I find that if I do not take an interest in the details of life there is always something that seems to be missing. That is not to say that I sit in judgment of life but that a part of what is my life is incomplete. Often there are moments when I pause and realize I have been dreaming and not living. Even the mundane is a lesson in living. There is a spiritual side to all of this that must be seen as well. After all, our journey is one that has a definite start and finish. Our life is the classroom. If I pay attention in class I can graduate with eternal life. Think about that for a second. Does that not mean paying attention to the details of living my life? In class were you taught to pay attention if you wish to graduate? It is up to us to live our lives and allow others to live theirs. My life can only be lived by me and your life can only be experience by you.
How He Lived
Not, how did he die?
But, how did he live?
Not, what did he gain?
But, what did he give?
These are the merits
To measure the worth
Of a man as man,
Regardless of birth.
Not, what was his station?
But, had he a heart?
And how did he play
His God-given part?
Was he ever ready
With word of good cheer
To bring a smile,
To banish a tear?
Not what was his church?
Nor, what was his creed?
But had he befriended
Those really in need?
Not, what did the sketch
In the newspaper say?
But, how many were sorry
When he passed away?
Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 735). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.
Today is an example, as I would hope all of my posts would be, of loving the details. I have another image from Technique Junkie called "Young Girl." The stamp was very difficult to get a good clear image. It took 7 sheets of card stock, 2 images per sheet, before I had a good image to use. I do not know if it was me, the stamp or what but here is the image.
The card is nothing more than the image on card stock. It was a case of not wanting to ruin anything and have to try again. Here is the card
Skin: R00, Rooo, R0000, RV0000
Eyes: E42, RV000
Lips: RV23
Hair: T1,T2, T4
Shawl: Y04 and faded with the 0 blender
Blouse: E42, G40
Background: BG000
There is not sentiment in it but I had made up one that reads "Love You & Miss You" but if the card is given as a gift I want none on the inside.
I tried to use two of the bad images and they were total disasters. I thought about posting one of them but decided not to. This one was a two day project as it is. I hope you like it. That's it for this edition. Keep well and remember to always Love The Details.
No sentiment as it's gorgeous just as is! Sensational coloring.
ReplyDeleteLynn
Hi Irish, first of all I wish to thank you for your in-depth comments on my blog. I do appreciate you taking the time to comment on the creations of a novice crafter.
ReplyDeleteAbout your card, this is ART. You are a copic wizard. The hair, the scarf, the eyes...enchanting.
The poem was a classic - how often we miss the lesson by wanting too much for ourselves and not giving!
ReplyDeleteLove your image and card - I sometimes find if I am having trouble getting a good impression, putting a thin layer of firm (foam) rubber under the surface I am stamping on can result in a better impression. .\
Blessings
Maxine
That is a beautiful image and you did a super job with the Copics. I really enjoyed reading "How he Lived"....food for thought.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful coloring! Such a detailed
ReplyDeleteImage!
I use an old mouse pad some times for detailed and fine images to get a better impression. Beautiful work!
Once again your inspirational intro to your post was some wonderful food for thought. Thanks so much for sharing this. Your vintage creation is just coloured superbly and worth all the effort in the end.
ReplyDeleteHugs
DesÃre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}
Stunning image and colouring she looks like a portrait, The how he lived verse is a favourite of mine, we have 2 trays that we had up on the wall, one with this verse and one with foot prints, and seeing this has reminded me that I need to get them out and up on the wall here in the new house so thank you for the reminder
ReplyDeleteKevin
Pause for reflection stirred by the thoughts and poem you've shared. Daily, I pray that I may touch a life (or many) in some positive way; a the day's end, I pray that I did so. The smallest of gestures may, truly, transform a life; we need to be mindful of what our gestures are. Your gesture in colouring and sharing this image has added a dimension of appreciation to my life: I appreciate your talents and creativity; your generosity in sharing; your revelation that this was the result of overcoming obstacles. You teach us well, Jim, by example....thank you!!
ReplyDeletec
hello jim...wonderful image and I read all your thoughts and yes they make me think!!! TFS
ReplyDeletebibiana
It sounds like you where determined to get it right and you sure did. It's exquisite.
ReplyDeleteJust amazing it looks like a fine portrait from a very posh gallery such patience and talent. Thanks for the reflections and beautiful verse. Also thank you so much for joining my blog followers I really appreciate you taking time to join Look forward to more fantastic work Love and happy Crafting Carole x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card. Looks more like a photograph...Coloring on the face is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I'm sorry you had such a hard time stamping that image, but it sure was worth it...I'm in love with her :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully colored, Jim! Love that image! Blessings! Kathy
ReplyDeleteThat is a most inspirational poem and one that really expresses all the we need to be thinking about as we go from day-to-day. It's the mundane things (not the highs) that make up most of our lives. And yes, just like in the classroom, we had to pay attention. Don't think that life is any different. It's called learning from your mistakes, and if you're smart, maybe learn from someone else's mistakes. Be willing to lend a helping hand, do a kindness, see that somebody needs a shoulder or some cheering up. Little things. But...it's part of being the kind of person you hope you were at the End of things! (We signed our Wills today, so that's really on my mind tonight! So a very timely post!). Loved the image. I can just guess it was a bear to try to color and get the shades & brights just as you wanted them. Now, personally, I'd enjoy seeing the ones you _didn't_ like! It's encouraging to me to see what somebody else considered 'not good enough', 'cause you know what? I bet the rest of us would like the effort just fine. But again, you're in the details, and what you finally shared is perfection. I like the card just as it is. If it needs a sentiment, it can go inside as it's needed. Would make a terrific gift too! TFS the pretty card, and also the very appropriate & timely post.
ReplyDeleteOH yes I love that face stamp, so very expressive. I lov e what you did with that. I wish you a blessed weekend,
ReplyDeleteBig hugs Anja
WOW. She is stunning, as you look at her eyes and face, you wonder what she is thinking and doing. I love your color work too. These dark stamps are often clip art made into stamps. I personally love them, but know some people find them hard to color. If it is a new stamp, you can sometimes get a better impression if you clean the stamp first before using it and rough up the rubber a wee bit. Love that poem!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sue
I love this image! Your coloring is amazing! The colors you chose are perfect! I'll go check it out I might like to try my hand at coloring this beautiful lady!
ReplyDeleteUr coloring is Just mind blowing, I can't get my eyes off it :)
ReplyDeleteWow - I think this may be my favorite piece you have done - seriously. It almost looks like a photo - here hair and skin tones are PERFECT. Fabulous job on this! Love your post as always - so refreshing and such a great way to start my day. Hope yours is wonderful! Hugz to you and Jill!
ReplyDeleteWow your words really touched me, and it's written lovely! I'm a dreamer too thank you for such an inspiring post! And the colouring wow !!!! The detailing is stunning!
ReplyDeleteVic x
I just love these vintage stamps! Great coloring to bring it to life!
ReplyDeletewhat a stunning image! -so beautifully coloured too! It may have taken a lot of attempts to get there, but this is perfect!
ReplyDeleteChris
x
Totally stunning and beautiful words have a great weekend huggles Sue xx
ReplyDeleteJim your posts are always such an inspiration to me! I love reading your spot on thoughts, and your coloring of this image is just amazing!!! I don't know what it is but I've had the same issue with some of the larger vintage stamps.... so sorry it took so much card stock but wow, was this ever worth it!!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous card! Your coloring is just amazing! She has a post on her blog about conditioning stamps to get good images- removes the coating from the stamp press....I always 'condition' my new stamps.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful image Jim and colored beautifully. It was worth all the work :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love what you said "Our life is the classroom. If I pay attention in class I can graduate with eternal life". The image on your card is beautifully colored!! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteI have the chills reading your post as your words have moved me. The image is breathtaking and beautifully colored. Truly inspired.
ReplyDeleteWonderful coloring on the good image! I have to wonder what kind of ink you are using? I find that I have absolutely no luck what so ever with memento. I've been using versafine and heat embossing and that works well. I just read that the new hybrid ink from MFT works well with Copic's and I'm going to buy one and see for myself.
ReplyDeleteOH I am soooooo glad that you didn't give up! I have gone through a lot of paper at times and like you said, I don't know if it's me or the stamp but it is frustrating when that happens.
ReplyDeleteThis image is gorgeous and I love how you didn't add anything to the card! You let your coloring of the image do all the "talking"! It's beautiful! Love those shiny curls! I used to have shiny curls! I was never quite that pretty but it does remind me of when I was a little girl!!!
Beautiful card - as always your colouring is perfect! I hope you have a lovely day - hugs xx
ReplyDeleteWas just sitting here staring at your coloured image and Max (my 7yr old) came over and said 'who is the lady in the photo?'. I told him it was a stamp that had been coloured in. He thought it was 'awesome' and so do I! Did you only start using copics in the last few years or have you always been an artist? The stamp itself is so beautiful and you have made her even more stunning. I didn't know you could get such a historical affect with copics, they really are a wonderful tool. I can't draw or anything like that so copics scare me but at least I can enjoy their abilities in the hands of an artist like yourself. Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! she is gorgeous Jim and the effort was so worth it. Beautiful colouring.
ReplyDeleteLove the thought for today, and the poem is wonderful.
Thank you dear friend for food.
Hugs Mau xx
I like it. I like it very much, Jim! And I'm so glad you didn't do anything more than frame the beautiful image on the card, so there is no distraction from her. Perfect! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteWow the colouring of this image is amazing, at first look I thought it was a printed image. Fabulous ! Shirley
ReplyDeleteLoving the details sometimes means being frustrated by the details. It is all part of life and living. Your end product is stunning and well worth all your many tries.
ReplyDeleteThis should be framed! It reminds me of the oil painted black and white photographs my aunt would do when I was a youngster! Love the poem too!
ReplyDeleteYour post is just beautiful! I love hearing the words from your heart ;) And your card - oh my! What an absolute vision! Ilike it just the way it is, so striking! The card is sheer perfection! I'm sorry it took you so many tries but the end result is worth it :)
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see your comments pop up in my blog, a mega watt smile comes over my face! You sure know how to add 'depth and texture' to my days!! Blessings to you!!
ReplyDeletec