Saturday, February 6, 2016

The Daily Marker 30 Day Coloring Challenge - Day Six

Hello Friends! I hope you've had a nice Saturday. I spent the earlier part of the day visiting my Farmer's Market. I love going each week for fresh fruit and veggies. Right now the beets are wonderful! I really like the beet greens better than the beets! I also buy handmade soaps. LOVE those! This week I purchased a bar called Hugs and Kisses and I tell you what...I wish you could smell it. I feel like this was made especially for me. It has shea butter, rose oil, rose water, and a touch of citrus and vanilla. In fact, when I walked up to the booth, the soapmaker picked it up and handed it to me. He said, "This one's for you. We've been working on this for 6 weeks and we finally perfected it." And perfect it, they did! It is lovely! My new favorite!



And then I did a little coloring in my Secret Garden coloring book. I am still a bit intimidated about coloring in my books. I don't want to make a mistake in them! But, I decided to just jump in and if I mess up a page, I mess up a page. The world won't end! LoL!

So, here's the page I worked on...



I have always liked topiaries and I think this page is really fun! I used my Faber-Castell Polychromos for coloring. Please click the picture to enlarge it. I like the two page spreads, too. And here, Ms. Basford suggests that we draw our own topiary in the pots that she's left empty. I won't be doing that. I'm no artist. I will simply color the pots and be done with it! Look at how cute this page is illustrated, though! So many cute shapes! My favorite, of course, is the heart. And next in line would be the flamingo. But, the rabbit is also cute and his pot has a trim of carrots on it! So clever!

 
Oh! Here's a bit of news, maybe you know about it already but, Johanna Basford, the illustrator of this very popular coloring book series, will be releasing TWO new coloring books this year. The first one will be released in August and it's called Magical Jungle; think elephants, iguanas, tigers, tropical hummingbirds, toucans and tree frogs. I've seen Ms. Basford's sketches from this book and it's going to be another winner. The next one will be released in October and it's called Johanna's Christmas. I cannot wait to see this one! I've seen a glimpse of a sketch from this book and I saw ornaments, nutcrackers, snowglobes, presents and stockings. Sounds like another one to add to my collection. Remember, there are three so far: Secret Garden, Enchanted Forest and Lost Ocean. I have them all and have not finished one page in any of them! Hahaha! But, no matter. I like collecting the books and leafing through them. The illustrations are incredible. This is a peek at another two page spread from The Secret Garden.



Well, I think that's it for me today. But, before I sign off, I wanted to share something with you...My blog and my art are my Happy Place. When I am creating and sharing with all of you, it's a moment in time where I can forget the challenges and struggles, hurts and heart breaks that life brings. I do have cloudy days, some really cloudy days and for those of you who know me behind the scenes, you know of what I speak. But, I choose JOY daily and I like to uplift, encourage and inspire and that is what is reflected in my art and on my blog. Please know that I appreciate each of you who chooses to visit The Buzz. And even though many of you never say a word, I know you're there and that means a lot to me.

Have a wonderful Saturday. Thanks for stopping by!


Blessings~


supplies~ 
coloring book: Secret Garden(Johanna Basford)
coloring medium: Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils

1 comment:

Jeanne said...

What a wonderful post, Barb! I SO appreciate stopping by and being uplifted and inspired by your creations. Whether it's a "simple" coloring page or one of your many works of he{art}. I know when I stop in, it's gonna be good. I was so touched for you about that new soap you received. How wonderful. I'm sure it's pure delight for you! And I didn't know about the coloring books to come from Johanna Basford. How exciting!! I so appreciate that you steep yourself in the joy that this life holds, no matter how hard or hurtful it can get. You are a wonderful example of the best way to live. Thank you! And big, happy hugs to you, my friend! :)