Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Thursday
February 23rd, 2017
My handmade paper came out very nicely. I got to pick it up this morning, and now it's ready to go the next time I work on my Book of Shadows.
Monday
February 20th, 2017
I had a fun time tonight over at the campus craft shop hand-making paper; one of my friends is an RA, and she set it up as an event for her floor. We weren't using any particularly fine techniques, but it was cool to learn how to do, and I think my sheets will make a nice addition to my Book of Shadows.
The craft shop had a pulper to grind up fabric and paper scraps, which were submerged in water. Then we took forms with mesh across them (deckles) and dipped them into the slurry; pulling these up creates a thick, goopy mess of future-paper on the form. We had the option to add in bits of string, decorative fabric, or seeds, and there was also a little bit of spray-dye, so I spritzed mine with blue. Then you have to squeeze and press the water out of it, all while being careful not to tear the wet paper.
It has to dry overnight, which means I can't pick it up before tomorrow at the earliest, but I am excited to see how it came out! I've always wanted to try paper-making, so this was a good experience. I'm not sure if I'll reserve all of it for my Book of Shadows, but I definitely will set aside a sheet or two for that purpose.
Paper-making can be done in the home, but I've never done it myself, and therefore do not have much information on the subject. That being said, additives like pigment, essential oils, petals or seeds, and etc. can all be used to personalize paper for spiritual and magickal uses. I'd love to try it again sometime - perhaps that's a summer project!
The craft shop had a pulper to grind up fabric and paper scraps, which were submerged in water. Then we took forms with mesh across them (deckles) and dipped them into the slurry; pulling these up creates a thick, goopy mess of future-paper on the form. We had the option to add in bits of string, decorative fabric, or seeds, and there was also a little bit of spray-dye, so I spritzed mine with blue. Then you have to squeeze and press the water out of it, all while being careful not to tear the wet paper.
It has to dry overnight, which means I can't pick it up before tomorrow at the earliest, but I am excited to see how it came out! I've always wanted to try paper-making, so this was a good experience. I'm not sure if I'll reserve all of it for my Book of Shadows, but I definitely will set aside a sheet or two for that purpose.
Paper-making can be done in the home, but I've never done it myself, and therefore do not have much information on the subject. That being said, additives like pigment, essential oils, petals or seeds, and etc. can all be used to personalize paper for spiritual and magickal uses. I'd love to try it again sometime - perhaps that's a summer project!
Sunday
February 19th, 2017
It occurred to me that, although I showed pictures of mine, I never explained in my post last night what a vision board is. Lots of people - including plenty of non-Pagans - make them, because they are a tool for goal setting, affirmations, etc. When made with intent, they are a powerful way to create change in your life.
Simply put, one collects images from photographs, magazines, newspapers, or other sources that reflect a goal or series of goals. One then collages these together, and displays the board where it is visually prominent. Seeing the board subconsciously reinforces one's commitment to those goals. If done in conjunction with a ritual, or even a more informal spiritual setting, once could charge it with power to further reinforce its energy.
The above example is from Google Images; searching the term "vision board" brings up many others. They can be made for the whole year, for a single goal, for many goals - it's really up to the individual. One of the women at SIPA last night says that she does mini, weekly vision boards in her planner - I know I don't have the time to do that regularly, but it sounds like a fun (and useful!) idea.
Simply put, one collects images from photographs, magazines, newspapers, or other sources that reflect a goal or series of goals. One then collages these together, and displays the board where it is visually prominent. Seeing the board subconsciously reinforces one's commitment to those goals. If done in conjunction with a ritual, or even a more informal spiritual setting, once could charge it with power to further reinforce its energy.
The above example is from Google Images; searching the term "vision board" brings up many others. They can be made for the whole year, for a single goal, for many goals - it's really up to the individual. One of the women at SIPA last night says that she does mini, weekly vision boards in her planner - I know I don't have the time to do that regularly, but it sounds like a fun (and useful!) idea.
Saturday
February 18th, 2017
SIPA hosted a fun little workshop tonight over at Gaia House - vision boards! I've made them before, but it's been awhile, and it was nice to get together with friends and tear up some magazines.
There was probably about eight or so of us who attended, and we made quite the mess. There were paper scraps and piles of glitter everywhere! Several people brought piles of magazines and cardstock, so we just tore into it finding words and images that stood out to us.
There were also snacks, and we got a Pagan playlist going on YouTube.
My in-progress vision board...
...and the finished version! I also wrote out my intentions and things on the back (and yes, that is Michelle Obama in the lower left corner - let's face it, her poise and grace are goals).
Last but not least, here's my vision board sitting on my altar where I can see it. I really like how it came together, and getting to be crafty was a great way to end my evening.
There was probably about eight or so of us who attended, and we made quite the mess. There were paper scraps and piles of glitter everywhere! Several people brought piles of magazines and cardstock, so we just tore into it finding words and images that stood out to us.
There were also snacks, and we got a Pagan playlist going on YouTube.
My in-progress vision board...
...and the finished version! I also wrote out my intentions and things on the back (and yes, that is Michelle Obama in the lower left corner - let's face it, her poise and grace are goals).
Last but not least, here's my vision board sitting on my altar where I can see it. I really like how it came together, and getting to be crafty was a great way to end my evening.
SIPA Imbolc
Since SIPA always has a potluck with their rituals, I borrowed a pot and made up some soup this evening; it wasn't anything fancy, just a mix from the convenience store and some tomato puree, but it turned out pretty decent.
I've hardly ever used the dorm's communal kitchen, but this seemed like as good a reason as any. I even got a bonus view of the sunset.
This little framed painting was, I think, unrelated to the ritual, but it was sitting out in Gaia House, and I liked it. "But still, like air, we rise. ~Maya Angelou"
The main altar; I love the cloth, I need to see about getting one for myself sometime.
I wish I would have gotten a picture of the Air elemental altar. All the elemental altars were nice, but the one for Air was just so pretty - it had a bunch of crystals, including a gorgeous Quartz cluster, a drawing of a deity who I think was Hermes, and a Pegasus statue. A very elegant set-up.
Ritual fire in the fireplace; I took this right after it had been lit, so it hadn't quite caught yet.
The main portion of the ritual was spent chanting while making Brighid's Crosses. They came out looking more like God's Eyes, but it was a lot simpler for a large group to do than trying to teach everyone to weave straw the traditional Celtic way, so it worked out.
My Brighid's candle, which I lit in the last part of the ritual.
The potluck was afterwards, with lots of good food, and then I headed back to my dorm room. Great night!
I've hardly ever used the dorm's communal kitchen, but this seemed like as good a reason as any. I even got a bonus view of the sunset.
This little framed painting was, I think, unrelated to the ritual, but it was sitting out in Gaia House, and I liked it. "But still, like air, we rise. ~Maya Angelou"
The main altar; I love the cloth, I need to see about getting one for myself sometime.
I wish I would have gotten a picture of the Air elemental altar. All the elemental altars were nice, but the one for Air was just so pretty - it had a bunch of crystals, including a gorgeous Quartz cluster, a drawing of a deity who I think was Hermes, and a Pegasus statue. A very elegant set-up.
Ritual fire in the fireplace; I took this right after it had been lit, so it hadn't quite caught yet.
The main portion of the ritual was spent chanting while making Brighid's Crosses. They came out looking more like God's Eyes, but it was a lot simpler for a large group to do than trying to teach everyone to weave straw the traditional Celtic way, so it worked out.
My Brighid's candle, which I lit in the last part of the ritual.
The potluck was afterwards, with lots of good food, and then I headed back to my dorm room. Great night!
Monday
Fairy Fest Goodies
I got lots of neat things at the Fairy Festival this weekend.
Among the miscellaneous items I bought were some pieces of artwork, all of them by this artist. I'd seen the original of the mermaid painting on the right at an art fair in Iowa and loved it. When I saw she had little prints available, I had to pick one up. I also got some postcards to give to my girlfriend and friends at school. Then I found a dragon's blood soap, which is great, seeing as I can't burn the incense, some sachets to hold crystals, and a pentacle charm which I'm actually going to use in a Night Vale Girl Scouts cosplay.
In terms of crystals - because I just had to get some - I got two pieces of Sunstone, a Labradorite sphere, a Fluorite point, tumbled Rhodonite and Moonstone, Andara Crystal Glass (which was actually a gift from a man advertising his service as an energy worker), and a Citrine point.
Finally, I picked up this little hummingbird pin. The hummingbird is actually velcroed to the pin, so it can be swapped out with other accessories, or attached to headbands, clips, etc. It's so cute, and it's my favorite color, so I had to grab it.
Posts on the stones are upcoming. In the meantime, hope you're all enjoying your summer!
Among the miscellaneous items I bought were some pieces of artwork, all of them by this artist. I'd seen the original of the mermaid painting on the right at an art fair in Iowa and loved it. When I saw she had little prints available, I had to pick one up. I also got some postcards to give to my girlfriend and friends at school. Then I found a dragon's blood soap, which is great, seeing as I can't burn the incense, some sachets to hold crystals, and a pentacle charm which I'm actually going to use in a Night Vale Girl Scouts cosplay.
In terms of crystals - because I just had to get some - I got two pieces of Sunstone, a Labradorite sphere, a Fluorite point, tumbled Rhodonite and Moonstone, Andara Crystal Glass (which was actually a gift from a man advertising his service as an energy worker), and a Citrine point.
Finally, I picked up this little hummingbird pin. The hummingbird is actually velcroed to the pin, so it can be swapped out with other accessories, or attached to headbands, clips, etc. It's so cute, and it's my favorite color, so I had to grab it.
Posts on the stones are upcoming. In the meantime, hope you're all enjoying your summer!
August 8th, 2016
The World of Faeries Festival was this weekend! I was so excited to go; after a long, difficult summer of family crises, I was really looking forward to some down time out in the open air with magical people and surroundings. The theme this year was Seasons of the Faeries. Participating children got a calendar, and then could go to each of the twelve month fairies (I was February) to play a game and get a birthstone sticker for the corresponding calendar page.
Me as Amethyst, the February fairy.
Destiny, the Season Changer fairy.
Raincloud made it out with her boyfriend - I haven't seen her in forever!
Kaladin, the stilt walker.
The Statue Lady.
A vendor, Sara, working on a fantastic watercolor painting (view and purchase her art here).
Fairy Godmother Rose with her right-hand gal.
The river - we had perfect weather. Warm, but with a steady breeze and some cloud cover.
After the fair closed last night, the cast went out to dinner at a local buffet (photo credit to Hazelnut).
And last but not least, a group photo of a bunch of the cast (photo credit to photographer Mike Smith).
I met some cool new people and got to reconnect with a lot of old friends, which made me happy. I also did lots of shopping, so posts on that are upcoming. I'm very glad I got to go, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
Me as Amethyst, the February fairy.
Hazelnut as Corra, the November fairy (she also did a lot of the season changing, as Destiny wasn't feeling the best).
The Blue Rose Mermaid.
One of the vendors' daughters with Natsu, the iguana dragon (check out her mother's work here).
Raincloud made it out with her boyfriend - I haven't seen her in forever!
There were some funny little field mice scurrying around the park.
The Statue Lady.
Bubbles...!
Fairy Godmother Rose with her right-hand gal.
The river - we had perfect weather. Warm, but with a steady breeze and some cloud cover.
After the fair closed last night, the cast went out to dinner at a local buffet (photo credit to Hazelnut).
And last but not least, a group photo of a bunch of the cast (photo credit to photographer Mike Smith).
I met some cool new people and got to reconnect with a lot of old friends, which made me happy. I also did lots of shopping, so posts on that are upcoming. I'm very glad I got to go, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
Friday
July 22nd, 2016
I've spent the last week working on a bit of a sewing project. Last summer, I made myself a weighted blanket (which you may or may not remember from this post); I love it, and so does my girlfriend, so I offered to make her one of her own at the next opportunity. Last Friday, I was able to go pick up supplies, and I finished it this morning.
As I did last year, I selected four little crystal chips and added one along with the poly-pellets in each corner. I chose two Quartz, one which I think is Moonstone, and a black one I couldn't identify but which I figured would still pick up on protective, grounding energies by virtue of its color. I cleansed them all, and empowered them to instill the blanket's user with comfort and peace. As that is sort of the point of a weighted blanket anyway, I liked the idea for reinforcing the blanket's purpose.
Here's the finished blanket. Blue is her favorite color, and the fabric has a really fun, soft texture. The grey backing fabric has a much more subtle pattern, but it's also a pile fabric, which makes it soft. It was important to me to be listening to videos that exhibit a positive energy while I worked, because it is my belief that when sewing, knitting, or otherwise making textile crafts, it is possible to weave one's thoughts and energies into the piece itself that can then affect the user.
I'm very happy with how it came out. It also took me a lot less time to make this than my green one from last summer, which was a bonus, and in general it just ended up looking neater now that I have more practice.
With Lughnasadh coming up soon, this is a great time of year for arts and crafts of all kinds, as Lugh is a god of artisans and the season can tend towards that direction. As it is, I always enjoy making gifts, and I especially like to add little bits and pieces of magick to the things I make.
Weighted blankets are wonderful tools for people like myself who find the feeling of gentle pressure to be soothing. Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity can affect sensory input, which may make the sensation of pressure more appealing, although I am sure there are also neurotypical people who would enjoy a weighted blanket as well. For anyone interested, these instructions are the ones which I followed, and I liked them a lot.
As I did last year, I selected four little crystal chips and added one along with the poly-pellets in each corner. I chose two Quartz, one which I think is Moonstone, and a black one I couldn't identify but which I figured would still pick up on protective, grounding energies by virtue of its color. I cleansed them all, and empowered them to instill the blanket's user with comfort and peace. As that is sort of the point of a weighted blanket anyway, I liked the idea for reinforcing the blanket's purpose.
Here's the finished blanket. Blue is her favorite color, and the fabric has a really fun, soft texture. The grey backing fabric has a much more subtle pattern, but it's also a pile fabric, which makes it soft. It was important to me to be listening to videos that exhibit a positive energy while I worked, because it is my belief that when sewing, knitting, or otherwise making textile crafts, it is possible to weave one's thoughts and energies into the piece itself that can then affect the user.
I'm very happy with how it came out. It also took me a lot less time to make this than my green one from last summer, which was a bonus, and in general it just ended up looking neater now that I have more practice.
With Lughnasadh coming up soon, this is a great time of year for arts and crafts of all kinds, as Lugh is a god of artisans and the season can tend towards that direction. As it is, I always enjoy making gifts, and I especially like to add little bits and pieces of magick to the things I make.
Weighted blankets are wonderful tools for people like myself who find the feeling of gentle pressure to be soothing. Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity can affect sensory input, which may make the sensation of pressure more appealing, although I am sure there are also neurotypical people who would enjoy a weighted blanket as well. For anyone interested, these instructions are the ones which I followed, and I liked them a lot.
Sunday
July 17th, 2016
I've had some research on Aventurine written up for a long time now, but I apparently never typed it out. Since I've been posting about the stones I acquired while on vacation, of which a rough piece of Aventurine was one, this seems like as good a time as any to publish this.
Physical Characteristics: Aventurine is most commonly found as a green, lustrous stone, although orange and brown varieties also exist.
In Nature: This stone's characteristic shine comes from the inclusion of Fuschite, a Muscovite-bearing Mica. The effect is referred to as "aventurescence". Aventurine may be confused with Sunstone or Malachite, while Goldstone, also known as Aventurine Glass, may be sold as imitation Aventurine.
Chemical Composition: K(Al, Cr)2AlSi3O10(OH)2
Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (high)
Can be Found: Primarily India, Chile, and east of the American Rockies; also Brazil, Russia, Spain, Austria, and Tanzania
Healing Properties*: Green Aventurine is a helpful partner in psychotherapy, treating heart and lung disorders, and increasing muscle flexibility. It also improves eyesight. The stone treats skin disease, such as eczema and other rashes, and eliminates warts. It improves metabolism and the digestive system.
Magickal Properties: Aventurine is a lucky stone, especially the green variety. It brings opportunity, and is most often noted as a stone for gamblers. Additionally, Aventurine strengthens one's sense of self and helps to reinforce a positive outlook. Relieving anxiety, Aventurine soothes the emotions. It enhances a healthy sense of humor and cheerfulness, and may also draw unexpected adventure or luck in love. Aventurine provides balance and can aid in dreaming. It clears the aura, and helps one to find independence. Moreover, the stone encourages creativity, and brings success to artists.
Chakra Association: Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) chakras
Element: Air
Energy: Projective
Planetary Association: Mercury
*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!
~~~~~
Aventurine
Physical Characteristics: Aventurine is most commonly found as a green, lustrous stone, although orange and brown varieties also exist.
In Nature: This stone's characteristic shine comes from the inclusion of Fuschite, a Muscovite-bearing Mica. The effect is referred to as "aventurescence". Aventurine may be confused with Sunstone or Malachite, while Goldstone, also known as Aventurine Glass, may be sold as imitation Aventurine.
Chemical Composition: K(Al, Cr)2AlSi3O10(OH)2
Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (high)
Can be Found: Primarily India, Chile, and east of the American Rockies; also Brazil, Russia, Spain, Austria, and Tanzania
Healing Properties*: Green Aventurine is a helpful partner in psychotherapy, treating heart and lung disorders, and increasing muscle flexibility. It also improves eyesight. The stone treats skin disease, such as eczema and other rashes, and eliminates warts. It improves metabolism and the digestive system.
Magickal Properties: Aventurine is a lucky stone, especially the green variety. It brings opportunity, and is most often noted as a stone for gamblers. Additionally, Aventurine strengthens one's sense of self and helps to reinforce a positive outlook. Relieving anxiety, Aventurine soothes the emotions. It enhances a healthy sense of humor and cheerfulness, and may also draw unexpected adventure or luck in love. Aventurine provides balance and can aid in dreaming. It clears the aura, and helps one to find independence. Moreover, the stone encourages creativity, and brings success to artists.
Chakra Association: Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) chakras
Element: Air
Energy: Projective
Planetary Association: Mercury
*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!
April 24th, 2016
Had a busy but good day today, part of which involved heading over to the Gaia House for a few hours, to enjoy a reception for the artists who have work in the Pagan art exhibit which has been on display there this month. We enjoyed coffee, lemonade, and an assortment of little snacks, and generally were able just to hang out and chat.
My painting, with description, that I've had hanging up.
A collection of paintings, all by one lovely individual.
My painting, with description, that I've had hanging up.
A collection of paintings, all by one lovely individual.
A series of nature photography, all by another artist.
Triple Goddess painting by one of our more Norse-inclined practitioners.
These two photos, by SIPA director Tara, have a rather interesting story. They were taken on vacation while visiting a haunted potter's field of unnamed soldiers. Apparently, just after these were taken (on actual film, not digitally), it started to storm, so obviously there was not enough sunlight to cause lens flare (the white patches on the photos are just glare on the glossy paper; the orange is actually present). Also, these were the only two photos on the whole strip of film with these strange colors, so it couldn't have been water damage. As such, Tara's thought is that she caught some spirits on camera. The one in the top photo actually even looks humanoid.
Me with my painting.
Hand-made grimoire.
Set of runes.
And just for good measure, this is the spiral garden I helped build last spring. As you can see, the plants are pretty well-established now. The sage and kale really took over, so that's pretty much what's growing at this point.
March 27th, 2016
I got to do some painting today! After being up past 3:00 this morning finishing up a project (better to be up late on a weekend than during the week, in my opinion), I've been able to spend most of my afternoon just relaxing and working on a piece I've been wanting to do for some time now.
I thought I had posted pictures of a picture frame I painted over the summer in offering to Athena, but I can't seem to find that post now. In any case, I had painted the frame, but at the time, had no picture to put in it. I was planning to draw something the following day, but life got in the way as it has a tendency to do. When I was home for spring break last week, I picked up that frame and brought it back to school so I could finally make something to put in it, and I had the opportunity today.
This is my painting of Lady Athena, and it isn't very big (5x7, I think?), so it only took a few hours, but I really liked how it turned out. It's not easy to tell in this picture, but some of the gold on Her armor is metallic paint. The whole painting is my own design, done in acrylics on chip board.
I thought I had posted pictures of a picture frame I painted over the summer in offering to Athena, but I can't seem to find that post now. In any case, I had painted the frame, but at the time, had no picture to put in it. I was planning to draw something the following day, but life got in the way as it has a tendency to do. When I was home for spring break last week, I picked up that frame and brought it back to school so I could finally make something to put in it, and I had the opportunity today.
This is my painting of Lady Athena, and it isn't very big (5x7, I think?), so it only took a few hours, but I really liked how it turned out. It's not easy to tell in this picture, but some of the gold on Her armor is metallic paint. The whole painting is my own design, done in acrylics on chip board.
And here it is in the frame. I didn't consciously intend it, but it rather looks as though the feathers around Athena are floating down from the owl above Her.
Water Dragon
A few weekends ago, I felt like painting, and decided to do a dragon. However, while I've done some dragon line art, I've done very little in the realm of color, light vs. shadow, etc. Therefore, I decided to imitate another piece of work to get a better idea of how those and other elements of art apply to the draconic form.
This is my painting, but all the credit has to go to the original artist, sandara on DeviantArt. I definitely recommend checking out her gallery, she has a ton of gorgeous fantasy artwork. There's lots more dragons, bird creatures, unicorns, and other fantastical beings.
Just thought I'd share my interpretation (painted on chipboard with acrylics), because I was really happy with how it came out.
This is my painting, but all the credit has to go to the original artist, sandara on DeviantArt. I definitely recommend checking out her gallery, she has a ton of gorgeous fantasy artwork. There's lots more dragons, bird creatures, unicorns, and other fantastical beings.
Just thought I'd share my interpretation (painted on chipboard with acrylics), because I was really happy with how it came out.
Saturday
January 9th, 2016
My friend, Destiny, made me this picture a few months back, but I never got around to posting it. She thought I could use another hummingbird in my life, and I'm inclined to agree:
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