Second on the 2nd: a quick post explaining AEDM (Art Every Day Month)

I had another post ready to go, then found that several of my loyal followers, friends, and readers were unfamiliar with AEDM.  This is my 7th year participating.  AEDM is the brainchild of Leah Piken Kolidas and I end up participating every November. 

Before we begin, I want to let you know, if you are on Flickr, Instagram, Facebook, or G +, I will visit, but I cannot leave a comment.  I am ONLY a blogger, and apologize that I am unable to leave you comments.  I didn't realize how many other platforms I would not be able to leave comments on, since it appears AEDM is the only one I have real trouble leaving comments on.

Some of you may wonder what encompasses AEDM.  You will encounter pottery makers, photographers, dye artists, and journal artists.   Here are examples of a few of the years I participated.  Sadly, I didn't create mosaics until 2014.

It looks like in 2014 I was busy making altered playing cards, creating art for Journal 52, and journal pages for Craft Barn's quotes and/or lyrics challenge.  In my free time, I made art for Art Journal Journey, created several eco-dyed fabrics, created rusted fabric, made at least one art quilt along with one scrappy journal cover, and replaced the storm door on my front door.  Addtionally, I served tea and made more pages in my 7 Continents altered book.

For 2015, I once again joined Journal 52, featured AEDM during Second on the 2nd, cut my herbs back, then brought them in, served tea or coffee every Tuesday, worked in my 7 Continents altered book, and created art for Art Journal Journey.  The leaves in the next to the last photo are homage to Susi, who I believe I copied after she made some similar ones in her altered book/art journal.  I finished my Christmas tip-ins early and once again created another eco-dyed fabric.  I also made a few gifts, like the hearts and the art quiltlet.  The basket filled with Christmas goodies was painted and hung on my front porch.

In 2016, I was still making art for Journal 52.  I was also dyeing a lot of fabric, including using grape juice.  It was also my first year to create sun dyed fabric and I made three different scrappy journal covers when I did.  I made some art quiltlets using hand dyed fabric, and this was the first year I made coasters using ceramic tiles, some of which were acceptable, some turned not acceptable.  All were a learning experience, though.  I finally finished the cover of my Rocking Horse altered book with a rocking horse assemblage.  This was also the first year I took on large wood pieces and resin.  Seems I always find a way to make at least one  spread for my 7 Continents altered book during November, too.  I always decorate my house the day after Thanksgiving, so I shared a meal during T Stands For Tuesday,  Finally, I made my own stamp pad using an acrylic block and reinkers.  I got quite a few birthday cards using one stamp, too.  I created my annual tip-ins and even had time to visit the zoo, where I took many photos with my wonderful camera.

Last year (2017), I was creating journal art nearly exclusively for Art Journal Journey.  All but one of the journal spreads were created for Art Journal Journey, while the entry on the bottom left was for Seth Apter's ARTifacts.  My friend Scott and I made soap, then days later, we cut the soap which had to be turned and dried for six weeks before it could be safely used.  I voted, which I would never miss doing.  I borrowed some letter dies from my shopaholic friend Kathy.  I had three days to use the dies, so had to be quick about it.  I set my Thanksgiving table for T Stands For Tuesday with large pumpkins and gourds.  When I cut the pumpkin a few days later, I planted several seeds of hope.  I also brought my herbs in for the winter and Bleubeard was curious about them.  I made one quiltlet for my friend Valerie using fabric I purchased specifically for that purpose.  Finally, I spent Thanksgiving with my friend Scott at his mother's home.  Sadly, his dad had died earlier in the year.

You can tell that AEDM isn't just about one thing, at least not for me.  It's about a lot of little things, like dyeing fabric, sewing art quiltlets, creating Christmas tip-ins, making my Christmas gifts, and photography. I was delighted to see some of my art friends also joining in this year, too.

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Now that you've seen mine, it's time to share your Second on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable.  Then link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit.  Please be aware this link is only open for five days, so linking on the 2nd is preferred.

Of course, I am also joining AEDM.