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Live Love Laugh

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 by Alyice

This canvas was designed for my brother-in-law who just so happens to love fishing and the great outdoors. I really love the canvas itself, and the saying…Live, Love, Laugh is one of my favorite. It’s a reminder to me to appreciate life more and I’m hoping it will be a reminder to him that though we are miles apart, we love him and wish him well in his life.

I’m not really pleased with the way image of his mom sits out like a sore thumb. I originally had intentions of applying beeswax to that triangular area. It would have blended everything quite nicely and given it the look and feel I was going for, but just as the melting pot and beeswax arrived, the online mixed media group I belong to sent out a huge caveat. While the beeswax adheres rather nicely at first, it soon begins to flake off and leaves quite a mess.

Well, there’s no way I was going to send a faulty canvas to the west coast so I opted to forego the beeswax and consider another alternative. There was only one problem: the transportation of the canvas was leaving in only three days! (Leave it to my father-in-law to get impatient and plan his trip earlier!) Since I didn’t have enough time to do anything else, I coated the entire canvas with several coats of semi-gloss varnish.

Word on the street is that he liked it very much. “WHEW!”

Keep Creating

Posted in Artful Wednesday | 2 Comments »

A Jar A Day

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 by Alyice

Here’s a sneak peak at my latest creations.

I’m very pleased with the outcome of these altered jars and bottles. I’m improving on technique and gaining more confidence in my abilities with each new jar I create. I’ve learned to work in sets and stages, too. If I don’t, I find my impatience takes control and I screw things up. I’ve also discovered that painting in spurts really helps me relax and de-stress.

If you’re interested in one of these jars or having me custom paint one for your home or gift recipient, don’t hesitate to drop me an email! The jars start at $24.99—a steal for something quite unique and one-of-a-kind.

Keep Creating.

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Thunder Road

Monday, June 9th, 2008 by Alyice

Now that the thunder storms and heavy rains have finally come to a calm, my daughter’s been asking—no begging—for a trip to Thunder Road Family Fun Center. Soon she’ll be able to legally drive here in the state of South Dakota and practicing on the Go-Karts gives her comfort. I doubt she’ll be getting her driver’s permit anytime soon. After all, she’ll only be fourteen and I’m just not ready to let her behind the wheel at such a young age—I even made my son wait until he was 15 to get his learner’s permit—but letting her practice on a few Go-Karts…I can handle that!

My daughter drags us here every summer to practice her driving skills while my son challenges his dad (my husband) to the batting cages—”Who can hit the most balls at what speed?”

Since I’m not a fan of 70 mph balls flying at my face, I opt for the Go-Karts, too. It’s fun speeding around the track in a battle to the finish line, but I must admit that I am not a fan of all the illegal bumping going on as it can take a real toll on one’s back and neck.

Besides the batting cages and Go-Karts, Thunder Road is the home of the human foosball, miniature golf, water wars, and a climbing wall. Each event is priced separately so come with lots of money.

If your tween is nearing driver’s license age, you may want to check out Thunder Road Family Fun Center—just make sure your doctor gives you the okay if you have neck or back problems. Then visit Thunder Road Family Fun Center online for a location nearest you or drive to 201 N. Kiwanis, Sioux Falls, SD or call 605-334-4181.

Until next time…

Posted in SD Transplant | No Comments »