"Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination,
your creativity, or your curiosity.
It's your place in the world; it's your life.
Go on and do all you can with it,
and make it the life you want to live."
- Mae Jemison
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
My Crafty Abode - Sometimes I am so Slow!
We live in "The Ocean State"...
So when I was on the hunt for something interesting and inexpensive to fill a pot that I had positioned "tipped over"...it amazes me that it took so long for me to think of shells!
I was thinking way too much about it and not keeping it simple.
I knew I didn't want something living...like flowers or a plant because that area of our yard does not get hit by the sprinklers. I wanted something natural...and not fussy...like it was just spilling out of the over-turned pot.
Voila! Shells.
...and a few other seaside items.
The pot is old and weathered... almost like it was rescued from a sunken ship!
So when I was on the hunt for something interesting and inexpensive to fill a pot that I had positioned "tipped over"...it amazes me that it took so long for me to think of shells!
I was thinking way too much about it and not keeping it simple.
I knew I didn't want something living...like flowers or a plant because that area of our yard does not get hit by the sprinklers. I wanted something natural...and not fussy...like it was just spilling out of the over-turned pot.
Voila! Shells.
...and a few other seaside items.
The pot is old and weathered... almost like it was rescued from a sunken ship!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pen and Paper or Keys?
I have always liked the idea of keeping a journal.
It sounds so romantic.
I have lost count of how many "perfect" journals and pens I have purchased over the years.
As far back as I can remember, I have been a great starter.
The date in the corner, the right spacing, my thoughts and feelings filling the first and maybe second page, the sign-off...with promise to continue the next day.
Ahhhh...I was journaling. I was going to capture my life...not quite sure why.
The reality is, I have also lost count of how many "perfect" journals I have discovered tucked away on a shelf, in a drawer, in a box...with one or two...maybe three entries dated a year or more ago!
It became almost comical how close to the actual one year anniversary of my last post the discovery would be made. Full of blank pages.
I kind of thought there was something wrong with me.
Now I know that pen and paper, especially closed in a book, is not my medium. This weblog gives me instant access to previous posts and the most important part is the addition of photos and color! I am a very visual person and I think that is the biggest factor in my keeping this going.
I like looking at it!
It sounds so romantic.
I have lost count of how many "perfect" journals and pens I have purchased over the years.
As far back as I can remember, I have been a great starter.
The date in the corner, the right spacing, my thoughts and feelings filling the first and maybe second page, the sign-off...with promise to continue the next day.
Ahhhh...I was journaling. I was going to capture my life...not quite sure why.
The reality is, I have also lost count of how many "perfect" journals I have discovered tucked away on a shelf, in a drawer, in a box...with one or two...maybe three entries dated a year or more ago!
It became almost comical how close to the actual one year anniversary of my last post the discovery would be made. Full of blank pages.
I kind of thought there was something wrong with me.
Now I know that pen and paper, especially closed in a book, is not my medium. This weblog gives me instant access to previous posts and the most important part is the addition of photos and color! I am a very visual person and I think that is the biggest factor in my keeping this going.
I like looking at it!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Layers
I have been hiding for the last year or so.
A kind of a "closet" artist.
It was a conscious decision I made over a period of time.
To take a break creatively, refuel, have freedom.
Get deeper into the bottom layers of myself.
Things were beginning to feel like they were only on the surface and didn't feel genuine.
That was when I knew it was time to turn inward.
So that's what I have done.
There are things brewing...something is stirring...not sure what or when...
A kind of a "closet" artist.
It was a conscious decision I made over a period of time.
To take a break creatively, refuel, have freedom.
Get deeper into the bottom layers of myself.
Things were beginning to feel like they were only on the surface and didn't feel genuine.
That was when I knew it was time to turn inward.
So that's what I have done.
There are things brewing...something is stirring...not sure what or when...
Clever Cut-Outs
Something I had to share!
On a recent trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, we visited a wonderful little children's museum.
In one section they had antique tools displayed in the most clever way.
They had paper cut-outs of hands formed around the tools, as if they were being used. The hands were kept neutral...just sort of loosely sketched...but what an effect.
You really got a feel for how the tools were used and it made what would normally be small and unimpressive, very interesting.
The over-all display was very eye catching and I think this is a technique that could be applied to other projects.
On a recent trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, we visited a wonderful little children's museum.
In one section they had antique tools displayed in the most clever way.
They had paper cut-outs of hands formed around the tools, as if they were being used. The hands were kept neutral...just sort of loosely sketched...but what an effect.
You really got a feel for how the tools were used and it made what would normally be small and unimpressive, very interesting.
The over-all display was very eye catching and I think this is a technique that could be applied to other projects.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Telling a Story with Collage
I have been having fun playing around with photo collages lately.
I enjoy creating visual combinations that tell a story or give a feel to a piece of my jewelry.
Like the one above...
I took the pictures before I made the necklace but they weren't specifically the inspiration...other than the fact that I am drawn to those colors in general.
It's like making a storyboard and creating a color pallet to build a collection.
I love incorporating my photographs into my jewelry design and this is just an additional way to do that!
Friday, September 25, 2009
My Crafty Abode - All Stamped Up!
I am not a big rubber stamper...
It is just a craft bug that hasn't bitten me...at least not yet.
Maybe because I can paint and draw most of the stamp images faster than I can locate, load and use the stamp. Sometimes it is all about the speed for me.
Well, anyway, for these details in our bathroom I did employ the use of stamps. I loved the deep olive green walls but wanted a metallic accent.
I loaded the stamp with a special glue used for faux gold and silver leaf. I didn't want it solid so I used a sponge to apply the "glue". Then I stamped randomly with leaf and scroll stamps. After waiting for the glue to dry and become tacky, I applied the faux gold and silver leaf.
Above is the result.
I like that the images have texture...almost as if you were to do regular stamping with embossing powder. They look like skeleton leaves and I think have a slightly organic feel which I like next to the other various metallic finishes in the bathroom.
It is just a craft bug that hasn't bitten me...at least not yet.
Maybe because I can paint and draw most of the stamp images faster than I can locate, load and use the stamp. Sometimes it is all about the speed for me.
Well, anyway, for these details in our bathroom I did employ the use of stamps. I loved the deep olive green walls but wanted a metallic accent.
I loaded the stamp with a special glue used for faux gold and silver leaf. I didn't want it solid so I used a sponge to apply the "glue". Then I stamped randomly with leaf and scroll stamps. After waiting for the glue to dry and become tacky, I applied the faux gold and silver leaf.
Above is the result.
I like that the images have texture...almost as if you were to do regular stamping with embossing powder. They look like skeleton leaves and I think have a slightly organic feel which I like next to the other various metallic finishes in the bathroom.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Why do I Write?
Sometimes I ask myself that....
...especially when few people follow my blog and less than a handful comment on a regular basis.
The answer is simple, because I like to.
Writing makes me feel good and I don't think I realized that fully until recently. Being able to write because I want to and not because I have to just makes me feel good.
I like the discipline of it. Committing to keeping this going. And I enjoy sharing my ideas.
Self doubt does creep in and I question the strength of my voice. Like what I have to say doesn't matter. Old tapes play and my power begins to slip away. Then when I read an inspiring quote...Like the one on the home page of my website, it reminds me that everyone is important and unique.
So, most of the time, I write for me. I write because I have something to say. I write because I committed to this. I write because I have pictures I want to share. I write because...
I just write.
...especially when few people follow my blog and less than a handful comment on a regular basis.
The answer is simple, because I like to.
Writing makes me feel good and I don't think I realized that fully until recently. Being able to write because I want to and not because I have to just makes me feel good.
I like the discipline of it. Committing to keeping this going. And I enjoy sharing my ideas.
Self doubt does creep in and I question the strength of my voice. Like what I have to say doesn't matter. Old tapes play and my power begins to slip away. Then when I read an inspiring quote...Like the one on the home page of my website, it reminds me that everyone is important and unique.
So, most of the time, I write for me. I write because I have something to say. I write because I committed to this. I write because I have pictures I want to share. I write because...
I just write.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Do Your Best!
Any activity becomes creative
when the doer cares about doing it right,
or doing it better.
-John Updike
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sexy Business Cards
Yes, sexy...
from a company with a funny name...MOO.
The coolest thing is that they will print a different photo on each card!!!
It's the BEST for people that are all over the place creatively...like me.
And the shape is sleek and modern...long, skinny rectangles.
They took a while to be delivered...but that might have changed since I ordered mine.
Check out their site for other fun items like mini stickers, greeting cards and regular sized business cards too!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Stone Gray
I LOVE color!
But sometimes I can get caught up in it.
I can forget how effective keeping it simple can be.
This, for instance, a quiet color pallet...echoed in the stone photo on the left.
With just a touch of silver.
Could I have added orange...or red...sure, but it would have had a completely different effect. This is soft. Which I think is a nice complement to the hardness of the materials.
Playing with shades of the same color can be fun...no matter what your project.
But sometimes I can get caught up in it.
I can forget how effective keeping it simple can be.
This, for instance, a quiet color pallet...echoed in the stone photo on the left.
With just a touch of silver.
Could I have added orange...or red...sure, but it would have had a completely different effect. This is soft. Which I think is a nice complement to the hardness of the materials.
Playing with shades of the same color can be fun...no matter what your project.
Friday, September 18, 2009
My Crafty Abode - Sapphire Slipper
I LOVE glitter!
(and feathers)
(and shoes)
So when my husband gave me this little shoe I was so thrilled.
It is small...maybe about 4 inches long...but has the most perfect shape!
(and feathers)
(and shoes)
So when my husband gave me this little shoe I was so thrilled.
It is small...maybe about 4 inches long...but has the most perfect shape!
It sits on a little shelf that some of my necklaces hang from...next to my vanity table...with a sweet, hand written note from my son wrapped around it. The note is from several years ago that says "I love you mommy".
It makes me smile when I look at it...in fact the only thing wrong is that I can't wear it!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Walk Your own Path
There's room for everybody on the planet
to be creative and conscious if you are your own person.
If you're trying to be like somebody else, then there is isn't.
-Tori Amos
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Lazy Man's (or Woman's) Mosaics
Ok, I admit it...
I am sometimes a lazy artist.
Well, lazy is the wrong word. Impatient might be better.
So on a visit to Palm Desert, California this spring, I snapped this outdoor bench.
What I really liked about it was that it appeared to be poured concrete with ceramic shards and even a plate simply pressed into it.
Wait! No grouting???
What a gift!
I haven't tried it yet but plan on it next spring...after our thaw.
Maybe stepping stones?
Maybe a table top?
Maybe a bench?
Not sure yet...but you can bet you will see the finished product...and maybe the process...right here!
I am sometimes a lazy artist.
Well, lazy is the wrong word. Impatient might be better.
So on a visit to Palm Desert, California this spring, I snapped this outdoor bench.
What I really liked about it was that it appeared to be poured concrete with ceramic shards and even a plate simply pressed into it.
Wait! No grouting???
What a gift!
I haven't tried it yet but plan on it next spring...after our thaw.
Maybe stepping stones?
Maybe a table top?
Maybe a bench?
Not sure yet...but you can bet you will see the finished product...and maybe the process...right here!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Which Came First...
Sometimes I tend to be a little backwards...
I see things I like and I LOVE to take pictures...but those pictures don't always translate into inspiration for new artwork.
Take the above for instance, I took the picture because I thought the cactus looked cool...probably in the hopes that it would inspire some kind of creative thought. Then I played around with the color and composition... just because it felt right to my eye.
Then take the necklace...I made that long before I even took the picture of the cactus and yet when shown together, to me, it looks like the photo was the inspiration for the jewelry design.
Which brings up a question...was the creation of the piece of art actually the inspiration for the photograph? Interesting idea. Like the design of the completed necklace was stored in my head and prompted me to snap this shot.
A stretch? Maybe. But the mind works in strange ways...so who knows?
I see things I like and I LOVE to take pictures...but those pictures don't always translate into inspiration for new artwork.
Take the above for instance, I took the picture because I thought the cactus looked cool...probably in the hopes that it would inspire some kind of creative thought. Then I played around with the color and composition... just because it felt right to my eye.
Then take the necklace...I made that long before I even took the picture of the cactus and yet when shown together, to me, it looks like the photo was the inspiration for the jewelry design.
Which brings up a question...was the creation of the piece of art actually the inspiration for the photograph? Interesting idea. Like the design of the completed necklace was stored in my head and prompted me to snap this shot.
A stretch? Maybe. But the mind works in strange ways...so who knows?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Back to Reality
Well, the first week of school has come to an end...
And summer is officially over.
The bright spot is that living in New England, there is much creative inspiration to look forward to in fall.
So while I will miss digging my feet in the sand...I am eagerly anticipating the explosion of color that is around the corner.
Growing up on the west coast, I didn't get to experience the dramatic change of seasons on a consistent basis. It was something I saw on trips or in the movies...not something I lived with.
Now, as I drive my son to school my breath is taken away with the changing leaves and the multitude of shapes and hues they produce.
Rhode Island summers are spectacular...but I have to say that fall does give them a run for their money!
And summer is officially over.
The bright spot is that living in New England, there is much creative inspiration to look forward to in fall.
So while I will miss digging my feet in the sand...I am eagerly anticipating the explosion of color that is around the corner.
Growing up on the west coast, I didn't get to experience the dramatic change of seasons on a consistent basis. It was something I saw on trips or in the movies...not something I lived with.
Now, as I drive my son to school my breath is taken away with the changing leaves and the multitude of shapes and hues they produce.
Rhode Island summers are spectacular...but I have to say that fall does give them a run for their money!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What is Your Nature?
“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul
and paints his own nature into his pictures.”
- Henry Ward Beecher
Friday, September 11, 2009
Death of an Artist
Today this world lost an amazing talent...
and I am feeling a little sad.
Larry Gelbart was one of the most witty, clever, kind and loving people I have ever known. He made us laugh, he made us cry, he made us think.
I was young when M.A.S.H. was on the air but I do remember watching the finale and crying as the helicopter lifted off.
I could watch Tootsie over and over and laugh just as hard each time...sometimes more.
As a friend of our family...he always wanted to know what was new in your life. Always had questions and really listened to your answers. He was a teacher and a student.
A fond memory of Larry for me is when my son was very little, he showed him how to do the "Jr. Birdman" hand goggles...where you flip your hands up and make goggles on your face. It's hard to explain...but we still talk about it...and my son just turned 10.
Anyway, he will be missed...a true artist that had a beautiful gift with words.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-larry-gelbart12-2009sep12,0,2812430.story
and I am feeling a little sad.
Larry Gelbart was one of the most witty, clever, kind and loving people I have ever known. He made us laugh, he made us cry, he made us think.
I was young when M.A.S.H. was on the air but I do remember watching the finale and crying as the helicopter lifted off.
I could watch Tootsie over and over and laugh just as hard each time...sometimes more.
As a friend of our family...he always wanted to know what was new in your life. Always had questions and really listened to your answers. He was a teacher and a student.
A fond memory of Larry for me is when my son was very little, he showed him how to do the "Jr. Birdman" hand goggles...where you flip your hands up and make goggles on your face. It's hard to explain...but we still talk about it...and my son just turned 10.
Anyway, he will be missed...a true artist that had a beautiful gift with words.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-larry-gelbart12-2009sep12,0,2812430.story
It's the Berries!
When looking for inspiration for new jewelry designs (or any other craft project), sometimes looking at everyday items can give you just the idea you need.
Something as simple as strawberries can inspire an accent color, a shape or a feeling.
Look around you...see your surroundings in a new way. It's likely that the items you choose to surround yourself with have significant meaning deep inside of you. Even vacation pictures...like the one above...can have hidden gems to inspire.
Trust in your choices and use them to help you create combinations that might even inspire others!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The "Golden" Birthday!!
Turning 10 on the 10th...a big deal!
He almost came out 9-9-99...
but he was a few hours late... so his Birthday is today, September 10th.
I tried to get him out...I thought it would be a cool Birthday...but he was on a different schedule. Not to mention that he was already 10 days late and I had to be induced.
So, today, my boy moves into double digits...10 on the 10th or his "Golden Birthday" as he puts it.
Logan,
Happy Birthday my love...you are my joy and inspiration.
I love you more each day.
He almost came out 9-9-99...
but he was a few hours late... so his Birthday is today, September 10th.
I tried to get him out...I thought it would be a cool Birthday...but he was on a different schedule. Not to mention that he was already 10 days late and I had to be induced.
So, today, my boy moves into double digits...10 on the 10th or his "Golden Birthday" as he puts it.
Logan,
Happy Birthday my love...you are my joy and inspiration.
I love you more each day.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Inspirations - Looking Up
I so enjoy unexpected details!
On a recent vacation, we stayed at an amazing bed and breakfast in St Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. It was called The Rossmount Inn and I would highly recommend it.
There were special touches and artistic details throughout the Inn and property.
This ceiling treatment greeted you upon entering. A small detail, but impressive.
It is hard to see in the photograph, but the checkerboard trim around the chandelier is actually paint and gold leaf. It was simple and classic but had a bit of sparkle.
This would be an easy detail to copy...or incorporate into your own home decor. With some stencils or rubber stamps...a ruler and some paint you could give some interest to an outdated or miss-sized light.
And remember, nothing says it has to be done on a ceiling. You could hang some inexpensive candle wall sconces and add a painted border.
Adding a metallic paint or faux gold or silver leaf will glow when the light hits it.
On a recent vacation, we stayed at an amazing bed and breakfast in St Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. It was called The Rossmount Inn and I would highly recommend it.
There were special touches and artistic details throughout the Inn and property.
This ceiling treatment greeted you upon entering. A small detail, but impressive.
It is hard to see in the photograph, but the checkerboard trim around the chandelier is actually paint and gold leaf. It was simple and classic but had a bit of sparkle.
This would be an easy detail to copy...or incorporate into your own home decor. With some stencils or rubber stamps...a ruler and some paint you could give some interest to an outdated or miss-sized light.
And remember, nothing says it has to be done on a ceiling. You could hang some inexpensive candle wall sconces and add a painted border.
Adding a metallic paint or faux gold or silver leaf will glow when the light hits it.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My Crafty Abode - How Does Your Garden Grow?
Well, for me, it grows with a little help from home decor elements!
I have never claimed to have a green thumb...no where near...so I buy plants that are very hard to kill. The only downside is they all look the same!
I don't do well with flowering plants inside and instead of replacing them over and over after they have died a slow and painful death, I now stick to greens.
This is a plant I have in one of our bathrooms...made a little more interesting with some accessories.
The metal spiral was something I had made out of an extra piece of building material...just by bending it. It was originally designed to support a vine that has gone on to the "after-life".
Stuck in here I think it adds a bit of whimsy.
The flower was something I picked up at a discount home store simply because it made me smile.
On their own, these elements are not much...but packaged together I think they create a focal piece with thought and interest.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Path to Quest...
What a lucky boy...to have THIS scenery surrounding his school.
We have been very busy getting ready for "back to school"...
which would explain the radio silence on my blog.
There is more to come soon!
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