Just got back!

I just got back from MN and Craftstravaganza. I had a lot of fun and have tons to say, but I am too tired right now!
Soon though

I love to get mail!

Ok at least if it is not bills! Today no bills just fun stuff.

This is the beautiful way my new headband was packaged!
Please check out Gracie Designs on Etsy.

Plus it is reversable! Very cool and look at the birdie!

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Also I recieved these great business cards and samples from Bobbi at Kitty Grrlz Knitz

I'm going to taking to my shows and sales to hand out. I wish I had more time to knit!

Career Talk

The career talk last week at my daughter's school went very well. The kids were very interested in not only the process of art, but also my artwork. I set up on the edge of the stage (yes I had to do the talk in the auditorium). I spread out some of my materials, artwork and fun things I've received in swaps. The kids asked very good questions and kept me busy for 45 minutes! I never thought I'd be able to talk about my artwork that long. After I was done, they filed past the edge of the stage to look at everything I set up. Emma handed out the bookmarks I made to everyone. I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to doing it again when Ethan is in third grade.

The next day I was surprised by a Thank-You collage
Emma's class made for me.
Very cool and sweet.

This experience made me think of this famous quote----"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso

This is also on the WIST blog

Somerset Studio part 2

I scanned in my magazine debut!
I know they print works from many people every month, but I'm excited anyway.


Cover of May/ June Somerset Studio ----but if you turn a ways back to...



Page 103 with my "Dream Big Star Baby" collage

This is my plant stake on page 112!

It's Finally Here!!!!!!!

Dream Big Star Baby
I used a baby photo of Emma in the center of the star, so she's famous!

I received my copy today of May/June Somerset Studio magazine. My artwork is in it! I never tried to be published until last year. I sent one collage in for their "10" issue and later a few more for the "Blue" issue. They didn't print my first submission, but they liked it and still have it. I was so excited to find out they wanted two of my pieces for the "Blue" theme. Somerset Studio has a couple more of mine, so who knows?

I'm thinking of sending a few more in for different issues and other publications. I'm very excited about this, but being published isn't a huge goal of mine. But it is an esteem boost!

Why is this woman smiling?
Because she's in Somerset Studio magazine!

I'll put on photos of the other art piece tomorrow. And I'll let you know how the career talk at school went. :-)

My Mom, The Junk Artist

My Mom, The Junk Artist

That is how my daughter thinks of me.

Actually she loves junk, so from this 9 year-old it is a compliment! This all started with a note home from school. The teachers were looking for parents to talk to the 3rd graders about their careers. Emma wanted me to come in a talk about being an artist. I thought "Ok, sounds like fun." So next Tuesday is the big day. How do I explain to a bunch of kids what I do?

I asked Emma what she told people, when they ask what I do for a living. Her answer was "I tell them that you are an artist" OK so far so good. "How do you answer if they ask 'what kind of artist?’ Emma quickly replied, "She's a junk artist" Mmmmm, Ok, not the answer I would give. Emma explained then that she tells people "She uses old books and stuff people don't want and turn it into art". That sounds better to me.

Don't get me wrong, I love junk! But I never thought of myself as a junk artist. I transform junk into something more, something it was never intended to be. A lowly rusty washer can be elevated to the centerpiece of a pendant. An old water damaged chemistry book, becomes the background paper for many a collage.

exhibit 1. Chemistry book

I guess it IS all a matter of perception. So I understand when Emma comes home from school with a pocket full of "treasures". She found them on the playground for her mom to turn into art. So maybe I am a junk artist!

exhibit 2. Collaged Mirror Frame (without mirror)

-----I also posted this on the Wisconsin Street Team (WIST) blog

Something New

I just finished this one. No name for it yet. It is approx 15 inches tall.

side 1

side 2

side 3 -my fav!

side 4

Happy Easter!

We have proof! E.B. is real!

Little chick

This was the Easter storytime project at the library. Cute huh

Little feather

Etsy update

Good Coffee ATC

I added a few more charms today. I finished 2 more collages and I'm feeling very productive!

****Factoid****

Since I finally got DSl, I've been listening to the radio in iTunes.
My Fav is WOXY Vintage (old-school modern, alternative and punk).
Fun stuff, check it out!

Finally some new stuff and a few thoughts.....just a few

These are bookmarks I made from a recent collage. The collage combines my love of reading, birds, and plants. I'm going to add twine or ribbon and send them off to Craftstravaganza for swag bags!!!

I have been working, just not taking photos and listing. I added 2 charms on Etsy and more to come! I'm not sure if I want to list anything larger yet.

....thoughts....

I've had this blog for just over 6 months and I'm still trying to "find my feet". What is my goal? What should I say? I'm not the journaling type. I don't want to talk about my family and kids in detail. I know lots of blogger who do, but I'm nervous in this day and age throwing my kids out there. I don't want to talk about anything heavy, like religion or politics. I like to talk about art, but what to say? I admit I don't have grand, high falutin reasons for making what I do. I just have a need to create...I have to get it out.

Sometimes just sketching in my book is enough. Sometimes not. I have tons of unfinished pieces in my basement. I may finish some, though probably not all. Most I'll probably cannibalize for other projects. My purpose in art is to make people smile. I'm drawn to the patina that comes with age, items that seem to have no value to anyone, but I also love all things childlike. Bright colors, simple shapes, and an attachment to home and family.

I guess that is enough for now...