Second on the 2nd: Up

 

As most of you know, I like my second look each month to reflect our host at Art Journal Journey's (AJJ) theme. That means I needed to find something related to Erika's What's Up?

For several years I participated in the Craft Barn Challenges.  Sadly, the Craft Barn, a UK company that sold all kinds of scrapbook, altered art, and mixed media supplies has now been closed for several years.  These were year long challenges, each issued every fortnight.  In 2014, their theme was Lyrics and Quotes. This is from January, 2014.

Things to remember were you had to use one or both of the word prompts they gave.  For lyrics, the artist and song title had to be part of the spread. 

 
For the first prompt, which was either Smile or Up, I chose Up, represented by Up, Up, and Away (in my Beautiful Balloon).  It was the one song I could think of when I saw the prompt.  I decided to use one of my many used file folders. 

In addition to the file folder I colored with my homemade shimmer mist, I also used an image from a vintage book and a tag that held the relevant information about the artists and title.  I tied them together using a brown Micron .05 mm ink pen.

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Now it's time to share your own 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.  It could even be one that holds special meaning.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable, as long as it's been published sometime in the past.  Then link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit, although I may not be able to leave a comment.

 

 

 

What's Up?

 

 Happy 2026!!!

I want to begin by thanking Sharon from "That Girl Fritchey!" for such a great job hosting in December.  We've already invited her to join us again this year to host a month.  Second, in case you haven't read, blogger is STILL not allowing me to leave comments.  I cannot seem to get rid of the dreaded "Failed to Publish, Try Again Later." Please understand I hope you realize I DO keep trying at least twice a day.  

We begin the new year with a new host as we do each month.  This is one of our moderators and my dear friend Erika who many of you know as BioArtGal.  Erika's theme for the entire month of January is What's Up? 

Erika suggested "if you want you can make pages about things that are up,
like things in the sky..."  Therefore, I went that route. 

It's obvious I named this "At the hot air balloon festival."  Details are below.

I began by coloring 110 lb cardstock using blue watercolor.  Once dry, I stamped five hot air balloons, the best of which I detailed.  I then computer generated the sentiment and outlined it using black dye ink.

Please remember we welcome art journal pages that meet the theme requirements, altered book pages, canvases, loose, or stand alone pages including fabric and digital art.  I (and the administrators) cannot leave comments on Facebook, TicTok, or Instagram entries.  We do not allow cards!!!  Period! We also don't allow tags, index cards, ATCs, or ATCoins, unless they are part of a journal page, and as much as we don't want to, will be forced to delete your entry.  Please remember if your blog is not in English, we ask that you translate it for us since the translation tool doesn't work on some blogs, including mine.  Finally, we do not allow back-links to any journal page published prior to the start date of this month's challenge. Hope to see you and your What's Up? inspired art soon at Art Journal Journey.

 

Thank you so much for visiting today.  I hope you will join Bleubeard and me at Art Journal Journey with your own interpretation of What's Up?

 

T Stands For Ceramic Mugs

 

For those of you who visited last week, you read I was headed to The Spice Merchant as soon as I scheduled my post.  I know better than to visit during December.  There were no parking spaces anywhere near the shop and there were people coming in and out as fast as mosquitoes land on my arms in summer.  I knew I would never be able to stand in line that long, so gave up and came home with no coffee.  Not a problem.  I still have an ample supply.  

My friend Scott was here over Christmas and he did a bit of maintenance on my computer.  I thought he might get my "Failed to Publish, Try Again Later" message to go away, but that didn't happen.  I hope blogger gets its act together soon, because my readers and followers are getting tired of me making these excuses.

I found these ceramic mugs while I was there before.  

I was really shocked at the cost of these.  Who knew they would be that expensive.  Certainly not me!  In case you can't read the prices, these are all $25.99 (USD).

I've shown you mine, now it's your turn to share your T entry this week.  The rules are extremely simple.  Your drink related post may be anything from a photo of a glass, cup, or mug, to an actual drink.  You may choose to share a sketch or a digital, hybrid, or traditional page in your scrapbook, art journal, or altered book, as I have done.  Maybe you'd prefer to share a tag, or wow us with your photography.  You might choose a postcard or decorated card.  You might even draw an image on a used tea bag.  Or perhaps you prefer to review a place you visited, a movie, or book.  It makes no difference as long as it's drink related.  And don't forget that the more unique and outside the box it is, the better we like it.  Please tie it back here, and please link only to your T post, not your entire blog.  When you link, Bleubeard, the T gang, and I will be by to visit.   Bleubeard would also like to remind you that your photos may be taken any time. 

 

Heading home for the holidays

 

In case you haven't read or been by my blog in awhile, blogger is not allowing me to leave comments.  I cannot seem to get rid of the dreaded "Failed to Publish, Try Again Later." Please understand I am very frustrated and hope you realize I DO keep trying.  

Today, however, you will find me at Art Journal Journey where I am joining Sharon from "That Girl Fritchey!"  Sharon wants us to share anything Winter. 

Bleubeard, Squiggles, and I are heading home for the holidays.  Thankfully, it will not be in this truck.  Detail of words is below.

I want to thank Sharon for being such a great host this month.  From the posts I have read, she is doing an excellent job.  I wish I could have played more.  There are still several days left, so I hope you will join Sharon and me at Art Journal Journey with your journal pages of Winter.

 

 

T Stands For Fur Lovers

 

This post almost didn't happen.  I was on my way to The Spice Merchant when I realized I had no T Tuesday post scheduled.  I am now fighting a deadline, after which I schedule, will be heading back to The Spice Merchant for my "free" pound of coffee and more gifts.

These mugs are for all the furry friends and family lovers out there.

You know who you are.  You are the pet pamperers and these mugs are dedicated to you.  Merry holidays.

For those of you who have no fur babies, here are some random mugs, including the snow men you can use to toast T Tuesday for Christmas.

I've shown you mine, now it's your turn to share your T entry this week.  The rules are extremely simple.  Your drink related post may be anything from a photo of a glass, cup, or mug, to an actual drink.  You may choose to share a sketch or a digital, hybrid, or traditional page in your scrapbook, art journal, or altered book, as I have done.  Maybe you'd prefer to share a tag, or wow us with your photography.  You might choose a postcard or decorated card.  You might even draw an image on a used tea bag.  Or perhaps you prefer to review a place you visited, a movie, or book.  It makes no difference as long as it's drink related.  And don't forget that the more unique and outside the box it is, the better we like it.  Please tie it back here, and please link only to your T post, not your entire blog.  When you link, Bleubeard, the T gang, and I will be by to visit.   Bleubeard would also like to remind you that your photos may be taken any time. 

 

 

 

Bleubeard, Squiggles, and Elizabeth wish you a happy Hanukkah and a merry Christmas.