Paper Thick

Yesterday I finally tried something I've been wanting to do for awhile--make paper. The whole concept has been intriguing me for some time, so when I saw the Bill Nye Paper Recycling Kit in the clearance aisle at Walmart, well, I couldn't help myself.



I decided to recycle some of Wiggle Man's "art."



Step One: Rip everything to shreds (very therapeutic) and soak for at least two hours.











Step Two: Put the mushy paper in the mixer. Bill recommends adding gelatin to the water if you plan on writing on it.








Step Three: Give up on the hand mixer, and throw everything into the blender. (Seriously.) Also, add some food colouring, so the pulp changes from puke grey to puke green.

Step Four: Forget to take the picture of Step Four, which involves scooping pulp onto the mesh screen seen here, and gently moving it around under the water so the pulp spreads evenly. If you look carefully, you can see the heart shaped form that Bill provides, along with some other shapes if regular old rectangular paper doesn't quite do it for you.

Step Five: Cover the pulp and the mesh screen with one of these handy-dandy cloths, squeeze out excess water, flip over and peel off the mesh screen. Then put the cloth with the pulp on it onto the press. Cover with another handy-dandy cloth, put the top on the press, and tighten the nuts. Over tighten, so that the plastic snaps, rendering it unusable for future paper projects.

Step Six: Leave your very thick paper to dry. Apparently for much longer than the recommended 24 hours.

All sarcasm aside, I think it's a great project. Perhaps not as durable as I'd like, but for what I paid for it, I'm ok with it. I think Wiggle Man would probably love it if he were older.

Art From The Wiggle Man

We Heart Art continues, so today I'm showing you some of Wiggle Man's drawings. Bear in mind he's not quite two.

He calls is "Ugh Baa Saa." Or something like that. Well, he would if I asked him. But he's napping right now.

Also, if you had trouble listening to my songs yesterday, you should be able to hear them today. Listen to your heart's content, but please don't download them, or use them in anyway without my permission.

For lots more We Heart Art, check out Domestically Challenged, Three Baby B Chicks and I'm Living Proof That God Has A Sense of Humor. Mr. Linky will take you to other bloggers who are participating.

I Heart Music

**Another Update***

One request, friends. These songs are my property, and I own the copyright. Please play them and enjoy them, but don't download them, please!

***Updated***

It should be easier to play my songs now. You should see a player underneath each song--all you have to do is press play!

***Original Post***

I do, I really do. I heart music. I heart art. And this week, three great blogs are hosting We Heart Art. It's like an online arts showcase. How cool is that? Check out Domestically Challenged, Three Baby B Chicks and I'm Living Proof That God Has A Sense of Humor for some We Heart Art, and Mr. Linky will take you to other bloggers who are participating.

Some of you know I've been working on some songwriting lately. I did a little composing in college for a class, but nothing was "successful", at least, according to my prof. It wasn't something I felt I was very good at. But, I felt God prodding me to try again and just as I was wondering how to go about sharing it, We Heart Art came along. So, I'm taking the plunge. I've recorded three of my songs (the only ones that are really finished) and (crossing my fingers that I've set it up right) you should be able to hear them here.

So, friends--my songs. Keep in mind it's the song itself, and not necessarily my performance of it that I'm showcasing as "art". I'd love to hear what you think, even (helpful, please!) tips you might have! And get your art on, and join in the fun!

April 29th is the first song I tried writing, although Thank You was the first song I actually finished. April 29th is a reference to a devotional in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. The Scripture for that day is 1 John 3:2, which is where the chorus comes from. This devotional has always meant a lot to me, especially during times in my life where God's way seemed unclear.
02 April 29th.mp3
Common Bonds is a song for a little girl in Africa. I met Hannah in 2006 on a trip to Kenya with my church. Hannah's smile captured me immediately. She helped translate for me to her friends, and we played the craziest games. The time I spent with her and her classmates is indelibly imprinted on my heart.
03 Common Bonds (Hannah's Song).mp3
Thank You is a song I wrote for Stellan. Many of you probably follow MckMama's blog, so you already know Stellan's story. On the off chance that some of you aren't familiar with this little guy, Stellan's heart problems, both before and after birth, set off a firestorm of prayer from all over the world. I wanted to write something for Stellan, something that would try and convey what his little life has meant to me.

13 Thank You (Stellan's Song).mp3

I Heart Art

Don't you? Heart art, that is? My bloggy friend Sara and two other bloggers are hosting a super fun carnival this week--We Heart Art. It's a great chance to showcase your own art, as well as your kids' art. I'm so excited to be taking part. Head over to Sara's blog for all the details.

In the next day or two I hope to post recordings of some of the songs I've written, and some of Wiggle Man's drawings.

But, to whet your appetite for some We Heart Art, I've provided a picture from our recent and utterly fabulous trip to Jamaica. Below my adorable son, you'll see the elephant I drew for him in the sand. And, you'll understand why I'm a musician, rather than an illustrator.