Thanksgiving morning necklace

I confess, I procrastinate. BIG TIME. Lucky for me, I work fast under pressure.

I recently found this choker necklace at a thrift store and had to have it. Of course, I hate chokers. Heck, I can't even stand a turtleneck collar but I saw the potential of it being repurposed.

Now after my quick change up I have a necklace and pair of earrings. Only then did I realize that one of my earring holes had partially grown closed...OUCH!

Quilt progress

I've made some headway on my quilt.

I do know will most definitely be colorful!

Abstract Mixed-Media Painting

I've been working on this one for a couple of days. Dress makers pattern tissue was used to create texture. I laid it directly onto the wet gesso. Some random scraps of text from my scrap bucket were also used for interest. Those were attached using UHU twist & glue.

I used my fingers a lot on this painting. I just seem to have more control that way. I can feel the canvas and know how much paint is being applied. Even when I use the brush I often use my fingers to spread the paint. It gives a totally different effect.

I had no plan in mind...just let it happen. Besides if I decide I don't like it anymore....I'll just gesso over the whole thing and start again!

Random Inspiration

This entire book used scraps of book pages glued to the board book in a random fashion. I then use paint, stamps, markers, correction fluid and colored pencils to create my backgrounds.
This is a Kelly Rae Roberts technique that I have absolutely fallen in love with.

Before becoming a member of the UHU design team, I used to think gel medium was the only glue that I could use for this technique. After getting my sample glues, I discovered that the UHU twist & glue works perfectly! No more messed up brushes or the oh so wonderful...walked away and left the top off the jar of gel medium. I was famous for that one. Did I mention I'm easily distracted...?

I tried something a little different with the spine. I sewed 2 scraps of fabric together using decorative stitches on my machine. I put a couple of large eyelets near the top so I could attach some fun fibers and charms. I used the UHU twist & glue to attach the fabric spine to the front and back covers.

I love how it turned out!

Fanciful Butterflies

I've now finished all the interior pages of my Random Inspiration board book.

This here is the latest.

The covers have yet to be done and I'd like to try something new and fun for the spine but haven't quite that figured out yet.

My "new" lamp

I loved the shape of the lamp at a garage sale and saw potential beyond the stark white base and shade.

After playing around with 4 colors of spray paint on the base and tea staining the shade, I have an awesome "new" lamp!

Blogaversary event @ Trash to Treasure Art

I've subscribed to this amazing artists blog for quite a while now. I finally got around to reading my RSS feeds and saw that Lynn was having a giveaway to celebrate her blogaversary.

Go check it out!! http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com/

A day at the Zoo

I finally had a chance to pull my photos from Saturday off the camera! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share some of the wonderful animals we saw at the MN Zoo.

Turtle...Tortoise..not really sure which. Magnificent creatures though.

If I didn't get such a kick out of this photo, I'd never post it since it's blurry but...I can't help it! The kids pointing at the fish and it's silly face just crack me up!

This coyote was very kind to strike a pose for me.

Our little girl is peering into a fun interactive exhibit.

There are several types of sharks and stingrays swimming around in a small pool. You are welcome to reach in and give them a pet.

I learned that a stingray feels like solid jelly and a shark feels a bit rough like sandpaper. Very cool!

Flamingos are our neighborhood symbol for "The party is here!"
I couldn't help myself, I had to take a photo.

Clipboard design for UHU

This month the UHU design team members were all sent a mini clipboard to decorate.

What do you think?

Check out the materials list and tutorial in the UHU blog.

A Mother's Love

Junk mail postcard

Elizabeth put forth a challenge on ABC in response to a post about reducing waste while still creating art. She challenged us to create 2 pieces of art using junk mail and scraps only.

I dug in the recycle bin and pulled out a toaster waffle box and some junk mail for this piece. I hoping to make another over the weekend. Although it's supposed to be BEAUTIFUL this weekend so I don't know if I'll be spending much time indoors.

Circles into clovers and mountains.

I'm sad...I only had on person even ventured a guess at what the heck I'm making.

Ok...I'm over it. Comments and questions are always appreciated though!

I'm in the painstaking process of making another quilt like this.

The one I'm working on will be a little larger than the first... YIKES! That one was quite a challenge to sew at the end stages for me.

Each circle is drawn around a kids plastic plate then hand cut with a scissors. Then the sewing lines have to be drawn on with a template. Please if anyone knows a speeder technique, let me know!!

I'll need to start cutting all the fabric squares to place in the Cathedral windows shortly. This is what I believe to be a variation of the Cathedral window quilt pattern. What I like about it is that it finishes both sides at the same time!!

Surprise in my candle

Isn't this just amazing!

I was about to light it and saw the heart.
This candle sits on my stove and must have gotten heating by whatever I was cooking and the heart happened.

Dream world

I love playing in this board book. I've been using a Kelly Rae inspired background technique on all the pages. The book has no other theme or direction. Maybe I should call it Random Inspiration. Hey, I like that!








The little girls came from a sewing book. The watering can girl reminded me a Alice in Wonderland. It all came together in my mind after that.






It feels a little trippy to me. All it needs is the caterpillar with his hookah.