FreshRetroGallery by Elizabeth Knaus Shops

Monday, December 9, 2024

How to make a finger labyrinth

How do you explore?


What might you look for and find? 


When was your last library experience?

Libraries are a wonderful place to go on a self-guided tour or ask the librarian for help. You might discover a calendar full of in-person classes! Invited speakers and instructors demonstrate how to make interesting items. Sign up to attend and enjoy! Learning and trying new things enriches a lifelong creative process. 

Finger Labyrinth, front

How to make a finger labyrinth
I learned how to make a finger labyrinth during a class I signed up for ahead of time. Most of the project was completed at my local library; then, at home I finished it by adding symbolism representing the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in the center of my artwork.

Finger Labyrinth, back

On the back, I share how I am centered by the Word of God which fills me with Truth and peace which surpasses understanding through the gifts and inspiration I receive from the Creator of the Universe. Here is listed info about the mixed media artwork: 12x12 inch finger labyrinth made with prepared canvas stretched on wood frame, string, print, tissue, paper, glue, Mod Podge, markers, nail polish.
On the back, I share how I am centered by the Word of God which fills me with Truth and peace which surpasses understanding through the gifts and inspiration I receive from the Creator of the Universe. Here is listed info about the mixed media artwork: 12x12 inch finger labyrinth made with prepared canvas stretched on wood frame, string, print, tissue, paper, glue, Mod Podge, markers, nail polish.
 

Finger Labyrinth, front and back

How to make a finger labyrinth—pin and try it!
How to make a finger labyrinth—pin and try it!


How to make a finger labyrinth—pin and try it!
How to make a finger labyrinth—pin and try it!
 

How to make a finger labyrinth

More info and get the base design: labyrinth for printing.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Artist Trading Card (ATC) 20-of-20 in Prompts Series

Can you sing it?


Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?


Sometimes, singing something strategically suitable supplements staying focused.

Since the 1965 film Mary Poppins, a silly word from a song performed by Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews has stuck with me.

Front, artist trading card (ATC) 20-of-20 in series.

Sledding on snow wearing a stocking cap and scarf sliding down the hill on a red sled inspired by the list of S-word Prompts for Artist Trading Cards on parchment style paper printed for ATC info from FreshRetroGallery
Sledding on snow, wearing a stocking cap and scarf, sliding down the slippery hill on a red sled illustration inspired by the list of S-word Prompts for Artist Trading Cards on parchment style paper printed for ATC info from FreshRetroGallery
 

How do disheartened droopy souls grow up straight and strong?

Sunshine, shady soft rains and warm rich soil are sustenance that keep plants from shriveling up and dying. Rather than succumbing to stifling, sizzling secular days, everyone needs the Light to thrive, repent and seek the Son of God our Savior. Now, some who intentionally reject salvation described in sweet Scripture, subject themselves to an afterlife with incessant scorching heat. In the unknown time before death or until our Good Shepherd returns to gather His sheep, there’s still space for grace. We pray many people will receive Jesus who sets us free from despair. Far beyond screens, opportunities exist to sit, stand, shift around every single day, side-by-side, striding among and steadied by those who confess certain hope in Truth. The church is a sanctuary, a refuge where we hear beautiful sounds of musical instruments, encouraging songs, satisfying sermons and prayers spoken together. It’s so smart to see the reality of sin and the saving mercy in Jesus. All who are seeking humility may trust Christ to forgive failures. Our Counselor strengthens us to stop selfishness and sustains us in the faith. Imperfectly, yet uniquely empowered to serve, by grace, we’re supplied words to speak true joy to whoever has ears opened to hear. The Holy Spirit shines within and surrounds us, in-person, during liturgy and hymn singing on Sundays. Spiritual Support stockpiles sufficient rest and significant daily blessings—past the sleep of death—into the glorious splendor with our eternal Creator of the universe. 

“Since the Holy Spirit worked faith in us and we have been saved, we now live a life sanctified in which we are continually renewed by the Word and the Sacraments.”
Melody Martin (read more about justification and sanctification)

ATC back number 20-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Winter Blessings • Media used: pressed crayons in pastel form and pencil on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 1.28.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading CardS • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Winter Blessings • Media used: pressed crayons in pastel form and pencil on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 1.28.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading CardS • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
 

Somehow, creativity makes us smile!

Our Creator made us and all spectacular gifts for our enjoyment—not suggesting we know-it-all, but only that we submit to His Son’s steadfast love for us! The serenity of a soft scene, splashing sandy shorelines, smoothly stretched shadows, spring-fed streams for spearing swimming salmon to smoke for snacking, sturdy steel-toe or snappy style shoes, stories during supper, scraps sewn into strips, saying sorry, forgiving seven times seventy, solid school lessons for success, the sport of softball, sculpted stone, strawberry shakes, spending time together, a secure and safe sojourn … What artistic spin might you put on a simple word prompt?

Inspired by a list of S word Prompts on natural parchment style paper for artist trading cards by FreshRetroGallery, 20th in series.
Inspired by a list of S word Prompts on natural parchment style paper for artist trading cards by FreshRetroGallery, 20th in series.
 

Should the gift of creativity serve and support each other?

While artist trading cards offer simplicity and solace to pass time in a meaningful way, special invitations to swap create a type of social sharing that keeps no score. Making ATCs are a superior activity to stay cool on sweltering summer days and snugly sheltered on snowbound days. Tap the link for shopping inspiration and to learn more.

Prompts for ATC creative artist trading cards
 

Beyond Sunday School, there’s so much more to study about spiritual growth…

See also an index for books of the Bible Sketches

Monday, November 11, 2024

Series of Prompts 19-of-20 ATC

Do you have a list?

 

Did you check it twice?


Deck the halls!

Dabble with a dish of water and paint colors. Discover delightful inspiration for artistry.

Front artist trading card (ATC) 19-of-20 in series.

Descending dove with olive branch peace of the Holy Spirit mixed media painting inspired by Prompts for Artist Trading Card on parchment style paper printed for ATC info from FreshRetroGallery
Descending dove with olive branch offering peace by faith in Christ, a gift of the Holy Spirit. Mixed media painting inspired by the list of D-word Prompts for Artist Trading Cards on parchment style paper printed for ATC info from FreshRetroGallery
 

Don’t duplicate, do something different!

Dot-to-dot is a fun way to learn numbers. Door-to-door is a dandy way to get candy. Demolition derbies are smashing events where drivers deliberately destruct cars. Dad asked me to name the dog. Unused creativity dried up like a desert dune, springs back to dazzling days with artist trading cards (ATCs).

ATC back number 19-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Pardon & Peace • Media used: pencil, watercolor & charcoal white on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 1.22.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading CarDs • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Pardon & Peace • Media used: pencil, watercolor & charcoal white on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 1.22.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading CarDs • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Diligently shopping for gifts with degrees of depth?

Draw artist trading cards for a discipline of discovery in 3.5x2.5 inch dimensions. Thickness doesn’t matter. Design it delicately flat or deeply texture layers of multi-media. Artists may decide on doing dynamic series or larger works by drafting mini ATC works.


19th in series inspired by a list of D word Prompts on natural parchment style paper for artist trading cards by FreshRetroGallery.
 

Date and title each art piece for trading.

Swap ATCs in person or do it by mail. 

  • Gather with one to a dozen or more, create together or bring them pre-made to the trade meet. Decide how to play it out—for example, you could draw numbers to determine an order for artists to take turns choosing which piece they’ll take home. 
  • Join a group online to show ATCs and make deals. 

Tap the link below to read the Etsy listing description for many more ideas and benefits!


Prompts for creative artist trading cards (ATC)

Do you want dignity driven doctrine and devotion in the faith?

See also an index for books of the Bible Sketches

 

Monday, October 21, 2024

Artist creative trading caRds prompts series 18/20

What’s the reason?

 

Who wants refreshment?


Do you rave about being right?

With our freedom to reason, we should strive to take responsibility for best results. Failures realized—our lack of being right, achieving what’s required, resisting what’s wrong—is the reason to reverently run to Jesus in every season. The Word’s wisdom reminds us resiliency is only in Christ who restrains the Father’s repulsion over the rebellion of humankind. Remorsefully responding to rebuke, reprimand and reproach we deserve—counsel for our own benefit and the good of others—we respectfully receive release to rebound and relax. 

Front artist trading card (ATC) 18-of-20 in series.

Messy copper brown and teal on white cover stock background has two layers of ribbon, orange stripes and sheer brown, beneath three transparent square shaped vinyl stickers. Attached to back from FreshRetroGallery is a Prompts for Artist Trading Card parchment style form.
 

Unreasonableness is reverse of honesty. 

Refusal to recognize and revoke personal error leads us to react with cold, rattled, robotic rage. With healthy resources of compassionate empathy removed, reactions are rigid and irrational. A potential step forward relapses to two back. Regressing repetitively, rigorous aim to regulate and rule others becomes unrelenting. Robust leadership is reduced to domineering control, ridiculous remote button-pushing, deaf and dumb to reason. Remember rotary dial phones? They spin only so far before they’re stopped. Ignoring reality puts rotation in a downward spiral that’s bound to hit bottom.

Thankfully for believers, God’s Word is always right and reliable. 

The Spirit reminds us that everything doesn’t revolve around any singular person or particular situation in this world. The Heavenly Father lovingly refocuses eyes. He disciplines each of His own dear children who respect their Creator. Truth’s reward is repentantly being rebuilt in Christ, constantly reflecting on rebirth by regeneration and renewal for rescue and refuge. Being renovated with reputation repaired, renewed and refreshed by routinely receiving gifts in worship, the warmth of God’s love radiates through all who live and rest in the completeness of Light.

Repent means turn to the Risen Christ for rest, repeatedly.

Rivers roar and ripple over rugged layers of shallowness, rock-hardheadedness, stubbornness and messy mud. Life is kept from dangers beneath and above transparent thin ice in this temporary time of grace. The Holy Spirit recommends being ready for now and what is to come by resolutely being rooted in Word regularly for the revealed Way, Truth and Life. The cleansing gift of repentance given by Word and water of baptism trusts the Giver. Remembering the body and blood of Jesus washes sin away to replace it with redemption brings relief by the faith received. Recalling the reason for our rough roads now and having certain hope for eternity, relieved believers respond joyfully in the Rock of our salvation! Jesus was born, died and rose to ruin the sting of death. Grace removes what’s repulsive; makes pure all who believe and live the faith offered to them. Christ made everything right before our Holy Father in heaven. Those properly receiving Him, taste/digest in bread/wine, are strengthened, made ready by Him for the resurrection and final reunion when all will bow as He gathers believers for eternity in paradise. Then, those—riddled by Satan’s lies—choosing to reject Jesus, will remain apart from Him in darkness to suffer eternally. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; Matthew 12:20

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. Psalm 42:1

ATC back number 18-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Reunion • Media used: cover stock, enamel paint, ribbon, double-sided tape, scrapbook sticker on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 3.1.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
 

Read reviews.

Visit FreshRetroGallery to shop Christmas cards, stationery, gift-worthy family tree charts, notebooks, scrolls, reunion favors, ATC papers, prompts and more.

18th in series using Prompts on natural parchment style paper for artist trading card Reunion, by FreshRetroGallery.
 

Friday, October 11, 2024

ATC number 17 of 20 Prompts series creative artist trading cArds

Are you ready to answer?

 

What’s always attractive?

 

Are you aware of an announcement?

En plein air which is French for in the open air painting isn’t a practice I’ve already taken up, although I admire artists who get outside of their walls to sketch or paint actual panorama, agricultural and angular areas. Another approach, “artist trading cards” is my latest avenue to advance creatively.

Front artist trading card (ATC) 17-of-20 in series.

An artist using an A-shaped easel painting at lake shore; inspired by the 17th letter in the Prompts series creative trading cArds and painted from imagination.

Admirable attitudes arise from adding adventurous activities.

Artistic insight is advantageous to capture amazing angles on camera, yet illustrations and paintings require more work. I was once a part of an an art class that walked to a residential area near the school we attended. We learned about linear perspective, an illustration process that creates an illusion of depth on a flat surface. Horizontal parallel lines converge at vanishing points on the composition’s horizon line. The assignment was to draw an actual home with gabled dormer windows on the roof by penciling guide lines with a straight edge ruler. Artwork from observation, on-site or indoors, involves attention to size of elements in the composition, lighting details, full saturation of color in foreground, tinting colors in the distance and use of shadows.

ATC back number 17-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Pondering Plein Air • Media used: watercolor and pencil on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 3.14.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Abundant reasons to appreciate and apply artistic skills.

Art is for personal amusement and accomplishing practical vocational opportunities. My father designed architectural drawings to plan the seed cleaning business he built with the help of my mother. I chose a career in communication art and design, so my creative graphic and written work is admitted through print and social media avenues.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card Pondering Plein Air painting, 17th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Artist trading cards awaken creativity as well as accesses a collaborative purpose.

Artists apply an aim to abbreviate by reducing dimensions of the works they create and are aware of advantages. Production cost and wall space limitations prove that unlimited conventional large artworks aren’t attainable for all artists. Working small size of artist trading cards (ATC) 3.5" by 2.5" accomplishes conserving and using up available medium on hand and adding multimedia applications such as altered playing cards. Additionally, the interaction of trading art adds a playful aspect.

Creative ATC Prompts for Artist Trading Cards

Always look to the Almighty Creator!

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:18

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Artist Trading Card (ATC) 16-of-20 in Prompts Series

Are you content with change?

 

To connect in caring conversation would you call, come by or contact by FaceTime?


Can you conceptualize how to celebrate Christmas?

Do you recall circumstances on your calendar when cheer and comfort were at their best? Sounds of church bell chimes, choir songs, children’s chorus concerts… chilling with a cocktail or cup of cocoa, cranberry punch, cider… chewing cherries, coffee cake, candy canes, cooked creamed corn casserole, classy cookies… college classmates, cozy cabin, cotton sweater, caring for close ones, carving ice castles, paper chains, cute babies, cuddly kitty-cats, colorful sunsets, connecting with cousins, card games—over time, collections of memories contrast with each community. Contentment is in the One who came to clarify love and carry us when we’re confused.

16-of-20 in series, front artist trading card (ATC).

Cute colorful kitty-cat on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper using Prompts for the 16th letter in the swap name creative trading Cards.
Cute colorful kitty-cat on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper using Prompts for the 16th letter in the swap name creative trading Cards.

Consider the calm purr of a cat.

The consolation of our Creator’s scarred hands covers and completes those connected to Him. As God’s creatures in this circle of life, it’s not by our own reason or strength we can come to Him. The Word provides the faith. Jesus the compassionate Christ makes all things possible so that we may count His charitable blessings! Constant joys and challenges serve concrete purposes during each season. Our Wonderful Counselor opens eyes to Truth. His claim on us protects as well as gives us power to flee evil and endure consequences of the fall. Confessing the reality of our human limitations and constant complaining requires the Lord’s mercy for peace that surpasses comprehension. Our Father lovingly commands companions to commend each other—giving and receiving comfort by actions which correspond in healthy mental, emotional, physical and spiritual focus. Though no one complies completely to the Ten Commandments; with contrite hearts, in Christ we’re blessed by salvation and cherish consistent prayerful devotion to the Giver of life. 

Contrarily, callous contradiction of the Word self imposes a condition that cuts out Christ from daily life in this temporal world and ends badly in the realm of eternity.

ATC back number 16-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Purr • Media used: colored pencil • Date created: 3.1.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Come up with cool coloring and chat about the craft.

Let curiosity crack open the confinement of screens. Checkout a creative activity to calm the clamor and increase constructive skills. Creating artist trading cards confirms license to clear clutter from your heart and mind. Comfortable cheerful results can be cooperative when you call a friend, child, parent or grandparent to come together for a trade date.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 16th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.
Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 16th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.
 

Collaborate with me at FreshRetroGallery!

Celebrate Christmas with contemplative gifts for yourself and everyone—bring them out anytime you’d like to connect creatively.

Prompts for creative artist trading cards (ATC)
Prompts for creative artist trading cards (ATC)
 

Come to church to ask about the cup of redemption, Holy Communion.

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children— Deuteronomy 4:9

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26, Bible

Monday, September 23, 2024

Prompts series 15-of-20 artist trading cards ATC

Best gift ideas…

 

What’s the greatest gift ever given?


What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received?

Are you excited about receiving and giving?

Artist Trading Card (ATC) 15-of-20 in series, front.

At a garage sale I found a pair of glamorously new tan leather gloves like these illustrated glove-covered Gospel praising hands. Genius gotten from a list of G Prompts for the 15th letter in the swap name creative tradinG cards. Arms and thumbs gesture a cross over the background of darkness broken up by a glowing cross shaped white Light star. Dirty ground covered by green grass growth, sky blue paper with words third day glued over zigzag line on inward curved base. FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper.
At a garage sale I found a pair of glamorously new tan leather gloves like these illustrated glove-covered Gospel praising hands. Genius gotten from a list of G Prompts for the 15th letter in the swap name creative tradinG cards. Arms and thumbs gesture a cross over the background of darkness broken up by a glowing cross shaped white Light star. Dirty ground covered by green grass growth, sky blue paper with words third day glued over zigzag line on inward curved base. FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper.

Since the fall in the garden, God’s love covers sin like perfectly fitting gloves.

Everyone needs go-to guidance, glorious protection and gentle warmth in this cold, dark world where we don’t always get it, give it or see it right. To find the Way by ourselves—getting through highs, lows, twists, turns, traps, distress, complicated confusing detours and natural disasters—is impossible guesswork. Confident hope is for us in looking to the Light—the single source of pure love and refuge. Because we can’t come to the Father by any other way, He generously gives His Word for us. God graciously invites us to to be His guest in His House, where the Holy Spirit gives us the faith which focuses on the side of eternity that goes with Jesus our Creator, Savior, Redeemer and Friend. Jesus was born to live among us and teach us to pray for wisdom so that we may let go of arrogance in order to receive the greatest gift ever given. He suffered, died and rose from the dead on the third day for us because we can’t reach perfect humility without His work. Now, we may seek the Lord’s encouragement, forgiveness, comfort, refreshing joy and strength for each new day. Taking responsibility, we reflect the Light by sharing kindness, mercy and grace. In Christ, is peace and quietness only Jesus gives, knowing one day we’ll connect in person when He comes again on the final Resurrection Day. He’ll wipe away every tear and gather believers through the narrow gate toward an everlasting grand getaway of life going on forever with Him; separated far from the other side of eternal miserable gloomy grief with Satan and all unbelieving people who deny Truth.

ATC back number 15-of-20 in series.

What is on the back side of an ATC Title of the piece: Glory & Praise • Media used: watercolor, chalk, printed paper • Date created: 3.10.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Glory & Praise • Media used: watercolor, chalk, printed paper • Date created: 3.10.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Gift giving and gratitude go together.

It’s about sharing and caring.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 15th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.
Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 15th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Go to FreshRetroGallery!

Get gifts for yourself, friends, family; suitable to give grandchildren, children, parents, grandparents, in-laws and elderly adults.

Creative ATC Prompts for Artist Trading Cards
Creative ATC Prompts for Artist Trading Cards

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Artist Trading Card 14-of-20 in ATC Prompts Series

Negotiate a trade?

 

Nothing noteworthy about “N”?


No novel ideas among neighbors, nieces and nephews?

Nursed newborns need nourishment, naps and a nudge to follow their instinct, fly from the nest and soar to new heights! Hymns are handed down from one generation to the next. Take a whimsical risk—stick your neck out—commit to a newfangled novelty for increasing originality. Navigate a noticeable way to embolden yourself; then, network with others.

Artist Trading Card (ATC) 14-of-20 in series, front.

Now that I think of it, I could have named her Nancy to go with the “N” theme. At the time of titling this colorful piece, one of the sisters mentioned in Romans 16 came to mind. Phoebe’s Neck watercolor on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper, using Prompts for the notion of a new artwork numbered 14, a letter in the swap name creative tradiNg cards.
Now that I think of it, I could have named her Nancy to go with the “N” theme. At the time of titling this colorful piece, one of the sisters mentioned in Romans 16 came to mind. Phoebe’s Neck watercolor on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper, using Prompts for the notion of a new artwork numbered 14, after a letter in the swap name creative tradiNg cards

Born naturally naive.

Normal is nothing but a setting on the dryer. It’s nonsense to presume; no one knows it all, nor is supremely noble. Nickles are needed for nutritious noodles and nachos. Nutmeg’s pungent aroma brings to my nose a sense of nostalgia. At nine-thirty get ready to nestle in for the night.

ATC back number 14-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Phoebe’s Neck • Media used: watercolor • Date created: 3.13.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Phoebe’s Neck • Media used: watercolor • Date created: 3.13.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

No need to wait for new gift ideas!

Never again be up to your neck in pre-holiday stress or have Santa breathing down your neck. The one-stop online shop FreshRetroGallery has unique gifts for ages baby through adult—girls, boys, men, women. Shopping doesn’t need to be a pain in the neck. Easily get a few items from my neck of the woods

  • sent to you personally to use, stash, and give in person
  • drop shipped anywhere, directly to each of your gift recipients
Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 14th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.
Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 14th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Fun New Year resolutions: become creative and in-touch!

Note the latest nice, nifty, artsy-nerd, family-friendly, educational, fun game gift ideas. Enjoy learning anew to create and trade.

Prompts for ATC creative artist trading cards

Nuggets of God’s Word.

Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 2 Chronicles 30:8

It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Luke 17:2

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. … My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Proverbs 3:3,21-22

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

ATC Prompts 13-of-20 in series

Want ideas on how to relax inside…

 

…independently and potentially involving others in your life…


…with incredible, irregular, interactive artist trading card ATC ideas?

Everything we do doesn’t need to generate income, bring stressful anxious insomnia, or become an uninteresting routine.

Invite good intentions with an item called Prompts for ATCs. An individual may impulsively create them solo, keep, share and intentionally plan to include others. Creativity ignored may be itching to take flight! It’s healthy to hope an undiscovered spark will ignite! Light bulb moments illuminate reasons to invest intelligent use of time, increase intimacy and find solutions for overcoming lonely isolation. Today is a gift and so is each person. Wisdom balances tasks with moments of enjoyment—taking special time to pray, listen to Scripture, music or podcasts during restful, as well as playful interaction-igniting activities.

ATC 13-of-20 in series, front

Inspired by the Light mixed media artwork on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper, using Prompts to ignite an idea for the 13th letter in the swap name creative trading cards.
Inspired by the Light mixed media artwork on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper, using Prompts to ignite an idea for the 13th letter in the swap name creative trading cards.

The entire universe was created by God’s Word.

Our faithful, powerful Creator—the Word, Light of all ages, Savior—personally came into the world to give Himself for us. He, who is the reason we celebrate Christmas, sent the Holy Spirit in Word and water of Baptism for us—to give the faith which saves. All who receive it are free from the punishment of sin, death and the power of the devil. Perfectly, victoriously, Jesus shines to remove darkness and assure life for us! In Truth, we grasp God’s gift of repentance, thrive in turning toward the Light’s cleansing forgiveness and protection. Strengthened by His body and blood, we hold and reflect comfort and love. By grace, all trusting the promise look forward to Christ’s second coming. He’ll bring believers into life that will go on forever with joy unimaginable—apart from sin, death and sorrow. learn more

Details inked on ATC back number 13-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: inspired by the Light • Media used: watercolor, markers and pencil • Date created: 4.20.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: inspired by the Light • Media used: watercolor, markers and pencil • Date created: 4.20.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Intriguing is the process to draw, paint, sketch and write.

You might imagine those immersed in arts are inclined with extraordinary talent. Actually, everyone’s gift of internal incentive is infused with interest and practice. The importance of indulging ingenuity is beneficial for our own body, mind and soul; plus, it often serves others as well. Trading handmade ATCs adds the impact of fulfillment.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 13th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.
Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 13th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Gift and game ideas for young children to older adults—boys, girls, men, women.

prompts for creative artist trading cards atc
Prompts for creative artist trading cards ATC

Are you into Truth’s inspiration?

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

Friday, September 6, 2024

Series of Prompts 12-of-20

Do you doodle?

 

Doodling creative artist tradDing cards (ATC)

 

How to doodle for a delightful mind workout.

In keeping your body healthy—building endurance, strengthening—do you lift weight, move and exercise everyday while you clean your home, do yard work, walk, swim, run, ride bike or stretch? Did you know your brain also needs to experience dabbling in enjoyable and repetitive activities to keep it feeling well and growing strong? The mind’s God-given gifts of creativity and problem-solving capability crave the challenging practice of simple artwork. Coming up with ideas and doodling on ATCs is a good plan to improve mental health. The satisfaction of using the mind this way gets an even higher quality by taking steps to organize interactive collaboration and trading. Benefits for souls are best when ATC activity multiplies through the warm gesture of inviting people to join the fun. Do it!

Why develop a discipline of routine doodling alone or with others?

  • express emotion
  • visual diary
  • relax at a desk or table
  • boost creativity
  • add artistic abilities
  • cope with frustration
  • squash boredom
  • dance on paper
  • discover new patterns
  • exercise good timing
  • illustrate ideas
  • enhance memory 
  • do new things
  • open doors of communication
  • drop bad habits
  • dedicate time well spent
  • dress up decor 
  • deliberate restful entertainment

Doodlers claim doodling helps them concentrate while listening. Doodles have various communicative styles and are a great way to express personality. Doodle art takes forms of caricature, drawings, scribbles, markings and lettering. Tools may be pencil, pen, chalk, watercolor, spray or any kind of paint, crayon, textile and other mixed media on a wide variety of 3.5 x 2.5 inch surfaces for ATCs.

ATC 12-of-20 in series, front

Doodle watercolor painting using Prompts for inspiration considering the 12th letter in creative traDing cards on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper.
Doodle watercolor painting using Prompts for inspiration considering the 12th letter in creative traDing cards on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper.

Our Creator’s love promises to cover us and always be standing with us in weaknesses.

Whenever the spirit of our heart is down, dried up and withered, we may pray to the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name. Life-giving Word awakens trust in its promises. Comforted by the faith which receives Christ’s unwavering love and forgiveness, those in Truth’s Light belong to the One who has defeated darkness and presumptuous arrogant lies which distract. That freedom keeps turning toward goodness that’s true, beautiful and harmonious. Together, at home and at church, we build each other up in active Word, prayer and song.

ATC back 12-of-20 in series

Title of the piece: Doodle • Media used: pencil and watercolor • Date created: 3.24.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Doodle • Media used: pencil and watercolor • Date created: 3.24.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

ATC blank front shown painted; detail form printed on back is shown filled out.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 12th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.
Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 12th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Do you feel like doing special shopping? 

Mark it done. Discover the new Prompts for ATCs …

Creative ATC Prompts for Artist Trading Cards

Daily dive into devotion.

Index for books of the Bible Sketches