Library Project and New Work

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!

Playtime

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

Details

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11 x 14 inch collage on scrap mat board...slightly warped so I'll have to flatten it somehow.
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These last two are 9 x 11.5 inches collaged on scrap book board
leftover from a class I took last year

Busy as a mole

April has arrived and most of the snow in our yard is gone. 

We discovered that the moles have had a party this late winter. Snow melts and the dirt clumps appear! All over the yard are mole tunnels and dirt mounds. The mice were busy too! Cute little mouse nest.

grassy mouse nest

Finally I spotted a robin hopping around yesterday. I love robins. During the summer, when I'm busy weeding in the garden, picnicking with the kids, or just sitting and reading a book, there always seems be a robin hopping around  nearby. I love the peep-peeping.  As a family, we keep an eye on the nearby Nest full of gorgeous blue eggs. We name each of the hatchling, have a funeral and burial when we find one dead. Poor birdies...I even made a shrine to honor the little guys. For all the little hatchlings.

Bird shrine ---outside (the top is a mini gazing ball and a broken vintage Fiestaware saucer)

The shrine swivels open on pins 

bird shrine ---inside (with broken egg, shredded money nest, and LED votive)