My First Giveaway!!

Now I feel like a an official blogger--I'm having my very first giveaway--my Rose lady--

When I had her at my show, a lady had her in her hands ready to purchase her, but  then she spotted my Hippie girl, and that was that--she put down this Rose lady like yesterday's news.  So I feel that she deserves a home, and I know that she will be well-appreciated if I give her away to one of you guys.

So all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, and if you're a follower, make sure you tell me, and I'll put your name in twice.  Also, if you don't have a blog, make sure you give me some type of contact info. I'll be drawing the name on April 8.    And oh yes, there will be added collage goodies in the package too!

Why I Like Doing Shows

Hey everyone--I'm back!  I didn't come back a rich lady, but I do have enough money to pay some bills, and feed my art supply and online class addiction, so I'm happy!   I took my camera with me so I could take some pics to post, but I didn't want to show  my work--you all  know  what it  looks  like, so I decided to show you some of my artist/friends and their work!

Here I am with my buddy Diane--

She makes beautiful porcelain jewelry--

She hand-forms all of her jewelry from porcelain clay, and then embellishes alot of the pieces with Swarovski crystal, Czech glass or semi-precious stone beads--very unique and creative jewelry!

And here she is in her booth : )

My neighbor was Designs by Stephanie--

Stephanie is a very talented textile artist --

This is all handpainted and very well done.  She has a great eye for color--she  has just the right touch--you know what I mean?

And then there is Natalie and Rich's booth--it's a double booth so I couldn't get it in just one shot--

They have the most impressive booth--it's better than alot of stores that I've been in.  I'm telling you, Natalie, you could design store fronts.. The name of their business is Thru The Garden Window, and they have a little bit of everything for decorating your house with a vintage feel.  Their signature items are their florals--

When ever I see them, their booth is stocked and decorated with seasonal items--perfectly!!!  (Hi Natalie!--remember to leave a comment : )

I have all the contact info on these guys--so if anyone is interested and wants to know more, just let me know.

And as far as how I did--well I sold my tulip piece and phone table from my last post and also my little magazine stand that I showed you here, but I don't like to say it that way.  I like to think that these pieces found their homes.  And this is the first time that I ever took my painted faces to a show, and I did very will with them --4 of them found their home.  And the ladies that purchased them  were very excited.   They asked me questions about my work and were very interested in what I do.  The one lady even shook my hand!  So after reading this whole post--now you know why I love doing these shows!

One more thing--thanks to my employee (aka husband) I was able to take a break during the show.  And right across the street was this--

 

And next door was this store--

So I was good to go!  Our town doesn't have a Jo Ann etc--do you believe that?!  We have just a regular Jo Ann's, but that doesn't compare to an etc..  We do, however, have a very large, very popular casino that people from all over come to, but yet there's no Jo Ann etc. here--this just doesn't make any sense to me at all!

Ready To Go & Another Award & I've Been TAGGED!

I have a few more pieces that I've finished and ready to take with me for my show when I leave tommorrow--

This is on a 12 x 22 pine board.  I get these pine plank boards at Lowes for $8.00, and then I just cut them to the size I want.  They're about an inch thick, and the sides are rough, unfinished, which I like, because it adds to the shabbiness of  the piece.  This  really is a mixed media piece. I collaged book pages and scrapbook paper on it, and  I attached  a cupboard door handle  that I found in my vast array of old hardware:

And still love using my Golden's crackle paste--

And  I have one more piece of furniture that I finished.  I had a before shot of this, but somehow it got deleted. It's a really neat vintage piece--kind of a chair, desk, table combo.  I can see this in a ladies bedroom.

Also I must thank Jackie for this award--

This is such a compliment for me.  I found her blog, before she found mine, and I was so inspired by  her art.  You have to go visit  Me Down To A Fine Art!  Thank you Jackie!

And also, something new for me--I've been  tagged  by Tracey at Glitterbug Studios.  This sounds like fun, but I know that I'm not going to have time right now, because I'm getting ready to leave tomorrow morning.  I'm going to try next week, though.  I want to say thank you to Tracey (do you know how talented this lady is?!!--go check her out)  for tagging me.  You  all know how encouraging  it  is  to be recognized by other artists.  I will always appreciate this!!   And thanks you two for making my week!

So I'm leaving tomorrow, and will be gone until Sunday, BUT I am taking my Dell with me.  This is the first time I can do this, because I just bought this laptop a few months ago.  I think that I would go through some serious internet withdrawal problems if I didn't take it.  I'm hoping that the motel that we're staying in has free internet service.  As much as I would like being one of those cool people at Starbuck's sipping on my latte with my laptop, I'd rather be in my motel room with it. So I'll be checking in on everyone this weekend--hope everyone has a great warm weekend!

My Finished Canvas & Starting 2 New Classes

Remember my canvas that I  started here--well I finished it--

I said that I had a plan for it, and this was the plan. I wanted to paint some faces (2 this time), but I always get a little nervous when I want to do these girls, because I'm  still fairly new at  it.   I just love creating them though-- they always seem to  tell me how to finish the piece. 

Now, my 2 new classes--well Suzi's is starting next week--it's the continuing Goddess and Poet class--

PIETY & PASSION (love it!).  And I was thinking of taking the graffiti art class with Traci Bautista, but I'm putting it on the back burner for now.  Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen are starting a new one April 1--Complex Collage.  She just put the video up on her website on Friday  (click on her name).  As soon as I saw what this class was all about, I knew that it was for me.  Everything that they talk about on what they will be teaching is exactly what I want to do.

So next week, after I come back from my show, I'm hoping to be a little richer : ) and I will be signing up for these 2--I'll probably be poorer, but I'm still signing up. 

Back From Columbus

And on Friday, this was the first place I went to--the Blick art supply store.  This doesn't look like a lot, put it sure took a chunk of change out of my pocketbook. A couple of new products that I got were some copic markers (I've heard alot about these) and the Liquitex pouring medium. I found a video on where else, you tube, on the use of this  medium--really cool results--so we'll see.

And then today I went to the cash and carry wholesale show and picked up some goodies--

And I always get these frames when I go--

The one vendor there  sells  these barnwood framed prints--all different sizes--these were 12 x 16, and he always sells them to me without the prints.  He takes about $5.00 off the price, which makes them under $10.  I usually paint them and add my own painting, or I'll keep the glass in them and make a collage.  I really like them.

This one I bought with the print in it--

Can't you see this with vintage lace, and a vintage photo with some old jewelry and other embellishments?  I can.

The main reason I like to go to this show, however, is the furniture maker that's there.  He makes small tables and cabinets, but big pieces also, and his prices are extremely reasonable.  I like to paint furniture-I usually will find them at yard sales for under $10, but his are so well made and the price is too good to pass up.  Here's one piece that I just finished that's going with me next week--

This is an old magazine stand/table  that I'm sure I picked up for a couple of bucks--I have so much old furniture in our garage--forget about putting a car in there.  I love giving facelifts to these discarded pieces that would probably end up in the trash.

AND THEN...when we were finished--we were hungry, of course!! so we went here--

Schmidt's restaurant as featured on Travel Channel's -Man vs. Food, which is where we first found out about  it.  It's in the German District of Columbus.  What a quaint little neighborhood this is-- right down to the brick roads.

 

The Schmidt  family has been around making their own sausage since 1888. We had the buffet with all of their delicious sausage ( Bahama Mama--the favorite) and other side dishes including homemade sauerkraut. And also dessert--

One of their award- winning homemade creampuffs--very, very good!

So as you can see, I had a very fun last couple of days, and am now getting ready for my show.  Also happy Spring to everyone--it was great in Columbus--temperatures in the 60's and mostly sunny--I had short sleeves on and no jacket--wow!!

A New Technique and My Finished Piece

First of all I want to thank everyone for giving me advice on my crackling dilemma, and also on the online classes.  Alot of you have recommended Julie's class. But I think I 've narrowed it down to either Alisa Burke or Traci Bautista--the graffiti art is more what I'm interested in--I just have to make up mind.  In  the meantime, Suzi is going to have a Goddess and Poet class part 2, and I know I'm taking that.  Although I haven't been showing many--faces are still my obsession.  And I also wanted to thank  Emelie  for giving other helpful tips about stencils and saran wrap.  You can find these tips on my comment section on my last post.

For my new technique, well actually it isn't new.  I've read it on a few blogs, and Wyanne has showed it on her videos.  She is another favorite  artist of mine  that also offers online workshops--aiiiii (that's a scream)--if only I had the money AND the time for all of these!!!  But anyway, it's the alcohol technique--

It's on the background of this paper--here's a closer view--

The best demonstration that I found for this technique is on this you tube video:

The trick is to do it when the paint is still wet, and to make sure that the alcohol is at least 91%

And I also put my paper from my last post on canvas--

This paper was 12 x 12, and I found a 12 x 12 canvas so it worked out perfectly.  I wanted to add a little embellishment--

I had this metal heart  that I found at Michaels actually (it was on clearance too!), and then I still wanted to add a little dimension, so I had these Stickles that I've had forever but never used them--so I  put Stickle dots  in places, but I discovered when they dry--they're very glittery--which made me discover that I am not a glitter girl, so I covered them with paint : )  HOWEVER I did like these Stickles--

Distress Stickles  -they are the glitter without the glitz.  It 's hard to describe and this photo doesn't show them well--

In case you're wondering--I put the Stickles in  the center of the flower.  They look more glittery in the picture  than  they really  are.  I just like the dimension that they give without all that glitz.

I also have a WIP going--

I have a plan for this one--but we all know how that goes.  When you have an idea, and it always ends up differently.  I can't just sit down with a blank canvas and just create--I've tried--I have to at least have a plan.  I know it's more "artistic" to let your muse or whatever take over, but I can't do it that way.  So we'll see how this actually turns out.

And this Friday, I am leaving to go to Columbus for a wholesale cash and carry  show on Saturday.  I'll be one of the shoppers---I usually don't mind crowds, but these wholesale shows are ridiculous--these lady shoppers are on a mission, and you don't want to get in their way.  It's mainly for crafts, but I can find supplies that I can use--when I come back  I'll show you what I find.  After going to these shows, I am amazed at how much retailers mark up these products!  What I'm really excited about, though, is that there is a D. Blick store there--I can't wait--I'll show you what I get there too.

And one more thing--I finally saw Alice yesterday--and I LOVED it!!  I don't care who you are or what your age is--I just can't see anyone not liking this movie! 

And one more thing--Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!! It's a BEAUTIFUL day here today, finally, and I'm going for a walk : D

Painting Papers

I am now going into my full-work mode, well I wouldn't really call it work, more like play.  My art show season is starting soon, so I've been  busy painting papers for collage--

I found a tablet of plain scrapbook papers, and there were a bunch of white ones, so I used them, and I've been experimenting with different techniques (some were so bad, that I trashed them), but most of them turned out pretty good.  This one technique that I really like to do is stamping on foam stamps with clear gesso on the white paper--

And then when it's completely dry, I just put an acrylic wash over it. The gesso acts as a resist--you could do it with regular gesso too, and you don't have to use stamps--you can do anything. I love the clear gesso--I was introduced to it by Suzi.

And there was this paper--

I just started doodling and playing around with acrylics, pitt pens, and mostly neocolor crayons I and II.  The more I use these crayons, the more addicted I get to them.  This one turned out so good that I decided to keep it whole and put it on canvas like this and finish it--I'll post it when I do.  And  I read a tip from Pam Carriker--instead of using water with the neocolor II crayons , use Matte Medium instead, and this will set the color.  I read it from an article from here--

I just got this, and I love it--what a great publication. I love Stampington!

And I'm also excited about my new stamp--

It's a crackle stamp--that produces results like this--

You know, I love the crackle look, and I have yet to master it.  I always have problems.  Can anyone help me?  The effect I like is the very tiny crackle look, but I'd be happy with any type of crackle.  What am I doing wrong?  (I'm just adding this in--what I mean by the crackle method--is the method where you apply the crackle medium  out of the bottle, and then when it's dry, you apply paint over it and supposedly cracks will occur, which never happens for me.)

 

I've also been looking around at online classes (remember in my last post, I said that I'm kind of obsessed?)  What I'm looking for now are workshops on backgrounds.  I've looked at Julie Prichard's, and there are a couple on the Creative Workshop ning site, but I'm thinking more of Traci Bautista's--I am really loving the graffiti style art out there, and hers is outstanding.  Has anyone taken any of her online workshops?

So, I'm really looking  forward to my first show of the season at the end of this month.  It's actually more of an art and craft show, which to me is no different--don't get me started about crafters vs. artists--there is no difference!!  We're all artists!! I get to see my fellow exhibitors that I haven't seen since last year, and also returning  customers  (I guess that's what you call returning buyers of your work), and it's fun just to get out and be with everyone who's all there for the same reason. It's in Pittsburgh, too--one of my favorite cities--it's such an eclectic place--I love it!!

My Award

As I posted this morning,  the very talented artist Natasha May gave me an award!   And when I looked at the "rules", I thought, Oh my goodnes--I have to do all this, but once I got started--I had fun!  So first, here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

So here are  7 things that I know you don't know about me.  I was looking at Natasha's list for prompts, so here goes-- 

1.  Unlike Natasha, I am somewhat of an obsessive person.  I love  Starbuck's and 90% of the time this is what I order (usually at the drive through)  and what I say "I'll take a Grande 185 degree Latte with 3 Sugars in the Raw--I know--WAY too much sugar!

2.  Most of you know Bob (my daughter's French Bulldog), but I've never told you about Leo who belongs to my son, but for now is living with us, and no, it's not a dog or cat--it's a turtle (technical name--Russian Tortoise)  I have become VERY attached to little Leo.  Don't get me started on turtles--I'll never shut up.

3.  Also unlike Natasha, I am very addicted to online classes. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I can't really afford that many, so I compensate with art books and magazines. I never have too many of them.

4.  I am completely obsessed with American Idol!

5.  Natasha doesn't like horror movies.  I, on the other hand, LOVE them!  I have the whole collection of the Saw movies.  If you can get past the gore, the story of Jigsaw is quite interesting, and I can't wait for the next continuing movie, which I think is the last : (

6.  As far as bad vices, I only have one (aside from liking food that I shouldn't be eating)--I am a total sun worshiper.  I know this is really bad, but I can't help it.  I never burn, and I tan so easily--hey it's a good source of  Vitamin D!

7.  And my last one is--I love these--

And they have a new color this year, but still taste the same.  I like them even better when they're stale--yum!

So now I'm going to pass this award onto 7 more Kreativ Bloggers, and I also have some honorable mentions--

My art buddy Buffy --I met her before I even started blogging.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth

Marlynn

Janet's Art Play

Martha

Lisa Wright

Terri

And I also wanted to mention Carrie (a wonderful artist), Mary ,  Micki,  Claire,  Darla,  and  of course,  Janet  (hers is an award -free blog--eeks, but she would still get one from me-she has been making a journal page a day, and still going strong!) and Oh, how could I forget about Joyful Ploys, Mary's blog.  I've been following her blog for over a year now--way, way before I ever even thought of blogging.  I love her work. Believe me, there are MORE--I'm just tired of copying and pasting.

So that's it--whew!  Thank you again Natasha!!

An Award!

Natasha May gave me this award!! How exciting--there's all these things that you have to do before you can  display it  (those are the rules), and I'm so lazy, so I'll try, but for now, I just wanted to say Thank You to Natasha.  I met her first in Suzi's class, and I was so attracted to her art--she is very inspiring to me, so her doing this makes me so happy  : D.  So --go check out her blog--you won't be disappointed, and I'm going to try to do all of the things that  I  need to do  so I can proudly put this in my  sidebar. 

Newspaper

The theme this week at The Three Muses is the newspaper.  Now I have to admit that I've never been a newspaper reader even before the internet, but when I was very young, and I mean very young (before my teen years), I loved the comics.

So I decided to make one of my altered boxes with the Sunday Comics.  They were my favorite, because they were in color.  I probably haven't read the comics since I was that young, so I looked through them  to see if some of my favorites were still there.  The only one that 's still being published is Blondie--that was on my top 10 along with Little Lulu, Nancy, Winnie Winkle, and Archie--boy am I dating myself!   And there's others that are still around like Peanuts, Beetle Bailey and Prince Valiant--who reads Prince Valiant anyway?!--well somebody obviously did and still does.

The newspaper unfortunately is probably on its way out too--I think it will be around for a while, because alot of people still enjoy their morning coffee and paper, like my husband.  But even he's gone over to the dark side--he has his morning coffee with the internet--let's face it, that's where we can find the most up-to-date news. 

I really enjoyed this theme--I would never have thought of making a box from the Sunday Comics--now that's what  I  call recycling!

Black, White, And Red

It's not all black and white is what the theme is this week at Mixed Media Monday--so keeping  with my colors from  my last post, I'm sticking with the red--

Did you ever have one of those pieces that you're working on , and just aren't satisfied with it, and you keep adding more stuff to it?   Well, this is one of those pieces, and luckily I documented the process with photos. So come along with me on my journey, and I'll show you.  So the first thing I did was take a gallery wrapped  8 x 10 canvas and collaged black and white papers on it, because that's the theme-right?

The sheet music is from a collage pack that I purchased from Ophelia--wonderful items in this pack, including some old ledger papers, which I love.  And she still has more available--just click on her name for the link.  It was perfect for what I wanted, because I knew that I was going to be putting roses on it, and the name of the song was  "Under the Rose Arbor"--perfect :D

After that,  I put a titan buff wash over it (I know, I know--it's not white, but I would say it's ivory--a member of the white family) and Golden's  crackle  paste on the edges and on the rose stencil.  I love this crackle paste, because that's just what it does when it dries-- it cracks.

So I added some script stamp in places and the ladies face--I love this stamp--I use her alot.

Okay, you see that house in the corner?  Well, that's an inkjet transfer, that I'm so proud that I can do now, but I was looking at it, and thought  "this is too dark, hmmm, I know, I'll outline it (it wraps around the side of the canvas too). So after I did that, I said "no, it's too dark--it's gotta go"

P.S. Notice the music title is just about gone, except for the word Arbor--well that will still work.

So let's move forward a little bit--I got rid of the house and added more sheet music there and in other places and at the top I added the word Dance from another song title, because as you can see "Under the Rose Arbor" is long gone.  I had these fabric flowers that I added for more texture, also.  At this point, I said (notice I'm not thinking anymore, I'm saying--in other words I'm talking to myself or arguing with Clara my muse--one or the other),  "okay, it's finished" and I varnished it  (gloss varnish), and this was my final photo for MMM.  Yesterday morning when I looked at it, I said, "I don't like it", so back to the drawing board--

So now...... I added more stamping (I stamped onto old sewing pattern tissue papers and collaged them into the heart and around different places) I dirtied up the flowers, because they were just too white.  Let me see, what else--just more stamping.  And I said  "okay, now it's finished" and this was the final photo for MMM.  A  few hours later I was looking at it, and I said "it needs something,  hmmm, how about a hanger?"

P.S. What happpened to the word Dance?   I can hardly see it!

And here is the finished piece....... I think.  If this was Mixed Media Tuesday, I'd probably be still adding stuff  to it.  I have to say that I like it better in person--everything shows up so flat on the computer screen--you lose the texture of the piece.   So, that's it,  I hope you enjoyed my "tutorial"?