2 days, no paintings

The past two days have been intense.

I have been working hard on the Super Mario build for Celebration Church.

This is another major build, as there are multiple parts and pieces required to complete the sets that the children will be immersed in when coming into the program.

Mind you, this will only be the foyer.....

The stage will mostly be created visually on our church's large led screen in the main sanctuary.

I'm having so much fun creating these pieces.

I am immersed myself in the world of Super Mario, constantly getting ideas for how to build.

I pray as I create, and the Holy Spirit frequently answers me.

While working on the first couple of the mushrooms, I have to admit struggling somewhat.

Some help please!

The base of the large one was simply covered in paper and not making me happy at all.

The larger one is over 40 inches tall.

They need larger bases to keep them from toppling over, and I need a way to remove the caps to make them easier to paint.

The second one is the one in front and has a new design.

As I worked, the ideas started flowing and the new design was born.

I even rebuilt the larger one's base and cap attachment.

I am now much happier with the result, but I am going through massive amounts of cardboard.

Fortunately, I have a large amount from Sarah and her job at Bass Pro Shops.

Thanks Sarah!

(Hey I need more LARGE boxes!)

I still have an incredible number of coins, thwomps, bricks, boxes, and trees to build.

The trees are going to be quite large, with bases made possibly from pallets, wire pieces, and fabric.

Still mulling that one over in my mind.

There's also a motorcycle, two gates, and a main entrance.

Backdrops on the 28 panels we painted with over 3 gallons of Kilz.

(Thanks Chris! It took the two of us 4 hours, so I would've been 8 hours or more by myself!)

Fortunately, there is a week planned of youth painting the scenery.

I just have to get things projected and planned.

The new sanctuary is much larger than the space we decorated before!

Today was a full day of working on more mushrooms.

I'm afraid I may see them in my sleep.

My arm is reminding me of my age.

There is lots of razor cutting of double thickness cardboard.

I am in my element of creating, recycling, and just plain fun!

I will forge on because I am working for the Kingdom of Jesus. 

I will be filled with pure joy as I work.

Days 8 & 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Cardboard, masking tape, hot glue, 16 hours so far!