common grounds

lemon-lime

2011-12-15T06:56:00.002-05:00

Very rare that I am able to create a painting for myself. This is going to be a new favorite.

"Lemon-Lime"

Daniel 7:4 (beast like a lion...)

2011-07-21T18:32:00.003-04:00

"The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it." Dan 7:4

Here is another illustration that was requested as part of a four beast series. These beasts are depicted in so many different printings out there. This is my rendition following what the Bible says. I tried to give it a rich look and feel while keeping it dream-like in feel. Turned out nice.

The Daniel Challenge

2011-03-24T15:55:00.003-04:00

Sometimes a project comes along that will challenge every aspect of your abilities. This was it. This is the 3rd statue created, fully from scratch, probably a good 40 hours worth of work. Revisions, tweaks, and a ton of prayer. Christian art and depictions are not something I like to do. I don't feel confident that I have the talent to do it justice. I admire so many other artists out there who have far greater God-given talent, Nathan Greene, Lars and Kim Justinen, Harry Anderson, etc. I don't know where I fit in to it all, but I am honored and humbled to have had this opportunity to use again, my talents from the Lord, for the Lord.
Someday when we get to heaven, I hope the Lord shows us what He really had in mind for several images, and stories in the Bible. Just to see how close we were to the real thing.

Miss Brenda's Bedtime Stories

2011-03-04T16:58:00.006-05:00

Miss Brenda's Bedtime Stories, developed by Brenda Walsh is a 5 Volume Hardcover set. My first hardcover layout and design. Each book will contain over 25 stories.-Based on true character building stories. Just like the Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories Set. It's been a huge privilege to work on an endeavor like this. Each story is in color and illustrated using stock photography and other photos. These stories/books will be a great soul winning tool in the hand parents/kids alike. Working on a project like this really is a humbling experience, to know that you are a small part of the bigger picture at pointing kids to the creator and helping them through the design and layout to develop their characters for the kingdom.

overhaul...

2011-02-26T16:21:00.002-05:00

Several years ago...the story begins when I first had the opportunity to donate my time and talents to helping Brenda Walsh and her ministry. God is amazing on how He works...

Recently after going through some old papers in a box I found a cover letter that was written to one of the main Adventist publishing houses. The date was around 1995-96. This would have been 2 years out of college and working for a company in MN. In the letter I asking this company if there was a place for me, for my talents to help in the mission of saving souls. (What better way then in a publishing company, right??) I don't think I ever got a response back. Seeing that letter though reminded me on how IF I got what I wanted then that I would have not gotten the experience I had now and would not have been able to do what I do now... hmmm It makes you think. Remember GODS TIMING IS PERFECT. All these years later, God cultivated my talents, honed my skills to make me ready to serve Him in this way-now.

It was an amazing find, I am thankful for the insight for the reminders of who's in charge.

Even when we think we have done something "perfect"--- a few years later we decide it isn't so. Same can be said for websites. Recently I have decided to overhaul some of the first sites I did. One of the biggest undertakings was the www.brendawalsh.com website. This included a store. I don't know why I like to torture my soul, but one day it just hit me...I thought, "I really need to redo this site, clean it up, make it better." So I did. A total volunteer effort, spending about 3-4 solid days on it. It's finished and up and running. Much better than the first. I am sure in a few years I will think of something new.. and want to clean it up, but for now-I am pleased. It's kinda how God is with us, always working on us, perfecting us. Sometimes though, we just need a good overhaul.

Micah Puppy

2011-01-04T21:03:00.003-05:00

Oil painting done in about 2 hours. When I bought this canvas this last week I had no idea what I was going to paint on it. When I buy them, 90% of the time I just buy a blank canvases with nothing mind. Something always strikes me-as THE subject matter for that particular canvas.

boat painting

2010-10-15T12:48:00.003-04:00

Original Image

Painting, (oil, unfinished-needs details added, image here casts a
slight yellow haze, not on original)

Every now and then around the holidays I receive a few requests to do some artwork for someone as a gift. This would be one of those projects. The picture provided needed some help, it was low res and so the painting is a little loose but looks great. Just need to let it dry and add some more details. 3.5 hours (14 x 16-canvas)

Colors

2010-10-13T07:07:00.005-04:00

Just created this random piece of art, I liked the colors and textures. Nothing fancy, just thinking outside the norm.

my beautiful mess...

2010-10-02T17:28:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you just feel like doing something different in art. Something, not to please other clients, or anyone else...just you. It isn't a selfish thing-I rarely find a moment once 'bout every 2 years, it doesn't take much time. In fact, this was a very quick painting, but one that was in my brain for years... When it comes to oils, I treat them differently then I do most mediums. If I am working on something for myself - it's all about adding texture.

A description of the painting would most likely be: a self portrait, "my beautiful mess." I've always liked greys and nuetral colors, but for some reason I am drawn to red when I have done paintings for myself-(maybe in this case it's a covering blood of Jesus aspect). We have a representation of my crazy hair on top, with ideas flying out above. I am always thinking about something, the next project, a lesson from God, a deep thinker in many ways. A straight line near the mouth on the left, indicative of the lines around my mouth. A picture of movement with the arm, indicative of the constant movement and "always doing something" attitude I have as well as the running that I am currently into. The right squiggly image would be the other representation of my hand, my hands are my job, my talent.
Thanks for viewing "my beautiful mess"
I may not be beautiful, but I know the Lord sees us each individually as the most beautiful thing in this sinful world that He would have come to earth to die, for me alone, for you alone. Amazing...

CD Projects

2010-09-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

Been busy here at cqgraphicdesign. There has been a lot of different kinds of projects happening all at once. Everything from the below CD PACKAGES to; websites, books, brochures, cards and more! Good business is return customers and customers who keep coming back year after year. Just recently I reconnected with some clients who I started working with back in 2000!

One's character and integrity often preceed them in making contacts. Often a good "name" is what will help make the sale on a project or even in everyday business. It's good Biblical principal to 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Matt 22:39. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Have patience in your working out of the design, knowing that every step and restep through the working out of a project often leads to a better final piece.

Danny Shelton, (3ABN) CD Package
Tray Card

Melody Shelton Firestone, CD Package

Pillars of the Christian Faith - COVER

2010-05-31T09:03:00.004-04:00

This project just happened in a most amazing way this past week. I received a call one afternoon asking if I could come up with a concept for this book. A few versions were already developed but nothing that was final. This was a thursday. When I was finally able to sit down behind the desk later that evening, around 6ish I realzied that I already had the concept in my mind of what I wanted it to look like. I had this image of pillars that I was going to use previously for another aspect of the pillars project, but it didn't work out. So within a short period of time I was able to work out this design. {Now let me take a moment right here to say, i believe that nothing I design is of my own working. I fully believe that God directs my hands.. for He is the one who gives the talents in the first place.} Once the design was tweaked and finalized the cover was shown to Danny Shelton and Jim Gilley that evening and they loved it. So much so that they wanted to show it LIVE on that evenings program, (3ABN TODAY, live) So from the desktop to the show within a matter of hours it was live around the world. At the time it was shown the backside wasn't even completed! After completing the full cover the files were sent to Remnant publications where it was printed. A few days later the entire book was printed and on the stage live. It's just pretty amazing how God works.

Interesting note: The other day I was cleaning out some old papers. I ran across a letter that I had written to another Adventist publication about 10-12 years ago. I had sent them some samples of my work and a letters stating how I was looking to use my talents for God and if they had any opportunities for me. This is how God works... It wasn't my time, God knew I needed more cultivation, experience, and direction. It wasn't in His plans to have me work in this way just then.

Isn't He amazing. 10-12 years later, I am doing just what I was hoping for. Using my talents to serve Him and the ministry. To help reach souls for Christ.

Not one of you can say to yourselves that you are not a visual person. That a good looking cover will draw you in and draw your attention than one that is not as well designed.
Making covers, products, images that are pleasing and inviting are what sells the item, thus getting the reader (in this case) into the book, into knowing more about Him.

10-12 years ago this wouldn't have been possible for me, for my talents weren't ready, the programs were lacking the abilities the have now.

God is AMAZING, HIS TIMING is PERFECT.
Never forget that! Praise the Lord.

Pressing IN TO HIS Presence...cover design

2010-05-21T09:45:00.003-04:00

Just received my copy of the latest book cover. I am enjoying helping other peoples ministries of winning souls for the kingdom by lending the time and talents to creating a pleasing design. Some things that help a good layout is fonts and white space. Nothing is more annoying for the eye to have tons of text crammed onto a layout that then makes it nearly impossible to read. I like the font here, Century Gothic because it is a clean looking font, light feeling (title). finding the right image to represent this title was a challenge, it could have gone a zillion ways but the hues in this picture with the sun offset lends itself well. Another challenge was making sure the Title was read correctly by the reader. ie: Pressing IN TO his presence and not...Pressing INTO his presence. There is a difference and the emphasis changes. This treatment, making HIS the focus-helped that. You can pick up your copy today at your local ABC or online at 3ABN.ORG.

second chance...

2010-04-13T21:13:00.002-04:00

Here's another cover that was designed. This book, when it came to me to do...I spent an entire Sabbath afternoon reading it. Something I never do. It's a great life-story of Jim Ayer. You can purchase all these great books at 3ABN.ORG Check them out for encouraging, uplifting stories that might help you on your christian walk.

This cover was fun to do, in creating two different looks and feels... one a "life of crime" utilizing a grungy, broken glass picture which was inversed, cleaned up and then paired up with a old photo that was reworked as well, the finished look came out nice...really gives the effect that I was looking for.

two books, two times...

2010-04-13T20:52:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple of book covers I designed that were just printed and released by the publisher. Both covers were fun to do, each cover when you work on it takes on it's own feel...
While looking at the samples that were sent to me my best friend noticed that my name was spelled wrong on the credits...on both books two different ways! Lol, all you can do is laugh, it's not worth getting upset over. It will get changed on the reprint.

10 years!

2010-03-28T19:04:00.002-04:00

Well we are nearing the actual day that CQGRAPHICDESIGN was launched, nearly 10 years ago. Of course most everyone knows that for the first 8 years I worked two jobs, my day job at QRP and then my own work on the side. I worked a crazy number of hours a week to maintain all my clients and their needs. Probably a good 60+ hours a week. I sometimes wonder how I did it. I am so thankful though for those years of "more experience." During those years i developed a greater knowledge of the print industry, specs, do's and dont's, many, many different types of print work, large and small, and so much more. From there, after five years–was hired into a wonderfully creative "space" at Space Studios. Again gained even more knowledge and experience. I am so blessed to be where I am at now. God really had a hand in helping me step out on my own to be 100% "cqgraphicdesign." It's a humbling honor to be able to use my talents for Him and am blessed to be able to do that at least half of my work time or more. I have learned that lesson we are so often told growing up..."you can't 'outgive' God" – And that's so true. He is more than ready to pour out His blessings on you when you dedicate your time to serving Him. I am thankful for all of my clients, little and big - they help make everything possible. Humbly in His service to you all....for many years to come. cqgraphicdesign.com

Prayer Requests from Kids

2010-03-12T19:49:00.003-05:00

On the http://www.kidstime4jesus.org website we have a special place for kids to send in their prayer requests and then I post them for anyone and everyone to read and hopefully pray for. Most often then not it's kids' requests from around the world. Kids' say the most honest and heartfelt things. If you get a chance stop by and read some of the requests, say a prayer for them... it might make all the difference in this person's life. You can be an active witness for Christ by just praying for someone.

Here are a few samples that are currently on the site. (I usually leave the request as it is written, sometimes there are too many spelling errors to leave in...)

Kara K.
Date: 3/7/10
Country: U.S.A.
Age: 10
Prayer Request: Please pray for my kitten,Patches. Something happend to both his back paws.He is limping,and can hardly stand.To make it even worse,my dog, Shadow,escaped from his chain.He probably "attacked" my helpless kitten.Shadow has been known to carry cats by thier neck.I can't find my kitten.Please pray for me and my kitten.Thank you so much. God bless you!

_____

Shantae C.
Date: 3/4/10
Country: Barbados
Age: 15
Prayer Request: I am a senior in high school,and my school work can be very difficult at times but i know that god is my help and i request that you will pray for me that i will be successful academically.

Don't forget to check out our ARCHIVED prayers....
It dates back to JULY of 2009, sometimes the prayers are funny, and sometimes they can make you cry...none the less, it's worth checking out.

My Bible First Lessons!

2010-03-11T08:53:00.004-05:00

Well after much time and effort we finally have a new set of Bible Lessons on the Kids' Time website. This set, provided by MY BIBLE FIRST was created for online by Mellisa Hoffman with the assistance of our good friend Shirley Marsh. Creating each of the online lessons is a process. First each lesson needed to be answered on paper in it's correct form. Shirley was able to do all 26 lessons for us. Next, Mellisa needed to input each question and answer that was going to be used on the quizzes into our quiz program. (wondershare). After that I had to create each lesson in htm, format for online, then create all the links and quiz links. It's a long process but when its done, its done and up permanently and it allows us to track each student who takes the lessons. It's a great resource and helps people from around the world know more about Jesus. We are blessed and humbled to be a part of such a great ministry. All praise and glory to Jesus for making all things possible. Check them out HERE.

This Beautiful Mess

2010-02-21T15:51:00.005-05:00

No, it's not a painting, it's my pallet I use to paint.
This Beautiful Mess!

MISS BRENDA'S BEDTIME STORIES - Coming Soon!

2010-02-20T06:18:00.005-05:00

Seems like the Lord is really blessing lately in many different directions. The most active at the moment is book covers and designs.

In the next few months we will be printing, MISS BRENDA'S BEDTIME STORIES, a collection of TRUE character building stories that are made into a 5 volume set, each set containing about 30 short stories. It's really going to be a fantastic collection. The book from Miss Brenda (Brenda Walsh and co-written by Kay D. Rizzo) will be a wonderful soul winning tool for kids of all ages and something that I think will be passed down through generations. Each story is illustrated through photos.

We had a God-designed photo shoot for the covers a few weeks ago. It was a short notice event and turned out beautifully, of course it was all because the Master Designer is in control.

The picture above is not the actual book cover, but a sampling from the photoshoot.
YOU can get involved with the 5 Volume set by sending Miss Brenda a true story!
Check out her guidlines here and submit your story to be published!

Check it out and I will let everyone know when it is actually printed and for sale! This will be a wonderful, HARD COVER book that would make a great gift!

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Eph: 2:10

KIDS' TIME CONTEST - #3

2010-02-20T06:10:00.003-05:00

Well it's been a while since the last posting.
I need to start throwing up some new posts to keep the blog alive!

Recently we just kicked off our third KIDS' TIME contest on the kidstime4jesus.org website.
We have gotten a great response from the last 2 contests, a drawing contest, and photo contest. This next one is about kids telling us how they share Jesus with people. The winner will get some cash towards coming to 3ABN to tape a Sharing Time Segement with Miss Brenda.

You can read our latest entries and check back, we continually get new entries every week.
It's wonderful to know that this site is reaching kids for Jesus, that they like it, it's friendly, safe and most of all pointing them in the right direction.

And just an update, we have over 800 people signed up and taking Bible lessons online!
AWESOME!

Praise Him!

New Website: DannyShelton.com

2010-01-08T20:36:00.004-05:00

2009 has been a great year. I owe it all to the Lord and how He has directed this past year for me. I have met so many wonderful people as well as had some awesome job opportunities. I am blessed to say the least and so thankful to finally be able to use my talents for the Lord.
The latest opportunity was to be able to create a website for Danny Shelton, founder of 3ABN. Since this site is fairly new, launched in December, there is still a lot more content to come. When it's in full swing it will be a GREAT resource center for Danny's faith stories, devotionals and more. I am excited to be a part of this growing ministry of spreading the Three Angels Message of Jesus to the world by creating this website and resource center.
Please check it out: http://www.dannyshelton.com. I hope you will be blessed by it.
I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2010. I know it will be great. For even in trials, the Lord is good to us. We should always look forward to the rain as much as the sun, for we need them both in order to flourish.
May the Lord bless you this new year and don't be afraid to step out in faith and do something FOR HIM. The Lord doesn't call those who are qualified, He qualifies those He calls!

Tiny Tots Website is now LIVE

2009-11-03T16:46:00.004-05:00

The Tiny Tots website is now LIVE. Check it out! It will always be a work in progress but it's up for the general public now. We had over 400 hits on the first day of the launch. I will have to keep checking to see what the stats are. How exciting! I praise the Lord for the opportunity to reach little ones. I can't wait until we can get the AUDIO Bible lessons on there.
Always looking for feedback so let me know what you all think!

Coming Soon.... TINY TOTS WEBSITE!

2009-10-24T18:39:00.003-04:00

Coming soon, hopefully this next week or so will be the new Tiny Tots website. I am praying the Lord will bless the endeavor and reach little souls for the kingdom, all to His glory. I am anxious to release it. Like the KIDS' TIME website it will ALWAYS be a work in progress, I will always be updating and always adding new stuff. One of the neat features to come will be AUDIO BIBLE STUDIES geared for kids 5 and under. Auntie Linda will be doing the voice over for them. FUN! I will post the link when It is ready for release.

Anyone familiar with TINY TOTS on 3ABN will notice (when the site is up) all the segements on the show are on the website, and more! How fun!

The initial index screen (homepage) below will have a flash animation with the tiny tots farm and house.

Story Time 2009

2009-10-24T18:21:00.006-04:00

Well It's October and we just got back from helping on the set of Story Time for Kids' Time down at 3ABN in Illinois. It was a ton of fun. Here are a few photos from the adventure. These photos here are a few "odd" ones that I liked really well. I posted a ton more (250+) on the KIDS' TIME website, check it out HERE.

I really liked this photo below, it really looks like it would make a good paintin, lots of grat colors, lighting and action. hmmmmmmm If only I had more time. Reminds me of a Nathan Green.

Pictures from the set.

The above printed street scene in the archway looks really neat from this angle, almost real!

Caught on camera, priceless!

furry boots on a trampoline

2009-09-22T21:57:00.006-04:00

I was going through some photos tonight and ran across this one I took this summer-from underneath a friend's trampoline. Their dog Micah is the coolest pup. Check out his "furry boots", as we like to call them.

For the national-talk like a pirate day this past week... He was our "first-mate-furry-boots".

Frog Sold!

2009-09-22T20:52:00.003-04:00

Well it's been a while since we have talked about the frog sculpture... I just wanted to post to let everyone know that the TONGUE TIED frog sold at Auction this week at the "H" hotel. It went to a private buyer for $1300! Boy I would have loved to see some of that cash, but not so.
Didn't win the judges contest or the peoples choice. Better luck next year!

Good news though, my friend Molly won for the People's Choice! Awesome! Happy for her! Her Lillian the Amphibian was cool!

More good news, the auction for all the frogs grossed over !22,000 for next years sculpture event! Woohoo, can't wait!

The 3ABN Booth Team!

2009-08-21T22:40:00.003-04:00

Working the 3ABN booth was quite the experience. Mellisa and I managed a lot of different tasks. A lo of the goal was to let people know about the KT4J website. We had over 400+ Sign ups for Bible lessons, 500 or more sign ups to win the free t-shirts we screen printed (see older posts) From about 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or late every day we spent on our feet. The massive amounts of people that cycled through there was staggering. I don't think we were prepared for that. Or the conditions; walking 5+ miles a day in the 90 degree heat carrying all out stuff. We traversed a lot of the camp ground too looking for winners. We found a lot but a lot we didn't, so this next week will be spent sending out shirts to the winners.

People might think, oh big deal, a shirt. But think about it for a moment. The shirt is advertising, it's a way to "share jesus" with others. You never know who might read it from anywhere in the country-pass it on or down to someone else. It's neat to think of all the "seeds" we will be sending out. And who doesn't "love" being a WINNER of something.
This is so much fun. That reminds me of the soon ending DRAW MAXWELL CONTEST that we have on the KT4J website too, check here and check the entries, its cool! We have some awesome entries. One of my favorites is from Saudi Arabia! Way fun to have kids from ALL OVER THE WORLD getting involved and using the site. Makes one "on fire" for the Lord and sharing.

We made some great life-long and eternal-long friends at Camporee 2009! Can't wait to meet in heaven! or the next Camporee, whichever comes first. :)

Sabbath Morning Pathfinders

2009-08-15T11:01:00.004-04:00

TROOP M.A.S.H.

Looking sharp!

Sometimes its just nice to get a little quiet reading time in. :)

Ready for marching!

late night fun!

2009-08-15T10:49:00.003-04:00

Do you recognize some of your children? I used my PHOTO BOOTH to take some goofy photos of the kids last night.
I think this looks like the Mr. Roboto dance...but actually I just caught her in mid movement.

All of the girls were having fun going around and singing to each person, asking them questions. I don't think there was one person in the camp that didn't get asked. Including Emily who was brushing her teeth at the time. (I kindly didn't put that photo up. :)

few pics (fri)

2009-08-14T22:17:00.002-04:00

getting ready in the morning... It's always good to have some help.

Our Maxwell pin at the booth, we trade them for pathfinder group, conference, and union pins. Brenda has a special show she collects them for.

Today was our busiest day at the booth! Oi, sorry for the lack of photos from today, we didn't get to the site until most everyone was leaving for the evening show.

Tomorrow morning, Sat, we have some free time. We will be at the booth tomorrow, (not selling) from 1-5 and then open for business at 9:30-12 a.m. or 1 a.m.
It's going to be a late night.

I will try to get some photos though tomorrow morning of people/groups. We will also be delivering all of our t-shirts, around 20+ to the various individuals in the camp ground. I think initially we thought it would be easier to find people (like MI camp meeting) but no, it is so hard to find groups/conferences, especially Rhode Island, Georgia, and Idaho. hmmmm
You THINK there would be a map... but nope.
So we will be packing on the miles tomorrow. I think most everyone else (kids) will be going to the meeting (about esther) not sure, we have been out of the loop.

random pics - camp life (thur eve)

2009-08-13T20:25:00.004-04:00

Sharing mushed bananas----is there anything better?

Does anyone need a picture for bribery?

SUMO WRESTLING... nuff said

2009-08-13T19:46:00.008-04:00

waiting in line

the eager fans

getting in the suit

The Sumo prep-scream

It's go time!

Um, my hair is getting in the way...

HAHAH! this is great fun to watch.

The final knockdown...NEXT!

Steven's turn to rumble.

Oh that can't be good!

Conference Signs

2009-08-13T10:48:00.003-04:00

This one is HUGE! Greater New York Conference

We will be taking more pictures the next few days of conference and camp signs, some of them are really cool. Keep checking back.

Since we have traversed nearly all of the camps, and there is a lot we have seen some pretty neat ones. Florida Conference is HUGE, so is NY, some we can't seem to find, Idaho, Rhode Island. We keep looking, but the campgrounds are HUGE... we probably walk between 5-10 mi a day.
whew!

Popeye

2009-08-13T10:45:00.003-04:00

Joshua T. won a shirt admist all the entries, he is from our camp. Here he is eating breakfast this morning. Kinda looks like popeye with cantaloupe. That sun is sure bright!

More Random Camporee Pics (thur)

2009-08-13T10:41:00.003-04:00

Our camp life revolves around food. It happens to be the only time we get a chance to get back to camp... so I snap a few pics when I can.

Kids' Time Camporee Booth pics (wed)

2009-08-13T10:08:00.003-04:00

These are some members fromthe Jamaica Crown Royal , NY Pathfinder group. Out of the hundreds of KT entries we have drawn 4 winners from their group! A friendly bunch. We deliver winner shirts in the mornings and told them we would be over for breakfast. :)

View outside from our booth

Me and my favorite Kids' Time Praise Singer, Ivana Ticar. Check her out at the KT4J website HERE. I just love her!

Pile-O-Maxwell Dogs! $10.00 and selling well, comes with a MAX pin too.

Mellisa manning the crowd.

Jill answering questions.

More Random Camporee Pics (wed)

2009-08-13T10:04:00.003-04:00

Outside activities! Fun for the brave!

Hannah G.

The M.A.S.H. pathfinder entrance.

Do you think this is posed?

Courage to Stand - Evening crowd

2009-08-11T21:50:00.003-04:00

Each evening they have some entertainment in the form of an reenactment of a story in the Bible. This years story is the story of Queen Esther. We didn't stay to watch it this time, as we were on the search for the delivery of the winners of the kids' time shirts. (yeah right)
But here are a few stage, crowd shots, MANY more will fill the area before the actual show would begin. People will stand in line 2 hours waiting for the gates to open so they can sit near the front. Crazy!

This was on our wanderings. Each Conference, Union will have their own "entrance" or signage stating the clubs/areas/districts. Some don't do much and others go to great lengths... this one is a shot of them constructing the New York conference .... WOAH, can you say big. And all this for 5 days at best.

the Booth! 3ABN and KIDS' TIME

2009-08-11T21:34:00.004-04:00

When the noon bell hit today thousands of people poured into the vendors area. From noon until 5:00 p.m. we manned the KT 3ABN booth along with Miss Brenda, Auntie Linda, Greg and Jill M. By the end of the day we were all worn out. The Maxwell stuffed dogs sold well.

Mellisa getting people interested in signing up for our free t-shirt drawing and trading pins.
We were trading the Maxwell, 3ABN kidstime4jesus.org website pins for any conference or pathfinder club pin. Miss Brenda collects all the pins then sets them up for a special segment on the kids' time show. (see our BIG bottle of hand sanitizer) I think by the end of the day I had a hundred layers of sanitizer on me.

Our friend David H. and Miss Brenda

Greg and Jill Morkone from 3ABN - working hard selling all the merchandise.

A couple more morning picts

2009-08-11T21:15:00.002-04:00

More pin trading

Breakfast at the M.A.S.H. group

The Christies!

2009-08-11T21:13:00.003-04:00

This is a picture of some of our friends that moved to the Florida area-2 years ago! We were happy to find them here! The Christies!

Tuesday- DAY ONE (a.m.)

2009-08-11T12:03:00.004-04:00

Random pictures from today...(so far)
People waiting to get into the booth, they still need to wait over an hour!

Pin Trading

PIN TRADING---huge business!

the setup

2009-08-10T22:21:00.004-04:00

Well this is the first afternoon at Oshkosh. Ok, these pictures don't do it justice they were taken early on today. As of right now 9:23 pm surrounded by thousands upon thousands of kids, teens and pathfinder leaders. I will take better pictures tomorrow.
We spent the afternoon at Hanger "A" unloading and setting up for the 3ABN kids' time booth and the Kt4J website promotion. There are over 150 vendors in the hanger, we have a prime spot right in front. It's going to be an incredible time. Our hours will be from about 8-5:00 p.m. in the hanger.

Hannah, has already made some friends, and traded some pins.

Oh by the way it was well into the 90's today with high humidity! Fun!

Keep posted this week and I will make sure to upload a ton of pictures!

-----

Just a side note. We had quite the experience today on our drive over. We tried to stop in Plainfield at the P.O. to mail out a package. Well after waiting in line and seeing no end to my wait I got impatient and decided to just go forward in our drive to hit another P.O.

We happened upon the P.O. in Redgranite, now normally I would have parked on the street but having pulled up past the PO a little I decided to pull in back of it and walk the long walk to the front. Again, standing in line - what seemed like forever due to a farmer at the window, a lady in front of me with a change of address form and a "trainee" learning how to do everything--I was antsy. After about 5 min of waiting in line all of the sudden we hear a loud CRASH outside. Looking out the window was a regular tractor trailer semi that had gone off the road and sideswiped completely the cars parked on the road-for no reason! Oh and did I mention the lady with the change of address in front of me... it was her vehicle! Had we parked on the street.. with me in the PO and Mellisa and Hannah in the jeep. It would have been disasterous! Praise the Lord no one was hurt and we were able to keep going...

the drive...Pathfinder Camporee 2009!

2009-08-09T12:21:00.005-04:00

Well today we left for the Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh. Our first stop will actually be my moms house which is only a little ways away from there. We left early this morning and we are so tightly packed, -like sardines in a in can- if it we wanted to I don't think we would have room for a mouse.

This should be a fun experience. There are 36,000 + people/kids that are attending.

We will be there helping to maintain the KIDS' TIME booth and promoting the KT4J Website.

We have give-aways, sign-ups, a computer to try out the website, and more.

Keep checking back and we will post pictures from the camporee!

I can't wait to meet all the kids!

This makes it all worth while...

2009-08-01T20:34:00.003-04:00

Here's a kidstime4jesus.org website update.
Some interesting things:
Total page views in the website - 176399+
Home page views - 74,651
Busiest website days - Fridays and Saturdays
Total kids/people signed up for online Bible Studies 381
Total people completed all 52 lessons and received a FREE Bible - 3
All of this since we launched in March!

Best of all are the emails we get like this one:

"Thank you for providing such a great website for those who do not have access to 3abn! My children really enjoy it. We will be joining your online Kids Club next!

Many blessings to you and your talented staff."

or this one

Name: Mary M.
Country: UK
Age: 12
Comments: I like this website it has helped me; I hope it helps other people to come closer to our Mighty God which art in Heaven; May he bless us all

-------
AWESOME... all the volunteer work put into the website by me and my friend Mellisa are made all worth while by these kinds of emails.

All Praise and Glory to Jesus. May many people come to know Him through this ministry.

More KT4J Shirts!

2009-08-01T20:29:00.002-04:00

The "Process"

KT4J t-shirts

2009-07-30T11:07:00.003-04:00

All screen printed at a friends house. Fun stuff. Once the fronts are done I will screen the backs. We have 45+ to do.

Screen Printing! (like I need another art project)

2009-07-27T08:20:00.002-04:00

So I have finally done it. I have always wanted to get into the business of screen printing. If I could I would have my own t-shirt shop, with screen printing services ranging from small to large. This of course after I had my own vegetarian restaurant (all dreams of course). But on a smaller scale I have decided that now is the time to "do-it-yourself". So I purchased all the needed materials (most of them) from DickBlick.com (I love that store) and took the time to learn how to do it at home. After a few failed attempts at exposing the screen with the right times under the sun I finally have it down. The picture shows my first shirt design that we developed for Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh. Screen printing took less than three mins and the whole process is fairly quick. Today though I will be screening about 30 shirts of a different design for the same event. This one I like more, (pictures to come) But all in all, I can now do custom t-shirt screen printings, small quantities available. I am excited and have lots of plans. Some ideas are retro shirts, multi-colored, faded/grunge look, American Eagle style shirts, Christian shirts, with verses and designs. This could be fun. Christmas presents this year!

The Fly II

2009-07-11T22:12:00.003-04:00

Well it's been a while since my last post. June was insanely busy for me. I have been in Illinois, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Just to give an update on the frog. Below are photos of the frog on the street, downtown Midland. Bad news is the first day of installation and the first fly was broken/stolen. BUMMER. I was hoping it wouldn't happen, but it did. So on the day of the official kickoff I had to create a new fly from APOXIE. Long story short, this is the new fly below. I made him thicker, heavier and brought the tongue up more around and to the side of him to give him strength. Hope it lasts. Why can't people just respect other peoples artwork! Reminds me of college days when I had projects stolen.

finished frog!

2009-05-05T06:54:00.003-04:00

Well it's finally done and clear coated and ready for this summer's display downtown Midland. I hope the funny, happy light hearted theme of my frog will bring a smile to people's faces. The biggest question for people thus far is... what if someone takes the fly. The fly itself is REALLY stuck well on the sculpture but in the event that that happens I will be creating a different fly each occurance. I am not worried. It can be replaced.

Drop me a line/email/comment and let me know what you all think of the final sculpture.

water drops and the fly

2009-04-17T18:13:00.003-04:00

Well I added some of the final touches to the sculpture... Some EPOXY water drops and the fly. I will get the project clear coated next week and see about adding more water drops. They kinda look cool but are difficult and costly to achieve. Once the whole thing is clear coated you will see the colors and drops pop off more.

after airbrushing

2009-04-12T18:31:00.004-04:00

So today, Easter Sunday, I spent several hours airbrushing. It sure does add a lot of character to the frog. The crowning finally will be the fly, which has yet to be created. I also need to do more work on the eyes. All in all the frog is 95% done (without counting clear coating) I think I also want to mess with adding some "waterdrops" to the lillypad. Still thinking on that.. perhaps some type of epoxy. I am happy with how it is turning out. :)

um... excuse me!

2009-04-12T18:27:00.004-04:00

Mellisa's cat, Dexter, took up residence on top of my frog. lol
Cats just have to be on top of everything!

frog painting!

2009-04-10T19:13:00.006-04:00

Today I started paitning the frog, it's the first step. After the first coat I will detail more, shade more and then break out the airbrush. The airbrush is what will really give it the depth and detail that I am envisioning. (note: the lilly pad isn't colord yet.) I debated whether or not to do more frog realistic eyes, but then again I really wanted a cartoony look. And yes I still need to do the crowning FLY on the tongue. Also figured out it stands a little over 3ft today.

Camp Au Sable

2009-04-10T19:08:00.003-04:00

Photos taken at last weekend's woman's retreat at Camp Au Sable,
in Grayling. The squirrel was a greta shot!

frog dissection

2009-04-03T13:17:00.002-04:00

Well, I had to do some surgery today on the frog. After constructing the other arm yesterday I felt that the frog's left arm needed to come out and away from his body. I cut off the old arm and made a new one, looks much better now. More character. I have it propped up for drying.

We have an ARM!

2009-04-02T19:59:00.002-04:00

We have a arm! If you haven't noticed the arm on the other side of the body is closer to the body.
Soon we can start painting!

cqgraphicdesign website

2009-03-31T21:35:00.004-04:00

Well here it is! I crammed today to get my website done. In the midst of work for everyone else I have very little time for myself. Interesting factoid, I disliked doing my own site. Making decisions for myself tends to be the hardest. For those of you who have seen my past sites you will notice that I eliminated a bunch of things. I tried to slim down and class up. A crisp, clean new look. Drop me a line and let me know what you all think! Check it out HERE.

28 pounds!

2009-03-30T19:22:00.004-04:00

Well today I ran out of apoxie, right now I have 28 lbs of Apoxie on the sculpture. I orderd more today to be able to finish the project. You can see I added a metal armature for the right arm. I uploaded the finished drawing again so you can get the full scope again. Obviously I decided to add one toe to each foot and hand, for a total on four.

frog sculpture progress

2009-03-29T09:41:00.003-04:00

he is still missing HIS right ARM ( I need more apoxie)

Well hopefully you can kind of see how things are going to be put together. Try not to let the different colors distract you. Of course, once everything is painted it will come ALIVE... mwwwaahahaha, (that's my evil scientist laugh)
Ok seriously, I spent a good time today coating the bottom (not shown) of the pad today with Apoxie... I also had to construct the wooden inserts that will house the brackets for the installation. The city likes to be able to screw the base of the sculpture to concrete to prevent someone carrying the sculpture off. (It has happened).

working on the lilly pad

2009-03-25T19:06:00.004-04:00

Working on the lilly pad today, and the bottom half of the frog. I think constructing the feet and the pad/while the frog is in place will be fun. Truly though, I can't wait until the painting aspect.
In the lillypad photo above I had to attach the two side pieces to the main pad, as I didn't have one "big chunk" of foam to deal with.

KIDS' TIME WEBSITE LAUNCH!

2009-03-24T10:18:00.003-04:00

Launched today is the KIDS' TIME website! After lots of long hours, research, hard work and collaboration we were finally able to open it to the public! Check it out!
The greatest feature of the site is the ONLINE BIBLE STUDIES that are fully trackable and managed online. 52 Lessons in all. Mellisa helped out greatly by entering all 52 lessons into a quiz program which we purchased for this very thing. We are waiting to see how it goes over. The quizes are password protected. Each quiz needs to be taken in order of the lessons to receive the next password, and so on. Once completed the user then receives a FREE BIBLE and certificate. We are praying the Lord uses this site to further His kingdom. Without His help we could have never of completed the project. It took over 8 months of work. It will continually be a work in progress, always adding things, etc. We will also be running monthly contests for kids to enter. It's going to be great fun!

Enough is Enough!

2009-03-24T10:09:00.003-04:00

Did you know that the estimated Michigan deer population for 2005 for the Saginaw Bay Area is 242,500! Well, yesterday I hit my 14th deer since 2001. Enough is enough! Shrug it off and move on. You can see all of my hits (except yesterdays) with the web page I dedicated to the ridiculousness of it all HERE.

Woah!

2009-03-23T10:27:00.003-04:00

This was a shocker this weekend. I was expecting a byline in the paper not the front page and so huge! lol. Best I live up to the expectation now. LOL

Little known fact: I also redesigned the masthead for the paper just 2 weeks ago.

Making Progress...

2009-03-20T19:30:00.004-04:00

Notice the foreman in the photo above

Well as you can see the progress continues! I'm constructing the bottom portion now. I think I am going to have GREAT fun painting this one. The "empty" spot on the right side (bottom photo) is where the ARM will go. I haven't figured exactly where that fall. At any rate! Having fun working with it.

it's not easy being green

2009-03-12T18:32:00.003-04:00

Well I added still more apoxie today. It takes time, the apoxie works best if its warmed, and I like the green stuff, mixes well. Still haven't figure out what I will do for the feet, and possibly lilly pad.... and of course a "butt", he doesn't haveone right yet, (not shone) lol

color me green

2009-03-11T13:23:00.004-04:00

And so it begins, the adding of the APOXIE to the frog. I started with the eyes and legs as they needed to be attached for stability. Notice that I am constructing the eyes in a "CRAZY EYED" fashion. Reminiscent of Bill the Cat. NOt quit as pronounced, but will not be proportional and "even" looking when i'm done.

THPPPFT!

IGOR!, "PULL THE SWITCH!"

2009-03-06T16:18:00.006-05:00

Well if you haven't heard by now, this year's DOWNTOWN MIDLAND SCULPTURE SERIES is on it's way.
The theme: FROGS!
I am only doing ONE Sculpture this year.
It's name: TONGUE TIED
The thinking behind this years sculpture was to be a little more light hearted with it. I think the
public will like that more.
The process is going to be a little more challenging then the previous DRAGONS (see older posts)
I am using scrap foam from the dragons, including an old discarded HEAD that was going to be used and never was. And last summer, after the dragons appeared downtown, I had a huge piece of foam leftover. A lady from Riverside asked for me to create a squirrel for her and so I did. 2 times, the first squirrel was too big, so I created a different one, a smaller version. It worked well. So I was left with a large squirrel that sat in my kitchen for a few months. Until now.
Instead of the dragon's lair, this year in true Dr. Frogenstein fashion we will have a "frog lab"
I have to transform a squirrel into a frog. Kinda like Frankenstein, when he uses pieces and parts to create his monster. lol. (interject, I loved the IGOR movie)
At any rate, squirrel ears become frog eyes, a dragons head becomes a frog leg.
FUN!...yet challenging.
The real fun will be at the end, when I can say...
IGOR!, "PULL THE SWITCH!"

I forgot to take a photo of the squirrel before I began cutting.

My frog design

One of the legs is a revamped Dragon head, I will need to shorten the torso, make an arm (otherside), (add front belly, back) attach all the parts and go from there.

mwwwwwaaaaahahahaha (evil scientist laugh) And NO... this is not Dr. Horribles, Sing Along Blog.

another birthday

2009-02-24T11:43:00.007-05:00

Well it's already been another year. My how time flies. Last year, if you remember, I had the special opportunity to meet Nathan Greene. It was a wonderful experience. A lot has happened since then. This year I decided to just have a FUN day off, shopping with my best friend. Since I am now working for myself, I have the luxury to take days off when needed. This was such the occasion. Here are a few photos from the day.
Our day started bright and early.

It was such a cold, crisp morning that the trees, and brushes outside were coated with ice. I snapped a photo along side the road.

On the return I snapped a photo of Mellisa, catching myself as well.

While I still had a little bit of work to do on the road, we stopped at a Starbucks to accomplish that and grab a drink. Mellisa bought me a coffee mug I was eyeing up. It has little coffee beans all over the side of it. I also took a cool photo of the chair I was sitting in with the bright sunshine coming in the window, it made a neat composition. I will probably paint it and add it to my "chair" collection of paintings I have started over the last 3-4 years.

We traveled down to Birch Run, did some shopping at the outlet mall, found some great stuff. Ate at Olive Garden in Saginaw, did some more shopping... went to midland, shopped some more and then the day was done.

Mellisa was mu chauffeur all day as my back wasn't the best. We didn't let that stop us though. A good time was had. I thank the Lord for the 34 years I have had, He has been good to me.

MRI

2009-01-09T18:08:00.004-05:00

Well it's been a busy week. This week I finally had an MRI for my back that has been giving me such problems since Nov of last year and here are a couple of snapshots from them. I have a bad disk in L5 and S1. And the weird thing is that my symptoms are flipped around, they are on the right side when the MRI (to the Dr) says they should be on the left. That just means that its probably the S1 that could be giving me the grief, more so than the L5. Anyway... the next step is to try Injections. I will receive my first Cortisol Injection at the end of January. Hoping that will help facilitate some healing. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers for my back. They are greatly appreciated!

A HAPPY 2009

2009-01-02T18:41:00.003-05:00

Well as the NEW YEAR begins so does a new direction for cqgraphicdesign.
Some of you know that 2008 was a CRAZY year for me.
In March I left QRP in Midland after 5 years of working in graphicdesign/prepress. I enjoyed the experience that working there gave and I made some great friends. I then went to Space Studios where I was able to expand my creativity into larger more "meaty" projets.
After starting cqgraphicdesign (working for myself) on the side in 2000, and pulling down a full-time graphics job during the day it was starting to take a toll on me. I was working 40 hours a week during the day and an additional 2-4+ hours in the evenings. Which turned into 50-60 hours a week on my butt behind a computer screen. Not cool. I have this insaitiable need to help everyone I can. I have a hard time saying no. In Nov, of 2007 I developed what we think is a herniated disk, resulting in a lot of pain, all the time.
But I want to end this on a "HAPPY" note.
On October 5th, I accepted a position with Wilks Publications, an Adventist run company, which put me in charge of the design of the "Happiness" Magazine. Wilks, It's a WEEKLY, 16 page, full-color magaine with a TV Schedule that susbscribers all over the Nation pick up each week. This position allows me to work full time from home and gives me the opportunity to keep all my regular clients. I am excited about being able to work for myself DURING the day. It's hard not to feel spoiled. I work each week with my editor, Diane in Rochester MN and the entire issue is worked on back and forth until completion. It's been a challenge, but I am really enjoying this.
I have tons of work coming in on the side, everything from websites, childrens books, books, and much more. The Lord is good to me. I give all praise and glory for this working in my life and I pray that I may bring HAPPINESS to others.

WORTH

2008-12-27T14:36:00.002-05:00

Well as another Christmas comes and goes, and life gets back to reality for most of us... so does our good neighborly "cheer".
Have you ever stopped to think about how a lot of people only are "changed" during the Christmas season... How attitudes and spirits are happy and friendly starting at about Thanksgiving and ending a week into new years? Life, and old habits return.

We had a good sermon in church today. Everyone takes away something different, but what I took from it today was "OUR WORTH". The speaker made a good point in how when purchasing an apple at Walmart for 50 cents how that apple is no longer Walmarts but the purchasers. And its worth is determined on what we paid for it and what we deem its value is.
Jesus, the "reason for the season" gave up heaven, eternity with God the father to PURCHASE us. He came as a little babe, starting from scratch. Living sinless here, and then becoming a sacrifice for us.. PURCHASING us (each and everyone), ALL BECAUSE HE THOUGH WE WERE/ARE WORTH IT.
One of my favorite sayings is, "you will never come into contact with someone that Jesus doesn't love and wouldn't give his life for. Even for one. Everyone reading this is WORTH it. WORTH His life to redeem. He thought you, me, and everyone.. infinitely special enough to give up everything for.
Awesome.
But isn't that how we should be? Shouldn't that change how we are to others?
I gave a sermon one time when I was asked to speak, and my topic was or worth and how special each one is to God. If we only had a clue...of our worth. I think we could all be a little more kinder, gentler, loving, caring, giving and yes... sacrificing to others; no matter who they are in our lives. We tend to place those closest to us, our friends and family on a higher scale then our neighbors, our co-workers, or the annoying checkout lady at the store. But really, are we any better then that lady? No. Stop and think next time you run into someone you might deem "less WORTH IT" and think... "Jesus loves them, as much as me... so how can I share a blessing with them today." You might find the JOY in the Christmas season is with you throughout the whole year.

20 Santas

2008-12-24T14:14:00.008-05:00

Having fun with my camera at my moms house. I thought I would take some photos of the unique, often very old santas. Enjoy!

Lance

2008-12-24T11:10:00.005-05:00

Just thought I would share some photos of Lance. He loves playing outside in the snow...
I hope to share some photos of Hannah real soon. She loves to dress up, a true girl.

2 running deer and a partridge in a pear tree!

2008-12-24T11:01:00.003-05:00

Well it's been a while since I last posted. Truthfully, I had forgotten. Life keeps one busy.
Just recently for all you people who constantly ask me..."did ya hit another deer yet"
I can say, "YES"! Actually two of them at once, with the jeep, not the car!
These two did the most damage I have had yet. :( boohoo! I was bummed as it was the beginning of the bad weather and knew I would miss the 4-Wheel drive.

It's funny how God works though.

What we think is bad can turn out to be good.

The insurance decided to "total" the jeep. Which left me with two options.
Take the offer of cash and get it fixed or take the buy out of 4k and get something new.
I opted to take the cash and get it fixed. I was able to get it all up and running and even fixed another problem on the hatch of the jeep and have some leftover that I then put on the laon of the jeep. Another 200 and it's all mine. Again, funny how God works.

2 deer and I came out ahead.

What a blessing.

new camera

2008-11-01T19:20:00.003-04:00

Bought a new camera. Yeah, so you'll start seeing some "fun" miscellaneous photos. I can't wait for some opportunities to shoot some birds and wildlife. I was able to get a 300mm lense which has been fun to tinker with, still lots to learn.

Ocotber 11, 2008 - "The Accident"

2008-10-29T14:24:00.010-04:00

wilson vs franklin

2008-10-22T20:24:00.003-04:00

Well here it is... I meant to do this blog a while ago, but as some of you know my life was turned upside down. That will come in a later post. But until then, here's something to hold your attention for a minute or two. A few weeks ago, I was at home during the day because my back was acting up and I was unable to go to work. Feeling like Tom Hanks in the movie "Castaway", alone and bored I decided to go for a walk. Due to my aching back, my walk was very short and pathetic. I did however come across something that caught my attention. Tucked in the tall grass near the edge of the drop off to the river was a Franklin soccer ball. Brand new, hardly used, I snatched it up, and walked it home. I use it as a foot rest under my desk when I work and kick it around the apt. I dubbed it "FRANKLIN" It kind of has a resemblance to "WILSON" in the movie, don't ya think?

Day 1

2008-10-07T20:14:00.004-04:00

Well as some of you know.. today OCT 7, 2008 was my first day working for myself. Yep, you've read right. cqgraphicdesign is now in full swing. I have been blessed by a wonderful opportunity to stay at home and work finally, during the daylight hours for myself, and my clients.

Day 1: Extremely busy. No that's not me in the photo, but hey, it would be nice to have a red cape. lol. Today was a good day, a busy day. I hope to keep it up and maybe, just maybe have a life sometime too. More to come on my work ventures.

Keep the work coming! Please!
Next post, about my new friend "franklin" and how he is helping me with my work and my recovery at home from my back problems.

PS. NEW WEBSITE coming soon! All new revised, more professional, less artsy. (oh say it ain't so! yep, fraid so.)

Auction

2008-10-04T14:31:00.002-04:00

Well the dragon sculpture auction happened a couple weeks ago. It was very blah. I kinda expected more excitement around it. Maybe that was me getting my hopes up.
My PICCHU dragon was first on the auction block. A HUGE NO-NO when it comes to these things as they always go for cheap. So he did. Picchu went for $200. You could not have paid me to make that for $200 as supplies alone were $500. So someone out there got a deal. Very sad though to see it go that way. An artist has a lot of attachment to a piece after that long. Emergence was, I think 12 on the block and it went for a mere $600. Still not what I thought. I think the City of Midland picked it up, don't know. Not much recognition given to the artists, and hardly any sponsors were there. And no, I did not win the prize of $1000. It went to another artist, who... ok I will try not to be bitter about. Bought his dragons and painted them. Ok Moving on before I say anymore. Yeah, ok. The People's choice award went to Alice who created her dragon out of cement. She does nice work and she deserved it. God had something bigger in mind for me when I didn't win the $1000 prize... more to come on that.

KIDS' TIME SIGN UP - EXCITING NEWS!

2008-09-14T19:45:00.005-04:00

Well the excitement is building for the release of KIDS' TIME - The Official Website. A few weeks ago we launched the placeholder for the site. I added a link to a form for the sign up of a newsletter that I will be creating through constant contact for kids to receive in their email inboxes. The "newsletter", which is still in the conception stage will have numerous things in it: ie; Ways to Share Jesus, Maybe a Bible Story, Bible Verses, perahps a fun fact-amazing fact, fun images, contest updates and more...
With the addition of this SIGN UP LINK we have had kids from ALL OVER THE WORLD signing up! We currently have 75 and more coming in constantly. In one day alone we received 58 sign ups! WOW! We have kids from the Asia, South America, Africa, Islands and of course the USA. It's going to be amazing! We have not committed to Constant Contact yet, as it will cost a monthly fee, that we will trust in the Lord to provide us with. The more contacts that sign up the more it costs... but MORE we want! Praise the Lord that this will be a TOOL in HIS HAND to reach Kids for Jesus and give them the "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13)

PS, um, adults can sign up too, and we have had several of those. We have also had ages from MONTHS old (parental sign up) to grandparents.
This is a shout out to my family and friends and anyone that might want to sign up for the newsletter.

Can't wait! The website itself is coming along, we have hours and hours and hours into it and will, by the time we get it done we will have hundreds of hours into the creation.

Sharing my excitment!!

MUTLI-TASKING

2008-09-01T18:16:00.002-04:00

Ok so my mother was kind enough to point out my spelling error on the last post... hahaha. That's what happens when I multi-task. It's like chewing gum and walking. In this case. It's chewing gum (because I am an obsessive gum chewer), working on a hundred page website, answering emails, designing a flyer, and making illustrations for a site. Among other things. I mean come on, look at this desktop and THIS IS A CLEANED UP VERSION. Hahaha... ok seriously back to work.

AUCTION

2008-08-31T15:58:00.002-04:00

Well it's almost here, coming soon, Sept 18 is the Dragon Sculpture Auction. So far my sculptures have withstood the elements. The Emergence sculpture needs a little pain fix as some standing water made some of the paint bubble up but nothing major. I am pleased. Especially since there was some vandalism this summer but not to mine. It will be interesting to see how things pan out with the auction. Last year I won the peoples choice award (no moolah though).
It's amazing how fast the summer goes by...

KIDS TIME Website Coming soon!

2008-08-28T20:51:00.003-04:00

Well It's in progress. Today I posted the placeholder for the KIDS TIME Website.
You can view it here. It's an animation I teadiously created in Flash. It's one of my more extensive ones. Just wait until the site is actually up. I am going to try my hand at creating some games. We have some great ideas for the site like, contests, newsletters, etc. Going to be great fun! Don't forget its KIDS' TIME to share Jesus. If you want to know more about Kid's Time or to order the Dvds you can go to Brenda's website Here.
Blessings! cq

Micheff Adventure!

2008-08-01T20:30:00.005-04:00

Mellisa, Brenda, CQ, Linda

Well Mellisa and I had a great weekend, as some of you know (from my previous post) I have been working with Brenda Walsh and the Micheff Sisters with their website and promotional materials. This has been tremendously fun and exciting for me. And this weekend with Brenda and Linda in the state for a cooking seminar at Camp Ausable, Mellisa (my best friend) and I were able to go up there and spend the day with them. Helping them prepare for their seminar and also meet with them on website ideas and future projects. Which leads me to KIDS' TIME!

Coming in the fall of 2008 we will be launching a HUGE Site for KIDS' TIME! Kids Time is a kids show Brenda developed in order to reach kids for the kingdom. Teaching them that it's "kids' time to share Jesus". They have not had a website in nearly a decade of being on Air on the 3ABN network. This new venture will open the doors for KIDS EVERYWHERE to continue their love for Kids' Time and experience aspects of the show, online, a place to learn about Jesus, nature, science, grow, share, etc. It is going to be AMAZING! I wll keep everyone posted.
I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be working on this project, Mellisa and I will be putting togther a ton of content over the next several weeks, and I will be illustrating for the site. I will post as I go so you can see the progress. You can view KIDS TIME parts and pieces on YOUTUBE and read more about KT, and order the DVDs on Brenda's site.

One thing I learned in meeting Brenda and Linda and Cinda is that they are very genuine, and you can see their love for the Lord and see His character beaming in their faces.
Don't we all want to be like that. Awesome.
We serve and AWESOME God.

New Websites!

2008-07-22T20:12:00.006-04:00

Sorry it's been so long since the last post. I was letting the dragon posting be the main focus for a while. Now we will explore other goodies.

Here are screen captures of my latest websites that I have created.
I am really excited about these three as they are all ministry-soul-winning focused.
Let me know what everyone thinks. Check out the sites by clicking the links.

MicheffSisters.com

BrendaWalsh.com

ElijahRoadMinistries.org

Dragons on the Street

2008-06-20T08:50:00.005-04:00

Well June 5th was the kick-off for the Summer of the Dragons in downtown Midland. On June 4th all the artists had their sculptures installed, there are around 20 of them. All ranging in different mediums, sizes, styles, etc. The kick-off party ended up being a bust as we had a big storm brew up and dump a bunch of rain, thunder and lightning. Gee, no one seemed interested in coming down town for the kick-off. It was a bummer in that respect. But the people who did come down and the people who were there were fun to talk to. Both of the dragons are on Main street in dowtown Midland and will be on display until Sept 12, when they go on public auction. Don't forget to VOTE during the summer, via the Midland Daily News for your favorite dragon! hint hint!

I hope to get back to a more consitant blog. I have been working on some pretty big projects for some clients, mainly website stuff

Picchu and Emergence - Dragon Sculptures

2008-05-02T10:59:00.007-04:00

Well the dragons are finally finished, and awaiting installation date of June 4-5. The downtown Midland kick-off party is June 6th from 5-7 p.m. I think both dragons Emergence (the egg) and Picchu (the statue) turned out awesome. I had Emergence clear-coated this week and it added all the effect that i wanted for that piecce. The clear coating really brings out the slime effect that I wanted. Hope everyone has enjoyed reading about the progress. Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

airbrushed - almost done

2008-04-21T19:33:00.005-04:00

Well the dragon is in the last stages of development. Here are a few new photos after I did several hours of airbrushing. I still have more to do. I am debating on a few aspects, also I will be adding lumps/boney structures to the tail to give it some flare. Hope everyone likes the progress.

painting the dragon

2008-04-18T19:01:00.006-04:00

The distance shots don't show all the detail or texture, I hope to get some better photos up.

As you can see from the photos I have starting painting the Village Green Dragon. I still have lots to paint like the eyes, teeth, nails, goop, etc.. but the biggest parts are covered. Once the initial coat is on I will be airbrushing again. It's coming along nicely. I had a thought to enhance the GOOP effect on the sculpture. I bought some modgepodge today and I will mix it with a light color then drizzel it thickly over certain areas of the sculpture to give it that realistic GOOP look that I want... then when all is said and done it will be clear coated as well, everything with the glossy look will add to the effect. Can't wait!

goop

2008-04-04T10:45:00.004-04:00

Here are a few more photos from today. The entire top half of the sculpture is covered with Apoxie, green and orange...THIS IS NOT PAINT. I think the actual paint job on this thing is going to be awesome. The white spaces are where water has trickled, I added a "goop" affect with the apoxie, some dripping down the egg, and hanging from his one arm that is outside the egg, the other is still mostly inside the egg and the goop. What is the goop, I don't know, but I am sure when a dragon was "born" that it was in goop much like a chicken or another animal from an egg. Coming along nicely... STILL don't have enough apoxie. :P bugger.

More Apoxie on the VG Dragon

2008-03-29T17:00:00.004-04:00

Here are the latest photos of the VG dragon, I worked for four hours yesterday putting on APOXIE, needless to say my hands are stained green on the tumbs and wrists. Usually happens because it dries while I work with it. I got a lot done, I am happy about that, a lot still needs to be done, as well as detailing and revisions to areas. I think everyones conception of this dragon is small, this one os quite large and already has taken up 6 sets of 4-pound apoxies.

Finished Dow Gardens Dragon

2008-03-29T16:49:00.004-04:00

Well here is the final Dow Garden's Dragon Sculpture. I just picked it up from clear coating today. Hard to get an real feel for it here, online. The sculpture in person is neat, and very "touchable". In case anyone out there doesn't really get the idea bedhind it... It has a very Statuesque feel about it, it reminds me of an old statue you would see in a unearthed ruin. the dragon is holding a grey stone slate that has the Dow Gardens logo on the front. It too reminds me of fire, just symbolic. A fun statue none the less. A lot of work was done.

Here are the stats:
HEIGHT - 38.5 inches
DEPTH - 22 inches deep (front to back)
WIDTH - 18 inches wide (side to side)
WEIGHT - Approx 30lbs.

close-ups

2008-03-25T06:35:00.005-04:00

Well here it is, the dragon, after airbrushing. The only thing left is clear coating. As you can see that the dragon has a lot of texture to its painting. I did some under painting and then dry brushing to give it a rough, textured look to it. Let me know what you think. Now I need to get the other one done.

painted!

2008-03-23T18:50:00.003-04:00

Ok well i spent several hours today painting the DG dragon, and here is the results. I still have yet to airbrush the dragon with more detail, so the final dragon will be darker. I will also take some close ups too. Then it will get clear coated. Let me know what everyone thinks thus far.
I included a photo with my friend's son, Lance, just to give size and reference.

luck o' the irish dragon

2008-03-17T20:35:00.003-04:00

Got more accomplished on the head of the VG dragon tonight, fitting for St. Patricks day. Again, in the background you can see the upside down DG sculpture. One of these days I will take a photo that will show scale. Some people have mentioned how "small" the VG dragon looks, and its not, it sits about 4ft high. And fitting for today is that the green APOXIE is starting to stain my hands green. lol

spring barn shadow

2008-03-16T21:45:00.002-04:00

I drive by this barn everyday, but during the year as the sun moves if you are driving by at the right time and season you will catch the shadow of this tree cast on the side of it. I just think it's a really neat thing that happens in the spring. At all other times either the tree is covered in leaves and doesn't look the same or the sun is shining from a different direction. Call me crazy, but I love stuff like this. I finally got a chance to take a photo tonight.

green

2008-03-16T21:40:00.004-04:00

Well I started applying the new batch of APOXIE on the second sculpture. I used one 4lb set already. I can tell this is going to take a lot of APOXIE but being that it is a fresh batch it sure goes on a lot better than the last one. My little lair is crowded now with both sculptures. In one of the photos you can kinda see the other one in the background. I have it upside down so I can work on the bottom piece that I will be installing with the brackets for securing. After that is done it will be more sanding and painting, the really fun part.

kitty break

2008-03-15T18:21:00.006-04:00

not every post has to be serious. Mischievous kitties plus sun equal good photo ops. Here are a couple from today, including one, while I was trying to make this post.

a "tail" of two dragons

2008-03-13T19:32:00.004-04:00

This is the Backside

Well I detailed the VG dragon tonight. Its pretty much ready for the APOXIE and thats when the detailing will come out. I unfortunately broke off the tail tonight in the process, but shouldn't be a problem APOXIE-ing it back on.