tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22879797417085202972024-02-21T09:11:40.040+01:00Me-Bear Creationsart journal, mixed media, scrapbooking, photography, sculptures, paintings, jewelery, home made, mosaics, softies, netherlands, the hague, shop, amigurumi,
scrapbook, scrapboek, fotografie, foto, sculpturen, beelden, mozaïek, schilderijen, sieraden, handgemaakt, nederland, den haag, winkel, kopen, knuffels...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.comBlogger567125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-81699548401283942432018-12-30T21:26:00.001+01:002018-12-30T21:31:23.702+01:00Troy – Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 6I decided to discontinue the line I was following and post my entry in time this day. I also got away from the space theme. It’s devastating fire now. And a firebird rising from the flames. Yes, I’m talking Sinéad O’Connor. Illustrating this song has been on my wishlist for years now, but I never felt comfortable doing it until now. And I’m not even disappointed with the outcome.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Phoenix[4].jpg"><img alt="Phoenix" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-s1y14fMsyQ39FnC2LIkUEBQRo7_HUJaWTqieCcM4QDMoATR4FgjJJ7TDN8AZa7O1XYcWJ0t4XYYR8ZDwVtGXD-WrkaGQScZlCEP1kTSgYT-lH_Hnf-4ifMeg7yYf8Pp-UkLjSGQpXFC/s1600/Phoenix.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Phoenix" /></a><br />
Oh and I am doing good things at the end of the year. After about six years, I finally started using my Wacom Bamboo drawing tablet. Yay me. I have no idea why it took me so long, because now I wish I did it way sooner. It’s such a time saver if you do intense editing. Last night’s illustration took way too much time to turn into a digital clip art file. And that was quite a simple design to separate from it’s background. So when I started this phoenix today, I knew I had to start using the Wacom. It was a joy. <br />
By the time I was ready to start painting the background on my page, Sinéad’s song had been on the radio, so I could feel the mood of the song, which resulted in quite a heavy image. Well, it is a heavy song. A very beautiful song, but also with a lot of anger in it. The part where she kind of promises she’ll rise from the flames (after she died killing a dragon), really spoke to me. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Troy[4].jpg"><img alt="Troy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzkijwPfNwZ-YoP81cw5W9-I_tV1fP6zsMqw2kKM0KIoIE22QzFvTMqPX9Ka40myPdBorIum22OQu5cie9eUFV9yEkqG6kb6a7Dh345YB8hSoRHmW60uFhWR0R8TzKC-5XM58TW4pHYKt/s1600/Troy.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Troy" /></a><br />
The fire is one big disaster and it looks hurtful, but look at that Phoenix. It’s very, very strong and very determined. Whatever the fire in your life may be, be that Phoenix! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-46064675103267248792018-12-30T02:25:00.000+01:002018-12-30T02:25:14.155+01:00Fly Me To The Moon – Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 5Oh no! I’m late again! I’m starting to see a pattern here. Not one I like though. Talking about repetitions, there seems to be a theme going on these past few days. Three days in a row my page has a moon scenery. And the moon’s getting bigger every day. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Fly_Me_To_The_Moon[4].jpg"><img alt="Fly_Me_To_The_Moon" border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIt2a6rNYJDFOtPu6eTG4TvtNf9BbkmUodD8wBHzenqjS-0P37i605MTy1bs63osGFUyhagjQ1vFXubiTq4MVo0fNUGFiIS_e1NquF_DV6DYCyVCOnNTr1OQMFIoFkqdgs2guD6-KJhhA/s1600/Fly_Me_To_The_Moon.jpg" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fly_Me_To_The_Moon" width="550" /></a><br />
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When I first thought my page was finished, I wasn’t too happy with it. Then I started doodling the white stars and it made such a difference. It gave dept, contrast, balance and it was just the thing I needed to connect the elements. To add even more fun, I also added some white dots in small clusters. Now I am really happy with it. Sometimes when you’re not happy with the result, it just needs a little more.<br />
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Again I started with an illustration. I like to continue that for this year’s Top 2000 pages. I wish I started this the very first day. Well, can’t go back, so let’s just embrace that imperfection. They’re all in a special Top 2000 journal, so the pages from last year are also in ther and there will be many more in the future. But for now, I like to continue this way of working.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Rocket[4].jpg"><img alt="Rocket" border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf60EExu72WxWn3_7iQmERAS3JoUu9vHWZ-rKiUuPuVfS4gjdAeGu4c7zYvsvRSxVkwA3-vC_nkdxBdL69tqGf4xm8SME5gKV4O8ZWOwLuHaVkLuO51j4j59Q3ZW-h54HFHIWts07JUYb/s1600/Rocket.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rocket" width="550" /></a><br />
Only two days left. The list has come to the point where it’s an ongoing bliss of the greatest songs of all kind. Pop, rock, ballads, hiphop… it’s all there. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-17271814108331536562018-12-29T02:03:00.000+01:002018-12-29T02:03:08.053+01:00Memory – Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 4I’m late! Completely following my personal style. Le sigh. Yesterday I managed it just in time. Today I didn’t. I have to admit, I was in big doubt weather I wanted to do a page today at all. Hence the delayed time I started drawing and painting. I felt so tired at 7:30 PM, I seriously debated weather to call it a day and go to bed. Apparently all I needed was a cup of hot chocolate.<br />
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Today I chose the song “Memory” by Barbara Streisand. It made me think of the musical cats, which isn’t too weird since that’s where the song originates. I remember how the old cat sang the song and even though I haven’t seen the (movie of) the musical for a very long time, this song stills brings me in tears.<br />
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So I started with a drawing of a sad old cat.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Sad_cat[4].jpg"><img alt="Sad_cat" border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWvQzrGuRAPhR4vHWc2s8OSyDnPwLsFUvnEslHVVtYnFq9SwtBkNRf1NGoaf_R2mlsgQwRK2Ad_jjrb0lJbXZM735nMbks3utwv9BPmzisSkDSVtNOIKPzxwCDyYlc0uLkfVc0RExgM2f/s1600/Sad_cat.jpg" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sad_cat" width="440" /></a><br />
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After scanning, digitalising and printing the cat, I painted a night scene. Of course it had to have a big moon. I glued the cat image to the page and wrote down part of the lyrics.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Memory[4].jpg"><img alt="Memory" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G2jnuzUzsV96XKqF64o2OFxTk995OWjY5_bIrw0bNABw9LNe4fwDaIzRUYRCIbmLusrk8VSAxCFFIHY7t7xuqxFYUA0JRM4ig0sC0W0g5B4jOy8HOvtSRJgtjnr8SdUrVVB8jVRJGKJF/s1600/Memory.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Memory" width="550" /></a><br />
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I have to admit, this isn’t my best page. I do like the sad cat though. I think I would’ve liked it better when the cat was closer by. Speaking photography terms, I think it would have been better if the whole scene was more zoomed in. Can’t change that now, so I call it done. <br />
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Tomorrow a new page. Or so I think.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-25946795157321029382018-12-27T23:13:00.001+01:002018-12-27T23:13:29.002+01:00Moondance – Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 3Today has almost come to an end, but I do keep my promise. I’m here with a new artwork and a new blogpost. I don’t really have a lot to talk about, so I’ll keep it short and show you what I made.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Moondance[4].jpg"><img alt="Moondance" border="0" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmTlnc3Up1xuZWMLk-d683WjT34_iLNtXqZH11GbHGNrwktGgMjSyMzW3H9rXhLjHvRSqu96Lcp2-LtFcYhHAU_SH28f_nZMLLNcwFKQKclOY0UjkrR4XcSDxQjo72uow-L7YxJ-vcZoS/s1600/Moondance.jpg" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Moondance" width="570" /></a><br />
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I really love making my own clip art to use in my art journals. It’s quite a lot of work to build my pages this way and quite time consuming, but I love the look. Plus I can use the same image over and over again or send it out in happy mail swaps.<br />
Alright. On to the next song. Maybe picking a song is taking most time at the moment. There’s so much to choose from. I found out the best songs aren’t necessarily the best to illustrate.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-27646550030127297602018-12-26T19:38:00.000+01:002018-12-26T19:38:00.313+01:00Hello my dear friends. I have been neglecting you, for which I am so sorry. I’d like to tell again, if you want daily updates, please go follow me on Instagram (@mebearc). I’m working on something new to either replace this blog or incorporate it. But definitely to more active on a platform that I can call my own.<br />
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Since I’ve tapered down my anti depressants after a good 22 years and then completely stopped taking them (all in consulatation with my doctor of course), I’ve had a bit of a rough time. I’m still off of the anti depressants, but since a couple of weeks I’m on anti psychotiscs. Only temporary. But they’re making me very slow. I mean, it’s like those dreams where you try to run, but everything goes in slow motion. My thinking is slow and my acting is slow and therefore I get hardly anything done.<br />
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Enough with the explanation. I don’t want to complain. I’m glad I’m finally off those meds and although my body and mind are having a difficult time adapting, I can already feel I will never go back on those nasty pills. If you need them then do take them. In my case, I never should have gotten them in the first place. My depressions aren’t biological. What I need is trauma therapy and that’s what I get now.<br />
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Teddy likes to wish you a merry (belated) Christmas. Well, officially not belated according to my country. We have 2 days of Christmas.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Teddy_Christmas_05[4].jpg"><img alt="Teddy_Christmas_05" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XP7qhM6Sl9y4zK-GGo6pC-utXwblpWpNfOx2uhJwZkqpcl6aLT9WuiqtYd9DqoyULe0Y-G5HFsIUQs6rEZepER_glbouv6gF9B-HUNyslu4UU2ut50tUKuNZjwvFQXcxryhHRDke2USx/s1600/Teddy_Christmas_05.jp" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Teddy_Christmas_05" width="570" /></a><br />
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And when it’s Christmas in The Netherlands, it’s the start of the annual Top 2000. From Christmas till the New Year, 2000 of the best songs ever made. Or at least, the songs that got the most votes. I remember listening to the Top 2000 as a teenager in my small bedroom, while making art. How amazing that these days Marit hosts the Top 2000 Blog Party, where we make art inspired by the songs in the Top 2000. You can find all the details <a href="https://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/top-2000-blog-party/" target="_blank">here</a> and please join if you are inspired. There’s still enough time. <br />
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This is my entry for day 1, which was yesterday:<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Birds[4].jpg"><img alt="Birds" border="0" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NokOV2p0qePk7qHztmM39_6ngly-rtofFApe5WFCsXvXLdnVnU06wX9l5zK8lKGjllaRponDe7by6C2KGYD-jyk9ccjYzEO1DLTXXwPbHN7C3Pv9K-b8SCRUrUv5V2H5lJcCSUsJNf_n/s1600/Birds.jpg" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Birds" width="570" /></a><br />
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And today’s entry:<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$Fox_On_The_Run.jpg"><img alt="Fox_On_The_Run" border="0" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKH4MQhktaCxFjUaPowN70tv5LJSk36uxkOid-G42JkritIA3H5wt518cfmGca72GCAYlM8O_WJ0b-nzD0TUOnxLM-fBbQUp51NDluRDxjlryJFlUYgrhl_FFcvAoTes3N6ByRsENbOHr/s1600/Fox_On_The_Run.jpg" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fox_On_The_Run" width="570" /></a><br />
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I’ll try to do another blog post tomorrow. If not, there’ll definitely be a new photo on my Instagram.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-49723262927612381152018-02-14T09:00:00.000+01:002018-02-14T01:42:30.061+01:00Happy Valentine’s Day – Teddy’s Photoshoot<p><font size="3">Hello friends! Teddy and I want to wish you a happy Valentine’s Day! This year we took some serious business and really prepared for it. We didn’t do just one shoot. No, we actually did two! What can I say, Teddy’s so adorable and if there’s anything to celebrate, it must be love. Although Teddy likes to add having fun is equally important.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Our best pics from the first shoot:</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_r2-TxRMcs/WoOE56Et4SI/AAAAAAAAGRU/rkdupwzBQZYfo0W-ZYj6m4WY_cilkJDlACHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_01%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_01" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ir7yPeeyAwk/WoOE6awUdrI/AAAAAAAAGRY/eG8D79UZdPoOR2ZD3P12SAtvI_VZOow9wCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_01_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“I don’t know who you are, but you smell funny”</font></p> <p align="center"></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WPStJc2rT7A/WoOE6ySyMgI/AAAAAAAAGRc/M9mF9zugjHAxiGQaui9SErazv8zcSgO0wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_02%255B4%255D"><font size="2"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_02" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TqlvqKI9_lE/WoOE7QiOcdI/AAAAAAAAGRg/uuKUq_D4S-URaKYRCUd0SvfGiYtW0qrWwCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_02_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="413" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“Ooh what’s this…looks interesting!”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkqVaiC33gc/WoOE8OIdJVI/AAAAAAAAGRk/CWkNFrVUG5gzH0KP-V4mAV6FNJl1XnZngCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_04%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_04" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9fs4P291uLo/WoOE8uD---I/AAAAAAAAGRo/8LFTS98Cpn0pKNJJzRk9vcEloCWLGQAowCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_04_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“Ooh fun!”</font></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5GCWFbpZdo/WoOE9HiBhAI/AAAAAAAAGRs/KijTISrQ7kIdnJveJFiS14n36PgDypihgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_13%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_13" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4sLcWC550I/WoOE9t07KLI/AAAAAAAAGRw/bTKVJaIy0wgV2xVU1KUklF60It8X3IYrACHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_13_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“Playtime!”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9cfKX7wSQ8/WoOE-NU-JiI/AAAAAAAAGR0/ghz3MB4YCsA7Wal6EB8Xrj1N0shQZRrSwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_06%255B4%255D"><font size="2"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_06" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_06" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3aArayYMucQ/WoOE-iFCkAI/AAAAAAAAGR4/JFinXDe3j20DFEq3pmtLi_YXBcJ867pyQCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_06_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“Birdie?”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z-qg_j94zjE/WoOE_SJXM1I/AAAAAAAAGR8/FB61OYmisPsV90hFgJ9vRlHDimzblEZ7ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_08%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_08" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PayuNCrOT_E/WoOE_pBdCEI/AAAAAAAAGSA/xVv6Uzh5KHwReef1fGvay2I-UHoGX0KaACHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_08_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“What to do with this?”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYcxgulrM7Q/WoOFAnMbNYI/AAAAAAAAGSE/yd1eXXoej9Qmwikv5ySj1GFS7O1djVVEQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_14%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_14" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_14" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwQj5-paA1roA1HIoib9rrUsxICxE6xY5GB6wANSaDeRNidg_BEbmSMneJN1QoMb4lDGmmAF4cZzulaA_bP5-vUWjHsEzujqv6txjSotgVFyF6VrC3SJDWkX6DIHoP8Y0mi6Y-xEmS6bZ/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“For you!”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8sTN1g-vRE/WoOFB0wSGmI/AAAAAAAAGSM/sSzv_rEUqeczs27OL_qs0Wo1n3tFMbUogCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_17%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_17" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_17" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gzRakV4fKwo/WoOFCUmV77I/AAAAAAAAGSQ/nNs2dhQg0Psrle3Gbz1ASQkHFYscTMb6wCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_17_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“What’s next?”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsS9wH-EUH0/WoOFC6urrOI/AAAAAAAAGSU/Wr3FVDu8-KkggUOBDfdUoZ_TfeG7CnU5QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_15%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_15" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNELAdJkxEI/WoOFDiuE0jI/AAAAAAAAGSY/nm_Ahpk7N2w_HTycyiXFwBfVDmW-wxQwwCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_15_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“What do you mean, we’re done for today?”</font></p> <p align="center"></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslCn9T81qZsJpNJ7-HkVLEH67YrcocLlj7qIel1X4zcDY_0_qzeRFxP11bhytovvBR0Nm1PaecVen96H7P56jVt71wLe0x-55plPdD6P7yGiYyLpXDN9nML-K_UzqlrTsEOc9OtSx3N5T/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_16%255B4%255D"><font size="2"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_16" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VPtr6P4orG8/WoOFExa5mlI/AAAAAAAAGSg/9whuCfwQlvABC5yKgFIKCAPhGvzd0Ud-ACHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_16_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“Aren’t there any treats involved?”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BwZVooNL5BE/WoOFFR5qhOI/AAAAAAAAGSk/2GZW95T1PVQ8-qmI79Dny3F_chgqx-cgQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_18%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_18" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fXqkDhF6GVg/WoOFF3lX6oI/AAAAAAAAGSo/eAoSnP07jEQo4FhZPG60t9QoTx7Uh4oXwCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_18_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">“Saving my best smile for last”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">That first shoot didn’t go too bad. Teddy really enjoyed himself with the fake rose. Best part of his game was throwing it on the floor, so I had to pick it up and lay it back on the dresser again. He also loved it when I used it as a feather toy. What I’ve learned in these nearly 18 months Teddy is with me, is if I want to have a chance of any nice photos, aka making him cooperate, it needs to be fun for him. As soon as he feels I want him to do something, he’ll do exactly the opposite. After all, he is a cat and that’s what cats do. Dogs like to please their owners, but cats can be little rebels. The challenge for me is that I have to do it all by myself. No extra pair of hands to help me keep him in place so I can stay with my camera. I’m learning with every shoot. </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">On to the second shoot. After viewing the photos of the first shoot, I found that all the extra props were quite distracting. Especially that toy cat with his big eyes. So I decided to do another shoot and keep it real simple. Just Teddy with his bowtie, some paper hearts and of course the rose. </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IyQe2PKOmnA/WoOFGdQOUJI/AAAAAAAAGSs/obvogyBYbkgncmu6tjli9xZuFWVyPi-MwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_2_06%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_2_06" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_2_06" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2c-G-2fxqgQ/WoOFG7QCTHI/AAAAAAAAGSw/uhodiX3E3Vgz4mDT-Tr-2gEL6EEzDbZWgCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_2_06_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tXzuTKmEhjQ/WoOFHUKe-HI/AAAAAAAAGS0/jlMeHt_Z0-A8fEG_ZY0ALBNRCwPDaB2-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_2_07%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_2_07" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_2_07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiEzYhqRXK8/WoOFHxOV_CI/AAAAAAAAGS4/4n2TBblpmNoSiXImz-dklYxRw6vtu_G9wCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_2_07_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhhctv8gHZo/WoOFIV3IDaI/AAAAAAAAGS8/MS2eQ4RE1mkKUDYTApWL4JU2hqA7yrvwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_2_10%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_2_10" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_2_10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TpfZLC7j70/WoOFJBj-8cI/AAAAAAAAGTA/wXWpVT3H6_4cF-wEprzWL1VPnhZmsPAegCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_2_10_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2HS1CId_6h4/WoOFJgThuhI/AAAAAAAAGTE/BN5Jae4B7c0ysfGeZqOICWxQ0kdrB_YDwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_2_13%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_2_13" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_2_13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0OfraDV-4w/WoOFKHPkHUI/AAAAAAAAGTI/ZTPP38XBcgI9IMyaItInyplo1OATNUizACHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_2_13_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">He was in a very playful (read: naughty) mood. At the same time there were some wild parakeets flying around the house and their happy chattering always draws his attention, hence the look in his eyes. He’s never been an outdoor cat, yet nature tells him he needs to catch every bird he sees or hears. The pigeons are always taunting him by sitting in the balcony, close to the window, where he can see them.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">I’ve save the best photo for last. He’s really playing irresitable mister Valentine here. </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5o-apAz3CXM/WoOFKse-3cI/AAAAAAAAGTM/rgx4oo1Fcv8H-KzxNdeLkGG_LMKjUmneACHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_Valentine_2_01%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_Valentine_2_01" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_Valentine_2_01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ReQux6pjN-c/WoOFLZ_cY0I/AAAAAAAAGTQ/B5PtAhSy9yMVH1M-Mdj348fCF6-vWtNEwCHMYCw/Teddy_Valentine_2_01_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">I hope you find a way to have a nice Valentine’s Day. If you don’t have a mister or miss Valentine in your life, there are other ways to still make it a good day. Spoil yourself. Make heart art. It can be a masterpiece or just some doodled hearts. Listen to your favourite love songs. Watch a cheesy romantic movie. If nobody sends you chocolats, go buy them yourself. And if they ask if it’s a present, tell them yes, because they will decorate it for you. It’s none of their business that it’s a present for yourself. Sometimes I like to do that. Especially when they have really nice wrapping paper. Or when I’m a bit embarres to confess it’s something I buy for myself. That happens as well.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">Thanks for visiting! Oh and please do leave a comment, so I know you were here. For more regular updates, come over to my Instagram account. I try to upload a picture there every day. Bye for now!</font></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-65514470902657985802018-01-01T20:27:00.001+01:002018-01-01T20:27:20.318+01:00Happy New Year!!!<p>Hello world! How are you doing? Did you have a good start of the new year? Well, here in The Hague we went with a boom. Aparently it’s not a tradition all over the world, but here in The Netherlands we are allowed to light our own fireworks. Not all kinds though. There’s legal fireworks and illegal fireworks. I can assure you there’s always an aweful lot of illegal fireworks. But there’s also a lot of gorgeous fireworks and it’s all over the place. So you don’t need to go anywhere to see a beautiful show. I had the most amazing show from my balcony. Here are some photos I took.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-oHjnJmfLQ/WkqLXccFNqI/AAAAAAAAGO0/-3ycwPRCXdQCACehmkHla9zQ08lqFiqcQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_03%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_03" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pT_WxyZwwDk/WkqLYNtCYHI/AAAAAAAAGO4/NrWjnCSxt2AcM9WE7YWi1VhepcoOwsN3ACHMYCw/Fireworks_03_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRcDoBDqN3QLNh_S3LywyfP_naOobADO01lvzM7H7SmMVAVMSfd-vC3AleaIkb2pKUCUf4auxKZAjhqXcq4kVN5GWSFIJ4IjbschXfn9J_ipxijihB7pVj9sCJ8b8zZmabFlHsVrU0qdI/s1600-h/Fireworks_05%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_05" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_05" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JbzkETBoNs8/WkqLZfYRcUI/AAAAAAAAGPA/KHwsNzIYPRkUJ9fkOfCEz-qzpk_SpeHoACHMYCw/Fireworks_05_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BY6Bf5osQc0/WkqLZv5c_wI/AAAAAAAAGPE/uphwKouxo18McDi3r6Axm60HRoejEDO1gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_06%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_06" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_06" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--B5isdH74e4/WkqLaccCfyI/AAAAAAAAGPI/_I-7RQozp8Me7-4-Tgn53o7I0cxlrimMQCHMYCw/Fireworks_06_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Jpl4waGBJI/WkqLau6lEQI/AAAAAAAAGPM/rG8Tq2okwJMY23L4FSoEKqcP_iYtQVkxwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_08%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_08" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fgeQhO-m4ps/WkqLbGw6-0I/AAAAAAAAGPQ/J89CuP0NmJYm4ImrnFnlLiBtW9ynzTXVQCHMYCw/Fireworks_08_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--oaarPpLKdw/WkqLbghodcI/AAAAAAAAGPU/F7M3I0rQu90R3gVJ86PRfYBBM1atHX_pQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_09%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_09" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_09" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQwt8QvkkliBoEDkPYGIg3bb9kKahGrcgwYNJ7xDMcGCn02d1i0pICcPW_9DzGWSrNdBMgZ98rGEm_LRu1firrJVCK7ZxPyx7biPa1qUFScP-40mxNgp3cfQfkJWnMDGHLidFo9ScpIen/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3ZjqOcchik/WkqLcizy5WI/AAAAAAAAGPc/z1YoBx3Z4-s-YNq5vZaTUK-9Gv9NcXz7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_11%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_11" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y9GYqL9uuHU/WkqLdI6mphI/AAAAAAAAGPg/NBAE7RTp2fAO95_2_czimYgNCmUGF3JRACHMYCw/Fireworks_11_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgZlmT-z2IOFlf37xkCKd3qe_PgGmsYo8PENlFyDaCq0XlPiKGnZlk1gVePy3Oky_eXaTtkcyPuypcpp58DcjLwwGkBcYlaLt2CSOH8d4AAjOu3TGOqhH2sYMX0d6HDKlXwrh_BbII2cL/s1600-h/Fireworks_13%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_13" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_7Lzpv-tlIM/WkqLeUeBfyI/AAAAAAAAGPo/UDpjoGkXrIIo_9itWhcfhWhCZsMS7cOdACHMYCw/Fireworks_13_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A53tw60r2FM/WkqLe9NGypI/AAAAAAAAGPs/-FPD_M5JaqkgSSQC9e9nMI3Xc2Gr8FY1gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_16%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_16" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAOUOT-pVm4/WkqLfdzc48I/AAAAAAAAGPw/qwicdB15mzwHViEYVTlXQtF_K3M2CWkSQCHMYCw/Fireworks_16_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0oUErwIBsN4/WkqLf43Kn4I/AAAAAAAAGP0/fOjl25_-OJkiCExFfG2LPDglX0IMrxDtQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_17%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_17" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_17" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1SB9Ij0NnVQ/WkqLggNyKFI/AAAAAAAAGP4/rG5ZwanMafwQRRqWPS6heD_DD_H5am1twCHMYCw/Fireworks_17_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="328" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3OrGNMmlOw/WkqLhG1-2cI/AAAAAAAAGP8/fDuNWng6cZQagz4tr0dQ8y7rb2KdusfgwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_18%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_18" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzNg41wazqI/WkqLhjBGoCI/AAAAAAAAGQA/yt_Nam7zDOkG6QsK3uaT0tQ-1c1y7CAmgCHMYCw/Fireworks_18_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="350" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0sXxW7J8AKA/WkqLiKKCG1I/AAAAAAAAGQE/cpY9tKbdxRw26rYFvn5F5TMPxVq5BzlZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_19%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_19" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_19" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_v1SvaNqzO8/WkqLij5Jg0I/AAAAAAAAGQI/PqQl3WNH1AMTow2Zyv05Z07mXOcSqhVNACHMYCw/Fireworks_19_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="370" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BUJNp5-YfvY/WkqLjE4IxvI/AAAAAAAAGQM/0VjNooOwNowWqtZhRCGhnay8BHqP94mZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_21%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_21" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AM31tcCidJM/WkqLjiwTQ_I/AAAAAAAAGQQ/oJtYq8C6xAcn9efiN6Wkkf6F-AhfxRi5gCHMYCw/Fireworks_21_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzfVgPYpJdM/WkqLkEit6cI/AAAAAAAAGQU/E3UDtBe_YNcEMUIneLxFG5Uxm6xZzDCsgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireworks_22%255B4%255D"><img title="Fireworks_22" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fireworks_22" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DO8dZl9YXpM/WkqLki76LBI/AAAAAAAAGQY/BWE87i2foZIZm11eaNkA-lwtNo1unWKIACHMYCw/Fireworks_22_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3uUtcNupOc/WkqLlLhvodI/AAAAAAAAGQc/cM1DVy1poW4AmwUrS-wXSYfGAYRAPr3HgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Phoenix%255B4%255D"><img title="Phoenix" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Phoenix" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8uQsA0qvopg/WkqLlqnhYlI/AAAAAAAAGQg/4Jt0IlZVisEBnyJnoXKhXiCzee02D5XYgCHMYCw/Phoenix_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="273" /></a></p> <p>This last one may not be one of the best photos, but I thought it was so special to see a firebird was flying over my neighbourhood. The magic of photography.</p> <p>I hope you enjoyed this photo journal. See you back soon!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-20604934590331764552017-12-31T22:31:00.001+01:002017-12-31T22:31:07.544+01:00Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 7 (finale)<p>Welcome to the very last day of 2017. Outside there’s an awful lot of noise as the neighbourhood is having fun with their own fireworks. We do have an organised firework show in the city centre, at the parlaiment building, but as long as people are allowed to light their own fireworks, I’m staying safe inside. Besides the fireworks there’s this weird tradition in my city of making bonfires wherever people like. For that one’s there’s also an official alternative at the beach. There’s even a contest for that one. Two revelling city parts (both former beach villages that are now part of the city) have been working for a whole week to build the tallest bonfire. I’ll come back to that at the end of this post. First, music!</p> <p>For today I’ve chosen the song “Private Investigations" by Dire Straits. It’s been one of my favourite Dire Straits songs since my childhood. The instrumental part left plenty of room for my imagination to make up a movie in my mind. It was a bit a too high aim to try and image that movie on my pages, especially since I had to finish it today. So instead I went for a minimal approach with a big chance of success: a Gelli Plate party. When I thought about a private detective, I thought of Sherlock Holmes, who is as a matter of fact the most famous private detective. I found a very usable image at the <a href="https://openclipart.org" target="_blank">Open Clipart</a> website, which I cut with my Silhouetten Cameo. I decided to use the mask part of the cut out. My explanation for my colour choices: I wanted to have something that represented the old of the stories about Sherlock Holmes, for which I chose brown. And I wanted to add the atmosphere of the mystery for which I chose the purple.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaShTVkVD9rz0PVma_FAqQrg_H5agXbDjQGwTUBQN2WkfA89DNFUMji6_h-64-MVcnnHOTNQ2V27-_ysgl47EFOGV_dysk7NMqs0Q95iYsMd5VLf_uQmuW40WCGapzNuFvx5-tBUaIxPhe/s1600-h/Private_Investigation%255B4%255D"><img title="Private_Investigation" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Private_Investigation" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eFmB7ns6xig/WklXDMGdMkI/AAAAAAAAGN4/mBHYE9ibKfQZu7Tg__qJLYKZWDuSUx49gCHMYCw/Private_Investigation_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="422" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#69 Dire Straits – Private Investigation</font></p> <p>Here’s a few extra pictures for you. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lliYfNGzcoI/WklXDtbFfyI/AAAAAAAAGN8/ni53_QvNBVoEfc-VPaf5T867og3MSEN1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Private_Investigation_WIP%255B4%255D"><img title="Private_Investigation_WIP" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Private_Investigation_WIP" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odB1PUgXU70/WklXEc39siI/AAAAAAAAGOA/QkxkFlP7RsExlza_kZoJWA52Ew_QYCLMACHMYCw/Private_Investigation_WIP_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Work in progress</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fb5OzZ0mABQ/WklXEyTcE8I/AAAAAAAAGOE/31coANrx6CARw_octss280VWumuXB0HJACHMYCw/s1600-h/Private_Investigation_bonus%255B4%255D"><img title="Private_Investigation_bonus" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Private_Investigation_bonus" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wshym12XS0A/WklXFQxHQRI/AAAAAAAAGOI/0JhBD26tUGsmzd3mVnPybx8sr0GDpJCZgCHMYCw/Private_Investigation_bonus_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">The bonus I got out of this printing session. Left the print in my journal. Right the bonus print.</font></p> <p>Now about those bonfires at the beach. The winning citypart is Duindorp. They built a bonfire measuring almost 30 meter in height. Pretty awesome right. The other citypart, Scheveningen, built a bonfire of a good 25 meter. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QMfJpTc86eI/WklXF6jlT_I/AAAAAAAAGOM/qYi_mGaYedgfQzgEDwVWey3U8KNQ5wAigCHMYCw/s1600-h/Vreugdevuur-op-Scheveningen-Foto-Ernst-de-Heer%255B4%255D"><img title="Vreugdevuur-op-Scheveningen-Foto-Ernst-de-Heer" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Vreugdevuur-op-Scheveningen-Foto-Ernst-de-Heer" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q2j84EFA7CSnCAQze26Y2tqoX6YuHRX20jjx5zxZ3i13cMeYmF9w6s8RnhU7r61cyDCTV-01HLP7ELjqQ7NN2ZZlS7zNc-a8Qpkp5hrWFLy39Rgj3hqGQg5j_TqWid8dyiTm2hl45R9K/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="329" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Photo credits: Ernst de Heer</font></p> <p>Have a fabulous New Year’s Eve. Stay safe! </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-76519431379930592332017-12-30T23:57:00.001+01:002017-12-31T00:39:32.553+01:00Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 6<p>Perfect timing. The minute I’m writing this blogpost, the radio plays the song this artwork is all about. The great Sinéad O’Connor and her epic song “Troy”. So without further ado, here’s a tribute to my hero!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIkV8ASUTM8/WkgZ8BGijBI/AAAAAAAAGMo/ZrkG1D2023MEaZWsjLfRBX1KCOuFGHkFgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Sinead%255B4%255D"><img title="Sinead" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Sinead" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uVvTWS9EBws/WkgZ88DXgXI/AAAAAAAAGMs/N5AgmiSk_UovGlr-rs4EmIWcN0BzK8PtgCHMYCw/Sinead_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="413" height="570" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#260  Sinéad O’Connor – Troy</font></p> <p>It was a tremendous lot of work and a very ambitios challenge to do this lino carving all in one day, but I managed. Yay me! That is, if I hit the upload button right now. Bye!!!</p> <p>Edit: okay, maybe a few BTS pictures?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovx5sIDGmE0/WkgjqGBTi2I/AAAAAAAAGNA/GqGbmJCNvEcvhjQo7oqJdKM1Rn8ejp9oACHMYCw/s1600-h/Sinead-studiocat%255B4%255D"><img title="Sinead-studiocat" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Sinead-studiocat" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yOEn7ISdkDQ/WkgjqiGcsGI/AAAAAAAAGNE/Cl6KMive0LkQGkmbUgnqVLV1kAQMYTfZgCHMYCw/Sinead-studiocat_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Teddy taking over my workspace</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZPKd6kBHY-M/WkgjrPm0G5I/AAAAAAAAGNI/sUL4szbLCHMN-yeEvwnNfN9Zvk_2shahgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Sinead-transfer-on-lino%255B4%255D"><img title="Sinead-transfer-on-lino" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Sinead-transfer-on-lino" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKBTrOpJC7o/Wkgjr4-gVtI/AAAAAAAAGNM/Hcc4EZB49us2-yk3OJQpi_mdxXvHJ-rJQCHMYCw/Sinead-transfer-on-lino_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="534" height="570" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">The sketch transfered onto the linoleum</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jxuRsWcL530/WkgjscGiMkI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/Hyv51LM-yRMNCc_6srZLucFq4_1sfxbhwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Sinead-aftermath%255B4%255D"><img title="Sinead-aftermath" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Sinead-aftermath" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HmXa_JNF7VM/WkgjskBFRbI/AAAAAAAAGNU/Pc50I2mjPZE8d4RxQXCHE8OUuJh_pMU2ACHMYCw/Sinead-aftermath_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">The aftermath… I spent two hours cleaning up my table prior to today’s art session. Looks like I can start anew tomorrow.</font></p> <p>Okay, that’s really it for today. Teddy’s been complaining about a rumbly in his tumbly (yes, Pooh refference) and I can do with a late night yoghurt as well. Besides, it’s time to go to bed. For a change I might try to be in bed before 3 AM. </p> <p>I’ll be back tomorrow for the last day of the Top 2000 Blog Party, but I don’t know what time that will be. So if I don’t speak to you before old turning to new, I wish you a happy New Year’s Eve. Stay safe and enjoy whatever you’re going to do. For me it’s going to be home alone with Teddy (so not really alone), watching comedy on telly and hopefully making some good pictures of the fireworks once the clock strikes 12.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-16809765466674006342017-12-30T00:00:00.001+01:002017-12-30T00:00:49.779+01:00Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 3, 4 and (not) 5<p>Hi there! I’m so sorry I haven’t updated my blogposts these past few days. It was a race against time and of course I lost. I finished my page for day three at day four and only finished my page for day four past midnight. So, you’re getting a bonus in this blogpost: three days in one! Which means more artwork pictures in this one post.</p> <p>I am having a blast with this combined art and music event. There’s so much great music on the radio. Some even worth checking out the singer or band to find out what else they make. And the art journaling’s also giving me tons of fun. One of the reasons I’ve run behind, is that I don’t want to rush my work process. If a page takes more time, then I give it the time it needs. For the page of day three, I added lots of layers, which took time, but with every layer the page got so much more depth. I also love to challenge myself by creating things that I’m not really used to. Like a full figurine, a ballet dancer in this case. And that hand was a huge challenge too! Let me show you the page I’m talking about.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N54UMWht0CLUzTYX9jAlC2o0q2NmCVkF2AYL88UHXTlPmyIza86haCuFEsaAQzdWfLvezfimE9DTt4BJQYH8OYPk65rNngZ01NGY15ckUrL7sIm3djFNrPmsNfkuX1ORillBXsslU6YS/s1600-h/Tiny_Dancer%255B9%255D"><img title="Tiny_Dancer" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Tiny_Dancer" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q-ocQLSDbQ4/WkbJHBVaUxI/AAAAAAAAGL4/frWTt_i5_noshbBSeNQ19o3mvfePAZ6oQCHMYCw/Tiny_Dancer_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#1371 Elton John – Tiny Dancer</font></p> <p>At the moment I’m going through a very difficult time and it can affect my mood badly. When I listened to the radio and heared the song “Lemon Tree” by Fools Garden, I realised after hearing this song a million times before that it’s actually quite a sad song. Sometimes it takes a sad mood to understand these things. I alsways thought this was a happy song and I loved it. I still love it, but last night the meaning of the song made a shift. I found it interesting how the chorus described a happy world, while the phrases described sadness. It was that contradiction in mood that I wanted to express on my pages. And while being in this sad mood myself, it actually felt great to image the sadness into art. Bare with me as this is only my second attempt of doing a 3/4 face. The nose is better than my first attempt, but now I see the eye is way too close to the nose. I’ll pay attention to that next time. We’re learning by experience, right?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Yr81Plofes/WkbJHuY9dlI/AAAAAAAAGL8/SVdZUYnXAxo_Dn9pJZuL91iFSZRCn8-gACHMYCw/s1600-h/Lemon_Tree%255B4%255D"><img title="Lemon_Tree" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lemon_Tree" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OB1iTtiSEao/WkbJIABk7jI/AAAAAAAAGMA/e3rMf3xxXxUZHodEufE4mVnRwEc9-ln5QCHMYCw/Lemon_Tree_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="432" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#906  Fools Garden – Lemon Tree</font></p> <p>And just because life happens, I have just decided to totally skip day 5. I got hit by fatigue this afternoon and just had to go to sleep in order to respect my health. I’m very sorry for this disappointment. To be honest, I mostly disappointed myself, because I had a great idea for today’s part of the list. I guess that has to wait. Maybe I just save that idea for next year hehe. Trying to think smart now. Tomorrow’s another day. Only two more days left. </p> <p>If you want to learn more about this Top 2000 Blog Party, go visit Marit’s blog. <a href="http://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/top-2000-blog-party/" target="_blank">Here’s</a> where you can find the information if you want to join. It’s free and fun, so why not! And if you just want to see what everyone else’s been creating, you can follow <a href="http://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/" target="_blank">this link</a>. </p> <p>Hope you’ll be able to make something fabulous, weather you join this blog party or just have your own project going on. Or maybe you’re here because you like to see other people’s work, but are not much of a crafty person yourself. In that case, I want to ask you if you are sure about that. Many of the people I now respect for the art they make, have thought of themselves as being non creative for decades. Apparently many High School teachers have ruined our trust in our own creativity. Maybe you should reconsider their opinion. After all, it was nothing more than their own opinion. And their concept about what makes good art doesn’t necessary have to be the truth. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-45987121612770481542017-12-26T22:19:00.001+01:002017-12-26T22:20:49.704+01:00Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 2<p>Hello art lovers! Yesterday I was at my bestie’s celebrating Christmas with pancakes. Best Christmas tradition ever! Because I stayed there until way too late, I didn’t have time to prepare for today’s <a href="http://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/top-2000-blog-party/" target="_blank">Blog Party</a>. You’d think with so much work on your scedule, you’d make sure to not waste any time. Well, that would be true if you weren’t me. I stayed in bed way too long, played games on my phone, went grocery shopping (okay, that one’s a necessity). So I managed to do this one page, but right now it’s past 10 PM and I have to prepare for tomorrow. This chaotic mind of mine doesn’t really work for me. However, I have tons of fun making art while listening to the radio. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cg2anDENAec/WkK81k6z1QI/AAAAAAAAGK0/fYc2onj5YLQkqAipu9M1WcXM_OK0c0cDwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Unbeschreiblich_Weiblich%255B4%255D"><img title="Unbeschreiblich_Weiblich" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Unbeschreiblich_Weiblich" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dGen-mDkTA/WkK82esiaJI/AAAAAAAAGK4/lJRigHMmAwYObGhxiepFOak9TzCQszZQACHMYCw/Unbeschreiblich_Weiblich_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#1656 Nina Hagen – Unbeschreiblich Weiblich</font></p> <p>And my mind may be very chaotic, it’s also quite creative. Look what sollution I came up with when I wanted to add ink splatters to my page. I took my art journal to the bathroom, layed it on the floor, did the messy splattering and afterwards it took me less than a minute to rinse the ink off the floor. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vT2TgVosMwY/WkK82i1TnaI/AAAAAAAAGK8/QmkP5Aky33s8tVVZ5iIAgO92GXUBt6-hgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Art_on_the_bathroomfloor%255B4%255D"><img title="Art_on_the_bathroomfloor" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Art_on_the_bathroomfloor" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8FMdBfNQ4V4/WkK83WjRWLI/AAAAAAAAGLA/dGT56nS99P4Y6pJnYRUvIXFRAQtmJRMWwCHMYCw/Art_on_the_bathroomfloor_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="559" /></a></p> <p> <br />Now back to making more art!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-30448800407424349462017-12-25T13:48:00.001+01:002017-12-25T13:48:51.869+01:00Top 2000 Blog Party – Day 1<p>Merry Christmas, everyone! Outside it’s grey, cold and windy. Inside it’s cozy with Christmas lights shining and the radio on, because like every year the Top 2000 has started this Christmas day. Until New Year’s Eve the radio will play the 2000 most voted songs of all times. It’s always been my pleasure, but ever since I discoverd the event Marit Barendsen hosts, it’s a bliss. Follow <a href="http://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/top-2000-blog-party/" target="_blank">this link</a> to check out Marit’s site where she explains everything about her Top 2000 Blog Party. It’d be fun if you’d join in! </p> <p>For this first day I managed to do two songs. </p> <p><img title="Yellow_Submarine" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Yellow_Submarine" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VTTRSTo2NcM/WkDzrrvfF9I/AAAAAAAAGKE/p1mAeYKFX4QwoaszYV1CeqLDsA9gMM5iQCHMYCw/Yellow_Submarine_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="395" /></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#1897 The Beatles – Yellow Submarine</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DG2SZhWeFhE/WkDzsH8DXGI/AAAAAAAAGKI/AL2jj9Abikwt0BXvwKYi4GMQlkm2VOLEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Everything_For_Free%255B4%255D"><img title="Everything_For_Free" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Everything_For_Free" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfaM2MmAAd_k9YpNpUoZLhN2CQTuKA4frBUu-6KH7zW8anlMIQPEqG5Xxyh_SYPCeTQZ02tkc23BrCSATaH65EEkikGiLbl2W8HPEke30_63h65jdYoQK41kGu5XptbxKtYrvSWW7O-zP/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="407" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">#1821 K’s Choice – Everything For Free</font></p> <p>Fun fact: I took this photo of K’s Choice lead singer, Sarah Bettens, at last weeks concert in my city. <br />Also on this page: some stamps I carved for Julie Fei-Fan Balzer’s <a href="http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/stamp-carving/" target="_blank">Carve December</a>. </p> <p>Have a fabulous day, whatever you do. See you tomorrow with at least one new page!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-86261623053289298532017-08-14T16:58:00.001+02:002017-08-14T16:58:51.433+02:00When Life Gives You Lemons<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6HXH4FhmdL4/WZG6mDl6JLI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/haWzk8AjLHsi3uUWsF4G3ZgdoixGfMUwACHMYCw/s1600-h/Teddy_yawn%255B14%255D"><img title="Teddy_yawn" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Teddy_yawn" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v1ecChpRQ14/WZG6mrk7O4I/AAAAAAAAGHU/YYvUoyJRuToMm2F3COQifH2rfkndfJjtACHMYCw/Teddy_yawn_thumb%255B10%255D?imgmax=800" width="314" height="350" /></a></p> <p>When I just went to check something on my blog, I noticed these Photobucket messages appearing all over the place. Apparently, Photobucket suddenly doesn’t support the free option of sharing your photos on another website anymore. I’ve been using their service ever since I started this blog, but now I need to upgrade my account, which will cost me over $300 a year! It’s insane, right? So, I’m trying to figure out what photo hosting website does still allow me to show my photos on my blog, but I’m afraid it’s going to take me some time. So from now, this blog is officially under construction. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience. I guess this is the Universe giving me a kick under the butt, because I’ve wanted to alter my blog for such a long time, but kept postponing it. I really much rather create art instead, but well, to translate an old Dutch saying for you, which my grandmother used to say to me a lot “rather cookies aren’t being baked”. Meaning not everything in life is about the things you’d rather do or have. Sometimes there are necessities too and they cannot be ignored. Even if you try.</p> <p>Have a cookie while you’re waiting.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fv8hhJG7Sso/WZG6nHFelpI/AAAAAAAAGHY/Ksgc15rqINEbYwbKzHFiXqyr8FZZaUSlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cookies_01%255B4%255D"><img title="Cookies_01" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cookies_01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sb-pRHXWIHI/WZG6n35B-8I/AAAAAAAAGHc/2ZG7dDCF3x4bXCFbUHrXhHcw9M-UvVo1ACHMYCw/Cookies_01_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="433" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-byKMzNNJfs0/WZG6oVw8HQI/AAAAAAAAGHg/ZynAMW_Dovs5FxcTbW0TCLUi7R4u5-KgQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cookies_02%255B4%255D"><img title="Cookies_02" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cookies_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgVlLCmiqVE/WZG6pGRurHI/AAAAAAAAGHk/6j_aSlqmR0k4QkaUMsEVvaNTYbT5k18PACHMYCw/Cookies_02_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="341" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LPvWs9snd7E/WZG6ptxWpWI/AAAAAAAAGHo/v4ZNcSR2bzg9j4gfXvnTLq85WB6btQDxQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cookies_04%255B4%255D"><img title="Cookies_04" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cookies_04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9g0Q1QTyg9E/WZG6qfsDt2I/AAAAAAAAGHs/d9c4aHAqMWsBd1eB1yQKZ6nrAxmcqu7xwCHMYCw/Cookies_04_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="452" height="570" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-46970520522328348122017-07-07T14:00:00.000+02:002017-07-07T14:00:30.288+02:00Unbirhday<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTbM6tli3SU/WV6xrWtsqwI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/MucMi7emAz06l7Vu9fKlTEdTzTdM__u_QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Let%2527s-Celebrate%255B6%255D"><img title="Let's-Celebrate" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Let's-Celebrate" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-utEwuD8Jq4s/WV6xsLFZ82I/AAAAAAAAGEU/nUODWalBmaMbfEslcXEzFw5zVptI-xGWgCHMYCw/Let%2527s-Celebrate_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="106" /></a></p> <p>Today is my official Unbirthday. Yay me! For years I didn’t want to celebrate my birthday, because all my childhood trauma weighed too much and it simply had become a day I felt sick and scared. So, a couple of years ago my best friend suggested I picked a new date to celebrate. A date that was free of any negative association. I chose 7-7 to be my new date and in the style of Alice in Wonderland, I called it my unbirthday. It totally suited my new position towards life in general and my survivorship in special.</p> <p>You know what they say, a party without cupcakes is just a meeting. So I’m sharing this imaginary cupcake with you. And while I’m writing this blogpost, I’m thinking what’s the fun of celebrating when I’m the only one having cake. You sure want a taste of it too, right? So, I’ll put this post in draft and work out something for you to have. While I’m working on that, you may want to have a look at what I’ve been creating.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZmgEK5sc9u8/WV6xsUg0B5I/AAAAAAAAGEY/H-XvWGSupcktI62lhgzt3tzvXfirYt7swCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cupcake_happiness_01%255B4%255D"><img title="Cupcake_happiness_01" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cupcake_happiness_01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4cGV6j7Cx-g/WV6xs9nbJ-I/AAAAAAAAGEc/6Xk6TfT-W4g2bk7YNFVczbD6oa3Vp37MwCHMYCw/Cupcake_happiness_01_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="389" height="570" /></a></p> <p>I started with adding some paints to the canvas using my fingers. I love the complete contact with the media I’m using and I also feel I have more controll. Next I added some texture using stencils, stamping, doodling…anything that comes to mind or my eyes spot on my working table. Ater that I traced a sketch from my sketchbook with tissuepaper and a waterproof pen (Pigma Micron), I heat set it to make sure it was completely dry before gluing it to the canvas with Matte Medium (any decoupage kind of glue’ll work). </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_3zKhMAZfy8/WV6xtR_4THI/AAAAAAAAGEg/EztfkOjUUW4oMxOsdhpFRSZJmCkuHRVSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cupcake_happiness_02%255B4%255D"><img title="Cupcake_happiness_02" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cupcake_happiness_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVywe9SkZ3U/WV6xt0zwLrI/AAAAAAAAGEk/DYgiim2SPYclibOC85tNZyzBu-1bQGFWACHMYCw/Cupcake_happiness_02_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="389" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Next I coloured the cupcake with paints (Amsterdam acrylics).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oSzjIXUdyQI/WV6xuA0AL-I/AAAAAAAAGEo/uDwm00AS-Hscx7y_hpYyPYbwiXDmK8BiACHMYCw/s1600-h/Cupcake_happiness_03%255B4%255D"><img title="Cupcake_happiness_03" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cupcake_happiness_03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cPyJRYL7d7Y/WV6xujSqJPI/AAAAAAAAGEs/CwxQpSi7VIUhVPzhcSuoBC0QMM5lTxf6QCHMYCw/Cupcake_happiness_03_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="386" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Finally I added some random background stamping to give it a more playful look. Also I splattered some thinned down white paint with a fan brush (make sure you’re area is free of stuff you don’t want covered in paint splatters). </p> <p>Truth must be said. I didn’t make this recently. When the Craftorij shop in Ede, The Netherlands celbrated their sixth birhday, I made this as a present. It’s such a bummer shortly after that Lia decided that six years of tremendously hard work was enough. She wanted to spend more time with her family and who could blame her. I’m happy I had the chance to experience the fun of at least one live workshop (I’ll make a blogpost about that soon). </p> <p>So, now my present for you, dear blogreader. I stayed in the theme of celebration. Of course it crossed my mind to do a giveaway, but that would mean only one of you would benefit. That’s no fun, right? Why not share something you can all enjoy? So, I decided to share my cupcake sketch with you, so you can make your own festive canvas or card. Since all the places I know from the past, require you to sign up, I’m just going to share it here directly through my blog. Just click the image to get the original size and then right click the image and choose “save image as”. You’re free to use my design for your own artsy projects, but please don’t make profit of something you got for free. Private use only. Of course you’re welcome to gift your project to someone, but no transactions involved. And please, if you want to share, link to my blog. It’ll stay here as long as this blog stays on air, which will be for at least another five years. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oa939hviXzk/WV6xvOPGdBI/AAAAAAAAGEw/Ds_VkF_rAAUuJPvjCXm3YXcdW_YnyhOrgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cupcake_happiness%255B4%255D"><img title="Cupcake_happiness" style="border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cupcake_happiness" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPRGT30Kiv0/WV6xvs2PPEI/AAAAAAAAGE0/9xdOPyn7gbYtO7gQrpaKLH2dxKGa0_XyACHMYCw/Cupcake_happiness_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="199" height="240" /></a></p> <p>A comment always adds to the pleasure of blogging. And if you happen to use this cupcake image, I would love to see the result. You can send me an email (I’ll make sure to reply!) or share and tag me on Instagram. My IG name is @mebearc</p> <p>Another thunderstorm is coming over and it’s pretty close, so I better shut the computer down before the lightnet gets hit and my computer says boom. Poor Teddy is so much afraid. He’s been hiding behind and under the furniture. Poor kitty.</p> <p>Happy craftings!!!!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-8445654823386105532017-06-12T09:00:00.000+02:002017-06-11T18:02:46.103+02:00Knights and Horses<p>Goodmorning to you all! It’s Monay again. I hope you had a nice weekend. Here’s a bunch of photos for you of a school event a couple of weeks ago. There were real knights and horses in the park down my apartement. So cool! When I heard what was going on downstairs, I grabbed my gear and hurried to see if it was true there were real horses involved. I mean, the park’s really not that large, so I doubted if real horses would even fit. It appeared all true. Knights and horses. And a monk called Quasimodo.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwGJVfrV29C-QoL0ULmJaMjdhlY3nW3F5e8a6IXB2u6K1KbLICxy-g0oJ-XP5oAzkFj_71X_hNntEzTBl0Vzm6FmqI9Ln8cdTuXlH2bz92XqlXk8qFNO3S6AJXixDuwQ1PQBnG3UoHsVr/s1600-h/IMGP0661%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0661" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0661" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJTg_G6cDRY/WT1op44VhAI/AAAAAAAAGBA/KgznGuSQl2sS8WZ8y7cPofdZYwAZtGqOwCHM/IMGP0661_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Here’s Quasimodo holding an apple. The kids could volunteer to do some quests with which they could win the title of shield-bearer. In this particular quest the kids needed to slice the apple with a real sword. They were all excellent shield-bearers to be.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZV8rbhGhbQE/WT1o1DILPcI/AAAAAAAAGBE/YlkETg984ZA0nnjsl1DVkVFn1RL97oUGACHM/s1600-h/IMGP0667%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0667" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0667" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EGHEUKEj-4Q/WT1o1ldlwCI/AAAAAAAAGBI/JrZ9SU4C4UAcqOxZ5NpbZne1NuKI0qFlACHM/IMGP0667_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kYNyLvltu1c/WT1o2KEcqSI/AAAAAAAAGBM/K1d0YkL31jMW_QpGxbzqg2MWHauvhqZ3gCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0671%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0671" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0671" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yUNGB8KeDYw/WT1o2kdb1DI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/m_15qxlU75AOPeCUcRwbz50mxErR0qpZQCHM/IMGP0671_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Now the boys were batteling to become shield-bearer, but what about the girls? Was there something in there for them as well? Of course there was! What would a knight be without a true lady to be pleased and admired. There was a very delicate quest for them and only a true dame would pass the test. Quasimodo volunteered to show what the girls needed to do.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1f1vYgasABeW8BOii229PuEbTqEpgcqaDTovAT7kArXK6Wy61Gq1Gfly8qww-_QAYp2M2yMdDwIjdqHMk4JB4vMoU6XrwdHgjIsyguk34Zdv0cervBsQnVhxewsGDb4b532182oLzHL_/s1600-h/IMGP0672%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0672" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0672" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EZQed5HMGs/WT1o3gOz70I/AAAAAAAAGBY/fAk8DTLfBlcyoQoRcCXhoFu-fLFlnjm3gCHM/IMGP0672_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>As a real lady, your hand will be kissed by a knight.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rLcwQGpEymA/WT1o4JIaaMI/AAAAAAAAGBc/eY6WchXL_6An-CPls1P4UNX5XEnC1ZIHQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0673%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0673" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0673" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUsV8FA23Ec/WT1o4afiZVI/AAAAAAAAGBg/9yWzbgNi7LwK4mift_ivvKVv8tzPnih_wCHM/IMGP0673_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>This knight hesitated a bit at first. This was not a real dame, even he could tell the difference, but Quasimodo persisted and got kissed.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JMFxPpH_EII/WT1o46Z8qfI/AAAAAAAAGBk/pNUYnpdeXjE_ZL3Tso7Ifz7IJdX7EXdaQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0676%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0676" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0676" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-02FTR9FV6L4/WT1o5YPG5fI/AAAAAAAAGBo/WCcEULmv5P8PACftpdZHvXKIf8ta1TWVgCHM/IMGP0676_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>And immediately fainted, because after all, that’s what real ladies do. Lots of drama for the girls with this quest. And one true dame was chosen to sit on the throne while the games between the knights began. She got to choose a fellow companion to sit by her side and the shield-bearer got to choose one companion to help him help the knights.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vL34taA2zu4/WT1o59wOQII/AAAAAAAAGBs/41xDMh-RzJIIEfkO8U0mLUoFTgJU0W_XQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0687%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0687" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0687" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_WrGFkPlbY/WT1o6YcQ8sI/AAAAAAAAGBw/xyqxeoWXIPgwHWB544Is9prf4A5B5elqQCHM/IMGP0687_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Meanwhile Quasimodo kept his unicorn company.</p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Let the games begin!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qp9WnNn6bMc/WT1o6r2AC-I/AAAAAAAAGB0/ek-Y7t2fkaUF-sogH6mvCtfn4Ovdo796wCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0730%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0730" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0730" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vr_uD-FSX2A/WT1o7FDfeFI/AAAAAAAAGB4/fbKexTFjugYsR9mwdnaImIo8J_K9aWxkACHM/IMGP0730_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Both knights went to get their horses. It was a majestic entrance.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Knxwhi-j4_U/WT1o7uleMdI/AAAAAAAAGB8/UrV3h7EQcx0Dhb3Ow7fW5dwZn1OTxiJgwCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0768%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0768" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbBpUT6xBv4/WT1o8KlWzuI/AAAAAAAAGCA/0kS3j_jnoukPdGb47w0sbJvCLu_sM9nyQCHM/IMGP0768_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>This is knight Red Roderick.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5yHsfNWHl9w/WT1o8hE4x6I/AAAAAAAAGCE/Cm_KiyI5rf4m7Ko2zuiRLMFfvTno7084gCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0781%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0781" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0781" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CNvBI2QDx6I/WT1o9JEZ7oI/AAAAAAAAGCI/tIcF1-X_xW4l5cTH-SxVIFJbCezsYiuRACHM/IMGP0781_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>He did a fabulous job with the games.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vuTNDLTNiKA/WT1o9uosJbI/AAAAAAAAGCM/ApLGRa_Q27Ak5zFcbXdSmKBfdmaJ4AUmwCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0809%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0809" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0809" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6y9dlmxeSXI/WT1o-NH8n9I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/bJIjwfUar1sZGoSuSwK5gg9Ba2QoF12JgCHM/IMGP0809_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>And on the white horse there’s knight White Wilhelm. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-36NiB24Yyv4/WT1o-tKv5jI/AAAAAAAAGCU/65Qnlf3JebIrJfZfl1R4sP87liC8PhMsQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0808%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0808" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0808" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMi3dATrFRk/WT1o_P1n2-I/AAAAAAAAGCY/96VHz7aw1Cs3C5LYU0Rw7ynlG61mSB3GgCHM/IMGP0808_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Knight White Wilhelm is a fierce opponent for knight Red Roderick.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-36NiB24Yyv4/WT1o-tKv5jI/AAAAAAAAGCU/65Qnlf3JebIrJfZfl1R4sP87liC8PhMsQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0808%255B4%255D"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Azj0OxNRn14/WT1o_vVAudI/AAAAAAAAGCc/zOm1VPzki800pxOIqTiW6r9L__fwnodmACHM/s1600-h/IMGP0813%255B5%255D"><img title="IMGP0813" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0813" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1DggyvRR1cM/WT1pAFznfYI/AAAAAAAAGCg/Dcq0cLa8-dQNXgVeiSApd_AnPn8PfiYBACHM/IMGP0813_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></a></p> <p>These games are not for wimps.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLz-rKxLal4/WT1pAVV5PWI/AAAAAAAAGCk/BJ-O7trVoak_P8x1qPD4TTJY40la8oP_QCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0814%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0814" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0814" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gec1NaKoDCo/WT1pAwXAGbI/AAAAAAAAGCo/x0_F6kGHekUMW6xLdCPnsLXhjZK0ALqOwCHM/IMGP0814_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Red Roderick and his horse are full of spirit.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3S44PF0RRn4/WT1pBaJMe3I/AAAAAAAAGCs/Ljdtaz6LnEkelgWXFiKvxzAL8SKQV7DWQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0819%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0819" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0819" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AunfGkA95xQ/WT1pB3rDSKI/AAAAAAAAGCw/v8B3_UuxFcsdTDXiP2HAzrhlX5DTI7NrwCHM/IMGP0819_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="425" /></a></p> <p>And White Wilhelm and his white horse are faster than the speed of light.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9TcShXpzhk/WT1pCWscvCI/AAAAAAAAGC0/sAl9BNIZrWMp2QWSH6oXvjh0Zq-0NhNGgCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0834%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0834" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0834" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvAhHV4EH1Q/WT1pC2taH3I/AAAAAAAAGC4/nFwI-tsSZlIyh_-n8rKtJhIp15abUF17QCHM/IMGP0834_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>If there was a contest for the best looking horse it would have been a true competition. Both horses did their very best to score some bonus points here.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJ1zDAgq-og/WT1pDktXehI/AAAAAAAAGC8/yv5JDlEWrCIGtIP5-fn8lheUk_IiCt2CQCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0858%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0858" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0858" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cpu5zyX8Js4/WT1pEPBO31I/AAAAAAAAGDA/uJdrCq4L4t4Rou5_U_6AoB0AR-M8GUIzgCHM/IMGP0858_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Both knights and both horses are in top condition and it’s a tight call.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YtEE1R2qHjQ/WT1pEoeMI3I/AAAAAAAAGDE/h0rxDuDeMos-8PvI-3oZQYRbIWCScw1pACHM/s1600-h/IMGP0882%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0882" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0882" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXZUDZ3gYf4/WT1pFE9BPHI/AAAAAAAAGDI/DMI35aLM08osFr74HdXlqfyEopJL6M2nQCHM/IMGP0882_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>So they need to battle each other.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFxG_KwYfQM/WT1pFkNQjhI/AAAAAAAAGDM/r-U58PpVtHEbgfWkpNnzxaOK9vMso0ZBgCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0896%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0896" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0896" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cf_clHhdykM/WT1pGMxQZNI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/6nc7G4C3Z3A7GDcnx9Yy9eNaZ8jW2vi6gCHM/IMGP0896_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Look at these lances splicing apart!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xzxWgpR3EXA/WT1pGi2Hr4I/AAAAAAAAGDU/QM99SgjQfWUwJHkyAhoRnxcF07gA3YzvwCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0935%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0935" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5SnB9f9uiA/WT1pGyonFYI/AAAAAAAAGDY/ImmSTh2MMUkqfXMdR8HxsaU3L3WVP_fzQCHM/IMGP0935_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Beauty bonus points for the white horse.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JJQ4HfQIAs4/WT1pHQFviZI/AAAAAAAAGDc/_0_Pm9EEtUcrrF2AYGIlfAyARdUU_-skwCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0941%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0941" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0941" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGlJxmCfvIacicpjJBxmkmf2HTvZKyaqa_1dDKphj9GFeAtNe1F0AaCTWm5u4ebAdzNDo-SfctDrBA4FlJtB55ewueoUjwguXzE493EZ-TvnFJOz_FJUf0ZwKkiHIiWN5_cnRKU9kp6gH/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>When the games are finished, good Quasimodo takes care of the horses.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJvaUTVM5nI/WT1pIcXVXfI/AAAAAAAAGDk/rnvO9t9I34UOPCHmXIFesizf1DQHLFzSwCHM/s1600-h/IMGP0955%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP0955" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP0955" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9C6oKRGz4HE/WT1pI4TCAzI/AAAAAAAAGDo/4D3z3jxY2dAW3PP6HfkWdRaBc-2mxeg1QCHM/IMGP0955_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Both horses are equally beautiful.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MMdY55-J5z4/WT1pJVKMeVI/AAAAAAAAGDs/XIWQjxosouMF6m1kJ4JSd69F3GXKVtrwwCHM/s1600-h/IMGP1003%255B5%255D"><img title="IMGP1003" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP1003" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lz971C4r820/WT1pJzWDDUI/AAAAAAAAGDw/9I6Zox8VWywQtj-0Z31LMuhKPlDEtMZawCHM/IMGP1003_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>But knight White Wilhelm is crowned winner of the games.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I85F636Iuzg/WT1pKRm2IaI/AAAAAAAAGD0/2t4B11XDp_cIAjjVYbKoBttZ2oDnYgyqgCHM/s1600-h/IMGP1049%255B4%255D"><img title="IMGP1049" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMGP1049" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPqM1hDqC2mF_Bj8wQ1yIlU5y0_x9UfEoAagJGX1bkEUeokdhRdoKYg0PhYwXbQksMLZRbpluktKYZMUKOgH_mIJ95MfQs9qVHv_4GHzqLZvPyEoQ4FiBTL8a4Nv_r3VfbDb8AzmIolqq/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p>One last proud pose of the winning team and all can go home.</p> <p>It was an amazing activity to watch. Because of the privacy of the kids involved (I don’t know their parents, so I can’t ask for permission) I choose not to publish the photos that have the kids as a main subject.</p> <p>If your from the Netherlands or Belgium, <a href="http://riddersopschool.nl/" target="_blank">here’s</a> the link to the site of the organisation “Ridders op School”. They can be booked for all kinds of festivities, not nesecarrily for schools only. </p> <p>Thanks for watching! This lady is going to make some art now. Bye!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-25793437790497190032017-06-04T00:15:00.001+02:002017-06-04T00:15:05.907+02:00Art Journal Goodness<p>Hello! It’s been such a long time since I posted anything art related, other than photography. I am terribly sorry for my absence lately. If you’d like to see my work on a more regular base, please follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mebearc/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I’m mebearc over there.</p> <p>I’ve been quite busy making all kinds of art projects. Sometimes inspired by challenges, sometimes just inspired by whatever comes to me. I’m not going to bore you with small talk, because I know you are here to see art, right? Well, let’s go then!</p> <p>In February I made two series of ATCs (Artist Trader Cards) and with each set a matching card for the host of the swaps.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQ9clLKM-2E/WTM0vnZ0VFI/AAAAAAAAF_A/5bPTHOEvSm4jWKhjcp5NTrgJMmJ5fbpqQCHM/s1600-h/Kiss_Me_02%255B4%255D"><img title="Kiss_Me_02" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Kiss_Me_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmOTaOBwR-A/WTM0wHu2UYI/AAAAAAAAF_E/OTkiEZYt-VA3W2QcmzW_WOh_mUejI2o1gCHM/Kiss_Me_02_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="419" height="550" /></a> <br /><font size="2">ATCs</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uOw0vBT86M/WTM0wWUQKLI/AAAAAAAAF_I/6vR2Vw5OhdIzoET3EOBNvGFSbb9pC1Y4gCHM/s1600-h/Kiss_Me%255B6%255D"><img title="Kiss_Me" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Kiss_Me" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4enxaBWSgWE/WTM0w_ut7BI/AAAAAAAAF_M/ugysZgB7t549u3v5dcpjtDd9HUwTTRejACHM/Kiss_Me_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" width="371" height="550" /></a> <align ="CENTER"><font size="2">A6 size card</font></p> <p>In April I made something for Dina Wakley’s monthly challenge in her Facebook group. The prompt was to make something from recycled material. Like all the challenges in Dina’s group, there should be used at least one visible DWM (Dina Wakley Media) product in your project.  I made this art journal page with the Scribble Birds stamp set, which was the start of a new project: a complete art journal made from recycled carton packages. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N__CXrmd2HI/WTM0xEHKLVI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/P-kLKkVlsiUOX1ty9R2l_Xr7dsYxiaqpQCHM/s1600-h/A_Birds_Song%255B4%255D"><img title="A_Birds_Song" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="A_Birds_Song" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MaTU_CeP4Q/WTM0xuqlb4I/AAAAAAAAF_U/HFwGOa5CUCcKkBeeTHFeh35YNvOvVhtCQCHM/A_Birds_Song_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="389" height="550" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjWs4FZMGtw/WTM0yJhzi9I/AAAAAAAAF_Y/AmJj_e3rAKkKEb7nJSOk3j7HxOCBI2boQCHM/s1600-h/A_Birds_Song_02%255B4%255D"><img title="A_Birds_Song_02" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="A_Birds_Song_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RgU3T6sDIEo/WTM0yl231VI/AAAAAAAAF_c/rT8mS5Imk6kP5arS9Zktdab7gXqFqIolACHM/A_Birds_Song_02_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>Since I made the page for Dina’s challenge, I haven’t stopped making new recycled pages. For all the pages I start with a Gelli printed background that I glue onto the carton package (cut to size) and from there I start building my page. And when I feel like joining another challenge, I simply incorporate it with this recycled journal.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIklfN_LKTg/WTM0y2xyxHI/AAAAAAAAF_g/p2UFFNukyecYTzU7zvyqe6fdQGNTsPuYQCHM/s1600-h/Teddy%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gNss1M8qDuM/WTM0zer6_tI/AAAAAAAAF_k/PqH8zOfJnaEc8phU83BIEfAZcyTus-pFACHM/Teddy_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="431" height="550" /></a></p> <p>This page was made for a challenge in the Miss Kate Cuttables Facebook group, which was to use at least one of her files and make something with the animal theme. This cute cat really spoke to me. In the PNG file the cat was grey, but it was easy to make him a ginger cat when cutting the parts with my Silhouette. Of course I had to use him with a photo of Teddy. This photo was taken short after Teddy came to my home. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s0Us0iO2fGQ/WTM0z_5bOiI/AAAAAAAAF_o/v5DhHGw0p3Aatow4pszgMUZvCS8vsnGiACHM/s1600-h/Teddy_page%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_page" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BJY9fmIlqog/WTM00IxQSoI/AAAAAAAAF_s/VYszS-oAQF02hDiwgH_5wjcsPI2BmP-2wCHM/Teddy_page_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="412" height="550" /></a></p> <p>After the challenge expired I decided it wasn’t quite finnished yet, so I added some extra details until I was satisfied.</p> <p>Some days I just made a bunch of backgrounds, that I could work on later. At this poing another project started: recycled coasters. I’ll come back to this in a later blogpost as there is a secret mission with these. Here’s a peek at some of these backgrounds.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHg1lahd7bo/WTM00qJiWLI/AAAAAAAAF_w/TNK-z7rNG-sDQ-tLPl1ZTo3CvAn0DJaNQCHM/s1600-h/A_bunch_of_collaged_backgrounds%255B4%255D"><img title="A_bunch_of_collaged_backgrounds" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="A_bunch_of_collaged_backgrounds" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qt9Z_UqlsKc/WTM01JnjgcI/AAAAAAAAF_0/xR7EB1UsXq8b6a1VydpF0Y_sq3oQ1fLmACHM/A_bunch_of_collaged_backgrounds_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="550" height="408" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TsPCuoMVMWI/WTM01ep2c7I/AAAAAAAAF_4/qlxJ8SpjDyk8gQHAFVRcWD_QUS16O5x3ACHM/s1600-h/The_art_of_smile_background%255B4%255D"><img title="The_art_of_smile_background" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="The_art_of_smile_background" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-on5L5mZW1jU/WTM01y-BmuI/AAAAAAAAF_8/4-BM-MVr7Rkji3IoQtTWzlhgIcjFS3XsACHM/The_art_of_smile_background_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="397" height="550" /></a></p> <p>On Pinterest I collect quotes that appeal to me for whatever reason. I mostly save those I think will come in handy when I’m looking for words to add to my art journal pages. A lot of them are quite sarcastic. It’s my kind of humor. I think they go perfectly together with those women I got in a digital kit by Tumble Fish Studios.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AI18qlpMQ3w/WTM02XHwZiI/AAAAAAAAGAA/l8KH6-7hjXArAaUsXDJWcFf6AzVNLP2qACHM/s1600-h/The_art_of_smile%255B4%255D"><img title="The_art_of_smile" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="The_art_of_smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy-pQNzekVwpcVqi7A4fRjdk8LP1L4puG-1ynzycTFu_-SNSzBc0tQVwqzc-QLN0jFU5N8qqUm1om7iLpyn1k-mkZybAP2AMTxJ-oP150shd5AsZi6KJWSW71L3-_ZxVRVMoTseWAtlgw/?imgmax=800" width="396" height="550" /></a></p> <p>There’s a page about Teddy’s Easter shoot. On this page I used the most adorable easter washi tape by Hema (Dutch brand) and an image by Miss Kate Cuttables.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqJxvjXjPwGr_qIOB-vSDEbbhdWXLlmSqGdVwFyHP6phizQEAHvSjlq7GGQjdNkw7jzTB2zkoFRQ4dmRkyKD3wsAHhsQfFPmnSsNKIeWRUZN7sX4HjxhjKHirxZjzR1CsTglR_r6wWtM9/s1600-h/IMG_1795%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1795" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hoH-RXet_M/WTM03f_whnI/AAAAAAAAGAM/Lis3BOPjbcEnH-9DoIN2BXNCCFYmdpDOACHM/IMG_1795_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="433" height="550" /></a></p> <p>Sometimes I just go through my stash with ephemera and use what appeals to me. Like this image transfer of a foal that I did years ago as a first try before doing an image transfer on a large page. It was in my stash all these years and now I found a good place for it.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1SCT_Ho9Rg/WTM033caIkI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/fXd019JledEyhupwLlQxPNfHmr0GB2HRgCHM/s1600-h/Foal_and_butterfly%255B4%255D"><img title="Foal_and_butterfly" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Foal_and_butterfly" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ipEIz7umYNQ/WTM04TMTPKI/AAAAAAAAGAU/KN2QomdgnxcoKxKAdTUSyXlBzvWidW63ACHM/Foal_and_butterfly_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="421" height="550" /></a></p> <p>With my new stencil by Dina Wakley I created this background.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6HZdN-yVY3Y/WTM04rC1amI/AAAAAAAAGAY/Ox6fUWTG0Vof_nPwvCjrI-7MJITu7asmwCHM/s1600-h/Your_are_good%255B4%255D"><img title="Your_are_good" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Your_are_good" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h2FL-lrYzPk/WTM05XPJ7NI/AAAAAAAAGAc/TtdI51Om-HYxpxr58zNqI2K6lMwH40_rgCHM/Your_are_good_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="385" height="550" /></a></p> <p>And it resulted in this page. The colours may look different, but that’s because I took the first photo in the light of a lamp. The stamp is of the Scribble Girlies set by Dina Wakley. You’d think I get sponsored, but nope, I’m just in love with her gorgeous creations and a big fan of her art. Her books are really amazing, wheather you’re new to art journaling and mixed media or have been doing it for years.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5aAj2YBcOB8/WTM05tLRuNI/AAAAAAAAGAg/rgA1-2KdPbI94lbWcUw-JCLAn_cc5d_DgCHM/s1600-h/Your_are_good-2%255B4%255D"><img title="Your_are_good-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Your_are_good-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pYN6sFtWbgo/WTM06HzHyJI/AAAAAAAAGAk/ifs_SNxGivoXMYQaFug3dBJL4GMsBlKgwCHM/Your_are_good-2_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="386" height="550" /></a></p> <p>Alright. Well, I’m going to finish this post now. Otherwise there’ll be too much graphics which will make the page slow to load and we don’t want that to happen. I have plenty more to share and am making new stuff on a daily base, so don’t forget to subscribe as a follower to this page or to check and see if there’s any new stuff up. Like always, I’m giving a shout out on my social media when a new page is up, but I’m very much aware that not everyone gets to see my new messages due to Facebooks ever anoying algorythms.</p> <p>As I’m finishing this writing, Teddy is getting very impatient. It’s an hour past his feeding time and he’s making clear he’s very hungry. Depeninding on what part of the world you’re in, have a great day or goodnight (it’s goodnight at my part of the world).</p> <p>Much love!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-41970705258273246752017-05-21T00:31:00.001+02:002017-05-21T00:43:27.004+02:00Still Shining<p>Day 6 of the free online photography class I'm taking, hosted by Else Kramer. Today was about using side light to show texture. <br /> <br />In this painting by Jan Steen called “The Sick Woman” you can see how the painter gives you a great image of what the fabrics look like. You can really see the texture of the clothes. I imagine the skirt of the woman must feel very soft and smooth. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XQrJe_p8ZA/WSDDujRP3KI/AAAAAAAAF-M/U9UMN-OhiHsa2dXJK4kNeMXt-7qC6rn1gCHM/s1600-h/Jan_Steen%255B3%255D"><img title="Jan_Steen" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Jan_Steen" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-77YLkrUdmFA/WSDDvN_L-tI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/fl6r3u-XhbcCYUbxAu-SoWvsF1xyGvDNQCHM/Jan_Steen_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="253" height="304" /></a></p> <p>So today our prompt was to use side light to show texture. Not sure if I succeeded, but at least I got a nice bokeh *smile.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbscaGnxg2M/WSDDvuWsuMI/AAAAAAAAF-U/_yk1ZXEHGYYNlhB6Zvb1_m_yttP33lNXwCHM/s1600-h/Still_Shining%255B5%255D"><img title="Still_Shining" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Still_Shining" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1QIOfzkn3yY/WSDDv-U3MuI/AAAAAAAAF-Y/p6S7RgQqoUwy6H8mB-iXINX9LRvZcfaAQCHM/Still_Shining_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Teddy has been complaining about an empty food bowl for nearly two hours, so I’m going to take care of him. Have to take care of me too. It’s time for bed. Nighty, nighty everyone!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-90874137844037032192017-05-19T18:38:00.001+02:002017-05-19T18:38:55.170+02:00Tomato Tomato<p>It’s day 5 of the free online photography workshop I’m taking, hosted by <a href="http://elsekramer.nl/" target="_blank">Else Kramer</a>. Today it’s all about making contrast by using complementary colours. One of the famous painters had an exeptional eye for complementary colours. Of course I’m talking about Vincent van Gogh. </p> <p>Basicly you take the colourwheel and every colour on one side, has a colour on the exact opposite side. Those two are complementary colours to each other. If you narrow this down to the primary and secundary colours, there are the following three combinations: red-green, yellow-purple, blue-orange. In this painting by Vincent van Gogh  you can see how well his combination of orange and blue works. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QV1ZLtPeDUA/WR8fmejaIYI/AAAAAAAAF9s/ufhuHj05wwwk9yFmJG-oUftZ43ifWb9ogCHM/s1600-h/Vincent%255B4%255D"><img title="Vincent" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Vincent" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zdpWRpMHLtA/WR8fm2RWHFI/AAAAAAAAF9w/jRaXe5sHrKAvUa8Fjx7Lx7tKYxvXxHGcwCHM/Vincent_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="300" height="249" /></a></p> <p>I love the vibrant colours Vincent van Gogh used in his paintings. Hey what can I say? I really love bright colours! So I went with a subject that also had bright colours and made sure it would really pop.</p> <p>Usually I start with a subject that's given to me, like something I see in the park or an event I'm visiting. This class teaches me to really think about a photo, because now I'm going for a certain look. In this case, I'd never have thought the tomato would need a blue background to really make it pop.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0rcnKOXWkgQ/WR8fnNTXj-I/AAAAAAAAF90/5sdFXu-CDG0eXei4qEepOLCfCR5pqEn_gCHM/s1600-h/Tomato%255B5%255D"><img title="Tomato" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tomato" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1zaBy5-Shlc/WR8fnhzcFII/AAAAAAAAF94/NzXDKT2FJOgu-dF_Ny2F2QPCo-W1z0FpQCHM/Tomato_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Techinical info for those who like to know: <br />Pentax K5-II, Vivitar1 105mm macro <br />settings: Iso 200; 1/20 sec; F8 (I think? Geez, I really have to start writing this stuff down when I shoot, I changed the aperture after this shot, so I can't check it).</p> <p>Tomorrow will be the final day of this uber fun class. Awww… I’m sure there’ll be more fun things to come on my path. Also, I have this bunch of art journal related stuff I’ve been promising to share with you, so don’t forget to check for new updates!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-8933997450594466092017-05-19T00:08:00.001+02:002017-05-19T00:08:01.926+02:00Taking Care of Myself<p>Day 4 of the free online photography class I’m taking, hosted by <a href="http://elsekramer.nl/" target="_blank">Else Kramer</a>.</p> <p>It’s been a busy and mainly exhausting day, because Thursdays are for therapy. Going through all the horror of my past is extremely hard, but after two years, it’s already starting to make a difference. I’m able to actually find the beauty in life and sometimes there’s a spark of being happy. I’m not there yet and I’ve got a long way to go and some very hard work needs to be done, but I know I’m a hard worker and I can do this. It’s like the quote I saw on Pinterest “Sometimes I feel like giving up, but then I’ve got a lot of motherfuckers to proove wrong”. Too many people have tried to make my life a living hell, but I’m determined to make my life livable. <br /> <br />Today’s photo challenge was about capturing movement. The Golden Age painter Frans Hals was really great at making his portraits vivid. I absolutely love this one of a drunk man who clearly couldn’t sit still for a second.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb-blGgveDzzHsDOvDG4cHDe793Mh4pAjF3QSL-Po9gNCULxmwCIdabxeHLq5Q-qnzvb3i3DPMIyhaEnkqyjBPmlTpCgNgctfIxvD8kIMRh8fsdm53DoZViM95NtRrugK7ePmNJwmAnHb/s1600-h/FransHals%255B11%255D"><img title="FransHals" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FransHals" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hALurioz4_M/WR4bPTUiUaI/AAAAAAAAF9M/A3AoEoFEjxY0amFvM1UOGtbbXaX-4JkYwCHM/FransHals_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" width="260" height="304" /></a></p> <p>I experimented with all kinds of things, but ended taking a self portrait again. I actually like it. I didn't even have to crop the photo, which is a major improvement for me.</p> <p>The photo looked like someone elses hands were gently going over my face in a very caring way. With the therapy session still on my mind, I came up with the title “Taking Care of Myself”, which is one of the things I’m learning.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7coivi5448/WR4bPyaflpI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/ZlF0sVdsoeYvQODSLpS9wskllsXRmxY-wCHM/s1600-h/Taking_care_of_me%255B5%255D"><img title="Taking Care of Me" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Taking Care of Me" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zztVASUXXvI/WR4bQIcXTOI/AAAAAAAAF9U/CaQyzncPkrI-Z660Up9qH_y77zW39OSOACHM/Taking_care_of_me_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>I don't own any professional studio equipment, so I used the light of the lamp that hangs over my dining table. That gave too much of a shadow behind me, so I took a standing lamp that has 3 spotlights (from Ikea), set it at the side of me with only 1 spot pointed at me. That cleared the shadow. </p> <p>I only did a few adjustments in post processing (whitebalance, exposure, saturation).</p> <p>Exif data for who wants to know: Pentax K5-II, Vivitar1 100mm macro lens, F22, ISO 400, 3 sec.</p> <p>Thank you so much for visiting. There’ll be another challenge in my mailbox tomorrow. I’d love to hear your feedback, so please leave me a comment. Bye for now!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-13230800902431938602017-05-18T00:23:00.001+02:002017-05-18T00:23:47.442+02:00La Chambre Bohemique<p>Today is day 3 of the free photography workshop I’m doing this week, hosted by <a href="http://elsekramer.nl/" target="_blank">Else Kramer</a>. We got another set of inspiring paintings by the famous painters of the Golden Age. This one by Rembrandt really spoke to me. It’s called “<em>An Old Woman Reading”. </em>The prompt was to take a photo of someone looking at something, just like the woman in this painting is looking at her book.</p> <p>I was initially thinking about doing a self portrait that would come close to this painting. Later I changed my plan and packed my backpack to take a self portrait in the beautiful Sorgvliet park. Time was not in my favour today. Actually, I have this problem the whole week. Either I am going way slower than usual or time’s going way faster. It takes a quick rational thought to say it’s me being awfully slow. Time has it’s own pace and I don’t think it has ever changed since earth came alive. Long story short, by the time I packed all my things it was 4:30 PM. It takes me an hour to get there and the park closes at 6 PM. That would leave me a short 30 minutes. I wouldn’t be able to make it in that time.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ETeNF3mNing/WRzNacwaTtI/AAAAAAAAF8k/cmB3_Z3SPs85HuVOW6YZgDGj-jNmajBWwCHM/s1600-h/An-Old-Woman-Reading%255B4%255D"><img title="An-Old-Woman-Reading" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="An-Old-Woman-Reading" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jDk4vu6_hw0/WRzNaxA-yyI/AAAAAAAAF8o/CQxUU-qClIUc--W1fot5i8pmQtOsTFQ3QCHM/An-Old-Woman-Reading_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="243" height="304" /></a></p> <p>I set up a very simple kind of home studio, using a white door as a background and covering the floor with a dark piece of fabric. A stool would be my seat. I set up my tripod and camera, adjusted the settings so I was good to go. I was using a wireless remote control to fire the camera. While I had an apple in my hand to use for this shoot, Teddy got very interested in what I was doing. So I decided to pick him up and do some shots with him in my arms.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9yWN4t117To/WRzNbK2FyYI/AAAAAAAAF8s/YrIFQbBANEYYEXt8PjQc1mycEoV-81WGACHM/s1600-h/Looking_at_Teddy%255B4%255D"><img title="Looking at Teddy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Looking at Teddy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b_-XDZv6_Ek/WRzNblDKx3I/AAAAAAAAF8w/QWUGYmf83I8nh9CnrISkstNQzej3NwWQgCHM/Looking_at_Teddy_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="253" height="370" /></a></p> <p>After choosing my most appropriate photo, I did some basic editing. And that’s when I got wild and lost track of time again. I thought it would be a fun idea to really make this into a picturesque scene. A while ago I purchased several digital kits at <a href="http://www.mischiefcircus.com/shop/home.php?cat=297" target="_blank">Mischief Circus</a>. I used elements from different designers, resulting into this final piece. I’m quite happy the way it turned out!</p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3R2iCr4xZWY/WRzNcHPW-gI/AAAAAAAAF80/IVtcp9dl8WgrST0hjJXrIyrvyPcTlSyIACHM/s1600-h/La_chambre_bohemique%255B5%255D"><img title="La_chambre_bohemique" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="La_chambre_bohemique" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4By_4py2C2ng54gk-kfNPGlutW1728fTF5xLg7yKXAN4h_CEqz0Hy10L6ljGX7l-w23WNU2g8LSkhcShyEC9G987TaeDMBbvjqXBRkeFMg0NowbJhG85nt4bctFZinMkS_uqeOthMGeiT/?imgmax=800" width="550" height="550" /></a> <p>While being so busy and focussed I completely forgot to make and have diner. It’s been quite a warm day in the Netherlands and as usual I don’t have a lot of apetite on such days. So my stomach wasn’t telling me it needed food either. Oh well, I guess one day of poor eating won’t be a problem. I’ll have some extra Greek yoghurt and fruit after I launched this blogpost. I’ll be a good girl tomorrow.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-9239593634073981382017-05-16T20:16:00.001+02:002017-05-16T20:16:43.670+02:00Dance of the Ferns<p>My photo for today’s prompt in the free workshop I’m taking is called “Dance of the Ferns”. At least, that’s what they told me. They’re supposed to be ferns. I’m no connaisseur, so I take this for true. If anyone of you know if it’s something else, please let me know. I’d love to learn. </p> <p>Today’s prompt was about landscape photography, following the 1-2-3 rule. Here’s an example of one of the old masters, Karel Dujardin.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kiTaT4oI1hY/WRtCBCZhFHI/AAAAAAAAF8I/spDN7DA4qdoFUL4dmY3JKfClz5VlVRK2wCHM/s1600-h/Dujardin%255B5%255D"><img title="Dujardin" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Dujardin" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rND8jJwMVcE/WRtCBlET_AI/AAAAAAAAF8M/45V0RK7IecITdZr-6q7KokiqCvThDoKsgCHM/Dujardin_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="404" height="292" /></a></p> <p>If you look at this painting, you can see it has a lot of depth. You’re able to see the scene has three layers to create depth. The first layer is in the front: the people and animals. The second layer is halfway: the building. The third layer is all in the back: the hills. Besides that, the painter also used a great way of contrast between light and dark, which creates quite some drama.</p> <p>I have to admit, I didn’t go out to take photos today as I was occupied with appointments in my house and after that I really felt like sleeping. Knowing this would cause me troubles later tonight, I didn’t give in to that desire, but I really didn’t have the energy to go out. Especially not to the places that came to mind when I read the prompt for today. So, instead, I chose to go through some photos that I just uploaded to my computer yesterday and see if there were any 1-2-3 rule photos in there. You see, some years ago I visited the Japanes garden with a professional photographer who was just introduced to me by an aquaintance. When I showed him some of my best shots later that week, he told me my photos looked rather flat. He promised me to show me what he meant the next time we would meet. The onfortunate thing happened and the good guy died shortly after our first and only meeting. For years I’ve been wondering what could be the thing that made my photos look flat and how to improve that. When I read about today’s prompt, it all came clear to me. That’s what I should focus on, when doing landcapes. So I wondered if my last visit to the Japanese garden already provided me with at least one photo that had the 1-2-3 rule in it and nope… apparently I didn’t figure it out on my own yet. At least not with the landscape photos I took. I did find it in a close-up taken in the same garden. So, that’s my contribution for today. And I hope to get another chance to visit the Japanese garden before it closes in three weeks, so I can try to use that 1-2-3 rule and see if that’s the magic my photos were missing.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFM3GwsSCKo/WRtCCAEfOwI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/TX5ank3rkuwYM0CdBCrgzZY8j5WNJ16iwCHM/s1600-h/Dance_of_the_verns%255B4%255D"><img title="Dance Of The Verns" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Dance Of The Verns" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hTfg63dXCyI/WRtCCrXQRRI/AAAAAAAAF8U/1NOX9lN7jFkEIBja0WfWEpcU5duivLoCACHM/Dance_of_the_verns_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="387" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Still working on that mixed media blogpost and of course there’ll be another photo prompt for me tomorrow, so stay tuned!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-60145967013678558842017-05-15T21:37:00.001+02:002017-05-15T21:48:07.566+02:00Clair-Obscur<p>Today I tried low key photography with my cat as a model. I love the possibilities with this technique and I have a thing for drama. I'm not a drama queen myself, but I love drama in music and visual art. </p> <p>Shot with my Pentax K5-II and the Vivitar 1 series 105mm</p> <p>F11, Iso 1600, 1/124 sec, natural light from the window at the side</p> <p>This photo is part of a free photography workshop I’m doing at the moment, hosted by <a href="http://elsekramer.nl/anderskijkenkunst" target="_blank">Else Kramer</a>. If you like to take pictures and own anything to take pictures with, you can join. I’m not sure if the workshop is available in English too, but maybe you can use Google Translate to translate the mails for you. There’s also a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/kunstkijken/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>, where you can share the photos you made following the prompts. If you have questions, I’m sure people will help you there. The workshop is about looking differently at art. Every day you get a new prompt mailed to you. Every prompt is inspired by a famous piece of art. Today the inspiration came from this painting by Rembrandt.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3OkBHjCKutY/WRoDbxBk7dI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/35kYuoX_F18fLe_cdta0Mhb_Q3A-EqYWQCHM/s1600-h/Rembrandt%255B2%255D"><img title="Rembrandt" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Rembrandt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyyzR7U8vuubBEPkyhYc_ICG_8jpszIcB_Sv5NGCaGm2EVpcwsLovS8vqVV6llBpXrLPOXF1C16UwBQ83RV48LIyBpnWMBCNMl77DSFDkl-Bu3iy2fsoujG_FOju4zi6T_F84z12KPGAI/?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244" /></a></p> <p>So the prompt was to take a clair obscur photo, also known as low key photography. I’m so inspired. The possibilities are endless. Here are the photos I took.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QUfHV7sk_WI/WRoDc0jacHI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/npRHCTjyIewiK2gdai1meqViJgVuq16tACHM/s1600-h/Low_Key_01-BW%255B4%255D"><img title="Teddy_low_key" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_low_key" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ej8P2IBFjDs/WRoDdaAKXiI/AAAAAAAAF7c/hS3uuel9SOkKuzxkiMk1Qwq_Ib5eoi4kgCHM/Low_Key_01-BW_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RC5iJuI1-qk/WRoDeOAp8SI/AAAAAAAAF7g/K-AlECErh5w25JW1cS9jHhMkm5h8aIyaQCHM/s1600-h/Low_Key_02-BW%255B4%255D"><img title="Low_Key_02-BW" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Low_Key_02-BW" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WUSgtcTo2g/WRoDemI3W2I/AAAAAAAAF7k/QH76WI3cb3gadCk1wSp1BcgtQNEZzS0qgCHM/Low_Key_02-BW_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INAX55opwu8/WRoDfAwchQI/AAAAAAAAF7o/9N6FLbXTkHwuS3RpDtoM7RNFQMjNvXqHACHM/s1600-h/Low_Key_03%253DBW%255B4%255D"><img title="Low_Key_03=BW" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Low_Key_03=BW" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0DhRUo3yyYk/WRoDfue9r_I/AAAAAAAAF7s/366Vlh55ERInP852E3UxL7yCP1JiXzq2gCHM/Low_Key_03%253DBW_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a></p> <p>I’m also working on a mixed media and art journal blogpost, so stay tuned! </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-13100296563517445682017-04-16T15:44:00.001+02:002017-04-16T15:44:05.543+02:00Happy Easter – Teddy’s Easter Photoshoot<p>Happy Easter to you all! </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7Js5pBMeo4/WPN08B59BzI/AAAAAAAAF5U/rU0Awtd2jj0/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_01-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_01-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_01-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzLRzIdFxio/WPN09Ot7n0I/AAAAAAAAF5Y/BEtkSym2-eY/Teddy_Easter_01-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>I did a photoshoot with Teddy for this special occasion. I’ve been gathering all kinds of fun props for the shoot. I even crocheted him some easter bunny ears, but he didn’t like them very much. I managed to shoot a couple of quick photos before releasing him from the bunny ears hat.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHOA51Bqaac/WPN09zwktSI/AAAAAAAAF5c/bP1_plUBa-Y/s1600-h/Teddy_Easterbunny-3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easterbunny-3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easterbunny-3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ac9PisdZwHM/WPN0-iaCPCI/AAAAAAAAF5g/xegNuMF1v3M/Teddy_Easterbunny-3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>You can’t really blame me for trying, as it looked uber cute on him. When I do a photoshoot with Teddy, I always try to make it fun and playful for him, because I want him to enjoy it as much as I do. Plus the only way to have a chance at some decent photos is when he’s enjoying himself, because otherwise he starts playing his own game of how to avoid getting on the photo. But the most important reason is I don’t want to cause him any stress. So yes, I did try the bunny ears hat on him, but I took them back off pretty quickly.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HYNobW0kd-aKyh4NsFde7zgdmO0rO3Qv7IX7mjrhUxznwRE-h-fqldXaIzHv8otTrgrzwWmi7sM8Ml-OLLSByaajkJk_ElkfOFBAj19oXk3pzUKHefbglKUJ8nFWGqyjI3U76cp0L6ZK/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_03%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_03" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4m7wQwblEAQ/WPN1AVbU19I/AAAAAAAAF5o/DKKRXmwQQdw/Teddy_Easter_03_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>The plastic easter eggs were big fun to him. He loved it when I started throwing some small ones into the wooden crate. It was a fun way to get his attention, both for him and me.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u8DxMIkOArU/WPN1BWQWy7I/AAAAAAAAF5s/ObvUltpRTN0/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_02" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I3hlrX9xtFI/WPN1B5vmmqI/AAAAAAAAF5w/sChbWXwR48I/Teddy_Easter_02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>Or maybe he was looking for the real Easter bunny…</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-GqNRcpyNRvilS4zDDC3La-pCVM7S2EgFpZvkAqNbEccABhBeskThsHbbV0YR0oqf0x6fvxxVZlG7lEgKocTAW8pFAWo1Nr7jIhSJr1mjQR-qQhabInpM41rMc1DIPK8uQ8TIA1tsml4/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_05%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_05" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_05" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl5kotkbTtOAKRdSScoFlN7IgnhnT4WReO5NYE8RVQZ6n3N8CnDMlyzuMn7YqX4B_TNzBQgiI9_rtDCFdhuY62J18LYYK2KppV0gufQrd7w1w4USIHXThlTZ3kmmRuk7TkKpJqaDYNJSX/?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a><font size="2">Mine…</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qYzWwIBPS_g/WPN1DqhMcPI/AAAAAAAAF58/PzlD5k0q7o8/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_04%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_04" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yKmUO5F0l4w/WPN1EXcICcI/AAAAAAAAF6A/WI1f6e_aRy4/Teddy_Easter_04_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a><font size="2">Also mine…</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uhQ0CMXgZIc/WPN1FPaNiFI/AAAAAAAAF6E/nw5F7o6yG2k/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_06-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_06-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_06-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bKIPQhLQAcw/WPN1FxlDbyI/AAAAAAAAF6I/5lEwIZn6Oho/Teddy_Easter_06-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>What’s a photoshoot without some bloopers, caused by Teddy goofing around. He sure looks like the most clever cat in the neighbourhood, don’t you think? </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIozkTRqzPEDpKFSiRaYsdZLe4XQW1YajoEF8XPHHF2PknwZxd3jFbzrM3rpz-Q26JwEMRQvN5cgqL45-3eTh4YLz4LS6HQSQeqd_A0vUs55Rx6LYgGV33lgar5z5pIEoi26fonaRvnQ3Y/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_07%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_07" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqsYFKF2Eto/WPN1Haft8zI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/JzvzMTo_V0U/Teddy_Easter_07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sweyYS30Oy4/WPN1Hydjr4I/AAAAAAAAF6U/Iku76M-UIQg/s1600-h/Teddy_Easter_08%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_Easter_08" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_Easter_08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYlCjqNeFKE/WPN1JGIGjRI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/kCwgPl8XVv8/Teddy_Easter_08_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="364" /></a></p> <p>I hope you have a great day. Fun fact: over here it’s colder outside than it was at Christmas. So I’m staying inside and will watch a movie. It’s a great day for artsy crafty fun too. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-37009326453257950072017-02-20T19:44:00.001+01:002017-02-24T17:06:28.733+01:00Valentine–Random Act of Kindness<p>Time goes so fast! I know, the perception of time depends on how you experience the things you’re doing while the clock ticks at it’s usual pace. When you’re bored senseless, time goes ever so slowly. If you’re waiting for a loved one to come home, time seems to hardly be moving at all. On the other hand, when you are having fun or have a lot on your plate, time goes so fast! Valentine’s Day is almost a week ago and I’m still working on some love themed projects. I have to admit, love is such an amazing feeling, I am happy to have found an excuse to put some love into my arts and crafts.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVphViLkoonOWpC_pyWw1YyI34EiNujaBqe70vuxj0zgjwyqd9M5tzAt-XC1LswpEeZgkvVRIlgx4NwcE-JhnuF6XR-E-5LlZnz7_UjDz4-vH0Jp2KCQsvI405J8Rcze9hoNF0QbAJbTGz/s1600-h/Heart_ornaments%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Heart_ornaments" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Heart_ornaments" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qaA8bw47EVI/WKs45utbSzI/AAAAAAAAF4M/qiYIZtA9QlE/Heart_ornaments_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Like I mentioned in my <a href="http://mebearcreations.blogspot.nl/2017/02/teddys-first-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">previous blogpost</a>, I don’t have a lover in my life. And even though I still wish and hope to find the right one, I decided the lack of a love life doesn’t have to stop me making Valentine’s Day into a great day. When I was doing the <a href="http://mebearcreations.blogspot.nl/2017/01/last-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas ornaments drop</a>, it gave me so much joy. So I thought it would be a great idea to do another drop, but this time for Valentine’s Day. Because we all can use love in a world that seems to be dominated by hatred. Don’t be fooled by all the news of nothing but hate and violance and craziness. These things do happen. And they upset me too. But there’s also a lot of people in the world that share love and kindness. Surround yourself with likeminded people, so you can bundle your strength and encourage each other to never stop loving. If you are willing to look, you’ll find there is still a lot of love in the world.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kg61EdLqEsg/WKs4555JARI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/p7TZb0ARptE/s1600-h/Heart_ornament%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Heart_ornament" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Heart_ornament" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6qXpKm6Q4jcLKAfQ4nx-L3ltLyAnkl6aOzMqr4P81U57UdU-mL38ki58eABCkdruBPSg0RrjKVRf8WVQMo7yrw-MK1woikG6g2E6xCpSXZtN5JiWXGu8E6V3XpfIGG19t_yceJ2QR5si/?imgmax=800" width="468" height="570" /></a></p> <p>I came up with my own plan of giving a bit of love to the people in my neighbourhood. Once again I made a batch of clay ornaments, hearts this time, and dropped them at different locations. Of course time went by too fast again and by the time I was ready to go outside, it was already getting dark. So, in stead of making packages and drop them at park benches and such, I decided  to hang the heart ornaments at well lit places. After a while, I figured out it would be even more fun to just hang them on bicycles when people were inside the gym or the grocery store, so they would find them when they came back to their bicycles to go home</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yINjUBPKbDU/WKs46zI1hdI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/noNblfliuME/s1600-h/Valentine_RAK_01%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Valentine_RAK_01" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Valentine_RAK_01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RksHmMXDkkM/WKs47Ns43yI/AAAAAAAAF4c/0jPgHfY-q_Y/Valentine_RAK_01_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="570" /></a>   <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFZDRAhPNXo/WKs47xCzM1I/AAAAAAAAF4g/lej0DpnKu3o/s1600-h/Valentine_RAK_02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Valentine_RAK_02" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Valentine_RAK_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PzGH-PFB3wg/WKs48VTFUvI/AAAAAAAAF4k/zpHLJqikjF4/Valentine_RAK_02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="570" /></a></p> <p>Two of the hearts went to one of my nurses’ kids. They looked so happy when I gave them my gifts. The youngest had told his mum he wanted to get a Valentine’s gift from a girl, which I didn’t know. I know I’m a bit of an old girl for him, but he was happy nontheless. The next day, his mum told me he hung the heart above his bed. How cute’s that? The older boy overloaded me with gifts in return. He knows I love to play Pokémon Go and he’s been a collector of Pokémon gadgets for years. So he gave me a lot of fun stuff he had duplicates of. So he manged to turn it around, I got spoiled by a kid! It’s been the best Valentine in years.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287979741708520297.post-36328379583818067652017-02-16T23:08:00.001+01:002017-03-03T20:12:50.760+01:00Teddy’s First Valentine’s Day<p>Hi all! Valentine’s Day, being single, has been a sad day for me for years. This year I decided to make it into a party and Teddy was going to be my partner in this party. He was going to get a very special Valentine’s photo shoot.</p> <p>First lesson learned: don’t wait to buy Valentine props until Valentine’s Day, because everything is sold out! Of course I did manage to find some nice things eventually and ended up buying way more than I needed, I had to look hard and visit a lot more stores than I intended. Well, at least I had something to choose from.</p> <p>I set up a scenery and then the difficult part began: getting Teddy interested in being a photo model. I’m still learning this together with him. We’re both novices at this. I rubbed a little catnip on the pillow which I wanted him to pose him to try and entice him. I know, I’m a bad cat mommy. At first he got pretty excited, but it looked more like he was trying to murder the pillow. He had fun, which was my priority. He lost attention quickly, so I tried to bring in the treats. He loves his treats, which is actually just his regular food, but somehow if I throw it at him one piece at a time, he seems to think it’s something special. This was good enough for a couple more photos. By the time he really wasn’t interested anymore, and went over to the couch to watch me with this triumphant look which only a cat can, it was getting too dark anyway. After a shoot with Teddy, it’s always exciting to wait untill the photos are uploaded to my computer, so I can see if there is at least one decent picture. I was happily surprised to find a couple of very cute photos.I set up a scenery and then the difficult part began: getting Teddy interested in being a photo model. I’m still learning this together with him. We’re both novice on this. I tried how he would respond if I rubbed a little bit of catnip on the pillow I wanted him to pose at. I know, I’m a bad cat mommy. At first he got pretty excited and it looked more like he was trying to murder the pillow. He had fun, which is my priority. He lost attention soon, so I tried to bring in some treats. He loves his treats, which is actually just his regular food, but somehow if I throw it before him piece by piece, he thinks it’s something special. That was good enough for some more photos. By the time he really wasn’t interested anymore, and went over to the couch to watch me with this triuphant look only a cat can, it was getting too dark anyway. After a shooting with Teddy, it’s always excited to wait untill the photos are uploaded to my computer, so I can see if there is at least one decend picture. I was happily surprised to find a couple of very cute photos. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8kvv75xwo8/WKYiqK212-I/AAAAAAAAF24/zGq7GEng94E/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_01-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_01-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_01-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OXUBpbuQRNk/WKYiqiYX55I/AAAAAAAAF28/YdMRIZnWqxw/Teddy_valentine_01-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a><font size="2">This one is my absolute favourite. When I look at this photo, my heart is filled with love.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgEf0g5QQE0/WKYirKxFodI/AAAAAAAAF3A/aigZuZY4DXY/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_02" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jttIdTKaOow/WKYirv21tQI/AAAAAAAAF3E/rxeEOITz9E8/Teddy_valentine_02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a><font size="2">The pillow says “kiss me”, but I don’t think this looks like kissing. Pretty cute though.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9v5aBM_kvws/WKYir5V3DbI/AAAAAAAAF3I/p7UoKiQ9AB8/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_03%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_03" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QvPYDhi6HSw/WKYisTIGwYI/AAAAAAAAF3M/urYkNgt8pN0/Teddy_valentine_03_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a><font size="2">Blame it on the catnip</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D6wNkmV25sM/WKYiszY94wI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/XTtU11IEHpc/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_08%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_08" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ptAYU-R11ek/WKYitRQ-2SI/AAAAAAAAF3U/QbB12Pi4Ll4/Teddy_valentine_08_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a><font size="2">No more kisses, I’m hiding!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CNewZz5nvI/WKYit2ayJ3I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/2AsBGYi_sfU/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_05%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_05" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_05" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4T3ZChccxc/WKYiuFGgSjI/AAAAAAAAF3c/sw9ywtP1OkQ/Teddy_valentine_05_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a><font size="2">Try me…</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOBGxlxBMpw/WKYiuhP8qDI/AAAAAAAAF3g/mvfUD1lDLmE/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_04%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_04" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2vccRdPNZ4/WKYivD-TWJI/AAAAAAAAF3k/8VkOCXGiyhc/Teddy_valentine_04_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384" /></a><font size="2">You can kiss my …</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ssoEiszxh3o/WKYivu0-NMI/AAAAAAAAF3o/TM0wcL6FmHg/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_06%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_06" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_06" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dbpxK4tgTew/WKYiwFt_UBI/AAAAAAAAF3s/7ETgZmfbNkM/Teddy_valentine_06_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a><font size="2">Crazy little thing called love</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yHNdBhdudCc/WKYiwb2b5ZI/AAAAAAAAF3w/Gqht-kuN324/s1600-h/Teddy_valentine_07%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Teddy_valentine_07" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Teddy_valentine_07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TCZl8UiqELQ/WKYiwz7QhBI/AAAAAAAAF30/D8NN0foXAsM/Teddy_valentine_07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="570" /></a><font size="2">This last one is my second favourite. I will use this one in my art journal soon. </font></p> <p>I hope you enjoyed your Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to be in love with someone to make this into a great day. There will be another post on Valentine’s Day soon, as I came up with another idea to share some love. So stay tuned. See you soon!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08714837900715269047noreply@blogger.com0