Survivor!

Hooray!  I completed my third Blogging from A to Z Challenge!
(Click for 2016, 2015 and 2014)

What did I learn from this particular one?

You still need to get a little creative with some of the letters and sometimes find your clue from within the word.

I really liked that 5 1/4" x 8 1/4" watercolor Travelogue Handbook sketchbook!  A little bit expensive, but worth it.  Some of the pages really took a beating with some of the layers and lots of water, yet no tearing nor show through.  Other than a little warping directly under the design sometimes.  But no biggie. It was also my first time also using the landscape format.  Though I kept wishing it was maybe just a little bit taller - maybe 6  to 6 1/2".   I felt a little crammed in.

Finally it was fun to play with my watercolors, trying new paints (Hello Daniel Smith Undersea Green and Quin Gold!), and the freedom to just slap on the paint and go for it.  Little watercolors are less intimidating than taping a quarter sheet of Arches to the board and then hesitating to pick up the brush.  None of my pages were a do-over.  If I thought I goofed up, I figured out a way to make it work - learned to think it through and solve.  They even turned out to be some of my favorites.

So thank you all for visiting and I hope you keep checking back.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - Z is for Zircon

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

Z is for Zircon

Zircon is found in many colors - the most popular color is blue - and has a wide range of healing properties from calming the liver and gall bladder, allergies, asthma and colds.  Emotionally it can help in dealing with losses.  Zircon is a peaceful, calming and self-centering stone.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - Y is for Pyrite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

Y is for Pyrite

Pyrite can create sparks when it is hit against metal or stone, hence its name from the Greek word, pyros.  It 's also known as "Fool's Gold" because of its metallic shine and pale yellow color.  Pyrite is considered a "yang" stone and with it, masculine energy and enhances personal power - creativity, energy, and strength.  It is also good for lung health - helping asthmatics and healing bronchitis.  Enjoy its sparkle in the sun and don't let it get wet.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - X is for Onyx

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

X is for Onyx

Onyx builds its power slowly and works quite well with skin disorders, increases stamina, confidence and inner harmony.  Combined with other healing stones for different chakras, it will power up the other stone's impact. Capricorns will find a positive influence from onyx.

Palette Paints:  Alizarin, Viridian, Payne's Gray

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - P is for Petrified Wood

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

P is for Petrified Wood

Formed from sequoia trees, petrified wood preserves your healthy roots and reminds you of your connection with nature.  It stabilizes your health and strengthens your defenses, helping to keep you calm.

Palette Paints:  Burnt Umber, Sepia, Naples Yellow

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - V is for Vesuvianite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

V is for Vesuvianite

Named for Mount Vesuvius where it was first discovered, Vesuvianite was one of the first stones ground into powder for healing, cleansing and purifying because of its high levels of calcium, magnesium and iron. . .Especially those health issues caused by our environmental pollution.   An ancient stone very applicable and still useful for today's society.

Palette Paints:  Sap Green, Quin Gold, Naples Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Undersea Green (DS)

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - U is for TurqUoise

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

U is for Turquoise

The Native American Indians thought that turquoise was a magical stone to protect them from harm.  It can also give you energy and endurance, hasten recuperation from illness, especially digestive and infections of the lung and throat.  Turquoise is linked to the astrological sign of Aquarius.

Palette Paints - Hoblein Compose Green, Cobalt Turquoise, Viridian, Sap Green, Cerulean

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - T is for Tiger's Eye

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

T is for Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye symbolizes unity and is associated with the sign of Virgo.  It helps you to concentrate and even get over bronchitis when placed upon the navel.  Those who suffer from asthma, migraines and headaches will also benefit from carrying this stone.   The striping effects are created by crystalizing directional hornblende fibers.

Palette Paints - Burnt Umber, Quin Gold, New Gamboge, Sepia

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - S is for Sapphire

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

S is for Sapphire

A powerful and protective stone, it is most effective in healing the nervous system.  The blue sapphire symbolizes faith, loyalty and friendship.  Different colors of sapphire (created by different amounts of metals) are associated with different astrological signs - Blue/Pisces, Light Blue/Taurus, Yellow/Gemini, Star sapphire/Libra.  Pink sapphires help strengthen and balance the heart, mentally and physically.

Palette Paints - Cobalt, French Ultramarine

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - R is for Rose Quartz

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

Rose Quartz is so powerful, it can just be left in a room for you to receive its energy and benefits.  It is particularly protective from damaging radiation.  Place it next to your computer to help alleviate eye strain and headaches, next to your bed to induce more refreshing sleep.   Wish I had known that it can help with the pain from shingles, too.  Rose quartz is often associated with your heart - love, friendship and openness to beauty.

Palette Paints - Permanent Rose, Alizarin, Opera Pink

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - Q is for Aquamarine

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

Q is for the q in Aquamarine

My own birthstone, I tried to capture the translucent and beautiful pale sea green shades I have in my aquamarine jewelry.  The greater the iron amount, the bluer the stone.
(I had my grandmother's art deco emerald cut aquamarine ring in a filigreed platinum setting.  Perhaps someday it will show up in an estate jewelry store or pawn shop.) 
Another gemstone which can help with allergies, aquamarine (aqua maris - Latin for "sea water") can also help with the throat area issues - thyroid, tonsils, vocal cords.   Aquamarine increases peace and courage, and can help prevent seasickness.  Aquarians wearing it will find friendship and love, it helps Pisces encourage awareness, and warns Libra from danger.

Palette Paints - Aureolin, Cerulean, Cobalt Turquoise

Blogging A to Z Challenge - P is for Pearl

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

Pearls need contact with the skin, otherwise they will become dull, but avoid having them touch perfume or makeup.  They should be the last thing you put on and the first you take off.   Wear often instead of storing them away for they will help prevent headaches and migraines, and reduce allergies.  Those born under the sign of Cancer have a particular connection to pearls.

Palette Paints - Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, Cobalt and Permanent Rose all make beautiful pearly grays

Blogging A to Z Challenge - O is for Opal

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

With all of its shimmering colors created by microscopic water drops, the opal is considered the embodiment of all precious stones.   It helps regulate the metabolism, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.  Pisces and Cancer signs are linked to the opal.

Palette Paints - This was fun to paint, I worked wet in wet and just dropped in and let mingle Permanent Rose, Naples Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise, Viridian, Verditer Blue (Holbein), and Windsor Violet.

Blogging A to Z Challenge - N is for Nephrite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.   

N is for Nephrite

As you can imagine, this stone is associated with kidneys and bladder issues, but it also can make the wearer more creative, calmer and relaxed.   Putting it under your pillow can protect against nightmares.  Those born under the sign of Cancer will be particularly attuned to Nephrite's positive and peaceful influence.

Palette Paints - Daniel Smith Undersea Green.  What a gorgeous tube of color; I loved how it granulated and created all those effects all by itself.  Someone else had raved about this and I can see why.

Blogging A to Z Challenge - M is for Malachite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.   

M is for Malachite

An ideal meditation stone, it promotes spirituality and the understanding of oneself and others.  Malachite is often associated with pregnancy, as it promotes growth and builds strength.   It is also helps with concentration and heart/cardiac issues, including lovesickness.  Virgo and Capricorn will find this a lucky stone for themselves.

Palette Paints - Viridian, Cobalt Turquoise, Windsor Green, Alizarin 

Blogging A to Z Challenge - L is for Lapis Lazuli

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.  

L is for Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazui imparts inspiration and wisdom.  It can also help with the thyroid gland and strengthen vocal cords.  If you are a Sagittarius, you have a particularly affinity with this stone.   Combining the blue of the sky and the light of the gods, according to the Assyrians around 5000 BC, Lapis Lazuli is formed by the conversion of lime to marble...the "gold" you see are pyrite inclusions.

Palette Paints - Windsor Violet, Cobalt, Indigo and Raw Sienna

Blogging A to Z Challenge - K is for Kyanite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.  

K is for Kyanite

Kyanite is derived from the Greek word for blue, kynos.    The stone symbolizes lightness and a path to new thoughts.  It is associated with the astrological signs of Aries, Taurus and Libra.  People will wear Kyanite around the throat help to express oneself, sharpen concentration, increase calmness...and learn new languages.  It can remove energy blockages and increase positive energy.

Palette Paints - Payne's Gray, Lunar Black, Cobalt, Indigo and Sepia

Blogging A to Z Challenge - J is for Jade

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

J is for Jade

Symbolizing renewal and good luck, Jade imparts a feeling of contentment and calmness.  It has a beneficial and detoxifying effect on glandular functions, lower fevers, and can help interpret dreams if you put it on your forehead for fifteen minutes before going to sleep.   Jade is great for Libra, Pisces and Cancer.

Palette paints - Undersea Green (Daniel Smith), Compose Green (Holbein), Windsor Blue (Green Shade),  Cobalt Turquoise, Viridian, Aureolin.

Blogging A to Z Challenge - I is for Iceland Spar

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

I is for Iceland Spar

Symbolizing true love, peace, good fortune and friendship.   Iceland Spar helps strengthen and keep healthy bones, teeth, nails and hair because of its high calcium  (calcium carbonate) content.   It can also help arthritis and back pain, inflammations and fungal infections of the skin.

Palette Paints - Windsor Violet, Cobalt, Indigo, Raw Sienna

Blogging A to Z Challenge - H is for Hematite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

H is for Hematite

An interesting stone - hematite has styptic properties, and when polished with water,  it will turn the water red.  Ancient Egyptians used hematite to staunch blood and promotion the formation of new blood cells.   Because of this, use caution around inflammation, as it will be exacerbated.  Put hematite and rose quartz under your pillow for pleasant dreams.  It is associated with Scorpio.  Hematite helps increase zest for life and courage.

Palette Paints - Daniel Smith's Lunar Black is one of the most interesting watercolor paints I have added to my palette within the past year.  I love how it granulates and just does its own thing, creating the most unusual effects.  I used it here also on a birthday card - which was really cool because his birthday was on a New Moon.