My Treasures

You've heard the saying "One man's trash.... well they're my treasures. As I mentioned on my first page, I like to make collage shadowboxes with vintage items.  I try to use vintage as much as possible when I  make these.  I like the fact that everything in the piece has a history to it--no matter what it is-- someone owned it,  used it, read it, etc., up to 100 years ago (the older the better).  Usually in the summer, on Saturday morning, my husband Fred and I grab a cup of our favorite coffee--Peet's (the most delicious coffee), take the garage sale listings, and I start to hunt for my treasures.

I look for any type of vintage fabrics, lace, ribbon,  or doilies.  I can find them at great prices.

I love old jewelry, hardware, keys, buttons, etc., etc.

I'm always looking for old magazines and sheet music. I have a weakness for old books.  Everytime I see them I grab them, before anyone else can : )   I have no idea what I'll do with all of these books.  I think I see an altered book in my future.

I have many treasures in these boxes that are scattered all over my house.  And on the those cold gloomy days in the middle of winter, when I'm feeling a little down, and wish I could get out and maybe go to a garage sale--I do!  I grab a cup of Peet's coffee, and start looking through all of my boxes, because I've pretty much forgotten what's in them.  Usually at the first of the year, I go through my stash, and decide what I want to let go of, and then list them on Ebay, which I will let everyone know about on my new blog!

My favorite finds are old photos, usually from  flea markets.  It's kind of sad, because at one time these photos meant something to someone.  They all had a family, and most of these photos were taken for special occasions, and now they're in a big pile at some flea market somewhere. I feel that I have to use these in my art, because of this reason, and I want to use them. 

Take for instance, I found her and several other photos at a booth at a flea market.

And two booths down--and this IS true--I found these eyeglasses, which  very much look  like the ones that she's wearing.

So what do you think? Do you think she wants me to tell her story? I think she does, and I'm going to search through all of my treasures to finish it. And when I do, I'll show her story to all of you.

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Page One

So this is the very first page of my art journal.  I’ve never made an art journal before, and I’ve never had a blog before--so this is all a new experience for me.  I could never have started this blog if it wasn’t for my son Nick. I’m very proud of Nick. He received his Doctorate degree this last summer, and is now teaching at Ramapo College in New Jersey. He lives in New York City--a dream he’s had since he was 20 years old. Which once again shows that you can make anything happen that you want to as long as you believe it and work hard for it. He didn’t learn this from me--I learned it from him.  So Thanks Nick!!   I have 5 kids altogether--all different in their own right, and they’ve all taught me something different, which has helped me become the person I am now.

I also want to mention Mystele. Mystele is an awesome lady. Not only is she an amazing artist, but she’s also an amazing teacher. I started following her blog about a year ago. I loved her art, and got to know her through her videos. Last October, she offered her first ever online class, which I immediately signed up for (another first for me). It’s called Gut Art--art from your gut--finding your authentic voice. She’s offering another one in February, and I can’t recommend this class enough for any type artist--beginner to advanced.

The first week, she wanted everyone to make their own journal--their Gut Art book. She made hers along with us with her numerous videos showing us different techniques and ideas on how to make it. At the time, I was getting ready for one of my big art fairs, and I knew that I couldn’t possibly do this. First week in--I was already the bad kid in the classroom. But after that I participated, and put my best effort in every assignment. She’s a completely committed teacher, and I also became committed as well. The class is over now, but the site is still open, because all of us have made a connection, and have become very supportive of each other. What I benefited the most from this class, aside from the many art techniques from Mystele as well as the other classmates, was self confidence--in my art and in myself. I’ve always been a good student, and have always finished my assignments, and I will this time too.

So, Mystele, here’s the start of my Gut Art Book! I hope everyone follows along--it will be a big, colorful never-ending journal!

Here is some of my past work:

I like to use texture and pattern in my art.

I like to collage.

I also make collage assemblages. More about this in my next blog.

This is my newest endeavor. I've always liked the angels and painted faces in general. I'm still learning this, but I really enjoy it and I hope to improve as I go along.