Happy Birthday Artwork

Jon's dad turns 60 on January 5. This is an almost 60 year old who has ran over 20 marathons, countless 1/2 marathons, raced in numerous triathlons, helps coach high school girls basketball and is on Jon's basketball team that plays in a Sunday night league at our local Y. (Many of the players are in their 20's.) Definitely not your typical 60 year old.

A few months ago, Jon's mom asked me to create a cycling piece. Jon and I went to a few bicycle stores and managed to get some great parts! I wanted the piece to have a lot of raw characteristics to it, so I though the old bike parts went perfect with the paper mache look I was going for. I layered numerous papers, tissue paper and photos. I wanted them bubbly and rough to the touch. Throw in some metal, stickers, glitter, mod podge (to "set" the glitter, creating an asphalt look), song lyrics, fabric, thread, molding paste, stamps, and paints...and this is what I ended up creating.

It took many hours, but every minute was exciting! Creating was the great part, but keeping it a secret was excruciating, especially because I have two little girls that cannot keep secrets! Jon's parents came over today and Kathi gifted Larry his artwork! This is definitely one of my favorites. Now Jon is hinting that he would like one (or many) just like his dad's! :)

So, Happy Birthday Larry! I hope that you enjoy your artwork. You are definitely an inspiration to so many people, including me. You are such a positive role model and such a motivator! Your ears are often open more than your mouth...and when you speak, it is something that everyone wants to hear! You make 60 look good! ;)

AND...looks like my daughter is quite the little artist! My sister gave Emily an American Girl scrap letter craft for Christmas. Emily worked very hard, for many hours, on her own artwork. She was so proud of the outcome! Jon hung it in her room today, and I was definitely okay with it...art at 7? How dreamy!