tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837401597570666022024-03-12T23:44:50.043-05:00Autumn Rae ArtAutumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-23851072977662411512010-10-07T20:07:00.010-05:002010-10-07T21:23:04.773-05:00New Growth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wuAaWULI/AAAAAAAAA20/PLrUdiQ9XA8/s1600/DSC00021-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wuAaWULI/AAAAAAAAA20/PLrUdiQ9XA8/s400/DSC00021-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525477728516985010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fall is coming so slowly to the Ozarks, and it is still so warm that I find myself confused as to what time of year it is! I know that it will only be a few weeks before the leaves are gone and all the green things go into hiding before they emerge, well-rested, next spring. Personally, I have a lot of projects that are incubating. Some are ready to bloom, and others are going through their own periods of hibernation. I wanted to share a few of them with you. <i>Why? </i>Because I've missed you, and I wanted to let you know why I've been MIA...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wkeZ1fcI/AAAAAAAAA2s/TrgzqK4fnHE/s1600/DSC00036-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wkeZ1fcI/AAAAAAAAA2s/TrgzqK4fnHE/s320/DSC00036-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525477564769205698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first project/event is that I have been accepted into my first juried art show--War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair. The show is next week, and I have thrown my all into getting ready for it over the summer. (Props to my sweet sis-in-law for helping me survive my "to-do" list!) The real kicker is that the show is over 50 years old, and the attendance is 180,000! You've got to start somewhere right? Well, I'm just starting at the mother of all craft shows! Say a prayer that I survive the throngs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wcks9FqI/AAAAAAAAA2k/ofKt5s_FWGY/s1600/DSC00032-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wcks9FqI/AAAAAAAAA2k/ofKt5s_FWGY/s400/DSC00032-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525477429021054626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This piece is titled, "Allies," and it is an original painting of Lil' Red and Alice that I am taking to the show, along with several framed prints, signed prints, note cards, and jewelry. Excited is an understatement. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wNmcTtaI/AAAAAAAAA2c/Ql2qR7vTVo4/s1600/DSC00058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wNmcTtaI/AAAAAAAAA2c/Ql2qR7vTVo4/s400/DSC00058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525477171790067106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next bit of news is that I'm a finalist in the Cloth, Paper, Scissors Artisan 2011 search in the Mixed-Media Jewelry category!!! I was absolutely floored when I read the blog post that I was a finalist, and I'm honored to be in such a talented pool of artists. Seriously, the talent level of this magazine's readership is crazy good, and I'm still in shock. I submitted these three jewelry pieces for their further consideration. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wC_9Kw4I/AAAAAAAAA2U/DzNiJub8xq4/s1600/DSC05830.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5wC_9Kw4I/AAAAAAAAA2U/DzNiJub8xq4/s320/DSC05830.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525476989660218242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also have a line of greeting cards entering the test market right now! The market is worldwide; and I'll know in less than a year (hopefully sooner!) if they are a go or not. The cards use my images, and I had the privilege of writing and designing the cards, as well.<br />Working with an editor through this process was such an amazing and challenging experience. When the last card was approved, I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself--I was a tad bit bummed that it was over. Now I'm in the waiting phase, and I hope that this summer's work will find its way to stores near you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5vvqIXLiI/AAAAAAAAA2M/pPEHD7zyZd8/s1600/DSC05934.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TK5vvqIXLiI/AAAAAAAAA2M/pPEHD7zyZd8/s320/DSC05934.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525476657384074786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, I want to give a hats off to all you momma's/artistas who can juggle blogging and "mommying" and creating. I tend to have periods where I can do a little bit of everything and then times when I can only do what is exactly put in front of me. This summer has been the latter for me. I hope to be able to check in more and share how the show went. Until then, I hope that you all have creative projects that are getting ready to bloom. </div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-1932079253078889312010-08-08T22:35:00.001-05:002010-08-08T23:18:05.957-05:00Bridge to Freedom Foundation<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JqQMMdH-SoM/TF988Gij7GI/AAAAAAAAAB8/cg2gL7bmEq0/s1600/DSC05375.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JqQMMdH-SoM/TF988Gij7GI/AAAAAAAAAB8/cg2gL7bmEq0/s400/DSC05375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503254641659604066" border="0" /></a><br />This post is long overdue, but I wanted to share exciting and humbling news with you. The Bridge to Freedom Foundation is using one of my images, "Little Birds," on their posters and art cards in order to raise funds and awareness of their efforts. This foundation does amazing work in helping heal the effects of slavery. In their own words, they are working to bridge " . . . survivors, service providers, corporations and the community . . . " in order to " . . . bring those victimized by all forms of modern slavery from surviving to thriving." I am so honored that my art is having a role in their vital work. Please check out their latest newsletter:<br /><a href="http://www.bridgetofreedomfoundation.org/newsletter06-29.html">http://www.bridgetofreedomfoundation.org/newsletter06-29.html</a> <br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-17563651801432639542010-07-07T22:32:00.005-05:002010-07-07T22:36:55.762-05:00Whispers of Wonderland<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TDVHVtofN4I/AAAAAAAAAzk/PkWQepICJgU/s1600/DSC00006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TDVHVtofN4I/AAAAAAAAAzk/PkWQepICJgU/s320/DSC00006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491373759000426370" border="0" /></a>I had to share with you Boog's first encounter with the White Rabbit.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TDVHQsIQ4rI/AAAAAAAAAzc/8o-erR0pz4U/s1600/DSC00013.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TDVHQsIQ4rI/AAAAAAAAAzc/8o-erR0pz4U/s320/DSC00013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491373672697488050" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TDVHIqamg2I/AAAAAAAAAzU/Nr93JiGmAqg/s1600/DSC00012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TDVHIqamg2I/AAAAAAAAAzU/Nr93JiGmAqg/s400/DSC00012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491373534798578530" border="0" /></a>Oh, the secrets being told! And the daily glimpses of wonder that are all around us...<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-9293751695046548362010-06-27T22:47:00.009-05:002010-06-28T14:19:01.897-05:00'Bout Time<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgcSnhS5II/AAAAAAAAAy4/Hc_Aw_oI5kU/s1600/DSC09930.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgcSnhS5II/AAAAAAAAAy4/Hc_Aw_oI5kU/s400/DSC09930.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487667252122805378" border="0" /></a>I love lists. Lists are beautiful things. There's nothing quite like sitting down with a new notebook and listing away! (Actually, my inner geek has a love affair with <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> office supplies. Oh, the smell of paper...) Things begin to get a little murky, however, when I fail to actually <span style="font-style: italic;">do </span>the items on my lists. Hang tags had been on the list since late last fall after I had learned about them from an Etsy virtual lab, but had I followed through on ordering them? NO!!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgcLd7KUyI/AAAAAAAAAyw/QjQiD4gF5CU/s1600/DSC09906.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgcLd7KUyI/AAAAAAAAAyw/QjQiD4gF5CU/s320/DSC09906.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487667129287856930" border="0" /></a>It wasn't until I read the Storque article, "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/label-maker-dont-orphan-your-micro-brand-7486/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Label+Maker%3A+Don%27t+Orphan+Your+Micro-Brand&utm_content=etsy_success_050610&utm_campaign=etsy_success_050610">Label Maker: Don't Orphan your Micro-Brand</a>" that I realized how my lack of action was affecting the way I viewed my art. In short, the article stated that if you aren't labeling your products well, you are doing yourself, your work, your brand, and your <span style="font-style: italic;">patrons </span>a disservice. It was a nudge out of my comfortable art nest to view my work not as a hobby, but as a business.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgb_lbat8I/AAAAAAAAAyo/WBA_uG61OO0/s1600/DSC09923.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgb_lbat8I/AAAAAAAAAyo/WBA_uG61OO0/s320/DSC09923.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487666925143766978" border="0" /></a>I'm not quite certain <span style="font-style: italic;">why </span>I hadn't labeled my work before. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Fear? Laziness? Self-Doubt? Who knows?!)</span> But I can tell you that when I attached the hang tags and fabric labels to my work, I couldn't stop looking at them! It was as if they said: Hello! I loved making this item! I think it's grand, and I hope you think so, too! Now won't you share the love with others as well?!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgb1hW-LfI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ZlqGvZLc5jI/s1600/DSC09909.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgb1hW-LfI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ZlqGvZLc5jI/s400/DSC09909.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487666752252685810" border="0" /></a>If you've been nudged out of the nest and are wildly flapping around like I was, not sure where to begin, sometimes it's easiest to start with the work that you've already done. Returning to your lists can be a positive and rewarding move, especially when you start crossing off items that you've perched on awhile. Pick a simple one that you can tackle and just begin. Another fabulous place to start is Etsy itself. Sign up to receive Etsy's emails. Attend the virtual labs. Read the blog. I guarantee that you will learn from people who have been where you are, made the mistakes you've made, and have advice on how to proceed.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgbqJ6kbhI/AAAAAAAAAyY/gyyY9St5kgk/s1600/DSC09931.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/TCgbqJ6kbhI/AAAAAAAAAyY/gyyY9St5kgk/s320/DSC09931.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487666556980981266" border="0" /></a>If you are interested in <span style="font-weight: bold;">STUNNING</span> hang tags, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.printrunner.com/">printrunner.com</a>. These little beauties are my business cards, and I'm absolutely thrilled with them! I want to hang them from everything, including Hubby and Boog! Don't shy away from the ordering process on their site--their support staff is helpful and friendly. The fabric labels were purchased on Etsy from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennifersJewels">JennifersJewels</a>. Lovely lady. Lovely labels.<br />So here's to leaping out the nest (or being booted out the nest, in my case!). I'd love to hear the steps you're taking to move forward. One thing's for certain, it was 'bout time for me to do it, and I sure wish I'd done it sooner!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-9973341551216761722010-04-04T22:35:00.007-05:002010-04-04T22:58:19.254-05:00Blessings and Goodbyes<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lbU-Px_AI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CVQlfMSEvvc/s1600/DSC09235-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lbU-Px_AI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CVQlfMSEvvc/s320/DSC09235-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456492839400766466" border="0" /></a>Things come to an end. It's a sad fact of life, but they do. Today marked our last Easter with our lovely community here in St. Louis. (And what a wonderful day it has been!) And while we have almost two months before Hubby graduates, and we really have to say goodbye, I've got to start thinking about the end <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span>. You know, start working through it and trying on different possibilities for our future. If I don't, I fear the backlash will leave me a big, sappy mess, completely unsuitable for public appearances.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lbNwWtVXI/AAAAAAAAArI/R3Jeab5E96o/s1600/DSC09285.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lbNwWtVXI/AAAAAAAAArI/R3Jeab5E96o/s400/DSC09285.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456492715412641138" border="0" /></a><br />It's strange <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> wonderful that in the middle of big life changes, it's the little things that affect me the most. Like Boog's first dyed Easter egg. Or the joy of neighbors dropping by for a chat. Or shared snacks on porches. Unexpected blessings...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lbAzDvoVI/AAAAAAAAArA/oEy3LAIs6mU/s1600/DSC09127-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lbAzDvoVI/AAAAAAAAArA/oEy3LAIs6mU/s400/DSC09127-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456492492800106834" border="0" /></a>Like new pieces receiving <a href="http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=100">surprising attention on Etsy...<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lawFdnZUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/vEoSV9vpA0A/s1600/DSC09292.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7lawFdnZUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/vEoSV9vpA0A/s400/DSC09292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456492205682681154" border="0" /></a><br />Or Boog, decked out in her Easter finery, looking for all the world like she's ready to hop and skip into the next adventure of our life. Or complete and utter atonement wrought on my behalf. It's strange <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> wonderful how blessings can be wrapped up in goodbyes.<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-64668388281613826852010-03-28T21:52:00.025-05:002010-03-28T23:18:54.078-05:00It's Official -- I'm In Print!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7AlRPTnicI/AAAAAAAAAqY/1dK4-iWUzP0/s1600/DSC09213.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7AlRPTnicI/AAAAAAAAAqY/1dK4-iWUzP0/s400/DSC09213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453900126842489282" border="0" /></a><br />Here she is, folks! The premiere issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Jewelry Affaire, </span>and she is absolutely lovely! Yours truly is featured, and I am so honored and thrilled to be in a publication that is 1.) Stunning. And 2.) Filled to its gorgeous brim with outstanding and talented artisans. If you want to be inspired, don't hesitate to grab a copy. You won't be disappointed!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7AlL357dnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/qW6y2b3boEM/s1600/DSC09218-1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7AlL357dnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/qW6y2b3boEM/s320/DSC09218-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453900034661381746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Jewelry Affaire </span>reflects the heart and soul of its wonderful editor, <a href="http://www.coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/">Beth Livesay</a>. When she contacted me last fall to submit a piece, I was ecstatic. By the time my issue arrived in the mail, all composure was gone; and I tore into it, well, like how I tear into pastries when my blood sugar is low. :-) I then proceeded to corner unsuspecting neighbors (you are all dears, you know) and yap nonsensically about said magazine. (Small aside: Beth also has another publication that is equally jaw-dropping: <span style="font-style: italic;">Altered Couture. </span>I love this magazine. Period.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7AlE_ck-XI/AAAAAAAAAqI/RSn-x-5iaVU/s1600/DSC09223.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7AlE_ck-XI/AAAAAAAAAqI/RSn-x-5iaVU/s320/DSC09223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453899916426672498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />An interesting thing about the magazine is being featured with other artists whose work I've admired--some for quite a while now and others whom I've just discovered. It brought back to me again how connected we all are as artists and what an exciting time it is to be an artist! You just never know where your work will end up or what kind of friendships/collaborations you will forge. Kind of thrilling, don't ya think?!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7Ak9g_VMYI/AAAAAAAAAqA/vHmGBzYjo3g/s1600/DSC09225.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S7Ak9g_VMYI/AAAAAAAAAqA/vHmGBzYjo3g/s320/DSC09225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453899787991855490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My article boils down to this: You don't have to know what you're doing to be creative. It's that simple. Sometimes you just have to get started--build upon what you <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> know and learn as you go. I definitely have some projects this week where I'm going to practice what I preach. Are there any creative projects on your horizon where you can throw caution to the wind and "wing it?"<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /></div></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-59264188682573143862010-03-19T20:11:00.009-05:002010-03-19T20:30:45.438-05:00It Ain't Done 'Til I Say It's Done<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S6QhivOw1kI/AAAAAAAAAo4/n2vEjloQxnM/s1600-h/DSC09068-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S6QhivOw1kI/AAAAAAAAAo4/n2vEjloQxnM/s320/DSC09068-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450518329702798914" border="0" /></a><br />We all have our quirks, right? Some more than others; but I can tell you with all confidence that I am pretty quirky. One of my many quirks is that I am hopelessly neurotic. I've been told countless times that at two-years-old I would check my mother's diaper bag to make sure that she had all the necessities for my baby brother. While I'm not to the Jack Nicholson level in "As Good As It Gets," I'm fairly sure some professional somewhere could dub me with a fantastic sounding disorder--oops, I meant <span style="font-style: italic;">quirk</span>! So the amazing thing to me is that I can actually FINISH a painting and be happy with it.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S6Qhb0PJFBI/AAAAAAAAAow/ijjSE3B3wts/s1600-h/DSC09069.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S6Qhb0PJFBI/AAAAAAAAAow/ijjSE3B3wts/s320/DSC09069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450518210787480594" border="0" /></a><br />Sure, there are times when I think that something is missing, and I'll go back and rework the painting until it feels right. (There's even an earlier post where I did just that!) But, usually, I'm able to come to the end of a piece and know that it's "The End."<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S6QhTdn0aeI/AAAAAAAAAoo/qYOvXPb0utU/s1600-h/DSC09076.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S6QhTdn0aeI/AAAAAAAAAoo/qYOvXPb0utU/s320/DSC09076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450518067278014946" border="0" /></a><br />I was asked recently if it was difficult for me to let paintings go. For some reason, it's not. And I think part of the reason is that I've really finished it--no going back and checking and rechecking--and I want to pass it along and make room for other ideas and other projects. It creates a flow, this passing on... So how 'bout you? When do you know that your pieces are finished? And do you rework and obsess over the details? Or do you know when the time is right to pass it along and go with the flow?<br /><br />This piece is titled, "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42341211">Beyond the Page</a>" and features a kind-hearted Queen Alice. ;-)<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-38181142348860588672010-03-05T20:07:00.016-06:002010-03-05T20:46:32.750-06:00I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5yqTXEgI/AAAAAAAAAnw/6pSK1yrEN08/s1600-h/DSC09037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5yqTXEgI/AAAAAAAAAnw/6pSK1yrEN08/s400/DSC09037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445337704467730946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">ART STUDIO!!! ART STUDIO!!! </span>What else did you think I meant?! :-) I love seeing other artist's creative spaces in magazines or on the net. They are lovely. Inspirational. And they make me want to write the artist and ask permission to come and . . .<span style="font-weight: bold;"> DIG</span>!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5sA-vYhI/AAAAAAAAAno/H79Rjozl6Qc/s1600-h/DSC09040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5sA-vYhI/AAAAAAAAAno/H79Rjozl6Qc/s320/DSC09040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445337590296175122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have no shame. I would love to sit down with some of these artistas, have a cup of fabulous tea (with cream, of course!), and poke around all their baubles, art supplies, and pretties for a good day. (Boog comes by her foraging talents honestly.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Trouble is, my studio space just doesn't look like the magazine spreads. Okay, let me back up just a bit. My original studio space <span style="font-style: italic;">flooded</span>, so I had to regroup upstairs to the computer desk/kitchen-table studio. You know the studio--the one eked out of whatever space can pull double duty.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5nv0v7hI/AAAAAAAAAng/Z-aEqIsPP_U/s1600-h/DSC09042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5nv0v7hI/AAAAAAAAAng/Z-aEqIsPP_U/s320/DSC09042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445337516971388434" border="0" /></a>And my studio space is never as neat or as organized as the beautifully pictured examples. In fact, I've come to realize that "The Fast and the Furious" should not have been about drag racing. Oh, no. It should have been about how we mom/artists have to create. Like wild women! Banshees! With one goal in mind: finish the project before the kiddies wakes up from their naps, need a diaper change, want to try on a tutu or break your glass hutch with their Hotwheels. . . you get the idea.<br /><br />There are times, after a creative spell, when I'll wake up from my art frenzy and think some burglar on the prowl has ransacked my art studio in a desperate search for treasure. . .<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But, no. It's just me. Going berserk in my own small art space. I have learned, however, that small spaces <span style="font-style: italic;">do </span>have their perks. It's harder to lose stuff. I can keep better track of what supplies I have on hand. And I can eat a four-course meal while drawing painting ideas, crocheting, or surfing the net. :-) So I've shown you mine. What does <span style="font-style: italic;">your</span> art studio look like?<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5hHVZyrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/uno76HCG3u8/s1600-h/DSC09035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S5G5hHVZyrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/uno76HCG3u8/s320/DSC09035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445337403023280818" border="0" /></a>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-82780072290098760102010-01-26T19:27:00.016-06:002010-01-26T20:19:24.684-06:00Making Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S1-XafP_zqI/AAAAAAAAAic/51WnppP_VJk/s1600-h/DSC08458.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S1-XafP_zqI/AAAAAAAAAic/51WnppP_VJk/s320/DSC08458.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431226156953095842" border="0" /></a><br />A phrase my mother has told me at many points in my life is, "You'll never have more time than you have right now." Being an<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bets-Lizzie-Bingman-Rhea-Beth/dp/0395643759/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1264558632&sr=8-1-fkmr0"> author</a> and an artsy person herself, what she meant was that I would never have more time in my life to be creative--I would have to <span style="font-style: italic;">make </span>time. (Darn it, but she has a knack of being right.)<br /><br /><br />This has been especially important for me to remember right now, especially since Boog is hellbent on being danced around the apartment for a good portion of the day. At 18-months-old, every day is like Christmas; and she is diggin' it! Which means that I am usually digging her <span style="font-style: italic;">out</span> of stuff and <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> digging into my art projects.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S1-WywQf13I/AAAAAAAAAiE/soIb3_RIUCs/s1600-h/DSC08493.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S1-WywQf13I/AAAAAAAAAiE/soIb3_RIUCs/s320/DSC08493.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431225474323830642" border="0" /></a><br />So I have been revamping my schedule and trying to squeeze in creative time whenever possible. I think a lie that I tell myself is that tomorrow (you know, that magical tomorrow that somehow eludes us), I'll have more time, more money, more talent, more drive, more <span style="font-style: italic;">whatever.</span> But the truth of the matter is, my life is RIGHT NOW. And I know that there are times when art does have to be put on the back burner. (Being pregnant and not able to stand the smell of acrylics made painting somewhat difficult!) But a lot of the time, I find myself waiting when I should be doing. Something. No matter how small.<br /><br />So while I'm not going to push myself to the snapping point like I did in December, it might mean that I have some late nights hunched over a painting or textile piece like Quasimodo. Not pretty; but when I'm not creatively pursuing something, I'm simply not me.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S1-Ws_8i67I/AAAAAAAAAh8/aBYlL76PScI/s1600-h/DSC08472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S1-Ws_8i67I/AAAAAAAAAh8/aBYlL76PScI/s320/DSC08472.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431225375455898546" border="0" /></a>This fabric necklace is a sweet and simple little number. I worked on it over a period of days--not because it was difficult but because I had to grab snippets of time here and there. The detail that I love about it is the vintage tablecloth flower. Have I mentioned my love of vintage linen? I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">mad </span>about it, I tell you, <span style="font-style: italic;">MAD</span>!!! The stories tablecloths could tell! I just love 'em! And I am equally unapologetic about my love of owls. It is a joy for me to share this piece with you because I was able to carve out the time to make it, hunched back and all!Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-35519582866731900922010-01-13T19:52:00.004-06:002010-01-13T20:11:06.761-06:00Listening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S05519XcWII/AAAAAAAAAhE/dr04g2M4fsA/s1600-h/valentine+mermie+print.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/S05519XcWII/AAAAAAAAAhE/dr04g2M4fsA/s400/valentine+mermie+print.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426408568940943490" border="0" /></a><br />Hello!!!<br /><br />Hello?<br /><br />Anyone out there???<br /><br /><br />{{{<span style="font-style: italic;">Crickets</span>}}}<br /><br /><br />Well, hello, crickets! And, hello, to you sweet people in blogland! It's true that I haven't blogged in <span style="font-style: italic;">ages</span>, and I am terribly sorry for that fact. Truth be told, I was put out of commission with an unexpected illness for the greater part of December, and it all boils down to a very bad habit that I have. I don't listen very well. My body was giving me all sorts of hints that things weren't going so hot, but I trudged forward anyway. That is, until I woke up one morning and couldn't do much of anything. When I was dancing, I was much more in tune with my body. (We did exercises for our toes, for cripe's sake!) But several years, some unfortunate injuries, and a Boog later, I'm afraid that my radar is slightly out-of-whack. So I'm making it a point to try to slow down a little for my body's sake and to listen more. And I don't want to go all "zen" on you; but, <span style="font-style: italic;">grasshoppers, </span>we're being told things all the time. So here's to an attentive 2010 for me and for you, too! I hope that everyone's year has kicked off to a lovely start. I'm excited about blogging more, listening more, and blowing more bath bubbles with Boog! Happy New Year!!!Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-20082782889023329182009-11-20T14:23:00.002-06:002009-11-20T14:39:36.101-06:00Hoot! Hoot! And the Winner Is...!!!<div style="text-align: center;">First off, THANK YOU, fellow tweeters, for RTing like pros! Your love for the owl necklace made my heart glad! :-)<br /><br />Without further ado, the winner is <a href="http://twitter.com/lifeonprint"><span style="font-weight: bold;">lifeonprint</span></a>!!!<br />lifeonprint, please convo me through Etsy with your address; and I'll give you the details when your necklace will be finished and on its way!<br /><br />And for the rest of you sweet followers (and, I'm assuming, owl lovers!), my Black Friday/Cyber Monday special is extended to you early! 20% off of ANY JEWELRY piece in my shop!!! Please convo me if you're interested, and I'll mark down the listing and reserve it for you!!!<br /><br />Much hugs and hoots to you all! Oh, would you stay and look around a bit? I love visitors! <br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-64029204828925728932009-11-11T20:02:00.016-06:002009-11-11T20:35:06.539-06:00Letting Go...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Svts-C2GToI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/eurnv4vaS3Q/s1600-h/DSC01600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Svts-C2GToI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/eurnv4vaS3Q/s400/DSC01600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403031991132507778" border="0" /></a>Let go.<br /><br />That was a really hard sentence to write. I think I'll write it again for good measure!<br /><br />Let go.<br /><br />I've decided that there is an area in my artistic life that I need to let go. And let go with intention. Sometimes things happen and things are pulled from you. That is not what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about purposefully walking away from things that no longer feed you. For me, that is portrait work.<br /><br />I can't tell you how many gummy smiles I've drawn of adorable, chubby babies. Or touching portraits drawn to commemorate a life cut too short. Or sweet, furry portraits of the family pooch. I'll miss the stories. I'll also miss watching my wildly supportive hubby hawking my wares in stores in lovably weird Austin and LA.<br /><br />So why am I letting portrait work go? Well, empathetic reader, I'm just no longer in that head space. It is such a gear shift to draw again that it <span style="font-style: italic;">takes</span> from me instead of <span style="font-style: italic;">giving</span>. I'm letting go. For the record, I am thrilled that my last portraits are for sweet friends and their equally sweet babies...what a way to go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Svts5oW6YKI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/i82s5tu0KBs/s1600-h/DSC02088.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Svts5oW6YKI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/i82s5tu0KBs/s320/DSC02088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403031915302903970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Svts1U0AQxI/AAAAAAAAAZs/KXpFW19k1yY/s1600-h/DSC07248.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Svts1U0AQxI/AAAAAAAAAZs/KXpFW19k1yY/s320/DSC07248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403031841336738578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So here are my "Kick-to-the-Curb" boots! Every artista should have a fab pair of boots. :-) (Flowy skirt, favorite jeans--you name it--they make everything look "cha-ching"!) I think I'm going to don these boots every time I need to purposefully walk away from something. So how about you? What areas in your artistic life maybe need a trim? All I can say is that when you make up your mind, you will be walking on dangerous yet lovely ground.<br /><br />Let go.Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-7155256584670452672009-11-03T19:42:00.019-06:002009-11-04T10:08:37.034-06:00Nurturing Whimsy...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDc37sRUYI/AAAAAAAAAYU/mldlIIEf_so/s1600-h/DSC06971.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDc37sRUYI/AAAAAAAAAYU/mldlIIEf_so/s320/DSC06971.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400058806691516802" border="0" /></a>I wanted to share with you the burgeoning artistic talent known simply as "Boog." She has recently been introduced to the world of crayons; and except for a brief moment when I thought she was going to permanently maim "Mr. Blue," she has been in Crayola-colored bliss!<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDcwgJJffI/AAAAAAAAAYM/AozdGaJ5hqQ/s1600-h/DSC06977.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDcwgJJffI/AAAAAAAAAYM/AozdGaJ5hqQ/s400/DSC06977.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400058679037361650" border="0" /></a>We are proudly displaying her first work.<br /><br />Please note the free-form scribbles and the lovely tear here and there. Future collage artist? Hmmm. . .<br /><br />I have been struck lately by the newness of things for Boog. A new song to hum along with or to dance to (she's a mean dancer, folks!). The first time seeing the color "Violet Red." And my responsibility to her becomes a tad more clear. It is part of my job and privilege to nurture her whimsy. Her passion. Her joy. Whatever it may be. And though it's terrifying (I truly don't know what I'm doing!), it's also <span style="font-style: italic;">amazing!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDcpvvEApI/AAAAAAAAAYE/M-QIxZU3gmE/s1600-h/DSC03081.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDcpvvEApI/AAAAAAAAAYE/M-QIxZU3gmE/s320/DSC03081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400058562963833490" border="0" /></a>I just read in a magazine that we are most in tune with our whimsy, our passions, when we are 10-14 years old. While I don't know how true this is (and I'm not quite sure you can draw super clear parallels in the manner of, "Well, I was a connoisseur of the mud pie, <span style="font-style: italic;">dahling, </span>so, of course, I would have my own bakery!"), it is an interesting window into who we were and are. And, perhaps, a way to bring back that "newness" again. For me, it was dancing and singing and the start of musical theater. And drawing, of course! What was your whimsy? Who were you at 10 years old?<br /><br />This painting was a custom piece that I did a while ago with the theme of being rooted in love, but its message has changed for me. It seems to speak of being rooted in our passions--what we love. I hope it speaks to you, too . . .<br /><br />Here is Boog on Halloween. She was a dancer. Oh, excuse me, a <span style="font-style: italic;">modern </span>dancer. Preferably in the "Twila Tharp" or "Martha Graham" veins. :-) She was a whirling dervish and so excited.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDcgoBjArI/AAAAAAAAAX8/jXmh1CzshMM/s1600-h/DSC06894.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SvDcgoBjArI/AAAAAAAAAX8/jXmh1CzshMM/s400/DSC06894.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400058406275056306" border="0" /></a><br />In case you're wondering, the "D" on the wall is an old marquee letter from an opera/movie house from the early 1900's. Fab!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-21375337504653578222009-10-22T20:33:00.013-05:002009-10-29T20:32:58.590-05:00Red Sets Out....To Your Home? My First Blog Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuEKzJKsyyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/X9Xl-ADnkqI/s1600-h/Red%27s+Dream+print.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuEKzJKsyyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/X9Xl-ADnkqI/s320/Red%27s+Dream+print.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395605702316968738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />And the winner is: Girl216Designs!!!</span><br /><br />Thank you to everyone who left a comment and for the offers of custard! You are near and dear to my heart! I would have had Boog draw the name, but I was fearful for a couple of reasons:<br /><br />1.) I was afraid that she would fall head-first into aforementioned tall, stylish hat.<br />And 2.) I was afraid that she would eat the winning name. She has a fondness for small bits of paper, and the drawn name would have been a goner!<br />(Seriously. When do babies stop eating everything that they find? It is so bad (and comical!) that if I could attach wheels to her and push her around, she would hoover the floor!)<br /><br />Much love to you all! And thank you to the new followers! Have a lovely, creative, and handmade rest of your week, and I'll be adding new posts soon! :-)<br /><br /><br /><br />One handmade red cape = $65<br />One stinkin' cute nickname = $50<br />Homemade custards for ailing grandmother = $25<br />Dog whistle = $12<br />RED's chutzpah to make it through the wood to YOUR home? = PRICELESS!!!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuEKlsdVakI/AAAAAAAAAUw/fMp7fzlzhOE/s1600-h/Red+Card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuEKlsdVakI/AAAAAAAAAUw/fMp7fzlzhOE/s320/Red+Card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395605471272200770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hello, everyone near and far! I hope that you have had a lovely and creative week and that you have had the courage to go through whatever "woods" you are facing! To celebrate the fact that we are all courageous artists (!), I'm having my FIRST GIVEAWAY! (I'm just a tad excited, so I hope that my writing is coherent!)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuEKSTithTI/AAAAAAAAAUo/eVx4ccqYNxc/s1600-h/Time+Out+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuEKSTithTI/AAAAAAAAAUo/eVx4ccqYNxc/s320/Time+Out+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395605138166351154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It's very simple and very sweet. Just leave a comment. I love them, you know! (I toyed with asking for custards. But I figured that would be quite time-consuming and messy, and the weight gain would be unforgivable.)<br /><br />In a week's time, I'll draw a random name out of a very tall, yet fashionable hat!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5361411"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 51px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SuETyRws9NI/AAAAAAAAAVI/3Om0QbN1cks/s400/Long+Red+print-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395615583048627410" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, you could do one other thing... Stop by my Etsy shop! (Click on the small banner above.) Browse a little. Heart a few items, if you're so inclined! I would "heart" your visits very much.<br /><br />I have a few "thank you's" that I must, must, must extend! Thank you's to Jolie of <a href="http://jolieart.blogspot.com/">JolieArt</a>, to Melissa at <a href="http://sewsweetstitches.blogspot.com/2009/10/im-in-love.html">Sew Sweet Stiches</a>, and to Tara at <a href="http://www.jewelrybytarabiz.blogspot.com/">Jewelry by Tara</a> for the lovely blog features. You didn't have to do it, and I'm so thankful for your thoughtfulness! Please check out their blogs and then click through to their wonderful Etsy shops!!!<br /><br /><br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-11168778699120183772009-10-13T22:00:00.006-05:002009-10-13T22:56:17.554-05:00It's a Handmade Revolution!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StVAjX3eOVI/AAAAAAAAASg/ik7NibGm0i8/s1600-h/Image1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 156px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StVAjX3eOVI/AAAAAAAAASg/ik7NibGm0i8/s320/Image1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392287105292319058" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah!!! I was awarded my first blogger award!!! Actually, I was awarded the "Kreativ Blogger" award twice! (So is that two separate awards if it's for the same award? I don't care! I'll take what I can get! :-) "Thank you's" to the lovely and talented <a href="http://dollsnart-bymichelle.blogspot.com/">Michelle Eaton</a> and to the lovely and talented <a href="http://twistedfigures.blogspot.com/">Shonna Bucaroff</a>. Check out the fab work of these two wonderful artistas!!!<br /><br />So here goes. 7 facts about me:<br /><br />1. I was an actor in LA which meant that I did a lot of odds-and-ends jobs, including background work on a gob of television shows and a game show where I had to stay awake for 24 hours and then perform physical tasks while answering questions. The game-show bit is not all that different from my life now. :-) And the rest sounds way more glamorous than it was. But, oh, the stories...<br />2. I think Indian food is divine. I could go for that right now.<br />3. If I had the means and time to do it, I would be a total groupie for "WovenHand."<br />4. I danced for 18 years, and I have the creaky joints to show for it.<br />5. I successfully avoided diapers until I had a Boog of my own.<br />6. I enjoy a good cigar. BAD, I know!!! <br />7. I'm Scottish, German, Cherokee, and Osage. So I guess that makes me a Scotch-German-Native American. <br /><br />And the 7 bloggers that I am bestowing the award to are (drumroll please!):<br />1. <a href="http://jolieart.blogspot.com/">Jolie</a><br />2. <a href="http://heavenleighart.blogspot.com/">Julie-Anne</a><br />3. <a href="http://artisticaccentsbydarla.blogspot.com/">Darla</a><br />4. <a href="http://pinkglitterfae.blogspot.com/">Pinkglitterfae</a><br />5. <a href="http://amyperrotti.blogspot.com/">Amy</a><br />6. <a href="http://nicola-visualdiary.blogspot.com/">Nicola</a><br />7. <a href="http://llcreations.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_1Oj7MDI/AAAAAAAAASY/u4KGa-YDjl4/s1600-h/DSC06220.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_1Oj7MDI/AAAAAAAAASY/u4KGa-YDjl4/s320/DSC06220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392286312520429618" border="0" /></a><br />I know that I should probably write a new post, but leap with me. There is continuity here, I promise! These blog awards are fantastic, and what an amazing opportunity to be able to see each other's work and to gain insight about each wonderful artist and to offer feedback. It's just dawning on me how connected we are and how we are a part of something truly special! We are in a Handmade Revolution!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_vSDG1JI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Dg-PDc0EIuU/s1600-h/DSC06220.jpg+crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_vSDG1JI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Dg-PDc0EIuU/s320/DSC06220.jpg+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392286210377307282" border="0" /></a>No matter if things are slow for you right now in finding your particular audience or if you are rockin' out, I am thankful to be a part of such an inspiring group!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_q9D4hNI/AAAAAAAAASI/CKqw17eoqM8/s1600-h/DSC06238.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_q9D4hNI/AAAAAAAAASI/CKqw17eoqM8/s320/DSC06238.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392286136023942354" border="0" /></a>So here are my latest creations: "Alice's Reign" and a little owl bib necklace. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_mm2MKuI/AAAAAAAAASA/ZCFXSGbGl58/s1600-h/DSC06255-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/StU_mm2MKuI/AAAAAAAAASA/ZCFXSGbGl58/s320/DSC06255-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392286061341453026" border="0" /></a><br />In the meantime, I'm thinking of slogans for our movement. "Make crafts. Not war."--too cliche. "Artisans do it with their hands." --kind of makes me giggle like a 14-year-old. "Handmade...embracing the human touch." <br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-65966483947469879702009-10-07T21:41:00.005-05:002009-10-07T21:54:03.319-05:00Creative Drink of Choice<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1Rw8AptWI/AAAAAAAAAQA/wG7xYLCRwrc/s1600-h/DSC06038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1Rw8AptWI/AAAAAAAAAQA/wG7xYLCRwrc/s320/DSC06038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390054230216783202" border="0" /></a><br />After reading some frightening literature about what comprises my daily cup(s) of joe, I decided to encourage my love of tea. :-) Black, white, green, flavored--all are lovely. Combine that fact with the perfect cup (I'm talking the <span style="font-style: italic;">feel </span>of the cup--the perfect cup has a certain "weight" to it. Like the one pictured. Perfect.), and you have a heavenly drink. Not to mention a creative aid! I do have a question for you ladies across the pond: Is PG Tips really England's #1 tea? I've grown quite fond of it, but please don't hesitate to shoo me on to something better! Oh, and one other thing. No matter how many antioxidants red tea has, if you add sugar and cream, you will GAIN WEIGHT. Ahem. You can have too much of a good thing as I recently found out. ;-)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1RrQzjGuI/AAAAAAAAAP4/PkFV3ohdBc8/s1600-h/DSC06021-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1RrQzjGuI/AAAAAAAAAP4/PkFV3ohdBc8/s320/DSC06021-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390054132719753954" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a shot of Boog (a.k.a. "Punkenhead") and her pumpkin!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-60723426688653324742009-10-07T21:24:00.003-05:002009-10-07T21:40:32.818-05:00Wearing Different Hats<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1NrkQRYsI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Nn0ropZebts/s1600-h/DSC05988-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1NrkQRYsI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Nn0ropZebts/s320/DSC05988-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390049739893990082" border="0" /></a><br />Confession: The "mommy" ME and the "artist" ME are fighting. More like duking it out. I can honestly say that I'm not sure who is going to win... It is a miracle that I finished a painting yesterday and a necklace today. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1Nki7BpxI/AAAAAAAAAPg/m2_VmOqjh7E/s1600-h/DSC06045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1Nki7BpxI/AAAAAAAAAPg/m2_VmOqjh7E/s320/DSC06045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390049619277358866" border="0" /></a><br />It was a small painting and a simpler necklace, but finishing anything is a HUGE win--for the artist <span style="font-style: italic;">and </span>the mommy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1NgOOYvwI/AAAAAAAAAPY/u4kUSonMjrQ/s1600-h/DSC05975-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Ss1NgOOYvwI/AAAAAAAAAPY/u4kUSonMjrQ/s320/DSC05975-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390049545001942786" border="0" /></a>Here's to the act of completion! <br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-28713910942779341852009-10-06T22:12:00.000-05:002009-10-06T22:12:40.903-05:00Angel with Sunflowers - What Would This Angel Tweet?<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SswHJbuo99I/AAAAAAAAAOY/iXeELCkRaio/s1600-h/DSC05966.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SswHJbuo99I/AAAAAAAAAOY/iXeELCkRaio/s320/DSC05966.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>I wanted to share my latest angel painting because she is a completely different painting style for me. I can sometimes feel that my brush strokes are tight, so I wanted to work on spontaneity and a more "painterly" quality. I made myself use an oversize brush and have at it, not worrying too much about placement. I think she turned out quite romantic and soft--like an old postcard!<br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SswHJ7WSmZI/AAAAAAAAAOg/uNKPuyGLzhM/s1600-h/DSC05972.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SswHJ7WSmZI/AAAAAAAAAOg/uNKPuyGLzhM/s320/DSC05972.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>On a more flip note: She looks like she has a thing or two to say. I would what she would tweet about? I am new to the twittosphere, and I had a mild panic attack when I didn't know what "RT" meant! I must admit that I'm liking it! I like getting updates on what people are creating, and I like the glimpses into their creative process... So, do YOU twitter? And if you do, what do you tweet about?<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-47571792038227050502009-10-01T14:33:00.004-05:002009-10-01T14:45:10.440-05:00Dragonfly Maiden<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsUEYMsGUfI/AAAAAAAAAKw/ewhrKhDtHdA/s1600-h/DSC05657.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsUEYMsGUfI/AAAAAAAAAKw/ewhrKhDtHdA/s320/DSC05657.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387717342988227058" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished this custom piece, and I wanted to share her with you. She has quite a bit of moxy, don't you think? I do feel that sometimes my paintings capture the way I <span style="font-style: italic;">want </span>to be. :-)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsUENHpYNPI/AAAAAAAAAKo/lctAMhH_u6Y/s1600-h/DSC05656.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsUENHpYNPI/AAAAAAAAAKo/lctAMhH_u6Y/s320/DSC05656.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387717152656078066" border="0" /></a><br />Or maybe I just need to find the perfect shade of red lipstick (I just know that it exists!) and work on my 'tude!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-33593843495625898802009-09-28T22:28:00.008-05:002009-09-28T22:48:19.153-05:00It's Fall--Time to Turn a New Leaf?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_54acENI/AAAAAAAAAKA/D7LIe4GWYXk/s1600-h/DSC05514_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_54acENI/AAAAAAAAAKA/D7LIe4GWYXk/s320/DSC05514_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386727261684371666" border="0" /></a><br />I have a secret: I am a closet fabric artist. If you could see my yarn stash, my eclectic collection of knitting and crochet needles, and my ever-growing sewing-book collection, you would agree. So I decided to do something about this desire. I made a necklace. Oh, alright, I made <span style="font-style: italic;">three </span>necklaces. And a brooch. (I was on a roll.) And, besides, I'm tired of my angels and collage ladies getting to wear nests and birds and butterflies! I want to, too!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_xTJq0RI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/6FqZ5Vw1iIY/s1600-h/DSC05506+edited_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_xTJq0RI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/6FqZ5Vw1iIY/s320/DSC05506+edited_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386727114242969874" border="0" /></a><br />So I approached these necklaces like mixed-media, collage pieces. Vintage jewelry, buttons, crochet accents, feathers, felt--you name it. It was like painting but with fabric! Wearable art . . . maybe I just want to be able to take my art with me . . .<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_kjTcgSI/AAAAAAAAAJw/GxDKQe4BwkY/s1600-h/DSC05573.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_kjTcgSI/AAAAAAAAAJw/GxDKQe4BwkY/s320/DSC05573.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386726895240642850" border="0" /></a>The above piece is "Flutter" made up of a butterfly and blooms. I am playing around with the theme of renewal and new life with these pieces.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_ZsGO1bI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Uix-YCBB4z0/s1600-h/DSC05560.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_ZsGO1bI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Uix-YCBB4z0/s320/DSC05560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386726708622579122" border="0" /></a><br />The cross and blooms is "Renewed Creation." See, I'm even giving these necklaces titles like paintings. :-)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_PB9p7JI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Iw2u98P449E/s1600-h/DSC05594.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF_PB9p7JI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Iw2u98P449E/s320/DSC05594.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386726525513624722" border="0" /></a><br />And, finally, the wee brooch--a little bird nesting with her eggs. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the model. She is my neighbor, the lovely Miss R who is well . . . simply lovely!!! I am going to be listing these necklaces on Etsy. I think I am going to keep these sample necklaces as examples and offer custom orders from their designs. I'm not sure what the response will be, but I am so excited to share them with you!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-11706933547306048702009-09-28T21:33:00.006-05:002009-09-28T21:47:45.123-05:00Carousels, Kitsch, and Baubles<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF0K3agZuI/AAAAAAAAAJY/eKJT2j3z7MY/s1600-h/DSC05496.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsF0K3agZuI/AAAAAAAAAJY/eKJT2j3z7MY/s320/DSC05496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386714359334463202" border="0" /></a><br />Last week was a slow blog week. We had family in town the weekend before which provided a much-needed rest. Whenever things slow down, I try to soak it up. I know that inspiration lurks in unsuspecting places. Boog had a lovely time with grandparents and rode on her first carousel! She sat on a feisty cheetah and waved and waved. I wouldn't have been surprised if she had let out a "Xena" yell! (By the way, do you know how hard it is to take a photo while riding a rickety wooden lion? I need some props, people! :-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsFzpouGZQI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/y991sab1Qyw/s1600-h/DSC05523.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsFzpouGZQI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/y991sab1Qyw/s320/DSC05523.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713788454429954" border="0" /></a><br />And Hubby and I got to go out on the town and go junking. I found some lovely baubles for future projects . . .<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsFzhek0hdI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Wf9sV-RcixE/s1600-h/DSC05527.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsFzhek0hdI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Wf9sV-RcixE/s320/DSC05527.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713648292201938" border="0" /></a><br />. . . some sweet handmade charm with this kitty doorstop for Boog's room (It cost 71 cents at a thrift store--who comes up with these whacky prices?!) . . .<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsFzXlGyoJI/AAAAAAAAAJA/cZgYHDW6NkA/s1600-h/DSC05525.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SsFzXlGyoJI/AAAAAAAAAJA/cZgYHDW6NkA/s320/DSC05525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713478246604946" border="0" /></a><br /> . . . and a touch of kool kitsch. Hubby has a not-so-secret love of anything mid-century to mid-'60's. If he could live on the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mad Men </span>set, he would! And if '50's glassware was another woman, I'd be very afraid. :-)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-9132976120439775592009-09-16T22:56:00.004-05:002009-09-16T23:44:17.324-05:00Creativity. One Baby Step at a Time.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SrG0Km_UshI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5WV9gufmCnU/s1600-h/Red%27s+Calling+full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SrG0Km_UshI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5WV9gufmCnU/s320/Red%27s+Calling+full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382281124042289682" border="0" /></a><br />For years, my mom has had an old fiddle on a shelf in her living room. It was technically <span style="font-style: italic;">mine</span>, but I don't think that I had ever actually held the thing. It had become a decorative piece and had sat there looking at me whenever I'd come home to visit. Over the summer I decided to take some initiative, so I took it to the music doctor and had the bridge and the strings replaced. I bought a bow. I bought rosin for the bow. And then it came home with me and sat on top of a cabinet in my living room, once again collecting dust. You see, I have a habit of starting things and not finishing them. Small things--a book left unread here, a knitting project coming unraveled there. So on Monday, I decided to take a small step with regard to my fiddle and my large pile of unfinished intentions. I would rosin the bow. Nothing else. Rosin the bow.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SrG0DbnkxEI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Wphp7ubbzIw/s1600-h/Red%27s+Calling+crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SrG0DbnkxEI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Wphp7ubbzIw/s320/Red%27s+Calling+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382281000730805314" border="0" /></a><br />That seemed to open the door because on Tuesday, I met with a sweet friend who gave me my first official fiddle lesson! I now know how to hold the bow. (Can't do it yet--it's really hard to keep my thumb bent up like that!) And I learned the "A" scale! Can I play the "A" scale well? Heck, no! It sounds like a dying cat. But it is so much FUN!!! (Although, I am going to avoid bringing up the subject with my neighbors!) All this to say that I took a baby step on one of my zillion projects, and it really helped with my creativity. I painted this RED with more ease than I have had in a while. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SrGz4D0XloI/AAAAAAAAAIo/LgxbH9szfCg/s1600-h/Red%27s+Calling+close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SrGz4D0XloI/AAAAAAAAAIo/LgxbH9szfCg/s320/Red%27s+Calling+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382280805363455618" border="0" /></a><br />While I don't think that it's a formula (playing "A" scale = heightened creativity!), I do think that I need to challenge myself to find inspiration <span style="font-style: italic;">outside</span> of my art realm.<br /><br />This RED is titled, "Red's Calling." I painted her for a lovely art patron from Australia--my first piece to travel down under! I'm a little bummed because I'm nearing the end of my vintage wolf images. I now have an excuse (not that I need one!) to go junking and find some more collage goodies. :-) From her expression, I think that she is perfectly able to handle her situation!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-88853775137521954002009-09-11T10:51:00.003-05:002009-09-11T14:42:44.001-05:00Is it eBay...is it Etsy...or is it a little bit of both?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SqpyVCeOKsI/AAAAAAAAAIg/9tIn7-Or_BY/s1600-h/DSC05448+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SqpyVCeOKsI/AAAAAAAAAIg/9tIn7-Or_BY/s320/DSC05448+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380238410613926594" border="0" /></a><br />The Boog is sick. Nothing heinous, but enough to throw her off her game of foraging and digging through Mom and Dad's things. (The kid really isn't that interested in toys<span style="font-style: italic;">. </span>How <span style="font-style: italic;">boring</span>. She wants whatever you have, preferably paper.) When one of us is sick, the house implodes.<br />It's like Thing One and Thing Two have been given the run of the place, but there is no magic box that I can cram them back into! So, amidst this chaos, I am trying to establish order somewhere<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>. I think I am going to start with my whole eBay/Etsy conundrum. You didn't think that I would start by cleaning the kitchen, did you? :-) So here it is: How do I manage both eBay and Etsy? I know that there are many, many talented artists/biz gals who do a fab job of it. So how do they do it? How do you do it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SqpyMWdNWZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/jQ5GVNKYAtI/s1600-h/DSC05447+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/SqpyMWdNWZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/jQ5GVNKYAtI/s320/DSC05447+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380238261359565202" border="0" /></a><br />I would love to hear your strategy! Do I list originals on eBay and prints on Etsy? How many listings should I have in my Etsy shop at one time? How do I keep traffic going to both my eBay and Etsy shops? I do think that I will try to keep some originals on eBay (like this angel painting--I listed her last night, complete with fun, dimensional flowers!) and try one on Etsy every now and then. Prints on eBay seem to be . . . unpredictable. Time and energy are of the essence, and it seems to me that knowing where to put your focus is key. Well, I didn't answer my question; but I feel much better putting it out there!<br /><br />Oh, I did come across a site on the Etsy forums for getting your art more exposure. It's <a href="http://craftgawker.com/">craftgawker.com</a> and it looks promising. (But please don't blame me for the hours you'll spend gawking!)<br /><br />Well, I'm off to wiping Boog's over-active nose and working on drawings for future paintings. That's the extent of my multi-tasking. I'll leave the crazy house for later! <br /><br /><br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-47100666035859491362009-09-02T09:30:00.002-05:002009-09-02T10:02:27.820-05:00So What Exactly is IN That???It is no secret to my friends and neighbors (Actually, my neighbors are my friends! The Boog, The Hubby, and I live in student housing, so we are a rather close lot!) that I'm rather OCD about what goes into products. Without going into the gory details, most of the lovely-smelling products (for hair/skin--you name it) break me out horribly. I've come to view this sad development as God saving me from a massive product-buying addiction!!! <br /><br />Since The Boog's arrival, I've been even more concerned about what is in things, especially food. We watched a show over the summer where one of the characters remarked that the fast-food chicken they were about to devour would cause her daughter to grow (cover your eyes if you have delicate sensibilities) a third nipple! Well, I don't know about you, but TWO are quite enough, thank you!<br /><br />So we are trying to be more mindful about what we eat, and I've started making my own products. I can't claim these recipes as my own (I'm not that clever!), but here a few starter recipes, if you are so inclined:<br /><br />Baby powder: equal parts baking soda and corn starch with a few drops of essential oil (either lavender or sweet orange). If baby bums and rashes are no longer on your radar (you lucky duck, you!) this recipe can double as a wonderful deodorant, or add some white clay or bentonite for a dusting powder and then go ahead and luxuriate!<br /><br />Face serum (This one is such fun to make! Oh--keep it in the fridge.): 2/3 cup aloe vera, 2 tablespoons pure vegetable glycerin, 3 drops essential oil of rose or lavender. I chose lavender and added a couple drop of German chamomile for its healing properties. Love it!!! And the chilly serum is really fun to apply. :-)<br /><br />Bug Spray: 1/4 ounce witch hazel, 3 drops thyme essential oil, 6 drops lemongrass eo, 4 drops peppermint eo. Fill a small spray bottle with the ingredients and then top it off with water. No chemicals. No DEET. And no third nipple. And you smell sweet, too!<br /><br />If you would like more recipes, let me know. The above recipes were found in "Well Being" by Barbara Close and "Easy Green Living" by Renee Loux.Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083740159757066602.post-70601771674248900442009-09-02T09:18:00.004-05:002009-09-02T09:29:57.519-05:00Little Birds<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Sp6AQ9SfViI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Y_Erg0GGbYM/s1600-h/Little+Birds+full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Sp6AQ9SfViI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Y_Erg0GGbYM/s320/Little+Birds+full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376876033945327138" border="0" /></a><br />So I thought that she was finished. Well, she morphed into something completely different! I just had this sense that she wasn't quite complete. So . . .<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Sp6AG3FeuaI/AAAAAAAAAII/QoQinlt4sIs/s1600-h/Little+Birds+crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Sp6AG3FeuaI/AAAAAAAAAII/QoQinlt4sIs/s320/Little+Birds+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376875860481456546" border="0" /></a><br />I added script in the background inspired from sentences from my trusty vintage school primer. (This primer is truly a treasure. It has the sweetest sentences about little birds and nests and children. I love it!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Sp5_5pnCPTI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ihagpIeis6w/s1600-h/DSC05381+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JHFTqn6OnMU/Sp5_5pnCPTI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ihagpIeis6w/s320/DSC05381+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376875633525800242" border="0" /></a><br />And, finally, I collaged butterflies and actual practice sentences from the primer onto the piece. With a new look and a new title, she has made her second debut--if that's even possible!<br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04834025634462044368noreply@blogger.com3