Angels, Art, and Attitude

LifeBook 2012: Week 5

2012-01-31T00:30:00.000-05:00

In week 5 of LifeBook 2012, we did a variation on a self-portrait with instructor Kylie Fowler, one of my favorite arty blog ladies (find her at Blissful Pumpkin). This is a portion of the painting I did for the class. It actually does look a bit like me...and I don't hate it. *grin*

Conversation with a Bee

2012-01-28T20:58:00.001-05:00

My latest finished piece...

I absolutely love this little gal. I feel as though I turned a corner with this one. Perhaps it will only be apparent to me, or perhaps it's only a feeling as opposed to something visual, but *I* know it's there. And it's very, very cool. :)

For a Friend

2012-01-27T00:54:00.000-05:00

This is a small piece I finished today for a dear friend who's been a bit sad. I hope she likes it! :)

LifeBook 2012: Week 3

2012-01-22T00:19:00.001-05:00

This week we explored our duality with the lovely and talented Bonnie Rose Bryan. Here's "My Yin and My Yang."

Join me at The Mixed Media Directory!

2012-01-14T23:23:00.000-05:00

All artists know that one of the hazards of being creative people is that we turn into art supply junkies. All the newest, the latest, the sparkliest, the shiniest: we see it, we've got to have it.

I discovered along the way that the same thing happens with online art sites. I kept finding more and more artists who's work I love, communities that nurture and help me grow, tutorials on techniques and media . . . the list goes on and on. Unlike my burgeoning supply piles, though, I couldn't just stuff the sites I wanted to save in a few boxes and put them away in a closet. And Blogger, Google Connect, etc. didn't give me a way to organize all the blogs I follow. So, with my browser seriously straining under the load of hundreds of mixed media art links, I started looking for a solution...

and ended up making my own. :)

And here it is: The Mixed Media Directory

A one-stop-shop for links related to mixed media: art and artists, shops and supplies, methods and mediums, blogs and web sites.

Please feel free to add your site(s) by using the "Suggest Link" button at the top right. There's no charge to list, and it's free promotion for you, so what are you waiting for! :)

Miniature Books

2012-01-09T01:51:00.000-05:00

A customer recently asked me if I would reproduce a miniature book I sold a while ago, and while I was at it I made a new one, too. It's been a while since I've made mini books so it was fun to get back to it. The red book below was the one I reproduced. The raven grimoire is the new one (and is available in my Etsy shop). They are 1:12 scale.

Honoring the Goddess Within

2012-01-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

Here's my first spread from the LifeBook 2012 class. It's a fold-out page, obviously, and it was the first time I'd ever done one.

My Blue Angel

2011-12-26T21:42:00.002-05:00

I finally found some time during this crazy holiday season to do some painting/collaging. And it felt soooo good. I really do miss my 'art therapy' when I have to do without for extended periods. This is my latest work-in-progress. She's almost done, but I'm still working the details. I'm calling her my "Blue Angel" for now, don't know if that will stick. Anyway, enjoy. I hope she brings a smile to your face.

Lots of Navel Gazing Coming in 2012

2011-12-23T16:49:00.001-05:00

In a huge burst of spontaneous combustion, er, I mean confidence, I have signed up for not one, but two, year-long art journaling classes: Willowing's Life Book 2012 and Wild Precious' (Precious'es? Precious's? My Preciousssssss?) 2012 Book of Days. Why? Because, like Mount Everest, they're there, and I feel like climbing.

Heh. Not really. The real reason is that I want to do lots of personal art and introspection in the coming year. Not sure where either will lead, but I think it's one of those deals where the journey is more important than the landing. I'm quite sure, though, that as the year progresses, it will get harder and harder to keep up with both classes, but you know what? That's okay. I'm going to enjoy the ride, revel in the scenery, take pit stops when I need to, and not sweat the small stuff.

And not sweating the small stuff brings me to the word I've chosen for my 2012 Book of Days. In Effy Wild's class, we will spend the year exploring our chosen word and it's implications in (on?) our lives through our journaling. My word, which jumped up in my face and wouldn't go away, is 'release': releasing feelings, expectations, people, old grudges, whatever it may be that no longer has a place in my life. Releasing it, letting go, and moving on.

Should be an interesting year.

I'll blog here about my progress in both classes as 2012 progresses. For now, I'll leave you with pictures of the journal I decorated for the Book of Days class. As you can see, it has my chosen word front and center. That way I won't forget it. :)

No painting, but I have been designing!

2011-12-19T23:54:00.000-05:00

Ack, I hate to say it, but I almost wish the holidays were over so life can get back to something near normalcy. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time for painting, but I have been designing. I've had an influx of web clients in the last two months that have been keeping me busy. And that's okay. I like busy. Even more, I like paying the mortgage. *grin*

Here's a peek at the latest blog design I did. You should check out this site. If you have a little one in your life, Nana G.'s darling handcrafted clothes would make the cutest little gifts!

Mad Max is back...and a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

2011-12-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

Me: You don't fool me.
Max the Cat: What? I don't know what you're talking about.
Me: You're excited because Santa's coming on Sunday.
Max the Cat: Santa who?
Me: Don't give me that. I have incontrovertible proof you're in the Christmas Spirit.
Max the Cat: *yawns* Please, how can you possibly prove...
Me: I have pictures.
Max the Cat: No you don't.
Me: Yes, I do.
Max the Cat: Of what?
Me: You. Singing Christmas Carols.
Max the Cat: Absurd. I...do...not...sing...Christmas...Carols.
Me: We had a hidden camera in the family room.
Max the Cat: Go away. You're boring me.
Me: Okay, fine. But remember this. I have pictures.
Max the Cat: *yawns*
Me: And Santa likes to hear good little boys and girls sing.
Max the Cat: He does?
Me: He does.
*momentary silence*
Max the Cat: "Hark the herald kitties sii-ing...."

Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all! May all your wishes come true in 2012!

A Bedtime Blessing

2011-11-22T12:57:00.002-05:00

I wrote the poem some time ago. The painting I just finished.

Heart and Soul

2011-11-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Like many artists, I'm sure, there are days when I really struggle to get what's in my heart and soul down on paper. This time, I succeeded. I love this quote, and I love the way the painting turned out. This is a heart and soul painting. Can you feel it?

Mothers & Angels

2011-11-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

Exploring new techniques.

I'm dedicating this one to online art instructor extraordinaire, Tamara LaPorte, who, at this writing, is several days overdue and chomping at the bit!

A Smile for a Monday

2011-11-07T00:48:00.000-05:00

Just a little something I played with over the weekend. Painted, then photoshoped a bit. Hope it makes you smile. :)

A Promise

2011-11-03T20:30:00.001-04:00

When you make a promise, you have to keep it. And I promised a little fella a penguin. :)

Nico is the son of a friend of mine. He likes penguins. And airplanes. (I threw in the polar bear because *I* like polar bears.)

I'll be giving it to his Mom tomorrow. I hope he likes it. :)

A Special Project

2011-10-13T13:25:00.000-04:00

I was commissioned to do a very special piece for a mother and son. It's mixed media collage on wood.

I'm very proud of it. :)

Love my Derwent Inktense Pencils!

2011-10-06T01:02:00.001-04:00

So, I got a set of 36 Derwent Inktense colored pencils for my birthday last month and I finally found a few minutes to play around with them today. I really love how they feel going on the paper, and they blend nicely. And the colors? Wow, they pop. And I haven't even tried adding water to them yet. (They are supposed to get *really* intense when you use them with water.)

I had fun. :)

Introducing Spoonwood Gallery

2011-10-02T15:01:00.001-04:00

I'm so proud to be part of this venture with some very awesome artists!

The artists of the Greater Westmoreland Creative Collective (GWCC) are pleased to announce the grand opening of their online gallery, Spoonwood. Spoonwood is a juried marketplace (named after Mountain Laurel, Pennsylvania's state flower) that provides a new venue for GWCC members and guest artists to showcase their work. It also serves as an adjunct to their annual Fall trunk show, An Artful Affair.

The GWCC is a Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, group of artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, and growers working cooperatively to promote quality and excellence in products crafted for the public. Our members, and their areas of specialty, include: Merriann Grant, fine jewelry; Nan Loncharich, fabric arts; Cia Williford, mixed media arts; Katie Resch, painted woodwork; Helen Stetina, needlecrafts; and Lisa Hertzog, country decor.

The Gallery is located at www.spoonwoodgallery.com. Interested visitors are encouraged to register (no financial information is required) in order to receive the GWCC newsletter, sales notices, etc.

Keep us in mind for your holiday shopping!

Come to An Artful Affair!

2011-09-24T14:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, these are so cute I can hardly stand it. Mini bookmarks and angel cards! These will be available at An Artful Affair on Saturday, October 1st. Those of you in the southwestern PA area, please come by to visit our artists. We'd love to see you!

More info: An Artful Affair

Oops, almost forgot to show you the back of the mini bookmarks! It's probably my favorite part. :)

One More Face

2011-09-15T13:48:00.001-04:00

Okay, one more practice face then I'll move on to other things...promise!

This one is a study in green and peach, very simple. (It's very overcast today, so the lighting is awful.)

Faces!

2011-09-13T21:12:00.000-04:00

We're currently practicing faces in Jane Davenport's Supplies Me class (see left sidebar for link). Here's some of my sketches.

Friends Share: Giraffes, Too!

2011-09-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

My little giraffe painting is done. It's a much simpler painting than I usually do, and there's no collage elements at all, but I'm liking the simplicity. I just need to decide if I want to mount this on wood, or mat it for framing. I'm leaning toward the latter.

On this sad day

2011-09-11T03:22:00.001-04:00

This is a work-in-progress. On a day filled with so many sad memories, I felt compelled to paint something happy. I will be *very* happy if this makes someone smile.

Life goes on, but we will never forget.

New Class!

2011-09-10T12:28:00.002-04:00

I'm becoming an online-art-class junkie, I think. Can't help it. I love learning, I love making art, and I love the fact that these classes can be done at my own pace, as time and real life permit. (I'm a night owl, so being able to do homework at 3:00 in the morning is wonderful!)

My latest class, one which I'm enjoying immensely, is Jane Davenport's Supplies Me Workshop. As Jane says,

It’s for anyone who has bought lovely

art supplies and hardly used them.

It’s for anyone who loves drawing

pretty faces ( or wants to learn how!).

It’s for anyone who needs a break

from the craziness of the world.

In other words, it's perfect for me! (Who hasn't bought art supplies, brought them home, and then never used them because we weren't quite sure what to *do* with them?)

Anyway, here are my homework assignments from the first week. We were striving for a great deal of texture underneath a layer of gesso, then creating on top of that. One thing I learned from the lesson: art pens do not work well on texture. Too bumpy! I stuck to pencils after that.

Friends

2011-09-02T22:53:00.002-04:00

This painting has been bouncing around in my head for a while. I'm a firm believer in celebrating the good things in life, and friends are, by far, one of the very best things to celebrate...whether they're two-footed, four-footed, feathered or furred.

The painting is entitled, "Friends Come in all Sizes!"

Here's to all my friends, online and off: I appreciate each and every one of you!

Hope: She Has a Name

2011-08-31T23:38:00.000-04:00

My lovely friend, Kim, remarked the other day that my painting of the "no name" woman made her think of waiting. That struck a chord with me. Also, someone else mentioned to me that the subject looks like she's bathed in candlelight. Those two things made me think of the saying, "Hope lights a candle in the darkness." And the girl in the painting said, yes. That's me.

So, meet Hope. The title of the painting: Hope Lights a Candle. Here she is with her final detail work.

(Thanks, Kim!)

A Girl with No Name

2011-08-30T14:33:00.000-04:00

She wanted very much for me to paint her, but she gave me no clues about her name or the message she wanted to convey. So, I'm waiting, listening, seeking.

It will come.

Magdalena, the Woman with the Alabaster Jar

2011-08-27T12:31:00.001-04:00

I had a very unusual experience while working on this painting. If you're an artist, then perhaps you've known that feeling of a piece of work being "divinely inspired" or otherwise coming from a place outside of you.

As I drew the sketch for Magdalena, I felt as though someone was guiding my hand...literally. I've had very little in the way of training when it comes to my art, so most of what I do is intuitive. I try something and if it doesn't work, I try something else. But this time, as soon as I drew a line I knew immediately if it was right or wrong. No, I take that back. Even *as* I drew a line, I knew immediately if it was going to stay, or be erased and redrawn. It was as if I *knew* just how the painting was supposed to turn out...not my usual mode of working. It was an odd, but very amazing, experience.

As many of you probably know, Magdalena refers to Mary Magdalene, otherwise known as "The Woman with the Alabaster Jar." She has come to mean, for many women, the embodiment of the feminine aspect of the divine. I have a special place in my heart for her.

Later, as I was telling my sister the story of my "inspired" painting, she immediately said, "You know who was guiding you, don't you? Mom."

How funny that I didn't see that at first. We lost Mom in December 2008 of complications from her vascular dementia.

Her name was Marion, a derivative of the name Mary. :)

Thanks for the help, Mom. I love my "inspired" painting.

Always Wear Flowers in Your Hair

2011-08-20T14:44:00.000-04:00

This gal was painted in response to a prompt challenge from Tam on her Willowing site. (One of my very favorite Internet art sites.) Only...I cheated. *grin* The challenge was to use only a very limited palette of colors (black, white, flesh tone, pink), which intrigued me. However, I did not succeed, lol. I added some celery green and a tiny bit of yellow/gold.

So, yeah, I'm terrible at following directions. But I still got a nice painting out of it!

New Pieces: An Angel and a Star

2011-08-16T01:34:00.000-04:00

Trying to get some new pieces done for the GWCC annual show, An Artful Affair, coming up on October 1st. Here's one I just finished, and one that's almost done.

"Give Love"
This piece was inspired, in part, by all the rioting in London. It's times like these that make me feel we need to spend some conscious effort on spreading more love around. The universe badly needs it.

"Shine"
The second piece, which still needs some detailing, contains one of my favorite affirmations: shine like the star that you are. We all need reminders of this one!

Soar! Something different

2011-08-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

Look, it's not an angel! *grin*

This bird was inspired by a bird I saw in flight. It was just so majestic looking. So, I recreated it and set it on a background that only hints at land, and earth, and water, but they're there.

I love this piece, especially the sentiment: Soar.

What...Another Angel?

2011-08-07T00:56:00.000-04:00

Yep. :)

This mixed media painting is actually going to be the cover on a wooden box. I painted directly on the wood and still have a small bit of detailing yet to do. I think she's my favorite angel so far.

The painting's entitled "Angel Wings."

Always Reach for the Stars

2011-07-27T00:37:00.000-04:00

I've put one of my favorite sayings in my latest work, a mixed media collage piece called "Always Reach for the Stars." I'm still trying to find my voice as an artist (but do seem drawn to painting a lot of angels), and still trying to find the right balance between chaos (messy, grunge-y) and order. One of these days, I'll get it just right. :)

Listen: An Angel

2011-07-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

Dealing with Dad and the complications that arise from his Alzheimer's, I haven't had a lot of time for painting lately. Which is a shame, as I find it very therapeutic. But, we do what we can, when we can, right? :)

One of my favorite online art teachers, Tamara Laporte, offers a class called "Collage, Paint and Soul" in which she demonstrates a technique she calls "paint-over collage." Really quite fun. I had time over the holiday weekend to experiment and here's what I ended up with. I *really* love this little gal. The painting is called "Listen."

Newest Painting

2011-05-21T03:20:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've had time to paint, so tonight I was determined to fit some in. I've had this sketch laying around for a while so I grabbed it and finished it. It felt good. Painting is my therapy, ya know. :)

I love the colors in this one. I call it "New Friend."

This is not attitude...

2011-04-01T02:06:00.000-04:00

My sister says I based this character on her, but I swear I didn't. Really. *grin*

(Mixed media on paper, background manipulated digitally.)

I'm not perfect...

2011-03-28T12:41:00.001-04:00

but then, who is? :)

Ode to a Tree

2011-03-23T01:39:00.000-04:00

I've had a life-long love affair with trees. It pains me to see even one cut down. Here's my love letter to trees, an original poem with art. :)

New Portrait: Someday

2011-03-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest portrait, a young elven girl, with a quote that I love. The piece is entitled "Someday".

I think I'll make a plaque out of this one. :)

Dragonfly Fairy

2011-03-09T01:37:00.000-05:00

I've been practicing different kinds of faces. Here's a new fairy one: mixed media on paper, entitled "Dragonfly Fairy."

I also want to thank everyone who's been visiting and leaving such lovely comments on my paintings. I truly appreciate the encouragement and support. :)

Goldilocks

2011-03-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

As the mood strikes, I'm working on a small series called "Super Girls from Fairy Tales" (mixed media collage). The first was Little Red.

Here's the latest: Goldilocks

Fairies and Missing Unicorns

2011-03-06T00:39:00.001-05:00

For the final week of our M3 art class, our artistic influence was Brian Froud, an artist I'm truly fascinated by. It was a bit daunting to be trying to emulate his style and reinterpret it in our own way.

My "fabric" wall hanging turned into a wooden one. And my canvas painting turned into a painting on paper.I seem to have trouble following directions. :)

We were also supposed to paint a fairy with a unicorn. My painting turned into a fairy with a rose. See what I mean about following directions? Heh.

Discovery

2011-03-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

It's funny how things just pop up. It wasn't until I finished painting this piece, "Books are a Girl's Best Friend," that I realized it was a self-portrait of sorts. Funny how that happened. *grin*

And over in my art class at Tam's place, we are in our final week and, after working on canvas, paper, wood, and now back to canvas, I've made a huge discovery...I HATE working on canvas. The texture just feels all wrong to me now.

Guess I'll be sticking to paper and wood.

Whimsy Angel...er...Mermaid

2011-02-24T23:39:00.000-05:00

Another mermaid done for class, although this one turned into a mer-angel. (I should get brownie points for combining two lessons in one painting! *grin*) This one is done in a whimsy style.

I'm working on loosening up and embracing messiness in my painting, however it's hard to know when to stop. I'm hoping that this is something I will learn over time.

Roy's Angel

2011-02-22T01:16:00.000-05:00

It's very surprising and sad to me that many of the elderly at the assisted living facility where my father lives (he has Alzheimer's) have no one who visits them...at all. My sister and I have "adopted" Roy, a 94-years-young gentleman whose only son lives out of state and doesn't visit very often. Roy is a sweetheart. We smuggle chocolate and all kinds of other contraband in to him. *grin*

When we discovered that he has nothing on the walls in his room, I painted this angel for him. We'll be giving it to him on Wednesday. Hope he likes it. :)

Mermaids and Chagall Chagrin

2011-02-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

The latest Master that we were attempting to emulate in my painting class was Chagall. Hmmm, Chagall. I like his work, and then I don't like it. I like the dream quality, the lack of boundaries between worlds, the surprise elements. I don't like the "messiness", the nebulousness, the almost ugly faces he uses.

I really struggled with this one.

What I've learned is that I'm much too meticulous when it comes to my painting. I need to loosen up, learn to be a bit more free and daring. This is hard for someone who's on the anal retentive side (color outside the lines? Never!). *grin* (Is anyone else raising their hands? No? Just me? *sigh*)

Our theme was Mermaids. My first version of this Chagall-inspired work was much improved by my instructor's suggestion to add a highlight around the mermaid and to add more flowery messy bits to the border. Thanks, Tam!

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to work on my inner messy diva. She's in there somewhere. I know it. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T01:30:00.001-05:00

Rosa and I wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day. Spread a little love today and make the world a better place.

For more on my year-long journey with Rosa, go here.

Little Red

2011-02-05T02:23:00.001-05:00

A good mantra for 2011: be brave, be bold. Just like this little girl (mixed media on paper).

Angel Love is Completed (Just for you, Kim!)

2011-02-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

The painting is too large for my scanner, so this photo will have to do. The title is "Angel Love". I'm so proud of this piece! Many thanks to Tam Laporte, the instructor for this class. (See sidebar if you're interested in checking out her web site and/or classes.)

And Kim, I do believe this class will be available on CD later.

Mucha and Me (and an Angel, Of Course!)

2011-02-02T22:30:00.000-05:00

Our project in class for the next two weeks is an Angel (showing compassion, unconditional love, or some similar theme) in a style reminiscent of Alphonse Mucha. Though I never really paid much attention to it before, I've now discovered that I love Mucha's work. His incredible paintings of women, combining structure and symmetry (i.e. frames and repetitive decorative designs) with flowing lines, delicate drapes, and untamed masses of hair (am I good at descriptions, or what, lol) seem to hit my cerebral cortex in just the right spot. In other words, he inspires the hell out of me.

We are doing our painting/collage in two steps: one is the background (or the frame, for those of you familiar with Mucha's style), the other is the Angel (and whatever else we decide to put in the scene). When both are done, we will collage them together.

Here's the quick practice doodle of the Angel I did in my journal. Note the oh-so-very-awful hand on the angel (hey, I was in a hurry!).

Here's the finished drawing, awaiting paint:

And here's a peek at the background:

I'll post the completed piece when I'm done. (Probably tonight, lol.)

Did I mention I love Mucha?!

Angel Wishes for a Friend

2011-01-29T00:09:00.000-05:00

I recently learned that the 22-year-old daughter of a friend of mine was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. I always feel so helpless when I hear news like this, feeling like there must be *something* I can/should do as a friend to help ease the pain. I created this piece for them. (Mixed media collage on canvas)

Brigid is Done!

2011-01-27T00:35:00.000-05:00

My first large canvas painting (actually, a mixed media collage) is done. What a great feeling to accomplish this!

Brigid, a Work in Progress

2011-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Brigid is a Celtic Goddess of light, healing, inspiration and poetry. She has a sacred well (water is a source of healing through her), which is why I've put one in the painting (you can only see a small portion of it here). It is said that wherever she walks, small flowers and shamrocks appear. Isn't that lovely?

Since I'm a writer (trying to learn how to be an artist!), and of Irish heritage, Brigid's always been a source of inspiration to me.

I'm painting Brigid for an online art class I'm taking, Magical Mythical Makings, with artist Tamara LaPorte. What a great teacher!

This is the first time I've worked on a large canvas, 24 x 36, and it's a bit daunting!

Fat Cat City: First Mixed Media Collage for 2011

2011-01-06T03:03:00.000-05:00

This is a mixed media collage on wood, inspired by the four cats that rule my home. :)

Stuck on Angels: Forever Friends

2011-01-02T02:04:00.000-05:00

This is a mixed media collage on canvas called "Forever Friends". As you can see, I'm still in "angel" mode.

I was thinking of my good friend, Bobbie, as I painted this. She and I have been friends since junior high school...more years ago than I want to admit to! :)

The first image is a scan of the actual canvas piece, which actually has a lot of texture that you can't see in the flat scan. The second image is the piece turned into an ACEO print.

Celebrate...You are a gift from God (Mixed Media)

2010-12-14T19:18:00.000-05:00

This is based on one of the classes in the fabulous art course "Art, Heart and Healing" by Tamara LaPorte. There's a link in my sidebar if you're interested in learning more.

I love this angel. :)

Rosa's Merry Christmas

2010-12-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

For more on Rosa's year-long odyssey, click here.

Another Fairy Face

2010-12-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

I think I'm starting to get more comfortable doing faces.

Mad Max: Cat Interlude #4, Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T13:23:00.003-05:00

Max: So, what's this turkey thing I keep hearing about?

Me: Do you mean Thanksgiving? It's a day we set aside to give thanks for our many blessings.

Max: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tell me about the turkey, tho.

Me: Well, part of the special meal that day is usually a big roasted turkey.

Max: A big roasted turkey, huh. Just how big is big?

Me: Big.

Max: Wow. * starts drooling*

Max: I get some, right?

Me: No.

Max: No?

Me: No.

Max: But...but...why? I bet you give the dog some.

Me: We're eating at my sister's. None of you will be getting any.

Max: Then take me with you. Please?

Me: No can do.

Max: I'll behave. I promise.

Me: Yeah, like you did that time I left my sandwich on the counter? Or the time you ate so much dog kibble you barfed?

Max: It was stomach flu. Really.

Me: Uh huh.

Max: Seriously. I'll be good as gold. All I want is a little turkey.

Me: Max, you never eat just a little anything. You're a pig.

Max: I resemble that remark.

Me: Yes, you do.

Max: So, no turkey?

Me: No turkey.

Max: *sigh* You've cut me to the quick. I hope your sweet potatoes shrivel.

Me: Go eat dog kibble, Max.

Max: Bah humbug.

**Max and I, as well as Tom, Kenzie, Chloe, Snuggles, Trouble, and Bridey the Bird, wish all of you a wonderful, safe, and loving Thanksgiving holiday. (And Max says save some turkey for him!)

A Fey Face

2010-11-16T23:41:00.000-05:00

A Smattering of ACEOs :)

2010-11-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

Believe in Magic

2010-11-11T20:33:00.000-05:00

And here's the finished piece: Winter Whimsy

2010-11-06T17:46:00.000-04:00

A Little Touch of Whimsy

2010-11-06T00:57:00.000-04:00

New character done for my online art class. This one is done in a whimsical style. I'm also doing a snowman and the two of them will end up in a winter collage scene. (I'm not strictly following the class agenda as far as projects go.)

Hope you like this little one. I think she's rather cute. (And I love her little boots!) :)

New Portrait - Much Better!

2010-11-03T21:42:00.001-04:00

Now that I've had time to really digest what I learned in the first two class sessions of Art, Heart and Healing, I've attempted another portrait. This one, I think, is vastly superior to the last one. (I don't cringe when I look at this one.)

One thing I've learned for sure: when attempting to fill in dark eyebrows, DO NOT use a black sharpie pen. I repeat, DO NOT. Unless, of course, you're going for that strong dominatrix, wild-eyed look.

I was not.

Here then, is my much improved second portrait. I think she'll probably end up being collaged (is that a word??) into something. I'll post the finished product when it's done.

BTW, in class, we're starting on altering a board book. This should be fun!!

Rosa Greets Thanksgiving

2010-11-02T20:55:00.000-04:00

My year-long odyssey with Rosa began last month. This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving together. I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings. I think she's becoming my muse. :)

Freeing the Artist Within?

2010-11-02T20:22:00.000-04:00

Like many other creative friends here in blogland, I'm taking Tam LaPorte's free online art class, Art, Heart and Healing. (There's a link in the left-hand sidebar.) It's a wonderful class, even for those of us who have questionable (and by that I mean pretty much non-existent) skills in drawing and painting, lol. And just to show my inner critic (who's cringing as I write this) that I'm bigger than she is, I'm going to show my work here on the blog.

Deeeeeeep breath.

Okay. Here I go.

And.....

Wait a sec.

Okay. Now I'm ready.

Are you ready?

Just checking.

*posts and runs* Here it is!

Meet Rosa, the Halloween Queen

2010-09-13T01:19:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite sites for vintage images is The Graphics Fairy. On Saturday, Karen posted this image of what she called "a spooky old woman."

And I agree that this woman's image lends itself well to a "witchy" treatment, hence this digital collage. :)

But I was so taken by this woman's face, which, to me, seems incredibly sad, that I immediately wanted to do something fun for her. (And yes, folks, I do realize she's no longer among the living!)

So, I have dubbed this long-forgotten woman Rosa, and Rosa and I are embarking on a year-long journey. For the next year, on every holiday starting with this Halloween, Rosa and I are going have a little photo fun. She gets to dress up for the holidays, and I get to help her do it. I hope that, were she alive, she'd be saying, "Oh, goody!"

So, meet Rosa, my Halloween Queen. You'll be able to track her progress through the year on the sidebar of this blog.

Miniature Greeting Cards

2010-09-05T14:39:00.000-04:00

Miniature versions of some of my one-of-a-kind full-size greeting cards:

A Trunk Show, Pumpkin Heads, and Greeting Cards...Oh My!

2010-08-16T21:09:00.001-04:00

I'm taking part in a trunk show in September that will feature five local artists, each with their own specialties. Mine will be miniatures and paper arts (with a few clay projects thrown in for good measure!). Here's a sampling of what I've been working on:

These pumpkin head ornaments are made of paper clay sculpted onto wooden bases. I call them the Dead Heads, but really they are Coed Wizard, Count Gourdula, and Monsieur Le Pumpkin. (Don't you love his little beret?) I hope to have time to make a few more, as well as some snowmen faces. A September show is prime holiday shopping time.

I also make original, mostly OOAK greeting cards. My work is mostly collage (either digital or physical, or a combination) using original, vintage and licensed art. I also use quotes from famous people, as well as original writings. Here are a few of the Halloween/Autumn cards I'm doing, plus the beginnings of a couple of Christmas cards. I love making these cards. Does it show?

So, these, along with my miniatures, are what's been keeping me busy. Hope your projects are going well this summer!

Mad Max: Cat Interlude #3

2010-07-19T21:18:00.001-04:00

Me: Cat, where's the gift I made for my sister?
Mad Max: *opens one eye* Hmmm?
Me: I said, where's the gift I made for my sister?
Mad Max: *closes eye* I don't know what you're talking about.
Me: I left it right here on the counter next to my purse and I was only gone for a minute or two. Now, what did you do with it?
Mad Max: *yawns*
Me: You gave it to the dog, didn't you?
Mad Max: Why would I do that?
Me: Because you like her. You're always giving her things.
Mad Max: Hey, she's okay...for a dog.
Me: Don't give me that. You're in love with that dog. You follow her around. You rub noses with her. You sleep with her, for heaven's sake!
Mad Max: Like I said, she's okay...for a dog.
Me: Uh huh. We'll see about that. I'm going to go look in the dog crate.
*momentary silence*
Me: Guess what I found?
Mad Max: Do tell.
Me: My sister's present.
Mad Max: Was it in the dog's crate?
Me: No...it was in the dog's mouth.
Mad Max: Huh.
Me: I'll 'huh' you. Look at this thing! What am I supposed to tell my sister?
Mad Max: *yawns again* How about, 'It's the thought that counts?'
Me: *sigh* Cat, you give me a headache.
Mad Max: Human, it's what I live for.

Plaques for Craft Shows

2010-06-19T15:03:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of the plaques I've been making lately for the two craft shows I have coming up this summer.

Father's Day Gift for the Marine in My Life

2010-06-14T13:33:00.001-04:00

I've got two shows coming up this summer so I've been busy making cards, plaques, and other "artsy" things. *grin* I also made this for my Dad. It's an early Father's Day gift, something for him to hang on his door at the assisted living facility where he lives. Dad has Alzheimer's, so this plaque will serve double-duty: a reminder of a proud time in his life, and a helpful hint as to which room is his when he has trouble remembering that. Hey, you do what you can. :)

Gift tags: Pretty Ladies and...What else? Angels

2010-05-18T16:20:00.001-04:00

For some reason, I was possessed over the weekend by a burning desire to make gift tags. Don't know why. I haven't any gift-giving occasions coming up. It was fun, though, and I think I might even make some more!

Displaying your ACEOs

2010-05-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

The link on the top of the left sidebar entitled "How to Display Your ACEOs" contains pictures to help you visualize ways to display your own ACEOs. I add to it from time to time, and this is a new addition. I *love* this piece. It frames up nicely, doesn't it.

You can check out the rest by clicking on the link in the sidebar.

Mad Max: Cat Interlude #2

2010-05-16T14:54:00.001-04:00

Mad Max: You're disturbing my nap.
Me: So sorry.
Mad Max: Must you do that now?
Me: The rug needs to be vacuumed.
Mad Max: *sigh*
Me: Could you move, please? You're right in the middle of the rug.
Mad Max: I told you, I'm napping.
Me: Please?
Mad Max: Go away.
Me: Alright, no more Ms. Nice Gal. Move your furry cat butt.
Mad Max: *opens one eye* I know where you sleep.
Me: So?
Mad Max: I feel a hair ball coming on. Like, a really big hair ball. Like, the Mother of all hair balls.
*momentary silence*
Me: Uh, why don't I do the vacuuming later?
Mad Max: Smart woman.
Me: Rotten cat.

ACEO Trio: Believe in the Magic

2010-05-16T00:14:00.001-04:00

Here's another ACEO with the Baby Boomer Music theme. This one, however, is one of three cards that will be sold as a set. The overall theme is magic, and, in the frame around the two ravens in the outer cards, it says "Harm none," which I've always found to be a lovely sentiment. :)

Do you know who the singer or group is?

ACEOs: New Baby Boomer Series

2010-05-10T02:57:00.000-04:00

I've started a new series of ACEOs with a theme: Baby Boomer Music. The tags on these cards will all be titles or snippets of songs that will be familiar to those of us "of a certain age." *grin*

Here are the first three:

Can you name the singers/groups?

Angels, Mom, and Poetry

2010-05-08T00:58:00.003-04:00

My mother would have been 76 yesterday. However, she passed away at the age of 74 after suffering from vascular dementia for the last eight years of her life.

As I walked the dog tonight, enjoying the silence and the night air, I started "talking" to Mom in my head, wishing her a happy birthday, and wondering if she could hear me, if she was responding somehow. One thought led to another and I began thinking about all the different kinds of love there are in the universe, if we're only open to receiving them.

And, my being a poet, that lead to a poem. :)

Angels Among Us

If it wasn't you in the fragrant breeze
that left me high, with weakened knees,

if it wasn't you in the summer skies,
blazing through my shielded eyes,

if laughter bubbled deep inside,
if poetry had come alive,

if my heart felt joy...but it wasn't you,
then someone else must love me,

too.

(Miss you, Mom.)

© 2010 Cia Williford Please do not use without permission.

Mad Max: Cat Interlude #1

2010-05-06T18:32:00.002-04:00

Mad Max the Cat: Is that treat for me?
Me: No, it's for the dog.
Mad Max the Cat: Why can't I have it? Huh? Huh? Huh?
Me: It's a dog treat.
Mad Max the Cat: But I'm a dog. Can I have it? Can I have it?
Me: No, you're a cat.
Mad Max the Cat: Are you sure?
Me: Yeah, I'm sure.
Mad Max the Cat: In an alternate universe, I might be a dog.
Me: You're a CAT!
Mad Max the Cat: Huh. Hey, look what that other cat's doing!
(silence)
Me: Okay, where'd the treat go?
Mad Max the Cat: *crunch, crunch*

Me: Never trust a cat. :)

ACEO: Pretty in...Yellow? Yes!

2010-05-04T23:17:00.000-04:00

This one is currently available in the Etsy shop.

New ACEO - Pretty in Pink

2010-05-04T23:04:00.001-04:00

Love the colors in this one...and the sentiment. :)

Altered Art (and Alliteration) in the Round

2010-05-02T22:44:00.000-04:00

It's really quite annoying when you save up all your photography to do on a leisurely Sunday afternoon, and then it rains. Pours even. Which means, for the entire day, there was not a scintillating spark of sun in the sky. (Huh, alliteration. Did I mention I'm a writer, too? *grin*) Anyway, I will have to retake pictures of these when it's time to post them in the Etsy shop, but for now they will do to show that I really have been working in the workshop, not goofing off. (And whoever tells you that they saw me in Joann Fabrics for three hours over the weekend is lying. Really. That wasn't me...this time!)

These altered art collages are based on some old CDs that were lying around the house. They make the perfect round canvas for colorful collages. (Oops, alliteration again. Sorry, can't seem to help myself.)

First, front and back of a completed disc:

Front of project underway:

Thanks for looking!

Cards Added to Etsy Shop

2010-04-27T02:17:00.000-04:00

These cards, along with eight others, are now available in my Etsy shop.

Another Angel-Themed Card

2010-04-26T16:14:00.003-04:00

A Favorite Art Card

2010-04-26T15:02:00.002-04:00

My methods for creating art cards are varied. They usually always include digital work to get an image that I like and can work with. I love to use vintage images and my own fractal images as bases. Some cards are embellished with decorations I make myself, also charms, words, ribbons or fabric, whatever strikes my fancy at the time.

This one is an all-time favorite of mine. The embellishments were kept to a minimum as the image itself is so compelling.

Welcome to my new blog

2010-04-26T12:45:00.006-04:00

I decided to start a new blog to share my art cards and other forays into the art world. I was posting them to my miniatures blog, but that started getting too cluttered. So, here we are, a brand new space for me to muck up. *grin*

I will be posting my ACEOs here. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it stands for Artist Cards, Editions and Originals. They are 2.5 x 3.5 inches...always. Many of the ones I post will be for sale, either here or in my Etsy shop. Some will be special gifts for special people, like the two I'm posting now.

This card is for my sister, Sue, who is very dear to me. I don't know what I'd do without her in my life.

And this one is for my cousin, Maureen, who has been courageously battling breast cancer for a number of years. She's a fighter!