KEEP TALKING ABOUT JESUS!

 

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

ONLINE SHOP

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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

 

PRAYING IN DIFFICULT TIMES

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

ONLINE SHOP

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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

WATER OF LIFE

ART CLOTH (4x4) "WATER OF LIFE" - SOLD!

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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 soul 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

LISTEN AND LEARN

ART CLOTH (4x6) "LISTEN AND LEARN" - NFS

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DISCOVERING

(words to grow by)

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Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

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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 as my substrate. I added one of my original monoprints (from my green color scheme) that was created using acrylic paints on a half sheet of copy paper, printed on a Gelli plate. I also included a snippet of my original artwork titled "Process of Becoming" which I had digitally printed on linen fabric. It had some Kantha stitching (hand embroidery) using Wonderfil Thread, Spaghetti (12 wt)  white thread to calm down the intense saturation of color. You can see in the BEFORE picture some beautiful recycled green color fabric strips and trim bits that were gifted to me by a dear lovely artisan friend named Gae Sharp-Richardson. One of the bits was taken from the deconstruction of a rag rug. To learn more about Gae and her artwork you can visit her Facebook page Happenstance on 7th where she shares images of her creative reuse art. 

 

Geli printed papers with recycled threads sewn down using my Bernina 300 series sewing machine.

What is Kantha stitching - embroidery?

Kantha work is usually done with running stitches, but there are variations to this embroidery that uses other stitches too. I am new to the world of embroidery so running stitches are a fun way to stitch meditate and slow down my thought process on a busy day. Helps me to listen to what's happening in my body. If I'm anxious, like lately at doctor appointments, I pull out a small remnant of fabric and get to slow stitching with a needle and threads. Listening to my body is a very important process I have taken for granted for many years. I turned 50 this year and I am now learning to be more mindful of my mind, body, and soul connection. My daily art discipline for my soul care begins with dwelling in the Word (discovering the Scriptures) where I discover the passage after reading it several times. Then I explore the passage by art journaling using prompt questions like "what word(s) are weighing heavy on my soul? What images, themes, or actions are illuminating an awareness of changes that are actively occurring in my mind, in my body, in my soul that might be tapping into my emotions? Any aches and pains that are being manifested? I journal a bit then I explore being in a quiet place by hand stitching. Exploring how my hands feel as I thread the needle and pass it through a variety of fabrics or mixed media papers provides me a release of stress, anxiety or suppressed negative energy. Slow stitching, running stitches in a mindful way where I'm not focused on perfect stitched rows or final outcome allows me to be creative without judgement. I find that I learn much about myself by reviewing and reflecting on what expressions of mark makings I have sewn through the  exploration process. Some days I sew many tiny stitches when I'm feeling very rigid and confused about details of my life. Other days I find I create with large stitches, using bold, thick Wonderfil Threads from the Sue Spargo collections. Not all days are slow stitch days, some days my energy is so overwhelming that I must release them by making pathways of stitching using my sewing machine. Some days I sew with my sole motivation is to feel my hands move quickly as fabric passes under the moving needle and I make curves, and crossing straight lines. A nest of sorts on the top of the fabric surface so it creates a new texture with a variety of threads couched down by a simple white thread. I mask my slow Kantha stitches under this explosion of running stitches. The art cloth revealed is not always beautiful but it is part of my story. 

The top fabric in neutral tones of green and blue is from my ALCHEMY remnants stash, handstitched inspired by the Kantha stitched fabric bits (seen laying side by side in the background) that Gae gifted me during our swap in 2022.

ENJOYING (spiritual wellness): What I've learned through today's creative exploration, and mark-making, inspired by the Word (James 1:19) is that my soul care and creative growth require patience, sacrifice, and forgiveness. I cannot achieve what I desire on my first attempt if I rush the process of becoming. There are days when I need to slow down and listen to my soul process of creating art cloths. To make sure I'm mindful of my fingers and my breathing. That I not make this art discipline "work" but instead receive it as good news as I would receive any other medicine for my soul.  I learn to not become upset with myself and not to lose my peace. Nothing will become of my creative process if I lash out at myself with words of disappointment and judgement. I learn to surrender the idea of perfection and forgive myself when things don't result as I desire them. I learn that beauty can come from the sacrifice of things once labeled as "the perfect stitched fabric".  

The end result of this daily practice was that I sacrificed my Kantha stitches so that the harmonious color scheme of the green textiles would be the main focus. I was listening to the color balance of the art cloth as it came together. My machine stitching was done in white thread to allow for a muted energy of movement to travel from the soil to the faintly stitched shoot outline to the left of the words LISTEN AND LEARN.  Can you see the movement? I was aware of the release of negative energy but I did not want to scream by using a bold thread color. I was not ignoring my struggle to be calm and slow down; instead I made the conscious decision to not allow it to overpower the process and thus create a dramatic contrast with my color palette of greens, yellows and other warm muted tones. How different this art cloth would of turned out if I had changed the thread to a thick (12 wt) RED color thread. Peace sometimes is found in the middle of chaos.  Engaging in daily soul care, mental health and wellness is part of a ChangeMAKER's lifestyle. Thank you for reading my story, I pray it may encourage you to LISTEN AND LEARN. 

~ Blessings, Sandra 

______________(CHANGEMAKERS)______________

www.alchemydee.com

CHANGEMAKERS - Speaking the truth in love.

 

CHANGEMAKERS

We are storytellers, we are makers, we are all in the process of becoming; we are CHANGEMAKERS.

Speaking the truth in love.

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Art Journaling is my visual prayer time with God.

Welcome to our CHANGEMAKERS Space, a community of people who choose to gather together discovering, exploring, and enjoying the adventure, that is life. Finding our voice in a safe place. God is the original creator, and maker of all things. He created us to be creative and share the truth in love.

Why do I choose to create every day? Because creativity is not a luxury it is a necessary daily discipline for spiritual care, mental health, and wellness. When your mind, body, and soul connection is Spirit-led, you make mindful changes to develop and grow all of your relationships in joy and peace. For this we give thanks!

As much as possible I love to share and create with others in person. Yet, I have found this challenging, with everyone's schedules so different. Thus, why I have created this blog space. I will share with you my visual storytelling through my Art Memories, new creations. Along the way sharing art techniques, and Scripture that inspire me to grow in my creative explorations. I pray it may encourage you, strengthen you, and inspire you to discover, explore and enjoy your spiritual gifts and talents. Blessings, Sandra (ALCHEMY owner)

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