#challenge 143

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Scarlet Ibis

When I was growing up, I’d always keep my eyes peeled when we got to a certain section of the highway that was right up against the Caroni swamp. Sometimes you could see scarlet ibises among the mangrove trees as the car passed by, a really magical sight with the bright red color vibrating in contrast with the surrounding greenery. To me they were a good omen, and especially if I had a test that day, I hoped they were a lucky charm!

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Shooting Star

Thinking about crisp nights where I’d bundle up, lay in a truck bed, and just stare up at the sky. If I didn’t blink I may spot a star or two shooting across the midnight abyss, and make a wish 🌟

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Hamsa

I’m not really big on luck of superstition, but I’ve grown up seeing the Hamsa used as a symbol for luck and protection. The orientation of the hand (facing up vs. facing down) is significant. Facing up signifies the warding off of evil and bad luck; a sign of protection. The 18 petals of the flowers also are meant to represent to the number 18 (chai) which translates to “life” and typically signifies good luck!

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Albatross

Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds in the world, and have the longest wingspans of any living bird species. In the right conditions they are able to stay in the air for hours without ever flapping their wings. In the rich history of sailing, albatrosses have long been considered a sign of good fortune; the souls of sailors lost at sea come to protect a ship (although they were sometimes seen as a sign of coming death, too). Either way, it was also considered extremely bad luck to kill an albatross. However, this has not protected them from harm. All species of albatrosses range from threatened to critically endangered due to pollution, over fishing practices, and being harvested for feathers.

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Lucky Number Seven

Ever since I was little number seven has always been the most lucky for me personally. When I was 7 I moved to a new house and got a horse, July was always my favorite month and good things happen to me in July, any fortune cookie fortune with a 7 came true, as I got older I’d find weird coincidences would happen in sevens. The 777 scratch ticket would always net me money. For example my husband is the 7th guy I dated and my first professional art studio was #7. For this piece rather than make it too personal, I chose to represent the 7 continents, 7 world wonders, 7 kitties, a boat for the 7 seas, and the 7 colors of the rainbow. This is probably one of the coolest small pieces I’ve ever done and despite all the hiccups in the last week I’m really happy with how this came out.

6 layers of baltic birch, hand painted with watercolors. 

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Rabbit Foot

I find that there is an interesting origin of what the “rabbit foot, ” installs in the way of luck. From the idealized reproductive fertility quality that is commonly known amongst rabbits. To an idea of closeness to spirituality and even a notion of a connection to the gods. However the methods for the “rabbit's foot, ” to be luck are a little more intriguing, needing to be in certain places, during exact times, and under the right circumstance. In the end, it's fascinating that a part of an animal‘s body can in someway bring said luck.

Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: The Fortune Waters Scarf Design

For this challenge I wanted to illustrate a square scarf filled with all sorts of elements I’ve always considered lucky in this dream-like pond theme to bring some good vibes to all those who wear it! 💗🥰 

~ The dragonfly: One of my personal lucky charms. Dragonflies have always made me feel peaceful and that I am watched over. I’ve always found them going hiking, loved how different they are, and I once read to make a wish when you see them and it’ll come true. In some cultures they represent good luck and prosperity, so this makes sense!

~Jasmine flower: A flower related to love, positive feelings, appreciation, luck and romance. They also smell AMAZING, and I always have some going in my diffuser as I work.

~ Violet flower: Keeps malevolent spirits away, is a symbol of innocence, abundance, true love, and helps with healing on many levels. (4 has also been my lucky number all throughout sports (my jersey#)...this is why I only drew 4 of these flowers to symbolize my favorite #). They also taste wonderful in tea.

~ Frog: Seen as a lucky symbol of transformation fertility, and the awakening of ones creativity. 

~ Lotus flower: Known in feng shui and many religions, the lotus flower is known to carry positive calming energy that can being about auspicious luck in academics, social status, and fortune.

~ Willow leaves: In Celtic folklore willow leaves are worn as charms to protect against jealousy and the wood both inside and outside the house are said to protect against evil (will be making the borders out of willow leaves and wood). I also always really loved willows...I could never explain why.

~ The evil eye 🧿: protection against evil in many folklores. 

What is your luckiest charm? Purchase a lucky scarf of your own from my Etsy shop at the RiverWood Forest. 


-Tina   


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