Friday, March 10, 2023

LIFEBLOOD


Original Abstract Mixed Media with fabric background (4x6) "LIFEBLOOD" - SOLD!

ONLINE SHOP


I am slowly returning to my reupholstery work this week after having a procedure done to address a fibroids situation. This scripture strengthens me in the battle of shedding of blood. Victory is mine, because He who shed precious blood on the cross gave me eternal life. I believe in Jesus. Not by my strength, but by the Spirit I find healing and rejoice. Thank you, Jesus.🙏😊💟






ART MEMORIES - 6/100 Original Abstract Mixed Media with fabric background (4x6) "LIFEBLOOD"

Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22

https://odb.org/US/2016/02/29/lifeblood

JOURNALING - Lord, I thank You for Jesus and for the shedding of His blood for me. I want to live my life in gratitude to You.

PRAYING: The blood of Christ washes away our sins.

Monday, March 6, 2023

NEVER LATE



Original Mixed Media Mini Art Quilt (4x6) "NEVER LATE" - NFS

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DISCOVERING
(words to grow by)

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Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again.” 

(John 11:23)

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ART MEMORIES - STORYTELLING



 
Close-up of the gold metallic thread I used to create a shiny texture surface effect to play off the dense woven green fabric. I layered tons of machine zig zag stitches to put focus on the vertical emphasis.

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EXPLORING (process of becoming): I started with a cardstock pattern paper size 4x6 as my substrate. I played with the collage composition to see how I wanted to work with the varying fabric weights of my remnants. The centered green fabric with multiple metallic gold stitches was a leftover from a fun afternoon of creative exploration. It's the heaviest item to stitch down so I decided to make that my center focal point for the background. 

Over that layer, I stitched my most fragile paper remnant, from my Gelli printing done on copy paper. I loved the softness of the greens and the white edges, created from hand tearing the paper bits. I wanted to use this light, soft green layer of paper as a transitional pathway leading toward the batik fabric remnants that were sewn down next, making up the foreground. In the bottom corners are some bits of heavy recycled canvas fabric painted over with a glaze of brown acrylic paint. The stem was made using that same recycled canvas. I loved the feel of the heavy canvas sewn down over the background remnants. It served well as an anchor providing an overall feeling of stability to the sewn collage mini art quilt.



I layered torn strips of batik fabrics in plum and brown tones to represent the thin soil, sand, and rocks that did not have anything growing - except that one stem that pushed through the dry soil to grow upwards. I decided to use a cotton thread in the color yellow ochre to signify the golden rays of light that had traveled over the barren land, through the stem and hovered over the bud ready to keep moving upward and outward. What will be its fruit? What will be its flower? Only God knows those details. I choose to focus on the blessing that it's never too late to grow (resurrect) - when God is in control.



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A Tip For Sewing with Gold Metallic Threads?





Metallic threads are gorgeous but a huge pain to work with.  Either the thread breaks while machine sewing, or makes a bird's nest under the fabric, which jams up my machine. This causes me to have to troubleshoot the machine hoping and praying that I can fix the problems myself. Or worst, at times, it causes me to get the machine professionally repaired - $$. I even tried hand sewing with gold metallic threads but the thread twisted on me while I worked on the project and created knots causing me to stop my hand stitching. I would then have to cut the knot, thread the needle, and begin sewing again, just to have the same situation repeat itself. So for many years, I gave up on using these beautiful shimmery metallic threads.  Until recently I found a way to work with it! I don't know if I read this tip, or heard it on a podcast, or Youtube video but THE TIP WORKED! Here is how to machine sew successfully with metallic threads. You have to "buddy up" the thread with another thread that is well-behaved (any cotton, polyester, or cotton blend will do). You must make sure the eye of your needle can manage well by having two threads threaded together. My machine serves as a Serger too so I am able to sew multiple spools of threads through my needle. I loved the results. I used a similar color thread in cotton to marry well with the golden metallic. I soon found myself playing, partnering various color threads together. I played and played until I had to stop my creative exploration to start making dinner for the hubby. Try that tip and let me know how it works for you. This not only allows you to bring in a reflective thread that bounces the light through your artwork but it also creates a lovely texture to feel. 


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ENJOYING (spiritual wellness): What I've learned through my creative exploration, and mark-making, inspired by the Word (John 11:23) is that growth (resurrection) can happen in unlikely places and that God is 100% in control. The seeds that I try so hard to control, to grow where I want them and under the conditions  I desire are always over the Father's ruling. Sometimes God shows me favor, grace and even mercy and growth occurs where I expect it. But more times than not, I am learning to wait patiently for the Lord to direct the growth in pathways that are favorable to his ways, his will. What's amazing is that God works even as we sleep. He desires for us to rest our mind, body, and soul and have faithful hope in our waiting that his ways are best. What I "see" as barren soil is just a seed at rest until Jesus says to rise again.  

I am in the midst of returning back to blogging after being away for a full week. My health concerns with my fibroids lead me to seek a medical procedure that took place last Monday. The recovery was not as I had planned it. I planned for a week of non reupholstery work and no machine sewing because of the discomfort I was advised that would be part of the recovery process. 

Well, in my mind I heard "no reupholstery, but I can still work on reading books, setting up my online shop, and computer stuff to continue the growth of my creative business". Boy, was I wrong? I had forgotten that I'm a lightweight when it comes to meds and let's just say, I DID A LOT OF SLEEPING and when I was awake, MY MIND WAS NOT MY OWN. Retaining information was difficult and again, did I mention that I did a lot of sleeping. It wasn't until yesterday, Sunday, that I finally went a day without meds and I'm now getting my personality back :) 

I created this DAY 5 mini art quilt the day before I went to the hospital but I just never got around to posting it. Let's just say I'm doing the 100 DAY PROJECT in my own unique way. The John 11:23 scripture is one of my favorites, which I journaled about on January 17, 2023.  In the word, we learn that Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave because he wanted to provide a new way for people to experience the sovereignty of God (full control of all things). At that time many of Jesus's followers had been listening to the teachings of Jesus. They heard how God made all things and ruled over land, sea, and all animals and plants. There was nothing that was not under the control of God. Even life and death. Jesus used the rising of Lazarus as an object lesson. People could now learn by seeing the sovereignty of God. We all know the story, how it was many days after his death and even his own sisters told Jesus to not even bother that the body was not smelling good and it was too late. Martha had faith and she knew Jesus could perform miracles. But her expectation of when, and at what time the miracle would come was of her own choosing.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. (v. 21)

Here is where Jesus teaches that we are to have faith in the process of waiting for the things we hope for. We must believe in Jesus and that he is who he says he is - our sovereign God.

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (v. 25-26)

I take this Word as a seed to grow as wide and as tall as Father God allows it to grow in me, through me, and in spite of me. Let's face it, I need to grow in my patience but I know God can grow things in unexpected places, even in a heart that is resting during recovery from a fibroid procedure that went from just day surgery to require to stay overnight at the hospital. Instead of one or two days of recovery, to a full week of resting. Guess what, I'm so much better for it, and yes, I'm growing and when God allows so will my creative business. Online Shop under construction to open with inventory this week. 

~ Blessings, Sandra 



Reflect & Pray

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JOURNAL: What are you waiting for God to do or provide on your behalf? How can you wait by faith?


PRAYER: For You, Father, I wait. Grant me Your strength and faithful hope in my waiting.





_______(CHANGEMAKERS)_______


www.alchemydee.com








Sunday, February 26, 2023

KEEP TALKING ABOUT JESUS!

 


Original Mixed Media Mini Art Quilt (4x6) "TALKING ABOUT JESUS" - NFS

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DISCOVERING
(words to grow by)

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Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 5:42)

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ART MEMORIES - STORYTELLING






BEFORE PHOTO

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EXPLORING (process of becoming): I started by using a recycled library index card as my substrate. I then machine-sewed the Kantha fabric that was gifted to me by Gae. I did some slow hand stitching using DMC white thread using satin stitches to bring out the essence of the softness of the bloom of the flower. I love using the fullness of 6 strands to fill space and create a "lifted" illusion of the stitch markings. It makes the light play nicely with the image of the print fabric and the threads sewn above the surface. I used a remnant of some print fabric pattern on velvet to create the bottom, soil section. I love the echoing quilt marks that flow throughout the piece. I believe I'm getting a flow to this series. The binding was done using quilt fabric. 

 

 Close-up of satin stitches and the Kantha fabric.







  • A satin stitch is a versatile type of stitching that can be used to finish a variety of projects. A basic satin stitch is a fill stitch covering small areas with smooth, close stitches that lay flat on the fabric. It's sometimes referred to as a flat satin stitch to differentiate it from other members of the satin stitch family. Other members include the long and short satin stitch, padded satin stitch, outlined satin stitch, and shaded satin stitch.

  • Narrow rows of satin stitch create an elegant appearance on finished pieces. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your initial attempts at this stitching technique leave something to be desired.


ENJOYING (spiritual wellness): What I've learned through today's creative exploration, and mark-making, inspired by the Word (Acts 5:42) is that my spiritual care and creative growth require my ability to share the truths of God in LOVE. Sharing love is a complicated and serious business. It requires agape love.  


You might ask, "what is agape love? 


One important aspect of agape love is that it extends beyond emotions. It's much more than a feeling or sentiment. Agape love is active. It demonstrates love through actions.


For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)


  • A simple way to summarize agape is God's perfect, unconditional love.
  • Jesus lived out agape love by sacrificing himself on the cross for the sins of the world.
  • Agape love is more than an emotion. It is a sentiment that demonstrates itself through actions.


My artwork is an extension of my person. The mark-making of drawing, sewing, cutting, pasting, etc... are expressions of my faith in action. My faith is what sustains me with the hope to wake up every day with the expectation that I serve a purpose.

God created everyone with different gifts and talents. I was created to share my gifts for the visual arts with others. It is my love and passion to share my joy of creation - whether through my reupholstery services, my healing arts workshops, or the handmade items I create, my artwork. 

You might ask "But how do I know what I was created for?"

Well, talk to God about it. Pray to God asking him to reveal to you, and make you aware of the gifts and talents he has provided you. Journaling and listing PROs and CONs of things you like to do is a good way to document what actions you have participated in. 

Reflect back on the marks God has guided you through. Perhaps your mark-making experiences were not through painting or drawing, maybe it was through gardening, cooking, cleaning your home, teaching your kids, or even taking a walk in your neighborhood. Every day we all make a mark with every action we choose. 

Now, are we aware of the marks we are making? Are we consciously thinking and praying to God for our marks to be rooted in him? Are we living to keep talking about Jesus? To share that agape love? 

I am honored to be a children's ministry teacher at my church and when we speak about agape love and talk about Jesus the best and simplest example I can give them is to SMILE. Speaking the truth in LOVE does require actions but the actions don't have to be supernatural (unless God provides it). Agape love means you smile at a stranger and keep smiling, even if the stranger does not smile back. 

My artwork is how I SMILE at the world. Agape love as an artist means I create beauty for beauty's sake. Because my artwork will not be understood or be found favorable by all people. Just because I don't become a wealthy, famous artist by the measurements of mainstream society does not mean that I am not an artist or that my artwork is not valuable. 

Whenever doubts come to my mind I think to myself "what is your motivation?". The Holy Spirit of God dwelling inside my heart speaks to me, and I listen, as it clearly states "to share the JOY OF CREATION". To create to keep talking about Jesus! 

I pray over everything I make because when I create I am participating in visual prayer. God and I work together in every masterpiece I create. That's the agape love that I choose to live in. To love God first and put him before anything else, so my mark-makings, my expressions of faith actions speak of his love. Loving others comes through our commitment to love God first.


~ Blessings, Sandra 



Reflect & Pray

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JOURNAL: If you’ve ever been told to stop talking about Jesus, what was your response? What are some ways you can tell others about Him?


PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for the example of the apostles and others who were bold witnesses for You. Please give me the courage to follow their lead.



_______(CHANGEMAKERS)_______


www.alchemydee.com








 

Friday, February 24, 2023

PRAYING IN DIFFICULT TIMES



Original Mixed Media Mini Art Quilt (4x4) "PRAYER IN DIFFICULT TIMES" - SOLD!

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DISCOVERING 
(words to grow by)

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From the ends of the earth I call to you... as my heart grows faint. (Psalm 61:2)

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ART MEMORIES - STORYTELLING




BEFORE PHOTO

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EXPLORING (process of becoming): I started with a vintage library index card (that was trimmed to a size 4x4 square) as my substrate. I machine-sewed an ALCHEMY upholstery remnant, similar to the one from Day 2 (but this time I positioned it upside down compared to yesterday's placement). Sometimes when you find yourself using similar elements all it takes to create a new adventure is to flip things around. I practiced some free-motion sewing using white thread to keep the movement light and airy. My forms were very organic and as I practiced mindful sewing (slowing down my speed) I began to make rough "echo style" quilting marks that took on the shape of something growing above the surface of the soil. I then layered and sewed on the textured fabric with its metallic golden threads sprouting outward, and a tiny velvet snippet (similar to yesterday) with again another form opening up, pressing up through the soil. The last bits of fabric that I added came from my Spoonflower printed fabric "Process of Becoming". I machine sewed it on and then with my micro pen (sizes .005 and 0.5) I drew in some zentangles to emphasize the curvature of the land and the shape of the growing flower. The black lines provide a nice contrast and balance to the almost transparent stitches done in the white thread. Shadow and light work together to bring awareness of the power of light. The "light" reaches outward, upward, and flowing. 


Below is the first book I ever purchased years back when I first heard about zentangles (doodles for mediation). It helped me to better understand the process and boosted my creativity. These days I have several more zentangle books in my library but instead of copying other people's designs, I create my own.

 

 Close-up of some zentangle, hand drawing, done using a micro pen on top of the fabric.





What is a Zentangle?



My zentangles are a great place for me to turn to when in need of shape inspiration. Below is one of the first books I purchased on zentangles. Its still one of my favorites.



Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. If fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle -- always keeping your hand in a relaxed position. You don't need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise.


ENJOYING (spiritual wellness): What I've learned through today's creative exploration, and mark-making, inspired by the Word (Pslam 61:2) is that my spiritual care and creative growth require my listening to the voice of God. I believe God hears all my prayers!  He hears my audible prayers, my silent prayers, and also my visual prayers (mark-making). Making and creating ART is my sacred visual prayer time with God. 


You might ask, "What is visual prayer? 


My visual prayer time is when I seek God through personal creative explorations and mark-making. With every decision that I make and every change to the medium of my choosing (be it clay, paint, paper, or mixed media) my mind, body, and soul are pouring out the expressions of faith that are surrendered at that moment to become present in the dwelling of the Word. Holy Spirit leads and guides me through the transformation of each artwork. What to cut, trim and cover up and what to leave untouched and exposed. The transformation is not of my choosing or control, but that of the Father's will. I create art to become more aware of who I am (mindfulness of my mental health, stress, and total wellness) and to seek direction from God as to which pathway will bring me Shalom (peace). Listening to the voice of God provides me the opportunity to choose to travel with God by my side. To make changes that are pleasing to him for the purpose he created me to serve.


My prayers of lamentation may be rooted in emotions of pain, hurt, disappointment, and even anger against the injustice of this world. I move all that negative energy (stress) out of my mind, body and soul (where I house my emotions) through my mark-making, through the changes I make in the experience of the creative exploration. I call the outcome my Art Memories because the ART that is made is the documented storytelling of my time spent in prayer with God. In this sacred prayer time with God, talking to my Creator, I seek and ask him to open my eyes.


Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:18)


It's not my words of petition or protest or even praise that have the power to heal me and transform my spiritual wellness. For my words come forth through the understanding of a human mind, body, and soul structure. My words are limited - thus, why I cannot heal or "fix" my concerns through my own ways and knowledge. 


You may ask "then why to speak my words, my human words to God, why pray?".


I pray not because God needs to hear me - for he is sovereign and knows all. I pray because I need to hear from God so that I may hear my words transformed through his Word into tangible meaning, a pathway of awareness that lead me to Shalom. Shalom means peace and we are called and created to be "peacemakers". 


Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)


I cannot live my life purpose as a peacemaker, a follower of Jesus if I am captive in the prison of negativity. My hope is alive through my faith in God to dwell in me, and transform me into his choosing - to use me, to bring light to a broken world. 


We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalm 33:20-22)


All my prayers are heard in heavenly places, my Father God hears me (sees me) and through his Spirit, he dwells in me, and speaks to me - transforming my words into moment-changing, life-giving opportunities for me to walk, live, and shine in the light of Jesus. To listen and hear the Word of God "his laws" as "my words" - for me that is to wear the Word as skin. The Word of God is my refuge, my shelter to keep me safe so that I may not sin and die a spiritual death. It guards my pathway so that I walk in Shalom and my ways become that of the Father's way. That I seek the Lord daily and ask "Lord, what shall I do today to please you? Lord, what shall I create today that will speak of your goodness and faithfulness?"


I believe that God is for me, to transform my stress into favor. For stress is not bad, stress is what wakes me up with purpose and responsibilities to take action. This is what is called positive stress. Stress is harmful when it is negative stress when it is rooted in dark forces, the enemy's rule over your mind, body, and soul to not believe in God's promises, in his Word. This negative stress, if not addressed, can transform into sadness, depression, anxiety, crisis, and trauma. 


God is there in every season to be our helper and transform our darkness into light, if we seek him. Visual prayer is my way of seeking God's presence to guide me in the transformation of the process of becoming more like him. Less of me and more of you, Oh, Lord! 


God is for me! God is for you! He will be there, always, when we pray to him. God hears our prayers.  


PRAYER: Father God, guide our every mark-making, every change we make so that our eyes are open to who you are and who you created us to be. Amen

~ Blessings, Sandra 




_______(CHANGEMAKERS)_______


www.alchemydee.com








Thursday, February 23, 2023

WATER OF LIFE


Original Mixed Media Mini Art Quilt (4x4) "WATER OF LIFE" - SOLD!
ONLINE SHOP


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DISCOVERING 
(words to grow by)

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You would have asked him and he would have given you living water. (John 4:10)

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ART MEMORIES - STORYTELLING





BEFORE PHOTO

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EXPLORING (process of becoming): I started with a vintage library index card (that was trimmed to a size 4x4 square) as my substrate. I machine-sewed an ALCHEMY upholstery remnant, similar to the one from Day 1 as a wholecloth quilt style of layering elements. I then added a vintage lace fabric that was fraying from the edges. I loved how the bottom loose threads reminded me of wandering, meandering roots growing from the "seed". The next layer was made up of again ALCHEMY upholstery remnant (emerald green with gold flakes) and then a snippet from my original fabric-painted monoprint (done on the Gelli plate with acrylic shimmering paints from Arteza). Then a simple ivory cloth (cotton twill) topped with a velvet upholstery fabric square that I drew an illustration of a "seed" using a white acrylic paint marker. For embellishments, I added some found seed beads that were taken off an old project that Gae had gifted me during our 2022 swap. I just did simple straight stitches using DMC black threads. Making sure I sewed through several of the seed beads just in case if one thread would become loose the whole strand would not come apart. I finished with hand straight stitches, to recreate the patterns I found on the package box that came when I ordered some watercolor brushes (see the black "v" stitches) that I associated with drops of rainwater falling down to water the seed. I also introduced some French Knots to represent some tiny seeds that were nested below the main "big seed with gems". Did some machine sewing using white thread for movement of vertical growth and completed it by using quilt fabric for my binding. I love the purple tones alongside the key lime green.

 

 Embellishments up close: seed beads, and straight stitches in black DMC thread.





What is French Knot - embroidery?





The French knot is one of several knotted stitches used in surface embroidery and produces a knot similar to a colonial knot. This stitch has a reputation for being difficult, but persist in your efforts. Once it clicks, you'll be sprinkling French knots all over. I sprinkled a couple towards the bottom of my mixed media mini Art Quilt. 


ENJOYING (spiritual wellness): What I've learned through today's creative exploration, mark making, inspired by the Word (John 4:10) is that my spiritual care and creative growth require the emptying out of any thoughts, ideas, and misconceptions that "I" am the one who is in control of making beautiful things that bring joy (smiles) to others. Instead, I am learning to become aware that I must pray for the Holy Spirit guidance, to use me, to bring forth the objects of delight that please God thus, produce things that are good to share with others. What is the motivation for creating artwork?

In the scripture today we see the Samaritan woman thirsty at the well. She does her normal routine of seeking water to quench her flesh of thirst. She meets Jesus and he approaches her with words that I hear as "kindness, compassion, and love" towards the Samaritan woman. A woman who views herself as a social outcast because she has had many men and none were her husband. She comes during the hottest time of the day to fetch water (a time when she expects to see no one). Thus, no one for her to hide from and no one to ignore her as well. I don't know what's worst - when you feel lonely because you're physically by yourself or when you feel the same way while in a crowded room because you sense no one "sees you" - understands you, values you. 

That's the case when we set out to create our artwork as well. Will anyone understand my mark-making, my painting, my art?

You think, is my artwork disposable and if it reflects who I am, does that mean I am disposable?

Jesus sees her (he sees us) and he asks  "Will you give me a drink?" (v.7).

WOW! that word "give" is such a powerful word. I imagine her being shocked, surprised to say the least. That a man (a Jewish man - for Jews were not allowed to associate with Samaritans) would value anything she had to offer. And instead of taking from her Jesus provides an opportunity for her to be empowered by her own voice and actions. For her to choose good things of value. Jesus is asking her (and us) for her to give of herself willingly to him. That is the beauty of salvation. God does not force it upon us. Jesus gave his life so we may have eternal life (John 3:16) because Father God has agape love for his creation. A love that comes through sacrifice.  What are you willing to sacrifice to improve your personal wellness. 

The woman at the well, eventually begins to understand that the water Jesus speaks of is spiritual water and receives it in full measure. "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks of the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (v.v. 13, 14)  

Have you tasted the goodness of God's living waters? I have tasted the water of life and I do not want to turn back. My mind, body, soul, and spirit are blessed every day by the overflow that comes from within me which is the Holy Spirit of God. It is guided by that Spirit that I choose to create. That is my motivation for making art to share - the Joy of Creation with others so you too may have eternal life. 

PRAYER: Father God, You welcome all who are thirsty to come to the waters and drink. Satisfy my thirst through Your living water. Amen

~ Blessings, Sandra 



______________(CHANGEMAKERS)______________


www.alchemydee.com









LIFEBLOOD

Original Abstract Mixed Media with fabric background (4x6) "LIFEBLOOD" - SOLD! ONLINE SHOP I am slowly returning to my reupholster...