Chaos

Installing hardwood floors in 5 rooms!
So I'm a little busy right now....
Hopefully back to normal next week.
Ugh!

Clay head progress...

Not the best detail, but making progress.
Can't wait to paint those faces,
to see what characters they possess!

Clay Heads, Clutch bag and Peanut-butter

I began this project yesterday,
and had to wait overnight for the clay to dry.

I was browsing an old issue (Holiday 2006)
of Country Marketplace, (now out of print)
and found this cute pattern by Sylvia Anderson.

Today I will add the nose, cheeks and eyebrows.


I also attempted this pattern by Amy Butler,
in the August 2006 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting.


I want to make some graffiti clutch bags,
and thought this would be a good pattern
to experiment with.

It wasn't easy as it looks, as I was working with
four layers of material, which lends to the
stiff shape. The handle is very clever.
This patern could work.
I used a little costume jewlery
to give it some "bling".


Today I am babysitting "Peanut Butter".
He's missing his mommy right now.
He keeps nudging me to bring him outside.
Too cute.


Well maybe we'll go look at what's blooming in the garden,
then I'll tackle those clay heads.

Destashing has begun

"Old Christmas ~ Folk & Whimsy
by Dee Foust and Nicol Sayre
published in 1998


This is a real keepsake treasure for those that
collect past creations from these incredible artists.


I have listed this item in my Etsy shop for only $15.00
and I will ship for free.


A collection of patterns and inspirational ideas for
vintage ornaments, santas, cotton batting snowmen
and pageant angels.


I simply can't keep everything, and I would love to pass
this on to someone who really cares to keep and treasure it.


Here's a great pattern booklet
with 16 pillow designs using woolfelt.


Like new - NEVER been used.
Sells for $19.99 at Indygo Junction.



I listed it in my Etsy shop for $10.00 and I will ship for free!

This is only the beginning of my purge and destash process.
It's been a little slow going, but I'm determined to
clean out and make room for new addictions.

Have a great day!

Focal Point change

I listened to constructive criticism and agreed my
trillium was too small for the focal point.
(see prior post)

I decided to focus on the number "three".

The idea is to have your eyes find the focal point,
and the other elements should lead your eyes
around the composition.

I may have overworked it.
I'm curious to hear how others feel about this.
My boyfriend did not care for these changes;
said all he saw was "orange".
Hmmm, is that another way of saying his
eyes went right to the "focal point"?
What do you think?

Stinking Benjamin - a memorium

Using the information I learned from my online
workshop from the Land of Lost Luggage with
Chris Cozen and Julie Prichard,
I created this mini Complex Collage.

The image is a graphic of a Trillium,
also known as "Stinking Benjamin".
I photocopied it out of a book my mom
gave to me for one birthday back in 1998.

A Garden of Wildflowers by Henry W. Art.
I also reduced the image to 75%.


This flower is significant to my family,
as it reminds us of my dad.
He picked one before he passed away,
and the scent is simply awful. My youngest brother
hiked into the woods with dad, and he showed Rick
where they were located.
It was the last thing they did together.

The ironic thing about this particular project,
is this is the anniversary date of the day,
my father had open heart surgery.
May 16, 1995

He suffered a massive heart attack during surgery,
and while we were in the waiting room,
a stranger told us he had 15 minutes to live.
He died 2 days later.
We gathered a bouquet of Stinking Benjamin.

I was just sitting here looking at my completed project
when it hit me, and the tears came from nowhere.
I have no idea what possessed me to
choose this image, and finish this project on this date.
An omen perhaps?


The Trillium has only 3 petals and 3 leaves.
I decided to add some information on the number 3,
and glued it to the back.

This project is completed on a 6" x 8" canvas board.
Acrylics, Interference paint, Gel Mediaum,
paper, and vintage text.

Unfortunately, there is an error.
I typed April instead of May.....
and noticed AFTER it was glued.
Oh well, no one will know but me.

Retired Sample Wallpaper Books

I love reading Diane's blog from My Art Journal. She recently posted a mini tutorial on her collage techniques, and I was particularly interested in her tip on using textured paint-able wallpaper.

I decided to inquire at a local paint and wallpaper store for a sample of that type of wallpaper. I received 4 free generous samples. It occurred to me ask what they did with their old sample books. They happened to have one ready to go in the trash and generously gave it to me. AND, took my name to be called if and when future books would be retired. Two days later, I received a call, as a rep just visited their shop, and retired 2 more books.

There is so much paper in these books. Simply beautiful, and ready for so many possible projects. I intend to dabble with some collage ideas, create journal covers, and perhaps cover some little paper mache boxes I have in my supply stash. The possibilities are endless!

Thank you Diane for sharing such an awesome tip!

Shrinky Dinks

Photo from Gauche Alchemy

I've been hearing this buzz word "Shrinky Dinks" and my curiousity got the best of me! I have learned it's an extra shrinkable plastic, that you can add your art, and shrink it 44% by baking in the oven.

Here's a cool idea for making flower centers by Gauche Alchemy.

Check out this tutorial on how to make Shrinky Dink drink tags, by Nikki of Whimsy Love

or how about...

This Etsy site Dillon Designs sells incredible rings made with Shrinky Dinks.

Get your own Shrinky Dink supplies here

Imagine the possibilities!
Why didn't I think of that?

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Burton

Beaming groom...

The beautiful blushing bride...

You may kiss the bride...

Mr. & Mrs. Burton

May he always watch your back...

Parents of the bride

Daddy's little girl...

Two souls with but a single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one.
~Friedrich Halm

Laurie and Jack

May you live happily ever after...

New face lift

Just wanted to say this blog will be undergoing re-construction in the days ahead. Just in case you were curious about the subtle changes that will become more and more evident.
Thanks for visiting!

Journal fun with Conte pastel pencil

This was a really fun exercise.
The idea began with my self and feelings
of not having enough time to create,
and to be free of guilt at the same time.
I LOVE these pencils.

I only used the black, with a tissue and
an eraser. I enjoyed this so much, I
decided a companion page was called for.
So I used a photo of Tim, and had fun
with his reaction, which was pretty funny.

It's another great weekend, and I'm on a
purge mission which is time consuming.
I have been such a pack rat, and it's time
to get rid of the things I no longer care for.
Make room for my new addictions!

Yesterday I tackled my bureau and closet.
It's funny how I tend to keep things, and
I finally got annoyed with this bad habit.
For crying out loud, if I haven't worn it in the
last year....I don't think I'm ever going to
at this point!!!!

I have a new binding toy called THE CINCH.
I haven't played with it yet.....
still working on my TO DO list first....
Work before play...is that how it goes?