♥ Ann's Art and Craft ♥

Monday. We have our own ways of starting our day, but my morning usually starts with devotion while listening to a peaceful music playlist.  I’ve just started to get back on track with calligraphy, learning the fundamentals — basic strokes. I took a pause to take a break and enjoyed making an origami dustbin. I’ve added a few stickers on it and a flower origami. I've had so much joy while making these, it brought me back to my childhood when I ripped a page of my notebook and folded it to make a dustbin. 

Currently reading the first few chapters of the book. The excerpts below remind me of one of the scenes from my favorite movie, “Little Women”. “  The not-yet-married life, by nature, cultivates independence. As we move out of the home and out from under our parents’ authority, we take on more responsibility. We also typically be- come less accountable to others. We’re on our own now. The longer we’re not yet married, the more easily and aggressively we can move into isolation. Independence from our parents becomes independence from everyone. I know what I need. I pay my bills. I decide my schedule. I cook my food (or at least pick it up in the drive-through). I’m an adult. I don’t need anyone anymore. Inde- pendence can breed isolation, and isolation separates us from the grace we need and sets us against the first and greatest calling on our lives. No one was made to be truly single—to live for God’s glory solo. Proverbs warns us, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he br

To all the artists who share their passion through youtube painting tutorials… I sincerely appreciate what you are doing and I can’t thank you enough for helping us “newborn” or aspiring artist. It is such a great way for us to learn. I had watched Ekatyrina Pytina’s tutorial this week. I took a screenshots of it in order to have a guide once I will start working on following her tutorial and if it will help you too. Below are my screenshots but you can also go to her YouTube page for real time videos.                 

  ctto : Pinterest I make it a habit to read an article related to christian courtship and relationships on a daily basis. I am not an expert per se so reading helps me gain faith based insights and better understanding. I’ve had my fair share of failures as a result of being hasty and lack of wisdom. But it doesn’t discourage me to believe that God is writing my story.  I’ve stumbled across this great article with clear basis of explaining the definition of it.  https://www.lifebpc.com/index.php/resources/family/275-practical-guidelines-for-christian-courtship This midnight thoughts reminds me of my favorite christian song I listen to in my teenage days which is  Write Your Story by Francesca Battestilli  🌺  Books I have read and some I am currently reading related to christian dating.            Why Men Love B*tches and Why Men Marry B*tches book by Sherry Argov are recommendable as well (too many to mention but I only picked the first few books that comes up to my mind)

  I’ve been keeping my art though these are just my practice projects. They’re special for a simple reason that I put time and effort in learning color mixing, shading, and techniques.  I dream of continuing to sketch even if I will have my own family someday. To have a workshop at home with my kids would be a dream I pray will be granted. I haven’t got that much of support from my parent’s growing up because they think that art could get me nowhere but no harsh feelings though… that’s just how it is. I remember I almost cry coz I was touched when my father hang one of my paintings in our living room. For me, I have the best parents despite their imperfections besides nobody’s perfect right? I couldn’t help to ponder these thoughts. If my calling is to a married life… What type of mother am I? I pray by God’s grace He will give me strength, courage and wisdom to be able to fulfill my duties to my future husband and children.  To my late Papa in heaven… “I love you, thank you I got your

 "Artists are often seen as very emotional, sensitive, vulnerable, and honest people. They tend to be expressive, open, and expressive in their work. Most artists make art to express what they feel inside. Artists have many feelings, so it’s important for them to be able to express themselves through art." excerpts from https://brilliantio.com/how-do-artists-get-inspired/ Too many times, I give up art because of life's demands but no matter how I tried to ignore it, that little voice asking me to hold my pencil and brushes again, will always find its way to me. The spark started when I was young with my pencil and paper held in my hand. I waited frantically to watch my favorite anime shows so I could memorize their facial features, their oddly big eyes, and hairstyle and draw them on my school paper. 90's kids... I am sure if I'll mention one or two animes - you've definitely watched them back in the day. Aside from Ghost Fighter, Doraemon, Flame of R