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.