by Xanthe

Handmade Christmas Recap 2

2012-01-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

A selection of things I made for friends and family this past Christmas.

*****

I only made the truck stencil, Ethan made the rest

The silhouettes were really easy and turned out great. Not sure why, yet again I sewed so many things when I hate sewing! I really like the look of hand sewn things. I think the coolest gift I made, was for Ethan, but I can't show it yet.

I have to fix it...oops!

DIY Stamp Tutorial

2012-01-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

In my art, I often use stamps. Mostly foam stamps, handmade stamps, and various found objects. All of these create wonderful opportunities to add visual texture. I have two artists that are my inspiration for the use of stamps; Michelle Ward and Anne Bagby. Each use color so effectively and make wonderful art with their own stamps.

Not all stamps need to be carved though. I recently started playing with an alternative idea. It is east to cut or burn into craft foam to make a stamp, but you can't make more detailed stamp.

I added a narrow metal tip to a bottle of Puffy Paint and drew a free form plant design.

You can see where my first start looked bad, so I wiped it off leaving a black smear.

After it dries, which seems to take forever, just brush on paint and stamp!

This doesn't create a deeply etched stamp. Though when you play around with it, there are cool things to do with it. I used it for stamp but also for collagraph type printing. Sorry no photo, but if you paint the whole surface, lightly stamp on scrap paper, then press hard on desired surface. Use a brayer or rolling pin. Very fun effect.

Here is a little collage I used this stamp in:

I started with a flash card

Glue on tissue

A little paint and paper

Now stamp! I used both white and black paint

All finished

Project Quilting Season 3

2012-01-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Stop over at Kim's Crafty Apple blog to see the details on the new season of Project Quilting. The first challenge is up and I can almost hear the creative gears going!

I have donated a few things toward the prize pool and there are some really great prizes!

Project Quilting Flickr slideshow

Handmade Christmas Recap 1

2012-01-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

Every year each of us in the household make a gift for each other. It doesn't need to be fancy or complicated, just a thoughtful gesture. As an example, Emma make her dad chocolate chip cookies. Ethan made a sign for his dad to put in the garage. I'll post later what I made but for now here is what my family made for me.

Ethan made me a Bat House with a cool wood burned bat design to hang outside in the spring

Emma made me a walnut Squirrel shaped Oven Rack Puller
(which is currently running across the kitchen chalkboard avoiding the monster! Run Squirrel!)

Mike made me a floor lamp to put next to my favorite chair.

Years ago I bought the cool wood surveyors tripod really cheap. It sat in the basement, waiting to be used. He turned it into an awesome floor lamp! I love all of my gifts!

I Love Pinterest!

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Now that is a post title I've seen a ton of. What is the big deal? I didn't get it until I tried it! Pinterest makes it so easy to keep track of any image that strikes my fancy. When used correctly, it will keep the link back to the original website for reference. It is perfect for visual people like me. Next Halloween the kids and I want to host a haunted woods walk. I am using Pinterest and my Firefox bookmarks to keep track of tutorials, DIY projects, and products we are interested in. Easy Peasy!

A few screenshots of my Pinterest boards:

Decorating board
***

Garden Board
***

Crafts Board
***

I just wish you could choose whether your pins were public or not. Do I really want everyone who stumbles by my boards to see what odd stuff I may pin? No, so I am censoring myself because it is the internet and I am not always in a sharing mood. I guess that is what bugs me about social networking and how people are using it. Not everything needs to be shared. I've made missteps and blunders just like anyone else, but whatever you put online is permanent. Gotta keep that in mind folks ;-)

Just Jump In

2011-12-31T17:43:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in so long that it became harder and harder as time passed. Honestly I didn't miss it! Now though, how to get back online and blogging again? Go into a long apology and explanation...naw Just Jump In! :-) Happy New Years Eve!

Mount Horeb and Fishes!

2011-07-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was hot and stuffy! The whims of the weather is the biggest drawback to doing outside art fairs. Nice thing about Mount Horeb is that people still came out :-)

It is such a nice town. Mount Horeb still has a functioning downtown. It is great! You can tell the residents take keeping it alive and kicking seriously.

My Booth

Oh...my new collages now include FISH!!!

Forget the backgrounds! I cut game boards cut into bird and fish shapes, collaged, and painted

Independance Day

2011-07-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Beginning of our small town parade.
Happy 4th everyone!

New work and first art sale of the year

2011-01-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

This past weekend in Janesville, WI, I had my first art sale of the year. I don't usually do any in January, but Emma talked me into it. The sale was called Arftic Art for Animals. It was a fundraiser for the animal rescue group Friends of Noah. I am really glad I went. The show organized well and even though it wasn't really busy, I have high hopes for future years.
I know it is hard to get the word out the first year.
There were enough people to keep me busy during
the morning, but then it got really really slow.
I think everyone went grocery shopping to get ready
for the big game the next day. I sold enough to go back
next year and besides...I like to support a good cause.
I really didn't take any good photos there, but here are a few I took before I left.

One of the only sale pics...I think my spinner rack cards turned out well

6x6 inch frame with mixed media heart

American Science and Surplus store

2011-01-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

What a fun store!!!!!
Check out their website and get the catalog.

Look what I got on Saturday when we went to the Milwaukee store...

Glass test tubes and rubber stoppers, small round light bulbs, cool brass compasses,
an amber colored lens, light covers, brass rings, and ping pong balls!!!!
All for less than 20$

1.25$ for a foot -not sure what I'll do with it though????

tiny bottles 18 cents each for bottle and cork!

Mummies of the World and MPM

2011-01-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we drove to Milwaukee to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see
the Mummies of the World exhibit.

I love this museum... worth the drive!
If you are interested in mummies the exhibit is worth seeing
but as Ethan said "It is really good, but quite disturbing"
No photos allowed but if you want to see examples go to the above link.

walking down the streets of old Milwaukee

butterflies!!!!

can Emma decode it????

A Challenge to Build a Creative Life

2011-01-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

Walk on my Friend -detail

Walk on my Friend
mixed media painting on wood 5x5 inches

Being creative is easy for me, It is almost a need. I have to work on creative projects on a daily basis. Not to say that everything is a success and everything I make is "ART" but each has a purpose. An outlet.

The challenge for me is turning this need to create into a livelihood. What a great dream! I've been working on this dream for a few years....working hard but not always working smart. So my goal now is to find a way to work smart!

No pressure, huh!

To start with, I'm trying to expand my time in the studio working on art and not just fun craft projects. My outlet for craft is helping Emma with her teen craft club.

Spending time in the studio is a pain for me in the winter because my home studio is in the cold, dark, basement. No amount of lighting hides that fact. I just surround myself with my supplies, my iPod, and a space heater!

Another goal is to yet again, try to blog more. I'll take advantage of my iPod touch.

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Playing with my iPod

And a Few More

2010-12-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

Also at Tangled Up in Hue in Eau Claire, WI

A few new originals

2010-12-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

These are available at Tangled Up in Hue Eau Claire, WI
Each is a 3 x 4 inch mini original collage.

Something Wicked This Way Comes? no just the kids!

2010-11-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

I really do love Halloween!

2010-10-27T10:04:00.001-07:00

Boo!

Coated pretzel rods for treats!

Getting Ready for Halloween

2010-10-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

rows and rows of Wisconsin corn

Halloween is almost here! Yay!

We did a bit of decorating but not too much. I never seem to have the time. We went through a corn maze the other weekend, which was terrific. Believe it or not, I've never been in one. It was so much fun, Mike and I went back the other night for the Haunted Maze walk. An interesting way to spend our 18 year anniversary, but it works for us. *grins*

Right now is crunch time for costumes. Ethan needs his ready for school Wednesday and I'd like to dress up when I volunteer. Emma doesn't need hers until Sunday. Ethan's costume is pretty easy, a scientist. Kind of a Dr Doofenshmirtz from Disney's Phineas and Ferb mixed with the generic view of scientist...ya know white lab coat, black gloves, goggles, etc...

Emma wanted to be a witch again, but in an updated urban style. We're working on a black t-shirt with strips of torn fabrics sewn to make a skirt, over leggings, funky socks and boots. Right now I'm pulling out misc. fabric scraps. Kids don't have school Thursday and Friday, so maybe she can help me sew it all "just right".

My costume is Steampunk inspired. I'm not dressing as anyone specific just the look. Something about Steampunk fascinates me. Partly because it is so varied and eclectic. It can be almost anything! Steampunk can be interpreted as straight Victorian England, British colonies abroad, US east coast, US wild west, Asian, goth, pirate rogue, or something completely fictional.

Looking online can be overwhelming, so much Steampunk eye candy! I was thinking of a "what if Katherine Hepburn was a forward looking Steampunk gal in Victorian times?" Corsets are cool and fun but not really my thing.

I don't want anything to flashy and skimpy, in Wisconsin Halloween can be cold! So I'm thinking of going more safari, adventuring, Tomb Raider type Steampunk.

The spats are awesome but look at these boots!

I want to wear pants but I like the idea of a bustle type skirt over them.

This collar is just beautiful and nice and warm.

Perfect belt to hold my "gear" LOL

This Steampunk Princess Leia is pretty fun if I wanted to go sexy...too bad I'm not that thin anymore! OK I was never actual THAT thin ;-)

I think I'm having more fun searching the web than I will wearing the costume. how in the world will I describe it to rural Wisconsin masses??? Most people I know would know what Steampunk is.

So far for my costume I have a white shirt with a ruffled collar and cuffs I got today at a local thrift store. I also found a brown vest and pinstripe pants. I really wanted to sew a waistcoat out of this great burgundy vintage fabric I have, but I'm running out of time! I have a pair of lace up granny boots but I also found a fab pair of brown Dr Martens for 5$! They fit perfect and I love them!

Maybe the Dr Martens with spats???? Maybe I can make spats from the burgundy fabric? Emma has a pocket watch on a chain with a steam engine on it. It is perfect and honestly, I have no idea where she got it??? I also have a great brown corduroy hat that a friend made me. Her shop on etsy is here. And you can see a similar hat. I'm still thinking and planning...besides isn't this the best part of Halloween, the planning?

Click on any photo to to go the appropriate websites.

Drawing Lab -At the Zoo (kind-of)

2010-09-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

So I waited until we finally had a chance to go to the zoo in Madison to continue with the labs in this great book.....but I forgot my sketch stuff when we went to Madison the other weekend! Duh! It was a fabulous day at the zoo too...I even left my camera at home!

So I tore out a few photos from magazines and sketched from those....

My latest article on newsstands now!

2010-09-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Look for this cover.....
and turn to page 112 to find my article. YEAH!!!!!

First Day of School

2010-09-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I hate September 1st! I love having the kids home all summer and First Day of School is a sad day for me. But hopefully they are having a good time with their new teachers, new classes etc..
How do I spend First Day? I had breakfast with a friend whose son started kindergarten...boy do I remember that day! Hard to say good-bye and see them go, but at the same time it is terrific for the child.
I also got to shave my cat, yes I had to shave my cat! My kitty, Oscar is sick and cannot walk right now. He may get over this or not, but in the mean time I want him to be comfortable. Since he cannot do his business in the litter box, I shaved his fur and put a diaper on him. He was actually fairly cooperative. Now he is resting on the back of the couch, looking out the window. Poor guy is just over a year old and has a heart problem that causes blood clots. A clot is why he cannot walk. We're hoping the meds will break up the clot and give him more time.
Now I'm off to make and can spaghetti sauce....yummy!

Swap- bot swap

2010-08-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

I stopped joining swap-bot swaps last year after a few disappointing swaps. I decided to jump in again and I'm glad I did. I'm not yet finished with my partners puppy but I already received my goodies in the mail!

Two needle felted duckies. Sue did a really great job on Scooter and Fern, even Fern's head poof! I had to give them a place of honor, right under my favorite painting and next to my favorite teddy.

Please visit this fabulous artist blog. Her art dolls are awesome! She said my duckies are her first time needle felting...wow!

Green Lake Fine Art Fair

2010-08-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

As you can see we weren't really busy.
It did pick up later but I still had a disappointing weekend.
Getting stung on the finger (my whole hand ended up swollen) didn't help! ugh!
What a beautiful day.

Emma really enjoyed spending the day by the water.

Duckies!

A couple mini mixed media houses I've been playing with.

This was my last scheduled sale of the year. Now I'm going to concentrate on
other venues and projects.

Drawing Lab -sketch your pet

2010-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Young Guinea Hens- Confucius and Pearl

I meant to post more about this book but I actually lost my copy along with my sketchbook! Ugh!

But I found the book and some of my sketches....now remember that I am not very skilled at drawing. Beacuse of this I often avoid doing more that quick sketches. My sketches are just for me to remember an idea. This more though inspired me to draw more and ya know what? I am and the kids see me drawing and then they start drawing. Cool huh

This lab was to sketch your pet. Quick loose sketches, no erasers.
My drawings are pretty bad but the point is to keep drawing regardless and I'm bound to get better :-)

Parakeet- Echo

Dogs- Lucky and Penny

Guinea Pigs-Patch and Bandit

Mama Dot *with edit

2010-08-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mama Dot-I wonder how many feathers she plucked out to feather her nest???
Looks cozy

Our sweet duckie Dot has been sitting on a clutch of eggs. She's only been on them for 10 days out of 28 days total. Dot made her nest in an old dog house full of hay we have in the duck pen. So far so good.

Odd thing happened this morning, she wasn't the only one in the dog house. Another female duck was in there too. Rook got up and ran out with the other ducks. she left behind a small next of six eggs in front of Dot's nest. I have no idea where the six eggs came from, they weren't there yesterday!

I checked back later and Dot was alone in the house and the eggs and Rooks nest were gone. The only thing I can figure out is that Dot loaned out some of her eggs for Rook to sit on and when Rook left, Dot took them back. Does that make sense????

This is Rook

I really don't understand duckie behavior. Either way, we should end up with a bunch of ducklings in a few weeks. it will be tough on the kids, but we'll have to sell off most of them.

*I caught a photo just this evening of Rook again on some eggs.
She stood up and hiss at me and I saw the eggs under her :-)

*If you look carefully at the above photo, you can see all the mosquitoes!
This is why we cannot go outside much this summer.

I know I haven't post anything artistic in awhile. I've been too busy or forgetful to take pics, but I will soon!

Summer Road Trip Part 7

2010-07-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

We left the North Rim Campground and it took all day to get to Moab, Ut. It was hot, but dry so now I understand what people meant by that. We left the restaurant in Moab at 7pm and it was 104 degrees but it didn't feel like it at all! If you are in Moab, got to Lin Ottinger's Rock Shop. We found some really great souvenirs.

Some areas were like this........... on and on...........

Both Utah and Arizona are so beautiful!

And this is what the kids are doing.....
I think that after a while, "oh kids look out the window" is not of interest to them.

Summer Road Trip Part 6 --- YAY Arizona!

2010-07-19T06:50:00.001-07:00

I'm finally getting to the last of our vacation pictures....

The last main stop on our vacation was North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I have never been to Arizona, but I loved it! From Kanab, UT everything looked just like Utah. Then we entered a forest. Until I started planning for this trip, I never knew there was a National Forest in Arizona. Kaibab National Forest was such a nice surprise.

Don't boycott Arizona, you'll miss out on so much!

We arrived at dinner time and found our campsite easily. The campground is beautiful, clean, and very quiet. Our spot was right next to the Transept Trail, and Transept Canyon. The elevation did bother me at first. The next morning, when we went out hiking, I felt dizzy. Not a good thing when hiking next to a canyon! The feeling passed and we went from the lodge to Bright Angel Point, short hike but so beautiful! I was in awe the whole time. I was almost teary, it was so amazing.

Trail to Bright Angel Point

I cannot wait to go back! We were only there for a day and a half. Not nearly enough time.

Kaibab Squirrel ---only lives in Kaibab Forest, AZ

View from our campsite

another view from our campsite

Tired feet

Carla Sonheim Drawing Lab

2010-07-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Drawing Lab For Mixed Media Artists by Carla Sonheim*

This is such a fun book! I messed around over the weekend on some of the projects, but have decided to start at the beginning and go thru each one.

I like to sketch out ideas, to get them out of my head...but the sketches are for me alone because they are horrible. I have never been good with line. I had to take drawing classes in college to get a BFA. In my Life Drawing Class it took till the end of the semester before any of my drawings even looked like the model!

I admit to avoid drawing....but this book makes me want to practice. Partly because she dosen't write the book telling you how to draw, but the exercises make it relaxed and fun. The more you draw they better you get. Painless process

So lab one is drawing cats in bed, hmmm. I decided to try with my left hand. Very odd feeling, and the 2 cups of coffee probably didn't help!
I had fun though. Emma joined me on the bed and soon both dogs were there too!

pretty horrible but in a way I like them????

I had to try some birds
*****

look at the poor starved kitty!
****

color adjust kitty
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* I am not getting paid a cent for linking to Amazon etc... I'm just doing for your convenience :-)

I almost forgot the day we spent in SLC!

2010-07-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

We spent only one full day in Salt Lake City. My brother showed us around, his way. We walked and took mass transit. Breakfast was terrific at the Original Pancake House.
We took the bus to the University
to see the Natural History Museum.

kids got to hold hissing cockroaches!

Then on to the City Library. What a library! For one thing it is huge! I couldn't believe the size of the kids department. Look at the kids "attic"

What a great view!

The kids liked the street food, we come to Utah to eat Chicago Style Hotdogs???

We stopped by the Clark Planetarium and on to the mall.
We didn't shop at The Gateway Mall. We watch chalk artists fancy up the closed street and the kids got wet! Slightly soaked kids in tow, we headed back to my brother's cute brick bungalow.

After dinner he drove us out to The Great Salt Lake. Pretty mucky since they had lots of rain before we got there. I was in the desert getting eaten up by mosquitoes!!!!

We'll need to go back and spend more time in SLC.

Summer Road Trip Part 5

2010-07-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Trilo dig!!!! Yay!
With a freshly patched tire and a refill on water jugs, we ventured back out into the wilds!

Instead of going down the road to a BLM area to dig (where we got the flat tire),
we went to a pay site, A New Dig INC
Essentially, they use big machinery to scoop up piles of shale. We split them open to find the goodies. Easy and fun. Within our 2 hours we found maybe 80 trilos parts, wholes, and fossil imprints. I'm going to make jewelry from some small specimens. Worth the 60 bucks.

Emma and her prize bug

Great view

Afterwards, we found a great campsite nearby

View within Wheeler Amphitheater (Swasey Mountains) Utah

Camp Cooking

2010-07-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Our best dutch oven meal was Father's Day. Mike has never, ever taken a photo of food I've cooked, but this time he did! Everything was perfect. Meatloaf, sliced potatoes and onion, with pepper strips, gravy, and crusty bread. It was all so yummy!

Then after I made a cake for desert/ bedtime snack.

No Egg Camping Dutch Oven Chocolate Cake

1 cup white sugar
3 /4 tsp baking powder
1 TBS ground flax seed
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt
5 TBS dried milk

Mix together the above ingredients in a heavy zipper bag.
When ready to cook, add 1/4 cup oil and 1 cup plus 2TBS water to the bag and knead until mixed.

I used a medium sized Teflon pie pan to bake the cake. I prepped the coals and used about 18 on top and 18 on the bottom. This isn't what other blogs said but it worked when I tried it at home.
Also I placed the pie pan on an empty tuna can to raise it from the bottom.
I forgot to watch the time...it takes maybe 20 -25 mins to bake???

The cake was Delicious!!!

-----I had a lot of fun preparing for our trip west by cooking in the dutch oven at home. The big thing I learned was to have extra wood/ charcoal going. If the oven seems too cold, then just add more. Extra can just be pushed over to the side.

Summer Road Trip Part 4

2010-07-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Look what we found in the middle of nowhere...seriously the MIDDLE of nowhere!

Soon afterward we traveled through Death Canyon to get to the Trilobite dig area and we got a flat tire. We were prepared. We ditched hunting for trilos and drove Delta to get the flat fixed. So when you drive in the desert, bring tons of water and make
sure your spare is in good condition!

Stressful day, but isn't that junk truck cool!!!

corner of Ye Old Indian Trail and Death Canyon Road
next to the Tule Valley dry lake bed
Approx: 39°20'44.57"N
113°25'23.84"W

Tule Valley, UT

This was the furthest west I've ever been.

Summer Road Trip part 3

2010-07-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

We had high hopes of finding a bunch of Topaz, hopefully Bixbyite and the holy grail...Red Beryl! We really didn't find much. Mostly small clear Topaz that washed down from the mountain. There were about 2 dozen people climbing and rockhounding and hopefully they had better luck. I wish we found something cool, but either way we had lots of fun hiking around. I'd like to go back again with a better idea of where to go.

Turn off for Topaz Mountain Rock Hounding Area (nearest town is Delta, UT)

Topaz crystals in Rhyolite

If you look carefully, you can see our campsite way down by the gravel road

Working hard climbing around looking for Topaz

We can't forget campfire roasted marshmallows!

Summer Road Trip part 2

2010-07-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love the badlands! We spent a few days in SD two years ago and loved it.
This year we just stopped by on the way to Utah.

We forgot to take a photo of the sign that says "Prairie Dogs Have Plague!"

Look how sweet it is...plague? :-)

Baby bison are so cute!

Hello there big guy

We quickly realized Emma is part mountain goat!
She was always ahead of us effortlessly climbing up and down the slopes.

It seemed as if we were the only ones on an alien planet.

Summer RoadTrip part 1

2010-07-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Through the viewfinder shots of the Badlands!

Camping with my Cub Scout

2010-06-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm off to a fun and probably cold and wet weekend camping with my little guy! A Mom and Son weekend is such a great idea. Emma and I spend time together at art fairs, so this is my time with Ethan. Weather report is iffy...hope we don't get washed away!

I'm just worried what Mike and Emma are going to do. Last year, we came home to a kitten. Cute yes, but I'm allergic to cats!

I haven't made anything artsy this whole week except for altering my tote bag. Just in time for this weekend. I got this canvas bag for a $1, but it had an ugly logo on it. I was going to applique and embroider it, but I was too busy so out came the paint!

man is it dark outside today!

Have a great weekend!!!!!!

ART, STORMS, ROADTRIP, OH MY!

2010-06-07T17:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the kids and I spent the whole day in the van! all! We went to Eau Claire and Minneapolis and back to restock stores. I kept putting it off, so now I had to do it in one day with the kids. Emma and Ethan were OK and beside I bribed them with food *grins*
We stopped at one of their favorite restaurants, Dino's. MMMMM Greek food! There are worse ways to spend a rainy day.

Alright, I never got around to recapping this past weekend's art fair. Well, the Dragon Art Fair was a bust. The day began promising....no rain. A good start, warm and that is OK. There just wasn't too many shoppers. As the morning passed it got nice and sunny, but with that the heat. Still I don't have a problem as long as the heat doesn't keep people away. at one point it seemed to get busy but without buyers. Hmmm.

I do realize that there are a lot of people that go to art fairs to get out and look. I'm totally fine with that, but since I am trying to make a living it is nice to have the "just looking" mixed with the "I'm here to buy". The business end of art can be difficult. Sometimes I wonder if I should just chuck it for a guaranteed pay check. Not to put tons into a show, only to loose money. I guess that is the inherit risk is being self employed in any area. So I keep plugging away and realize that every show is an opportunity to learn something new.
I keep on keeping on....

As usual, I met some very nice people that I otherwise would have never met if I didn't take the risk and put myself out there. I talked to other artists and most of us are in the same boat....except maybe the people with the copper yard art. I always see customers carrying them around! In fact, I saw a pieces I'd like in my garden!
To be honest, I didn't have my first sale until 1pm and by 2pm it was thundering and raining. By about 2:15 the tornado warning siren went off (right next to us, very very loud) I'm very paranoid about tornadoes so you don't need to tell me twice! I started packing art into a tote along with my money.
Art fair staff and firefighters from next door told everyone there was a funnel cloud sighted in a nearby town and we need to evacuate to the basement of the public library. Emma and I took shelter until the all clear was given. Afterwards, everyone just packed up and left. I know some people had things damaged since they didn't have walls up on their tent. Since it didn't get too blustery all the tents stayed up.

Whew! to recap; low sales, nice people, tornado nearby, but no wind damage.

Dragon Art Fair

2010-06-05T04:12:00.000-07:00

Off I go....

Dragon Art Fair
Deforest, WI
9am to 4pm today only!!!

School's out

2010-06-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

1. Día 48 - School´s Out, 2. Rainbow Guard, 3. Bookeh, 4. School's out, 5. ticonderoga #2HB's, 6. School's Out, 7. School's out!, 8. First Shuksan Strawberries, Skagit Valley, WA., 9. school's out (first), 10. school's out!!, 11. Cheers, 12. School's Out, 13. SCHOOL'S OUT!!, 14. School's out, 15. School's out, 16. summer's finally here!

Growth of a collage

2010-06-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

and we're off...

meat tray stamp ~I love dots and circles

stamping with milk lid and foam circle

doesn't this look cool?

stencil and mask

almost done but not quite...

All Done!

details

I'm baaack!

2010-06-02T17:36:00.001-07:00

Ok, yes I left blogger and yes I now have a website----but I couldn't figure out to add comments to my blog in iWeb so-- I'm back and I'll try to be a better blogger!!!!!

In Sturgeon Bay this past weekend, I won my first ribbon, "Honorable Mention".

I feel like a prize pony! *grins* According to my mom "it's about time!" Isn't that what mom's are for?

It was abnormally hot --90's both days. Almost no wind to boot! As always, I met some very nice people. Since it was slow, I had time to talk to other artists. My neighbor Lala is so funny and my new creative friend, Joy, is very talented and very nice. I also got some info about self publishing and about licensing for the gift market from two other artists.

It may be summer break for my kids (almost-fri is their last day), but school is in session for me. I signed up for Kelly Rae Roberts class on running a creative biz. That is the info I need. I sometimes wonder if I should have gotten a biz or marketing degree instead of in art. I figure I'd still be making art, but then I'd know what to do with it all! So far Kelly has shared a lot of good info and insight...and it is just the first week!

Some TTv pics I took in beautiful Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay

new website and blog

2010-04-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

I know I should have posted something longtime ago, but I am no longer going to update this blog. I am a terrible blogger and decided to go with a website instead. On my new website, you can find photos of artwork, my art fair schedule, and when I can---blog posts.

Frosty Morning

2010-01-16T09:41:00.001-08:00

I love taking photos on frosty mornings!

Trying new things

2010-01-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Original collage on left and fabric on the right.

I finally got off my rear and sent an order to Spoonflower.com. I made a simple collage with a white background. I didn't change anything digitally.
The whole process was very simple and quite painless.
I received my sample swatch yesterday.
It was wrapped up nice and the packing slip was signed by a real person!
OOO the possibilities *rubbing hands together*

Original collage on top and fabric folded on the bottom.
The blue is slightly muted and green isn't as bright and more yellow.

Good Samaritan

2009-12-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy getting everything ready for Christmas, I have yet again, ignored my blog!

Today, I drove back from a quick weekend visit to Iowa. It was just the kids and I. Well the weather wasn't so great. About 20 miles from my brothers house I ran into trouble. I hit a very slick patch, fishtailed, and went off the road. I wasn't completely in the ditch, just enough that I was stuck!

Luckily, two other vehicles stopped and with the help (and muscle) of four strangers, I got out! I wish I knew who these people were...I thanked them profusely and off they drove. So to all the nice people who will stop to help a stranger...

THANK-YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Snow Day

2009-12-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

the duck pen when I woke up this morning

They played hard and then slept!

Winter Sew Somerset

2009-12-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

My newest article came out in "Sew Somerset" today. I'm so excited. The photos look wonderful, they did such a great job. So vibrate and bold.

This is a tutorial describing my technique for using used dryer sheets to create fun and functional fabric. I'm very happy how it all turned out.

If four full pages wasn't cool enough....The editor (Amanda Nolan) was
kind enough to include me in her "Letter from the Editor"!!! Yay!!!

The whole issue is fun and interesting..pick up your copy today :-)

Library Project and New Work

2009-11-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I taught a mini class at the local library to make the above ornaments/ necklaces. Everyone had the option to use family photos or vintage images to make their project.
Some made necklaces, some ornaments, or a little of each.

I had a lot of fun and I think everyone else did too! Of course I forgot to snap any photos!

I've been working so hard to get new artwork made that after the class, I ate lunch and fell asleep. I have nice kids that they let me sleep :-D

After a nice doze I went right back to work!
Next weekend my artwork will be at Lapaceks Orchard for their Handcrafted Hoedown for the Holidays. Visit their website for directions! They are only 30 minutes north of Madison.

Eventually I may actually get things listed on Etsy. Ya know I need a longer day or loose the need for sleep!

These are the new birds I've been working on. Each is a lightweight bird shape wrapped with fibers. Each is on a base of recycled and found objects. I can't wait to make more because they are sooo fun to create!

Swap Ornament

2009-11-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Ornament I made for a swap here.

Tutorial Tuesday -Mini Chalkboard

2009-11-03T19:33:00.001-08:00

Another tutorial on the WIST blog!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T19:18:00.001-08:00

The finished Jack o'Lanterns turned out great, but the hunt was just as fun.

Too bad Halloween comes and goes so fast.

Maybe in the summer, watermelons would work????

Evil Eggs -venting

2009-10-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

Why are eggs out to get me?

At least this is how I feel. In August I kept getting really sick, GI problems. After some work and a food log, I figured out eating eggs was the problem. For some reason, after 38 years, I'm intolerant to eggs.

Not just that, today I finally got in to see an allergist, only to have a reaction to the scratch test for egg protein. They drew blood for further tests, but it seems I have a full blown egg allergy! The doc was concerned enough that I now have to carry an Epi-pen! Now the blood test can come back saying the Epi-pen is not needed. Either way I can not eat anything with eggs.

I know things could be worse, things can always be worse! I'm in the self pity stage right now, dwelling on all the things I can't eat. ahmm chocolate chip cookies w/out egg? Pumpkin pie w/out egg? Banana muffins w/out egg???

Maybe I'll lose weight avoiding all those treats?

I'm just feeling a bit sad right now because of it...and my arm still really itches from all the tests! ugh! I hate limitations. I'm off to Google "vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes"

Bluto Ornament

2009-10-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

I just got this in the mail from a wonderful Etsy seller, Christina Studio.
She did such a wonderful job, I added my Bluto ornament to my DOD shrine for him.

Tutorial Tuesday -Dia de los Muertos Shrine

2009-10-06T11:55:00.001-07:00

I have another tutrial on the WIST blog here!
And this is a shrine I made for a swapbot swap that is ready to be customized.

Octoberfest!

2009-10-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

My Etsy shop is finally reopened and I'm slowly but surely getting it restocked!
Right now I'm having an Octoberfest Sale...free US Shipping!

Also check out the list of other WIST stores participating in our sale

Tutorial Tuesday -CD Case Frame

2009-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, another tutorial here!

Tutorial Tuesday -Swaps

2009-09-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the post I made on the WIST blog this week
and let me know if you want to join in on the swap!

My Birthday

2009-08-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest cake? Saturday while Mike was at an auction, the kids made me stay in my studio while they baked me a cake. I love the way they decorated it with Playmobil guinea pigs eating out the words "Happy Birthday Mom". I was yummy too!
So yesterday was a good day. It had to be the coldest birthday I've had...only about 65 degrees. But it was a beautiful day to be out. At Henry Vilas Zoo my favs are the capybaras and the prairie dogs. so cute!

Then we had lunch and did some shopping. I found a novel I've been wanting. Unfortunately I couldn't wait and I stayed up most of the night reading the book! So I'm moving a bit slow today *Yawn*

Gotta get moving. Today is the last day of summer vacation for Emma and Ethan. School starts tomorrow and we still need to get a few things.
remember ......

Tutorial Tuesday -Bleach Stencil Tee

2009-08-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Check out the tutorial I wrote on the WIST blog

Tutorial Tuesday on WIST

2009-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have a cute little tutorial on the Wisconsin Street Team blog. Please check it out here.

Being business minded

2009-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am not a very business minded person. I have fun brainstorming packaging and display ideas but the nuts and bolts of business, no way! Sometimes I wonder if I should have gone to collage for business and marketing. I figure either way I would be when I am now, making art. Maybe I'd know better how to make a good living at it. I do think about what my other options are. Do I want to sell at art fairs forever? Do I want to teach more classes (I taught one so far)? Do I want to go more into designing for others? Should I follow through and illustrate the children's books I've already written? So many question marks!

I found this class while surfing the web. It is taught by Laura Bray of Katydid Designs:

Multiple Streams of Income:
An Online Course
Begins September 7, 2009

Attention Artists and Crafters!

Are you struggling to make a living doing what you love?
Do you feel like you are working all the time and getting nowhere?
Do you feel overwhelmed and confused about all the ways artists and crafters can make money?
Are you always jumping from one idea to the next without following through on anything?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this online course is designed for you!
*****

Sounds like what I need! Maybe more information would help me figure out a direction? You'd think at my age I'd have a direction for goodness sake!
I you are also interested in learning to expand your art and craft options go here and get the class details.

We got egg!

2009-07-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Straight from the straw, dirt and all

All washed up

One of our ducks, not sure which, layed their first egg! The egg is a bit small and the yolk is a darker orange. I've never had a duck egg, but it was delicious! I scrambled it up so we could share it easily. Ethan thought it was the best scrambled egg he'd ever had!

Carnival Day

2009-07-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

In the years I've volunteered at my local library, I have planned so many kids activities but this was the most challenging! How to have a free mini carnival with prizes for a very small amount of money?

I came up with 5 games, face painting, and the library director hired a gal to make balloon animals. Everyone loves balloon animals! We had goody bags for all and two gift baskets in a drawing.

Yesterday was the day, 50% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast! I woke to a dreary rainy morning. I had my art fair tent set up outside and out two of the games inside in the Library meeting room. Luckily the rain stopped, sun came out, and we had a great turnout! I was swamped the whole time doing face painting, so a good friend and "helper" took photos.

Each game booth was run by volunteer carnies (my kids and friends from school). It was fun but exhausting and I don't want to do it again in the near future!

Everyone loved the bean bag toss..this game I got from my brother and

all I did was paint a bulls-eye on it

Yes, the game was knocking plastic golf balls off tees with a water filled ketchup bottle!

It worked better than a squirt gun.

Me painting ants down his arm :-)

Moo Crew Feature

2009-07-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am the featured WIST member (Wisconsin Street Team on Etsy) over on the Wist blog. Stop by my Etsy shop and look at what prints I have and then leave a comment here. One winner will be picked at random to receive their chosen print!

Yay! Free Art!

This weekend I'll be in Mount Horeb. My booth will be accross from Moonhill Mercantile, just before 3rd Street. Stop by and say "Hi!"

New necklaces

2009-07-14T15:17:00.001-07:00

These are my new style of Doodle pendant. Each is still an original painted doodle, but these are done in pen and collaged onto cute little plastic tiles. I only have so many tiles, so each will be numbered and initialed. I haven't counted them up yet, but I have about 60 of each (square and round).
They hang from 18inch long cute ribbon cord thingies.

I luv'em!

Ok so they aren't on Etsy yet...I'll have them for sale this weekend in Mount Horeb, WI. Then on Etsy after.

Playtime

2009-07-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Alright so I finally got something done! These were quick snapshots I took outside under a tree..thus the dappled light. These were each done very intuitively without any real planning. Just a lot of messy playtime!An assemblage of my Doodle Birds on a vintage grater. Each bird image is cut from it's original paper then collaged with more paper on a small piece of wood and wired onto the grater.
*********

16x20 inch collage on canvas with cardboard, an old photo, and recycled and found papers.

Details

*********

11 x 14 inch collage on scrap mat board...slightly warped so I'll have to flatten it somehow.
*********

These last two are 9 x 11.5 inches collaged on scrap book board
leftover from a class I took last year

2009-07-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Everyone!!!!!

1. A display of Fireworks 2007, 2. Independence Morning, 3. Perspective George Washington Statue Independence Hall Philadelphia Pennsylvania History America USA 1776 Colonial Old Style Flag President, 4. Happy Independence Day USA, 5. Long may She Wave!, 6. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, 7. WWII Memorial Fountain, 8. Fireworks #1, 9. Raising the flag on Iwo Jima, 10. Lincoln Memorial, Early Light, 11. Let freedom ring, 12. manhattan memorial lights, 13. Fighting Terrorism, 14. Victoria Harbour Fireworks, 15. Mount Rushmore, 16. mournument

Swap

2009-06-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

I just sent this out yesterday for a Recycled/No Spend Dotee doll swap. She is made from fused plastic bag "fabric". This nice blue is from a Best Buy and a Festival Foods bag. The lighter colored face is a white bag layered over a blue bag. She turned out larger than I planned but I like her.

The plastic "fabric" sews fine on the machine but it is difficult to hand sew. So, I did have some trouble hand stitching the face to the body. I used netting left from our wedding almost 17 yrs ago. The yarn pieces are from an old wool sweater I unravled and dyed with Kool Aid. The rest is just bits and pieces I had around.

Etsy Update

2009-06-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Please click on the right side to see the new things I listed on Etsy.

So is this a small apple or a huge strawberry?

A Menagerie

2009-06-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have another critter!

While Ethan and I were at Mom and Son Cubscout camp this weekend, Mike and Emma brought home a free kitten. She is so tiny and sweet. The problem...I'm very allergic to cats. So this cute little gal is an outside cat. We live in the middle of nowhere on 10 acres, so I guess it is OK. Hopefully she can be taught not to hurt the ducks????

So this is Tux, short for Teeny Tuxedo the 14th. She's out 14th critter!

Back from Camp

2009-06-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

We (Ethan and I) just got back from a fun/intersting weekend at Mom and Son Scout Camp. It was nice to spend a whole weekend with him, but odd too. I missed having us all together.

400 moms with their Cubscout or Boyscout sons camping and doing activities together. We walked miles and miles. Hauling our stuff in, to all the activities and back, dining hall for every meal, and hauling everything out! I realize now that I didn't take very many photos...we were too busy.

We sang silly songs around a campfire and there was even a bugler who really needs more practice!

We did have fun though. We shot a BB guns, tie-dyed shirts, went out on Bear Paw Lake in a row boat, learned about camp cooking, made sand candles, watched a blacksmith (Ethan helped forge an S hook), handled many snakes, etc...

I am happy to back to a comfortable couch and tonight a soft bed!

We also had a surprise when Ethan and I returned...more on that later

New Work

2009-06-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

I don't usually make too many large format pieces, small comes easier for me. I think this one turned out really well though. It is 16 x 20 inch on a wood box with a slightly dimensional bird and half eggs. The photo is dark I know, it was rainy the other day when I took the photos.
I cast the eggs in plaster, covered them in paper from a chemistry book and paint. Each egg is layered with stitched dyed used dryer sheets and more chemistry book pages.

So far this is untitled.

Snail Mail Goodness

2009-06-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Meet Berri, my new springtime dotee from Suzi. Isn't she sweet!

Just look at all this stuff! I can't wait to use the fabric! And a chicken timer *grins*

The wonderful yellow plush bird was my Pay It Forward goodie from Jenny here. She sent yummy chocolates (gone) and bird note paper (I already used a lot of it). See how nice her bird looks on my shelf! I never got any comments on this PIF post, but I'm trying again. Go to this post and comment if you want to join. I'll make you something!!!!!

Dragon Arts in Deforest WI

2009-06-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

6x6 inch on cut game board

8x10 inch on recycled container board

approx 9 x 12 inch on hardcover book

6x6 inch on a cut game board

I have been so so busy the last two weeks! The kids had a bunch of school field trips and other end of the year fun. I sold so much at Sturgeon Bay, I had to work like a mad woman to get ready for tomorrow! I have a bunch of new work showing for the first time Yay!

In addition to the art fair there is a car show, a plant sale, library book sale, and more! Fun for everyone! Stop by and say "Hi!" if you are in the area.

SB was great!

2009-05-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy since I got back I kinda forgot about the whole blog thing! More goodies coming soon! I better get back to work...

Off To Sturgeon Bay!

2009-05-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

I'm all packed and ready to go! I love this art fair, but it can get a bit windy being right on the water! If you are anywhere near Sturgeon Bay stop by and say "hi" Have a great weekend everyone!

New Work

2009-05-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

collage on a recycled manila envelope
*****

These last three are all collaged hardcover books...the whole darn book!

Surplus Finds

2009-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just look at these very cool boxes of goodies I found at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point surplus sale! The sales are held on Friday afternoons about twice a month. Parking can be tough unless you get there early. The staff are very nice and helpful.
I rarely leave empty handed. Usually I find cool, fun, and cheap stuff.

In the past I have found; large wall maps, wooden tripod base for surveying equipment, desk chairs, bookshelves, storage boxes, a rolling metal typing stand, old lab equipment, many many books, boxes of sheet music, and reels of old educational films.
All very reasonably priced (OK super cheap!)

I got a big bag of green army men for Ethan...who knows where they are now! He goes through so many of them...they are everywhere!
Also there were two sets of dinosaur counters made for classroom use. They were in perfect condition so I gave them to the kids school.

*******
Now the big question, what to do with'em all!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

The kids made me cards at school...guided projects that are cute, but...

I like the things they make for me on their own at home!
Emma made me a cute bunch of crepe paper flowers and breakfast.
She made biscuits and gravy, YUMMY!

Ethan made an elaborate card with a pop out parts. The back had a
large heart filled with red paper hearts
and a flower bookmark.

I love them so much!!!

Last weekend

2009-05-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Fine Arts Building is such a nice venue! And look at all the shoppers!!!
Thank-you to everyone who came out to support handmade!!!

I finally had a chance to post about last weekend. St Paul Craftstravaganza was so much fun...again. Weather was nice, though the building stayed a bit chilly. Sales better than last year...I made my goal plus. Oh and I did buy a bunch of stuff!

My booth

All My Own Booth

i like you Booth

From Nora at Bodylish I had to buy this soap! It smells like cinnamon redhots. Yummy!
I got a super cute bib from Lisa at Sheppard Girls. No, I'm not having a baby, but my Brother's wife is :-) YAY! For the baby, I also got a cute stuffed rattle and monster doll from All My Own.
Emma picked out 2 Fuzzbutts (cute name huh!) from Christina Ward. They look like mutant guinea pigs! And she got armwarmers from i like you.

Fuzzbutts on the loose!

See Me At Craftstravaganza!

2009-04-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

4th Annual St. Paul Craftstravaganza

Saturday, May 2 2009, 9am to 5pm
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Building
Free parking and admission!

Swag bags given away to the first 100 shoppers

******************

New Goodies!

Photos from last year...it was cold so everyone is bundled up!

1. DSC_0174, 2. DSC_0161, 3. Craftstravaganza 08, St. PAul, MN, 4. Craftstravaganza yarn, 5. DSC_0050, 6. DSC_0130, 7. DSC_0102, 8. T-shirts by With Remote, 9. DSC_0224, 10. DSC_0079, 11. DSC_0014, 12. DSC_0049, 13. DSC_0053, 14. DSC_0157, 15. DSC_0203, 16. DSC_0010, 17. Craftstravaganza 08, St. PAul, MN, 18. IMG_5823, 19. Craftstravaganza 08, St. PAul, MN, 20. DSC_0133, 21. It was cold!, 22. craftstravaganza craft fair, 23. Craftstravaganza, 24. DSC_0098, 25. DSC_0171

2009-04-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

My collage "Little Tweet is one of the fun items featured on Diamonds in the Rough blog today. Stop by and look around!

Pay It Forward

2009-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

I made this last Thursday, but didn't post it because the photo isn't very good.
I just remember that is says "forward" Perfect!

I saw this on Dabbled, but was too late to get on her list. I popped into another blog to join. Yeah!
So here are the details borrowed from Phantom Moon blog (isn't that a great name!)

The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you. (Be sure to leave a working email!)

IMPORTANT: The fun part of this is keeping the it going, so don't forget to post this text on your blog if you want to play. This text was used from http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.dabbled.org

and http://thephantommoon.typepad.com/

Sound like fun? Leave me a comment and click "Email Me" on the side and
send me your address.

Duckies at my window

2009-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

My loyal minions!

Little bit of work

2009-04-20T08:53:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday I had workman pounding on the way on the roof. Old roof off...new roof on! All the while I was working away. Just a bit of what I was working on. I finished 5 collages that day.

6x6 inch collage on game board

My Duckies are Growing!

2009-04-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is Polky.

Some of my minions are getting their "real" feathers!

I have NO idea what the poofs are on some of their heads. Very fuzzy though *grins*

This is Seven...what a cutie!

Thanx!!!

2009-04-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

Roberta of Quilted Cavalier gave me Kreativ Blogger award. So sweet of her and I'm such a bad blogger!

Seven things about me:
1. I'm nervous about tornadoes. I have two weather radios and emergency supplies in the basement.
2. I love love love pepperjack cheese
3. I'm a couch potato. I like to have the TV on, but I can't just sit and watch. I'm always working on something else at the same time.
4. I will reread the same favorite books over and over again. Some I've read 10 + times
5. I can walk and read at the same time. Not sure how helpful of a talent it is.
6. I have bad wrists. They cause me a fair amount of pain and limit what I can do sometimes.
7. I've written a few childrens books, but have never tried to publish any of them.

I have so many blogs on my blog reader...all are inspiring. Here are a few.
1. Joyce Stahl
2. Wishes and Heros
3. Ruth Rae
4. Jane DesRosier
5. Creature Comforts
6. Roadside projects
7. A Fanciful Twist

Ducklings

2009-04-02T12:48:00.001-07:00

Last Friday we adopted 8 ducklings. They were approx. 2 weeks old then.

For now (until they are bigger) they are living in our kitchen. Lucky adopted them also. He sleeps next to them and tries to keep the duckies in line.

Some outdoor play time in the sun

"We're much bigger now...let us out!"

from left to right they are: Yoda, Polky, Shadow, Dot, Harold, Fern,
and you can just see a bit of Seven. Not shown is Rook, a medium sized black one.

Isn't Lucky a great lifeguard?

I don't know why I get myself into these things? Not like I have too much time on my hands or anything.
I've wanted ducks for a couple of years and I decided to go for it. So now we have 2 dogs, 2 guinea pigs, 1 parakeet, and 8 ducks. It is never boring in the Walker house! *grins*
I just feel lucky that my Hubby puts up with it all!!!!

Finally!

2009-04-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

Finally finally ...I got some work done! I haven't finished anything in weeks. I've organized, moved things around, played a bit, but nothing completed. Until this morning.

I had the worst headache the last two days. I was miserable, but this morning I woke up feeling good. I decided to try again. I wanted to try Michelle Ward's Street Team Challenges #27 and #29. Not that you can tell, I over painted the backgrounds quite a bit. I had so much fun and it felt great to create again!Both of these are 8x 10 inch on cardboard

I painted the background on this book cover, but I haven't finished the collage yet.

Moving on

2009-03-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to get back to work. My artwork is supposed to be cheery and uplifting. Other than finishing a few swaps that had to go out, I haven't made anything in weeks.

In the last week of February, my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. It was already advanced. On March 18th he died. Everyone is crushed. Phil was such a good husband, father, and grandfather. My kids adore him.

The funeral on Friday was so tough. I think what got everyone through it was the family being together and telling stories. Laughing at happy memories. Even just being a family.

I will miss him so much. My kids need their Papa. My hubby needs his Dad.
But the world keeps turning, spring is creeping in, and we must get back to everyday life....

Still working

2009-03-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

More new collages

2009-02-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

blue birds

2009-02-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

I know these photos are a bit rough. One collage is on a hardbook cover, the others are on recycled shipping evelopes.

for the love of buttons

2009-02-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

Add me to the list...I loved Coraline. Really wonderful. When I heard the movie was being made, I decided not to read the book. I wanted to love the movie. I hope the DVD chock full of behind-the-scenes goodies. I just wish the They Might Be Giants song was full length. The website has fun stuff....

I'm still looking for that camera cord..ugh I made some cool new collages!!!!

Yay Mac!

2009-02-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

MacGyver is the man! Remember that show? Last night we ended up watching a few episodes on Sleuth network or whatever that channel is called. I like the show still, cheesy fight scenes and excessive use of stock footage and all. With his trusty knife, a paper clip, and duct tape, he can battle any bad guy. I think my fondness for the show is what lured me to Stargate SG1. More Richard Dean Anderson. Even the frequent Simpsons jokes about our gunless hero. Oh and a Mythbusters episode. So timeless....Gotta love the Mac.

Ok so I can't post anything new and I've made a lot. At the moment I can't find my camera cord to download photos. My mom is going to say "You lost it again!" It has to be around the house somewhere! Wonderful artwork coming soon.

I found this cartoon here

Anti-Valentine's Day swap

2009-02-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the coolest? I got this from my swap partner and I love love love it!

Below is what I sent to my swap partner...I was so happy to find out she loved her's too! I guess the only thing I don't like about Swap-Bot is what I send out goes to someone different than who sends to me.

Happy Birthday Lucky!!!

2009-02-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

Lucky today....a fuzzy photo of a fuzzy dog! Can you believe how much his coloring changed?

Our Lucky pup was born 5 years ago on Friday February 13th.

My has he grown!

He was so small a cat collar was too big! Such a cute little guy...

When we decided it was time for Emma to get a dog, we searched the local shelter. Emma fell in love with a cute Lab/shepard mix named Lucky. With my allergies he was a no go, but she was determined to name her dog Lucky. When we found the "right" dog, he became our Lucky. Then we found out he was born on Friday the 13th!
What Luck!

Swap Stuff

2009-02-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

First of all...everyone is healthy...yay! Can you believe in the end we found out Ethan had scarlet fever and a virus! Just his luck.

V is for Vivian

for a Gashlycrumb Tinies inspired swap

I guess for an actual couplet it would have to be ----

U is for Ursula in a dishwasher was mangled

V is for Vivian in Kudzu was strangled

This is for a Vintage Dotee In a Jar swap

coffee table crafting

2009-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

all it needs is a ribbon hanger

Sunny winter day and me working in the basement. No way! On nice days I take over the dining table or the coffee table. These photos are actually almost 2 weeks old. Today it feels like spring...46 degrees!!!! WOW!

Ethan is still sick! Day four of stuffy nose, sore throat, slight fever, and day two of hives. Not fun!

by Xanthe

Handmade Christmas Recap 2

DIY Stamp Tutorial

Project Quilting Season 3

Handmade Christmas Recap 1

I Love Pinterest!

Just Jump In

Mount Horeb and Fishes!

Independance Day

New work and first art sale of the year

American Science and Surplus store

Mummies of the World and MPM

A Challenge to Build a Creative Life

Merry Christmas!!!

And a Few More

A few new originals

Something Wicked This Way Comes? no just the kids!

I really do love Halloween!

Getting Ready for Halloween

Drawing Lab -At the Zoo (kind-of)

My latest article on newsstands now!

First Day of School

Swap- bot swap

Green Lake Fine Art Fair

Drawing Lab -sketch your pet

Mama Dot *with edit

Summer Road Trip Part 7

Summer Road Trip Part 6 --- YAY Arizona!

Carla Sonheim Drawing Lab

I almost forgot the day we spent in SLC!

Summer Road Trip Part 5

Camp Cooking

Summer Road Trip Part 4

Summer Road Trip part 3

Summer Road Trip part 2

Summer RoadTrip part 1

Camping with my Cub Scout

ART, STORMS, ROADTRIP, OH MY!

Dragon Art Fair

School's out

Growth of a collage

I'm baaack!

new website and blog

Frosty Morning

Trying new things

Good Samaritan

Snow Day

Winter Sew Somerset

More new work and tutorial link

Library Project and New Work

Swap Ornament

Tutorial Tuesday -Mini Chalkboard

Halloween 2009

Evil Eggs -venting

Bluto Ornament

Tutorial Tuesday -Dia de los Muertos Shrine

Octoberfest!

Tutorial Tuesday -CD Case Frame

Tutorial Tuesday -Swaps

My Birthday

Tutorial Tuesday -Bleach Stencil Tee

Tutorial Tuesday on WIST

Being business minded

We got egg!

Carnival Day

Moo Crew Feature

New necklaces

Playtime

Swap

Etsy Update

A Menagerie

Back from Camp

New Work

Snail Mail Goodness

Dragon Arts in Deforest WI

SB was great!

Off To Sturgeon Bay!

New Work

Surplus Finds

Happy Mother's Day!