Friday 13 December 2013

Christmas Reflections


Jeanette Maisy House Life Book 2013 lesson is about Celebration and Gratitude. When I saw Jeanette's page with the robin, it immediately reminded me of my Mom. When I was growing up in Ireland she would softly call me over to the kitchen window to watch the little robin who visited our garden on a regular basis. How brilliant his burnt orange breast looked against the white dazzling winter snow. We would watch him just hopping in and out of the foliage that was bowing heavily with snow. The slightest sound would make him cock his head before continuing his search for hidden berries.

Jeanette's page had round collage speech bubbles where you could write what you were grateful for over the year. They looked like Christmas baubles to me, so I thought I would have my robin looking into a bauble at his reflection. Hence my idea of reflecting on past memories.


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Stamps and gesso were applied to the background. I did not have any suitable metallic paint but then found iridescent medium in my art supplies. I mixed a few drops of acrylic paint with the iridescent medium on my palette to give the desired colour. Hey presto! Beautiful shimmery paint. I applied the paint with a stencil and pallet knife to get a raised effect around the page.




I don't know about you but I cannot draw a perfect circle! This is where the help of circle templates come in useful.




I finished off the background with a snowflake stencil.






I am so grateful to have shared these treasured memories with my Mom. This past year has been such a blessing in many ways; for the love and support of my family and friends. For all my online friends I have connected with, and the talented and gorgeous Tamara Laporte whose faith in me has given me the opportunity to be one of the teachers in next year's Life Book 2014. I can't express in words how humbling and exciting this is to me. The Life Book program/workshop has been running very successfully for two years now, next year will see monthly giveaways along with lots of golden products. If you have not heard about Life Book, check it out by clicking on the image below or on the sidebar.




I am not sure if I will get to do another post for 2013, so I wish you all the joys of the Festive Season and a healthy and Happy New Year!





8 comments:

  1. Soooo cute -
    Thank you for sharing the (magical) steps towards accomplishing this adorable piece.
    Very Best of this Season to YOU!!!!

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  2. Thanks Maggid, I am happy you enjoyed the post. The very best of the season to you also.x

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  3. What a beautiful memory Serena. Love your page. :)

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    1. Thanks Deb, it was a very emotional piece to work on but also gave me great joy.x

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  4. Serena, every time your blog posts arrive I know I'm in for a treat! and this one is no exception.
    Seeing your gorgeous artwork, the striking robin reflected on the Christmas bubble, was magical on its own.
    But then reading such wonderful memories about your Mum and your childhood, it made it all even more special.
    And of course added to all of that you have the Christmas Spirit so well represented here, the fir leaves, the snowflakes, the green and red over shimmering silver tones, it creates that tingling sensation in our hearts that we always feel when this season arrives.
    Make this into Christmas cards for next year Serena, you're on a winner here!

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    1. Marta, thank you for your gorgeous comments, it is always a delight to read your sincere and poetic words not only about my art but your fellow artists as well.x

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  5. Thank you for sharing your personal precious memories - the beauty of those memories are so lovingly reflected by your work. Marta is so correct - you must create a christmas card - the sentiment behind the design deserves to be shared - so think about including your sweet words also. I cannot wait to start Lifebook next year - I am looking forward to starting a new and wonderful chapter in my life and I cannot wait to take a class under your instruction. Take care, have a wonderful christmas and holiday break.
    xx

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words Julie, yes I will definitely think of making it into a Christmas card for next year. Looking forward to sharing the Life Book lessons with you. Merry Christmas and enjoy the holiday break also.x

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