STUDIO CAT

Willie, Willie, Willie....what are you doing in my fabric stash?  Well, it is a quiet, cozy spot for a long winter's nap.  Snowing outside, too cold for any cat fancies, and so he is perfectly happy to be nested in for the morning. I just went to get some fabric and was surprised to find a squatter!  He is looking at me and saying.... "whaaaat.......?"  you know, the cat attitude that says, I have every right to be here, so what is your problem? 

We have had lots of snow.  Yesterday, IT. SNOWED. ALL. DAY.   It's lightly snowing now, but the blue sky is trying to peek through.  Every night this week, we have had deer in our yard.  A buck and a doe seem to come in the driveway every evening to see if the bird feeder has been filled for their delight.  I snapped a picture of the doe feeding.  It's a bit grainy, it was taken out the window with only my camera flash, and I did have to lighten up the picture in photoshop so that you can see her.  But she is so sweet... and Marley is so
alarmed by the deer.  He wants to bark and we are trying to teach him to calm down and just let the deer
stroll around.  We are all trying to live in Harmony Marley...

  They bump the bird feeder and then lick out the seeds.  I kept refilling the feeder... every other day, thinking the birds were chowing down, but then of course, it dawned on me, it was the deer!  I have been putting out our apples that we have stored in the garage from our apple tree.  They are softening and really only good for pies.. and so the ones that are ready to be tossed, I am feeding to the deer. 
   peace and love on the last day of the year...  ta

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

It's the end of a decade.  And it's a Blue Moon month as well.  So let's hold hands and dance.  Let's

celebrate under the New Year's  Blue Moon and hold tight to each other.  Because with all the turmoil, all the craziness that is happening around us, we can believe still in each other. 

 Happy 2010!  Here's to Good Health and Good Prosperity!!!! 

HOME AGAIN

What a heartwarming surprise I had for Christmas!  My daughter-in-law took one of my most

treasured paintings and turned it into a quilt!  What makes this even more amazing to me, is I sold this

painting last summer.  This is my grandmother's house. You can read the story here. 

It was with some reluctance that I put that piece in the Wild Women show last summer.  And of course, when it's a piece you would like to not sell, it sells.  Murphy's Law.  I still have images scanned into my art files, but the actual painting is now living in a friend's house. I have learned to let go of my art, even the ones I really love.  I look at it as a good way to let my art live outside my studio, plus it means more room for me to create more art!!!!

  So I was thrilled beyond words when I opened this gift and found this piece recreated in a quilt form!

In a wonderful magical way, this art came back to me through a loving gift.  It's just icing on the cake!

SEE???   Isn't it great how she even found the buttons I used in the orginal?  wow.

 Heather really outdid herself.  She choose perfect fabrics that were amazingly close to the original.  So this meaningful art has come back to me in a new form from a very sweet and thoughtful person.  Thank you Heather.  It's just beautiful.  You are very talented with fabric. 

She also did a mountain quilt for her Dad..

Dan's quilt is titled Purple Mountain Majesties and mine is Grandmother's House

Here they are are hanging in our family room.  I temporarily tacked them up till I can get my husband to make

wooden quilt hangers for them....

He especially loves the kissing fishes swimming in the mountain stream...( that's me and Dan by the way!)

Just lovely... thank you so much Heather!

ta

ENCHANTED LADY CAN COME OUT OF HIDING NOW

She arrived safe and sound and now that she has a new home, I can show her pictures here. 

I am planning to do more of these.  I love using the license plates.  I now am looking for

old dolls to use their parts.  It's always fun to be on the lookout.  I do find some cool things on ebay,

but also like to cruise the old thrift shops. 

Wrapping and sipping some wine this evening.. It's snowing.  And Santa is loading up his sleigh.

Jolly time of the year.  And I am POOPED!!!!  phew. 

night night

IMAGINE

As Christmas nears, I am so wishing I had my loved ones nearby.  I miss my Dad.. it wil be our 2nd Christmas without him.  I miss my daughter, and Emalie and Robert.  I am blessed with many pictures they send and know they too missing us.  It's a hard time to be seperated from those you love.  I miss my son and his girlfriend and know they will have their own sweet Christmas with their little furry family.  It's the tenderest time of the year, and in between the dashing and shopping, the baking and wrapping, I take the time to

to reflect on all my blessings.  And I keep the Spirit of Christmas deep in my heart.  And I continue to pray and hope and imagine PEACE ON EARTH. 

just imagine...

ta

STUDIO CRAZIES

Looking at my studio this morning..  holy moly, it  looks like a bomb went off in here.  I am going to have to bust into some cleaning/organizing today.  No one can say this is a boring studio!  I am trying to see this in a postive light.. you know, it's all just lovely creative juicy explosions rather than a big ole mess.  I have to admit, I am really messy when I create whether it's art or cooking... but I do get into the spirit! 
  so here's to a great day.. may the cleaning jujus plow through the studio and by evening, I will be
happy to take off my goggles and enjoy the CLEAN!
  ta

A BATCH OF ANGELS

I woke to angels waiting to be finished!  So in a few hours, I was able to do these gals.  I will give these

out to my friends for the holidays.  I like that they can be hung any time of the year, rather than just at Christmas.  Using the inspiration of the light bulb, I used the word Light in all the little messages on the angels.

I love their little scalloped petticoats that hang just below their skirt hemlines.  Now I want to make a big one, using a larger bulb, as a tree top angel for our Christmas tree.  So stay tuned! 

off to work, ho ho!

ta

and hope an angel lights your way today!!!!!!

ANGELS IN THE WINGS

My paper mache angel... and more in the WINGS!

I don't work with paper mache nearly enough.  It's so fun to get all gooey and play!

My first angel flew away yesterday, so I decided to make a batch this morning.

Because one is never enough!!!!

ENCHANTED LADY

It's a peek.  Because I can't really show more or I will ruin the surprise.  But oh the Enchanted Lady turned out really wonderful.  I was elated with the final result.  And I love, really love,  how life can be serendipitously delicious!!!!

I worked on this art doll on Saturday and my day flew by in joyous creating.  Then this morning, I was wrapping presents for the recipient of this Enchanted Lady., and this afternoon I get a little sweet card from
the art doll's future owner who wrote " to my 'enchanting' friends" !!!! 

  Surprised?  Yes. But no.  I believe in ENCHANTMENT and when souls align in the universe, then connection is as real and easy as taking a breath.  Magical but there with every intake of air. 

So breathe in and be enchanted with the Magic of the season.
ta

BIRD SEED WREATHS

Don't you love this?   I found this here and if I get TIME, I would love to try my hand at this.  Among my local friends, we exchange simple gifts.  One year we all received ice buckets.. with candles.  They created the ice frozen candle holders with big 5 gallon buckets with a hollow center to add a candle to. They were really lovely at night with the warm candles glowing in the night through the crystal ice. 
  Anyway,  I am busting through my orders and hoping to get some time to get to my pile of wrapping presents and baking cookies this weekend. And perhaps some birdseed wreaths!  It's a beautiful morning, the sky is show stopping blue, the sun is shining on all our snow and it's wonderful Friday. 
 ta

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

Here we are.... ready for the bliss-filled holidays!  I just finished our holiday cards.  Every year, I  try to create our own cards complete with our little family.  Might add a bit more to this but will let it sit in the studio today.   And I have a lot of orders waiting on me.  I am trying to focus on the  seasons joy and not let the the

long list of todos make me crazy.  It can just over take your holidays and you can start to forget the

joy that this time of year should bring. 

Hope you are enjoying your busy day too!  HO HO

 art note:

I did the paper doll cut out shapes using recycled paper.  Dan's pants are cut from the inside of a business envelope.  Those patterns are wonderful to save and use in art, so many patterns. His sweater is cut from dictionary paper painted red.  My pants are cut from a scrap of paper that I had used to clean off ( smearing) my letter stamps of black ink.  Also used  some fabric.  I love doing art like this.. good ole cut and paste.  oh and of course Photoshop arranged and sized it .. love Photoshop for that.

off to work I go.. no more play for me!

DEEP IN SNOW AND FABRIC

looking out my studio window on our back patio.

and looking in my fabric strip basket!

 Our snow storm has moved on and we are STILL DIGGING OUT!  Okay I am not a big lover of winter and snow.  A few inches is fine for ambiance for the holidays.  But our little mountain town got 18 inches while the Aspen mtn got 5.  Someone got the message crossed on this storm.  Big snow up on the mtn please! But the snow gods had other ideas. This morning we have our clear blue skies back and it's
freakin' cold, but the sun will shine and all this snow will be melting someday.  It is quite beautiful.. as long as I am inside my warm studio looking out!!!!  Working outside in this brutal cold weather.. oh my poor husband.
He won't start his ski job till a week before Christmas.. so only a few more days of excavation work. 
Skiing in the cold weather is more fun than working obviously. 
  Dashing through orders to get caught up so I can start focusing on my holiday todos... I had to rip a pile of strips this morning and love the colors piled in the basket.  I use these strips to tie on to my Lunar Designs
products.  It's colorful and fun.  I used to use ribbons, but I like the more oganic look of the fabric strips.  And of course, these strips have been finding their way into my side art.  When you rip a lot of fabric, you end up with a lot of threads.  So I save them as well.  And they have been fun to use in art too. 
  Okay work is calling me! 

Have a colorful blessed day!
ta

PILES OF SNOW

These were taken about 6:30 this morning.. OMG we got at least a foot overnight and yesterday a good 6 inches.. that adds up to a foot and a half!!!!!  Marley was romping and running around in the snow while Dan and I worked out butts off to clear the snow this morning, which is already covering all we did.  Dan runs the
snowplow on the 4 wheeler and I use the hand shovels!  Lots of work!  The ski mountain only got a few inches and down here in town we get bombarded with deep snow.  Crazy huh?  It is still snowing and is supposed to snow all day.  And the wind is howling.. a real blizzard.  I am glad to have my studio here at home!  No crazy snow commute for me, thank goodness!
  ahhh the winter blizzards.. makes me want to bake cookies and wrap presents.  And watch the old favorite Christmas movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" (I never tire of that move.. and cry every time I watch it) and get in the mood.  Because it's snowing big time, I might as well love it!  It is beautiful.
As I write this,  outside our window, the birds are clustering around the bird feeder, snow howling and gobbling up food for energy.  Beautiful.  Peaceful.  It is a Wonderful Life.
ta

BIG ART SALE!

MY ART RUNNETH OVER!!!!
BIG SALE AT MY ETSY SHOP!!!!  click here!!!!
keep me on your fav list and keep checking back as I will
be adding more everyday!

I am going to spend my weeeeeekend listing a lot of my art on sale and at big discounts plus added bonus FREE SHIPPING!!!  I need to clear the studio to make room for new art on the horizon.  So this is your chance to score some great ART done by  a REAL WORKING ARTIST instead of some mass produced big box China imported stuff that
really doesn't support our US economy. (don't get me started...)

I try to buy locally as much as possible, especially from local PEOPLE!   It keeps the dollars in your own community
plus supports your area.  There are a bunch of local shows
that always pop up this time of year and I always try to hit  a few of them when I can.  I do the same in the summer-- hitting the local farmer markets. 

Can you believe how fast the holiays are approaching!!!!?????  It seems to just roar in faster every year.

ta for now!

RECYCLED HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

These are going up for sale on my etsy site this morning.

They are "GREEN" and sweet ready for the holidays.

Cut from old license plates with soda pop can aluminum

wings and dangling bead/found objects for their legs, they

all are carrying little bells and even one a basket of eggs.

They measure 5 x 5 inches and are light and sturdy to hang on your tree!
$20 each with FREE SHIPPING!  Don't wait!  These will go fast!

ta.....

THANKFUL FOR ART

POSIES FOR YOU!  .... first in a series!
now for sale on etsy


I am planning to do a series of these girls.  I love using the license plates for their
bodies and love their big ole wacky lips. MWAH!  The lips are made from a red lid off of a mini vodka bottle.  Here's a little background on these lids...

 A few years ago, walking my dog Sadie everyday through our old neighborhood, I would spot, almost on a daily basis, two mini bottles tossed to the side. Never one bottle mind you.. but always two.  The lids were not screwed back on after he or she killed off the bottle.  No, just tossed onto the ground.  I would easily spot the red lids, and sure enough, the two empties nearby.  I have probably over 100 lids! Yep, this person had some serious habits!  One, the vodka habit and two, a big litterbug.  So in name of art and cleaning up the invironment, I would pocket the two lids and two empty bottles.  The bottles I would toss in the trash, but I saved the lids for some future art project.  I would often think about this person.  I surmized that it was somewhat troubled soul  and a man. Troubled, because he must of felt he needed those two shots even before he got home.. couldn't wait to get home to have a drink.  Why a man?  Well, I think a woman would of screwed those lids back on before she tossed the evidence into the weeds.  Just my opinion.  Plus I wondered if he was chosing vodka because it was less of a tell tale smell on his breath? Closet drinker?   And he was obviously walking as the path seemed to be coming from the bus stop.  Funny how you can make up these assumptions just from some discarded trash!  It was fun to wonder about this person while I walked along.  Then suddenly one day, the bottles never appeared again.  He had moved away.. or cleaned up his act. 

Now,  fast forward ahead a few years, and LIPS!  These lids make great lips.. they are aluminum and already a perfect red.  I can easily smush them into lip shapes even turning up the corners for smiles! 

So stay tuned for more of these recycle art dolls.. with wonderful LIPS (thanks to the drinking litterbug!)

and oh HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!  I am off to make a nice big apple pie.. yummy!

ta

ART JACKET

(Click on pics to enlarge to see more details)

My ART jacket.  I wore this to the opening for the Aspen Chapel Gallery's Small Wonders show.  It's a jean jacket that I worked on several years ago for the DAY of the DEAD art show at the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities.   This was a labor of love, very time consuming, and is a work in progress.  I appliqued, painted, beaded, stamped and embroidered a lot of images.  Frida Kahlo adores the back with her quote "I paint my own reality" along with some Loteria game cards that I turned into cloth transfers.   I did a large Tree of Life on the left side with my alter ego blackbird.  In the branches of the tree I sewed on lots of Milagros, with various beads.  Each leaf was cut from fabric and appiqued on.

The tree was dictionary pages that I transferred onto fabric then cut out and appliqued onto the jacket.

The sleeves were stamped with  journaling about my personal Art Journey. 

I still want to line the jacket, at some point.  Looking for the perfect print....  I wear this to some art openings and always get fun comments.  I don't do a lot of embroidering any more, but I used to do a great deal of it.  It is a great way to  spend an evening watching an old movie and stitching away.

(Someone asked me how I wash this jacket!  Well, I haven't and probably never will! I figure if I

would get a stain somewhere, I could just embroider over it!  Besides, I don't wear it very often.) 

ta

TWEETS CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Starting the holiday push for my gifts.  Have some old green and white Colorado license plates that I am going to make a batch of ornaments.  I also decided to find some old used plates on ebay and think I can

get them really reasonable.  Planning on using them for some upcoming assemblage art.  I want to start

pumping my etsy with more small pieces of art!  Have a lot of planned art on my envision board.

As the holiday approaches my days get fuller and I am getting in the spirit.  A little snow early this morning, but the sky is gorgeous blue this morning, and I am ready to jump into a pile of orders.

All is well.  ta

AHHHHHH.....

This is where my soul and heart is this morning.  I am sitting in immense gratitude for the gifts that have come my way.  I am reminding myself that the power to create abundance is in my hands.  Last night, I was so blessed to sell four of my dada creations.  Know that I loved them dearly, and to see them go leaves me a little sad :(  But truly, it also inspires me to create more :).  And to walk in the path of gratitude.

Finding your niche with your art is hard.  Finding your place in LIFE is hard.... but when you really learn to trust your INTUITIONS and your PASSION,

it no longer is difficult. Because, your heart knows.  Your head is a little slower in the knowing, but staying alert will finally get the mind's attention.  And last night I got it. I went to the opening at the Aspen Chapel

Gallery's SMALL WONDERS show with an undeniable quiet sense of knowing that I would sell my art.  Not only did I sell, but the numerous positive compliments on my work, the smiles the art generated, it was like walking around in a garden full of blossoming fruit trees: the petals coming down and kissing the deepest part of my creative soul.  Being surrounded by all the talented artists, all their creative outpouring on display was just so uplifting.  As I walked around the gallery, and looked at all their work, I felt each and everyone's energy.  It is so amazing to see all their heartfelt work. 

And I felt very honored to be among them.  Thank you Linda Deters for showing up and taking this picture.
It was so nice to see my friend before the big crowds arrived. 

ta

ROYAL PURPLE TOE

SO... Here's my art for today.  I felt sorry for my toe.. that I busted on Friday morning.  I still am not sure what hit it.   I was pushing my table of found objects that I had spread out while I was working on my series of 8 dada dolls, and the opposite end of the table collapsed in a big crash.  I was standing on the upside, and still do not know what smacked the ^$#(* out of  my toe.  It is actually looking much better...  because it was a whole lot blacker.  But let me tell you, I haven't been able to wear normal shoes since.  Inside I wear my flipflops, outside because it's COLD, I wear my softest socks, and Crocs.  I limped around on Friday and Saturday.  SOOOO  PAINFUL... but I think it's getting much better.  Ya just can't take your toes for granted.  Meek little things they might seem, but they are wholely important in your daily trekking! 

   So this morning's ART was to paint my toenails  purple - a honorable royal treatment-  and step somewhat lively into my work day.  Because I have piles and piles of work..   Now where did I put my super woman vitamins?

ta

DADA WHO?

The last of my dada's in a series of 8 for Small Wonders at the Aspen Chapel..  I found the cool old match tin at a used store and knew it would be a great body for a dada.  The owl just came in on her own.  I used a rusty tin lid for the head, spotted the old barbwire and liked how it flowed off her head.  Next the eyes, old lens from a camera, and an old gear wheel.  (I always grab cheap or free cameras at yard sales to get these kind of parts.)  And into my vision of junk, I spotted an old ink pen nib (?)  and so appeared the owl.  So next? Why wings of course.  Those I cut from an old coffee can.  Now feet, hmmm.. ahhh perfect... old caster wheels!  I have a box of those so I chose the smallest ones I had.  The empty slot for a nest and a touch of whimsey, a wooden red heart.

See the arrow I drew for you?   I love this embedded rock in the barbwire!  Found this piece of wire on the road.  Just a fun little happening.

ta

ps link to Aspen Daily News about the Aspen Chapel  Small Wonders Show
      an article about the show.. though I am "renamed" LANDA DRAKE..
      sheeshhh..  I did add the correction below their article.

DADA ON A STICK

This DADA was challenging for some reason.  I used an old  brush that must have been used

for some strong varnish because I could smell it in the bristles when I heated them for distortion.

And noteably, I did it outside as I am fairly certain the fumes where horribly toxic.  Even the handle seemed

soaked with the old varnish.  Mind you old brush, but still present.  I started with his head using paperclay.

He just popped out.. and I loved his face.  After the clay dried, I lightly sanded it and then painted the colors.

Next I found some wacky wooden frog arms that I attached and I liked that they were open and out.

Next he asked for a bow tie and I of course gave him a polka dot tie.  An old button just seemed perfect to top it off.  Next his body.. I tried numerous things, and finally found an old nose complete with the

fuzzy mustache.. oh it was perfect.  But still I felt it wasn't complete.  Then I found in my junk box,

a wheel.  ohh sweet, perfect perfect. Even the outstretched  arms seem to say balance.  The challenge was I had to shorten the handle before attaching the wheel to comply with the 12x12x12 size rule for this Small Wonders Show. 

Here's what I am discovering the longer I do art.  I am beginning to get my level of "done".  You know, you

start a piece and when do you decide it's done.  Here's what I have found works for me.  It's in my gut.

I don't "think" about it.  I feel it.  Gut art.  Yeah..  that works for me.

DADA BIKER CHICK

(SOLD)

Just finished her.  I like her!  I used an old lock for her body.. and an old rusty bike chain for her arms.
Her wings are metal painted white, and her skirt is a little tart  cup that I flattened and cut into her skirt.
I used beads and wire for her feet.  Her head is an old top to some beverage can with the openings for her eyes.  I used a small metal red screw top squished into a mouth shape.  I punched holes along her crown and tied on some multi colored twine that I unfurled to make fuller.  I love her hair..  I want hair like this!~

SO I AM FEELING THE CRUNCH.

   Have 7 of these done, and need one more.  Though one of my dada's is not to my liking.  So if I have time, I will do another one.  Though often I have placed some art piece in a show, and even though I wasn't crazy about it, it sold.  So what do I know, right?  These will be going up to the Aspen Chapel Gallery for the

Small Wonders Show.  There are 30 artists showing 8 pieces ea.  Four are hung initially and then as

pieces sell, the remaining 4 are brought out to fill in.  I am not sure if we get to pick the first 4, but

I am requesting my pick and am sure they will comply. 

Opening for the Winterfest at Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts is tomorrow night, plus I am setting up tomorrow afternoon for the Unique Boutique which will be on Saturday.  I have more cards to do, plus other stuff I am taking.  I like to set up my "space" here at my studio to get a plan on how I am going to set up at the shows.  BIG HELP!  Yesterday I ran around town looking for Christmas tablecloths.   Yikes.  Didn't feel like spending $50 for those, so I opted for two colorful plastic tablecloths for my tables.  Think it will look just great, plus I was much happier spending only $10.  I needed more baskets but again, didn't want to spend the money.  So I found some nice open flat boxes and I will line them with holiday tissue paper.  Some garlands and twinkle lights and I will be festive and cheery.  Should be a fun day.  Plus snow is coming.
Good for sales!

After this weekend, I will be through my shows, at least the creating and hanging part.  Phew.  It will

be nice to move on to other art projects.  And to clean up my studio.  Getting a little nuts here.

ta

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS TIMES 6

CLICK TO ENLARGE

I bought these 6 Christmas ornaments last year after Christmas on sale for .25 cents each.  They were simply wood cutouts with heart shapes in the center cut out and painted gray and black.  Yes, pretty obvious why they didn't sell.  So I painted them fun colors, added polka dots and paperclay faces.  I then added some words for fun, jingle bells and fabric hangers..  And TA-DA!  These will go in the holiday sale this weekend.
FUN!  All are cheery, but I did a blue one.  The holidays are so wonderful but when someone you love is far away, it's a sad time too.
ta

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

This morning's art was making Christmas ornaments.  I have a batch drying that I need to finish up, so those cannot be photographed yet.  I then turned to some of my paper coasters and turned them into ornaments.
Which led me to remembering the batch of  blank baby tees I have in my storage that I need to use up.
I am doing several local art shows for the holidays, and decided to scan a few of the paper ornaments into
baby holiday tee designs..

These will be cute baby tee designs that I can sell those baby tees that are just setting around.  USE IT UP!!
love that idea!
  Our weather here has been just delightful by the way.  I am running around everyday wearing my flipflops.
Granted it would be really cold to do that early morning or night, but during the day... perfect.  We are expecting rain/snow end of the week.  This is good, even though I could so live with this nice weather all winter long.  The GOOD is with our holiday sale events this weekend, the winter weather brings holiday shoppers out.  They will put there woolies on and be in the mood to shop for holiday.  So GOOD for
our festivals, and not so good for our flipfloping toes..
  ta

DADA ECCENTRIC

Be ECCENTRIC.. it's a joyfull state to be in.  It's one of the delicious perks of getting older.  I am way past

caring what some people think.  I walk in joy and surround myself with positive people.  Keep the wonder

of life within me.  It's the only way to trek through life. 

And here's my dada eccentric - completed.  Two more to go.

(SOLD)

His body is an old can of some kind of goop that came with a twist off lid with a brush attached.

The Goop is long since hardend and remains in the bottom of this can.   The stem of that brush

reminded me of his spine and the goop his gut intentions.  I used old measuring spoons for his

arms, bending them to hold the "ballon" and the other one open ready to receive life.

I like this little guy.

ta for now.

DADA ARTIST

dada te da....  I am listening to Johnny Mercer's music this morning.  I watched a special about him on TCM the other night.  Wonderful story.  The music to the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" is all Johnny Mercer music.  The story takes place in Savannah, Ga and appropriately Johnny's music was used as he was born in Savannah.  If you get a chance to see the songwriter's special, I hightly recommend it.  His songs are still wonderful to listen to, if you enjoy the old tunes, which I do.  "Skylark" is my all time favorite Mercer song.  You can scroll down to my playlist.. it's #47 if you like to hear it... yummy music.  And yes, I love old movies too.  I would much rather watch an the old classics than watch the sad offerings on TV.  TCM is my channel.  I have it on most of the time in my studio when I am not listening to music.   "Too Marvelous for Words" indeed. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era.

oh, ART!  Yes, I created this piece for my series of 8 dada  art dolls for an upcoming show.  Only 3 more to go..   I LOVE working with paperclay.  I had orginally planned to paint his face more, but decided I  liked the whiteness..  it reminded me of the white blank canvas. The retro brush I found on ebay ( with an orginal price of  $.65! stamped on the back).  I love finding old wallpaper brushes that I can use for art dolls.  The wacky stiff hair is perfect.  I often have to work the bristles out using my heat gun or sometimes just water, to achieve the spread out hair-dos. 

(SOLD)

Dig those eyelashes?... I cut these from the brush.. and delicately glued them under the eye lids..
oh perfect touch.  And the togel switch... to turn on the creative energy of course.  Love this piece.
This will be one I will be sorry to see go when it sells.  sigh.  But it will bless someone's world and perhaps
spark more creativity for them!
ta

MADE THE FRONT PAGE!

This was so fun!  I was invited to talk to a small class of local high school art students about my art process.
We met at Pattie's Main Street Coffeehouse in New Castle where my art is being shown.  We chatted for over an hour and it was really rewarding to see their eyes sparkle about art.  I love to talk to young people about art.  I never had the guts to do art when I was their age.  I was told I wasn't artistic and like a dummy, believed them.  I used to resent that, but now feel it became a great motivator for me to make up for lost time.  Plus I wasn't taught the RULES of art, which I now believe there are no rules. 
 The art teacher, Nicole Dollard asked what inspired me?  LIFE!  Their are so many things around us to spark the creative juices.  One needs only to be aware and conscious.  And I also talked to them about
making art incorporating recyling and repurposing.  Also how to overcome the blank white canvas "deer in the headlights*) feeling when starting a new art piece.  *a perfect term the teacher used! 
  A delightful morning. And special thanks to Kelley Cox, fellow artist and incredibly talented photographer at the Post Independent!

GOOD ENERGY DAY

It was so sweet to spend the day with my son Chris, Tasa and Oma.

If I could only bottle up that love and just save it for my next blue day... sigh.
You are my sunshine Chris.

DADA ANGEL

When I created this piece, I was feeling my father beside me.  Dad passed away over a year ago,

and when Mom wanted his workshop/garage cleaned out, I went through a lot of my father's stuff.

Dad always was working on some project.  He had a lot of artistic talent, and created some fun art, though

he didn't officially call it that.  He would of called it tinkering.  He was  great about saving things, so I have a lot of fun objects that I acquired.  The copper leg on this angel is from Dad's collection.He shaped it into this loop and hammered it flat, for what purpose I don't know.  I found it in a small bucket of  assorted copper wire that he saved, and now here it ends up in one of my art pieces.  So I know Dad was standing beside watching me assemble this piece.  I could really feel his energy.  And I could feel him smiling.  Because I know my need to create is greatly inspired by Dad.  It's nice to have that fire in your belly passed down from your parent, and a nice way to remember my father.

So this Angel title is appropriate and is partly created by my Dad.  Thanks Dad...

ta
ps I have no idea what the "head" was.  Just a strange piece of metal, and I am not even sure where it came from.  Will have to ask my husband, he might know.  The body of the angel is river driftwood, the wings are old pages from a book that I machine zigzagged with  blue green thread and then covered with beeswax.