Sunday, September 4, 2011

New Mixed Media/Altered Book





Here is an altered/mixed media book I recently completed. The pages were made from the leftover cut out bits from the altered books from this post. The text pages were folded and glued then folded as pages. Then they were altered in some way, painted, stamped, collaged with found text, etc. Once the pages were done I sewed them altogether inside a pale blue leather scrap bound with a long stitch and weaving. There is a ribbon sewn into the ribbon to tie the book closed and I used some copper and glass findings to embellish the front. Voila! Mixed Media/altered book! I ran into a few problems while making this book but nothing that couldn't be overcome.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Mournings and Musings







One part of my life is ending and another is beginning. I'm starting a new life with a new LIFE and a new house and so many other new things that it's all overwhelming at times. I have to let myself mourn a little to that which is ending so that my heart is open to receive the new blessings that will enter. It's hard. I lay awake at night (some due to the pregnancy and some due to the thoughts and dreams and hopes that the future will bring) and try to let things go. At the same time I'm desperate have my books and art supplies unpacked so that I can get to work. I feel pulled in so many ways creative and otherwise.

These images here are the last things I was able to finish before having all of my things packed. I long for my "studio" space at the new house and hope and dream that what I create there will allow me to have a life at home to raise my son. I see so many possibilities and wonder which ones will open doors for me to create this type of life. I'm full (literally and figuratively and creatively and all the other -lys you can think of). I try not to get discouraged when things fall apart but it's said that things fall apart so that others can fall together. I try to keep this in mind.

I suppose in the end things happen as they must and we must learn to let things happen as it will.....

The steampunk altered book is available HERE.


Here's some things keeping me inspired in these days of waiting and longing:
Check out the gorgeous images in the bookbinding catagory.

This sums me up nicely.

And I've become addicted to Pinterest.

Friday, July 29, 2011

A Passel of Babies....




Here's a batch of babies I've been hard at work on. I'm participating in a Etsy team show tomorrow in Huntsville (see previous post for link) and these are some new items I'll have available. Whatever is left after the show will go live in my Etsy shop until a new owners comes to claim them. I've really enjoyed making these to the point of going overboard with them. I have about 4 more to finish, hopefully in time for Saturday.

I grew up with my mom making dolls and generally being crafty around the house...I get a lot of my craftiness/artiness from her. Her father was also an artist and my dad's mother is an artist, so I suppose I can't help being an arty/crafty person myself. I get it from all sides. And I suppose, my little one will probably be artsy too....what with me as a mother and a father who writes and builds instruments. I guess I'll see soon enough!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Goodbye, "City" life....


So, yeah I know....city life in Alabama compares to living in the sticks for most other folks but having grown up on a little 4 acre plot of land I was desperate to get back to it....especially when we found out I was pregnant. So, after searching and searching we discovered this little spot out in the "country". House, Barn and 3 arces to set it all on to call our own. Of course, there is much work to done...bathroom renovations, new flooring in living room, new paint, new carpet....this list goes on...but compared to our Mill Village "cottage" where we currently live...so worth it. We'll have plenty of room for our growing tribe of animals (a new kitten recently fell out of a tree and into our lives...making our critter count 2 cats and 6 dogs) and a studio space for me! And a place for Jacob to build his instruments and other various carpentry pursuits.

So, a big year this one...first baby, new house, etc and so forth...

On the crafty side of things, I'll be doing a Etsy team show this weekend in Huntsville. Click here to go to the blog page and for more info!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

It's been awhile....


Well...my poor little blog has been ignored. But I must say it's been a summer of a lifetime. I've not announced it here....but I'm 5 months pregnant and between that and buying a house to have room for our newest addition it's been very busy lately. I have had time to work on my Etsy listings...the two pieces you see here are available.

I think I've finally found a way to use my tin milagros that I've been making which I talk about in this older post. Adhering them to wood allows the tin ornament to be enjoyed without the pesky edges being a danger. And I really like the way the tin shines off the wood. Maybe I'll get a chance to have a tutorial/painting progress thing of sorts for this type of work.

What do you think of these?
I plan on making different "milagros"...maybe some goddess/myth ones....wheels are still churning here....

Monday, June 20, 2011

Progress of a Painting

Here's another progress of a painting I recently finished. I forgot to take pictures as I got caught up in painting but you can see the gist of the progress here. This painting is available as a print in the ol' Etsy shop.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

New Mini Folk Art Available



This new series of folk paintings are done on wood using acrylic.

The first three paintings will be available in the shop today. The last painting will be available as a print soon.

Other good news! My work is now offered for sale in a gallery in Talladega!