Category Archives: Uncategorized

Thoughtful Thursday Acid Free vs Archival Paper

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Photo by Eva Bronzini on Pexels.com

You hear the terms acid free and archival paper quite a bit especially when being used in regards to art and photos. But many get confused with the difference between the two.

Acid free paper is just that, it’s acid free. These papers are made using an alkaline technology so the pulp of the paper is neutral and above 7. The paper is buffered with calcium carbonate to neutralize acid compounds that may come from natural aging or the atmosphere. Papers treated with an alkaline reserve make them last longer.

Acid free paper is used for a number of things that you want to last, like storing photos, displaying artwork, stamp collecting and more. If you use non-acid free paper then you run the risk of damaging your item because it can change the chemical composition of the photo or artwork which affects the color and clarity. Non-acid free paper can also cause chemical burning where it gives off a microscopic fuming of sulfurous acid that causes the paper to become brown, dry and brittle.

Archival paper is acid free and shouldn’t contain any brighteners making it whiter. It also should not contain any ground wood or unbleached pulp but it should meet limits on the metallic content. Although there are no universal standards in what makes paper archival, it should meet these general accepted properties.

Archival-grade paper, also known as museum-grade or museum quality paper is used by many artists. It’s superior in quality and stability when compared to other papers especially in fine art. An archival print is designed to last a 100 years or more.

I hope this helped to clarify the difference between acid free and archival papers. Thanks for stopping by!!

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Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

You are my Sunshine Watercolor Art Journaling

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This is another flashback art journal page I made a while ago in my Strathmore 6×12″ Watercolor Journal. It’s a bit of an odd shaped journal that challenges me to create something fun in. I love zentangle designs and that’s what I ended up making here.

I made this while on vacation with my kids when they were little. My daughter was always my cup of sunshine and she was the inspiration for this page. Every time I look at this page I think of her 😊

I remember prepping a few pages with watercolor washes before leaving on the trip so I could travel with less supplies. All I ended up taking with me was this journal and my micron pen set.

If life is too busy for you to find time to create, then a vacation would be ideal. Journaling helps you to capture lovely memories with your creativity. You can even add pieces of memorabilia to your journal pages to make it even more special. Take as many supplies as you want or prep pages before leaving like I did here. It’s fun, easy and makes a great keepsake.

Hope this inspires you to create!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Don’t think about making art, just get it done.” ~Andy Warhol

Thoughtful Thursday Welcome Summer

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Photo by Rebeca Gonu00e7alves on Pexels.com

Yesterday was the official first day of summer. It’s the day when the Northern Hemisphere is the closest to the sun. It’s also the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year.

Summer is a time spent lounging by the pool and having bar-b-ques. It’s a time to relax at the beach, under the shade of an umbrella, breathe in the ocean air while listening to the waves gently roll into shore. It’s a time of warm breezes, beautiful bright sunshiny days and breathtaking sunsets. It’s a time to sit around the camp fire, tell stories and eat delicious s’mores. It’s a time to take a vacation while the kids are out of school and enjoy the great outdoors.

Summer brings something special to everyone. I plan on enjoying these longer days with my family by the pool and on the beach. What are your plans for the summer?

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!!

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Flower Abstract Painting on Canvas

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The first image is the colorful flower abstract I painted on watercolor paper and it inspired me to create a similar painting on canvas. The second image is my new painting, a work in progress.

I love the texture and the bright, happy colors. But working on the canvas has been challenging. For one thing, this is a 18×24″ canvas which I have to paint on the easel. The painting on paper was created on my desk. So how I handle the large canvas as I paint is quite different.

Even though I’m using the same paints, I’m having a harder time creating this dreamy affect on the canvas. But at the end of the day, I’m having fun on this journey and enjoying the process because I know it will all come together. So stay tuned….

Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas

Photo by Tabitha Mort on Pexels.com

Song Bird Journal Page

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I thought I’d share with you this journal page I created a while ago in my Strathmore 9×12″ Mixed Media Visual Journal. I made this with lots of collaged layers, paint, gelatos and stencils.

The beautiful thing about journaling is it’s a great place to build your artistic confidence. If you don’t know what to create, just look out your window and create what you see. If you say I can’t draw, then start by using a stencil or stamped image. If you’re afraid to start, make random marks on your page and go from there.

There is no right and there is no wrong, only what makes you happy. No one has to see your creation if you don’t want them to. This is your place to be yourself, free from judgement and to create whatever your heart desires. So have some fun!

Hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!!

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Flower Abstract Painting

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I was working on a new abstract painting and had some extra paint left over. So I thought it would be fun to play with the colors and see what happens. I quickly got a piece of watercolor paper and started.

I had no intention as to what to create nor was I concerned with the outcome. I just let go and had fun. Lo and behold I ended up with this very happy, colorful abstract. It came into being purely by accident but I loved it. I loved it so much that I decided to paint a large canvas using the same techniques.

Would love to know what you think about this painting. How does it make you feel? What do you see?

Hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further.” – Keith Haring

Photo by Muhammad Syahroyni on Pexels.com

Watercolor Abstract Art Journal

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I love playing in my journals and experimenting with different techniques. I created this in my Strathmore 8″ x 5.5″ Watercolor Journal using Saran Wrap. I love the odd and interesting shapes the plastic wrap gives you. It’s always a surprise!

To create this effect you need to paint your journal with watercolor paints and make sure it’s fairly wet. While the paint is wet, lay the Saran Wrap on top, move it to where you like it and then let it completely dry. After it has dried, remove the plastic wrap to see what fun design you end up with. Then use your imagination to create an interesting work of art!

I added shading with a pencil, a little glitter, inspiring words and an uplifting quote by John F Wasik which reads:

“You can build any future you want if you let yourself grow, have faith in your dreams or visions and become open to new ideas.”

Hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Flamingo Gardens

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Growing up, my family and I would embark on a wonderful adventure to Flamingo Gardens located near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was founded by Floyd and Jane Wray in 1927 as a citrus orchard and was originally named Flamingo Groves. Getting fresh squeezed orange juice from the trees on the property was one of the highlights of my trip.

The Wray’s built a weekend home up on the Live Oak hammock in the groves. They would have annual bar-b-ques on the grounds surrounding their home and they’d give daily tours of the citrus groves and botanical gardens. Plus they even had a fruit shipping area.

According to Mrs. Wray the property came with flamingos that would nest there and she decided in the 1940’s to bring peacocks to the grounds for the visitors. With alligators inhabiting most parts of South Florida they introduced an alligator exhibit in the 1960’s with daily shows.

Sadly Mr. Wray passed away in 1959 at the age of 68. To honor her late husband, Mrs. Wray established The Floyd L. Wray Memorial Foundation in 1969 to preserve the property for future generations to enjoy. The name was changed to Flamingo Gardens and it was expanded to include an Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary with the Bird of Prey Center and a Free-Flight Aviary. This was the first of its kind in the country and permanently injured or non-releasable native Florida wildlife would call the sanctuary their home. More wildlife exhibits were introduced and included River Otters, Bobcats, Florida Panthers, Tortoises and Bald & Golden Eagles.

The 60 acre botanical gardens showcase over 3,000 rare and exotic species of tropical, subtropical and native plants and trees. If you have the chance to visit South Florida definitely add Flamingo Gardens to your travel plans, you won’t be disappointed!

I hope you enjoyed this travel snippet, thanks for stopping by!!!

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All photos taken by Maria Vidaurre at Flamingo Gardens

Courage Watercolor Art Journaling

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I thought I’d share with you today a painting I created a while ago in an online class with the very talented Andrea Gomoll of Cre8tive Cre8tion Designs. This was a different style for me but I loved it.

This is a pretty simply painting but it definitely pulls you in. The watercolors seem to run off the page creating a dreamy and magical feeling. She has intense green, piercing eyes filled with strength and courage. Plus the colors blended beautifully especially in her long flowing hair which is my favorite part. What draws you in?

Hope this inspires you in some way today!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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