The Backporch Artessa

Upcoming workshops!

2012-02-14T22:55:00.006-05:00

Sweet Salvage Stories- reclaiming an old childrens book as a journal - will be offered in MI

One of the reasons I'm so busy these days is I'm preparing for all of my March Workshops!

March 1-6 I'll be at Art & Soul Virginia in VA Beach! Teaching 3 workshops and vending! Yahoo! I'm sure I'll be shopping a bit too. Can't pass up an opportunity to support my fellow artists and shop their goodies. Stamp Carving & Pretty Papers, Stamped & Stenciled Journal, and A Fluid Romance are the fare offered up! The wonderful Glenny and Marie can get you all fixed up to attend here.
Vintage Vessels- Polymer clay, Metal paints and acid washes will be offered in PA and MI

March 9-10 I'll be teaching 2 workshops at Charmed I'm Sure Studios, of the Jean Van Brederode fame! I'm sure Mechanicsburg PA will never be the same, but none the less- I'm going to share Fluid Romance and Vintage Vessels with the willing participants!

Stamped and Stenciled Journals will be offered at Art & Soul in VA

If you are in PA and interested, please contact the fabulous Ms Jean Van Brederode on Facebook OR javb2000@aol.com Jean or I can send you a pdf flyer with more info, should you like one!

A Fluid Romance- an exploration of Fluid Acrylic paints will be offered in VA and in PA!

Then home for a few days, to see the familial units and it's off to Haslett, MI March 16-18, and the Small But Mighty Arts Studio. 3 days of fun in store with Spring Fling Journals, Sweet Salvage Stories and Vintage Vessels! There- the go-to-gal is the Charming Dusty DeHaven at DeHavenDesigns@gmail.com Both Dusty and myself can forward you a pdf flyer with all the deets should you want more info!

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T22:50:00.003-05:00

Wow- just skipped in under the wire. It's been and unusually busy time in the McKnight-Holbrook household. We are always busy, but this is literally 20 hour a day working busy.

I did this piece earlier in the month, when I had a little more time. It's unusual color makes it my favorite right now. That, and the fact it reads "there's no politics in love!"

Hope you are all enjoying your loved ones today!

Art & Soul Blog Hop and Giveaway!

2012-01-21T14:22:00.026-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows how ecstatic I am for the opportunities I have to teach and attend Artistic retreats of any kind. One of the premiere retreats in the country is Art & Soul. Some of the very best instructors and classes offered ANYWHERE are offered as part of the Art & Soul experience.

I cannot begin to tell you all the wonderful people I've met throughout the years, all the skills I've learned and all the wonderful things I've seen and experienced through these events. The most wonderful part of all, is that they are open to ANYONE of age who wants to attend. All you have to do is sign up! All this wonderful, life changing, fulfilling energy is there for the taking. You will be met by like minded new friends, creative visionaries, and supportive, well informed instructors.

I'm participating in this Art & Soul Blog hop and Giveaway to help introduce you to some of the other instructors. In particular, I would like you to join me in admiration for Barbe Saint John.

Besides being cute as the dickens, Barbe has been published in Belle Armoire Jewelry, Jewelry Affaire, Steampunk Style Jewelry, Artist Trading Cards and is co author of 1000 Steampunk Creations. A mixed media artist, who thinks of herself as a modern day alchemist/archeologist. Barbe has a unique talent for transforming broken, rusty, vintage, lost, forgotten, sparkly, torn, and tarnished things into stunning new works of art.

You have 4 wonderful opportunities to take workshops with her at Art & Soul, Virginia Beach!

On Thursday March 1, she's teaching Industrial Geek

Then Thursday evening, it's Steampunk Charms

Friday March 2, Ancient Futuristic Steampunk Art Dolls will fill the hallways!

And on Friday evening you can catch her teaching Immortalized Resin Filled Bezels

I look forward to seeing more of her beautiful art work in person at Art & Soul, won't you join me?

Now- Drumroll please....... Details on the Giveaway:-)
The Giveaway prize is so generously being donated by generous Judy Gula of Artistic Artifacts. Who, by the way has a WONDERFUL onsite store at Art & Soul Virginia Beach as well.

So what do you have to do to win? All you have to do is leave a comment on what type of art workshop you would be interested in taking and why. On Jan 31, I will pull a random generator number, and that lucky person wins the jammed-packed-full-of-goodness ephemera pack! Make sure your email addy is current, so I can contact you, and get your prize to you ASAP:-)

Want to jump on the blog hop train at a different station? Yesterday was Liz Kettle's blog hop stop featuring my very good friend Jean Van Brederode, (who I first met at an ART retreat) and tomorrow is Jenni Horne. Stop by and see what all the fun is about!

***UPDATE***
I printed all the comments out, cut them apart, and mixed them up in a bowl. Mike pulled the winning comment out, and the winner is...drumroll please...
Barbara Hagerty!!! Congrats Barbara, I'll be contacting you for your snail mail addy so Judy can send you the awesome prize pack! Thank you to everyone who commented, and those who have emailed me!

Hearts Alight

2012-01-11T10:45:00.009-05:00

Wow! 2.5 weeks down after Mikes spinal surgery, and I've left the house only 2 times so far. Banking and pharmacy. You would think that means alot of work is getting accomplished. You would think. However, the reality of it is that except for the week my in laws were here to help out, I've gotten NOTHING done on my list of goals. NOTHING! And I am frustrated! I have tons on my plate, enough to keep anyone busy for a year! And the faster I go the more I get behind. So I decided I WILL get at least one thing done today. I will be teaching 2 separate sessions of "Hearts Alight" at Red Letter Journals- one on Jan 28th, and one on February 11. So today, I will carve out some time from nursing duties and take and post photos of the sample pieces I created for the class. And, I will deliver the samples to Red Letter Journals to go on display if you want to see them for yourself in person.

"Hearts Alight"

A fast paced, yet lighthearted mixed media class. Artists will enjoy combining collage techniques, painting techniques, Distress Inks and Distress Paints, rub-ons, stamps and paperclay sculpting to fashion 3D focal points for their creations.
Supplies needed: Apron, paintbrush or 2, 2 different pieces of printed scrapbook paper. All other supplies will be provided. Artists will go home with a completed piece of art!

Art and Soul Virginia Beach 2012

2012-01-04T21:14:00.016-05:00

Besides caring for Mike, I am slammed to the mat busy prepping for Art & Soul Virginia Beach! March 1-6 will be here before we know it, and I've got many extra special things up my sleeve for this fabulous event!

First of all, my stamp line has EXPLODED! I have over a dozen 8.5 x 11 designs, and the response has been overwhelming. So far, they have sold out everywhere we've vended since their debut in Aug. They've been so hot, I've not even had time to get an online store set-up yet! I will have a full stock of all current stamps at Art & Soul Vendors night, and I am noodling around with a collectors stamp only available to students in my classes as well. I will be doing drawings in my class, and giving away stamps to several winners, so don't delay in signing up!

Friday March 2, is Stamp Carving and Beautiful Papers

Saturday is VENDORS night! Make sure and stop by to see my booth! Mike and I've shopped from one end of the country to the other and it's Bigger and Better than last year!
Sunday March 4, is Stamps and Stencils Journal

Monday March 5, is A Fluid Romance

It's the Merry Christmas Season!

2011-12-02T19:17:00.010-05:00

I've been busy busy busy on the road, off again, on the road and off again! (Thank goodness Mike is here to hold down the fort! I certainly couldn't do it without him!) SO much to tell! More classes, more long term projects and more stamp designs! I couldn't be happier! All arty goodness!

One of the most recent trips was a great time visiting my In-laws, then over to Chattanooga to teach 2 fun workshops at Townsend Atelier. They were so much fun, the artists who gathered were all in fine form open to any ideas I pitched out to them! They jumped in with enthusiasm and great talent, each making the projects with their very own artistic voice! I'll be back April 28, and 29, 2012 for 2 more workshops!

I had only a day or two and then taught 2 Holiday Journals classes in my hometown. Wonderful to have an opportunity to teach close to home again. If you are going to be in Grove City, Ohio please pop in to Red Letter Journals and check out one of my classes. I'll be teaching a valentines class on Jan 28th and again Feb 11th!

Right after Thanksgiving, Mike had to have spinal surgery, and we've been down for the count ever since. He's doing better, but they had real difficulty reviving him after surgery, and was on 2 different breathing machines. Scary times. But the Lord was good to us, and he is getting stronger every day. It is round the clock care right now, but in 4 weeks, he should be at least able to leave the house and go for a short ride in the car. I've been so busy taking care of him, we haven't even had time to open all our Christmas presents yet!

My wonderful In Laws came up from TN to help me take care of him for a week, so I can rest, and get some much needed paperwork done, and get some art work done! They came New Years Eve, and God Bless her heart, my MIL took down all my holiday decorations for me, while my FIL watched over Mike. She's also doing all the cooking for a week to give me more time!

So I've been in the studio for 2 days finishing projects and turning in proposals, and packing kits for upcoming classes!

My heart has been with all our you and hoping everyone was having a wonderful season, and the start of a lovely and promising new year! I wish you all, health, peace, love, art, and sparkles!

Giving Thanks

2011-10-16T18:54:00.010-04:00

I feel so blessed in my life, so happy with the way things are happening in my art life right now. All day everyday, I think we are bombarded by negativity about the economy, the environment, our fellow man, and I just wanted to combat that.

I started another Gratitude journal, which really focuses me on the good, and the positive. It also happens to be coming up on Thanksgiving season, thus the color scheme. I also thoroughly enjoyed playing with some of my new line of Polymer art stamps. The faces and the birds all just jump off the pages don't you think?

I love making these as holiday journals, and if you wish to join me, I will be teaching local classes at Red Letter Journals in Grove City, Ohio on Saturday November 19 2011, and again on Saturday December 10, 2011. They are perfect for recording special holiday memories, and are great as gifts! For more info, Heather and Tonya can help you out at 614.539.3900.

I'll be teaching you how to make and personalize the books themselves, as well as give you demos on the fancy writing techniques I love to use.

Happy Anniversary! Syrup alert!

2011-10-12T22:01:00.006-04:00

Today was Mike and my 9th Anniversary! We spent it the way we seem to spend many days- going to Dr. appointments, shopping for tools and shopping for art workshop supplies! But as a special treat, we celebrated with dinner at The Columbus Fish Market- yummo! Food was wonderful, and the staff was so sweet- even gave us a rose and a happy anniversary card they all signed!I am so blessed to have Mike in my life. I could not do what I do, without him helping and supporting me. He is the natural calm that my natural hyper needs. We are happy to spend all of our days together. We can work together all day, and then still be happy to spend the evening together too. We laugh together, play together, work together and dream together. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, through all the days of our lives we are so happy together. Our basic views and morals are so similar, it makes it easy to always get along! We wish this happiness for all of you, our friends and loved ones. Here's a peek back at that happy day 9 years ago!

Here's the week we got engaged, with our Sophie. Wasn't she a pretty baby?

Tenneessee anyone?

2011-10-10T15:04:00.007-04:00

November 5 and 6 I am heading to Chattanooga to teach workshops at Townsend Atelier! An awesome art studio, run by Stan and Peggy Townsend. The space is phenomenal, and the hosts are so warm and friendly! The workshops they host want for nothing, and I am so honored to be in their line-up!

Handmade Journals
Saturday Nov 5, 2011 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sculpture and functional journal all rolled into one!

Perfect for the gift giving season!

More information & Registration

Re-purposed Books

Sunday Nov 6, 2011 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Green Art at it's very best!

Very few supplies needed!

More information & Registration

I have so many online friends from the Chattanooga Area, it would be so wonderful to make some of you IRL friends and share the day or weekend with you! C'mon down and create with us!

Home from Art & Soul

2011-10-07T19:39:00.022-04:00

This beautiful smile came all the way down from Alaska to be in my "Happy Birds Sing" class! Didn't she make a lovely book?

Its been a week, and the suitcases are unpacked, studio is half cleaned up, and I'm *almost* caught up on the 800 plus emails from when I was gone to Portland Art & Soul. When you see what all we did, you'll know why it's taken me a week to get back into the groove- lol!

Here's Glenny officially opening Portland Art & Soul 2011 at the kick off party!

Ricë Freeman Zachery telling us how the Altered Project Runway was going to work...

Poor Earl Zachery... Altered beyond belief! I decided he needed pink lemonade lipgloss...

(Thanks to the Art & Soul girls for the photo!)

As ALWAYS, Glenny, Marie and the Art & Soul gang put on a FABULOUS Do. I swear, each one I go to, I love more than the last! (And I didn't know it COULD get any better, because I've always had such an awesome time!!!) It was just such a joy to meet up with new friends, and spend time with other friends I'd met before!

Starting out, Sunday night was the kick off party! Ty Shulz, Earl (EGE) Zachery, and Dan Carrel all were great sports as the models for an altered project artway... And boy was it ever altered! Let's just put it this way...I was caught on film in the act of applying strawberry lemonade lip gloss to Earl Zachery...go here to see the brutal evidence. (I DO insist it WAS his perfect color!) I helped with the pink and green slashed t-shirt too- (Tough to do with 10 minutes and garden snips!) For the whole recap, in living color, visit the Art & Soul Facebook page.

I had wonderful Roomies- Jean Van Brederode and Stephanie Rubiano. Both creative and wonderful women who are busy busy busy talented artists and instructors. We had a great time, just wish it would have been longer!

Monday I taught my Happy Birds Sing clay covered journal class. Awesome students I was so BLESSED to have had the help of a wonderful new friend Gina Goodling who just made the day fly-by for me. Normally, after a full day of being on my feet, I am done for, because I forget to drink fluids or eat because I am so focused on my teaching. Wonderful Gina not only provided the toaster ovens to bake the clay (helping keep the cost of the class down), but also kept me fed and watered. You can bet I'll reserve her for next year if she's in the assisting business!
Got to meet up with my friend Deb who I've been able to see all over the country now! It feels like we are long lost sisters from another mother! Never enough time to spend, but good to get to see her for awhile!

Tuesday was the Green Art Goodness class. Wonderful lively students, much sharing as well as art going on! We were so wrapped up in the art, that we forgot to take photos! We made awesome journals out of stuff we no longer liked the color, shape or pattern. We used up parts of our stash to create journals to fall in love with! Llewellen, A & S' s resident wonderful octogenarian kept us all in stitches. The stories she can tell! Well worth sitting down for a chinwag with!

Wednesday was the Fluid Romance class! Always a popular class, I had such wonderful and open students! All took artistic risks, and went home with completed paintings! I am so proud of the work they did! Wish I could show you some of their paintings- each and every one a successful piece~ but crazy me- I ALWAYS forget to take class photos before the class is half gone and cleaning up!

Out to dinner with the roomies, and meeting up and laughing with roomie Jean and Jen Crossley from Australia, and Sondra Barrington from Rings & Things all night, then off to pack my suitcases (thankfully lighter) and to bed. Thursday morning was off to the airport, only to arrive home on Friday morning! Sigh...the fun goes by in the blink of an eye!

Ready for Portland Art & Soul

2011-09-20T12:15:00.007-04:00

I've been in the throes of getting ready for Portland Art & Soul next week. That means, house is neglected, studio is trashed from rushing about and packing kits and goodies, friends haven't been seen as I've been swamped. Last night, after 2 solid and FULL weeks of writing proposals and creating new art, I decided at 10:30 to come downstairs and join hubby for a few minutes of mindless tv and relaxing together. I have been checking and rechecking lists day and night, and was a little stressed and tense. I needed to unwind. I barely sit down on a comfy spot on the sofa when I catch something out of the corner of my eye. I ignore it, thinking it was reflections of light or something. A few seconds later a much more obvious movement. Mike and I look at each other in that split second before I jump up screaming BAT!!!!! I ran to the bedroom and slammed the door. (It was every girl for herself at this point!) Mike said so very calmly- honey, just calm down a minute, and I will get it...Calm down you say? Calm down? A disease ridden, flying vermin is in MY comfy home, where I stretch out and relax, and you say calm down???

EEEEEWWW! I can deal with them in the barn- that's THEIR home, and they eat the mosquitoes. I can't deal with them in my family room, when I'm comfy and tucked in my jammies for the night! It seemed like forever- (the 1 disadvantage to having a 2 story open floor plan) but Mike cornered the critter with a blanket in all places- MY STUDIO!!! My safe haven, my sanctuary where I spend all hours of day and night ALONE. Holy Bat-Crap did that ever creep me out! But Mike- calm as ever just opened the window and let it out... I didn't come back upstairs the rest of the night, waited for daylight-I think where you see 1 bat- there is bound to be another! How in the WORLD did it get in? Mike had been cleaning out the barn, and had opened up both of the top floor haymow's to let light in. I guess one (I hope just 1) of the little creepies decided what's good for Mike is good for him. So did he fly in the door? Did he hitch a ride on Mike's clothes? EEEK it wigs me out to think about it!

I'm calm now, and back at last minute tasks getting ready for Art & Soul. Teaching 3 classes there- A Fluid Romance, Green Art Goodness, and the Happy Bird Sings clay covered journals! Still plenty of time to sign up and join me~ there are still a few open spots in the classes!

CREATE in Lisle

2011-09-05T11:22:00.010-04:00

Messy Sue's class

Wow- another mega trip to CREATE mixed media art retreat, with the car loaded to the gills. Literally, had to sit with my purse on the floor between my feet, as there was no room to put one more thing!

Classes were fabulous! Treated myself, and enjoyed Sue Pelletiers class to warm up for a great week of creating! Never been in such a messy room! Half an hour worth of creating, and the entire floor was covered with plaster powder! They broke out towels, and brooms and shop vacs and then the ever-bubbly and hardworking Sarah from Create was actually on her knees wiping the residue!

Happy Birds Sing class

Next day, my class with the lovely creatives who rose to the Happy Bird challenge! Amazing to me how we all start with the exact same materials each and every time, and yet, no two books look alike at the end of the day! Have to say, the class rooms were so nice and spacious! And that fun bubble plastic on the floor- whoo hoo! Love to step on it, because it sounds and feels like bubble wrap! My wonderful Mike was the toastmaster, watching carefully as the clays baked, so the artists could continue on with other tasks.

Dot and Nancy enjoy the nice large classrooms

After teaching The Happy Birds Sings Journal class all day, it was time to rush over and set up for vendors night! I was particularly anxious because we were launching my new line of polymer stamps. I am so thrilled to proudly say that the ENTIRE line sold out, and we took tons of orders for more in less than 3 hours! All the other goodies seemed to sell fantastically as well. Again- Mike, my hero, never looked up for the 3 hours, he was so busy ringing up sales! Thank goodness for him- I would be so flustered, but he was fabulously unfazed.

In person, it looked alot longer than the photo shows!

Our schedule said we had 1 hour to set up 16 feet's worth of our lovely goodies! I was a little stressed that we wouldn't make it, as we had so many bits and pieces, but it actually worked out just fine. At an antique shop earlier this year, I found vintage suitcases with the initials on them. The initials spelled out ART! Can you believe it? They called to me, and of course I snapped them up to vend with. They ended up being just what we needed for transportation and packing. Thank goodness they were a LOT lighter going home.

After we packed up that night, and got to eat dinner, it was about 1 am. I was exhausted, but it was a happy and fulfilled exhaustion!

Up early the next day to set up the classroom for teaching A Fluid Romance class. The lovely spacious room was soon filled to the brim with wonderful, open and creative students. The work that comes out of this class is always amazing, and I am always so happy to share these times with students, and experience their breakthroughs with them. I can't tell you how happy I am at the end of each day. Filled to the brim with happy bubbles....

Lots of room to move around and spread out creative treasures! Most came away with not one, but 2 completed projects! They got so excited they used their practice canvasses too!

We headed home the next morning, and got in around midnight. I've been unpacking and restocking supplies ever since. Art & Soul Portland is just a couple weeks away! I've also been busy writing up proposals for CREATE 2012. Hopefully, you'll see me in Irvine next May!

New stamp line

2011-08-15T18:24:00.004-04:00

THEY'RE HERE!

I am so excited! Today I launched my new stamp line! 4 separate themes! First is a Crazy Lace stamp 8.5 x 11 for backgrounds. Next is a mysterious women faces line, then a macho men's faces line, both with large and small faces, as well as power words in original fonts that can be sold by the full sheet, half sheet or quarter sheet. Finally, my patterned birds and quotes, jammed packed 8.5x11 inches completely full of images! I will be selling them at the CREATE retreat in Lisle IL at the Vendors faire on Fri night Aug 26th~ whoo hoo. Been waiting a long long time for this to happen, finally found the right company to work with.

Preparing for classes

2011-08-09T21:26:00.007-04:00

I'm excited to be preparing for classes. It feels good to check and double check my lists and workbooks and I enjoy stuffing the workshop kits and goodie bags for class. I love making the samples. And I make multiples, just to make sure all goes smmmmooooothly during classes.

This year I have 3 more venues -CREATE in Lisle IL, at the end of this month, Art & Soul in Portland OR September 30-Oct 7, and at Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga TN, November 4-6!

I'll be teaching at Art & Soul Virginia Beach March 1-6 2012 and at Art & Soul Las Vegas, June 14-18 2012.

Got plenty of new classes up my sleeves, and also teaching some well requested favorites- I can't wait!!! I hope to see you all very soon!

Playing with ICE!

2011-08-02T18:13:00.004-04:00

My Rockin' Resin Reliquaries

As many of you know, I injured my arm and shoulder and have been down for the count for several days now. The Dr. said ICE would help....BOY was she RIGHT!!! Little did the Doc know I have a stash of beloved ICE Resin that I have been experimenting with! I can't say enough good about it, I've been using it in my Knead-a-Mold molds I've made, I've been using it with my polymer clay, I've been making jewelry, and I've been using it in my journals and on paper!!!This stuff is amazing, I've had no problems from fumes, and it's so user friendly!

Here is a peek at a class I'm developing for next year called Rockin' Resin Reliquaries.

No wasted minutes here!

2011-07-22T20:07:00.007-04:00

Seems as if we have been having to spend tons of time in waiting rooms and on hold on the telephone lately. Rather than watch my life slip by and feel frustrated at the loss of the precious time, I've been carrying a sketch pad around religiously! I'm excited about an upcoming project I am working on that is circus related, so I've been concentrating on that. Here are just a few sketches I've done this month in those otherwise "wasted" moments. Taken on my cell phone, which also has been the source of inspiration as I've "googled" photos of clowns and such to sketch from as I wait my turn in line...

Background journal pages

2011-07-12T18:23:00.009-04:00

It's been 100% crazy around these parts- not enough hours in the day, not enough days in the week, not enough weeks in the month to get done all I need to. It seems that after a 18 day visit from the little, the house and studio are wrecked, the paperwork drudgery (like insurance & bills- I hate reading that stuff!) has piled up, my mojo is shot, and I'm having trouble finding my usual stride of getting things accomplished.
I'm busy developing new classes to propose, and getting together supplies for upcoming classes. I'm also trying to get a few outstanding swaps completed and in the mail.

These are some of the background pages I created for a journaling group I am in. I hope you enjoy them- they were a combination of pages I stamped and painted, then imported into photoshop to give them lighter centers to make it easier for my friends to journal on. I love finding new ways to re-use my own work. I hope you are all enjoying your summers too!

CREATE Update

2011-05-29T01:00:00.009-04:00

"Harry's Sisters"

"Boys will be Boys"

Did I ever have a great time at CREATE Costa Mesa! The artists in my classes were so wonderful and open and willing to just jump in and try anything I threw their way! Each Artist inspired me with their totally new interpretation of the formula I set in front of them. It always amazes me how in these classes we all start witht the same supply list, yet no 2 finished projects look alike. I am so proud of my peeps- each and every one of them wildly successful!

And I can't say enough about the CREATE staff! The event staff was an awesome team that buzzed and zipped around keeping everything running. The editors were friendly and approachable, and so very generous in their informational dealings with us! Truly makes me happy, since CPS and CPSS are some of my very favorite magazines! They were so wonderful, every need was fulfilled, every comfort had been planned for! The meeting rooms were large and spacious, and the temps were just perfect. The hotel was easy to navigate, and the rooms were clean and spacious. I loved that we had an outside balcony, and I was able to keep it open on day.

Besides getting to see many wonderful friends I've gotten to meet at other venues again, I also had the pleasure of getting to meet some longtime on-line friends! How fun to put the faces to the names, the personalities to the life stories we've shared. What a blessing.

Another real JOY and pleasure was getting to meet my roommates! I was so fortunate to room with Pam Carriker and Jen Cushman. Both are awesome artists and authors, and I couldn't have been luckier to have had the incredible opportunity to spend time with each of them. They are both such amazing wealths of information, and talent! We had such a great time together. It was like meeting long lost sisters or something. We all were able to enjoy an evening class together one night, and Dawn Sokol's "Doodle Soup" was just the ticket! We giggled and relaxed the time away, as creative Dawn lead us thru some fun doodle exercises. It was just the thing to recharge us after long days of teaching and traveling!

I was a bad bad puddy tat- I forgot to take pictures...I'll get better I promise...

To appease, I will reveal some new mixed media fluid acrylic paintings I've been working on.

"Les Roses"

(This one is ALL Pam Carriker's fault, she gave me a GREAT new white gel pen and I tried it out and it wrote on EVERYTHING!!! So obviously I went crazy with it and the bas relief!)

Artiscape, Art & Soul Hampton revisited!

2011-05-08T12:30:00.012-04:00

Goodies on our Vendors table at Art & Soul

Wow has time ever flown! In a little less than 3 weeks Mike and I've been all over the place, and visited with friends from around the country!

First, we had a visit with our good friends Kathy from TN, and Andi from WV. So nice they could come in early and spend time with us! First Mike made us his awesome world famous ribs, we enjoyed the comedy styling of John Pinette. The next day the girls and I spent a glorious day stimulating the economy of Dublin Ohio at Miss Biddies Coach House & Tea Room, and then shopping at The Morgan House. Not finished yet, we finished the day with a car full of goodies from The Greater Columbus Antique Mall.

From then the race was on. Artiscape was in full swing, with Mike, Kathy and I setting up and them vending while I demo-ed my new favorite tools, Knead-a-mold and Casting Resin! (More on that later!!!) So all day & night Friday and Saturday we were swamped busy. Our booth was small but mightily filled with goodies, and the shoppers and other vendors were so much fun!

Sunday was my "Happy Bird Sings" clay covered journal class, taking the majority of our day. Had great students, and a lot of fun. Andi shot home after her classes, and Kathy and Mike and I wound down getting Kathy ready for the Airport the next morning.

Upon arriving home from the airport, I was lucky enough to spend time with my cousins Wendy and Laura. Sadly, we lost Laura's mom- my Aunt Linda, and I was heartbroken at not being able to attend the funeral due to my Artiscape commitments, but thank goodness I got to spend time with my girls. We were the closest in age, and so of course we spent lots of time together growing up. I miss my time with my cousins. Now that I'm always travelling, Wendy is in CA and Laura has 5 kids- that time is precious and scarce these days. They kindly helped me re-stock my supplies for my booth and we spent nice times together at the Antique mall and then splurged on Jeni's Ice Cream. If you've never had their Bangkok Peanut....OHHHH MY! Thai Chili Spice, Peanuts and Coconut....ice cream that sets your mouth on fire....I DREAM of it...

Then Easter! And Mike was on the freeway, and a Canadian Goose flew right into the car! Smashed the windshield, dented the roof, and sent glass all over him. The Lord was good and spared Mike from any injury, and other than being shaken and having an un-driveable car, all was well. We scrambled, and Mom lent us her car, as the very NEXT day we were to leave for Art & Soul in Hampton VA.

Mike's Easter Goose Encounter

We loaded the car to the gills, and headed out- stopping at Andi's to spend the night. Mapquest said it was exactly halfway... Mike and I were used to our GPS, and my Mom's was totally different. We ended up going thru the most twisty, turny, 180 degree, one laned roads, but we eventually got there, and we had a lovely, VERY rural drive doing it. We hit an antique store with Andi and found even more goodies, and had a fun dinner out. A nice evening chatting and then off to bed to get ready for the next day. Of course Andi had prepared her WORLD FAMOUS Creme Brulee' French Toast, and so Mike and I waddled to the car and said goodbye, knowing we would meet up with her again in a few days at Art & Soul!

Mike and I went through the Monongahela National Forest & Park, and the George Washington State Park on our way to Hampton Virginia. Lovely all- stomach did not like the curves much though...

Hooray! We arrived at Art & Soul, and I taught 2 full classes of the most awesome and open-minded, creative artists! Each and everyone a happy success story! Fluid Romance and Event Journals Extraordinaire! Can't say enough good about the experience! Everyone was positive and happy and thrilled to be there, enjoying the venue and each others company! Class spaces were wonderfully large and comfortable. The hotel rooms were lovely suites with plenty of space to sit and work and still be comfortable.

I got to spend good down time with my friends Christy from VA and Deb from TX, along with Andi and a new friend Adriane. Seemed I also got to quickly connect and see dozens of friends in the halls and at breakfast every day.

I also was fortunate to meet several of my art heroes- which is always a big kick! I was so pleased to meet Suzanne McNeill, Pam Carriker, Lesley Riley and Susan Lenart Kasmer. Fabulous ladies each and every one!

Vendors Night came, and with a WHOOSH it went, but boy did our booth just BLOW OUT the goodies! Can't believe how many empty containers we had on the table at the end of just 3 hours! I just barely had a few minutes before opening to scour the room, and a few minutes after closing to go back and pick up my treasures. I always have to stop at Lesley and Tom Venables table- they have the most MARVELOUS goodies! And Lesley is an awesome instructor on top of it all!

Finally the sad day came. Art & Soul was over, and we headed home. Mike and I shopped at little out-of-the-way antique shops all the way home to restock our supplies for our vending booth again. And WOW! What cool stuff we found! Can't wait to show you!

Whew! If you've hung-on this long, my thanks. I don't know when I'll get to get back again, as I am leaving for the CREATE Retreat in Costa Mesa CA in just a few days, and I am crazily getting ready for those classes. Unpacking, Repacking, Restocking and Shipping has taken it's toll on the house. Thank goodness Mike will be home this time, to keep things under control!

Spring Swap

2011-04-01T19:40:00.003-04:00

I've been so terribly busy lately, trying to get ready for Artiscape, Art & Soul VA, and CREATE in Costa Mesa, not to mention trying to develop new classes and proposals for 2012 that I have been sadly neglectful of my bloggerly duties. So- as soon as I get life back to only an 80 hour work week, I'll be back with all sorts of new photos and projects to share.

Until I can get them up, I'll share a photo of a piece I made for a Spring swap I was in over at Playing with Boxes. We were to decorate a large matchbox and include a little art giftee inside. We sent them so our partner would receive them by the first day of spring. Hopefully it will take the sting out of the last few bites of snow we've had here in The Ohio Valley!

Many of you know how much I adore Julie Haymaker Thompson. She is such a creative soul and an awesome friend. Stop over and see her wonderful art here. Soon Julie will have her store in Bisbee AZ up and running and you will be able to get all sorts of awesome stuff there! I was very much thinking of her as I made this fun little imp for my partner Brittany. I call it Robbie and her redbird.

Art and Soul Art Retreat, Blog Hop...and a Prize

2011-02-21T10:06:00.023-05:00

Are you ready for NEXT winter? You will be if you take an exciting and inspirational break before you head indoors for months! Rest, rejuvenate, and recharge your creative muses in September with us at ART & SOUL, Portland!

From Mon Sept 26 thru Sun Oct 2, hundreds of kindred spirits will be gathered together to connect, learn, play, grow and experiment in mixed media workshops taught by internationally recognized instructors—designed to energize the creative spirit!

Mon Sept 26th, I'll be teaching the "Happy Bird Sings" Clay Covered Journal that is featured in Cloth Paper Scissors Jan/Feb 2011. You might want to sign up early, as this class has been selling out quickly!

On Tues Sept 28th, in "Green Art Goodness" I'll show you how to recycle, alter and use all that stuff you have laying around that you don't want to throw out, but you don't really like it enough to use! We'll transform common cereal boxes and broken, mismatched bits and pieces into something you will love. We'll even have a trading session as every artist feels other peoples embellishments are cooler than their own!

I invite you to join me Wed Sept 29th for "A Fluid Romance" where we will explore the juicy, color rich world of Fluid Acrylics. Layering, Optical & Physical color blending, Bas-relief, Composition, Hot-foils, are only the beginning of our playtime...3D ephemera additions will be the taste of steam punk topper.

Still Reading? On to the prize info... Leave a comment on this post about what sort of art classes you would like to take in the future and why, and I'll enter you into a drawing to win one of my handmade journals! Easy!!! Drawing will be held in June~ Make sure you leave info about where to contact you.

Checkout all the inspiration Art & Soul can offer you here. (Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a lot of new projects to inspire your work when you have to settle in for a long winter!) Keep reading to find out about an even BIGGER prize from Art & Soul! I mean wowza big!

Choose from dozens of wonderfully talented and dedicated Art and Soul instructors! Take a quick tour around this blog hop and you'll learn more about just a few of them!

Janne is a master of freestyle and creative machine embroidery and textile portraits, so lifelike!

Janne Robberstad- http://www.spindelmaker.com

Whether inside out outside of boxes, houses or ATC's Stephanie Rubiano's little butterfly people are charming. Stephanie Rubiano- http://www.soigathered.typepad.com

Liz has Gorgeously delectable fabric and fabric painting classes, with a delightful fabric memory journal. Elizabeth Kettle- http://www.textileevolution.com

Ingrid has lively, absolutely thrilling journals with things that truly jump off the page at you!

Ingrid Dijkers – http://www.ingriddijkers.blogspot.com

Ty and Marcia Schultz are enchanted people! They teach you how to make coool big stuff out of Paverpol, and then how to make cool molds of smaller stuff you want more of!

Marcia Schultz- http://queenofarts.blogspot.com

Karen O'Brien's juicy, richly colored, multi-layered collages always make me smile!
Karen O’Brien- http://karenobrien.blogspot.com

Glenny Moir is the magic behind the machine, who works tirelessly night and day, year round to create the whole Art & Soul experience.*** Stop by Glenny's blog and learn about the MOST fabulous prize! A 5 night stay at Embassy Suites! Drawing June 1, so don't hesitate! http://artandsoulretreats.wordpress.com

Want COLOR and ALOT of it? Jane Davies beautiful paper and collage classes are for you!
http://www.janedavies-collagejourneys.blogspot.com

Having fun in the studio!

2011-02-18T16:34:00.013-05:00

Betty, Kari, Joe R, and Joe M

Remember a little while ago I told you about this fabulous SCAL program that allows you to cut anything you design using your Cricut? Well I am so impressed with it that I invited the design team over for lunch. WOW! Did we ever have a good time! Joe Rotella, Joe Morgan and Betty Scott, Mike and I enjoyed each others company over yummy lunch and a delicious Cherry Chocolate cake that they brought. (If I hadn't had all the good art ideas and conversaiton to distract me, THAT chocolate siren would have lured me away from my healthy diet entirely!)

Blossom and Rascal really took to them too- and in my book if my doggies love you -you are A-OK!Any of you cricut owners who love the machine, but aren't so fond of buying cartridges to take a peek at their info. I find the SCAL program VERY easy to learn. (If you have used any Adobe Photoshop or PE programs, you will know it automatically!) But with or without any prior experience, Joe easily can get you up and running like a pro in just a couple hours!

http://www.createncraft.com/

I will be doing a PREVIEW reveal of my new line of stencils created with SCAL from my artwork Feb 26-March 4 in my classes at Art & Soul Las Vegas. There will be lots of give-aways!

http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/index.html

And in other fun news, the Spring issue of Coth Paper Scissors Studios was advertised in Cloth Paper Scissors Today. I was tickled to see how they described me/my studio...

Studios, Spring 2011 (Pre-Order)

Incredibly enthusiastic mixed-media artist Kari McKnight-Holbrook loves old things. She uses cigar boxes for embellishments, wire card holders for letters and cabinet cards, old muffin tins (image below) and lunch trays for sorting.Check out all the other talented artists and their useful organizational tips and tricks in Spring Studios!

Cricut fansout there?

2011-02-11T17:03:00.002-05:00

I recently purchased a Cricut machine. I love the options it gave me, but still felt very limited in what it could do, and I didn't like having to buy expensive cartridges and STILL not have all the options I wanted. I am used to having so much freedom with my Adobe software, that I was OVERJOYED to find the SCAL program that once again gave ME all the freedom to do whatever I wanted to do! Anything I created in my Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, I could print and cut! No more cartridges!!! Well-now just in time for Valentines Day, Create & Craft is launching a new web site where you can learn about the SCAL program, and even better than that, they are doing an awesome giveaway! Visit http://www.createncraft.com/ to sign up for your chance to win!

Cloth Paper Scissors Studios

2011-02-04T12:48:00.004-05:00

I have been a travellin' madwoman lately! I have been away from home LITERALLY for the last month and a half! Over a month in Mexico, then a couple weeks in TN for family visits, and 4 workshops. (more on them later!) Got home last night, and am crazily beginning to dig out from avalanches of mail, emails, dirty clothes, no groceries... What did I find? A fantastic email! Whoo-Hoo! So excited to be in Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magazine! And in the copy with Ty Pennington on the cover no less! Tickled doesn't begin to describe it!

If you would like a peek into my studio space, check out the Spring 2011 issue! Or, better yet, shoot me an email and we'll set up a workshop for you and your friends IN the studio!

http://www.interweavestore.com/Mixed-Media/Magazines/Studios-Spring-2011.html

Valentines Swap

2011-01-25T12:15:00.005-05:00

I just finished these for a Valentine Matchbox swap I'm in. I love the beautiful metal work they do in Mexico, and since I just came back from there- I was still very much inspired by the art I saw. Since the recipients haven't yet received their treats, I won't show the goodies inside, but all of them come from Mexico! I had fun shopping for tiny treasures down there!

Costa Mesa here I come!

2011-01-25T01:31:00.002-05:00

The ink is still wet on the contracts! I'm busy adding teaching locations, and I'm proud to announce the latest: I'll be teaching at the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in Costa Mesa California! This is the second event- the first was in Chicago last August. CREATE is organized by Interweave Press, LLC- the publishers of Cloth Paper Scissors, CPS Studios, American Artist and Quilting Arts magazine (just to name a few of their 19 magazines and 30 special publications.)

It's in it's in!

2010-12-22T13:16:00.003-05:00

Recieved word just a few days ago that my mini book DID make the cut, and is one that will be featured in the Jan/Feb issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

I'm a finalist!

2010-10-13T04:13:00.003-04:00

I got a notification the other day, that I am a finalist in the Cloth, Paper, Scissors Mini Book Challenge. It's the first time I ever submitted anything to that particular magazine, so I am pretty excited! It's less than 4" wide x 5" tall, and all the pages were illustrated by me. I had so much fun developing my own fonts for this project.

You can check out the Cloth Paper Scissors editors blog here:

Here is just a peek at the book I sent... Hopefully more later, they asked I send it in to them for publication consideration.

Moon Pies, Friends, Barbeque, and Art!

2010-09-20T14:43:00.015-04:00

A Man and A Moon Pie... It all started with a 9 hour drive south to see Anne Bagby demo at The River Gallery in Chatanooga. (If you are in the area- I can't encourage you strongly enough to go see this wonderful gallery and Anne's unique work! The texture and depth of the pieces will blow you away!)

Knowing we were heading south, we called up our friend Kathy, (another awesome artist) to see if she could meet us for the day to see Anne's show. She and her hubby hopped in the car and we were thrilled to spend a fun afternoon with them exploring the Bluff View Arts district of Chatanooga with them. It was absolutely STUPID HOT! Our car read 103° and I believed every degree of it.

Our 1st stop was The Original Moon Pie Store. They used to give tours at the factory, but because of some silly laws somewhere they can't anymore, so they did have an interesting video about how the pies are made.

I never DREAMED there were so many varietys of Moon Pies! I knew about the chocolate originals and Doubles, and I had even seen the banana flavor, but peanut butter, and mint, and organge, OH MY! Minis and Doubles and singles and cartons!

Kathy couldn't resist the sweet siren song of the Moon Pie Originals.... Here she is buying dessert before we go to lunch!

We walked across the street to a yummy smelling barbecue place, and were not disappointed in where our noses had led us! Sticky Fingers Smokehouse had several interesting things on the menu that had us curious. Kathy's hubby tried the deep fried corn on the cob for us. He gave it thumbs up! I wondered how it didn't come out popped like pop-corn! All of us enjoyed our meal, the portion sizes were huge! I felt guilty about leaving alot on my plate, but in 100° + weather, it just wouldn't keep!

We walked outside and wilted, but bravely decided to walk to the gallery. (Because a kind local told us it was only a couple blocks away.) He failed to mention it was STRAIGHT UP HILL! He did mention an elevator, but the only one we found was a sealed little plexiglass booth with no air or electric and it looked like we would bake to death before reaching the top! It was an interesting walk among the impressive old homes, and we saw alot of wonderful architecture.

We began seeing wonderful sculpture, and knew we were closing in on our destination.

As we entered the cool air of the wonderful River Gallery, all of our senses were delighted! There was sparkling water and lemon, delicious smelling pumpkin appetizers, wondourous art for the eyes to behold and sculpture that begged to be touched! Hand created windchimes and drums were enchanting to listen to their different tones. All this, and we hadn't even gotten past the front room!

Through the doorway they had a wonderful space set up for Anne to demo in, and she was mezmerizing the crowd as she worked. She explained her methods and had her hand carved stamps on hand to see and feel.

After chatting with Anne a bit, and viewing the entire gallery twice, and making a purchase, we took our leave back out into the heat, and walked along the river. Beautiful breezes made it feel like it was only 100 instead of 103!

As we walked back to the car, we made one last stop for a mega box of Moon Pies! All in all, I think it was truly one of the most perfect days enjoying life and alot of the wonderful things it has to offer!

By the way- did you know you can microwave a Moon Pie? Says so right on the wrapper. We did. Now we are sorry we didn't buy 2 mega boxes of them!

Sale on Goodies for my friends!

2010-08-18T08:29:00.011-04:00

Many of you who have taken my classes know how much I am IN LOVE with my friend Aileens Color Mist sprays, and in how many ways I use them. I just thought I'd let yall know that she is having a SUPER sale right now! She's got tons of other cool cool stuff too- browse around- she's got so many cool ideas and how-to videos you'll find yourself bookmarking the page!

***15% Off your order at http://www.outsidethemargins.com/ use coupon code "summer" at the time of check out.***

C'mon...the kids got new school supplies...don't you deserve a few new art supplies?

Art And Soul, here I come!

2010-07-29T18:43:00.011-04:00

I am so excited, I'm about to burst with happiness! I'm so pleased to tell you that I will be teaching at the 2011 Art and Soul in Hampton, VA! Registration begins August 15, 2010.

I've made so many nice friendships at Art events like these, so if you are planning on being there, please stop by and say HI!

Thursday April 28, 2011 you can find me enjoying...
A Fluid Romance

Fall in love with Fluid Acrylics! As we explore the allure of layers using both physical and optical color blends, you’ll discover the subtle differences between transparent, translucent, and opaque paints. While building your paint and collage story on canvas, you’ll learn sexy tricks to easily put your own marks, sketches and artwork into the painting. I’ll share how to see if something will work out before risking what you have already done. We will delight in bas-relief and appealing textures. We will explore the attraction of using wax oil crayons, oil based markers & stabilo pencils with Acrylic mediums. You’ll learn veiling techniques to help give your paintings a deeper charm and an aura of mystery. We’ll play with stencils, stamps, rub-ons and hot foils. We will focus on freeing our inner artists, and learn skills to rebuff the dreaded Artist Block. Secrets to successful compositions will be revealed. Our finished charismatic canvases will be rich with juicy colors, individual dreams and glamorous mysteries. We will adorn our art with final kisses of 3-D ephemera that will pull the viewer into our artful embrace.

On Friday April 29, 2011, we'll dive whole-heartedly into... Event Journals Extraordinaire!

Ever been so thrilled about an event that you want to create a spectacular journal to commemorate it in a special way? Excitedly gather your supplies and sit down to begin only to find your muse missing? Want to journal on the road, but the thought of packing supplies daunting? Stuck as to where to begin? THIS is the journal class for you! Plenty of tips, tricks and visual aids, before and after, sample pages, and ideas for journal prompts will be given. We will work on background techniques, and as you paint, Kari will discuss all things journal! Beyond just composition and color, she will show you her actual working travel journal kit, give you lists of what sorts of things to collect and include in your journal, as well as how to attach, insert and incorporate them! You will learn creative places to find images, quotes, ephemera and background materials. Your inspiration well will overflow with cool techniques that can be made with simple household materials, and multi-tasking mediums! During the day we will also discuss studio storage methods for our journaling treasures, with actual photo examples.

Oh HAPPY DAY!

2010-07-05T20:43:00.006-04:00

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Day here! Two brand new puppies! Mini Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The little girl is the ruby and white one, and the little boy is the tri-color one. The are always on top of each other, touching somehow. Even with a huge yard, they run side by side. They sleep on each other, and if you are petting one, the other must get in on the action too.

Just a few pictures of the days adventures. Can you see the enormous smile on Mike's face???

New Classes, New projects

2010-07-04T12:11:00.011-04:00

The Happy Bird Sings Journals

I've been sort of quiet here lately, as I'm still limited on computer time. However, I've been putting finishing touches on some of the new classes I will be offering! Since a picture speaks a thousand words, I'll let you see a sneak peek!

Event Journals Extraordinaire!

That's all for today, my computer time is up and my arm is throbbing, so I'll post more in a day or so! I'll also post the locations of where I will be teaching these classes as more information becomes available.

Garden Fairies Abound...

2010-06-22T20:47:00.007-04:00

I' ve had so much fun with this new class I'm developing! Hard to believe these little creatures started life as a clothes pins, tin foil & floor wax... These are my most recent class samples. They gave me so much joy creating them. I was particularly fond of the new process for the wings I've come up with. I'm in the midst of writing the class instruction booklet, but as I am limited to 10 minutes a day on the computer, it is taking me awhile. Luckily, I have a good hubby who's helping!

The Eroded Diva

2010-06-03T15:20:00.009-04:00

As many of you know, I've been participating in the Erosion Bundle Project. (More detailed post on that to come.) A very dear group of online friends -The Altered Art Divas- are doing a special round robin. The Fabulous Kris Henderson organized not only The Erosion Bundle Project, but also, this Eroded Diva adventure. She created the most awesome box structure to set us off on our journey. Yesterday brought my turn to add to the deliciousness.

I love repetition and hidden meaning in art, so I added some antique music snips from my bundle to several different locations throughout the piece. (I think art should sing to your soul!) I added music snips to the brass butterfly, with an eroded red gemstone on top. More music snips, an old watch part and an antique rhinestone went to the top left hand corner, with red raffia- all from my bundle. I believe it was Di Gilligan who first added the red paper flower to the piece as the accent punch color, and I loved it, so I repeated it throughout the piece as well.

I added some more music snips, red raffia and watch sprockets, with antique millinery flowers to the puzzle pieces.
I carefully removed the center insert to work down below the little peek hole in the top right hand corner. More music, and since currently I am FEELING like the ultimate Eroded Diva, I placed a small mirror to look back at you. Another watch sprocket on top, and then I put the insert back in. The SUPER talented Kathy McElroy had it just prior to me, if you would like to see before and afters...

Studio organization

2010-05-20T15:04:00.006-04:00

I'm out on the injured list, with the back thing being messed up discs now. I'm resting, and still having to deal with my collarbone/arm issue so my computer time is still limited to less than 10 minutes a day. I feel very cut off from the world without my daily computer contact among friends.Anyway, I can't lift anything, can't drive, can't sit or stand for any length of time. So I'm trying to find things I can do to feel "useful" and "productive." Our friend Nate gave me this cool antique cubby thing last Christmas, and I've been wanting to use it in the studio. It's spaces are long and narrow, and required some thinking as to what I could store in there. I spent a little time sitting on pillows and wrapping my longer ribbon snippets onto foamcore pieces that fit in the spaces perfectly. I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out. Now I can look at the color family without having to root thru a whole big drawer of jumbled pieces. Some time ago, I had begun wrapping my little short snips around wooden clothes pins and storing them by color family in clear "paint" cans.

I am always in search of the best way to store my treasures....anyone have any unique ideas to share?

EEEK! Where does time go?

2010-04-09T23:31:00.005-04:00

My apologies dear friends! How could more than a month have gone by since my last post? Everything and nothing has happened. Does that make sense? Lots of great things, and a few yucky things have happened. Here is the whole tale, the good, the bad the ugly, AND the wonderful!

First, I had a great time painting faces at a community family festival. Great accommodations, wonderful patrons!

I also painted faces at a lovely 6-year old birthday party. Beautiful day, sweet and friendly people, and great atmosphere.

For sometime now, I've tried to get help for where I severely injured my collarbone. It causes my arm to ache and go completely numb. It pokes out and has to be worked on 3 times a week to try and get it back in position. Not fun, but thankfully I have a wonderful Dr. who is helping me tremendously. But I can't be on the computer for more than 10 minutes a day! It has been building up for some time, and I tried therapy a couple years ago, but now it's so bad I've had to take a break from my job for awhile to see if I can get it healthy again.

Was contacted to take more face painting jobs- had to turn them down due to timing. Always so nice to be in demand.

Next, as a little souvenir of a community festival, I caught the mumps... I mean who get the MUMPS as an adult? Especially when I already had them before??? But, the upside, because I could only eat Popsicles and liquids, I lost 10 pounds...Woo-Hoo!

Then I started feeling better, and I met with the wonderful people of the Village of Groveport. I've been asked to teach art classes, workshops, and art camps! They have several GREAT spaces for the classes, and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. For children, tweens, teens, and adults. All sorts of ideas for classes are swimming in my head! I've never felt so energized, so full of ideas! I'm scribbling them down everywhere trying to capture them. I will start later this year- more info coming soon.

Then, the lingering end of the mumps turned into bronchitis. I was holding my own against it when I had an unfortunate incident by the shower... I slipped and fell and fractured my sacrum...SO now I'm having difficulties sitting, standing, sleeping...But, all the more time to write down my art ideas...(though they do get a little weird during the middle of the night...) Funny, with all this padding, I figured I would have bounced...LOL!

Mike has had his own ups and downs. He's had another 2 back surgeries, and is facing 1 more this spring, 3 more this winter. On the positive side, he's attending State Classes for Real Estate. He's really enjoying them and excited about the future. He's almost through except for the crammer for the State Boards. He's so focused and great with the details, plus he knows SO much about construction and real estate appraisals, I think he's going to be a fantastic realtor!
He's had several offers already!

Oh- and dare I forget? There was Artiscape. Busy Busy Busy! It was Fantastic. Had the most awesome people in classes! Couldn't have asked for more from an Art Retreat! And tomorrow I'm thrilled to be winging my way to Salado Texas for the Shady Ladies Altered Art Retreat. Can't wait to meet my online friend Jeri in person! If you are in the area- come join us! you can check out the link on the side of my blog.

So- as soon as I get back I'll catch up. (This little tale took me several days to write! !0 minutes a day is almost unbearable!) Hope all of you are having a less bumpy, but just as happy Spring!

I'm elated to have had this time to rest a bit and work on my art. Lots of new projects and ideas are coming forth!

Art & Soul Reflections

2010-02-27T15:22:00.021-05:00

Some of my journal page backgrounds

Do you have Art Heroes? I do. Not just ones like Leonardo da Vinci, Monet or Cassatt. But ones still among the living and creating... I think it's no secret to anyone how much I adore Anne Bagby, Lynne Perrella and Carla Sonheim. I've written and spoken of them often. It's not enough for me to read their books, watch their videos and attend their classes in order to soak up every single drop of insight and wisdom they might share... I want to eat what they eat, sleep how they sleep, breathe what they breathe in hopes that some of their awesome talent just MIGHT be influenced by environment, and therefore I might- by osmosis or some other such magic- soak up some of the elements to be able to create in a similar fashion!

These past few days I was busy soaking! I was fortunate enough to attend Art and Soul, and sit in some of my Hero's classes, and to find some new Heroes to learn from as well.

Jan Harris

Jan Harris, an incredibly gifted artist started me out with some new journaling prompts. She also caused me to work bigger- something which I had shied away from prior to spending time with her. Maybe I worked small because I was afraid to have to do too much writing on any one page...now I'm embracing it and no longer hesitant to work 9 x 12 in journals! Brave Jan stepped in and took over Judy Wise's classes with very little notice and did an admirable job!

Julie Haymaker Thompson
(Although it looks as if she's yelling, she wasn't! I just always seemed to be shootin' while she was 'splainin'! She's just the cutest little thing!)
Julie Haymaker Thompson. Was in Jan's class with me, and then the next day I got to take a class from her. I can't say how much I enjoyed her class! She too was a last minute addition to the Art & Soul lineup, and I was THRILLED to have been in one of her classes. Lively and fun, supportive and creative! Can you say new hero???

Lisa Kaus & hubby Dave

This is my painted, collaged and bees-waxed box from Lisa's class.
Lisa Kaus was my 3rd instructor. She certainly knows her stuff and shows up very organized and prepared. Hubby Dave even lends a hand with the power tools!

Carla Sonheim

Finally, Carla Sonheim! In her class, I reached a level of whimsy and looseness that is very difficult for me to reach on my own. She is so intuitive in her teaching! She seems to have perfected the timing and exercises to be able to help open you to a new area of your own style. I've been a big fan of hers for years, and even have her prints up in my house, so to get to meet her was an absolute joy!

This is my junk mail art book. Everything you see was junk mail, and then the birdees morph from page to page. I'm addicted and can't put it down! I've never been this loose and free with my sketching before! I'm not done with it yet, so I'll keep you posted with updates.

The other thing about these art retreats are that you meet the nicest new friends. I had the pleasure of sharing 2 seperate classes with these darling and beautiful two "sisters," Sheryl and Teresa. What a hoot they were!

OWOH Giveaway Winners

2010-02-15T23:41:00.003-05:00

The big day has arrived!
Drum roll please.... The names have been pulled out of the sealed mayonnaise jar.....
And the winners are....

Lemondrop Marie said...
Please tell Mike that my entry should be put in twice, I love this piece that much. Does reaaaallly wanting it count any extra? ;0)Thank you so much for the chance to win, would love to!Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge OWOH necklace giveaway
February 13, 2010 9:21 PM

and...

Amisha said...
I saw your work in the Art Journalling magazine! What a treat to find you here!
February 7, 2010 10:42 AM

Congrats to you both! Thank you all for stopping by!

If you didn't win one, you can always sign up to take the class with me at Shady Ladies Art Retreat in April- I'll happily teach you how to create your own fairy, angel or mermaid! Just click on the logo over to the side and it will take you to the site...

One World, One Heart Giveaway ~Magic Carpet Ride

2010-01-23T17:04:00.011-05:00

It's that time of year again! It's time for open hearts and making new friends, and for giveaways! This year, I will be giving away one of my clay creations. Matter of fact, for every 200 comments I receive, I will give away another angel or fairy!

This years One World, One Heart Event runs from Jan 25, 2010 - Feb 15, 2010. On the 15th, I will print out all the comments and will cut them apart. My trusty assistant, handyman and all round good sport of a hubby Mike will draw names of the winner(s).

What is this OWOH you ask? To read the story behind it, you can go to OWOH and read the whole story. Lisa Swifka's idea (which I think is GENIUS) behind this event "was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way." OWOH also is the place to go to find all the links of the other participating bloggers...

Appropriately this year's theme is the Magic Carpet! What a perfect metaphor for traveling to all the wondrous places these links will take you! Happy traveling, and the best of luck!

PLEASE MAKE SURE you either have a blog link, or a valid email address IN YOUR COMMENT so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner! On the 15th I will contact you to get your mailing info and your prize will be addressed and put in the mail ASAP!

Angels Angels Angels

2010-01-18T20:15:00.012-05:00

I've been busy creating Angels and Mermaids of late. I find once I begin, they are so much fun, I can't stop with just one!

If you would like to learn how to make these enjoyable little creatures for yourself, I will be teaching this class "Mermaids, Fairies & Angels" in April at the Shady Ladies Altered Art Retreat. If you mention that you saw this blog post, I'll arrange for you to get 10% off of my class fee!

It's sure to be a wonderful new annual retreat! Jeri, the coordinator has pulled out all the stops to truly make it a luxury weekend, with all the creature comforts in mind! She's taken the economy in mind, and provided creative and talented, local and nationally known instructors, at "girl next door" pricing! Jeri has thoughtfully arranged for lots of time with these instructors, both in the classroom and socially through out the weekend. It's sure to be the event everyone will talk about this year! I hope you'll join us.

SO far so good!

2010-01-04T12:18:00.006-05:00

So here is my accountability for my goals this year so far...
I've cleaned out my jewelry drawer, and 2 medicine cabinet shelves, the little one's entire room- closet dressers, shelves and all, and I've cleaned out the pantry...

For my health, I've eaten salads when I wanted ice cream, I've walked up and down stairs about 60 times in 3 days, and I've been drinking more water... (not so good- I had 2 oreos on New Years Day- but good because I stopped before I ate the whole bag!) I've been eating brown rice and lean meats and generous spinach salads...

For my ART! I've called several art friends- just hearing their voices charges me up! I've written up several class proposals and I've been in the studio several hours per day. I also allowed myself to surf the web for inspiration, a luxury that has to come in very short spurts.

The biggest thing is I almost have my giveaway gift completed for the One World, One Heart giveaway which will take place later this month! I love this being ahead of schedule stuff! I don't miss the pressure at ALL!

Erosion Bundles Art Project

2010-01-02T17:22:00.007-05:00

I'm very excited about this new art project I'm participating in.

It's called The Erosion Bundle Project.

It's been organized by a very talented artist I'm proud to call my friend Kris Henderson.

This is a simple personal and creative challenge: to create a bundle made of my favorite media and hang the bundle outdoors.

Mother Nature is to be our collaborative partner, other participating artists will be our sounding boards, and our inspiration!

In my bundles I placed some old sheet music, large colored post-it notes, some cotton, coffee grounds, colored tissue paper dots, paper flowers, old keys, copper tags, old keyboard parts, printers heat foils, colored construction paper, colored printed papers, and cardboard tubes. I can't wait to see what nature and time does to them all!

The schedule for the project is as follows:

On January 1, 2010 - I placed my Erosion Bundles in nature.

In between = we will share thoughts and photos

On April 15, 2010 - I will retrieve my bundle from nature

By August 1, 2010 - I will finish an art piece using my eroded stuff!

http://erosionbundles.blogspot.com/ if you are curious to follow along...

I chose to do 3 identical bundles, to allow Mother Nature to tell me WHEN to use the treasures inside. I will take one down on April 15th, but I've tied all my bundles on with cotton string, so when they disintegrate and fall down, I will create with the other bundles. I think it will be interesting to see different time intervals of the disintegration.

!Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T18:59:00.019-05:00

I love New Years! I love the fresh "clean" feeling you get from starting something new! I love making lists, and checking things off those lists... I love starting new journals, I love making new goals for myself and my art! Maybe it's a little weird, but I am never successful starting diets on any day other than a Monday (a "new & fresh" week), and I love squeaking in under the deadline wire...(too many years of graphic arts I guess...) I love the challenge of beginning something to change myself for the better. What better time than a fresh new year! Since I soooo love checking something off of my list, I've set a few of this years goals as small, incremental tasks so I can keep track of how I am doing on my way to bigger life changes.

Right now, I am in the middle of a major health crisis. My overall goal is to get healthier this year. To that end, I have vowed to do 1 thing each day that is better and healthier for me than I would have done in the past. Small, measurable...plus, I am going to try and document these tiny steps in a journal.

Organization. Goal number 2. I would like to have my house a little more organized. So the smaller step is that I am going to try and average organizing 1 drawer or 1 shelf a week. I'm not going to sweat it if I miss a week, or if I do 2 or 3 in one day, as long as it averages 1 a week. By this time next year, I should be feeling dandy and more settled about the clutter that seems to build.

Art goals are every bit as important to me as any other area of life. This year I resolve to try and create one new technique or project every month. Big or small- it does not matter, as long as I am not just simply repeating what I know, but truly experimenting and trying new things. It is merely a target, and I will not get stressed if a fully formed project does not evolve each month, as long as new ideas are being explored.

Also, I resolve to clear out the "clutter" of other peoples art projects and ideas that suck me dry of time and energy, and pull me away from being able to create for myself. I will be limiting the number of swaps I participate in, and limiting the number of civic and professional groups I participate in on a regular basis, in order to have more time to do what I really am passionate about. Last year I missed out on at least 5-6 really great swaps I wanted to do, because I was working on so many others. (All of which I enjoyed, but sometimes felt really stressed because I was booked so far in advance and had no time for spontaneous things that came up.) I resolve to participate in more unusual events that truly truly challenge me as a participant.

I hope you will join me this year, as I try to be held accountable to these goals here. I'll try and report periodically as to how I'm doing! I've found that feeling I need to "report" or be held accountable goes a long way to inspire me on days I feel less than energetic... Bring it on 2010!

12 Days of Christmas Stocking Swap

2009-12-17T14:57:00.006-05:00

THANK YOU TERRY!!!

The Altered Art Divas group I belong to is a very close group of artist friends from all walks of life. There are many of us, some who have met in real life, others who have not. The swaps are always the best there are! This was a Stocking Swap, where we were to send a beautiful stocking filled with goodies for our partner.

My partner Terry is an attorney, and she always writes so elegantly, and so wisely in our group posts. I imagined her as a refined, tailored silver icicle stocking. She is always so clever and intelligent in her answers and quips in group, I took that and ran with it. She also told me several things she likes, so I had fun thinking of her for several months as I travelled around gathering treasures to stuff her stocking with. But OH MY WORD!!! She guessed me better than I could have ever even described myself!

When I opened the box last night, I was met by the most glorious mixed media stocking I've ever seen! And the goodies were all wrapped so enticingly, that I couldn't resist (I was going to open one per day) and I opened the WHOLE kit and kaboodle!

I can't do it justice describing its lovliness so I'll try and post photos for you to enjoy!

Treasures of the weekend!

2009-12-15T22:07:00.008-05:00

As we travel, Mike and I try to get out and stretch our legs every couple of hours or so. When we can, we try to follow signs to antique malls right off the main highway. We found two today during our 7 hour car ride. I have an upcoming "Steampunk"collaborative round-robin coming up, and I was looking for some cool pieces that might serve as a possible base for my piece. I think I hit pay dirt!

Here are a few of the things we found today...

Cool sewing machine parts Mike found...

My treasures!

This thing was used to attach flags to bicycle spokes.

Love my dolly- love it even more that it was on sale! 50% off!

This seems to have been some sort of scale...

Have NO idea, but it's sooo cool! Mike discovered it, and also

found that the glass thingy comes off! He thinks it might be to bleed air or oil out of lines...

If anyone is in Barnesville Ohio, it is chock full of antique stores. We only had 1/2 an hour before closing time, and found almost all the above treasures (except the doilies and bike thing) at the Barnesville Antique Mall. It is 3 floors of goodies, and we only had time for 2!

www.barnesvilleantiquemall.com

A quick visit thru Lancaster County PA

2009-12-14T21:13:00.006-05:00

Handmade rugs to pretty to walk on!

I LOVE these scooters!

Beautiful quilts where-ever you look!

Such a pretty cabinet!

Yummy jams and jellies!

Mike explores the baskets.

Love all the handmade goodies in every nook and corner!

Amazing collection of duck, geese, and wild animal calls.

Baskets and quilted goods.

A big bed full of lovely quilts!

On the way home from a recent photo shoot in Philadelphia, Mike and I made a quick run thru the Lancaster Pennslylvania area. My friend Angela http://geminiangelsart.blogspot.com/ told me about her Brother and Sister-In-Law's store in Intercourse PA. After visiting the Hoffman House's website and seeing their scooters, I just had to see them in person! http://www.hoffman-house.com/ Oh how I want one of the hot pink ones!

I thought I'd post a few pics of the lovely shop, and encourage anyone heading that way to pop in! Angela's nephew is very personable, and made the visit so interesting. He also gave us the scoop on where to stop and eat!

In the end, I came away with no scooter, but a lovely basket lazy susan, a felt christmas ornament kit, and Mike found some really cool solid beeswax hand lotion.

Tattered Clay Snowmen Tutorial

2009-12-09T17:41:00.001-05:00

Just a little Christmas project for you to enjoy!

2009 Altered Arts Diva Bash

2009-12-08T05:45:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

It Just FLEW by!

2009-12-08T02:15:00.008-05:00

After all the months of planning, and all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for it, the 2009 Altered Arts Diva Bash came and went in an instant! We crammed as much love, laughter, art and friendship in as we could, and made the most of every minute!

On Thursday, the lovely Andi came and helped me get the final preparations finished, as well as carting with her all the wonderful breakfast foods you could imagine! It was such a blessing to get to spend private time with Andi, getting to know her better!

On Friday morning, I popped out for an appointment, and was wonderfully greeted by Andi and Joanne who had arrived bearing yummy chex mix that still makes my mouth water at the thought! (No pretzels for this girl!)

Mike and Andi left for the airport to pick up Christy, and I was excitedly trying to get prep done for dinner, and they all wonderfully pitched in and helped make it, as the house began filling up with sounds of friendship and laughter! Lou and Darlene, Sue and Beth (wearing very festive hats), Angela, and Jan arrived, and were thrilled when Kathy and Brenda were able to attend at the last minute! This rounded out the "Dirty Dozen" as Andi quickly dubbed us.

Beth and Sue took the lead and began the first classes on how to make beautiful earrings, and how to put charms on them. We took a break for dinner, where I spilled the first of 2 secrets I had in store for each of the Divas. I had secretly arranged for each Diva who wanted one, to have a massage during the evening. The master bedroom had been turned into a spa for the evening with waterfall music, a video fireplace and floating candles. Almost all were turned into jelly under my SIL's gentle yet strong hands. Just after dinner, many giftees were passed around, and the ooohs and ahhhs were plentiful.

We then headed down to the gathering room in the basement and then had the first of our two gift exchanges. The gags resulted in many giggles, snorts and guffaws. Pants were even wet! LOL! One with "strawberry jelly" then another with giggle leaks! We all fell into bed at a very late/early hour, still chuckling to ourselves and to one another!

On Saturday morning, we had to be up and at'em so we could get to European Papers before the store filled for their holiday classes. Before we left the house we had a scrumptious breakfast of Andi's creme brulee french toast! Jean (our resident Diva poetess) had written a lovely poem based on the night before Christmas about the Diva Bash, and Andi read it aloud to us all. Then I passed out printed copies for each Diva to keep as a weekend keepsake. High on good times, maple syrup and pecans, we dialed Jean up and sung her a boisterous rendition of "we wish you a Merry Christmas" and thanked her for her poem.

Into the cars we jumped, and made a car caravan to European Papers for our shopping spree. Giggling about the gag gifts from the night before caused me to lose concentration, and we took a quick tour thru German Village downtown before we were able to right ourselves onto the correct one-way streets. Arriving only 2 minutes late, we posed for a quick outdoor photo.

I think all left considerably thinner (in the wallet) laden with lovely treasures and inspiration of projects to come!

We headed home where Christy demoed an adorable magic wand ornament project and Lou and Darlene showed felted ornaments. ( I need a private tutorial- I somehow missed this wahh!) We had a yummy lunch, and then did our "nice" gift exchange. The only "rule" for this exchange was that it had to be a handmade piece. It could be purchased, but it had to be handmade. So many lovely things were exchanged! Although we had set it as a naughty santa swap, not much naughti-ness occurred as each piece was more lovely than the next!

After the swap, I revealed the second surprise. My friend Shelly was set up in the master bedroom with all her lovely Cookie Lee jewelry for those who had not finished with the shopping bug yet. Cookie Lee is new to the Ohio area from the west coast, and we were excited to see the hip new fashion trends.

I was graced with so many lovely lovely hostess gifts, it felt as if Santa had descended! Flowers, bath and body products, ornaments, angels, purses, candles, candy dishes, note cards, necklace holders, and so much more- what truly generous and creative friends! I am so blessed by their friendship, and was OVERWHELMED by their outpouring of love.

Then we had a bit of a break in the day and some went to Michaels, some took a nap, some emailed, and I chatted with a few and started dinner.

Kathy was excited to find her football game on the tv, though I don't think the game went her way. Incriminating photos were snapped by so many, there will be blackmail material for years!

The laughs and giggles continued as Divas came and went and visited and shared. Mike was a hit in his cabana boy sun hat and Spongebob pj's...

Then we gathered up in the studio, where I began the Clay canvas project with them. Since it was so cold, I had felt the day called for snowmen, and so many cute snowmen appeared! Each Diva did such an amazing job. I am constantly stunned at the creativity of these women! Starting with exactly the same materials and basic instructions, no two looked alike!

We ate a very late dinner that night, due to a roast that didn't want too, but then it was back up to the studio to finish off the projects. Brenda stayed up with me to keep me company as I finished off my Diva beads until 1:30 am.

The next morning, we were treated to Andi's wonderful breakfast casseroles, and then we headed up to the studio again. We finished off a multitude of projects, learned about gold thermofoils, and swapped out the Diva Rosarie swap. Sadly we watched as one by one the Divas had to take their leave back to the "real" world.

I was over-joyed that Christy could stay with us overnight, as I almost went into complete Diva withdrawl, and would have crashed without her. She helped Mike and I clean up the kitchen and put away tables and sweep, and then she and I headed back upstairs and had the most lovely time getting to know each other and make more art together!

At O-dark thirty Monday morning, we put Christy on a plane, and said goodbye to the much anticipated, much enjoyed 2010 Diva Bash. I cannot tell you how blessed and lucky I feel to have a hubby and family who helped support this and make it happen, as well as to have been in the prescence of these creative lovely women for an entire weekend!

All things Holiday

2009-11-27T16:43:00.006-05:00

I love Holiday traditions! I love all things kitchy when it comes to the Winter holiday season in particular! I love Christmas cards, Christmas cookies, Christmas carols and Christmas ornaments. I love Christmas TV specials! Even when we have no little one with us, I must confess to watching Rudolf, Frosty and all the oldies but goodies! I love all the silliness, all the good will and all the overdone lights and decorations! I love family gathering round and playing games for hours on end! I love spending special nights out with dear friends!

Mostly, I keep deep in my heart the true meaning of Christmas, and the awesome gift given to mankind. (Luke, Chapter 2 NIV) I believe it's because I have this gift in my heart that I am so fully able to enjoy the rest of the over-done, over- commercialized and done-to-death holiday season! I invite all to jump in to the melee with me head on! Not only am I planning to partake in ALL the old holiday traditions, this year, I'm planning to start 1 or 2 more of my own!!!

In that spirit, I offer this light-hearted link to a most relaxing holiday web-site! It's "Make-A-Flake" and I could play there for hours if I wasn't so busy! http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/

All of the flakes you see here, I easily created there in a few Bliss-filled, stress-free minutes, reliving childhood wonder of the season and all it's glory!

Circle of Friends Award

2009-11-23T12:02:00.006-05:00

WHERE does the time go these days? In between Dr's appointments, finishing our basement, and a trip to Tenneessee, it seems as if I just blinked and almost a month has gone by!

Imagine my surprise when I found out Jeri Aaron bestowed on me The "Circle of Friends" Award. I am truly moved and touched. Thank you Jeri!

Please permit me to share with you about Jeri Aaron. Jeri is the talented author/artist of An Artful Gathering blog. http://artfulgathering.typepad.com/ She is also organizer extraordinare of fabulous Art Retreats! I have been corresponding and chatting with Jeri for some time now, and have found her to be so gracious, so kind and ever so creative! Because she is such an awesome artist herself, she uses alot of creativity to make her retreats stand out as being extra creative and unique. She thinks of all the "special touches" to make a retreat a very special and very personal event. It's not the "big, corporate I'm just a number" kind of retreat. It's the "I'm special and deserve it" kind of thing. It's the kind of retreat you would plan for your very favorite and best of friends. It's the kind of personal details that make events extra extra special, and unforgettable. I am so proud of her- I know she's been working NON-STOP in pulling this retreat together to make it extra fabulous. It is such an honor to call Jeri my friend!

Jeri's next event is the Shady Ladies Art Retreat in Salado TX (Austin area) in April next year. http://shadyladiesalteredart.blogspot.com/ I will be teaching there, but was planning on attending anyway!

And as is tradition with this Award, I will continue the circle with 5 more creative Artist friends!

1. Aileen Roberts of Outside the Margins fame. http://aileensmusings.blogspot.com/ Aileen is one of the most generous artists I have ever had the pleasure to know. Her Blog and her website are constantly chock-full of creative projects which she generously shares her processes with her readers. She has the coolest stuff for sale in her online store!

2. Judy Streger is "The Mixed Up Media Artist." http://judystreger.blogspot.com/ I am lucky indeed to call talented and ever so clever Judy my friend! Her description of her projects are humorous adventures that make learning her techniques even MORE of a joy! She is a font of wisdom, and keeps me in constant giggles.

3. Kathy McElroy's blog "My Life in Pictures" http://kathymcelroy.typepad.com/ does portray her wonderful art and her wonderful photo art, but doesn't tell you 1/100 of how WONDERFUL she is as a supportive friend and an intelligent and loving woman! Her art pieces art hot collectors items among those of us who are lucky enough to have some!

4. Joanne Thieme Huffman. Her Ad Libitum blog http://joannethiemehuffman.typepad.com/ hosts STUNNING photographs of her travels around the world! Joanne is such a talented photographer and writer that she allows you to feel as if you slipped in her backpack and actually travelled to all these fabulous places with her! I'm not even TOUCHING her mixed media art - I will allow you to discover it's wonder for yourself once you visit her blog!

5. "My Angela" or at least that's how I think of her. Angela Hoffmann is like a sister-soul to me. She is responsible for encouraging me to take risks in my own art, and to believe in myself as a mixed media artist. She is responsible for introducing me to some of the best mixed media friends I've EVER had! http://geminiangelsart.blogspot.com/ And she has the time to do all this while being Mom to 6!!! Just check out what she's done to her walls!

Well- that should give you some fun places to pop over and visit while I try to finish up some other projects. My next post will show what I did on my Tennesseee trip and workshop with the ever-awesome Anne Bagby!

The Sisters of the Secret Fatbook Society's 1st Annual Fall Fête

2009-10-28T16:24:00.007-04:00

Welcome!

On Saturday, we held the 1st annual Fall Fête for the Sisters of the Secret Fatbook Society.

Hot spiced cider for all!

Although flu and family crisis' kept the numbers small, the day was a ripping success!

Munchies!

Upon arrival, there was my Mom's secret recipe of hot spiced cider, homemade zucchini bread and other yummies for snacking.

Jacky seems to like the cider!

Jacky from the Akron area was the 1st to arrive. Shortly after, Susan from New York showed up and we got started. We each completed several projects and learned new techniques and old tricks of the trade.

Busy Bees!

First we made feather-light frames, utilizing pretty printed paper napkins as a starting point. plexiglass, ribbons and embellishments rounded them out nicely.

Jacky busily choosing embellishments for her frame.

We broke for lunch to a meal of spring mixed greens, scalloped pineapple, orphans rice and chicken and stuffing. A homemade apple tart and yummy pumpkin cake was available for dessert.

The table all ready for lunch.

After lunch, Jacky showed us how to make adorable domino pins with alcohol ink. Much fun was had playing with the possibilities! We were having so much fun making pins we almost forgot to eat dinner!

Working away on a project.

Supper was homemade turkey chili, Mike's Famous homemade coleslaw and yummy pumpkin pie. (We decided to forgo the campfire s'mores as it was cold and rainy) ((I should thank my mom, Shirley here, as she made all the superb desserts for us. (She did win the NATIONAL Crisco pie award years back)- Thanks Mom!))

Susan gives a quick smile in between projects.

Back to the studio to finish metallic lightweight frames, and swap art goodies. By the time the day ended we were all tired and all excited about the new friendships forged as well as art made.

Goodie bags waiting to go home!

New ATC, new journal pages

2009-10-17T18:19:00.007-04:00

Many of you know I've been sort of under the weather the last couple months, and have been very weak. I've tried to continue to work on art journal projects as I have the energy. I've been having to "work close" meaning I couldn't do projects that required lots of time on the computer or dealing with many different types of tools and materials. I actually think it's been good for me, as it's sort of forced me to revisit the basics once again. Sometimes I get so caught up in "new" products, I forget how much fun pens and pencils can be. I had sort of shelved all you can do with colored pencils or a simple set of watercolors. I feel like I'm reestablishing some basic skills.

With my job as an architectural photographer and graphic designer, precision is a highly required necessity. Sometimes, it inhibits my personal art, as I really adore whimsy. I like folksy, childlike fantasy characters that are free and fluid and sketchy. Many times I find it very difficult to let go and let flow. I'm trying to find that place in my art again. I think this time of being down will really help as I begin bigger projects again. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy some of the recent "basics" I've been playing with again.

A dragon inspired ATC

True to Form Gallery Show

2009-10-10T14:46:00.009-04:00

True To Form Art Exhibit

A nice crowd minutes after the doors opened!

Just a few of the beautiful forms to tempt you!

On Saturday Oct 3, Mike and I spent a very pleasant evening at a wonderful gallery opening. The show "True to Form" is currently on display until Jan 23 at the Columbus Center for the Paper & Book Arts Gallery. It is a fantastic collection of local mixed media artists who used 3D paper mache' torsos as their canvas- each with a very different feel. With 25 artists participating, there is something for everyone's taste. (There is even an electric blinking piece!) The very best part of this show is that it is dual purposed. Besides showcasing the mixed media genre to the community, it also is a silent auction (bidding open till Dec 5) which supports Breast Cancer Research. Proceeds will go to The Columbus Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

I invite you to go visit this wonderful show, and spread the word. I think it would be a fabulous place to buy a piece of art in honor of a Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, Cousin, Wife...you see where I'm going with this... (October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.)

The Gallery is housed in the Carriage House (rear) of 539 East Town Street, Columbus Ohio. An Added bonus is that the fabulous artist's studio shop European Papers is on the second floor of this gallery. It may be small in size, but it's mighty in all the beautiful and interesting things to look at and buy. Bring your art thirsty soul, and be prepared to find more than your vehicle can hold! Open Wed-Sat from 11-4. Call 614-316-3948 for questions, or visit http://www.europeanpapers.com/

Local Artist Amy Flowers piece "1 in 4." Visit Amy at http://www.shrewdarts.com/

My own piece "Maid of the Mist" in the installation.

The newest passion

2009-09-23T01:37:00.004-04:00

For the last couple months I've been fascinated with Fluid Acrylics. I've been exploring glazing with them vs glazing with Acrylic Glazes. This month I think Fluid Acrylics are winning. I've been mixing them with Matte Medium, and they dry faster than Glazes.

Here is one of my newest favorite pieces. Even though it's a "spring song" I think the autumn color scheme took over...hmmm never noticed that till just now. I'll have to work on a spring palette next.

Maid of the Mist

2009-09-19T02:00:00.008-04:00

Wow-where does the time go? I've been absent for a few weeks, struggling with a few health issues that make it difficult for me to be on the computer much lately. I have however, been slowly creating some art, as time and my strength allow.

This is a piece I finished up recently for a Silent Auction and Gallery show that will benefit Breast Cancer Awareness and Research. The event is called True to Form, and is being hosted by The Columbus Center for Paper and Book Arts. Select artists were all given the blank paper mache' torso, and asked to create with it. I only got a peek at a few others the day I dropped mine off, but Wowza! This is going to be a great show!

I enjoyed using seashells I've picked up all over the world on the body, and a very special piece of driftwood from my grandmother's house for the base. Fluid Acrylics, colored pencils, and markers were used, as well as tulle, sand, beads and upholstery trim. Oh and as always- I couldn't resist the glitter!
If you are interested in seeing the show, the Opening Reception and Silent Auction is at European Papers on Oct 3 from 3-5 pm. ((539 E. Town Street- Carriage House- Columbus, Ohio 43215)) Visit http://www.europeanpapers.com/ for all the details. I understand that the show is going to be on display until January.

It's Here! It's Here!

2009-08-30T19:33:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited! I just opened the mail, and the latest edition of Art Journaling Magazine is here!

The tips and techniques have blown me away! I was already over the roof with excitement about the issue because the 1st one was so inspiring. I have read it cover to cover 3 times already, learning something new each time.

I am so honored and thrilled to be a small part, and have an article and some work among such accomplished journalers. I find it such a wonderful therapy, and I love that everyone, no matter what their skill level- can be roarlingly successful!

It should hit bookstores and art supply stores on September 1st. If you are interested, I wouldn't wait to buy a copy- the inaugural issue sold out very quickly (but is available digitally.)

Here's the link if you want to order a copy straight from the publishers:

http://www.stampington.com/html/art_journaling_a09.html

Here's a peek at my article that Stampington has on it's website advertising this new issue.

Art & Tea Party

2009-07-29T07:43:00.007-04:00

~Laura, Shelly, and Barbie enjoying some friend time~

Many people have been asking what happens at my Art & Tea parties. Thanks to my friend Shelly Grim, now I have pictures to show! Generally the whole thing gets started by the guest of honor and I getting together to create the invitations.

~Barbie bravely trying a new technique~

The day of the party, I have everything ready and all supplies laid out and ready to go in the studio. I then demonstrate the project, and the artists begin creating.

~Tea Baskets for lunch, all home-made goodness~

At a good stopping point (usually waiting for something to dry or cure) we head downstairs to the dinning room for a leisurely luncheon.

~Cindy and Shellys mom chatting as they work on their art~

After lunch, it's back up to the studio, and finish up the project. The day finishes up with home-made dessert. It's a great time to hang out and socialize with friends and crank up the creativity!

~ Shelly and her Mom enjoying time spent together~

For those with less time, I offer a pizza party & project, or solely art lessons and craft workshops.

~Some of the day's projects~

Rollercoaster week

2009-07-27T13:23:00.007-04:00

Last week was a total rollercoaster for me emotionally. I had the high high high of seeing the completion of a wonderful collaborative project of over 100 different artists from all over. The "Ties That Bind" project to help raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research has produced a wonderful -full color photograph, high quality book. It is a lovely mix of photographs of the finished Art Doll, and inspirational quotes and stories. Besides the proceeds of the actual Art piece itself, all of the proceeds from the sale of the book go towards the research as well. The 3 organizers Aileen Roberts, Jan Brown and Kris Henderson have done a spectacular job in getting this project to fly high. I was really tickled to see my own pieces show up in several of the photographs. To get a peek at the book here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/lesnkv

Then crashing to the lowest of low, we had to put my precious baby dog Sophie to sleep on Wednesday. My heart still aches and the tears still flow at the drop of a hat. She was the sweetest of sweet dogs, I could never have asked for anything more from her. She was all that was good and sweet on earth all rolled up into a little furry expression of pure and innocent unending love.

Thank goodness I had an upcoming private Art & Tea party to keep me busy. On Saturday, I enjoyed a full day of art and creativity with 5 very creative and talented ladies. It was a pleasure of a day, and I was even able to finish a project of my own. Art always makes any day better!

Thru all of the ups and all of the downs I have several things I am overwhelmingly greatful for.

I have a God that comforts me. I have wonderful husband, family and friends that support me, and I have my art as therapy. When hugs and words won't do it for me, I can escape to a silent world I create for myself. I am truly blessed.

Studio updates

2009-07-21T11:29:00.005-04:00

Sorry I've been absent for a couple of weeks. It's the height of berry season, as well as peaches, and Mike and I've been canning and making jellies and jams every spare minute we're home. Also, the zucchini is coming on full force, and I baked over 25 loaves of zucchini bread this past week on top of the canning! One little rain and yowzers! Some of those zucchini were as long and thick as my arm from my wrist to my elbow! I can't give them away fast enough!

In the few minutes I stole away from work and the kitchen, I worked on some organization projects in my studio. A while back I purchased 2 antique frames with heavy carving. I asked Mike to paint them Navajo White, the same color as my walls. Then I cut a piece of rigid pink insulation to fit the back of the frame. I wrapped natural colored heavy cotton twill fabric around the insulation, securing with hot glue. I inserted it, and wired the back of the frame and Voila! A Bulletin Board. I thought it so pretty, I couldn't find any thumbtacks I liked with it, so I hot-glued antique buttons to cover the pins, and liked the results very much.

For the second frame, I asked Mike to cut a piece of tin to fit the back, and we wired it up and hung it over the sink as a magnetic bulletin board. Again I hot-glued antique buttons to magnets for the decorative finish.

The final thing that freed up a lot of shelf space was to hang all my ribbons off of 4 decorative curtain rods. I have sloped ceilings in the studio, and it really has worked perfectly for me to be able to reach all the ribbon easily!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer and living life to the fullest! I've enjoyed checking things off of my "to-do" list! (The art up on my bulletin boards: The push pin board: Kathy McElroy's beautiful seated lady and whimsical heart dangle, Lencho's heart series, 2 of Anne Bagby's postcards and the little sea horse rider is my work. On the magnet board, a mermaid from Mexico, a postcard from Belize, and one of my sketches done on vacation this year.)

Ties That Bind Project

2009-06-20T00:17:00.001-04:00

You might remember several months back when I was involved in the "Ties that Bind" Ovarian Cancer Research Art Collabrative. Since then, some AMAZING things have happened.The Doll has been finished, has been to the publishers, and returned home only to be offered up in an auction where the proceeds benefit Ovarian Cancer research.Please visit the website (to the right) to see the full pictures and view the wonderful finished creation, as well as purchase some tickets to benefit the research, and maybe win a beautiful one of a kind piece of art, created by tons of todays movers and shakers in the mixed media art world! (and a few humble pieces of mine!)

To see the individual charms and ties up close you may also visit the blog.
http://projecttiesthatbind.blogspot.com/

New classes afoot....

2009-06-15T18:45:00.005-04:00

Sorry I've been absent, I had a couple of location photo shoots that took me out of state, and a quick trip to Canada in the last couple weeks. Lots of miles on the body. I've been busy during the trips creating the workbooks for some upcoming art classes, and the ideas are flowing like crazy.

I've got a new class that is a personalized caricature in clay. It's the meshing of my 2 favorite methods of using liquid clay, transfer and scrapbooking techniques. As soon as I have time to take more recent photos I'll post them immediately.

In the meantime, imagine the blending of the above two pieces processes, and on canvas to boot!

I hope you are all enjoying this lovely summer so far! More in a day or so!

And the winners are....

2009-06-01T15:45:00.004-04:00

Yahoo! We had over 25 comments, so I'm giving away 2 stuffed boxes of goodies from the studio! (And I've been in the midst of a major re-organization and cleaning, so I've found tons of interesting things!)

So with no further ado- Jackie Smith, and Elaine! I will be contacting you for your mailing info so these bulging boxes can make their way to your crafty little hands ASAP!

Congratulations! I hope you will enjoy your goodies and you will share with us some of your creations that might occur with your new stash!

Faith Journal T

2009-05-20T18:55:00.002-04:00

Here is the latest installment of my ABC Faith Journal- T for Truth. I always think about how blessed I am that Mike knows me clear to my core, and still loves and accepts me-warts and all.

100th post! What's coming next!

2009-05-06T01:48:00.013-04:00

Hip Hip Hooray!

Guess I'm official now, with 100 posts into this blog world where I've met so many new friends and clever, creative, passionate people! I've learned so much, and I've realized how much there is to still learn! I'd like to say thank you for coming along with me on this journey of discovery!

In celebration of this 100th post, I feel the need for a giveaway! Just leave me a comment in this post (with an email link to contact you) and if your name is drawn, I'll send you a deliciously overstuffed package of art supplies and goodies from my studio! This giveaway will close on the 30th, when I'll announce the winner here. For every 25 comments posted, I'll add another goodie package and draw an additional winner!

Coming Events!

(I saw this on Mother's Day and didn't have the camera. Many thanks to Mike for going back and grabbing this shot!)

I am working on new classes, completing the projects and writing the notebooks. More to come on those soon....working with some very exciting new materials and techniques!

I am preparing to open up for some public art classes in my studio this summer- watch for details!

I have been asked to teach at a couple of Stamp and Scrapbook stores in Ohio, and am preparing information for 2 others about classes, so I may be coming to a town near you soon! More details as they become available.

I've been commissioned by 2 different families to design their family reunion T shirts. (I've done my own family's reunion shirts every year since 98.) Always a fun challenge to make them personal and meaningful to the families.

I've been really feeling a strong desire to move in a bolder direction for my personal art. I still seem scattered as I am working on a fairies art journal, a health art journal, and a patriotic outrage art journal, but other areas are becoming streamlined as I am starting to see a stronger style coming to the forefront.

I have been carving stamps like crazy for some of my art projects. Anne Bagby taught me how a couple of years ago, and it is so relaxing. Here are the ones I completed last week.

Speaking of Anne Bagby, those of you who know me, know how much I adore her and her work. She inspires something very deep within my artistic soul, her pieces always seem to sing to me. I've been very blessed to be able to spend time with Anne, creating some of my favorite pieces while with her. Not very long ago, Creative Catalyst Productions released Anne's video "Collage: Paper, Patterns, and Glazing." I got it a week or so ago, and have watched it twice already. It is just like Anne in class- 100 miles an hour, with 100+ sure fire techniques! Not only do you get to enjoy the creative energies of this gifted artist, but there are print outs and additional techniques as well as the 5 separate (beginning to end) pieces you get to experience. Each step is filmed in real time as she does it, and you get to watch the artistic decisions being made, as she explains why. I love this part of the video, as it seems to give me a deeper understanding as to how she creates what she does. I love seeing the final pieces and the variations along the way.

If you would like to know more about Anne, http://www.annebagby.com/ here is her web site.

(Here's a shot from the video) You can even preview a bit of the video at CCP.

http://www.ccpvideos.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CCP&Category_Code=ARTAHB if you would like to know more about Anne's video.

Whoosh!

2009-04-29T15:56:00.007-04:00

WOW! has time ever flown by since my last post! I've been just BLASTED with work and home life. I've not yet unpacked everything from Artiscape, because Mike and I had to leave for a job just a day or so after the Artists Retreat.

Artiscape was WONDERFUL- and the people who took my classes just could not have been any sweeter! I always try to plan enough techniques so the artists will be busy the entire class. But we were having so much fun I think we really could have used a couple MORE hours.

The meals were yummy, and the Afternoon tea was divine on Sunday. The venue was smaller, but seemed more cosy, and was certainly more convienient. There was always something to see or do, and the vendors were well stocked with great products.

As usual, I hit the Meadors "Coffee Break Design" booth pretty good, and have tons of cool pieces to make art with, as well as "Rock Candy Studios" and "Random Arts," "Studios Blackbird," " Invoke Arts," " 10 Seconds Studio,"" Altered Art Source," "Paper & Ink Arts," "Mercart," " ERA Graphics," " Diane Maurer Hand Marbled Papers," and " Stamp Zia." There were probably some others in there too, but my brain is on excitement overload.

There was a Sisters of the Secret Fatbook Society get together late on Friday night, that was a huge success. It was so much fun getting to know new friends and reacquainting with friends from other years!

I also got to spend a few minutes with some of my Altered Art Diva sisters, and that was a true highlight of the day for me!

Oh- and I was lucky enough to win one of the door prize raffles! I couldn't believe my luck! Tons of delicious Golden products! I can't wait to dig into them.

The week or so before Artiscape, my little King Charles Cavalier Sophie all of the sudden couldn't use her rear two legs. She was fine one moment, then later that night, it's like she got overly weak. So it was worried, hurried trips to the vet, medicnes, more trips to the vet, and then to OSU School of Vet. Science. More meds. In the beginning, they didn't hold out too much hope.

It was a terrible week for doggies- 2 other art friends lost their furbabies that same week! I was not in a happy creative place, and was panicking about it- knowing I had classes to teach and needed cheer and energy and creativity despite a breaking heart!

After many prayers and tears, Sophie is slowly responding, and getting more active. She's only just 8, so not that old for a little dog. It threw me for a big loop- I was in tears for days. But I mean- look at this sweet face- how could you NOT love it??? Please ignore the two squinting people loving on her.....

Anyway, Mike and I are just back from a location photo shoot in Bettendorf Iowa, where we had rain rain and more rain. IT was a 4 hour drive once we flew into Chicago, so we broke up the driving with stops at antique malls. Found some AWESOME stuff! Will share in my upcoming posts. Shew- It's good to be back!

I'm swamped!

2009-04-03T09:48:00.004-04:00

Several of you have emailed me wondering where I've been- Thought I'd post a few quick peeks at what I've been up to the last week or so-

I've been getting ready for my upcoming Artiscape classes ! The kits are jammed packed with things, and many of the items needed to be cut to size for speed in the class. Here's only one classes' kits, and they were only 1/2 done at this point! They are spreading out all over the house. Not to mention the 40+ Fatbooks I'm assembling on the dinning room table.

Trying to get this done around daily life has been challenging. I needed to make sure the little one was getting plenty of time too. SO out came the Easy-Bake oven, and it was light bulb cooked cakes for everyone.....

Yippie! I Won!!!!

2009-03-27T10:42:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited! I opened my email this morning only to find a lovely surprise! My friend Aileen from Outside The Margins http://www.outsidethemargins.com/ informed me I won her blog

http://aileensmusings.blogspot.com/ giveaway for the lovely Sorbet Color Mists! I'm so excited! I just ADORE her color mists! Aileen is one of the most colorful, and creative people I know! She is so generous with sharing her great ideas, and has constant inspiration on her website and blog.

And she sells the most awesome stuff! ALL kinds of cool supplies and tools and ephemera that you would have to look forever to find yourself- if you even could! And you should see the adorable hand crafted art pieces she sells in her "Boutique!" I am in love with her Smidge Fairies!

I particularly look forward to Fridays - she posts "Crafty Blogger Blurbs" with links to all sorts of scrumptious other creative and crafty ideas!

I can't wait for them to get here! I'm going to go home and line up things to get ready to mist!

Faith Journal "S"

2009-03-23T17:03:00.004-04:00

I'm slowly but surely working my way thru my faith journal. It seems fitting that this is "S"

I guess I'm always amazed whenever anything is created. (Even by me!) I've been "saving" this painting to use as a background for this page entitled "strokes." I can't wrap my brain around how with a few strokes, so many different men, through so many different eras were inspired by God to write the books of the Bible. (And to have such consistency!) What a project! (I mean sometimes if an art project goes on for more than a few weeks, I lose momentum, and have a hard time completing it! (I call them UFO's (Un Finished Objects.) How do you keep the momentum over hundreds of years?

Oh- and why did I save this painting to use? My tastes are fleeting, and my interests change from season to season. THIS is my favorite piece of work I've ever done. Maybe it's because I started and kept on this oil painting as a gift for my Dad. It represents weeks and weeks of work for me, looking at it daily. I was inspired by a photo of steps in a Spanish Convent.

Here's a quick grab shot from my phone of the actual painting. It's quite large really.

Ties that Bind

2009-03-20T14:01:00.006-04:00

Awhile back, it was my pleasure to take part in a collaborative art project called "Ties that Bind". The completed project will be auctioned or raffled off and the proceeds will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Approximately 88 Artists contributed either hand made charms or hand crafted ties, and Artist Jan Brown created the Art Doll to showcase them all off.

Kris Henderson and Aileen Roberts were each big helps in maintaining communications with all the artists and getting the ball rolling.

The finished Art Doll is practically life-size and just stunning to look at. Right now she is at the publishers for her photo shoot, but if you would like to see- they've put a wonderful sneak peek album up on the blog, as well as close ups of all the charms and ties as they arrived in. I encourage you to dive in and enjoy the eye candy! (I've pictured a few of my charms here- but REALLY- GO VISIT and SEE what they've done with them!)

http://projecttiesthatbind.blogspot.com/

Busy Busy Busy

2009-03-12T14:47:00.003-04:00

I've been down with that awful stomach virus that is going around in the area. Can't really get far from the house to get anything done, and so I've been busy working at the house online. Besides trying to get caught up for work, I've also been busy busy busy creating my booklets for the classes I'm teaching at Artiscape in April. It's funny how my hands can fly and do something so much faster than the time it takes to write it down so it makes sense to someone else step-by step. I am having fun with them, enjoying the process.

As the time grows near, I'm getting very excited about Artiscape this year, as it will be the first year it's here in Columbus. I've gotten my teaching packet, and with a big sigh of relief I found that my classes are nicely filling up, with only a few spaces left in each. Shew! I've got tons of piles of delicious stuff in my studio that will be going into the class kits. And it's an all time record for the Annual Artiscape fatbook I am hostessing-42 copies!!! That's alot of covers and punching and binding! Thank goodness for Mike helping me!

Before I came down with the virus I was able to get my charms done (over 100) for the swaps and trading sessions...so that's one major project completed. (Sorry for the poor picture- I just didn't have the energy to get the big camera out- so the cell phone was handy.) It's tough to photograph those little glass bubbles, the light plays havoc with them, but they are really cute in real life-both the front and the back are decorated.

Wild Women

2009-03-03T17:13:00.005-05:00

I am just finishing up a fatbook swap on the theme of Wild Women. I must have been releasing my inner Andy Warhol as I worked on these pages! I picked several women, All Artists or Photographers. Amazing how many were considered cold, or harsh, or unfeeling because they devoted so much of themselves to the perfection of their art. Many of them married or associated with famous male artists or writers, who were consumed by their own craft, but were NOT considered cold or heartless. The men were considered devoted, or passionate, or gifted with an "artistic temperament". Now how fair was that?

I just LOVE this one! Usually I see photos of Frida where she is less than "delicate" looking with her fierce eyebrows. I created this inspired by her photo on the cover of Vogue magazine, and think she looks so haunting here!

Margaret Bourke White has always been a heroine of mine. She literally took every destructive thing men could throw at her, and still came out on top. She was an awesome photographer, and she got her start in Ohio!

I've adored Mary Cassatt's works since I was a child. She had such a tender style, really capturing the bonds of human love and friendship in paint. For her time, she was quite daring too. She bucked many of the social and political views of her day, and befriended many controversial artists in order to expand her own world view.

Vacation, Mission trips, and my Faith Journal

2009-02-16T18:36:00.004-05:00

Well I'm just back from another Mexican vacation to unwind. It was lovely, as it always is. It is my retreat, my sanctuary. I love the people, the culture, the food, the land, the ocean. It is such a vibrant and beautifully alive country. I'm so glad I can share it with Mike, the love of my life.

Mike is away in Belize. He is working with my Dad, building a chapel in the memory of my Grandfather Earl who passed away this time last year. I had my 16th birthday in the jungles of Belize along side my Dad and Grandpa. They are building in that same area, helping the beautiful Mayan and Ketchi Indians.

Since Mike and I started dating, we've never been seperated from each other for longer than a day or two, and then we always were able to call. I'm really missing him badly, because there are NO land phones where they are- let alone cell towers. I've had 2 short emails from my Dad telling me that all is well, and the building is on schedule, and he and Mike are doing fine. I think some retail therapy is on the agenda to cheer me up tonight....

I've been trying to get back into the routine to finish my ABC faith journal in the next month. This weeks page seemed to be a compilation of all the things I was feeling. Here's my latest addition, R for refreshing. The photo is one Mike and I took on a secluded little beach in Mexico.

And the winners are....

2009-02-12T17:30:00.002-05:00

The OWOH giveaway is over again for this year. (But the web site is still up to follow all the wonderful blogs!) Congratulations to all the winners, and more importantly all the new friends out there!

My winners are: (I will be contacting you for addresses!)

daytoncat said...
What cute charms with such great sayings! Thank you for the chance to win!dayotncat1(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 10, 2009 2:38 PM

roma said...
Kari, Wow, what delightful treats they are. You are so talented and what makes you a blessing is that you share that talent, along with Jesus, with others. Thanks. roma kentandroma@wowway.com
January 22, 2009 9:27 PM

Bejeweled said...
Those are just fabulous! I love how they are both fun pieces of art and yet, have a message too .. too fun! Yes, please enter me too for a chance to win some of your awesome charms! http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/
February 10, 2009 8:53 PM

One World-One Heart Giveaway 2009

2009-01-20T14:11:00.003-05:00

After so much fun last year, I am joyously participating in the One World-One Heart Giveaway again this year. If you would like more information on this great way to meet other blogging friends, I encourage you to visit http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/ and get the whole scoop.

My giveaway is open to anyone, you need not have a blog of your own to win. No Strings! All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment to this post. I will be drawing 3 winners. All winners will be announced here sometime Thursday February 12, 2009. I will print out the comments, and cut them out individually. I will then have Mike draw 3 winners names.

I'm giving away packages of my Enchanted Bubble Charms.

Make sure you leave me your ACTIVE e-mail or blog address in the comment so that I can contact you if you are one of the lucky winners!

UPDATE: Thank you for all the lovely comments! Winners will be drawn on Thursday Feb 12, 2009. Therefore, comments will end at 12:00 pm EST on Feb 12. Winners will be drawn and announced the evening of the 12th.

Thank you all so much for the kind comments! I have read each and every one, although I have not had time to respond personally yet, I intend to make my way back thru the list after the giveaway is over and get to know each of you a little better!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! 2/12/09 12:01 pm EST.
Thank you so much for visiting! I will post the winners later tonight. Good Luck to all!
For any of you interested in the Clay Bubble Charms, I have a quick tutorial of a variation of them on my blog at http://backporchartessa.blogspot.com/2008/02/clay-bubble-charms.html.

Enchanted with the fairies

2009-01-09T12:22:00.006-05:00

I think these fairies are like potato chips, I can't stop with just one! Here's a picture of one I did for my hair stylist! She's a creative soul, and I just thought she needed one of her own!

For her face, Maria herself is beautiful, so I used her picture. I made a photocopy and coated it with diamond glaze front and back. I cut it out and sewed it on the doll body and beaded around it.

The body I painted with lumiere paint, and mottled with craft paint and Staz-on ink and stamps. I then used Glimmer Mist sprays, and beads, charms, suede fabric. I glued butterfly wings together to have sequins on both sides. I added dolls hair with sewing and Fabri-tac glue. Maria has a pretty tattoo, so her fairie got one too, added with a Pitt artist pen. My favorite addition is the little scissors charm in her hand- they really open and close.

Art-y Goal Goodness

2009-01-04T19:24:00.007-05:00

Giggles, my new studio muse
I've always had "goals." They were the fairly anemic, typical things. Get married to a great guy, get a creative job, travel, make art, be a good person kind of thing. I never really customized them. I used to balk at the idea of setting specific goals for myself. I have to set them at work, and I just didn't want the extra pressure of having something to pin me down in my personal life. This, I came to realize was really based on a fear of failing, a fear of disappointing myself or worse yet, loved ones. Once I learned the secret of letting go, and setting attainable and realistic goals, I was able to enjoy them. They have helped me to focus, and concentrate on what is truly important in my life, in my art. They have given me a direction, and are helping me to shape a path, reducing the chaos that comes of of trying to make decisions in the heat of the moment. Most of all, they have eliminated a lot of wasted effort. The satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment I get when I reach a goal seems to work wonders for my self esteem and resolve to accomplish more.

One goal this year, is to complete at least one creative project every other week. They can be abandoned projects from earlier, or new projects. Sort of a side goal that goes along with that is to as much as possible, use the items I already have on hand, squirreled away in my studio.

I have other creativity and inspiration goals, I'll have more on those another day....

To jump whole-hearted into this goal for this year, I spent Saturday with Amy Flowers of Shrew'd Arts, enjoying her Magical Faerie Doll, and Clear Acrylic Book classes. It was a wonderful, relaxed day of creating, meeting new friends, and catching up with some I haven't seen for some time. Amy is an encouraging, giving and extremely talented instructor, and the other artists creativity and friendliness all added to the fun of the day. Amy can be found at http://www.shrewdarts.com/classes.html

In creating Giggles, I played with Lumiere acrylics & stamping. I added beads, and craft paint, and tulle. We also learned an easy wool felting technique allowing for a light and airy feel. ( I really enjoyed this method, as it was really quick!)

Good News and Gratefulness for another blessed year.

2008-12-31T12:11:00.006-05:00

It seems as if this year has been frought with pitfalls for my family. But we are grateful. Lots of really great things have happened too! As many of you know, my parents left for an extended vacation to Mexico on Saturday morning. On Monday Mike got a call he needed to go back to the airport to pick them up.

They had been there only a few hours when Daddy lost his vision for 15-20 minutes. He went to the local Hospital to get checked out. They determined that his eyes were fine and he needed a MRI to determine what was happening. Since the closest MRI machine was a 6 hour trip away in Guadalajara they decided to fly home.

They came home Monday and we went straight to the hospital. He has been there since waiting on an MRI. In the mean time they have completed multiple other tests on his heart and head including a CAT scan. Monday night the doctor told us it appeared that he had a stroke in the portion of the brain the effects eyesight. The MRI that he is still waiting on is to rule out other things so they may determine that it was a stroke.

God is truly good. Daddy does not appear any different, only bored from being in the hospital for a few days. His eyesight has mostly returned. There is only a small place on one side of his vision he cannot see. Things could have been a lot worse. Although this has happened God took care of them and has returned them back home to us safely.

Were are awaiting the MRI and results. If anything different comes about I will update you. If you would pray for Daddy that his eyesight would be fully restored the family would be grateful. He is really doing fine other than wanting to get out of the hospital.

On that SAME day, I recieved in the mail something WONDERFUL! I got an advanced copy of Somerset's ART Journaling Magazine! I got an advanced copy because my article and artwork are in it! I feel so HONORED to be in this fine publication! As with all their wonderful books and magazines, it is an awesome piece, and really quite inspiring for anyone who might be interested in journaling or even people who have been journaling for some time! I feel it's an absolute DREAM come true for me to see some of my personal art in a Stampington publication!

If you would like to check out the magazine (NOW AVAILABLE) here is the link. http://www.stampington.com/html/art_journaling_w09.html

Have a Blessed Holiday season

2008-12-29T15:32:00.002-05:00

Wow! I've been away for sometime, struggling with illness that kept me down. However I've been so blessed this holiday season, and hope everyone reading has enjoyed a wonderful season of Love with their family and friends! I'm so grateful for all that I've been given, and most of all that wonderful gift given on the original Christmas day. I hope the Lord is blessing all of you abundantly out there, and pray for you all to have a marvelous healthy and happy New Year!

Sorry to be away

2008-12-04T01:49:00.001-05:00

I'm so sorry to be away for so long! Mike and I have been traveling, then he had back surgery, and I've been under the weather. I've got some awesome news to share with everyone once I'm able to be back at my computer for more than a few minutes at a time!

Gift Box Nite Lites

2008-11-05T17:38:00.002-05:00

If you wonder where I've been recently, I've been spending every spare minute trying to get ready for a craft show. My good friend Jennifer asked me to participate and I gladly said yes- as I do so love a good community craft show! Jennifer's hubby is the pastor of the church sponsoring the show, and the people I've met from there have all been so nice, I'm eager to do it.

Mike and I've been busy making a batch or two of our top sellers. We've got our "gift box nite lites" and the credit card wallets, and of course our home-made apple butter, and our cinnamon applesauce ornaments and potpourri. I've never attended this show before, but am looking forward to it.

I'm excited to see what everyone else has to offer, and I love to "feel out the crowd" to see what is floating their boats this year. I'm eager to see how the economy has effected the crafts market. Plus, I just plain ol' love to interact with other people who appreciate the simple handmade pleasures in life.

If you're looking for a bit of fun, you can check out the show this weekend.

Good Shepherd Community Church

210 Obetz Road

Columbus, Ohio 43207-4033

614-491-6690

Artiscape 2009

2008-11-03T13:04:00.003-05:00

Yipee! I just recieved word back that I have been chosen to teach classes at next year's Artiscape! I'll be teaching a Textural ATC wallet class, and a Fantastic Fatbook in a day class.

While I have taught mixed media classes at many different venues, this year will be a first teaching at Artiscape. I have attended the event every single year, and can't say enough about the inspiration and awesome atmosphere of this particular Artist's Retreat. I've attended many different art venues around the country (outside the USA as well) and I hold a sincere fondness for this particular gathering. It is run by Lisa Ohmer of European Papers, and is a class act all the way. Artiscape 2009 will be held in Columbus Ohio, April 17-19, with pre-event workshops on Thurday the 16th as well. For more information on Artiscape, click the link below. The web site will be up in just a few days.

http://europeanpapers.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=EP&Category_Code=ART

The most perfect anniversary!

2008-10-21T13:10:00.008-04:00

Mike and I just returned home from our anniversary trip to Niagara Falls. It was the most wonderful anniversary we've had yet! they just keep getting better and better!

Our weekend started out busy, on Friday it was Pizza with my Grannie, trying out a new moon fairy costume with full makeup & nail polish for Macie, and picking my parents up from the airport at 1 am. (All this after 9 hours at work!) Saturday morning was a soccer game, McDonalds, picking pumpkins and apples with Macie and our niece Morgan, making spaghetti, visiting with my parents, playing in the yard, playing in the house, shopping for shoes for a 5 year old who says they hurt if they aren't pink and sparkly. Then shopping for new school clothes, along with a few groceries for our trip. Home again, dinner, bath time, story time, and then Grandma visits for popcorn and puzzles. Finally bedtime, so I can do laundry and pack for a trip, and a photo shoot immediately after the job. Oh- did I mention the apples- 90 pounds of apples that have to be peeled and sliced and frozen in seal a meal bags....

Sunday morning rolled around early and we got up and dressed and went to 1st service at church and Macie enjoyed the Church Mouse Playhouse. Then she played in the play land for half an hour, and we headed home to pack her new school clothes up. We stopped at Sonic for a quick lunch and headed North. On the way, we dropped Macie off, and marvelled at the quiet and were mesmerized by the beautiful colors of the crisp blue Autumn sky and brilliant trees! Let the relaxing begin!

We took our time, stopping anywhere we liked along the route. We enjoyed each other's company, and talked and laughed and totally had fun again. 2 full days of no work ahead- YAHOO! We saw this restaurant that had burned down and felt so sorry for the owners misfortune, but we still laughed ourselves silly when we saw what their catch phrase had been!

Once we got to our hotel (the Fallsview Hilton on Niagara Falls) we were in awe once we got to our room. We were on the 17th floor and overlooked the falls! Huge king size bed, and jacuzzi tub that all looked out the window! PLUS they gave us free breakfasts in the penthouse restaurant on the 33rd floor for the entire stay! We could see the entire falls and river!

The hotel is beautiful, and connected by a sky walk to a lovely non-smoking casino and huge upscale mall. There were wonderful restaurants plus my very favorite- The Famous!

We walked up and down the falls, and we took in the sights. We went to the Oneida Outlet center and a wonderful shoe warehouse where I got some lovely copper kitten-heel shoes and Mike got a pair of work boots for his trip to Belize in February. We stopped in the Hersheys store and got free samples and about choked when we found out that a regular candy bar that costs about 1$ in the States cost 4.99$ plus tax!!! We were told because it's an import! (We really were happy to get back to the room to our stash of M&M's we brought with us!) (Mike said he figured we were smugglers who could make a fortune outside the casino with our chocolate stash!)LOL!!!

On the day we packed up to leave, we were in the car going out of the parking structure when Mike reached out to see what was under the windshield wiper blade- a 1$ bill! Silly, but it made our day thinking of the possibilities. Was it a random act of kindness? Had someone seen us drop it? Was it because it was a US dollar and we had US plates? I think this Christmas season, I might do that at a few local malls, just as a random act of kindness to create a happy moment for somebody!

Happiness of the Harvest Moon!

2008-10-17T13:24:00.004-04:00

A photo I shot a couple years ago for the cover of a

magazine- it's still one of my favorite shots!

I love this time of the year! I'm so incredibly busy right now though, that I haven't had time to enjoy it properly! I love the colors, the decorations, the pumpkins! I hope to at least to make it to the Circleville Pumpkin show this weekend! I've always gone for years and years. Tasted the pumpkin ice cream, fudge, fritters, the deep fried sweet potato chips, the spiced pumpkin seeds. I draw the line at the grilled pumpkin burgers though...

I start feeling blue when I have in mind the perfect "country living" harvest season for my home, and alot of it falls thru because I'm over committed to work projects, and I have tons of family & friend obligations from now until the end of the year. I'd like to be able to just let it go, and enjoy what I do get accomplished this year. I do soooo love the decorating, the activities, and the seasonal baking! Sometimes- THAT'S the fun part for me. And when I have to let it go because there aren't 40 hours in a day, I feel sort of like I've missed out on something.

Am I the only one who feels like this? Every year I promise myself I'll budget my time better, start earlier, schedule it on the calender, etc. But then life gets in the way, and things come up that I feel obligated to do, to take care of, because it's the right thing, and the decorating and extras are just that- extra. I think maybe I have Martha Stewart Syndrome..... Mike always kindly reminds me that she has an entire staff to get her house and office and studios whipped into shape. Oh DEAR! ...I always secretly suspected that I needed minions!

Multi-Tasking the country boy way!

2008-10-10T13:49:00.003-04:00

Even though I've been frightfully busy lately, we took 2 hours and picked apples. (Gotta make hay while the sun shines right?) This year is a bumper crop for apples in central Ohio. The heavy rains of the spring and the moderate summer have made for some really large and really juicy apples! Mike is a master of picking the perfectly sun blushed Golden Delicious with one hand, holding the bag with the other, as well as tasting along the way! I'm lucky to not break my ankle tripping over ones on the ground, or get concussed from the falling ones! Once we get them home, Mike cores and peels, and I measure and seal-a-meal them. Straight in the freezer before they hit the air, and no browning begins. I've also made several batches of home-made apple butter already, over 2 dozen jars! So if you ever wonder why all the lights are on at our house till 2 am every morning in the fall...now you know!

Popped in for a visit

2008-09-22T19:58:00.003-04:00

I told Mike I didn't know where this little girl came from, she just sort of popped out of my pencil and onto the wood, and stayed for a visit. She's so unlike me- I like sugar and spice and everything nice, and pink and sparkly! I definitely don't care for spiders! I don't know what came over me, but I am just letting go and having a ball seeing who shows up! Maybe it's the cool, crisp autumn air, or maybe it's the nature shows Mike is always watching!

First Wood Burning Efforts

2008-09-18T12:32:00.004-04:00

This is my first wood burning effort since I was in shop class in 7th grade! I sort of liked the darker look and went around the burns with a PITT pen to make them even darker. This piece is still in progress and now I'm ready for layers and collage! More to come!

If you are interested in the online class that inspired this piece, It's the mixed media class with Suzi Blu.

Updated sketches

2008-09-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Wow! Super busy until the company's big fall seminar. Magazine articles, class proposals and a huge fatbook swap all fall in the next two weeks! Don't even know how I managed to squeak it in, but here is the next phase I added to my recent sketches.

Didn't realize I'd been away for so long!

2008-09-10T18:01:00.004-04:00

Wow- with the traveling and other jobs I've been doing, I didn't realize it had been so long since I put up any new art. Well, I don't have anything completed yet, but I have been working on some sketching lately. All day Monday and Tuesday of this week I stayed in my pj's and doodled and sketched and goofed around. It was heavenly! It was my first real day off in over 9 weeks! Ahhhh! I needed that. I've started 2 new sketches, and been working on the shading and underlayers, so these are rough, but I thought it might be fun to show you as it progresses.

Faith Journal

2008-08-29T14:12:00.003-04:00

Wow- this faith journal project is really moving along for me. If I had more time free to work on it, it would be done already, as the ideas are flowing faster than I can get time to produce them! (That's ALWAYS a welcome problem to any artist, as opposed to the other way around!) I've found I am enjoying each page more and more. I've noticed too, that it seems to be helping me look at some internal questions I have bouncing around. I was certain that by the time I got to the letter "Q" that I would have a tough time finding a word to use... It seems clear sailing until I get to the letters X and Z. Any suggestions?

Ties that Bind

2008-08-20T20:30:00.005-04:00

I've been invited to participate in the wonderful project called "Ties that Bind" Artists united to benefit ovarian cancer research. Artists Jan Brown, Aileen Roberts, and Kris Henderson are organizing, so it is SURE to be a fabulous finished project! I will be needing to make a charm for the project, and here is a sneak peek of the digital art I created as the base for my charm.

I'm planning a teal encasement with teal embellishments to complete this charm. Teal is the color ribbon for the ovarian cancer research movement.

If you would like to see more really awesome charms by some of the most amazing artists working today, pop over to http://projecttiesthatbind.blogspot.com/

Faith Journal on the road

2008-08-13T17:11:00.005-04:00

I have, with many good wishes, sent my art journals off to Stampington and Company in hopes they will be well received there. I almost felt a little nervous letting my "babies" off into the world like that, out to stand on their own. But I am having faith that they will speak to others too, I sent my Hope journal, and my Gratitude journal, as well as an electronic version of my ABC Faith journal.

The next two pages for my Faith Journal. Some of you will recognize the archway on top from the rubber stamp I carved in order to make the Artiscape 08 Fatbook covers. For some reason I just love this image. It was a photo originally, and I've altered it so many ways from Sunday, and in each version I find something appealing about it. Don't know what it is exactly. Just like it.

Faith Journal

2008-08-12T18:48:00.004-04:00

I've been very busy lately with work, travel, and family obligations. The Lord has chosen to richly pour out blessings on Mike and I in the last couple weeks, and some exciting things are in the works for my art personally and professionally. I hope to be able to post about them here in the near future. I've been working every free moment on Fatbook swaps and some of my journal pages.

Here are the most recent installments to my digital Faith Journal. The top photo of me was originally taken by a very talented photographer friend Ronnie Bianco. (And if you only KNEW how UN-photogenic I am you would know the wonderful magic he worked to get this shot!) His blog link is http://roneyesblog.com/ or in my list of blogs it's listed as "Ronnie's photography."

The world photo and M100 Galaxy shot I collaged together were both released into public domain by NASA. If you've never been to any of their sites, you are missing a fantastic array of information and photos. I visit every once in awhile to check on what some of the telescopes are up to. Fascinating.

Niagara Falls

2008-08-06T18:44:00.004-04:00

Last week, Mike and I started out to my location shoot in Rochester NY. On the way back we were lucky enough to be able to spend the night at Niagara Falls. Here are just a few quick shots of the beautiful weather we experienced along the way.

Horseshoe falls from the Canadian side. Great shot by Mike!

Down river on the Canadian side at the white water rapids, looking up at the Rainbow Bridge.

This was on the American side, at the lookout tower. I did NOT enjoy looking down at all, but looking out and over was beautiful!

I grabbed this shot hanging over the rails at the American side of the American Falls.

How lucky are we to have such wonderful beauty we can get up close to experience?

Faith Journal

2008-07-23T18:29:00.002-04:00

Here comes another mushy one. Can't help it! Mike and I are just so happy to have each other- I had to go for the obvious "L" word in my ABC Faith journal!

Mike and My Faith journal

2008-07-15T15:55:00.003-04:00

This month is my husband Mike's birthday. Yet everyday, I am the one who gets the gift! He is my best friend, my soul mate, my hero. (Sorry for the mush!~ But he IS wonderful!) He is an awesome gift from God, and he does complete me in every sense. He is calm and tender and thoughtful and hard working. He is strong and intelligent and loving and gentle. He is very laid back to my spastics!

I thank the Lord for him every day, and he is the prompt for this weeks faith journaling page. In this harsh world we are living in today, all around us there is disease, destruction, and desperation. I do realize how extremely difficult life is for so many, and how they struggle in their marriages. But there is hope, and there are good men and good marriages out there. Mike is the proof.

This week is K for Know.... I KNOW how blessed I am to be happy and in love in my marriage.

I KNOW that God is there in our marriage. And I have the luxury of knowing that Mike is there for me always. I pray he KNOWS I love and appreciate him with every fiber of my being.

Black Raspberries wait for no man....

2008-07-03T14:05:00.003-04:00

Look at poor Mike's permanent purple paws!!

Wonder why I've not posted much art this week? The wild black raspberries on our farm are ready! Ya gotta pick em' and use them as soon as they are ready because they spoil quickly! So Mike has been picking every day, and we've been making jams and jellies until 2 in the morning after I get home from work at night! Probably only enough left for another batch or two this season, and at least a cobbler or two as well. Yummy! Plus we have the added comfort of knowing there are no pesticides or chemicals added!

Faith Journal moving along

2008-06-26T16:28:00.002-04:00

Wow- I am amazed at how this project is moving along! Ideas just seem to pop into my head all day long! A welcome relief from feeling blocked I can tell you!!!

Faith Journal

2008-06-24T18:05:00.003-04:00

Today's installment. Funny how the things I'm worrying about seem to be working themselves out as I work on these pages....funny that~