark spell to see the truth & the light. 

I wanted to incorporate all of the miracles that happened for me & my family during the dark times & life style changes of 2020. I wanted to memorialize the loved ones I lost & miss very much. I also wanted to give thanks for the loved ones who reached out to me. I am so happy they have renewed hope & are here with us today.

I am so grateful you are still breathing & I am still breathing & we have more time here to make positive changes in our countries & on our planet. You are not alone.  

Just because I behave in a positive way does not mean my world is perfect.

I am very sensitive but I refuse to give in & let hate win. 

I will shine my light of kindness & help as many people as I can before my life clock stops. 

If you haven't yet, I hope you will decide to awaken & choose to shine your light too! 

Loving kindness does not cost a thing & is a priceless treasure at the same time. 

It will change lives & yours for the better. If we all pay this kindness forward we can make our world a better place.

HUGS! YOU ARE LOVED! - Jenn White 

Relics & Artifacts products used in this piece are as follows:

♡San Miguel Allende Nicho Kit

♡Milagros III Set

♡Taos Sacred Heart Set

♡Mexican Folk Hearts Ojo de Dios 

♡Three Marias Set

♡Mythos sets (the 2 little birds)

♡Relics & Artifacts VerDay kit

♡Relics & Artifacts Patina Spray Refill. (You do not want to run yourself out of this magic!)

♡Dresden Trim Coat of Arms in Silver.

♡Dresden Trim Large Daisy Chain

♡Dresden Trim Small Daisy Chain

☆Remember to add your HEART CHALLENGE submissions on the Relics & Artfacts Tribe Facebook Group by 2/12/2021 for a chance to win a shopping voucher for sandraevertson.com

#2021raheartchallenge 

Please be sure to read the rules in the pinned post at the top of the group page.Thank you & best wishes to you!

The Art Of Impermanence- Jenn Pipe

Let me tell you about some of my favorite moments from 2020:

The trips my husband and I took to the salt marsh during Golden Hour where we watched a nest full of fledgling osprey learn to fly and catch fish were some of my favorite moments. Or the time the snowy egret perched on the most perfect branch and allowed us to watch it preen and pose—as if it put on that show just for us.

There was the time when my daughter and I were walking around the nature preserve and a baby deer came right out of the brush next to us, as if in greeting, and then bounded down the path behind us. The moment was so fleeting—barely a breath—that neither one of us, despite already having our phones in our hands, were able to catch a picture of it (and I can’t help but think that was by design).

There were those mornings when my internal alarm would wake me up just in time to watch the sun light up the sky and for Mother Nature to paint the most perfect canvas. Mornings where I would rush down the stairs to get a photo from the deck before the light changed and the moment was gone.

Running across the parking lot at the supermarket when a biblical storm showed up, seemingly out of nowhere, drenching us and all of our groceries to the core. Then going home and jumping in the massive puddles that had formed in the yard, not a care in the world.

There were the countless moments of tenderness and spontaneous laughter between my daughters as they quarantined together this year, largely cut off from their respective social circles. Moments that hopefully remind them that they are each other’s first and best friend.

I spent a lot of time watching the massive tree next to our new deck the past four months. I discovered that the tree has a few branches that form the shape of a heart. And if I time it just right, I can capture a photo of those heart-shaped branches cradling the sun. I marveled at the tree’s strength as I watched it weather some pretty powerful ocean storms without losing nary a branch.

These moments are just the tip of the iceberg. And although they are vastly different, they all have one thing in common: IMPERMANENCE. Impermanence is defined as the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time. 2020 was a powerful teacher for me and one of the things it (re)taught me was the art of impermanence. Fleeting moments. Wisps of life and love. Gossamer things.

One of my favorite things to say in 2020 was, “But we will never get THIS EXACT moment ever again.” I would say it when I was chasing sunsets, watching storms roll across the ocean, taking a walk in the neighborhood we had walked 100 times before, during beach-combing and sun-bathing excursions, while voting and volunteering, during mealtimes, and when spending time together as a family. It became my mantra: a way for me to seek out joy, be 100% present, focus on the things that truly mattered, and find the beauty in a broken, broken world.

I thought I would like to give this concept a go in my art, as well. I have been feeling kind of flat and uninspired lately. The creative and artistic ideas aren’t beating down my door like they typically do. I thought it would be a good idea to experiment and play and create a bunch of things without gluing them down. Focus on the joy of the process instead of working towards a definitive outcome and see if I could free up the bottleneck to my creativity in some way…

Here’s what I did: I started simple with a piece of square kraft paper. I sketched a very simple silhouette onto it with a white gel pen. This silhouette would be my constant. Then, I gathered a bunch of materials from my office and set out to see what I could make with them. How fun it was to arrange and rearrange things until I felt I had them “just right.” How exhilarating it was to simply sweep the canvas clean and start over when I was done. How representative of life and nature to not glue things down and to enjoy the moment while it is here and then let it pass.

I ended up spending a couple quiet nighttime hours in my home office while I made these pieces. It was really fun to play without expectations or any direction or definitive outcome.

The first of the three is called “Winged Beauty.” In this piece, I started with the crimped pieces of paper that often accompany Sandra’s craft blanks. I turned those into hair. I then cut a piece of the Halo Dresden Trim into eyelash shapes, with petals from a mum as eyebrows. A Mexican Milagro Charm was used as a nose and I found a piece of bark that was perfect as some pouty lips. I used some balloon flowers, moss, and evergreens for the bodice and then I added the word “beauty” as a necklace. A set of Raphael Wings gives this piece an ethereal, angelic quality, while the “crown” was made with a piece from the Milagros III set.

The second piece is called “Grit and Grace” and my favorite part of this compilation is the eyes made from two of the Finger Ring Rosaries! I used an assortment of seed beads for the hair, a piece of a twig for the nose, and felt for the mouth. A sword from the Excalibur set, one of the resin hearts, and the snake from the Hieroglyphs set round out the Relics & Artifacts pieces for this installation of impermanent art.

My third and final piece is called “Undercurrent” and, with the exception of some polished shell pieces I found in my favorite cove, it exclusively uses products from the Relics & Artifacts line. I started with a large wooden Helios for the head, the same Dresden eyes from figure #1, and then a wide assortment of Sandra’s ocean-themed craft blanks. You will find pieces from Siren’s Song, Neptune,Cascara, Grotto, Triton, and Mermaid all working harmoniously together. 

Where this process was entirely new for me (I don’t typically create until and unless I am ready to commit to something), I feel like it opened me up to a bunch of new artistic avenues. I ended up combining materials I wouldn’t normally combine, I played with texture and composition, and it inspired me to want to pull more found items and items from nature into my artwork, whether that art ends up being permanent or impermanent. It was a low-investment, no-commitment way to make beautiful things and free up that creative bottleneck. I have a feeling this process will become part of my regular repertoire and I hope it inspires you in new and beautiful ways! 

I can’t wait to see what you create! Please tag me in your posts! 
In honor of the beauty impermanence and art in all its glorious forms,

Jenn Pipe
MUSE Design Team 2021

You Can't Change The Wind, But You Can Adjust Your Sails- Jennifer Pipe

Those of you who know me know that the art classes I teach (and a significant portion of the art I create) are based on a lot more than just creativity. Almost everything I do is deliberately and lovingly infused with principles and practices of self-discovery. It’s my niche. And I believe so fully in the power of art as a personal growth tool, that I built my entire business on it. 

To that end, the art I make for myself is often infused with messages and reminders that I need to hear. This piece I created is no different. The year 2020, in its oft-challenging entirety, has reminded me that there is very little in this world that we can truly control outside of the things we say, the actions we take, and the things we think. Sometimes, when things feel thoroughly out of control, we forget that regardless of what is going on in the world around us, we still have complete and unwavering control over one very important thing: OURSELVES. 

We get to choose how we react. 
We get to choose how we show up. 
We get to choose how we respond. 

And, there is tremendous power in that choice! The quote on this ship will be a trusty reminder of that when I feel tempted to resort to blaming, finger pointing, and not accepting the consequences of my actions and inactions. It encourages me to take personal responsibility whenever possible, and to focus on my desired outcome as opposed to focusing on the challenge(s) at hand.  Because, at the end of each and every day, we can’t change the wind, but we can certainly adjust our sails.

Here’s How I Made This Boat:

My husband and I took a trip into a local antique shop and I saw this boat. I figured it would make a nice decoration for one of the mantles in our new home and I knew I would be able to alter it and make it fit our aesthetic. 

·       I then started by coating the entire piece with a thin coat of clear gesso. 

·       Once the gesso dried, I painted it with my base coats. The sail was painted with a coat of acrylic paint, and the base was painted with a contrasting color. 

·       I knew I wanted a focal point on the sails, so I added some contrasting, abstract splotches of Liquitex acrylic inks (I used two shades of blue and a gold). I layered the colors, and made sure I dried them in between so the resulting colors wouldn’t be muddy. 

·       I splattered a bit of paint on the sail and the body of the boat. 

·       Then, I took out some stamps from my collection and added the quote, the number “4” on the sails, the waves on both sides of the hull, and the letters “ri” on the back of the boat. 

·       Once all that was dry, I started working with some products from the Relics and Artifacts line. 

·       I adhered some of the gold Daisy Chain Dresden Trim around the base of the boat. It made the base of the boat pop a bit and helped to bring out the golds in the painted sail. 

·       I then started painting and layering assorted sizes and shapes of the Helios laser cuts, knowing that I wanted to adhere them to the sails for a gorgeous 3D effect. I chose paints in gold and bronze for the Helios pieces. 

·       Then, I used one of the Roman Sun Coins, noticing how it fit perfectly as a focal point in the center of the Helios pieces. I painted the coin white and brought out all the details with layers of a fiery orange wax. 

·       I then assembled all of the pieces together using a 3D medium, and then once they were completely dry, I attached them to the boat using Apoxie Sculpt.  

·       *Tip: if you are going to stamp a quote on your artwork, practice on a piece of paper first to ensure that it will fit. Nothing worse than starting to stamp and realizing you actually don’t have enough space. 

The end result of this project is gorgeous and it came out exactly as I hoped it would. I can’t wait to give it a place of prominence on the mantle. 

My parting challenges to you this month: find some of your favorite products from sandraevertson.com, sit down to play, and incorporate an inspiring quote or reminder into your project if you can. Then share your projects with us in the Relics and Artifacts Facebook group—tag me in your post so I can be sure to high five you and show your post some love!   

Thanks for reading and happy creating, 
Jenn Pipe 
MUSE Design Team Member 2020

Thankfulness and Nutcrackers with RELICS & ARTIFACTS Ambassador Milagros Rivera

Thanks to Hurricane Maria, I skipped Halloween for the first time in 23 years.  No Thanksgiving either, although, I sat down with the kids and told them the million reasons why we needed to be thankful.  I refused to skip Christmas!  I found solar Christmas lights online and put them up. There's no shortage of sun here!  Last week, we got power at our work places so we're immensely grateful. Can you imagine celebrating 75 days without electricity?  Well, home is that way and so it is the reality for more than 60% of Puerto Rico.

After the free vaccination clinics we did, we're now spaying and neutering the same amount of dogs, 753 to be exact. It's the reason I'm still helping my husband at the clinic and you barely see me anywhere. Not that I don't miss you, which you know I do like crazy, but there's no time and almost no connectivity to the internet to go on social media as I used to.

I have collected nutcrackers since my son was a baby and about five years ago, I started creating my own using blank wooden nutcrackers to alter with paper. Last year, I experimented with Relics & Artifacts gorgeous Dresden trim collection to create one. This year, I thought I'd have to forgo the tradition when I spotted a single box at my local K-Mart. It was a girl, a Plum Fairy one at that and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed wrapping her hair in gold!  Her face is highlighted by one half of the wings!! Dresden certainly gives me a lot of creative license in how I use them and with their sparkle it's the perfect touch for the holidays!

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim
Wood Nutcracker
Craft Paint

"A Fair Lady's Shrine" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Heather Thompson

During ancient times of heroic knights and young fair maidens, kings and noblemen would have their young daughters fancied up in their most beautiful courting dresses and glamorous facial paint.

They would capture the eternal youth, first in portrait, by the most talented artists in the region, then they would encase it in a magnificent shrine made with the prettiest jewels and dressed in trims of gold and silver. The shrines were painted with the brightest pigments and tones for the most dramatic and eye-catching effects.

Conceptually, the more beautiful and alluring the shrine, the more appealing to the eyes of would-be suitor knights, all in the hopes of marrying the young maiden to a rich and wealthy family and unifying powerful families. 

After accords were struck between the fathers of the noble maidens and the suitors, the fair ladies dressed in the most magnificent formal attire.  In this final show of beauty and opulence, maidens were officially affianced to their future husbands in hopes of finding their happily ever after. 

Supply List:
Muse® Art Stamps St. Cecilia
Muse® Art Stamps Oculus
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim Wrought Iron Gold
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels Ruby
Ice Resin
Iced Enamels Shattered Mica
DecoArt Media Primary Magenta
DecoArt Media Primary Yellow
DecoArt Media Phthalo Green-Blue
DecoArt Media Cobalt Teal Hue
DecoArt Media Cerulean Blue
DecoArt Media Cobalt Black
Liquid Pearls Buttercup
Coffee Break Designs Mini Ornate Framed Shrine Kit Style 5
Seth Apter Stamps Spot Lights
Seth Apter Stamps Border Lines
Metal Frame
Rhinestones

Day 4 with That's Crafty! and "The Stars" by RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Lynne Moncrieff

We are moving right along with our mash-up with That's Crafty! and today is no disappointment either!  Today, we have Lynne Moncrieff and a piece inspired by the stars.  It's loaded with so much texture, you'll wish you could touch it through your screen!  Remember to revisit each post this week, leave a comment, and cross your fingers that you are picked to be our winner of *3* Relics & Artifacts® Matte Resin Craft Blanks of your choosing!

One of many wondrous aspects of creating is when a gathering of supplies magically unveil a narrative, a vignette, bringing meaning to a project.  When the result has personal significance, even though it might not be evident to another’s eyes, that is when creating becomes a multi-layered experience.  This project is such a piece, with the personal significance of my relationship with Relics & Artifacts and That’s Crafty, both companies coming together in this week of collaborations.  I am in such a privileged position to be on the teams for both companies, companies whose products I adore, add to that, the honour of being in teams who are passionate about their creative lives. 

Relics & Artifacts constantly inspire and with a wide range of That’s Crafty surfaces available, it is a wonderful marriage when combining products from both companies.  Often, it is the Relics & Artifacts, whispering their stories into my ear that is the springboard for a project however, this time, the journey began with a stamp, one of my That’s Crafty Lynne’s Affirmations, “Always believe the stars are within your grasp”. 

It is easy, in this world, to become jaded; positive words can seem cliche.  But my belief, Affirmations can surely do no harm so long as the intention is always from an honest place and used appropriately.   The realisation that a Relics & Artifacts Milagros hand paired with the Affirmation stamp, could come together in the form of a shrine, thanks to a That’s Crafty Art Shrine.

In life, we truly are on a journey and as with any journey, no matter the distance, it is not always the smoothest of rides, yet we keep our focus on the destination. This I tried to convey with the elements I brought together such as the Infusions stained corrugated cardboard scrap, set in the niche of the shrine, a symbol of ruts in the road.  Dipping into a Rust Painted Finished kit, I set about altering the silver star Dresden Trim into rusty stars. The contrast of the Diamond Bohemian Jewels on the rusted stars gracing the arch of the shrine, represent the shining light of hope we should try to keep within us.  Barely seen on the face of the shrine and look closely, stamped onto wispy pieces of mop-up paper (Infusions stained kitchen paper towel) are stars.

Lives are busy but it would be wonderful if you found time to visit each Relics & Artifacts and That’s Crafty collaboration project.  Each team artist has created inspirational art with their individual styles shining through.  Today, Nikki Acton has an awe inspiring piece in monochromatic splendor for you.

Supplies:
Relics & Artifacts® Milagros
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim Star Chain Silver
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels - Diamond
That’s Crafty Surfaces Matchbox Arch Art Shrine
That’s Crafty Clear Stamp Set – Lynne’s Affirmations Set 1
PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics: Seth Apter Set 1 (Buff, Midnight)
PaperArtsy Grungepaste
PaperArtsy Infusions: Sleight Blue, In The Navy
Plaid Folkart Painted Finished Kit - Rust
Golden Gesso, Matte Gel Medium
Staz-on Jet Black Ink

Extras: star shell button, black cotton sewing thread, re-cycled cardboard ribbon spool, motif cut from vintage doily, rusty tin wire, re-cycled corrugated box packaging, calico, various Infusions stained laces and mop up papers

"Fancy Badge Holders" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Heather Thompson

A friend at work recently was admiring my badge holder I had made with a Relics & Artifacts® piece. She said she wouldn’t mind one of those and asked if I could make her one. I am always up for sharing my art, so I went for it.

I made a variety of holders, not knowing which one she would like. I used Relics from different sets, wanting a variety for her to choose from and then I just sat and played around one day.

Out of all of them I made, I can’t pick a favorite.  They are all unique and with the extra badge holders I made, I am able to switch things up a bit when the mood strikes me.

Not to mention, there has been an piqued interest when co-workers see them.  They ask, “Where did you get that?” As a result, I have had some personal requests. I think after wearing the same navy blue scrubs for as long as some of us have, adding a little variety in the work attire is welcoming.  How fun it is to get to wear the Relics & Artifacts® to work!

Supplies:

Relics & Artifacts® "Figureheads"
Relics & Artifacts® "Medallions"
Relics & Artifacts® "Flora"
Relics & Artifacts® "Regalis"
Relics & Artifacts® "Crosse Icons"
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim "Coat of Arms"
DecoArt Fluid Acrylics
Paynes Grey Quinocadone Gold, Transparent Yellow Oxide Hue, Titanium White, Quinacridone Red, Metallic Gold, Metallic Silver, Carbon Black, Aquamarine, Raw Umber, Quinacridone Violet, Titan Buff, Antiquing Cream Carbon Black, Interference Blue
Crackle Glaze
Texture Sand Paste
Satin Varnish

"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Heather Thompson

Having young children at home and the fact that they STILL think Momma is fun and "the best Momma in the world," my art is highly influenced by them.  It tends to reflect on what we are actually doing around the house or in the gardens or what we seem to be watching at that given time. Also seeing that my daughter, Olivia, and I share an art room together she gives me her honest, heart warming opinion on EVERYTHING.

I mean, when she doesn't like something, she will usually give you a better way of doing it in her eyes. So when it came to the "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" piece, we were talking about how we wanted it to look and we had the movie up on the screen. Olivia was pointing out details in the walls and torches and things evolved from there until it was time to make the torches.

So with Apoxie Sculpt® in hand, (she gets to mix it up for me and then play with the left overs because I can never measure the perfect amount) I struggled, and then struggled some more, and then mom duties where calling and I had to make supper.  She asked if she could help. I thought, "Why not? Let's see what the girl's got."

I was happy to see I wasn't the only one that struggled. She would manipulate and twist and turn and with much delight, the torches were done, and not by me! As proud as Olivia was of her handiwork, I said, "Well we better put them where they belong."

So to give credit where credit is due, Olivia, the little scutlper that she is, did in fact, make the beautiful torches. With some expert "Olivia guidance" of color choices, this "Best Momma in the World" finished the paint details that made the whole project seamlessly come together.

A collaboration of the minds, our rendition of "Mirror Mirror on the Wall" was completed and Olivia is one proud artist.

*Inspiration from Walt Disney's 1959 "Snow White", the main villain, "Evil Queen"

Supplies:
Relics & Artifacts® Facia Familiaris
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Star Chain Gold
Relics & Artifacts® Ostensorium
Apoxie Sculpt®
DecoArt Media Gesso
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics: Titanium White, Quinacridone Gold, Dioxazine Purple, Primary Cyan, Metallic Silver, Burnt Umber, Paynes Grey, Primary Yellow, Cadmium Orange Hue, Carbon Black Metallic Gold
Amazing Putty
Amazing Casting Resin
Stampin' Up!  Embossing Folder
Antique Iron Frame with mirror (from Italy)
Table Salt

"INSPIRE" and a *GIVEAWAY!* with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

Seeing the projects our Tribe members post in the Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook is always so much fun.  I love seeing all the different ways everyone creates with these craft blanks.  As Relics & Artifacts® Ambassadors, we like to create projects for these challenges to cheer you on and inspire you.  I have been so busy the last few weeks, that I wasn’t able to participate and make something for the #RAShadesofRed Challenge we just wrapped up.

After seeing all the submissions for the challenge, even though it has ended now, I was so inspired that I had to make something.  This piece, “Inspiration”, is dedicated to our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe.  You are all an inspiration to me.  I love seeing what you create. I learn and grow from watching you make.

Leave me a comment here on this post, and tell me where you find your inspiration. I will be drawing one winner from the comments below to receive my "Inspiration" piece as a thank you gift.  Keep creating and inspiring. Keep growing and pushing your boundaries. We love what you do!!

If you are not already a member of the Relics & Artifacts® Tribe, we would love to have you join us. It is a friendly, positive, and very supportive group with endless inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST:
Relics & Artifacts® "Rising Spirit II"
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim Gold Angel Wings
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels "Peridot"
Verday 2 oz Paint Kit
Wood plank
DecoArt Acrylic Paints (reds and pinks)
Epoxy sticker
Metal Crown
White Signo Pen
Black Micro pen
Liquid gold pen