Where Do We Go From Here?A Peek-a-Boo Projects All Grown Up-Part 1

 As we begin a new year many often reflect on the year gone by, to weigh what was, goals realized, magical memories made,  the good, the bad; the ugly. 2021 was a year of changes for us, we were skeptical homeowners, wanting to get out of our charming, but in need of repair 1930's brick Cape Cod house in Catonsville, Maryland. We doubted we would ever be able to move into a more suitable condo for our needs. But through incredible circumstances and an amazing realtor agent we managed the impossible in May we moved to our single level ranch condo, just seven minutes from my middle school job.

We returned to full in person learning  this school year, with interruptions made by close contacts and student needing to quarantine for days or weeks depending on the mandate at the moment. I said last year was my most challenging in my 32 years of teaching, I was wrong. This school has proven to be even more challenging as we try to get our student back into a routine and practicing social norms.

My foot is finally one hundred percent healed as I changed podiatrist when we moved and they immediately started me on a new regime of skin grafting. I was unable to attend our largest art show as it was on uneven terrine and my foot could not be forced to endure those conditions. But we have had two very successful shows. Former customers are commenting on how my artwork has become so much brighter. It is amazing what the natural light in our condo has done to evolve my art.      

Many of you ask where I get my creative inspirations, many of them come from my love of nature and a desire to try to be unique and not copy other artist but further my brand. I love to Upcycle my Peek-a-Boo Projects and use them on my Hand Bound Treasure Books and Alter Boxes.

I will be posting my "Top Ten Peek-a-Boo Regenerations of Favorite GSCL Products"

10. My favorite GSLC Frames are often used on my book covers and boxes.

GSLC-Arabian Triptych, GSLC-Reliquary-Arch Top, GSLC-Triptych-Arch Top, GSLC-Triptych-Tower Tops

9. Fern Fronds, Ginkgo Leave, Mushrooms were fantastic  additions to these project.

GSLC Fern Fronds, GSLC Ginkgo Leaves, GSLC Mushrooms Shape Set

8.The picture patchwork tiles make a great addition to book covers also.

 Patchwork Tiles-Peek-a-Boo Project-GSLC     

  

7. The Tribal Tidal Pools Project was the inspiration for this book cover.

Tribal Tidal Pools-Peek-a-Boo-Project-GSLC

6. The  coins from My Coin Collect make nice additions to many book covers.

My Coin Collection-Peek-a-Boo Project-GSLC         

Picture Patchwork Tiles-A Peek-a-Boo Project

 Back in March 2020 when our world turned upside down I started rediscovering my well established neighborhood just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. It is a fantastic collection of older homes with diverse architectural components.  I called these hood-hikes-Seeking Signs of Life,  Hunting Hints of Hope, and Beholding Bits of Beauty. I discovered a love for photography and would post ten images I collected from each of my jaunts. I unfortunately developed foot issues and had to stop my walks in my little wonderland. I spent time making these picture patchwork squares from my collections. They are the inspiration for these tiles. They now stand a monument to our time there as we have recently moved into a 55+ community less than 10 minutes to where I teach. I still have foot issues and will explore what our new neighborhood has to offer once fully healed. I’m hoping by summertime.

1.  Prepare Picture Patchwork Squares using an editing tool. Then resize and print for your tiles.

2.  Cut apart Prepared Images and Glue to Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts-4 Inch Trading Coasters, Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts-2.5 Inch Trading Coasters using Weldbond and a paintbrush.

3.  I like to use Deli Paper to rub images making sure they are secure to the coasters.

4.  Use a fine grade Sanding Block to easily round the corners of the coasters and to assure no extra paper is over the edges.

5.  Use a rougher grade Sanding Block to add vintage and interest to your coasters.

6.  Choose Tiles that will be stacked on top of each other.

7.  Add a quick coat of Matte Gel Medium on each of the trading coasters.

8.   Next, Choose a piece of complimentary sari  ribbon to sandwich between coaster layers.

9.  Once layered use an awl to punch holes in 2.5-inch Trading Coasters, then use miniature screws and a screwdriver to secure the two pieces together.

10.                Sometimes the screws come through the backside. Use a file to flatten these sharp points.

11.                Next use embossing ink and Foamie Moroccan to add texture to the tiles.

12.                Spread Clear Embossing Powder on inked portion and cure with a heating tool.

13.                Gently rub Gold Lead Rub'nBuff to the elevated surfaces.

14.                Now use an ink applicator to add Saddle Brown StazOn to the Coasters giving them a rich vibrant look.

 

Some Final Thoughts.

This is a simple project to create and allows you to showcase some of your own photographs if you can figure out how to download them for your device. One thing that Covid taught us is that simple pleasures can be immensely satisfying. Some people learned to slow down and take time to appreciate what they have long taken for granted. Some folks discovered a new talent or took up a new hobby. As we look forward in hope to the upcoming month I hope the lessons we learned along the way are not forgotten. I am  slowly able to get back to taking short walks through my every changing neighborhood as seasons pass from one to another. May we always have eyes to see the simple gifts being offered to us each day, hearts to heal what is wounded, and hands to hold as hugs return and the human touch is restored slowly but surely!!

"When I'm in turmoil, when I can't think, when I'm exhausted and afraid, and feeling very, very alone. I go for walks. It's just one of those things I do. I walk and I walk and sooner or later, something comes to me, something to make me feel less like jumping off a building." -Jim Butcher

"There comes...a longing never to travel again except on foot."-Wendell Berry

"If you seek creative ideas go walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk."-Raymond I. OD Myers

'If you pursue happiness, you are an ordinary person. If happiness pursues you, you are an extraordinary person. Do not chase happiness; let it chase you!"-Peter Deunov

I liked how taking walks through my neighborhood never going out father than a  couple of miles offered such riches and treasures. I was fascinated how many people asked me where I lived because I was able to capture the charm of a countryside village but in the shadows of major US city.

 Supplies:  Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts-4 Inch Trading Coasters, Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts-2.5 Inch Trading Coasters, Prepared, Sized and Copied 4 inch and 2.5 inch Patchwork Picture Squares, Scissors, Weldbond, Paintbrush, Deli Paper, Sanding Blocks,  Matte Gel Medium, Sari Ribbon, Miniature Screws, Screwdriver, Awl, File, Foamie Moroccan Tiles, Embossing Ink, Clear Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, Gold Leaf Rub'nBuff, StazOn Saddle Brown Ink, Ink Applicator,

I cannot wait to see your interpretation of this project. Share it on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Craft Group Page on Facebook. I would love to see what new creations you are working on!