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Friday, January 7, 2011

Painting Papers and Making Necklaces

Let  me  first  say  that  this  time  of  year  is  when  I  am  officially  in  hibernation.   I  don't  have  a  "real"  job,  and  I  HATE  the  cold,   so  I'm  basically  a  recluse.   I  always  hated  January  and  February,  but  more  and  more  every  year,  these  are  fast-becoming  my  favorite  months.   I  can  PLAY!!

When  I  was  at  the  Rock  and  Roll  Hall  of  Fame,  I  saw  this  quote  from  Billy  Joel--

"If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time."

Exactly!!  I am  so  fortunate to be able  to do  what  I  love  anytime  I  want,  whenever  I  want.  And  for  those  of  you  who  work  outside  of  your  home,  and  are  not  that  crazy  about  your  job,  just  know  that  you  can  come  home  and  make  time  to  do  something  that  you  love  (no  matter  what  it  is).   It,  without  a  doubt,  makes a big  difference  in  your  life.

So,  getting  back  to  what  I  was  saying--I've  been  playing--painting  papers--just  as  much  fun  as  journal-making.  It's  very  organic--no  need  to  over-analyze,  and  I  found  that  no  matter  how  "ugly"  these  painted  papers  may  appear,  they  ALWAYS  look  very  cool  when  cut  up  and  used  for  collage.  This  is  only  the  start--


I'm  planning  on  making  as  many  color  combinations  as  I  can  so  I  have  a  lot  of  different  choices  when  I  go  to  make  a  piece  of  art--also  I  can  try  out  different  techniques.

And  speaking  of  new  techniques,  I  just  have  to  say--MarthaMarthaMartha--Thank  You,  Thank  You,  Thank  You  for  introducing  me  to  these,  these, these!!

--Adirondack  Color  Wash  Sprays.   A  month  or  so  ago,  on  her  blog  and  you  tube  channel,  she  demonstrated   how  she  uses  them.  And  of  course  immediately  I had  to  run  to  my  nearest  online  store  and  purchase  them.  But  I  haven't  done  anything  with  them  until  now.

Here's  my  first  attempt--



I  love  it,  and  if  you  want  to  see  how  it's  really  done,  you  can  go  HERE  (part 1)  and  HERE  (part  2)  and  you  can  watch  her  do  her  magic.  She  uses  this  technique  for  her  journal  pages  and  then  she  adds  her  mixed  media  art  and   her  expert  calligraphy  work--sheer  perfection!   And  Martha,  if  you're  reading  this,  I  love  the  cool  tip  with  the  paper  towel  roll.   And  if  you  you're  all  wondering  what  I'm  talking  about,  go  watch  the  videos.

PLUS........I've  been  busy  making  more  necklaces  for  my  Etsy  shop.   At  my  last  craft  show  I  sold  two  that  I  really  liked  alot,  so  I  made  2  more  with  the  same  beads  and  the  pendants  that  Kelly  made  for  me.

























 
I   think  she's  so  perfect  for  Valentine's  day!

And  I  had  one  more  Hippie  pendant  left--










 














These  are  all  now  listed  in  my  Etsy  shop!

So, I'm going to go now and play, but one more thing---a couple of posts ago, I mentioned that I could be on  a Hoarder's episode.  Well, if you get the A & E  network and watch this show, just before it is Intervention, and you might just be seeing me on this show too.   Please..........I can't stop eating these damn Christmas cookies!! I made a ton (on purpose) and I've given quite a few away, but I still have some left.   And even though they're a bit stale (to say the least), I still can't stop eating them!

I  need  an  intervention.....




56 comments:

  1. Love your beautiful pendants and the background paper you created is fabulous. I shall check out the link too. Your blog is so inspirational
    hugs June x

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  2. Your hand-painted papers are wonderful..I really REALLY like them ;-)

    I love the added pendants to the necklaces..so unique. Have fun "playing" ..and stay out of those cookies!!..just kidding..if you want an intervention, just ship them to me..

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  3. Wonderful pendants and that paper is just great. Hmmm, that paint I will have to look into. Sounds great. I'm going right now to watch the video. Thanks for sharing. Nice!

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  4. Hey Diane....yahoo!! You got some Color wash inks. You will be addicted---beware!!! Thanks for you sweet post and linking me. You first attempts are fabulous!!!!
    oxox

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  5. Pretty papers!! Love them! I resissted making cookies this year for exactly that reason. I have a giant sweet tooth and I just can't leave them alone. Good luck!!

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  6. Your painted papers are scrumptious! I've been wanting to try those color washes but I'll have to order them online because the stores near me don't carry them.

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  7. love the papers. thanks for sharing them.
    also love the Joel quote, i may use it in one of my 'word' pieces.

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  8. Your papers are amazing Diane and I'm loving your paintings on your necklaces!

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  9. I love the painted papers and I've done it before but not with those yummy sprays!! I need some of those! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous pages :)

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  10. You have a fabulous start to some super journal pages Diane, they are going to be great, because what you have already is great!
    Love your necklaces too.....you are on creative fire!

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  11. The paint looks very interesting...love your art! And the pendants are wonderful! I'm off to window shop on ETSY! Hugs! ♥

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  12. Oh Diane, it sounds like you are having so much FUN! I am on vacation this week and when I am at work I am always daydreaming about what I would be doing if I was home in the art room. When the opportunity comes I find myself paralyzed with choices - argh!!!!! I so admisre that you are just relaxing and letting the art flow and not setting all kinds of expectations for yourself.

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  13. Wow Diane...gorgeous papers you made and those necklaces...wow...I especially love the one you made for valentines....lovely!!!

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  14. Ooh Diane - more techniques, more supplies, more YouTube to watch.... I was only supposed to log on briefly this morning... this is too tempting but will have to wait. I need to be showered and out the door!
    Your papers are fab by the way. I've missed making art this week, I've been too busy but last night I managed a quick play in photoshop which was most soothing.

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  15. Your handpainted papers are just so vivid and delicious, very inspiring :)

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  16. This was such a cute, fun filled post. I do love the way the papers are turning out and I can just imagine how you'll use them. I will check out Martha's techniques in a little while. Playing in January is fun! Glad my cookies are gone.

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  17. Ok I think its time for another tutorial on your papers,they look like so much fun to make. And I just love your necklaces,beautiful. Glad you finally have some time to just play.

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  18. Oh I love your painted papers! You sound like me lately...I could be on both of those shows too. I'm afraid I'm turning into a hoarder and I'm still eating the stale cookies left from Christmas. Too funny!

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  19. Hi Diane!
    Thanks for visiting me today, always so nice to see you at my blog,BUT I also LOVE seeing your art. I adore those pages you've painted. I need to do more of that...just to free flow my emotions a bit that way! I love how you share techniques and supplies too...always fun to visit! Take care and keep playing!

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  20. OMG, Diane. I've been in such a slump, trying to make some pages for a RR that I simply cannot get right! And here you are, handing me the keys to the kingdom with those two You Tube Tuts. I am so grateful to you for your lovely and inspirational examples, and I'm so glad I followed the links to see these. I have lots of these color mists, but have NEVER felt they were any good for masking and stencils. But now I know how to use them, just like you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm going to have to play today right after I stock up on food for the impending snow that is supposed to grip us tomorrow!

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  21. Your painted papers ROCK! Wow, you always do such amazing things. I'll have to dig out my color washes again. I'm totally inspired!!

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  22. So I thought I would have a nice quiet visit with Diane this morning, of course I should really know better than that, I never have a quiet visit, I laways leave with a sense of urgency, the urge to create, the urge to think differently, get new supplies, creat something that looks different than what I am use to.
    That is exactly what happened this morning, a huge turn on seeing your work, and how beautiful these papers and the wonderful jewelry.

    Thank you it feel good to get the creative blood moving.

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  23. Those paints are so cool and you use them so well. Have fun in your journal making! Bravo for all that you do. The necklaces are very cute too.

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  24. Diane, your papers are beautiful thank you for reminding me how much fun they are to make! Thank you for the links!

    Your jewelry is amazing! So charming and elegant!

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  25. Hi Diane,
    These pages are very colourful and creative. Oh, what we learn from other bloggers is fabulous!
    The necklaces are also great.

    Hm, Intervention~Make more art. lol
    Hugs,
    Anna

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  26. Hi Diane, I loved that Billy Joel quote, and love the papers you made. Am feeling inspired to go and do some myself - I forget to just play sometimes!

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  27. I am so glad you found my blog and left me a comment, and thank you! Now I come visit your blog. Love it! Happy Art Making!

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  28. Diane your papers are beautiful! And I have to check out that video with Martha! Those look cool and what you did with the sprays is great!

    Love your necklaces too! :)

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  29. I think I am in love with your papers!!!! Delicious! I love them all. Now I am off to watch those vids, but before I go, I just want to say a rather LARGE thank you for your lovely comment to me the other day! :)

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  30. Your necklaces are lovely. Those inks look like a lot of fun. I could have used them for my eggs. Got to swing by Martha's again. Always fun.

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  31. Great idea to great lots of papers for future use. The pendants are beautiful also.
    Kyles @ Blissful Pumpkin =D

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  32. Love the papers, gorgeous! I so know what you mean about the cold. We had freezing rain tonight. I may have to move my studio back into the house til it warms up. Have fun creating!
    ♥jenny

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  33. step away from the cookies! :) actually what was it that Billy Joel said?...I think may lead you right back to the cookie jar! heehee!
    I can't wait to see the fab colorful paper in your pieces to come :)

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  34. Hi Dianne,
    Thanks for your lovely comment.
    I like your painted backgrounds, esp the flowers. I love to have a whole day where I just do background papers, isnt it fun and liberating!.
    Thanks for posting the info on the spray....x.julia

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  35. The papers are fantastic and so are the pendants.
    I will check the links with Martha...thanks for sharing = )

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  36. Diane,
    love your wonderfull papers, --all of them-- and the necklaces are beautifull--the red one os fantastic :)
    Thanks for the links, dear.
    XO,Dorthe

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  37. Wow Diane! You are pumpin out the art!!! I love those papers. I have been planing on making some myself. You are so lucky that you get to have this as your full time job. I unfortunely have to work outside the home at a job I don't really care for.(Insurance Argh!!! I don't know how it happened) I am working on it though. One of these days I will be getting out. Setting myself free.
    Also I am going to check out Martha's blog. Thanks Diane. You are always a inspiration!

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  38. yes indeed those holiday cookies are almost impossible to stop eating...

    all your art looks wonderful. i am happy that you found a way to enjoy your least favorite months! Your necklaces are lovely, I can tell you are enjoying making them.

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  39. Hi Diane! Have fun with your art papers and color washes. I know you'll make something so very pretty. Your necklaces are so lovely - I love all the bead combinations. :) Theresa

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  40. Oh wow I have missed so much here. I love, love, love your papers. I keep saying that I will do some papers but never get around to it. You have motivated me to have a play.
    Your necklaces and pendants are beautiful too
    mmm cookies, you have made me hungry
    Lee:)

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  41. Love your papers - how wonderful. Your work is really beautiful - very inspiring. Thanks too for the info on the spray washes - I just finished watching the videos, now I want to go buy them:) Have a Blessed week.

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  42. Great job on the papers! I think I am going to play too! It doesn't require much thinking does it? You said even ugly paper is nice if it's cut up and collages with other elements. I'm stuck at home with a bad cough and seeking something to lift my spirits! I think I found it! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  43. I'm totally in love with your papers! I need to do something like that to get back in the groove.

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  44. Awesome papers, Diane! Can't wait to see how your incorporate them in your new pieces. Love your necklaces and pendants too! So glad you have time to "play"!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

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  45. Beautiful necklaces and papers you have created!Stay warm and creative! ~Theresa

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  46. 49! comments! WoW Lady

    This is a good month to stay in, keep warm and make art : )

    Happy New Year Diane.

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  47. LOL no you do not need an intervention! If the cookies help you create... then eat the cookies woman! *wink*

    Adorable journal pages, adorable jewelry... adorable blog! Found you though flickr - but also in the workshop that you are in! (strathmore)

    Love to have you stop by and visit me too at www.greenislescrafts.com

    If you need inspiration after the class is over, there's a lot out there and my blog is only one place to get daily art journaling prompts.

    You can do it! I wanna see you fill that one and need another!

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  48. Coming for a visit to your blog makes me feel like a child in a candy store....where do I start.....the pages you have painted are beautiful and I can't wait to see how you are going to use them......and your jewelry is awesome......you are one talented lady.........
    By the way, I feel the same way about January and February....escape into creative world......

    Hugs

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  49. i am so inspired by your painted paper! GORGEOUS!!!
    & so much beaded fun/love kelly!
    xoxox!

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  50. LOL! My Christmas obsession was peanut butter fudge. So glad it's gone!
    Your work is so beautiful - I love those background papers and your necklaces are so feminine and pretty! xo

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  51. Oooo gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. all looks so beautiful. Kim

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  52. Love your papers and beautiful pendants. Love your blog = )
    I am sure by the time you read this comment...you will be done with the Christmas cookies LOL...

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