there is a Hope and He has a Name

There is a HOPE


Live Worship from Ireland

Stuart Townend

(lyrics are located below the photos - scroll down to read as you listen)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

~1 Peter 1: 3-9

I began this week really immersing myself in the lyrics of this modern hymn... and I was sure (or at least hopeful) we would sing it at church this Easter morning... We did!- with full choir and orchestra. This was greatly encouraging to me and I was caught up barely able to "sing" (which is not a sad thing at all as I use the term "sing" lightly when applied to myself... I more or less croak and squeak and always feel the need to apologize to whomever sits in front of me). HOPE for the believer is not something that might happen or might come or might materialize ... HOPE for the believer is a promise... a guarantee and THAT is the Hope we sing about... the HOPE we celebrate! ~Katey

(you can watch/listen to that Easter service HERE)

THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards
Copyright (c) 2007 Thankyou Music.

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv'n;
and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Savior there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied,
then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

Blessings ~ Katey

~(my ART)~

TiNY *cupcake* DaNCeR

I created a series of 2" acrlic paintings of various YUMMY CUPCAKES - and have now recreated them on greeting cards! I have a set of four available. The cards measure 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (plus envelopes) ~ the backsides have my art information and the title. The insides are BLANK for your own sentiment. SERIES TITLE: "You're my cuppie cake gumdrop" VIVID COLOR on professional RECYCLED grocery sack paper! ~~ THEN each one is HANDCOLORED by me with PRISMA COLOR PENCILS!!! WoW!!! HOT PINK Envelopes make them SMASHING!

BUY these CuPPy-CaRDS HERE

While you are in my shop - check out ELTON and the many other "FACES of ROCK" I have information on... ALSO see previous blog entries about them ...

Steven Tyler Jim Morrison Diana Ross Paul McCartney Elton John Mick Jagger Alice Cooper John Lennon

Mother Nature's Son

~.~

Earthy warm colors (especially in winter) are so comforting.

I have selected several pieces from my ETSY shop that are rich, textural, and "earthy" ...

"Sit beside a mountain stream--see her waters rise. Listen to the pretty sound of music as she flies."

BEATLES - Mother Nature's Son -- Listen as you browse

"Find me in my field of grass--Mother Nature's son. Swaying daises sing a lazy song beneath the sun. Mother Nature's son."


SEE THEM HERE
(look under wearable art & jewelry)

Altered Dominoes * Wool & Wire Earrings * Microscope Slide Glass Pendants * Assemblage Art Doll Necklaces * Hand Painted Bamboo Tiles

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." ~George Washington Carver

Who Knows How Long I've Loved You ...

" Love you forever and forever,

Love you with all my heart;

Love you whenever we're together,

Love you when we´re apart. "

"I Will" ~ The Beatles

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS ITEM IN MY SHOP

“Charmed, I’m sure…”

(a new series)

Introducing a new series (otherwise known, in my case, as a rabbit trail) - of charmed jewelry. These necklaces are assemblages of found pieces and what-nots - mostly 'new', but sometimes 'old' mixed in as well.

I always wanted a charm bracelet as a little girl so now I find myself making charm necklaces - ala a little more luxurious :) The various price ranges within the series reflects the varying ingredients, weight, time, and aesthetic. I use new and vintage pieces, but be assured the pieces are silver plated, gold plated, non-lead, and even non-nickel. If, however, you have metal allergies and require pure, precious metals be cautious of these please. I often treat the pieces with stained glass solvents to add patina and age. They are endearing!

I hope you enjoy each and every one.

May they bless your eyes and all who behold you.

¸.•*¨)(¸.•´ (¸.•´

Title: Moving Out

Measurements and Details: 1.75" tall cage (has a sliding door, swinging perch with a tiny bird inside)... 18" chain with barrel clasp closure plus a 3" section of metal branch with two little birds and their nest with one precious blue/teal glass bead egg inside...also crystal centered flower charms along the chain. Sterling Plated and Metal. An Organza gift bag included!

Visit my ETSY STORE

xo - Katey

.

Pay it Forward ART !

Are YOU an artist?

Check this out

Pay It Forward Art Blog

(go back/down to the first entry to get all the details!)

Jump in on the next ART BOX

oh OH Domino

Van Morrison - DOMINO

I'm back!

And so are my Domino Pendants!

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

WiLD and WaCKy

I know I promised lots of "work in process" photos, but I haven't stopped painting long enough to post here - but that is about to change!

The large "BiG HeADs" project is complete (scroll down to previous posts to read all about those)and they are in place - as well as the 14 smaller 25-inch portraits. I will be back soon to update you all on the outcome (so far so good - very positive feedback)...



In the meantime I have switched gears to some arty projects that are less room-consuming: arty doll jewelry assemblages which I will be posting soon as well! They are DELICIOUS!



joy in the journey,
katey~D

www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com

Fractured Fairy Tales

The Fisherman Wishes - Fractured fairy tales circa 1959-1961


Here is a mixed media series - my latest creations...

I created a series of hand-colored/embellished prints - taken from my original paintings on antique storybook pages...

with fond memories of a childhood favorite

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES

affordably listed in my shop on ETSY...

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

thanks,
katey

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!


Enjoy the listen :)





Great gifties for ANY time always available in my shoppee!

Etsy Buy Handmade blueyeduckstudios

COLORS

To listen press the "play" arrow

Phil Collins - True Colors

There is nothing like the fresh limey green of spring ... except of course the rich deep green of summer... or maybe the reddening of that green in autumn... or is it the rich green gone red gone rust gone brown before the snow of winter hides it all away?




We have a darling cottage shed in our yard
(I'll have to share pics one day).

A first cousin to this cottage shed is a tiny cottage closet sized shed. I have painted (opaque stained actually) both of them a rich forest green with crisp white trim and deep red doors.


The little closet shed I have shown here has reclaimed shutters as doors. We have hauled them all over the state in our many moves and finally gave them a home on this little structure.


In this season of transition I am trying out some new adventures of my own: one being a camera I am learning to use (no instructions please, I never read them!) and the other an editing program...again... trial and error as I won't be reading any of the user's guides ~ ha.


I have formal training in Visual Communications / Graphic Arts -- but that happened back when phones were connected to walls with curly cords and music videos existed only in my dreams (for real ... they did).



This photo editing thing is all very new to me. When I (normally) want an image a specific color or shape I naturally want to reach for gouache or ink ... not a mouse.

So here they are in all their newbie glory ~ a set of four photographs mounted on heavy 200 lb watercolor stock.

I will be adding them to my ETSY shop soon :)

Meadows of Heaven

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

...But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control...

~ Philippians 3:20-21a

~ NiGHTWiSH ~

(from "Dark Passion Play")

Summer is falling asleep and so much is changing all around me. There is nothing new under the sun… so I should not be surprised by changes in seasons or in friendships or in the way the hearts of men (women/ children) wander and wonder.

As the night air gets cooler after each sunset I feel the trees in our woods getting sleepy and I see the acorns piling up in the tired grass in the morning. I absolutely love autumn, but it is so melancholy . .. And I am not sure what to do with that. I love it. And I regret it.

The colors of this sleepy season are my favorite - our entire home is clothed in olive and deep leafy greens… rich blood reds and wines…. muted golds and ochres…so earthy and rich and warm.


(instrumental version)

Happy Little Ellies

Baby Elephant Walk by Henry Mancini

Once upon a time I painted some mini art (in watercolor ... and maybe some gouache though I expect I did, but don't remember for certain)...anyway... I made a series of 2" squares with a lil purple elephant.

I have resurrected the images and placed them on greeting cards. It is kind of a virtual recycle or upcycle of art I have already created. I have elongated them ('puters are so much fun that way) and added a funky waterycolory background....

I have them on ETSY for fun and promotion (you know, maybe someone will see them and come visit my shop and stick around awhile to see what else I have in there....)

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com

SiN

Someone saved my life tonight...

by Elton John

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"The Seven Deadly Sins"

Lust. Greed. Pride. Sloth. Gluttony. Anger (Wrath). Envy.

I just remembered -from English Lit- that "eggslap" was the acronym we were taught to memorize them by... envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, lust, avarice, and pride.

A series of events led me to drawing these nasty little beauties.
Some events I observed ...

Some events were hurled into my life ...

Some were recollections of the past year or so and the behavior of friends and so-called friends... even my own mistakes in handling events...

After coming across some small stone gargoyle statues in a gift shop - depicting the seven, so-called ', deadly' sins - another artist and I challenged ourselves to creating a series of our own interpretations of the sins in some sort of anamorphic format -- and so, these Gargoiles (pronounced Gargoyles - but emphasis on 'goils' as a play on 'girls') were born.

Lust was first and came easily. She evokes the most emotional response from me because she seems so innocent to her victims... and her (allegded) rewards are instantaneous. The Elton John song you are playing (you are playing it - yes?) - captures this one for me... such a passionate song... so well done. She is indeed that "princess perched in her electric chair" ... that "dominating queen" ... that "butterfly" ~ fly away!

And by-the-way, please don't get all offended at my use of the feminine - I recognize "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - myself included. My artistic license has driven me to create these in the feminine form for better or worse.

With the little stone statues fresh in my mind - the flesh tones on my versions of these 'goyles is also stone-like and harsh.Each beauty measures just 2.5" x 3.5" (standard trading card size - known as ATC or ACEO). They have been created on black art paper with PrismaColor pencil.

Anger was really suppose to be Wrath. Afterall - anger in itself is no sin - "Be angry and sin not" -- It is the wrath, avarice, vengeance, and smoldering hatred that can follow that is actually 'the sin'. So, I wish I would have placed Wrath on her sash instead. *sigh* but I didn't - I was so completely into the doing of the thing - pencils flying... imagery crawling out onto the paper... it all happened quickly. I confess to having sinful thoughts while creating- recalling certain people and events and allowing myself to indulge in bitterness briefly. I stomped it out though - and chose forgiveness instead.

Anger is often tied up in passion and can cross-over into so many other areas of danger (visiting and mingling with these other ladies of darkness), but anger used to fuel what is good and right is a powerful tool in the human condition ...in which case such passion is a gift.

I hadn't intended for Envy to have green eyes - rather funny now that I see her there all unhappy with everything.

Poor Gluttony - her 'y' didn't even fit on her sash. Such a big title for a big issue. Never satisfied - with anything.

Pride - so confused. Isn't is good to be proud? Why is pride a sin? Look at her - all self-assured that she has no sin. That is it then - Pride is utter self assurance - no need of anyone and certainly no need of God. Pride has it all handled - completely.

Greed can never have enough - I think she and Pride may be twin sisters here. No one else exists. She will never know peace.

Sloth *yawn* - no big deal ... someone else will do it. She is not responsible. She is here for her - and so are you. You are here for her - you do it. It's your problem, not hers. That's how she sees it all.

The series will be available in print at a later date as a set.
The originals are at auction on eBay (the link is to the upper left).

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
~Romans 3:22-24

joy in the journey,
katey-D
Psalm 103

THe TiME iS NoW

It seems that my Apologizing to Vincent entry struck a lovely chord inside many hearts (neato frito). See the entry HERE . That is always the intention, but has nothing to do with me. Blogs are wonderful that way - they are there if you care to look - and if you don’t care to look - you simply don’t. Those who do look might learn something new about themselves. (again, neato frito). That is certainly an amazing thing. In any case - I have been touched by the large number of readers and responders... which, again, has nothing to do with me. (megalicious neato frito with dip).

I am impressed at the lengths non-account bloggers go to get messages to me and I am thankful! I am also extremely thankful (as if thankfulness has degrees) to the four blogs that featured my Vincent entry. It meant that the message of self-examination, forgiveness, and seeking the Truth (and nothing but the Truth) was seen by many more than I imagined ~ AND hurting hearts found a small measure of comfort, ~ AND hearts that saw themselves in the entry were moved to evaluate their own part in the drama of life, ~AND lost hearts were welcomed, again, to a safe place.

Because I felt my own heartstrings tugged on by Vincent’s life situation (obviously), I thought I’d feature a piece of my own altered art that showcases Van Gogh's face and his art (along with other art & artists) …


This piece is sold, but I have intentions of creating another somewhat like it one day soon. I cleaned my studio ~~ for a party - to ease the embarrassment of my family ~~ and now it's like I have all new "stuff" to play with!



We close our eyes and wonder how much longer the earth can hold the tears of all its children. We wonder what became of Eden while we live in the garden we have grown. But there will be hope when we finally understand we were never meant to make it on our own.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



We look ahead and try to face the future, but find we have no heart for this tomorrow. There is a vision that is brighter and if we will believe, it’s not too late. For every decision becomes a destination and today we face a choice that cannot wait.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



Now is the time and today is the day. Now is the time and we cannot delay. This is the moment and this is the place for the mercy, the power, the love, and the grace.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



The time is now. The time is now. Now is the time and today is the day. Now is the time and we cannot delay. Now is the time....



~Twila Paris 1995