Artful Adventures

Shop to Remember Tracie Miser

 
Feel like shopping?  A lot of you may remember Tracie Miser, who was very active in altered art of all kinds, and also very good at it.  She was a good friend of mine that I met through the yahoo group for Altered Books where she was the first to volunteer to act as a mentor, and I was her first "mentee".  A friendship was born that I feel very lucky to have had in my life.  She did so much more than offer advice (which she freely offered up), but also introduced me to Valley Ridge Art Studio, insisting I go take some classes with her, something I can't thank her enough for.  That's where we first met in real life, sharing our lives, sitting up late chatting, trying to solve all our problems and had a lot of laughs, too.  If you knew Tracie, you know how much she liked to shop-unbelievable!  I swear she had every stamp, paper, tool, whatever that was out there for sale.  Keep reading, more about this coming up.  Sadly, Tracie passed away last fall, you can read about it here.  Since then, her sister Erika and husband Ron have left their home in WI and moved to Tracie's neighborhood, buying a house near Tracie's house so they could take in her her 3 boys and not disrupt their lives anymore than it already has been.  This will allow them to keep their old friends nearby, go to the same schools, stay in the same sports, etc.  A huge loving sacrifice on their part!  Ok, now to the shopping part, Memories & Beyond in Downer's Grove, IL has agreed to do a sale/benefit this coming weekend to liquidate all of Tracie's supplies-we're talking well over 3000 stamps alone, not to mention everything else she had!  100% of the proceeds are going directly to a trust fund for the boys, since the store is donating all their time, space & staff to this, they're asking to not use charge cards so no more expenses are incurred.  The store is located at 1400 C 75th St, Downer's Grove, Il and the phone# is 630-217-0610 if you have any questions.  Ron, Erika and the Boys will be there during the sale on Sat, 6/26 from 10-6 and again on Sunday 6/27 from 12-6 with a collection of pictures and a collection of Tracie's work.  If you're in the area & can make it, it's going to be amazing!  Sadly, I can't be there, but I will be sending a donation.  If you can manage to do so, all donations would be appreciated and can be sent directly to First Community Bank, 2728 West 75th St, Naperville, IL, 60564, attn: Tracie Miser Children Fund.  I've also got Erika's address if you'd like to send a note to the family, just let me know  I'll send you the address.  Tracie will be missed, but here's a unique chance to help the family, something I feel really good about.  So on this longest day of the year, I'm hoping you all strongly consider shopping or donating-you'll feel great either way!

Care to Join Me?

 

For a cup of coffee?

 
Or maybe some tea?  Who wouldn't be enticed when using this beautiful pottery made by the very talented Renee' Schwaller of Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor, up in Door County.  I met Renee' a few years ago, when I was invited to participate in a show there, what an honor!  And then last summer, I had my own show there, sharing space with Renee' in a wonderful converted barn, so much fun!  If you get the opportunity to visit Door County this summer, put this shop on your list of places to go.  If you can't get there, she'll gladly ship something to you that's caught your eye on her website or on facebook.   I'm fortunate enough to own a few of her pieces, and have added to my little collection, the coffee cups from the top picture.  It was actually a trade we made, her art for mine.  But when I look at the quality of her work, and the detail, it makes me wonder if I got the better end of the deal!  Whenever I look at art in a medium that I have no experience with and have never tried, I'm always in awe of what can result from 2 hands, learned skills, and a lot of creativity.  Do all artists feel that way?  Not that I don't have respect for artists in my own field and look at their art in awe, because I do,but at least I have a clue how (most of the time anyway!) how they did what they did.  Anyway, I'll leave you with a couple more images images of Renee's work, incuding a vessel sink that I'd love to own.  And hopefully will if we get the last of the addition touch ups done, the gardens done, a lot of clean up done, and then be able to do a little work in the bathroom-we'd better hurry up before it's gone!

  
 

Happy Mother's Day!

 
Look at what the force of Mother Nature can do!  We found these on the beach exactly as you see them-the larger stone with a heart shape carved in the center, and then a heart shaped stone leaning up against it.  Very, very cool, right?  And I truly believe that we "Mothers" have the same kind of power.  And by Mother, I mean anyone , male or female, who has taken the time & effort to nurture anyone or anything-kids, maybe a stranger, the 4 legged furry ones, or even something with it's roots firmly planted in a pot of soil.  And let's not forget our art, we nurture it and our skills all the time.  You've all heard the old adage "don't mess with Mother Nature", well I think we all feel the same way about whatever/whoever we're mothering-don't mess with us or them:)  Anything's possible if we just try and then have our eyes open to see the results of our efforts whenever it should happen, life can can have some amazing moments sprinkled in with the everyday stuff if we just pay attention.  OK, besides that-how is everybody out in blogland?  I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted!  Once again, life got in the way, but things are starting to be a little more "normal" around here.  There's a lot to do yet, but with me not being very mobile, I'm just going to swalloow my pride & have the neighbor girl come & help me with the cleaning & getting things back in order.  All the stuff that's left to do after construction-blech!  But I do have to say, I love how everything turned out.  Anyway, whatever your plans are for Sunday, enjoy them, and have a Happy Mother's Day!

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A Must Read book!

 

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Annie Lockhart (that really does sound too formal!) at a class taught by Nina and held at Valley Ridge Art Studio, which is an absolutely magical place.  Turns out that Annie & I share a birthday, and the fun started from there, turning us into "Sweet Sistah's".  That said, I couldn't be any happier or more proud of Annie for this book that she wrote and was just released.  It is WONDERFUL!!!  Seriously, I buy a lot of books, and this is hands down, one of the best.  She makes you think about what you're creating.  After reading this book, you'll never again glue something to something-just because.  Or because it's trendy and all the kids are doing it:)  You'll think about those elements and what they mean, what do they add, and you'll soon have something that reflects you, not so & so.  Oh, just buy the book-you won't regret it!

Want to speed up winter? Go see Alyson Stanfield!

In WI, the winters are notoriously cold and yet beautiful with all the snow and the brilliant red cardinals  on the branches, the just tend to be a little long.  But this year, in about a month actually, Alyson Stanfield is coming to Racine, WI to give a marketing workshop.  Can you think of a better way to end the winter and start thinking about spring?  I can't:)  It'll be held March 9-10, 2010 at The Sienna Center in  Racine, Wisconsin. This workshop is being conducted for the annual retreat for the Professional Art Quilters Alliance, but is open to everyone, and sounds exciting!  Just click HERE, for all the details, and start planning a little winter get away that you'll not only love, but will learn so much!  Oh, and there's a bonus if you sign up before Feb. 12!

Help spread the word, with Alyson's permission you can use this information and blog, facebook, tweet it, or tell all your friends!

How would you like to sell more art?

If you could use some fresh and practical ideas for marketing your art, check this out. 

Alyson B. Stanfield, author of “I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion,” is coming to Wisconsin in early March to help us get a groove on our marketing.

I’D RATHER BE IN THE STUDIO

A NO-EXCUSES ART MARKETING WORKSHOP

March 9-10, 2010 

Siena Center, Racine

**Sign up by February 12 and get a bonus gift from Alyson! 

http://www.artquilters.com/retreats/retreat10-03.html

 During these two days, you’ll learn

 

-- How to write a better artist statement that connects with your audience

 -- How to organize and expand your mailing list

 -- The tragic mistakes artists make on websites and blogs (and how to fix them)

 -- Email secrets that produce results

 -- How to increase traffic to your website and blog

 -- How to build your online presence with Facebook and Twitter without becoming a slave to your computer

And it’s only $100! Alyson says this is a crazy low price, so you should probably grab it while you can.

Two full days of ideas, examples, and motivation to help you get your art out of the studio and in front of people who can see it and buy it. AND, you’re going to leave with an action plan. 

Get the details and register (by February 12 to get the bonus!) at:

http://www.artquilters.com/retreats/retreat10-03.html

Please help fill the room by sharing this information with other artists who could use this kind of a workshop. 

Enjoy the rest of the winter-I know I'm going to give it the old college try!

Sue Pieper

I won!!

 
There's a reason for showing these pitiful blank journals, all journals that I've nmade with visions of me filling them up faster than I could make them.  Journals with "stuff" hanging outside the edges, bulging with the tidbits of my life and lots of art.  Well, it didn't quite work that way:)  I try, I really do, but nothing ever really clicked with it, and I never made it a habit to actually sit down & journal on a regular basis.  That's all changing now-finally-read on, it'll all make sene:)  Whenever there's a drawing or raffle or anything, I give it a shot, but seldom, if ever, do I win.  Well, I just broke that streak!  Remember a short time ago, I posted about a drawing being held over at MMCA?  The prize that was being given away was a month of an LK Ludwig's online journaling class, round 2 of her Point & Shoot journaling class!!  I participated in the October round, and wrote about it here, loved it, learned a lot, and was planning on taking the next class anyway so it was perfect.  Now I'm learning tips & tricks, no special equipment needed, just some time, and that I can do.  Here's my poor journal that I've been working on for several years, that's one sad looking journal!  But soon, I'll be posting those filled to the brim kind of journals that I've loved for so long!  There's still plenty of time to join in, just go back up & cick your way over there:)  And a huge thank you to Debbie Overton for coming up with the idea of the drawing and for digging into your own pocket to pay for it!
 

Another Celebration!

Turns out that my birthday last week end, was shared not only by my "birthday sistah", the one & only Annie Lockhart ,if you ever meet her, you'll love her, but be prepared for her practical jokes-I still owe her one!  The date also marked the 5th anniversary of MMCA, which started out as, and continues to be, a group of artists brought together to share their collective knowledge, exchange ideas and techniques, as well as mentor each other.  The group has grown over the years and branched out a bit, quite a bit!  It now offers a Marketplace so that anyone can set up shop to sell their art, and a blog that offers interviews for us to read, free images to use in our art, and everything in between.  The most recent interview was by Sheri Gaynor, it's a great interview, as they all are.  I've got Sheri's book, and recently posted about it, so I was pleasantly surprised to see her interview-made  it a good day for me:)  Now that I think about it, I should let you know that if you care to join us in the Marketplace, there's been some changes-the best one is that you have the option (there's several payment plans to choose from) of not spending any money up front!  Just apply (all the info is on the front page of the Marketplace), let Debbie build your shop page while you create, and not pay anything until you sell something-good deal with Christmas looming ahead!  The MMCA group itself, like any group, you can participate in as much or as little as you'd like-my favorite kind of group, life gets busy sometimes!  But pop in, check us out, meet some new friends, say "HI" to some old ones, and you just never know what's going on-like right now there's a drawing for a month long class, LK Ludwig's Point & Shoot Journaling class.  I'm in the class this month (and LOVE & it!) recently posted about it, you can find it here.  Hmmm, I got a lot chattier than planned, and threw out a lot of "linkie love"-so click away and enjoy:)

Creative Awakenings

 

Have you read this book yet?  Creative Awakenings:  Envisioning Tour Life Through Art, written by Sheri Gaynor turned out to be one of those books that I couldn't put down.  The timing is perfect for this time in my life, how about yours?  I honestly think there's something for everyone in this one, and if the book isn't enough, there's also a group that you have the option of joining, an interactive salon where you can share the process with other like minded souls.  This EnVision process will guide you in setting your own intentions for your life, and then follow through-that's the tough one for me.  But the last few years have been a challenge for me, icky boring medical stuff that I tried to ignore, but it didn't work.  It didn't make me feel any better, it didn't help to try to explain to foks why I had turned into such a different person, the kind that there were days that I didn't like me so much, and I'm sure others felt the same.  Chronic pain will do that to you.  I'm heading in the right direction now, finding answers to old & new problems, but at least finding answers.  With any luck, I'll stop feeling like I'm just treading water soon, and be ready to rejoin the human race-what a relief!  There's no doubt that this book will help me along the way, help me focus on 1 intention at a time, 1 day at a time.  There's actually a couple of different ways to work through this book, one of my favorite things about it.  You can do it in a month or work through it for a year, 1 month at a time and even make a travel visa for the journey if you choose.  If you don't have any local buddies to do this with you, you can find peole in your region through the group, or maybe you'll choose to go it alone.  But read the book, you won't regret it.  The first Monday of each  month, you set your intention, EnVision it through your dream journal, collage about it, write about it, work towards making that intention a part if your daily life, and then move on to the next month.  Are you up for the challenge?  I am!  My book is ready & waiting, covers aren't finished yet, but that's the least of my concerns.  Let me know if you give this a try, we can boost each other up when necessary:)

Art Now For Autism

 
Please go over to the Art Now for Autism site and take a look at all the art that's been donated, and 100% of the art sales will go to Autism Speaks through their National Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.  If you've followed my blog, you already know how I feel about Roy Bedward, an artist who happens to be autistic.  I'd do just about anything to help him, help find a cure, and most importantly-help those with autism find a voice, and let them be heard.  You can read more about Roy here &here &here, to get a glimpse of someone who has so much to say, but is non verbal.  Although with help, he can type, and his words will bring tears to your eyes.  So---that said, here's all the details of the Art Now for Autism event, and please do share it on your blogs-spread the word!  Today is still a preview day, but you can start shopping tomorrow.  And maybe even consider donating work for this cause for next year-I know I will be!! 

Cause Announcement from Art Now for Autism

We are pleased to announce the opening of Art Now for Autism 2009.

An online exhibit and reverse auction benefitting autism awareness and research.

October 1-10, 2009
http://www.artnowforautism.com

October 1-4 : Preview of Art.
Opens at 9am EST on October 1.
Art exhibit will be open online at www.artnowforautism.com.
All work will be viewable but not on sale.

October 5 & 6
Reverse Auction Opens AT 9AM EST.
All Art is $90

October 7 & 8
Unsold art drops to $60 at 9AM EST on Oct. 7.

October 9 & 10
Last two days.
Final price starts at 9AM EST on Oct. 9.
Any remaining art is $30

This year's exhibit includes the work of 89 artists from around the USA, Canada, France, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and the Netherlands. Included in this amazing list of artists are a number of artists with autism spectrum disorders. 160 pieces of fine art and craft are included in the exhibit. There is something for everyone!

Please help us spread the word about Art Now for Autism by forwarding, tweeting, posting, blogging, and talking about Art Now for Autism!

100% of art sales will go to Autism Speaks through their National Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.

We appreciate your support! Any questions? Please email Claudine Intner, the organizer of Art Now for Autism at [email protected]

THANK YOU!

View Announcement on Facebook

Another October Event-Journaling Class

 

One day not that long ago, I was looking around at blogs and landed on LK Ludwig's blog which is always a pleasure to visit.  But this time, she had a post about a class she's teaching online starting Oct. 1, called Point & Shoot Journaling, saying the class would show us how to use the tons of photos we all have stashed all over the place-at least I do!  Well, she said a lot more than that, but you'll have to go over there & read it all yourself:)  But I've got photos stashed in camera software, some on Flickr, some on CD's, but not much organization so I can seldom find what I want anyway, and I'm not really using them except when I blog.  Now I'll have a reason to sort my photos, put them to good use, and finally, finally, learn to journal, and to make it even sweeter, the class is very affordable.  Can't ask for much more than that!  Now I have visions of books that are overflowing & containing our photos, our memories, our life!  Can you tell I'm excited about this?  I am, I really am!  Wish me luck, I've never been successful in the journaling department, but I have a good feeling about this one!