Art Update: Return

Last night I finished and submitted my entry for the art competition (click HERE to see where I started for it)!!!

I have lots of pictures of the artwork in progress that I had intended to post and keep everyone updated as the process went along.  Unfortunately, we've not been very computer fortunate lately.  So a BIG "Thank You!" to my friend, Kathryn, for getting my pictures uploaded for me.  And while I'm doling out the gratitude let's not forget Amy for the recycled wood, Lisa for being willing to try to understand what goes on in my head and always cheering me on anyway, and Chris and the kids for putting up with me this week!

"Return"

24" x 48" Mixed Media; acrylic, paper, rocks, and sand on wood and plexiglass

Artist Statement

and

detail images

first detail submitted of "Return"

"Throughout history salmon have been symbols of man’s mortal journey. Starting life in the peaceful, clean waters of their progenitors they are sent forth to the turbulent oceans to mature and eventually return, swimming upstream. Each salmon is naturally compelled to return and as they do their appearances change. They struggle but persevere, using the undercurrents to propel themselves on.

second detail submitted of "Return"

"We are each born with the Light of Christ to guide us back to our Father. Our trials will make us stronger and our countenances will reflect that Light. We are then able to help others recognize that the joy they are naturally compelled to seek after is in the Pure and Living Water, even Jesus Christ."

Fit for a Princess

**Insert Royal Fanfare Here**

We finally have at least one room completed in our "new" {we've been here two years} home!

Elizabeth's princess bedroom.

When we were looking at this house I immediately pictured a castle mural around this window.  At the time the entire room was Smurf blue.  But I knew it would be just right for Matthew and Elizabeth.  It was one of those 'how I knew this was the house for us' moments.  Of course, we've now been here so long that Matthew has moved into the older boys' room, changing my plans of aged castles and dragons to turrets and princesses.

Every princess needs a canopy.

I've had my eye on this canopy ever since my first trip to the IKEA store five years ago.  And what princess wouldn't want a pink monogram higlighted with gold above her balcony?

I just love when so many colors and patterns actually work together!

These fabulous curtains and sheers also came from IKEA.  I don't think you can look at them and NOT be happy.  I love that they'll easily adapt to a more mature design when she grows out of fairy tales.

A little bit of the Smurf blue remains, but where it belongs...on Smurfs!

This collection is from when I lived in West Germany as a child.  They are not in mint condition.  It's not that sort of collection.  These are for playing with.  It makes me so happy to see my children enjoy something that brought me joy as a child {thanks for keeping them all those years, Mom}!  Perhaps when she gets married I will lend her one to carry in a hidden pocket to cover the somethings old, borrowed, and blue.

Creating the border

Apparently wallpaper is pretty hard to find.  Gone are the days of flipping through huge sample books.  Where have I been and when did that happen?!  I needed something to divide the pink and green and a chair rail was just too expensive.  I thought of just painting a white band but I didn't think that would look quite right.  And the few borders I could find were licensed cartoon characters.  No thanks.

Then, while I was once again staring down said pathetic options at my local Wal-Mart, an older gentlemanly employee came to my rescue and introduced me to wall paper glue.  He told me it would glue any paper to a wall.  That was all I needed to hear!  I found this gift wrap at a dollar store and bought three rolls, just in case. Turns out I only needed one.  Voila!  A border for less than a buck!  Imagine all the fun decals you could use this for!

"A home for everything, and everything in its place."

Everything has a place and she is so good about keeping it neat most of the time.  About two weeks ago she came to me and said, "Mom, I have too many toys.  I need to give some to other kids so they can play with them and so my room can be clean."  What five year old talks like that?  I love that girl!

Pictures of Christ, the LDS Salt Lake Temple, and our family.

"And they all lived happily ever after."  Well, at least that's what we're workings towards.  After all, isn't that the promise of a 'Forever Family'?  I painted this reminder and included these pictures to help remind Elizabeth that she has a divine nature and is truly the daughter of a King, a princess preparing for her 'happily ever after'.