Alphabets, Word Grids and February's Sketchbook Challenge

I've found myself falling way behind in Letter Love 101.  Joanne is sharing so much amazing 'stuff' that I find myself playing and not moving on to the next lesson. LOL  Yesterday I started this word grid.  I decided to add a few flowers too to add a little more fun to it.  I love playing with the words and thinking of 'fonts' that will suit them.  I really liked the black and white version and was almost reluctant to add any colour.  

 When I started to add the colour, I was very disappointed in how it was looking and wished I had left well enough alone.  However, the more I played and the more details I added the better I started to feel about it.  I used Copic markers, Marvy LePlume II markers and a correction pen. I love the pop that the white correction pen gave to the finished piece.

 Next, I decided I better do my Funky Alphabet.  I decided to jump right in with my Pitt pen, but my spatial organization was off so I had some blank space at the bottom.  At first I was going to fill it with flowers and flourishes but then I remembered a great quote I hear a while back so I decided it was a perfect solution!

Although the X, Y and Z are pink, orange and pink respectively, I realize as I look at the photo that there should have been more contrast in that row.  OH WELL...









Today's final task was to create my journal page for the Sketchbook Challenge.  This month's theme is 'Close Up'.  I love poppy seed pods and decided to incorporate some of my new found lettering skills to add the text.  I love sketching on old book pages.  These are the left overs that I had removed from an altered book I was making (to reduce the bulk allowing for the extra thickness of paint and papers I add to the journal).  I blended red and orange pan pastels to create the vibrant red colour of the poppies that grow in my garden.

It's a good think I rode my bike on my stationary trainer for an hour this morning because I've spent most of the day sitting on my butt!  (I guess technically I was sitting on my butt while cycling too! LOL)