Upcycling

upcycling: the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value. --wikipedia

One of my very favorite magazines, Cloth Paper Scissors, included my bottle cap charms in their latest issue and newest column. If you're interested in the step-by-step click here for my original post back in October (...and how great are those paint tube peeps by the Oiseaux Sisters on the cover!)

I'm thinking that if there's anything positive about the recession and current environmental concerns, it's the fact that a whole lot of us are taking a closer look at how we can upcycle. It's an exciting process. Actually at this very moment, I have 10 thrifted wool sweaters in a variety of splashy colors and patterns drying in the basement. I bought this book and can't wait to transform them. Stay tuned for felted wool experiments coming soon.

Speaking of trash, check out some vintage beauties that I've acquired via estate sales in the past year. I paid under a dollar for each of these heavy metal cans that I absolutely adore.

I'll have to say it's hard to put trash in something so charming. That's a good thing. Double thinking what's truly trash and what has the potential for an upcycling. February is almost out and that means yard sale season a.k.a opportunity is right around the corner.

Happy Friday!

A little bird...

...told me. All of those whisperings. Did they start in my head or my best girlfriends? Are the whisperings instincts gently leading me or was it something I read? I'm not sure...so I'll just say I must have heard it from a little bird.

Above is a look at the beginnings of this piece. First, I primed muslin with gesso adding lots of texture. Once the gesso was dry, I painted with various shades and sprinkled paint droplets on top. I then cut a piece of the muslin to size for the canvas of "A little bird" saving the leftovers for another project. I matte mediumed paper scraps, trim and ribbon on top and then went in and painted more detail. I used embroidery floss to hand stitch the lettering and outlines on the bird. I finished with a variety of swirly machine stitches to suggest all of those whisperings we hear. Zigzag stitches enhance the texture of the grass. I think throwing sewing into the mixed media pot adds unique elements of interest and charm. I'll definitely be experimenting with more of that.

A little bird is now available as a print over in my etsy shop.

introducing...Funky Feathers

You may have noticed what has flown into my etsy shop over the last couple of weeks. I figured that it's about time I gave them a proper introduction. You meet Funky Feathers... Funky Feathers meet You.

My sewing machine has been busy cranking out original soft sculpture personalities which I've been wanting to bring to life for some time.

The ideas for these quirky birds have been coming at me fast and furious. Making my vision a reality involved many trails, errors and redos.

Take the legs for instance. I purchased more different types of wire and bendable-this-and-that than I care to admit. The legs had to be just right. I tried everything before deciding that I liked paper wrapped floral wire (painted) the best for it's texture, thickness and bendability.

This is Love bird, a flirtatious gal in the mood for love. She certainly wears her heart on her sleeve.

Have you ever wondered about the Early Bird's secret weapon? It's simple. Lots and lots of caffeine.

And finally, Bird Seed Thief is not content with the slim pickings in the feeder. This mischievous guy is running away with the whole bag.

I'll have these three versions (no two exactly alike) of Funky Feather wall hangings available over in my etsy store. Plus a flock will fly north with me this May for my first art fair! Can't wait for that.
Happy Friday!

They're back

It's that time of the year. Those familiar rainbow colored boxes are making an appearance. We have a salesperson in our house so we had to purchase a few...maybe more than a few...boxes. Justifiably, it's all for a good cause.

All five family members got to order one box in their favorite flavor. I've made it clear that choice doesn't mean ownership, but apparently this kid isn't taking any chances...and I know where she's coming from. Once those boxes get opened you have to be really quick. Like lightening quick. Poor turtles are stuck with crumbs around here. Hopefully you've received your order or it's on the way. I'd offer you some of ours, but we're down to a box or two with threatening notes attached. You wouldn't want that.

I remember my cookie selling days when a box would set you back a whole $1.25. While the price has changed to $3.00 a box, my favorite flavor has stayed the same. I'm a true thin minter through and through Especially thin mints slightly frozen. How about you?

Etsy finds + a giveaway

I'd been looking for the perfect pin cushion to celebrate my return to sewing. Of course I went right to Etsy where I knew there would be endless options. I ended up purchasing this handmade pear from retro mama. I absolutely love it. So much in fact that I'm having a hard time bringing myself to actually stick pins in it.

A month or so ago, I was lucky enough to win a vintage wall chandelier vinyl decal from another Etsian. Scribble It sells a large variety of custom vinyl lettering and wall art for home decor, businesses and vehicles. I "hung" my prize over one of my computer stations. If you haven't tried vinyl art yet, check it out. It's really easy to put up and surprisingly affordable.

Speaking of giveaways, if you head over to Simple Finds and leave a comment you will be entered to win one of my 8" x 10" 'My Kitchen' prints. Be sure to enter before Thursday, February 19th.

Hope you're having a relaxing President's day. I've managed to fit in a hair cut & color and after all of that beautifying, a much needed snooze. Back to work tomorrow.

a chip off the old block

Congrats to Illustration Friday's newest proud parents Penelope and Colin. To celebrate, I created this party hat out of a...

...wooden children's block and bits of vintage feathers, trims, beads, papers and fabrics. I found these blocks at a yard sale last summer. The nice seller had a very hard time giving them up and hoped that my kids would love the blocks as much as hers had. I felt slightly guilty and didn't mention exactly what I had in mind for those smooth wooden shapes. In addition to the hat above, I'm seeing a plethora of future 3-D mixed media projects. How about you?

Early bird

I have often been amused by the old saying, "The early bird gets the worm." When I was younger, I remember my mom attempting to rouse me in the morning by singing cheerfully, "Rise and shine...the early bird gets the worm." I think I had a valid point when I reasoned that I didn't want a yucky worm anyway so goawayandletmesleep. As fate would have it, I ended up turning into an early bird. I accomplish more in the wee hours of the morning than the rest of the day (with the help of a little caffeine mind you.)

Out of my three kids, I have at least one early bird. He often joins me in the studio before everyone else is awake. In the case of this early bird there's no worm reward, but he does get quality time with Mom. Two birds of a feather working away during our favorite hours of the day.

Early Bird is available as a print in my etsy shop.

On top of the hill

I think for the most part I'm a pretty fun, involved sort of mom. However lately, I've been reminded of my shortcomings. In particular, the fact that I am not a big fan of snow. Especially being out in the snow doing snow things like building snow people and snow forts, having snowball fights, sledding, all of that. Well today after the kids got home from school, I decided it was time to shake things up a bit. I put on nine layers and announced to the entire clan that we were going sledding. ALL of us. There were excited giggles and a disbelieving comment or two from my witty husband. After everyone was dressed, we piled our sleds and bodies in the van and drove the couple of miles to the really BIG hill.

Of course I took my camera so I could document that I have been sledding with my kids. They seem to have forgotten that I sledded with them last season or maybe it was two seasons ago?? At any rate, this was not the first time...but I admit, it doesn't happen often. I usually favor baking cookies and warming hot cocoa for when they return.

Remarkably, we all had a really good time tonight...soooo maybe I need to document that too? : )

p.s. special thanks to Debbie for giving me a Kreativ Blogger Award yesterday. You made my day!

a creative loss

Did anybody else get this sad postcard? (picture me gasping out loud and bringing hand to mouth when I found this in my mail a few days ago.)

Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion was one of my very favorite favorite magazines since its debut in 1996. The home decor and creative lifestyle magazine reflected Mary's personal decorating vision and showcased the homes of fellow artists. Each issue covered topics including family life, food, decorating, craft projects, flea markets and collectibles. Nothing against the replacement, but Home Companion was more me...less perfect more eclectic. I'm really going to miss "Living the Creative Life". Thanks Mary and staff for all of those inspiring years. I'm absolutely heartbroken to see you go.

snow/sale

We continue to dig out from the week's big snow storm. If I wasn't such a snow wimp I'd wander around and take more pictures. It really is beautiful. This is a pix I snapped standing on my porch in my fuzzy slippers. Okay snow, you can melt now.

psst: I've decided to have my first ever 3 DAY Print Sale over in my etsy shop celebrating my three months as an etsy seller. From now until Saturday, all prints are 25% off which makes them $13.50 (reg. $18). Head on over to add a little color to that wintery landscape.

Snow days

Today everybody is home from school for the second day in a row due to snow, freezing rain and everything in between. My peeps have been having a fabulous time playing outside in all of it...building snow sculptures and forts, sledding and breaking into the occasional snowball fight. Me? Well, I'm more of the "how about I bake cookies and keep the hot cocoa warm for when you decide to finally come in" kind-of-mom. Nothing wrong with that right? ; )

Birds of a Feather

A few weeks ago my daughter came home with one third of a poster from a school group project. It turns out that all of the members of her group wanted to share a piece of the art they worked on. I liked the sharing-of-the-poster idea. It inspired my latest print which is made up of nine cheerful little tweeting pieces of original art. Kind of like a spin off of the Doors of whatever city posters.

Here's a peek at the 8" x 10" "Birds of a Feather" print which is a cinch to stick in a inexpensive frame or frame with a matte if you choose. In addition, I have posted all nine original birds for sale in my etsy shop. They're ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) size at 2.5" x 3.5" and come with a signed certificate stating that they belong to the original flock of nine.

These are thick ACEOs. I'm not a delicate painter by any means. Gesso, matte medium, paint, inks, vintage music, designer paper, trim and a feather all stuck to what was an actual playing card. In some of the cards, you can see actually still see the hearts or spades peeking through. I love that. Now I'm off to devote 30 minutes to my photos. I have so fallen off the wagon.

Get down

Three-year-old Nora came home with this frameable drawing yesterday. I laughed out loud when she told me that it was "Mommy shaking her booty." I can hear KC and the Sunshine band now...woWohoo, yeah! Nora went on to explain that the purple on my one arm is a cast (matches my purple dress.) Apparently, I had a fall while stirring up the dance floor which would not be too surprising.

I'll have to say, besides being very amused I was quite impressed with Nora's figure drawing skills...in action nonetheless. WOW.
You go girl.

Seven You Are

After Brendan and I had our annual birthday cake consultation, we decided that Yoda would be appropriate for year seven. This is what I came up with. I designed it much like the puppy cake from a couple of weeks ago. Two round cakes...one for the head with the second cut to form Yoda's ears (I think they're ears?) I called upon the force several times hoping that Yoda would look like Yoda rather than a scary green monster.

The most important critic was thrilled with his cake grinning ear-to-ear when he saw it. He commented on how he didn't know I could make a Yoda cake. I used that opportunity to rant off my creativity speech including how artists never really know how the end product will turn out and often question whether it will fulfill their vision. I went on to reinforce that attempting new things is what makes one grow as an artist. His response to that inspired burst of eloquence was, "It looks hard."

Yoda strikes me as a guy who is green all the way through so my sense of humor took great delight in making a green cake with a bit of food coloring. Brendan's out-of-town grandma asked him over the phone what flavor cake he had. He responded, "Green". She said, "No honey, I mean yellow, white or chocolate." Again Brendan correctly replied, "Green." We like to keep her guessing. ; )

In addition to the Yoda cake, you're looking at another first. I never ever thought I'd have a birthday party here. Brendan, this is proof that I love you very, VERY much.

preschool artist + a giveaway

She's shown tremendous growth since way back then. Here is a glimpse of her artistic process.

Studying the surface marks...perspective is everything.

Perfecting the line and movement of the painting.

Embracing a wide color palette to create both harmony and dissonance.

Knowing when the piece is complete.

(above painting currently "Untitled".)

**ShOp GivEAwAy! Head on over to Funky Finds and leave a comment under my shop feature. I'm hosting a giveaway for both a Frustration Pencil kit and a pack of Glittery Birthday cards. You have until Midnight CST, Tuesday, January 20. Good luck!

The Archivist

Archiving family photos haunts me especially when I fall behind..like now...I'm really behind. First, let me say that I am NOT a person who actively participates in the art form of scrapbooking photos (However, I do appreciate and admire those that can keep up with beautiful scrapbooks!) In years past, I managed to get a pretty decent 'first year' Creative Memories type scrapbook completed for child #1 and #2 (I am so sorry little #3!) with fancy layouts, papers, type, stickers and all. But, I quickly jumped off that boat. Despite being the artsy/craftsy type, scrapbooking is not for me. I think it was the pressure to make every page a work of art coupled with the falling behind feeling of drowning in photos that I personally couldn't handle. Although here I am, all guilt ridden and drowning even with my simplified scrapbooking system.

Since the year 2000, I have been putting photos in chronological order with a short caption. I use photo books like the above which have a 4" x 6" photo slot and a space on the side of each photo for captions. Compared to trying to really scrapbook, this seemed more manageable. My system is as follows:


1) transfer photos from digital camera to computer

2) upload photos (every month or so) from computer to Kodak Gallery

3) add captions to each online photo

4) digitally share album with family and friends

5) order actual prints (every few months) of all digital photos

6) place actual prints in the above type of photo book in chronological order

7) hand write identical captions that appeared with online photo

8) breathe sigh of relief and enjoy feeling of MAJOR accomplishment

My thought is that with this system, I have both an online record (that I'm assuming is safe in the hands of the big K) and actual books that our family can hold, look through and reminisce. I can't tell you how much my family enjoys our photo books. Completely worth it, but still time consuming especially when I fall behind. This morning I managed to catch up so that all pix have at least been through step #2. The bad news is that I have pix from September '07 that are still stuck on step #7 so I'm over a year behind in my process (even though I managed to find time to make matching throw pillows for my office...see top photo...hmmmm). I'm pledging right now to myself and anyone reading to spend AT LEAST 30 minutes per day on family photos until I am caught up. You heard me...30 minutes per day. Archival guilt be gone.

Thanks to Cuteable for doing a write up on my Frustration Pencil kits last week. Also thanks Amy and Gary from the Cincinnati Enquirer who came to do a photo story on my new studio space. Stay tuned for that article coming soon!

The making of jail bird

He'd been in and out of the coop ever since he cracked his shell. They couldn't keep him contained behind bars for long. Once again he was out and headed South for the border.

His story starts with a world map my daughter brought home from school. (The girl knows cool collage supplies when she sees them.) The map, with a bit of designer paper, black ribbon and white card stock make the bird, his scrubs and a post to stand on. Matte gel medium makes it all stick.

The hardest part is walking away so the guy can dry between layers. I made myself refill coffee and do a computer task or two. When things dry, a bit of paint and ink hit the first layer. Next, more of the composition gets adhered including proper jail attire and a key which is floating now, but will soon be hanging from his beak via a key ring.

I step back again for more dry time before building on the last layer. Then, I adhere the type and add more matte medium to create texture which will be painted over in the final step.

A funky fuchsia feather is added along with more paint on top of all of those layers. Finally, a few finer details take place and he's complete. Jail bird is born. Call the proper authorities if you spot him on his flight to the border.

Plugging a sampling

I remember as a kid being enthralled by the brown paper grab bags often found at gift shops. You never knew what you were going to get (no fair peeking), but for sure it would be a deal and a little thrill to open once purchased. I don't see them as much any more, but the Sampler kind of reminds me of that. If you're not familiar, the Sampler is a super fun marketing and promotional tool for indie businesses. Each month, independent crafters, artists, shops, zines and record labels who run web-based businesses send samples and promotional materials to a contribution pool. All the samples are photographed, posted to the site, put in little packages and sent off to Sampler Subscribers, Sampler Contributors and members of the Media all over the world. You're not guaranteed to get a sample from everyone who contributes, but you are guaranteed to get a certain amount of samples depending on the size Sampler you order.

Right now Samplers are on sale (peek over there quick!) I guarantee that you'll be waiting anxiously for this package. Not only is it the most fun thing to open and go through during the doldrums of winter...it's a great way to discover and then support indie businesses. It also makes a unique gift for that person in your life who has everything. Plus, if you are an indie business, it's one more inexpensive way to get the word out.

extra credit: I was a contributor last month...can you spot my sample?! : )

you're groovy

Here they are...a freshly designed frustration pencil kit for Valentines day. I'm a big fan of the February holiday which brings a burst of warm, bright color in the middle of an often dark and cold winter. Valentines day is right up there with girl scout cookies sales if you ask me. I couldn't help but design a special craft kit to celebrate. Each kit will make a total of 6 pencil friends to keep or give to teachers, friends, grandparents, etc. I'm also thinking these would make for a unique girl or boy scout craft activity, birthday party or classroom craft. The enclosed pattern/direction sheet illustrated by me guides any age through the pencil making process. The sheet includes valentine wishes to adorn the pencils reminiscent of the age of frustration pencils like "U R Outta Sight". Here's a peek at the Valentines kit contents:

And just in case you missed this craft in the 70s (or you missed the 70s), my daughter Cara demonstrates below how to melt your frustrations away.

Smooth hair up nice and straight. Rub pencil between hands, Laugh at ridiculous looking pencil. Repeat.

These kits will be available in my etsy shop for the next month or so. Standard frustration pencil kits are also available in a variety of colors. I've redesigned the packaging on those, but the kit contents haven't changed with one color of fur per kit. Okay now, you all have a dynomite day. Dig? : )