in progress...

hmmm...looks like a good game of tic-tac-toe is getting started.  tune in tomorrow for more details...

play time

i was so inspired by some of the projects in ashley calder's book, "Scraptastic!", that i decided to take some time and do a little experimentation.  it's amazing how much more creative i allow myself to be when i know that it's "play-time" instead of "i-need-to-have-a-piece-done-for-an-exhibit-tomorrow" time!  everything seems to flow so much smoother when the pressure is off!  anyway, in one of ashley's projects, she had painted a little flower on a piece of canvas and i thought it was so cute i just had to try it for myself.  i used 10 oz. art canvas, painted some gesso on top and then used watercolor to paint the artwork.  i decided to embellish it a bit with some embroidery on the stems using cotton floss.  i also sewed some yellow seed beads in the flower centers to give them a bit more dimension.  i'm really happy with the results, although i'll have to admit that my fingers are a little blistered after sewing through the thick canvas.  next time i may try this using lightweight muslin! click on image to enlarge

donna downey workshop

about a year ago, donna downey came to our local scrapbook store and offered several workshops.  i was crazy with excitement when i found out that she'd be in town because, i must admit, i'm a huge donna downey fan.  donna is a mixed media artist...she dabbles in paper, fabric, books, paint...well, you can see why i'm a fan!  here is a photo of one of the projects that i made that weekend (i took all of her workshops but one!).  this is one of my favorite pieces of art, not only because it showcases one of my favorite photos of our kids (uh, taken 12 years ago, but still my favorite!), but mainly because i didn't think i could do it.  remember, i'm "collage challenged", so i tend to run in the other direction when it comes time to making one!  but, i think that my success is a testimony to what a great teacher and motivator that donna is...let me put it this way, if i can do it, anyone can do it!

believe...part deux

as i mentioned in my post from yesterday, here is another use for the "believe" artwork that i did.  this is a blank journal that i made using italian velata paper (sorry that the photo doesn't show it, but you'll have to trust me that there's paper inside!) and fabric  and a heavyweight stabilizer for the cover.   i sewed the signatures using waxed linen thread and buttons on the outside to hold everything in place.  and...i printed my artwork onto canvas and then sewed it to the cover.  this book measures approximately 4.25" x 7" and feels very soft and organic.  (click on artwork for larger view)

hardest years in life

this is a quote by helen hayes that brings a smile to my face.  how true is this?!  well, actually, i don't really know because i'm still aged between 10 and 70.  but my friend eva gave this to a friend of hers who is in her 90's and she confirmed that, yes, "it's so true!".   it's good to have confirmation of these types of things...

gone fishin'

my dad is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and one day he said this to me as encouragement to take a risk with my artwork and put myself "out there". and, of course, as most dad's wisdom goes, he's right. so as a daily reminder, i wrote it out on paper and glued it to one of those cute 3" canvases and then finished the sides with ribbon. it sits proudly on a small easel in my kitchen where i see it every morning. and one day i hope to catch the "big one", or at least talk about the "one that got away"...but for now, i'm happy for a little nibble on the bait!