Hi Everybody!
On the 5th of each month we start a new challenge at
As always, the challenge is anything goes, this time with the option of using pastels. I made a card for a friend. The background has been water-coloured, the circles, plants and dragonfly stamped with Archival black. The quote is from Tim Holtz:
I also played some more with a couple of my hand-carved stamps and made 2 more A2 sheets. I am linking to Paint Party Friday.
Odd man out:
Buddha with Om script:
And I would like to wish all bloggers on the other side of the big pond a happy Independence Day:
On Sunday I went for an outing with G and H. First we visited a botanical garden in Duisburg:
I was fascinated by the seed-heads:
There is a small aquarium there with some wooden statues in the hall at the front:
It was very peaceful to wander through the garden, admire the flowers and enjoy the shady paths and corners:
Have a great day, take care,
and thanks a lot for coming by!
Ah...to be gifted with such peaceful surroundings would make my day, and that quote is perfectly perfect! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteI love everything today! The dragonfly piece is outstanding and the little birds...so cute. I could wander through botanical gardens everyday. Big surprise, huh? Heh.
ReplyDeleteWe thank you for the Happy Fourth Greetings.
Have a great one.
Hugs
This is a great post again. The card is a dream, love the colours. Your prints are fantastic again, I just love your own stamps. The American card is wonderful, too. The photos are all beautiful, you visited a lovely place again. Have a nice afternoon, hugs, Sarah
ReplyDeletethe joy in your art is so apparent, you love what you do and we love you for it! You also take us to the best places ,, I thank you for that!! beautiful photos!!
ReplyDeleteThe card you made for your friend is beautiful! Your own stamps always make me smile but I did laugh out loud at the odd bird out!!! Of course the flowers are wonderful - it looks a great place to visit! Hmmm, now where have I seen fish before? ;-) Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteThat dragonfly card is stunning. Most impressive. I'm sure the recipient liked it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the birds and the odd bird out. Too cute.
I was really impressed with the aquarium and gardens. Was that kite there on purpose, or did someone lose it? Hope your day is going well and thanks for the Independence Day art and wishes.
There were lots of kites for decoration.
DeleteI love your stamps and beautiful art Valerie! And your photos are wonderful, those statues look very interesting.
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Lovely card and beautiful stampwork! Enjoyed your flowers today, wow.
ReplyDeleteEverything feels like summer and lovely! I'd like to jump in with those fish just now!
ReplyDeleteYou and me too!
DeleteWhat lovely art pieces, I love your versatile and beautiful style. Your photos are also so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh such a lovely walk in the gardens and the sunshine is out and the colors are beautiful! I love your artwork as well - the dragonflies are stunning! Fabulous post from top to bottom ♥
ReplyDeleteWow, your dragonfly page is stunning! I love the soft pastels with the silhouettes, it looks so clean and fresh 😁. Your stamps are wonderful too, especially those little birds - beautiful! It looks like you had a wonderful time at the botanical gardens and it was lovely spending time with you there 😁. Enjoy your week! J 😊 x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous art pages Valerie and lovely photos. Summer is here on your blog in all its glory.
ReplyDeleteYvonne xx
Really lovely art today.
ReplyDeleteFabulous pictures of your visit to the botanical garden in Duisburg.
All the best Jan
Card and stamps are lovely. My favorite were the two birds chatting. Or is that tweeting? =^,.^= The gardens and aquarium look so peaceful. Those two chairs are certainly inviting. Some of the flowers look like fireworks which goes well with your very patriotic tag.
ReplyDeleteWOW OH WOW This is one amazing, and happy post. Colours are spectacular, flower photos are just another beauty of nature that you always capture...love this aquarium with it's peaceful vibes.xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Valerie those mixed media pages are stunning ,love the quote and love your hand made stamps you are so clever my friend and those flowers are amazing xx
ReplyDeleteAlways a joy to visit Valerie, fresh colours and amazing artistry. That wee black bird really stands out from the page!
ReplyDeleteYour eye always seems to capture the best within your photo's. So glad I managed to catch this today, fingers crossed the laptop lasts a little longer than yesterday.
Creative Hugs Tracey xx
My laptop is playing similar games, it's a real bother!
DeleteIt seems to be having a good day today (Fingers crossed..!!)) Just wanted to say Thanks for introducing me to PPF it's just what I have been looking for Thank you Dear Friend. Have a fabulous Weekend xx
DeleteWhat a beautiful walk through the garden with you! Those flowers!! And the butterflies!!That orangey day lily photo is spectacular!
ReplyDeleteYour stamp carving continues to blow me away,Valerie!
And your piece for pastels is beautiful!
Thank you for the wishes!
Jackie xx
Such a pretty dragonfly card and it's a very apt quote. Love the look of your new quirky bird and Buddha stamp carvings. look forward to seeing you use them.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens look so tranquil, a lovely way to spend your day,
Avril xx
That card is really cool Valerie. I love the colored circles. It could be an art journal page also. And it's always fun to see your little birdies-cool color play there. And thanks for the happy 4th wishes. That is a great card. Love the vintage figures you used. And lastly, it's good to see all those gorgeous flowers. You got some amazing shots. Hope all is well. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteLook at those daylilies! Mine are almost done blooming. I've really enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteYOU have a beautiful day.
You know I always love your handmade stamps, Valerie. Wow! These birds are awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd your dragonfly card is beautiful and unique!
Thank you for the lovely photos you shared with us, my friend. The wooden statues are extremely interesting. Kisses, my friend!
That kite almost looks staged... great pic!
ReplyDeletewonderful collection of art and photographs Valerie! Love your hand carved stamps! Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I don't know how you find time to create, take photos and blog everyday. Tell me your secrete. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHello Valarie...I am loving your page for MMM...I have always loved dragonflies/Damsel flies...so I love your stamp. Great quote and a stunning background too...xx
ReplyDeleteVery wise quote and something I need to remember ... I so love your handmade stamps. That little bird is so precious ... Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteLove the bird stamps.
ReplyDeleteReally gorgeous artwork Valerie and what a lot of fabulous photos. Love the floral ones and those colourful fish too.
ReplyDeleteHave a really lovely weekend.
Fliss xx
Brilliant pieces today Valerie, I am really loving your hand carved stamps, and your photo's are wonderful. Have a very happy weekend - try and stay cool! xx
ReplyDeleteyou really are creating wonderful stamp art ~ great photography too! Wonderful 4th of July collage!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Those stamps are so fantastic! Really wonderful carving!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sumptuous share of Art and Photos. 'Odd Man Out' made me smile. Happy you dropped by my blog this week
ReplyDeletemuch love...
That colorful cow is adorable, and that quote is right on time! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful experimentations! Your stamps are delightful, my Friend--as are your photos. LOVE them!
ReplyDeleteAll your art is so much fun! I love the colours, I love the stamps, I love everything! Gorgeous photos! Truly magical! Love the detail you show us with the flowers! So beautiful! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeletegorgeous colors and wonderful photos
ReplyDeleteDROOLING over your homemade stamps!!!! I want that buddha very badly! :D
ReplyDeleteYour dragonfly card is adorable!! I love the Tim Holtz quote!!! Goes so well with the image/colors.