Arizona Vacation: Day 18

Well another exceptional day here in AZ. I’m, again, sitting outside on the covered patio. A gentle rain has arrived. Listening to the patter of the raindrops while enjoying the evening is the perfect finish to a lovely day.

After arting awhile following another delicious breakfast prepared by my dear husband, we headed out shortly before 11. Today we went to the Sierra Vista Shooting Range. It’s about 10 miles from here.

Both Scott and I enjoy target shooting. We have friends back home with their own range, and we go as often as possible in good weather. And, not bragging-just saying, I’m a pretty good shot. Well that is until today.

For some reason, I was off on my aim. I was very consistent, but either low and left or high and left. It seemed no matter what I did to adjust, I rarely hit the bullseye. This is unlike me and I found it very frustrating.

After realizing my shoulder was out, and Scott popped it back in, things improved a bit. But I was still off. It wasn’t until the last few magazines that I was shooting as I normally do. Once I began hitting the bullseye, I was satisfied. I shot 300 rounds and Scott 250.

We hope to go back at least once more before we leave. The range is amazing! They have a range or two for long guns, a couple for pistols, and one for law enforcement officers for training. This is a very professionally run range, and I was very impressed. The cost was 6 bucks for each of us, and we could shoot all day.

The range supervisor asked all of us to clear our brass when finished. You could take them home to reload, if you wanted, but they had cans to dump them in. The man said they collected so much last year they were able to purchase needed stuff for the youth gun safety program. This also impressed me. Growing up in a family of hunters, we ate what was shot, I learned gun safety very early. We were taught guns are tools, not toys. We have a healthy respect for guns and safety is always first.

Since I’ve started shooting pistols, I enjoy it so much more. Rifles are challenging for me, as my arm problems make them difficult to hold steady. And the kick knocks my shoulder out instantly. Our son bought a new gun for duck and goose hunting. I lifted it, brought it to my shoulder, and pop! Out went my shoulder. It was not loaded, nor did I shoot the thing. It was just to heavy for my weakened arms.

Pistols are also weighty. We found one, the M&P 380 EZ. It’s designed for those with disabilities like arthritis and for the elderly. It’s lightweight and racks well. The guy at the store even lightened the slide for me to make it easier. This one does kick a bit. Much more than my 22 caliber pistol, but it’s not to much for me for short periods of time.

After an enjoyable few hours, we returned to have dinner and relax. I’m working on the signatures for a new art journal. My papers are drying as I type.

Waited and Waited

I’ve been waiting to find reasonably priced Edith Holden books.  They are beautiful botanicals with poems, illustrations, and information.  Gorgeous, gorgeous books.  And they are expensive because art journalers want them.  Badly.

Well I found some this morning which were much less than I’ve seen anywhere else.  A secondhand book store on line.  The quality is only good, but I’m sure I can work with that.  It’s also the reason they were so much cheaper, I’m sure.  So I ordered them.  Having waited over two years to find her books in a price I could live with has really been difficult.  The books are just delightful and I’ve wanted them for a long time.

Then after I ordered those, an e-mail came with other books of interest.  Can you believe I found another series I’ve wanted forever.  The Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson.  These are The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, and The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.  I’ve not read the books, but I watched the movies starring Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist.  They were exceptionally well done, I thought.  The story is riveting, the acting superb.  Noomi Rapace is now one of my favorite actresses because of her brilliant work in these movies.  I try to watch everything I can find with her in it.  She’s incredibly talented. And, yes, you have to use subtitles if you don’t speak Swedish.  This doesn’t bother me as I always have the captions on anyway.

So today offered relief from the waiting game on two fronts.

Another Gorgeous Sunrise

Although the colors of the winter landscape in Arizona are muted, the vibrant colors in the sky are over the mountain tops are spectacular!  As I sit on the patio, watching the sun come up over the mountains, the beauty of this part of our amazing country strikes me again.  Vibrant blues, reds, oranges, purples, and pinks.  Brings tears to my eyes, truly.

Not having had the chance to travel much in my life, these past three years driving to the Southwest has given me the chance to see a lot of our great nation.  My dear husband was an over-the-road truck driver for many years.  He has seen just about everything in our country.  (There’s an old country song I’ve Been Everywhere  In it is a huge list of places.  Scott’s been to all of them except two or three.  And of course, he’s been to many more not listed.  Give it a listen, and you’ll be stunned by the several million miles my husband has traveled.  All accident free, which is really amazing, given the way people drive around big trucks.)  Anyway, Scott has graciously taken several different ways to and from Arizona, so I have a chance to see as much as possible on our trips.  After three years of driving cross-country, I can truthfully say I’ve done a bit of traveling.

If you have an opportunity to see the Southwest, I encourage you to do so.  I have fallen head-over-heels in love with the desert beauty.  And the people in this area are so friendly and warm.  The Native American and Mexican cultures are treasured and celebrated, which means so much to me.  I’ve been learning more about the indigenous people and the incredible survival skills they needed here.  Their folk art, jewelry, textiles, and pottery fascinate me. Then add the Mexican culture to the area, with their own distinctly unique history, and fabulous art…well, let’s just say I love them both equally.  But the mixture of the two in this part of the country make for a truly special, and utterly unique, travel experience.  That the two cultures are deeply respected here just adds to my love of the Southwest.

 

Arizona Vacation: Day 17

Another glorious day in The Grand Canyon State.  Bright sunshine, mild temperatures, and gorgeous mountain views.  Who can ask for more?  This morning I did quite a bit of arting.  Enjoyed myself immensely.

Later we went to Bisbee.  We walked the quaint, shop filled main area of Old Bisbee.   We spoke at length with a transplanted Texan.  She was the sales person for the shop run by Reed the Killer Bee Guy.  She was offering free samples.  Let me tell you, that’s incredible honey butter and honey mustard!  I’ve never tasted anything like it.  We bought the raspberry honey butter and the original honey mustard.  Believe me, there were plenty of others we could have taken home too.  Every one was delicious and worth every cent.

A purple tye-dyed shirt was calling my name in another store, and I tried it on right over my clothes, as it had no size listed.  It has orange flowers, and some other subtle colors in it too.  An asymmetrical hem, and is long enough to wear over leggings.

Then on to other stores.  The best find for me was a huge selection of vintage postcards in an antique shop.  Many had been sent to someone, so there was writing on the back and postage.  One was in German.  I went through them all and found 20 I couldn’t leave without.  I could have bought 50, but narrowed it down.

After Bisbee, we went to the Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine.  We’d passed it several times, but I didn’t realize you could visit it.  Let me tell you, it was impressive.  The climb to get to it is stout.  Not for the faint of heart.  But it was so worth it.  We took pictures of the huge Cross, the Virgin Mary, and the exterior of the chapel, but none of the interior.  People were praying inside the church, and I didn’t want to disturb them.  I prayed as well.  I also lit a candle for my late brother.  It was a truly moving experience, and one I will treasure.

Then we stopped to pick up some dish detergent and came “home”.  We’ve got steaks grilling now, and after dinner plan a nice relaxing evening.  Maybe even more arting.

Arizona Vacation: Day 16

It is with mixed feelings we leave the adorable studio apartment, as we’ve enjoyed our stay there.  But we’re onto a new adventure in our new location.  A private home farther out from town.

After cleaning the studio apartment, we headed out.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Papa’s Diner.  This is a cute old-style chrome ’50’s diner.  Filled with vintage pictures and memorabilia.  We’ve eaten here several times on earlier visits, but not for breakfast.  It was terrific.

Then we went to Walmart to pick up our groceries for the week.  And headed to our new home-away-from-home, Secluded Sierra Vista Home.

Wow, guys, this place is fantastic.  It’s a single family, free standing home with incredible mountain views.  We’re currently sitting on the back covered patio, watching the stars in the Arizona sky.  Magical.

The home is a one bedroom, one bath, with a beautiful kitchen, granite countertops, dishwasher, livingroom, large screen T.V., walk in closets, washer and dryer, and a covered carport.  It is spacious and open, with all the amenities.  Decorated beautifully, with lovely art work and homey touches.  We are thrilled to be here for the next nine days.

One thing I really appreciate is having both a roomy desk and chair as well as a large kitchen table.  This way both Scott and I can do our thing, but close enough to chat with each other. (Remember, Scott is also working on our vacation so he needs room for his computer and work stuff.)  The large table will work well for arting.  As will the deep sinks and huge countertops.

Scott grilled tonight and we just finished dinner.  After a shower, I’ll jump into p.j.’s and we’ll spend a cozy evening in our new “home”.

AliExpress Lace

Scott had a card with 20 dollars on it which was expiring.  He asked if I needed anything, and gave it to me.  I went to AliExpress and bought 63 yards of lace for just under 20 bucks!

They are all in white or cream, because I can easily dye them any color I want. There is a huge variety, as several were a single yard.  I was careful to include flat lace as well, because it doesn’t add bulk to pages and embellishments.  I did, however, splurge on some truly spectacular embroidered, pearl and gem encrusted, and chunky floral trims.  Just beautiful stuff which can be cut apart into individual pieces.

The sales were huge.  I was able to find several trims for less than 25 cents per yard or meter-depending on the seller.  My hope is they won’t take six months to arrive, but I’m prepared for an extended wait.

Laurie and I shopped trims at Hobby Lobby, as they were 50%off.  I still paid a couple bucks per roll, even at sale prices.  I’ve just stocked my stash for ages to come for 20 dollars.  That’s a great way to build a stash frugally.  By choosing neutrals, in a large variety of types, widths and bulk, I’ll be able to use them in all sorts of projects.  I’m excited about creating with these new goodies!

 

Arizona Vacation: Day 15

Well, we spent another relaxing day here in Arizona.  Temperatures were a bit chilly today, with a brisk wind from the west.  The mountains are so beautiful with a dusting of snow!  Stormy looking clouds, but nothing as far as precipitation goes.

We’ve been packing the car for our short drive to our next rental.  It’s about 7 miles from here.  I’ve cleaned everything here that I can, but will have to wipe out the fridge tomorrow morning.  Leftovers tonight in an effort to empty it as much as possible.  We’ve had a lovely stay in this charming studio apartment.

Neither of us felt inclined to do much today, so we just puttered a bit.  I arted all day, which was fun.  Well, fun and cozy. The table is a two person.  Scott took half and I took half.  Which doesn’t leave room to spread out much.  But we made it work.  And after so many years with a houseful, it’s really nice to spend time alone with my dear husband.

We really needed this vacation.

 

 

Travel Folio

made from a file folder is finished.  Here’s how I made it:

1. I used a recycled manila file folder.  Open flat on your table.
2. Roll each side in toward the middle crease of the folder.
3. Leave an 1/8″ from the edges of the file folder and the center crease/fold.  If you go right to the center crease the folio won’t close.
4. Fold and crease well.  You now have four sections.
5. Open up the file folder and measure 2 1/2″ up from the bottom
6. Fold the bottom up at that mark and crease well
7. At each crease in the bottom fold up part, cut a thin “v”, the wider part at the edge tapering to the 2 1/2″ crease line.  When the pockets are up the folio will close much easier with that small piece removed.
8. At this point, ink all your edges and folds, if desired
9. Cut your patterned paper to the length and width of each section.  I left an 1/8″ border of manila folder around my glued on paper.  Because I have limited choices and amounts of paper, I used 2 12×12″ papers and book pages from my glue book.
10. Once I cut the paper, I used a glue stick to adhere them to the file folder
11. Once you’ve covered the file folder, decide how you want your pockets.  (Mine are not glued down, as I’ll be adding stuff held in with paperclips.  The pockets glued down would be to narrow for what I’m putting in the journal.)
12. I had four different business cards from some of the places we’ve been.  I glued them to the front of my flip “pockets” on three sides.  This made each card a pocket to hold more business cards.
13. On the two interior sections of the back side of the folio, I cut wide strips from my leftover patterned paper to make a pocket which runs the length of each section.
14. Last I glued a piece of narrow fabric to the file folder (while all folded up so I glued to the correct sections) as a simple tie closure.

The travel folio will hold pamphlets and brochures from areas of Arizona we’re interested in.  This will be a quick reference for the car. The rest of the stuff I’ve collected will be in a Ziploc bag for use in art journaling.  This was a quick, useful and cheap project.

Copy Paper Images

Most of my images are printed on either cardstock or matte photo paper.  Side note:  I have an Epson ET-2550 Ecotank printer.  And I cannot recommend this printer highly enough.  If you print a lot of stuff, this printer is for you.  I, quite literally, print hundreds of pages per week.  Nearly all at the highest quality setting, and in color.  We’ve refilled the black twice, and the colors once.  And we’ve had this printer two years this past October.  Okay, back to the reason for this post:

Even though most of my printing is done on heavier weight paper, there are a lot of uses for images printed on copy paper.  Before we left, I printed vast amounts of stuff and put it in my small file folder box to take with me.  Most of the stuff is fussy cutting images, but I also printed full sheets of patterned paper, tags, etc. on copy paper.  Here are some things I’ll use the copy paper prints for:

1. Using gloopy glue-2 parts PVA glue to 1 part distilled water-I’ll add the tags to either cardstock, coffee dyed paper or old file folders.  This provides strength to the tag and a journal spot
2. Glue full patterned paper pages to chipboard for journal covers
3. Add patterned paper to coffee dyed copy paper for your journal pages
4. Decoupage’ onto pockets, tags, embellishment backgrounds
5. Use pieces as focal images
6. Use as lining in envelopes
7. Use as collage pieces over index cards
8. Add to paper bags for use as pockets in journal signatures
9. Make paper folds for hidden journaling
10. Fold patterned paper in half and glue.  Add to journal as a tip in
11. Pleat and glue (or sew) for scrap clusters, borders and trim
12. Tear or cut into flower petals.  Roll petals around pencil to shape.  Ink.  Layer three, largest on bottom, smallest on top and glue in centers.  Add flat backed gems, pearls or buttons for the flower center.  Add as embellishments on pockets, tags, corners, tuck spots and covers.
13. Paper piece, creating a scene, and add to any page, pocket or journal spot you wish
14. Cut into letters for titles
15. Add strips to double sided tape and use as washi
16. Fold into stars, flowers, etc.  Use as origami paper.
17. Cover toilet paper tubes to make mini journals or booklets for a larger journal add-in

There are more ways to use thin paper in your art, but these will certainly get you started.  Because it’s thin paper, it doesn’t add bulk to a journal.  This is important if, like me, you tend to over-stuff your signatures.

Also by using inexpensive copy paper, you’ll save a lot of money.  I can buy 500 sheets of cheap 20lb. paper for the same price as one pack of good quality cardstock.  Because most of my copy paper prints are done in standard quality, I often use them as backgrounds and add gesso over top.  The pattern and images show through but are pushed into the background.  Then I add stamps, stencils, color-whatever I want-over top and use them as pages in a signature.

Don’t be discouraged if you only have copy paper to use for your art.  It’s very versatile and can be used for lots of different projects.  In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most used supplies I have.  Now go print some stuff and get arting!

 

 

Arizona Vacation, Day 14

Woke to a light covering of snow.  Absolutely beautiful purple mountains, with brilliant white highlighting the peaks and valleys.  I could paint everyday for the rest of my life and never run out of subjects here.  The natural landscapes, gorgeous mountain ranges, interesting architecture, and wild life would keep me busy forever.

We had a lazy day.  We were content hanging around our tiny, but charming, studio apartment.  I made beef stew for lunch and we went out to Chili’s last night for dinner.  We both spent quite a bit of time working.  Scott on his computer, handling work stuff from a distance, and me creating a small travel journal from a file folder.  I’ll probably finish it today.

After picking up a few groceries at Fry’s, we headed back “home”.  We’re restocked and relaxed here in Sierra Vista.