Just a Little Life Update

I promise I want to write on here lol!  I've just been absolutely terrible at executing the blogging plans I've been writing.  I mean, I plan out what posts I want to do for a few weeks and what photos I'll need for them, and then I just don't follow through. -___-  I'm ashamed of myself... especially after my recent declaration to be a better blogger.

Anywho, I decided that instead of writing one of my many planned post ideas today, I would do a little life update.  What have I been up in the last month or so?  August and thus far into September have been quite busy for me.  I've been getting more hours at the studio which means I've had to get up and ride to work with Lamar so I would have the car.  I have been doing SO MUCH DRIVING!  Literal hours every day I have to work and it's very taxing.  But hey, do it for the money right?  I am going to be the happiest person ever when we get a second car, but I'm thankful for the one we have because it has been the champ, carting me back and forth from Apopka to Clermont to Orlando and back again (even though it's a total gas guzzler).  So yeah, lots of car time has been going on, which means I've had lots of time to listen to knitting podcasts and dream of new projects. 

Let's see, what else can I tell you about the last month and a half...
- I've gone to knit night at Sip & Knit twice!
- Filmed and posted my first crafting video podcast or craftcast as I've dubbed it. (click -here- to go watch it)
- Finished my first knitted garment (a teeny baby sweater *.*)
- Discovered a new yarn shop in Clermont... just a lovely explosion of artsy yarny goodness!
- Purchased and received some beautiful yarns
- Survived singing in our small (and I mean tiny) young adult "choir"... does a group of 6 or 7 count as a choir??  Anyway, staying in that alto lane is quite the struggle.
- Expanded my garden to include collard greens and they are growing really well!  I should've planted greens a long time ago! They are just boosting my garden-ego like none other!

So yeah, that's my recent history in a nutshell.  Early mornings, late nights, driving, working, yarn... adulting.  Hopefully, I can get myself back into the swing of posting regular content up here.  If you are still following and reading this blog, what kind of posts would you like me to do?  What topic would you like me to write about or projects you'd like to see?  Please let me know!

Bible Journaling Part 1

Since one of my 30 in 30 goals is to finish reading the whole Bible (ps. not gonna make it lol), I've ventured into the wonderful world of Bible journaling and Illustrated Faith. Yay!

Outside Cover. (Materials used: acrylic paint, 4x6 project life journaling card, dollar tree letter stickers)

At first I wanted to get an actual "journaling Bible" with the wide margin and fancy thick paper, but they carry quite a hefty price tag at $50.  Needless to say, that is way out of my budget for a new hobby/craft.  Instead, I went to my local goodwill and bought a paperback English Standard Version Bible for 99 cents ^.^

Inside Cover. (Materials used: watercolor pencils, watercolor paint, black precision pen)

As you can see, I created a cover for the front and water-colored a bit on the opening page.  That first 'entry' was the hardest.  I mean, as a child, I was taught NeVeR to write in the Bible unless you were highlighting scriptures.  So the idea of drawing in the Bible was a complete departure from anything I've ever done.

Genesis 1:31 (Materials used: gel matte medium, gelatos, acrylic paint, gold paint pen, black precision pen)

Now because I got a regular Bible, the pages are quite thin.  This problem let me to pick up a few mixed media supplies.  I purchased a bottle of gel matte medium from Michaels and that is perfect for coating the pages and preparing the for painting or whatever kind of media I decide to put on them.

Genesis 9:11-17 (Materials used:gel matte medium,acrylic paint, gold and silver paint pens, yellow marker)

I also got a pack of gelatos pigment sticks, a container texture paste and stencils, watercolor pencils, and various kinds of paints to use in my entries. 

Exodus 3:13-14 (Materials used:gel matte medium, gelatos, sharpie)

I've enjoyed using acrylic and watercolor paints on the different pages, depending on what "feel" I'm going for.  For instance, acrylic paints will cover the print on the pages completely while watercolors or gelatos stay transparent. 

Exodus 20:1-17 (Materials used: watercolor pencil, silver paint pen, black precision pen)

I will say, I'm not very good at using the watercolor pencils yet.  I'm having a hard time getting them to blend properly.  But no worries! There are plenty other scriptures to practice on and be inspired by.

Joshua 1:9 (Materials used: watercolor paint, sharpie, white acrylic paint, gold paint pen, washi tape)

My dream, when it comes to my Bible Journal, is to fill it up and keep it on our coffee table next to the family Bible Lamar and I got as a wedding gift.  That way whenever friends and family come to visit, they can see and explore it.  I think that will be awesome!

Great Gifty Friends!

I was beautifully blessed with some fun gifts from friends this past weekend ^.^

My friend Tiff gave me a couple samples of tea (Wild Chaild and Sweet Tangerine).  I drank the tangerine one already and it was delicious!!!  I will def be buying a box of that asap!  She also gave me a cutting from her mint plant.  All the excitement is mine!!! I'm going to plant the cutting and brew tea from the leaves ^.^  I keep envisioning myself drinking nice cups of tea from my huge mint bush while sitting on the front porch during a nice summer rain shower.  That sounds like a wonderful Sabbath afternoon...

The other gift came from my friend, Erica.  She found a bag of fabric while cleaning out her garage and gave me the whole thing! o.O  What what!!!  Talk about an awesome crafty gift ^.^  There were quite a few large pieces that I can use for bag making and also some that will be really nice for garments.  I'm so excited to dig into this new stash soon!

Crafty, gardeny, tea loving friends are the BEST!!! lol :)