Dolls for Big Girls!

Today's doll class was a blast! Here are just a few shots of some works in progress....
These are my bits and pieces, not quite got their heads on yet.

 Don't you love the crazy hair!

 Serena (our teacher) is so engrossed creating her doll.

 Here are my ladies (Crones) before paint and clothes...

Fabulous Paste Papers!

Yesterday was Albie Smith's fabulous pretty paste papers class. Oh my. I loved this class. Here are some pictures.

 This first batch are mine. I still can't believe I made these designs!

 We had some very talented artists in our class!

Paste Papers from Albie Smith's class

Here are a few of my favorite papers I made yesterday. The pictures don't do them justice. They are much more vibrant/subtle in person. First... this is the book.

Art is You is Fabulous!

This morning's breakfast panel. Recognize anyone?

My seat partner, Carol, making paste papers. I'll post pictures of the books we made tomorrow. Today was Albie Smith's Pretty Books class. We made fabulous paste papers then arranged them in a beautiful handmade book.  Tomorrow I'm taking another of Albie's classes. She's a great teacher, and I've learned so much! Look for pictures tomorrow!

ART IS YOU - Petaluma!

 Well, I'm here. Classes start tomorrow. I'm volunteering to help out for the day, then my classes are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

We were asked to contribute to the prizes for the raffles, so these are my contributions.
I made another little prayer book, this time calling it "Thankful Thinking"... I really like that name. It seems to imply action. Here are the pictures of it. Includes over 40 little journal tags.

 Also contributing one of my "Tattered Prayers" album/notebook.

 And finally, a large art journal made from an old art book. Pages are 100lb cardstock, nice for drawing, light washes, journaling, etc.

Goodbye Pine Valley, Hello ART IS YOU Petaluma

Ok, I've finally revealed my secret. I've been watching All My Children for 41 years! January 5, 1970 was my first day of maternity leave and the first airing of this soap. Sadly, this is their last week, and I have to miss the last three episodes. (Although I will be recording them.)

Why? because I'm going to ART IS YOU in Petaluma! Yaaaaaay! I'm taking two of Albie Smith's paste paper classes, plus a doll making class. I am so excited to be attending their first West Coast venue!

I'll be posting pictures of the classes (with permission). Stay tuned!

Trying something different

 I'm getting so excited about Art is You retreat in Petaluma! Just a few days now. Thought I'd make something "artsy" to wear.

Inspired by Ruth's recycled scarves (see here), and Rosie's (Wild Woman) fabulous scarves (see Rosie here), I got inspired!

I cut two sweatshirts into long strips and braided them with some fibers, threw in some beads... kept braiding, kept braiding, until I had a long thing. It's kinda cute.

What do you think?

Now, I hope I'm brave enough to wear it to Art is You!

Wahoo! "Turning it Over" prayer book sold!

OK, I'm thrilled that someone loved my little creation enough to purchase it... and at the same time I'm sad to say goodbye to the little book.  It truly is a SWEET BLESSING to create art that blesses and brings people closer to God. 

A little collage and acrylics.....

Changing gears a bit this week. I took out my acrylics and painted a few sunflowers. The second one is actually a mixed media collage, using vintage sheet music and a die-cut border trimming the side borders.  Both measure 8x10", gallery wrapped canvases. On sale in my Etsy shop.

Creative Writing Software

Does anybody have a recommendation for creative writing software? I'm going to do it this year: participate and complete a novel during the month of November.

NANOWRIMO: http://www.nanowrimo.org/

I'd love to have some writing companions! Want to join me?

Another Holiday Wrap up....

I've had this on my art table for two weeks, and with the freedom of the holiday weekend, I finished it! It's a very sweet little prayer book I've titled "Tattered Prayers". The pages are all tattered, just like we often are, just before we remember to turn it over to God! This is a blank journal with tattered edges.... 80lb paper, 20 pages, 40 front and back.  Please leave feedback. I'd love to hear what you think.
Sweet Blessings for a wonderful holiday weekend!!
NOW ON SALE IN MY ETSY SHOP!