Saturday, March 28, 2009

Front Cover, Title Page, and Niche




I have decided to focus on "Materials and Techniques" for my first altered book. The inside front cover has a bumpy textured sheet of paper, the title page covering the spine is a similar type paper. I used stamps on each side to print out the title, and the niche is in the back of the book and was quite a learning experience!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Orchids are blooming!


Here is a photo of my orchid plant, which never fails to bloom. If you saw it after it last bloomed, you'd swear it was ready to throw out. Patience is a virtue -- it blooms with so many flowers that it needs to be propped up! They are so beautiful, they don't look real!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Elizabeth's AB Class Starts Now!


I am happy to announce week 1 of Elizabeth's AB Class, which I have joined to learn about creating altered books. It is a great opportunity to learn new and different techniques, as well as to view works of other art makers! I will post each week on this exciting new altered book process. This is a photo of the book I will be using, kept in a large basket which I can easily find and keep track of in my studio. This class was offered FREE by Elizabeth....... a wonderful gesture and act of kindness on her part.

Monday, March 9, 2009

At Last

Books are all sorted! Now, what to do with them. I would like to sell some on line, but will have to figure out how to do that. Some I would like to sell at a local bookstore -- will have to make an appointment to do that-- and some I will give to the Salvation Army. Just have to wait for better weather and get them into my Jeep. I painted today and it felt great. Really takes me away from the real world. Learning more about the portrait technique each time. Love it!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Excellent Reads

I needed to get away for bit, so went to the library and took out Sue Monk Kidd's "The Secret Life of Bees". Started this morning and finished it a while ago. I found it to be excellent and thought provoking. Didn't do any work of sorting through my books..... tomorrow and the next day!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Merit Award

Wahooo!!! I just got a phone call notifying me that I won a Merit Award for my oil painting "Stargazer"! I am so happy!!! Haven't painted for several days due to cleaning out my former downstairs studio space. Almost done..... another day to finish up, then on to figuring out what to do with all of my books collected over the years. My husband wants to start a new project of moving the cellar stairs from one area to another (closing off the existing stairwell, and opening up another along the hallway, and I am not very happy about that. Also, a new ceiling in the entire living room, dining room, kitchen area, as it is all an open space. I hope I can survive this. I am thinking of hiding out in my studio as much as possible during this huge undertakeing. If so, I should get a lot of painting on canvas completed!!! I am sooo happy that my painting was recognized.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Sunny but very cold!

I have decided to work in the underworld today (my finished basement where all of my art supplies are scattered). Since I have a new studio space upstairs in the light, much of my supplies still lay dormant in limbo, and I cannot dispose of anything, as I treasure and recycle a lot. Sooooo, it is time. I need to at lease organize and make rhyme and reason of what is left. A big job, to say the least. I call on my mom, who is with me in spirit, to help. She was a master at organizing and getting things straightened out. Time to "just do it!"

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Lisa's Carnival

Lisa at Faerie Enchantment is hosting a blog event and giveaway. Sign up now for the Carnival Soiree which will take place on March 14th, 2009. This Magic Carnival will be held from sunrise to sunset. Expect tea, giveaways, free circus images, games and more! It promises to be magical and fun. Click the Carnival Soiree badge on my side bar, to obtain more information, sign up, and join in the fun!