Sunday, April 24, 2011

Sketchbook Sunday!

Happy Easter! I think spring has finally arrived here in the Northeast. Yesterday the temperature was in the low 60's, the buds on the trees are ready to burst and my forsythia bushes are in bloom! Today the weather was just okay but I know the good stuff is right around the corner.

I constructed this pendant the other day and I'm showing it on Sketchbook Sunday since the idea originated in my sketchbook! A few weeks ago I had an idea for something like this and then began making components. I made a silver birdhouse, found a nice piece of drift wood, and made what I now call Lollipop headpins. To me, this really says "Spring"!


I guess I've really been on a "house" theme as of late. This is a small 6 x6 mixed media painting I've done and will be submitting to the 6x6 art exhibit. This too has origins in my sketchbook....my Art Journal book to be exact....and was a fun diversion to work on. I hope to make more 6 x6 paintings early this week...at least one more....before I deliver them to the gallery.

Well, I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter Sunday! Looking forward to the Royal Wedding on Friday and then the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May!!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

This and That

Although the weather has been very chilly and nothing at all like spring, I've had a wonderful spring break so far! The pace of my life is my own and I can flit from one thing to another as I please. Today I'm going to share some images of things I've been working on..........and my fluttering to this and that will be reflected!


This is my latest work in progress...I have much of it done but construction and the toggle await me to begin. This piece is a spin off of my Chihuly inspired necklaces. I like taking something I've done and re-interpreting it. I like to see the progression or evolution of work.


A mini Mother's Day brooch. This concept was not my idea. Sara Sally LaGrand began making these corsages and I thought I'd try my hand at it with my own spin. This one will belong to me since I'm sure I will have to fine tune my construction technique but I like it.

Here are some more of my Lollipop headpins. I used some in a pendant design yesterday and really like how they look. Want some?? Let me know and these will be up in my etsy shop!

Monday, April 18, 2011

It's Spring Break!

The last several weeks have been a whirlwind! Budget cut worries at school, art events...at school, appointments! Now its our spring break and I can begin getting back on track. Whatever that is...life is always full and busy right?!

Along with bead making, I've been busy with some on line Art Journaling e-courses. A great way to entertain my muse. I believe that you have to be involved with other things to keep your creative voice in strong working order to keep your main way of expression flowing with new ideas......which for me is glass beads and jewelry. Journaling has also brought into focus other creative aspirations that I've not ever acted on. So, we will see where this ride takes me. I love the journey that my creative life brings me!

Art events at school have also taken up a lot of my time as of late. Planning, preparing and the actual happening all take time. Its not a problem since I love doing these events but it is my usual free time that gets impacted....and that means Bead Time! Anyhow, I just hosted a Family Art Night and it was a hugh success! My dear friend and fellow artist, Nancy Valle, came and demonstrated clay........what a great time everyone had!


Nancy is also a glass beadmaker and was the one who originally taught me. Such a warm and wonderful person. I visited her studio last week and had to purchase one of her ceramic sculptures!


Can't wait to have it displayed! It's a garden sculpture but I'm hanging mine in our living room.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Technology and Stuff

My husband is a techie and always gets the latest in computers. BUT he just purchased a new MacBook Pro for me and I'm so thrilled! I can now take my show on the road and be one of those people who sit in Starbucks blogging, surfing and googling. This will also be a great way to work on report cards or create newsletters anywhere.....I love technology...most of the time. I'm also happy that I have a wonderful husband who keeps me up to date.

Yes, I've been making beads but my pace has been a bit relaxed. I have a trunk show coming up in late June at a gallery and need to pick up the pace soon. Since I'm working from my MacBook, I don't have any photographs loaded so pictures will need to wait.

Along with my bead making, I've been exploring other creative outlets. Art journaling has been a big one along with painting. Starting Monday I will be taking an e-course, Restore Your Soul, that is based on art journaling and writing. Anxious to start. I'm also participating in a photography project titled A Million Little Pictures. Photos will be touring the United States in a Photomobile in late June.......fun stuff that helps to keep my Art Muse entertained.

Whats keeping your muse inspired?