Silver Eggs??

Ok,
So don't ask me how I found this...The short version is I was hunting for something else and stumbled on this really cool post from a fellow blogger.

I actually thought these were some kind of jewelry findings...check it out!

http://magickcanoe.com/blog/2007/06/08/the-bug-that-laid-the-silver-eggs/

Oh, and Happy Halloween too!!!!

Traveling Art

On a recent trip I had the sudden urge to sketch with colored pencils...

Don't know why.
Usually when a creative urge strikes like that I have to just go with it.
I realized I would need a small travel pencil sharpener and this is what I bought.One that would make me smile.

Isn't it pretty?

Sometimes it might be a tiny bit more expensive but I think it's nice when tools are inspiring too!

Historic Beauty

While my husband has been in Afghanistan he has sent home some beautiful trinkets.

This one in particular is my favorite. I believe it is a messenger tube...once functional, now an intricate work of art.

With cut-outs and small stones, the person would wear it across their back with the attached chain...the cap slides off to allow rolled items to fit inside.
It's ornate but has a earthy patina. It makes me happy to look at it hanging on the wall in our kitchen.

Comic Relief

This just made me laugh.


It's great having a companion here when I am working...

even if she just wants to play ALL THE TIME!

Quest Art - Inspired by Marc Chagall

Ok, so below are some new artworks done by students at my son's school...

Inspired by the artwork of Marc Chagall

Created by the Upper Elementary Class...which is 4th, 5th and 6th grade.

Beautiful and expressive.

I feel like our new art teacher is giving them a safe place to explore and dig deep. There are suggestions and guidelines and then freedom to grow. Each one strong and personal.

It makes me warm inside to see young artists bloom.

Special Gifts

Being surrounded by special items that have personal meaning is important to me.

This is a candle that my cousin sent unexpectedly.
It makes me happy to look at and helps make a solitary profession less isolating.
My family and friends are essential to my creative spirit.

Remember to take time to incorporate yours into your studio/creative space.
It is very easy for artists to isolate themselves and get drained creatively.
I think having mementos around helps me to stay connected to my loved ones.

Urban Chic Studio Shelves?

I am not a carpenter!


Not by any stretch of the imagination.

But I needed sturdy shelves on a budget.

This was my solution...a customizable fit with lots of options.

I purchased pre-cut, sanded, bull nosed particle-board shelves from a national home improvement store. They were a bit more expensive than plywood but I would have had to cut, sand and fill the plywood ones...which made the price difference worth it for me.

Then from the plumbing department of that same store I purchased metal pipe and the screw- in caps for them. The pipes are inexpensive and come in many widths and lengths.The width doesn't really matter just make sure that the cap is the right fit.



I went with thicker ones because I generally over-kill everything...I also knew there might be heavy items on the shelves...like art books.



Once you get everything home you can finish the shelves how you like...prime, paint, seal...decoupage...cover with fabric...pretty much anything you can think of. Me, being impatient...I didn't finish them. I went right into assembly.



And they are still unfinished to this day...I am embarrassed to tell you how many years ago I actually made them!

So for the assembly...a drill is helpful. Mark your holes, drill a small pilot hole, attach the cap, thread the pipe and attach the top cap...very simple. I don't recommend making it taller than table height unless you can anchor it to the wall.

As another option, I added some heavy duty casters to the bottom so I could wheel it around.

Over all they have been really useful. Through years as I have reorganized my studio I have cut them down...removed or added shelves...narrowed them and they still continue to work!

Computer Color

My computer skills are simple.


But I was really excited when I discovered how to manipulate the colors of photographs.

Now I am not talking about color correction or fixing red-eye...I mean in a more artistic way.

I use a program called Picasa...made by Google, I believe...and it lets me do all kind of creative things to photographs without having to be ultra computer savvy. (and it's free)

Take the picture above...I was able to manipulate the colors of some of my daughter's artwork to suit a color scheme based on some desert photographs I took. The square flower jewelry tiles in the bottom left were the images I changed...see how they combine in a palette of my choosing? They all started as the same artwork...it was one piece but by adjusting the colors and fade I was able to mold it to suit my needs. Even the wash of color behind the flower was done with the computer!

It opens up a whole new world of options!

Pretty Things

Just because something has a usefulness doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Paperclips - on their own...not too exciting.

Colorful, heart shaped paperclips - still not too exciting, but much nicer to look at!
Surround yourself with things that make you happy...especially the everyday, ordinary things.

More is not Always Better

I have always been a hoarder of sorts...


Especially when it came to creative supplies!

My art exploration has always been eclectic so I never wanted to get rid of anything because "you never know when you're going to need it".

It doesn't help that more than a few times I have tried to reform myself by bulldozing my collection only to find myself in desperate need of some item I discarded or gave away just days before.

The problem is, that no matter how organized I make everything (which is a problem in itself) it is hard to find things when you need them or keep track of what you actually have. I find that it leads to excess spending, duplicating materials and wasting time organizing and reorganizing materials.

I have recently made huge changes to my creative space and while I am a bit uneasy because it's new...I feel slightly liberated from my "stuff".

I am sure there will be pictures and more details to come...

Missing Steve

Just feeling less than creative...

Sometimes missing Steve zaps my creative energy...and sometimes my creative energy helps when I am missing Steve.

Right now the energy light is blinking low.
It will change...something will recharge me and fill me back up...but for now I just sit with it...and share it...and wait.

Logan and I will see him in two weeks from today. That isn't so long.
Till then...I will wait.

Creative Influence

Creative influences can come from anywhere.

I happen to have two creative parents...each different but artistic in their own way.

My dad's talent is more obvious. His profession as a singer pretty much highlights his creative gift...and what a gift it is! Amazing. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBLMiClALpI )

My mom's talent is more subtle but was still a huge influence on me. She is innately creative on a daily basis...doing anything from decorating their home, to setting the table, to tending her garden (the rose above), to choosing her wardrobe.

I have been incredibly blessed to have extremely creative role models and unlimited support for my art to grow!

Lucky 300

Wow,

When I just signed on here to write I saw that as of yesterday I hit 300 posts!

300! Yea!


I didn't know I had that much to say.
I am looking forward to the next 300...

A Little Creative Help

These are so cool!

My friend Debi passed on this catalog to me and showed me examples of these wonderful products...They are like a decal that can be added to all kinds of surfaces...walls, home accessories, etc...

They are really finely made and delicate. Beautiful designs including holiday motifs that can be added to items that can be saved from year to year.

Definitely something to check out.
You can contact her for more information
Stampyourjourney@cox.net

Happiness

One test of the correctness of educational procedure

is the happiness of the child.

- Maria Montessori

Quest Artists

I believe enjoying personal expression through art during the elementary school years is critical to complete personal development later on.

We have been so lucky this year... at my son's school we have a wonderful new Art teacher.

This is one of her first projects with the Upper Elementary class (4th, 5th and 6th graders)...beautiful New England fall trees with stems of black paint splattered with a straw.

So simple...they look beautiful together and I wanted to share them with you.

Scorpio Winner!

I am so pleased to announce the winner of my first give-away!

Congratulations Anna...Nava Silver!!!

I hope you enjoy this and I really hope that it brings you some peace and joy in light of your loss. I am glad to send you this little treat! I will be in touch.

Pleas visit Nava Silver's website...they have some beautiful jewelry and a wonderful reason for their business.

http://www.navasilver.se/

A new give-away coming soon!

Nature Inspired

Delicate, fluid, light

The Witch King

Ok, so I know I have set the bar pretty high when it comes to making Halloween costumes...it's my own fault.
They want something...I figure out how to make it happen...that's my joy.

So when Logan decided he wanted to be The Witch King from Lord of the Rings I said sure, no problem...then I saw the picture of the character!
What was I thinking?
Armor? Spikes? Metal?
Below is the picture of the actual guy...

Not something you can really fudge together...he is pretty distinct looking. (and scary)
and by the way, he has no face.
Below is what we have created so far...with an old Star Wars helmet from last Halloween, duct tape, tin foil and some paint!

Pretty cool, I think. He is happy which is the most important.

We used an old plastic sword and covered and painted it too...to make it look old and beat-up. We just kind of went for it and created as we went.

Added some wrist armor made out of paper and tinfoil covered in more duct tape...gotta love the duct tape!
Below is the old helmet we started with...and when I say "we" I mean "me".

I think I want to some kind of shoulder armor...not sure yet...

The reason I posted this here is hopefully to inspire you.

To open your mind.

With some determination and the right tools...and a picture to go from...anything can be done!

I would LOVE to see some of your Halloween creations...not sure if it's possible to imbed a photo in a post comment but if it is...comment away!

Something's Coming...

Something has been brewing, creatively, for quite some time now...

Not sure what it is, but I have been feeling it for a while.

I stopped painting full time several years ago and have since created a collection of jewelry...which has been my primary artistic and professional focus since then.

It's been great and I continue to enjoy crafting jewelry but I have been feeling like there is something new about to bubble up...It's hard to explain but if feels like a stirring inside.

Anyway, above is a sneak peek at some miniature, "Goddess" sculptures I have been playing around with. Are these my new creative path? I'm not sure...

More on that soon...

Ice Blue

The beauty of vintage glass.

My Workspace Featured...

Check it out!


http://www.akanedesigns.blogspot.com:80/

(once on her blog, scroll down until you see my banner)
She also has some beautiful bridal inspiration...

Reminder! Necklace Give-Away!

Don't forget...one week left for my necklace give-away!

Are you Scorpio...or do you need a gift for someone who is?

It is an adjustable vintage chain necklace with a small round Scorpio charm that was rescued from an old bracelet. I have chosen small Aquamarines as an accent. It is packaged with an information card about Scorpios

So...The Details

How to enter:

* Simply leave a comment here (on this post) about something nice you did for yourself this week. (I hope you do lots of nice things for yourself...but one comment per person please)

* Make sure that you leave an accurate email address

* Comment between October 1, 2009 and October 15, 2009

The winner will be chosen by Random.com after October 15, 2009You must be 18 yrs. old. The winner will be notified by email. If the email address is not accurate, or if the winner fails to respond to my email within 3 days from the time I send it, a new winner will be chosen.

Fallen Leaves

Color inspiration...


A new piece.

It Starts Early!

So, while I was visiting my parents a few weeks ago, I stumbled on this photo of me.

It was always about the accessories!

Not much has changed.

Playing with Light

A new piece...

Remember...

All children are artists.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

- Pablo Picasso

Some New Press - Rhode Island Monthly October 2009

This was exciting...

I was happy to be included in a feature about necklaces that "make a statement".

They used two of my pieces...both of which are available in my Etsy shop.
It's always nice to be recognized!

When was the Artist Created?

I can't remember a time when I wasn't an artist.

I think I came out that way. It has always been a part of who I am...as much as my brown eyes or dark hair.

It is part of everything I do, everything I see...my daily decisions...how I live my life.

Sometimes, when I was younger, I didn't like being different in that creative way. It made me feel self-conscience but at the same time provided a great outlet for my youthful emotions.

There have been periods in my life when I have needed to take a creative respite (as I have for the last year or so) but it never completely leaves. It will come out in my clothing decisions, my home decor, my cooking...it is always there.

It is part of me.

Simple, Elegant, Charcoal

A seemingly unfinished sketch in the corner...


Effortless, loose, quick.


A beautiful example of how a small detail can MAKE a space.
It provided a feeling, set a tone.

Ahhh...I can't remember the name of the restaurant. The Wooden Monkey maybe?
I do remember where it is located...Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

This little treasure was one among many in this special place.

...just wanted to share it.

Scorpio Give-Away!

I have been wanting to give some of my jewelry away for quite awhile...

I just wasn't sure how or where.
I donate a lot...to silent auctions, charities, organizations...etc...

But I have been wanting to share my work in a more intimate way.
(Which is kind of funny when you think of the word intimate and Internet together!)

But this is what I have decided to try.
A "Blog Give-Away"

My first item celebrates the Zodiac sign Scorpio.
Are you Scorpio...or do you need a gift for someone who is?
It is an adjustable vintage chain necklace with a small round Scorpio charm that was rescued from an old bracelet. I have chosen small Aquamarines as an accent. It is packaged with an information card about Scorpios.

So...The Details
How to enter:
* Simply leave a comment here (on this post) about something nice you did for yourself this week. (I hope you do lots of nice things for yourself...but one comment per person please)
* Make sure that you leave an accurate email address
* Comment between October 1, 2009 and October 15, 2009

The winner will be chosen by Random.com after October 15, 2009
You must be 18 yrs. old.
The winner will be notified by email.
If the email address is not accurate, or if the winner fails to respond to my email within 3 days from the time I send it, a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!