Tuesday July 5 central Arizona was hit with a haboob that left many people in the orange.

In the Sonora Desert when the rain of the monsoon arrives it often has a prelude of a rolling clouds of dust.  This is a phenomenon that is found from the Middle East to Arizona, New Mexico and even Texas. When the thunderstorms hit the hot dry desert air, the wind sucks into it from every direction. Thus the tidal wave on land (or so it looks) from a distance.  This sandstorm can be up to 60 miles wide an as the air rushes into the storm it pulls up (sometimes in excess of 10,000 feet in elevation) and then collapses upon it’s self like a wave you would hang ten on. This collapsing air carries loose sand and dry ground up and pushes it into a sediment wall announcing the arrival of the thunderstorm. The winds then reverse and gust in front of the storm at speeds that can reach over 50 mph.  People who are lucky will see this headed their way, but for those on the roads, once you see the wall it is time to take steps towards safety (find a safe place to pull over, turn your lights off, and kill your break lights) so you don’t get hit. The visibility can span from miles to inches in only minutes. As with any storm the “sheets” can lead to thinking that it is not so bad. While a driver may be able to see a good clear distance one minute the next the bumper may be gone. At this point of the storm, rain is not often seen. If there is participation it is most likely virga (another phenomenon: when rain evaporates in the air) with dry climates storm. Followed by this dust storm (haboob) the cool air comes in and the rain falls. As the moisture heads for the ground it grabs dust and brings it down, mud storms or mud rain is the next surprise from this little storm.

Watching it approach it is amazing. It gives the feeling of watching an alien invasion movie first hand. The last minute before haboob arrives is the most surreal. Everything is quiet, then in only seconds everything is consumed with an orange glow. I can not compare it to the amber haze of a total eclipse or even the gray tan fog of the dust storms in Kuwait. It is as if  the sun has set upon my feet.

Shout out to Stacey K.

Thank you Stacey K. at Goodwill Huntingg

I am lucky to have such an amazing network. One of my fashion colleagues selected my jewelry to to an interview/review on. Here is how it played out. I sent her a few pieces that I thought were her style. In only a few days she received the package. After only a few days longer there was a wonderful post.  She has such a talent for finding fashion that holds it’s own to the runway. Her writing talent is among the best.  She is one of my overall favorite blog-style journalists.

Goodwill Huntingg < CLICK HERE

Dawniele is such an amazing photographer. I love her work. When the littles and I were out one day at the park, I saw her working and she was very good with her clients. She has a calm manner with the children and good energy with the adults. Here is her story:

My name is Dawniele Castellanos.  I am the owner and head photographer for Eyefull Photography.  I am a photographer in the Phoenix, AZ area but I am able and willing to travel anywhere I am needed.  I first started to love photography as a child.  I was the “family historian” and my family came to count on me to have my camera and capture memories.  But it really became a passion when my first child was born 12 years ago.  We went to have family photos done in a woman’s home studio and at that moment, I realized that I didn’t necessarily need to have a nice studio in a grand building to make my dream come true.  But, honestly, it wasn’t until I moved to Arizona and has my 4th child that I was able to make my dream a reality.  I shoot primarily on location, in the community, or at your home.  I hope to have a small home studio in the near future.  I have props and backdrops that I bring with me on photo shoots and I also like to incorporate your beloved items into photo shoots as well (for example: your child’s favorite toy, or book….or grandma’s heirloom scarf handed down from generation to generation).  Its all good and can ALL be used to make your photo session unique to you and your needs.  I have recently started photographing weddings, which I love.  I love the romance of it all and I feel I am tuned in to capturing those moments that you will want to look at again and again.  My absolute favorite are generational photos and we can do that at a wedding or during a family shoot!

Here is where you can find Dawniele and Eyefull Photography:

I do have a website at www.eyefullphotography.net. There is a link there that will take you right to my blog to see what I am currently up to.  You can catch me on facebook too at www.facebook.com/eyefullphotography.   Just “like” the page and stay up to date as well.  I would love to talk to you regarding your photographic needs.  Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions at (520) 483-6913 or you can drop me an email (yes, I get these on my cell phone too!) at dawniel@eyefullphotography.net.

*Don’t forget to let Eyefull Photography know you saw them on Ink, Wood, and More!

We live south of Phoenix and it is late spring. I have a black light and the Bark Scorpions are out. That is all of the set up you need with a story titled Scorpion Babies. Here is the story…

The last week of May my man and I went out in the back yard to work. As I was picking up and moving things around to clean, I moved a small bucket in the garden. No sooner than the pale was moved, there she was. One of the biggest scorpions I had seen. We moved here last year and being a mother from the north I am always looking for Arizona’s creepy crawlies. I spent a lot of evenings last year with my black light flash light looking for these UV glowing, predatory arthropods (Centruroides sculpturatus), aka the Bark Scorpion. I found around five last year in our quiet community. The reason is,  they have a diet of small insects and our community was an orchard only a few years ago, so I am told. They only need only 1/16th of an inch opening to slip into a climate controlled safe, humid environment.  While they are seldom lethal to humans they do pack a punch with their sting (they are the most venomous scorpion in North America). As the mother of the Littles (my two little kids) I try to catch these wall climbing, night stalking, pain inflicting trespassers.

*I do NOT promote the hunting or capturing of Bark Scorpions*

Back to our story:

Last year every scorpion I came across I captured and froze. There were a few in sticky traps (if you live in AZ these are the best way to get rid of  Bark Scorpions) and a few around (and in) our home. As soon as I spotted the female on that last day of May, the race was on. I put the bucket back over her. Went into the house to put on my kicks, grab my “Score-pin’ Huntin’ Gear”, and get this girl. As I said, normally they go in a jar (sealed tight) and into the freezer quickly.  Mr. My Man talked me out of that this time. It was his first time seeing one up close and was as taken as I was with my first. With a few tiny pin holes she went into a sealed container and was put way away. I have been checking her out every few days and my oh my what is there today? BABIES!!!  There are about ten of these little almost clear (they look like head lice with a tail) offspring. There are a few little round eggs and the rest of the little fellas are already up on Mommas back. They should molt in about three week (after which they will get their UV glow) and then they will take a trip to the wild, as far from people as I can find, to be released.

Now pictures followed by First Aid tips for stings:

What to do if a Bark Scorpion gets you:

• Wash site of sting with water and soap

• Put a cool cloth on site of sting, but do not use ice

• You can take ibuprofen for the swelling and acetaminophen for the local pain

A natural remedy is to use the pulp from a prickly pear cactus and put it on the site of the sting (Personally I don’t know if I want to play with a prickly pear cactus while in pain from a Bark Scorpion sting), You also can call Poison Control (800) 222-1222 or Emergency Assistance.

Sets of 72 Copic Markers

• Set A — Basic set of 72 colors different colors and grays
• Set B — Supplemental set of 72 colors (flesh tones and colors)
• Set C — Supplemental set of 72 colors (gray values and colors)
• Set D — Supplemental set of 72 colors (bright and fluorescent)

Set of  24 Copic Markers

• Basic Set of 24 — This set of 24 basic colors includes: Dark Brown, Milky White, Cool Gray 1, Warm Gray 2, Colorless Blender, Black, Sky, Pale Fruit Pink, EPink Flamingo, Reddish Brass, Baby Skin Pink, Sand, Garnet, Chrome Orange, Barium Yellow, Maize, Nile Green, Frost Blue, Prune, Amethyst, Pink, Dog Rose Flower, Pinkish White, and Cadmium Red.

Sets of 12 Copic Markers

• EX-3 —  Ash Rose, Bisque, Clematis, Floral White, Loquat, Meadow Green, Peach Puff, Pinkish Vanilla, Sand White, Sardonyx, Viola, and Water Lily.
• EX-4 —*lightest colors ever offered by Copic* (lightest skintones and highlights). The set contains one each of Lily White, Crystal Opal, Snow Green, Pale Celestine, Cool Gray 00, Warm Gray 00, Pale Thistle, Rose Quartz, Evening Primrose, Pink Beryl, Pale Chiffon, and Yellow Fluorite.
• EX-5  *NEW* — (secondary colors), including BG53 Ice Mint, BG70 Ocean Mist, E23 Hazelnut, E81 Ivory, E87 Fig, RV63 Begonia, RV66 Raspberry, V20 Wisteria, V25 Pale Blackberry, YG61 Pale Moss, YR30 Macadamia Nut, and RV55 Hollyhock. The package measures 6″H × 4½”W × 1½”D.
• Sets of 6 Copic Markers
• Blending Basics, NEW! — 0S Colorless Blender, B0000S Pale Celestine, N1S Neutral Gray, RV10S Pale Pink, Y0000S Yellow Fluorite, and a Black Copic Multiliner SP Color Pen (0.3 mm).
• Bold Primaries, NEW! — 100S Black, B29S Ultramarine, E29S Burnt Umber, G28S Ocean Green, R27S Cadmium Red, and Y15S Cadmium Yellow.
• Earth Essentials, NEW! — B41S Powder Blue, B45S Smoky Blue, E34S Orientale, E39S Leather, YG13S Chartreuse, and YG17S Grass Green.
• Floral Favorites 1, NEW! — , including R01S Pinkish Vanilla, RV13S Tender Pink, RV69S Peony, V05S Marigold, YG41S Pale Green, and YG45S Cobalt Green.
• Floral Favorites 2, NEW! —  B63S Light Hydrangea, B66S Clematis, RV23S Pure Pink, RV25S Dog Rose Flower, RV29S Crimson, and YR21S Cream.
• Pale Pastels, Set of 6 NEW! — BG11S Moon White, BG15S Aqua, BV0000S Pale Thistle, BV01S Viola, YR12S Loquat, and YR31S Light Reddish Yellow.
• Perfect Primaries,  NEW! —  B00S Frost Blue, B04S Tahitian Blue, R43S Bougainvillea, R46S Strong Red, Y13S Lemon Yellow, and Y19S Napoli Yellow.
• Sea & Sky,  NEW! —  B24S Sky, B28S Royal Blue, BG10S Cool Shadow, BG13S Mint Green, BG72S Ice Ocean, and BG78S Bronze.
• Secondary Tones, NEW! — G02 Spectrum Green, G09 Veronese Green, V04 Lilac, V09 Violet, YR61 Yellowish Skin Pink, and YR68 Orange.
• Sketching Grays,  NEW! — NOS Neutral Gray, N2S Neutral Gray, N4S Neutral Gray, N6S Neutral Gray, N8S Neutral Gray, and a Black Copic Multiliner SP Color Pen (0.5 mm).
• Skin Tones 1, NEW! — E00S Skin White, E11S Barely Beige, E13S Light Suntan, E15S Dark Suntan, E18S Copper, and R20S Blush.

If you are interested in buying markers at the price of a “Set” of markers there is hope. There are many sites that sell markers at less than $6.49 MSRP. A great place to do so (one of many and my personal fave) Ebay… look for a “You Pick” auction.  When bidding be sure to read what the action is for and generally (the way I do it) you are bidding on a few markers out of a big lot. When bidding like this the winner is sold the markers THEY want and saving money as they are sold in a lot.

It is a win win!

Save money, YOU PICK

Super Brush nib is like a watercolor paint brush with the feel and application. This is a soft nib with an oval shape and is not loose bristles that fray. This soft feel nib can be used with a lot of pressure without splaying. If needed, it can be used with  just the tip of the nib for fine details on your stamps or art. It also is a great nib that has an added feature of being compatible with Copic Airbrush System.

When flipped around Sketch markers offer a medium broad tip. This nib is more firm and has a chisel shape. It offers more control. It is perfect to use for covering a large area without streaking. It also can be used wonderfully to apply color to your rubber stamp, make a clear crisp line, or discover many different new uses.

Both ends feature tips that will layer and mix your colors without sticking to the next nib. This gives you the ability to work with a shade of blue, grab a yellow, mix together, and end up with green on the project with markers staying their original color! They are Non-toxic and acid free when dried (they dry immediately and will not leave smudging from hands to art). What more could an Artist want?

The marker body features caps are color coded so at just a glance it is easy to see what color the marker is. The markers even have a gray band at one end so you can be sure to open the nib you need.  Copic Sketch Marks are made of polypropylene and have an oval shape that will stay put when you set it down. They are smooth, easy to hold, and comfortable. Having more control over the marker can shoot any aspiring artist up and beyond.

http://myworld.ebay.com/inkwoodandmore

Best Markers, Best Deals!

A few uses for these wonderful markers are:

• Scrapbooking
• Professional illustration
• Fashion design
• Craft projects
  
• Touching up Photocopies (toner remains undissolved)
  
• Custom color work on metals
• Inking stamps in different perfect colors
• Inking edges of cardstock paper
• Adding flair and color to ribbon and material
• Comic and most any artist style

If you are intersed in other products as well Copic offers these as well as many more:

• Copic Airbrush System
• Marker Mini Wallets
• Designer Series Wallets
• Clear Storage Cases

The weather is warming up and that sun is moving more to the north every morning. I am torn between being ready or not. I love the warm weather and sunshine, I get to spend all day with my littles but I am not sure what projects we are going to undertake for the next few months. Running Ink, Wood, and More is a full time job, and I am going back to school as I mark the tenth year of being out. It will be a crazy few months, but we will be productive. I am looking forward to making a trip back home with my kids and having a few family member out here soon. We also will be moving to a new home before school starts back up. Lots to do!

I will be working on starting a few tutorials on different projects. As always I will continue with my art works. I also am picking up a few odd jobs for my friend and mentor. With all of that being said, here is my new online shop at ArtFire. I am really pleased with the site and will be posting both supplies and my work on there regularly. Please stop by there to see what is new. I hope you enjoy the end of spring and stay safe as we roll into warm weather and time with kids around all day!

New Suncatchers by Hf

http://www.artfire.com/users/InkWoodandMore

Let’s run through the color system first.

Copic Sketch Markers are a must have for every artist. With 364 different colors they meet the needs for any style. The color system can be just a bit tricky until you learn it. Each of the markers are named starting with a letter. Single colors: Reds start with “R”, Blue “B”, Green “G”, Violet “V”, and so on. Mixed colors are the same. Yellow Green “YG”, Blue Green “BG”, and so on. Grays, are Warm “W”, Cool “C”, Neutral “N”, and Toner “T”. There are Earth tones “E” and Florescent marked “F” (the letter for the color) to name a few more. Once you understand the letter color (this is the easy part) now we must learn the numbers.

After the letter you will see the marker is numbered. The first number following the letter on your Copic Sketch Marker indicates the saturation of the color, how strong the color (indicated by the letter prior) will be. The lower the number the more the color. As the numbers run from 0 to 9 they will become more dark or gray. Please understand that dull or gray does not mean lighter (personally when I think gray, I think lighter).

The next number indicate how light or dark the color is. The lower the number is the lighter, 0 the lightest 9 the darkest. Let’s look at Blue.  Bo1 is light (highlight) bright color as where B09 is a stronger (shadow) color. Commonly you would use a set within the same first number but different secondary number to shade with.

Please note that the second number does go lower than just 0. If 00 is not light enough for you Copic has released Sketch Markers that go down to “0000″. They give just the lightest faintest color.

With this marker the possibilities are endless!

http://myworld.ebay.com/inkwoodandmore

24 Sketch Markers

Please check back to read more thoughts on this product!

Our local new site in Maricopa has a short write up about new businesses in town. Thank you to Michael Rich for a lovely article.

http://www.inmaricopa.com/Article/2011/05/12/the-city-of-maricopa-issued-4-business-permits-last-week

Ink, Wood, and More has posted new photos on the Facebook fan page. Stop by to see what is being completed. Don’t forget too “like” iWM while you are there!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150176839081637.305854.325803341636

As always Jewelry is featured on Etsy as Bird Cage Treasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdCageTreasure?ref=si_shop

Thank your for stopping by to see the newest updates!

1. Beat the Heat! Don’t be out in the mid-day/ afternoon sun very long without water and sunscreen.
2. Try to shoot in the evening or morning when the lighting is better. When the sun is shining strait down it can cast shadows.
3. Maricopa has lovely parks. Take advantage of the background colors!
4. People having fun take better photographs. Natural smiles are the prettiest.
5. Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty (mind the ant hills). Try to climb up or get low to get shots from different angles.
6. If you are after some nature shots, be aware of your surroundings. It is getting warmer and as we are wandering about so are the critters.
7. Before you snap your shot check the whole frame. An unsightly background image and take time to edit out or ruin a great shot.
8. EXTRA BATTERIES and FILM/CARDS
9. The bright sun can wash out your picture. Try to adjust the settings on your device. Faster shutter speed or preset to sunny.
10. Shoot where no one else has shot before. Look for areas where not everyone has been to photograph. Dare to be different.

Keep in mind that this is in no way the law of photography. Breaking the rules of art is a great way to create. No matter where you are, be safe and have fun!!!