Artful Adventures

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!

More Show Report

Several of you have asked for more of what's become known as "the Show Report", so here goes:)  The show runs until Aug. 22, at Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor, up in Door County.  The gallery itself is one end of an old barn that's been converted for gallery use, but not in the traditional sense of the word.  There's this one white wall that's been installed to section off the gallery space from the rest of the barn.  The other walls are still the old barn boards, complete with the open spaces between the barnboards that let the natural light come streaming in.  I was in such a panic getting ready, that I remembered that wall being endless, and was worried I'd never have enough to fill it, and actually ended up bringing too much!  Bet that'll never happen again:) 

When you walk in the door to the gallery, "The Girls" are straight ahead, front & center!  Those are each 2'x3' , just to give you an idea of the size of the walls, and they're hung quite high  with displays of Renee's pottery beneath them-worked out perfectly. 

It's hard to see on here, but Gary built a jewelry display case that's hanging just to the left of the door.  He made it out of an old window that he hinged for the front and built a box type structure on the back to attach it to.  Not the best description, but you get the idea.  There's more jewelry in Renee's studio, and if you happen to get up there, make sure to go into her studio to see her work-you'll fall in love with it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Besides wall art & jewelry (now why is this text all underlined?) I brought along some journals that I made out of the pages of nature prints that I did last year after reading LK Ludwig's book, Mixed Media Nature Journals.  If you don't already own this book, treat yourself and get a copy, it's a great one!  No blank white pages in these books-these 6"x12" books are loaded with color & various leaf prints from foliage around the yard.  Time consuming, but well worth it!  Try it, you'll be hooked!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the opening (and apparently the underling is here to stay also!) it went just fine!  A steady flow of people that were all so nice, and I was a nervous wreck for no reason! I knew I had done work that I felt good about, so it was all fine, really.  Funny part though, I had ordered some clothes to wear from Oh My Guaze, wanting something to wear that was a little funkier.  I waited til the last minute to order, and as a result I got them at the last minute-just a few hours before we left for the show!  Someone was looking over me on that one-they fit, were comfortable, and was just the look that I wanted-whew!  There's actually more to this story about the show and how it all came about, but that'll be for another day.  Starting tomorrow there's another blog event you won't want to miss out on!  Seth Apter of The Altered Page is hosting an event that he's calling Buried Treasure.  All participants are asked to repost at least one of their favorite posts from their blogs, a way for bloggers to get to know each other better, and read something special in the process.  Something you won't want to miss!  Since I'll be participating, I'll see you all tomorrow!

Special Treat

 

Today Gary showed me this, what appeared to be a bundle of papers tied up with yarn, didn't have a clue at first glance what it was.  Well, what a treat it is!  His aunt passed away in January, and we inherited her recipes, all glued into handmade books that she had made!  The covers were mostly cereal boxes, flattened out, then filled recipes she had taped or glued onto the pages which consisted of everything from more cereal boxes, to paper bags, junk mail, or large envelopes that mail had arrived in.  Nothing was wasted in her house! 

Each one is neatly labeled, one was even made using an old shirt box for the covers, and all sewn together with bits of yarn into the holes she had punched into these pages.  I remember Katie once talking on her blog about how her Mom, and now Katie herself, saved cereal boxes and any other box that they got their hands on-now I really know why!  This is the type of thing that could so easily have been thrown away, and in reality is such a treasure.  Sometimes, (ok, most times) I get so hung up on doing things "right" and trying to get it as close to perfect as I'm capable of, that it takes some of the joy out of creating go flying right out the window.  This is such a perfect example of a straightforward approach of getting the job done, making it functional, using materials at hand, and not stressing out about it.  It wasn't made to stand the test of time, or win a prize, or to question the ability of the skill level needed to create this.  Instead it was done to serve a purpose, has such great character, this is so much better, perfect in fact!  I never could get any of her recipes to turn out right, maybe now I can:) 

This was just too sweet to not share, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!  I ran into a blog post on Beth's blog today, asking her readers to send her suggestions of pictures they'd like to see her take today.  I'd like to ask my readers to find a treasure in their house, old or new, that they'd like to share-like I just did with the cookbooks.  Take a picture, post it, and tell us what makes it special to you.  If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment to tell me, and if you do have a blog leave a comment with the link so I can go see.  This could be fun!  And don't forget to go over to Beth's and give her some ideas!

A little of this, a little of that----

 

Now THIS is the way to a girl's heart to open a box that arrived in the mail to make ordering tools fun!  This was the first time I'd ordered from Wired Up, and it won't be the last!  Whenever I've ordered tools, they all come the same way, brown box filled with normal packing material and tools in some sort of packaging.  But I've never had them come in pretty organza bags before, plus they threw in a free gift just for ordering.  That's the kind of customer service that'll keep me coming back for more and will gladly spread the word.  I recently ordered Sharilyn Miller's DVD, Ethnic Style Jewelry Workshop and was once again totally wowed by the information given and will be spending hours with it, just like I did (and still am) with the first DVD I purchased from her, Tribal Treasures Bracelet Workshop.  So much so that I just ordered, and am patiently waiting for Bohemian Bangles Bracelet Workshop.  The great thing about her DVDs and her book, Bead on a Wire, is that the techniques shown can be used in a variety of ways and on many different jewelry pieces, information that you can take and make it your own, something that's very important to me.  After I finish up the necklaces I have started now, watch for some subtle (or maybe not so subtle) changes, it's time that I get adventurous, spread my wings and fly a bit.   

Speaking of flying, even though they seldom fly, we have never seen so many turkeys around as this year, they're everywhere.  These happened to be in the field that adjoins the clinic where I'm going to get blood drawn way too often.  You know you're going to the doctor's too often when they recognise the car turning into the parking lot, and have the paperwork ready when I walk in the door so that Sarah, the lab tech, can quick draw blood & send me on my way.  Last time I went the clotting factor was right on the money, now if it would only stay there.  It's been all over the place, way too high, then way too low, always managing to miss the mark.  Which means I have to still keep a low profile, continuing to follow their don't get excited, stay calm, don't go anywhere, don't raise your heart rate or blood pressure instructions, until they get it right.  It's so boring that my mojo took a hike and took every creative bone in my body with it!  But the good news is, my mojo is sneaking back in, and I can't tell you how relieved I am about that!  Listen closely, you'll hear a giant sigh of relief:)  To help get back into the swing of things, my friend Tammy gave me some good advice about sketching, which I'll share some of in the near future.  You can always count on Tammy for good, sound, no nonsense advice.  And if you're not reading her blog, you should be!  And speaking of blogs, head on over to the MMCA Marketplace blog and read the newest in a series of guest interviews, this one by Linda McCloskey, you won't want to miss it!  Here's a little tidbit from the interview that should get you running over there right now, seriously, right now!.  Linda says: "Never give up - never trust that inner self when it tells you that you don’t have talent - TALENT COMES FROM PRACTICE.   If you love art and involve art in your everyday life - talent will come" .  Those are some words to live by, and I just may write them on my studio wall!   There's still lots to tell, so for today that's it, stay tuned tomorrow for more, I'll get caught up here on my blogging yet, it just may take awhile!  In the meantime, it's still winter and the birds are still posing nicely for us outside our window-hope you're not sick of bird photos because there are plenty more where these came from:) 

Care to join me in a Celebration?

 

Recently I wrote about a book I've been reading, Life is a Verb, written by Patti Digh.  Within the covers of this book are challenges, they are either"action" which is a quick writing assignment, or "movement" which is something to do every day for the next 37 days.  It's such a busy time of year, but still wanting to do something to keep on track with this book through the holidays, I chose the section the talks about how we should celebrate big events as well as the small everyday events, and do it up right by celebrating with birthday candles.  Now this I can handle!  So I'm challenging myself to find something everyday to celebrate, and light up a birthday candle (or 2 or 10) and have some fun with it.  If anyone cares to join me, post your celebrations on your blog and come back here & leave a link with your comment so not only myself, but anyone reading can go see what we're all celebrating about.  If that's too much, just leave me a quick comment & tell me what you want to celebrate-I really do want to hear!  I'll start-for the past week I've been doing battle with our insurance company & the doctor's office since they've decided this gigantic bill I've been creating at the pain management clinic should be our responsibility to pay, even though we pay nearly $1000/month for coverage.  BUT, the anger was making me crazy, so instead I'll choose to celebrate that we have insurance to begin with, I know too many that don't, and I'm also celebrating that the treatment is working and I feel sooooo much better!  Easy enough, right?  There's 2 right off the bat:)  And if that's not enough to convince you, go on over & read this post that was made today by my friend, Tammy Vitale.  Sometimes we seem to think on the same wavelength, and today was one of those days.  So, go find something to celebrate and come on back & tell me about it-pretty please:) 

It what it is

It is what it is, those were the sage words of a friend of mine yesterday when we were talking about how Murphy's Law has been circling overhead here for a couple of weeks, leaving in it's wake a dusty blog, unfinished projects, and a host of other things that I won't bore you with.  Sometimes life happens, priorities shift, emails don't get answered, posts don't get made, art sits unfinished, and what can I say except "it is what it is", and move forward from here.  That said, anyone read any good books lately?  If not, I'm working on one that you NEED, in fact everyone you know needs this book! 

Not too long ago, I stumbled onto it at Amazon, and something about it told me that I really needed this book, and I'm so glad that I followed my instincts.  As intended by the author, Patti Digh, you'll find yourself carrying it with you everywhere, writing notes in the wide margins, and find yourself wanting to live a better life, be aware of your surroundings and become an active participant in it all.  Seriously, treat yourself to this one, you won't regret it! 

As for me, this is where I've been for the better part of the last 2 plus weeks, Home.  With the exception of a couple of dearly needed road trips to the Flying Pig, and several trips to doctors & hospitals, we've been parked here.  But Gary's 2 weeks of no driving restriction has been lifted, so things are looking up.  I have so much more to say, but after spending an hour writing a post last night and having it suddenly disappear, and then trying it again earlier today & Explorer deciding it needed to shut down in the middle of it, that the 3rd time's a charm rule should kick in right about now, but no sense pushing it:) 

Getting ready for some summer fun!

Check this out!  This box of innocent looking jars are going to give me hours of fun dying paper, fabric & ribbon this summer-I feel like the mad scientist about to embark on a new experiment.  Actually, that pretty much describes it:)  Awhile back, I talked about Mixed Media Nature Journals written by L.K. Ludwig, rather than repeat myself too much, you can go back & read it here.  For once in my life, I wanted to be prepared, so I made sure that I had plenty of Fabriano watercolor paper on hand (love that stuff!) and then went on over to Dharma Trading Co to order dye.  Sounds simple enough, until I got over there and saw all the possibilities, amazing!  Look here and here and then just keep digging through the site, there are enough ideas to keep anyone busy for a very long time!  This morning we ran into Kewaunee for an estate sale, it's that time of year for all kinds of sales, so off we went.  Not quite sure just yet how or when I'll use this stuff, but it was too cool to leave behind.  See that's the problem at these sales, no time to think, because if you don't grab whatever it is that you're looking at right away, it's gone right before your eyes.  But I'm either going have to do some assemblage pieces soon or I'm going to run out of room in here!  The other thing that keeps me out of the studio for a bit this time of year, is playing in the dirt & potting up containers.  Here's part of one of a pair, to go on each side of the front door.  It's the north side, so not much sun, but by incorporating houseplants, I can still have color in the shade and even bring the container in for the winter and keep it for next year.  See, the old mind is always whirling:)  The violas will drop seeds on the ground beneath it for next year, and the dusty miller, strobilanthus, and streptacarpus all make good houseplants.  I've always said planning a garden (or container) is like collage-layering colors, texture, shape & form-maybe we could coin a new term & like "art gardening", well, ok we can probably do better than that, but it'll do for now.  In the meantime, our flower gardens have gotten out of control over the last few years, so I've got Gary digging up, splitting, & moving plants all over.  And then we keep finding new ones-can't win!  Like this beauty we found at The Flying Pig out in the greenspace.  Robyn does a great job on getting her hands on some different plants to keep our gardens interesting and fresh looking.  Now we need rain to keep the gardens looking good, so far we've had very little.  Hoping this isn't a repeat of last summer!  Ok, now go plant something, I'd love to see what you all come up with!

A "Must-Have" Book

A couple of weeks ago, armed with a couple of Amazon gift certificates and having made the decision to join Northlight Book Club (seems most of the books I want are published by them anyway) I painstakingly chose 8 books-4 from each place.  As I looked them through (or sometimes I just sort of skim through, looking at the pictures) I'll let you know how I like them.  But one that jumped out at me, that I did actually sit down and start reading, was The New Creative Artist written by Nita Leland .  Not only did I start to read it, I hauled out a notebook just to jot things down as I read.  She's teaching this summer at Peninsula Art School(scroll down on the page that this link takes you, to see the class description) which is about an hour drive from here, literally in my back yard.  I had pretty much made up my mind that I had signed up for enough classes this summer, but after getting this book, I may have to rethink that decision!  There are loads of things of try, ideas to keep you motivated, enough quotes & invaluable verbiage to convince all of us, even on our worst days when we question why we do what we do, that YES, we are creative, it's all worth it, and how to get over that hump.  But there was a statement in particular that hooked me, reeled me in and has made me a fan of hers forever, it's this sentence from her book "Your work should be your own.  When you copy, you deny your uniqueness.  Copying isn't creativity; it's just the business of making a picture."  Making it your own is a phrase that's been tossed around for awhile, but obviously everyone hasn't bought into it by everyone.  It's something that I firmly believe in, so was more than pleased to see it addressed in a book.  And that's one of the big reasons we all need this book, we need to make art & create, but we need to make it our own as we go along.  You won't regret buying this book, no matter what medium you work in!  And on that note, I leave you with a photo of a necklace I did a couple of weeks ago, like the rest, it too is for sale at The Flying Pig. 

A must read book!

 This morning when I spotted the mailman driving up our very icy driveway instead of dropping off at the mailbox, I knew it meant my latest Amazon order had arrived, which always makes for a good mail day.  Little did I know just how good!  Four books were ordered, and I haven't gotten my nose out of one of them yet to even glance at the others!  This beautiful, wonderful, full of ideas that are right up my alley book is Mixed Media Nature Journals written by L.K. Ludwig.  For months now, I've had ideas that I haven't quite been able to get a firm grasp on as they just appear & then flit away into who knows where, products that I've wanted to try, techniques that I've wanted to learn, but not sure why or how, let alone what I'd do with them.  It's all here, within the pages of this book!  I'm convinced that this book will pull me right up & out of this winter blech that I've had, I'm excited again, anxious to make art again, I'm back!!

If you were shocked by Prince---

-----hang onto your hats for this one, I even surprised myself!  I bought a book, not just any book, but a book of poetry.  Those of you who really know me, you can quit giggling anytime now:)  For months, I keep hearing about & reading mentions of Mary Oliver's poetry.  To be honest, I never paid a lot of attention, because I just don't get poetry (Miz Tracie, don't hate me for this!)-I think I just heard a collective gasp!  Seriously, it's not that I never wanted to, it just never did it for me, although I can certainly respect those that write it, and even more so for those that "get it".  That said, last week I did a Google search for Mary Oliver, and ran across The Journey , and I was hooked-it's one of the coolest things that I've ever read!  So I went right on over to Amazon, and ordered this book , which arrived a couple of days ago.  It's been sitting on top of a stack of books to read, visible to keep reminding me, but I think this deserves a special setting, like taking it with me to the lake to read, while listening to the waves.  At least that scenario makes for a pretty picture in my mind.  Yep, I think that's what I'll do.  And by the way, why was everyone so surprised to hear that Prince was my favorite musician?  That just cracked me right up:)