Thoughtful Thursday Acid Free vs Archival Paper

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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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June Roses Art Journal

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Growing up my dad had the most beautiful rose garden. He grew roses of all kinds but Don Juan roses were his favorite. I wanted to have my own and when I asked some of the best nurseries in our area for help, they said it can’t be done in South Florida. I answered, “You didn’t know my dad💖”

I have a Don Juan rose bush and a very fragrant Abraham Darby bush. They’re beautiful but nothing compared to dad’s. I just don’t seem to have his green thumb I guess but I’m still trying 😂

But at least I can enjoy my love for these flowers in my art journal. I started the pages with writing out some of my thoughts. I covered those with paint and added collaged images over that. Then I painted loose roses, made the rose garden gate a bit bigger. The paint doesn’t match exactly but close enough. I love how magical it turned out. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you create some art today, thanks for stopping by!!

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“A rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the Heart.” ~Unknown

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Thoughtful Thursday – Statue of Liberty

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July 4, 1884, France gifted to the United States the Statue of Liberty for the 100th birthday of our country. What a monumental and inspirational gift she was and still is. She stands for many things but each part is represented by a different element in her design.

Lady Liberty’s torch is a symbol of enlightenment to show us the path to freedom, liberty and justice. The crown which is a halo with rays like the sun are another way for her to enlighten the world. The tablet Lady Liberty holds in her left hand is inscribed with Roman numerals which read July 4, 1776, and represent a book of law. The broken chains and shackle at her feet show she is free from servitude and oppression especially with the recent abolition of slavery in the country at that time.

Lady Liberty stands 305 feet tall, including the pedestal in New York Harbor. From 1892 to 1954 she has greeted more than 12 million immigrants and travelers that entered the United States through the Ellis Island Gateway. She is a inspiring symbol to all of us.

I hope you enjoyed this post today. Wishing you a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Rose Mixed Media Watercolor Painting

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I wanted to have a bit of fun and created this painting from Gina Lee Kim’s book, “Fast and Fun Watercolor: Painting Techniques, No Drawing Required!” Gina is a very talented artist who creates with bright, fun colors. You can find her on Instagram: @ginaleekim. Her book is well written with step by step photos and lots of inspiration, I highly recommend it.

I did my painting slightly different than what’s outlined in the book but it turned out really nice. I used Golden Glass Bead Gel for the vase. I love the texture and how it shimmers in the light.

I finished it off with a wonderful quote by Rumi that reads:

“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.”

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

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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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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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Handmade Birthday Cards

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I started creating birthday cards when I was very little. Dad showed me how to draw flowers and I’d color them with crayons and cut them out to glue on the card. He always told me a handmade card is a special gift because it’s made with love and there’s nothing more special than that.

I’ve created many cards over the years. Some were simple that I put together fairly quickly, while others took hours with lots of layers and intricate moving parts. But the idea of creating a small work of art and giving it someone to see the joy in their eyes as they’d revel in it’s uniqueness is what puts a smile on my heart.

There are so many designs you can make and it doesn’t have to be complex if you don’t want it to. You could make a card using a special photo or create a small painting that can be framed. The possibilities are endless and handmade gifts are are gifts that touch the heart. Why not give it a try?

Hope this inspires you, thanks for stopping by!!

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Here’s a sampling of birthday cards I made:

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

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Thoughtful Thursday – Show Dad Your Love

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I can’t believe that Father’s Day will already be here this Sunday, June 18th. This is a special day to celebrate those great dads who are here with us today and also to honor and remember those who are no longer with us.

Dads have a unique style all of their own in how they handle life and teach us what they know. I learned so much from my dad and he was the one who inspired me to create art. My love for photography, roses and birds all came from him. So how will you show your love to that great man?

Here are a few ideas for Father’s Day:

  • Make a handmade card with a personal photo.
  • Make a photo collage of memorable moments.
  • Have an outdoor celebration in the park, beach or your own backyard.
  • Take dad out on a sporting adventure of his choice.
  • Go camping for a night.
  • Cook his favorite dinner.
  • Have a backyard movie night.
  • Build something fun together.
  • Spend an evening star gazing.
  • Spend a nice day together talking about fun memories.
  • Take him on a fun road trip.
  • Go to a sports game together.
  • Tour a vineyard or brewery.

Wishing all Dad’s a very Happy Father’s Day!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” ~Unknown

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