Altered Antiquity

Fabric Gothic Arch

I LOVE fabric!  It has become my new passion since paper, perhaps due to the texture and assortment of designs that are available on the market.  Thus, I could not pass up the opportunity to make some Fabric Gothic Arch's for a recent swap on Paperwhimsy.  Not only did each participant create their own fabric arch, but the added twist was to attach a small handmade charm of some sort.

  

FRONTS                                       BACKS

Each of these arches were made by simply stitching and collaging fabric images onto the material, and both sides were decorated.  The charms (shown on the backs) were made from smaller images which were soldered and attached with ribbon so that they could be easily removed by the recipient if they so desired.

My next goal is to start playing with fabric and experimenting with all of the wonderful techniques that are available....burning it, painting it, shredding it, etc.

Another PocketFULL Page

In cleaning up my computer files, I realized that I hadn't posted a PocketFULL page that I had completed several months ago.  This one was for Christy Grant.   

The object of this Round Robin is to decorate a page, yet include an addtional piece of artwork for the pocket that is included on each page.  The smaller size of this book enabled me to be a little more creative in my included artwork; thus, I made a small hanging from a rusted 4x4 tile. 

This was probably one of my favorite pages to create, as it incorporated my usual vintage style along with all of the things that I like best....vintage hardware, vintage lace, crackling, and embellishments.  For some reason, I seem to enjoy creating on a smaller surface better than a larger one.  Maybe it's because I am so slow and meticulous at everything that I do, and the smaller area allows me to get done faster!  

A PocketFULL Page

As the 16-month PocketFULL Round Robin will soon be coming to an end, I have one more page to  share that was created for Leslie Wood.  Amazingly, this page turned out better than I anticipated, as one can get burnt out fairly quickly from a Round Robin that takes several months to complete.  I usually put too much thought into something and take forever to construct one piece of artwork, so this taught me that one can actually create something that they like by just relaxing and "going to it".

The background was created by spreading a layer of white gesso over a plastic doily, drying, and then blending several acrylic paints over the surface.  The rest just fell into place. 

Only 3 more books to go, and I will be done!  It will then be time find another project that will force me to sit down and create something on a regular basis.  I work so much better with deadlines!

Thinking Outside the Box

In May, I attended Art & Soul Hampton both to teach and to take a few classes. One of the classes that I attended was Michael DeMeng's "Transparency Assemblage Collage", a class which definitely had me thinking outside the box.  Michael has such a wonderful way of teaching his techniques, yet leaves you to be free to encompass them in your own style or design.  Since I usually work in more of an elegant, vintage style, I used the opportunity to experiment and create something in more of the true DeMeng style. 

I have to say that I was quite pleased with the finished look.  It's the first time that I've actually created something, stood back, and seen a piece of artwork that could be interpreted in different ways.  Is this a piece about aging and death, or could it be interpreted as the history of apartheid in South Africa?  To me, that is what art is all about....the individual interpretation of another's work.  

I highly recommend taking a class from Michael when you have the chance.  His soft, gentle style, along with his wonderful knowledge of creating texture and color from paints (and other mystery materials) will definitely help you to grow and will set you on the path to becoming a more confident artist.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Remember this movie?  It is one of my favorite Westerns, especially the theme song.  Over the past 2 weeks, I have encountered several experiences which can adequately be defined as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.  Since I like to leave things on a positive note, lets start with "The Bad":

THE BAD: I have been having computer problems for awhile, and somehow..someway...my email address was removed from the server. 

THE UGLY: For the past 2 weeks, I have ended up reformating my entire hard drive.  Unfortunately, I lost all of my email contacts and messages; however, I think that I have responded to everyone now.  Please forgive me if you have sent me something and I have not responded.  Chances are that it was lost in cyberspace.

THE GOOD:  During this time, I was honored with the following blog award by a wonderful new friend and talented artist, Christine Baier.  Like Christina, I am not usually one who likes to post awards to my blog, but since we have recently started corresponding with one another, I was deeply touched that she thought of me and considered my blog was one of her favorite reads.  The rules for receiving this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

I value all of the blogs that I frequent, but have chosen 7 (some of which I have recently discovered) whose artwork I thought you would also enjoy:  Jeannette, JoAnnA, Judy, Sharon, Saray, Sanja, and Anne.

For the Birds

I am famous for starting art projects, setting them aside, and not finishing them until several months...even years...later.  My goal has been to complete all those projects that have been set aside waiting for that final finishing touch.  Such is the case with this canvas birdhouse that I started over 1 year ago. 

The birdhouse was made by hinging two 8x10 canvases together so that they opened like a book.  An opening was cut into the first canvas to create a window, and a flat canvas roof was attached using an embossed metal insert.  Even the bird's nest, inside, was made with wire and natural materials. 

After the initial structure was built, the rest was easy!  Birds, eggs, twigs, and greenery were added to give the feeling of nature to the completed project.

      

MOO'vd to Create

It seems that Moo Cards have become the hottest new craze since ATC's.  These tiny, wonderful photo calling cards, measuring 1-1/8" x 2-6/8", can be used for anything from business cards, to trading cards, to even gift tags.  They are the ideal way to trade or display your artwork with their smaller-sized format.

I participated in a collaborative project with several other fine artists who were challenged to devise a new way to use Moo Cards in their artwork.  The article appeared in the July/August 2008 issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. 

As my collection of Moo Cards was fairly depleted, I was in a quandry as to what I could make with the supply that I had on hand.  I decided to make a small schoolhouse with a wooden assemblage from Coffee Break Design.  Several of my Moo Cards had a school theme, so it was the perfect solution!  I lined the back with 3 matching cards, then used 2 different ones for a microscope slide door which attached to the side and "swiveled" to open. 

I love to make my own Moo Cards when I'm not in the mood to create a big piece of artwork.  I enjoy the smaller format and the satisfaction in completing an entire project in a small amount of time!  Paperwhimsy offers a monthly Moo Card swap that is coordinated by color.  Below are my 3 sets of cards for the months of May (Pinks), June (Purples), and July (Blues).

MAY MOO CARDS 

JUNE MOO CARDS

 JULY MOO CARDS

The Lion King

One nice thing about living near Washington, DC is the ability to be able to take day trips and visit all of the wonderous sites that the city has to offer.  My DH and I will occassionally attend many of the shows and musicals at The Kennedy Center.  This past Saturday we went to see "The Lion King".  WOW!  If you haven't seen this musical, I highly recommend going to see it.  Every single one of it's performances was Sold Out.  I have seen many different musicals, but this one....by far....was the most entertaining and had the best costumes and special effects of any that I have ever seen.  Being an artist, I was fascinated by all of the sets and the creativity that were put into the stage designs and the animal costumes.  I was able to find a video on YouTube that gives you a little prelude as to what this production has to offer.  Be sure to pay close attention to the costumes....especially the giraffes and the hyenas.  Yes...there are people attached to those magnificient animated costumes!  If I ever have the opportunity to return again, I will DEFINITELY be first in line for a ticket!

Design Team News

I have been busy over the past few months creating many new works of art.  In conjunction with this, I am pleased to announce that I am now serving as a Design Team Member for JoAnnA Pierotti of Moss Hill Studio.  JoAnnA has introduced a wonderful new line of collage sheets that are the ideal extension of her beautiful artwork.  JoAnnA's collage sheets are laser-printed, which makes them ideal to use in all areas of the art world. 

JoAnnA is famous for her unique and wonderful vintage style, which combines a lacy elegance with a worn and tattered look.  Be sure to check out her website and continue to check back for all of her upcoming exciting new products!

As one of her new Design Team Members, I created an assemblage piece using several of her new designs - Favorite Things F0001 and Vivi's Dress 0001-5.  A real porcelain doll was used for the head, arms, and legs, and the dress was mounted on bassword and cut out with a jewelers saw.  The complete instructions will be coming soon in a special "How-To" section on JoAnnA's website. 

This piece will soon be available for purchase on ETSY.

More Row Houses....

What is it about Row Houses that makes them so addicting??  Just when you thought the neighborhood was completed, 2 more Row Houses are constructed!

These two houses were created for a private swap with 2 friends.  The one on the left has actual dollhouse shingles for the roof, while the roof on the right is made with a wooden accent from the craft store. The right house also has actual butterfly wings behind the image.  After experimenting with them on this project, I would highly recommend not using them on something like this unless it's protected behind glass or another clear covering as the wings are very fragile and tear easily.  I sprayed them with a light coating of matte Krylon finish, although time will tell as to whether or not they will hold up to the elements.