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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

~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~