Here i took a small 3 inch x 3 inch thoma the tank engine board book and altered it into a halloween teenie mini album. This was my first ever attempt at this so please be kind

Once i photographed it i could see where i could improve things and in places things dont look to good but it was great experimenting and recycling a book i got at a car boot sale for just 10p..YES ten pence!. i thoroughly enjoyed creating it even if its not that good...please leave a comment a would love some feedback. ty

"ALZEHIMERS MEGA CANDY"IS HERE.....

Until 29th October 2009

This is what you will win a tote with all contents and more as items will be added the more who join in.This is her way to thank everyone of her bloggers for supporting my alzehimers fund raising wether through messages of support or craft items you have sent to her to sell at the up and coming bazaars

and what a great giveaway this is call in at her blog and post your entry today

crafts-international

To celebrate her 2 YEAR BLOGAVERSARY and also the fact that its Half Term Julie has some Blog Candy up for grabs. Its a brand new unopened Level 2 hostess set from the last Stampin Up catalogue and a full unopened pack of the no longer available Summer Picnic papers!

Check out her fabulous blog and enter her giveaway today

JULIE'S JAPES

Check out a great site for free books or cheap downloads

wowio is the best site i have come across and theres lots to choose for everyone

would you like to learn how to draw dragons or just peruse the rest of thier tilte

click on the book cover to take you there

What is WOWIO?
WOWIO is our passion. A passion for books. A passion for reading. A passion for removing barriers and expanding access to the written word. Ultimately, it's passion for FREE BOOKS + FREE MINDS.
Our Goals
Our business goal is to build a unique and viable company that creates valued relationships between readers, sponsors, and publishers.Our community goal is to dramatically expand access to written works by eliminating the economic, geographic, and logistical barriers while also ensuring fair compensation for publishers.
A Win-Win-Win Community
Authors and artists work hard to create their books and should receive fair compensation. WOWIO introduces sponsors as the primary source of compensation. Readers get books for free. Sponsors get opportunities to establish valued relationships with readers. Authors, artists, and their publishers get fair compensation. It's a win-win-win for the WOWIO community — where each group willingly gives a little to get something in return.

Drawing DragonsJim Hansen and John Burns

READ FREE ONLINE OR DOWNLOAD FOR A DOLLAR

Steeped in centuries of legend, dragons make the ideal subject matter for fantasy drawing and, as mythical creatures, they provide artists with virtually limitless creative scope. Illustrator and Jim Hansen, brings his considerable professional experience and artistic skill to bear in this appealing how-to-book for budding fantasy artists everywhere. Drawing Dragons guides the reader through every stage of breathing fiery life into their very own dragons. The book's clear, step-by-step pictures are accompanied by concise, easy-to-follow instruction, describing each level of technique from basic construction to colouring your finished artwork, combing user-friendliness and inspiration to create a recipe for success!

a cup cake collaged atc

here are some new cards created for artists trading cards swaps over on illustrated atcs and atc's for all 

These were created for a whimsical house swap

2.5 unches x 3.5 inches in size

never ending circles kokeshi

never ending circles kokeshi, originally uploaded by tarotwisdom.

One of three new artists trading cards created for a swap over at atc's for all. The swap was warm colours using yellow orange red and black.
Although these are allocated for the swap
I loved creating these and may go one to create some more in a cool colours theme of blues, greens and purples
if any one would like to trade one of these i can create on for you simply email me and let me know
artbyjan(at)googlemail(dot)com

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

A halloween card and envelope
This card was created entirely from freebies but i cant for the life of me find
the original to credit the artists so if the background paper is your work let me know and i will credit you with a link for this post
also i have an inkling the witch is a freebie from scrapbookingmad.com

CARDMAKING
I have been making some cards lately from some wonderful downloadable clipart i found at digiwebstudios see the link on the right side bar
here is the few i have created so far
some were hard to scan so i apologize for any poor pics in advance

I just adore these circus themed characters, they are such fun
and i must admit the circus always reminds me of mY dear Dad (now passed over)
as he took us to see the circus often as children and even now i can smell those toffy apples and my favourite the candy floss
Of course when your a child the clowns are the stars of the show
so i truly enjoyed making these cards
filled with memories :)

CARDMAKING
I have been making some cards lately from some wonderful downloadable clipart i found at digiwebstudios see the link on the right side bar
here is the few i have created so far
some were hard to scan so i apologize for any poor pics in advance

some further progress on my painting been trying to fine tune it bit by bit. I only hope its looking better

Here is my latest acrylic painting not quite finished and i dont yet have a title for this as its still a work in progress
definitly still needs some fine tuning around the hair and eyes
hope i dont fiddle too much and ruin it
Its size is 4 inches x 4 iinches on stretched canvas

How could i resist

I have just purchased for myself this beautiful pendant
featuring some of Ellen Morrows beautiful art
Here is a link to her shop ellenmorrowarts
check her gorgeous creations and prints ect
beautiful art

Here is some wonderful mail art recieved by email from
THOI TRAN

Here is my latest artwork entitled
Fish Universe
created using watercolour, prismacolour marker and collage with metallic paint pen details
6 inches x 6 inches

Aceo postcard fiction
Aceo magazine and facebook group aceo collectors and creators had a call to create an aceo postcard fction card.
here is the one i created
entitled
IF ONLY THEY COULD SEE

using an discoloured page from an old book painted over with acrylics an ink
and then a clear embossed the collaged words and the pupil of the eye
add a raised dimension to those areas
2.5 inches x 3.5 inches in size

I have just come across this site and discovered these scrumptious wrist key chains created by
SWEETIRIE
There is so many to chose from too Gothika, Fruit punch, geisha and one of my favourites Carnival oh and Mother earth too in fact i would love them all ..wonderfully funky but practical too and something you will use EVERYDAY.


sweetirie is also offering a free worldwide giveaway on her blog of a yummy pair of handcrafted earrings
check it out here

free giveaway

wake up the dead

wake up the dead
Originally uploaded by tarotwisdom

Here is one ofmy latest Artists Trading Cards created for a day of the dead swap over at Illustrated atcs. Created 6 for the swap and the rest can be seen over on my flikr.
This was a fun swap and i loved creating these somuch in fact that i have joined another swap of the same theme over at atcs for all

FREE TRAFFIC
HEY would you like free traffic to your website or blog, then head on over to wild treasure
and be featured in a hunt
what is wild treasure you ASK!


WILD TREASURE

What is Wild Treasure?
Wild Treasure is the ultimate social networking treasure hunt experience. It is a place where you can individually or with a team solve puzzles, challenge others and participate in discussions. Join today and begin your quest to find and win your first treasure!

why not join in the fun.
I know i am!

THE DAY OF THE DEAD.
Here is a watercolour painting I created for a day of the dead mail art swap.
I used prismacolor watercolor pencils and a sharpie marker.
I am currently creating some atc's also for a day of the dead swap on illustrated atc's

More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death.

It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate.

A ritual known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

The ritual is celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States, including the Valley.

Celebrations are held each year in Mesa, Chandler, Guadalupe and at Arizona State University. Although the ritual has since been merged with Catholic theology, it still maintains the basic principles of the Aztec ritual, such as the use of skulls.

Today, people don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. Sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend, according to Mary J. Adrade, who has written three books on the ritual.

The Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations kept skulls as trophies and displayed them during the ritual. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth.

The skulls were used to honor the dead, whom the Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations believed came back to visit during the monthlong ritual.

AMAZING AND FASCINATING WOOL FELT SCULPTURES
BY STEPHANIE METZ.
Take a look at these fascinating wool felt sulptures i stumbled across. They are amazing and very unique.
You have just got to check here website out for further sculptures.
STEPHANIE METZ

recognising the signs of a stroke and acting FAST. could save a life

Act FAST

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke act FAST

With over 150,000 people in the UK having a stroke every year, it is imperative that people can recognise a stroke when it's happening and take prompt action.

What is FAST?

FAST requires an assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke:

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Test all three symptoms.


The FAST Video from The Stroke Association on Vimeo.

Kauai Artist Cris Faye Interviewed

Renowned Artist Cris Faye is interviewed about her art and how it represents her love for Kauai.

FLOWER GIRL

Here is my entry for the INSPIRE ME THURSDAY challenge. This weeks them (prompt) is Whimsy

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY. Topic FAIL.

My poor Boston Terrier is feeling unloved and unwanted as he FAILED to get any comments and any bids.
is big dog eyes and appealing looks FAIL him..but i love him anyway

Here is my latest ACEO available here on ebay.
The Boston Terrier
Price starts at ONLY £1.99
for an original piece of art
2.5 x3.5 inches
created with watercolour pencils and acrylic ink and pigment ink
comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by me Jan Robson
The artist.

RECOMMENDED BOOK

Collage Discovery Workshop, Beyond the Unexpected: New Techniques Using Color, Personal Imagery and Creative Surfaces
CLAUDINE HELLMUTH.

This is an excellent book ideal for the beginner and more advanced collage artist.Plenty of techniques and tries to get your teeth into and to get your creative cogs whirling.
Highly recommended by many artists.

A follow-up to the bestselling Collage Discovery Workshop, this book taps into a whole new level of creativity. It's packed with original ideas and artwork, including: 16 new collage techniques and 12 new step-by-step projects; Exciting ways for readers to personalize their work with colour, photos, lettering and hand drawn elements; A wide variety of fun surfaces like canvas, fabric, altered books, paper and more; An inspiring gallery of work by the author and other top collage artists; Whether they're fans of the first book or brandnew to collage, readers will love the appealing artwork and easy-to-follow instruction found here.

Collage Discovery Workshop, Beyond the Unexpected: New Techniques Using Color, Personal Imagery and Creative Surfaces

BEAUTIFUL ART CALENDAR GIVE AWAY.
WOO HOO fabulous artist
ZINDY NEILSON
Is giving away one her amazing calenders in a fabulous free to enter draw
Head on over to place your entry
I have entered already so wish me luck

calender give away

here is my latest aceo listed here on ebay starting at only 0.99 pence for real original hand drawn art ooak too. link

"Humphrey Bogart" Time Lapse Drawing.

Illustration Friday.
Here's my contribution for Illustration Friday
This weeks topic is LEAP.
I chose to upload this piece of art as i feel that often we do hold on to our hopes and dreams and cherish them dearly.
But we do sometimes need to be brave,
to be daring
and take a LEAP
out of our comfort zone
out the the dream zone
and bring a goals and dreams into the realms of the real
check your dreams firmly into the REALITY HOTEL and take a brave LEAP. :)

LOST YOUR GLASSES IS IT ALL
BLURRY

Check out Robert Krampf

And his emergency glasses.
You will need:

1. someone that needs glasses
2. a piece of stiff paper or aluminum foil or even a leaf
3. a needle, pin, or sharp nail

And simply watch the video or follow the link to his site for detailed instructions.

ROBERT KRAMPF

MARK SLATERS SKETCHBLOG AND JOURNAL

I am loving Mark Slaters take on batman villians He is such a fabulous artist and well worth a peek
He has created some amazing portraits too including
CLINT EASTWOOD,
GERARD WAY,
(the wonderful)CARY GRANT,
and a fabulous DAVID GROHL
find his wonderful sketch blog here
MARK SLATERS SKETCHBLOG AND JOURNAL

DO YOU DREAM
why not check out this cool dream analyzer
The Curious Dreamer Dream Analyzer uses the 12,000+ symbol dream dictionary and associated interpretation resources. Create your own free dream interpretation using the online dream analyzer!

http://www.thecuriousdreamer.com/dreamanalyzer.php

AMAZING GRAPHITE ARTIST
GENE PLOSS

Getting back to the subject of aceo's and artists trading cards take a look at GENE PLOSS an amazingly tallented graphite artist

here is his bio in his own words
I am a fine artist and illustrator living in Buffalo, New York with my lovely wife Janice. I sell my work on ebay and do commissioned pieces on a regular basis. I also have a long term illustration project for bibleoftheday.com




http://www.geneploss.blogspot.com/

Akiane Kramarik


Ten-year-old prodigy Akiane Kramarik shares her artwork, poetry, and the fascinating story surrounding her talent.
Growing up in a home with an atheistic mother and a non-participating Catholic father did not stop four-year-old Akiane Kramarik from finding God. This girl's dreams began a conversation in the home that has eventually brought them all to Christianity and the world's attention. Akiane: Her Life, Her Art, Her Poetry is a collection of the best of Akiane's full-color paintings and poetry created from ages 4 to 10, along with details of her family and the amazing stories that surround each unique artwork. Already a media professional, Akiane has been interviewed on programs such as Oprah, World News Tonight, Lou Dobbs Tonight on CNN, and Schuller's Hour of Power. Akiane will be one of twenty visual artists participating in the October "Listen" event raising money for the world's needy children. Today Akiane's art is available online at www.artakiane.com

Fancy a beautiful portrait of your pet well click the banner above and head on over to Melanie Phillips website. She is an amazing artist and produces some of the finest pet portraits.
A little more about Melanie below.....

MELANIE PHILLIPS

Melanie Phillips is a professional animal and wildlife artist. She was accepted for one of the few places available on the Natural History Illustration course at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design and trained under a variety of prestigious artists. She passed with distinctions and now runs her own successful business as an animal portrait artists along with her partner Nick Beall whom she met at art college, and is also a portrait artist.

Melanie joined the team of London art college course artists about 10 years ago and has written and tutored a variety of courses including the young artists courses and the coloured pencil course. Due to the success of her own business and her artwork, she now concentrates on the Pet Portrait course and the Young Artist courses she has written and illustrated, to which she devotes a lot of time guiding her students in the right direction.

The majority of her portrait commissions come from America and she enjoys creating portraits in a variety of mediums. She uses Graphite Pencil, Coloured Pencil, Pastel and Acrylic however she is best known for her Oil paintings on canvas.

Her website is -

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

• The best blogging techniques.
• How to get traffic to your blog.
• How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Get Creating...check out this fabulous project and make some art today.

100 Artists Project

The idea behind the 100 Artists Project came from the 1000 Journals Project. The idea of getting a large number of people involved was appealing and so it was brought up on the comic art creation message board Penciljack as a way to possibly collect art and donate the funds from the sale of the art to charitable organizations.

The charities we've chosen this time around are the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and The Hero Initiative. Both these foundations help comic book and cartoon artists and they are both non-profit. Once all the art is collected and either auctioned or sold at a print-on-demand store, all the proceeds will go to these groups.

The project consists of a couple phases:

• The Big Mailer - This is the original idea and also the most ambitious. We take one sketchbook and mail it to 100 different artists. Each one adds to it in their own way and then mails it along until all 100 pages of the book are filled. The book is returned and each page is scanned. The sketchbook is auctioned off and the buyer pays directly to the foundations through MissionFish. Next, the scanned art will be sent to an online book binding and POD store front (more than likely Lulu) where it will be assembled, bounnd and sold at their store front. Again, the sales will be sent via Paypal directly to the funds.

• The Single Mailer - This part is simpler and was called for when we realized the Big Mailer could take years to finish and has a higher possibility of not being completed. In this phase, the 100 artists send in a single page of art. The art is sent to a binder to create a single book. After that the process is the same and the book is auctioned and then after the auction it is sold online.

The idea is the art is worth more because it's traveled so far and the books are wroth more because they are not just assemblings of different pieces of work, but work that's traveled a distance and done knowing that a good cause awaits them.

We decided two projects were needed because, while we're all honest people, there is the likelihood that a single sketchbook will either not survive 100 mailings or be lost or stolen. We're padding the project with the less problematic Single Mailer so we can actually get something done.

Eventually, we'll have smaller books that folks can sign up to work on. On the Sign Ups page there will soon be an option to sign up for the Single Mailer, the Small Mailer or the Big Mailer. As long as we can keep the project rolling, we can keep funds going to these great organizations.

A graphite drawing entitled THE EYES HAVE IT. Created using a 2b and 4b pencil this took a long time about 10 hours work and re-work. Its a3 in size

A red pepper still life in coloured pencils

An attempt at drawing Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy. created using colored pencils on grey paper

YOU CAN DRAW THE EYES NOSE AND MOUTH.
WITH LEN HAVERLY

Let Len Haverly show you how to draw the eyes nose and mouth.
From his how to draw series

KIWI DELIGHT
created using coloured pencils
Back to the ACEO's
I havent listed any aceo's for ages on ebay but i have submitted this one along with another two the the ACEO magazine for entry into the food aceo's contest
I would love to win as it would afford a free subscription to their wonderful magazine

aceo magazine

I am still trying so hard to master those colored pencil techniques.
This one was done using transparent layering gradiation techniques and burnishing.
I also used the complementary colours for the shadow and shaded areas.
I quite like the look of the petals as they do appear to curve and in the real the whole thing turned out very vibrant and seemed to POP off the paper
Got to draw some more of these it was so much fun

Hi everyone it's been such a long time since i posted here on my blog, I thought i better get some new stuff uploaded.
I have still been creating ACEO's and artists trading cards but have also been concentrating on larger size art of late.
Here are some of my larger drawings a portrait in graphite pencil.