Carla Trujillo - Mixed Media Artist

Frida

2012-01-10T13:44:00.001-08:00

Frida

I've been trying to rework some of my domino art doll designs. The doll above has had her upper midsection removed and replaced with small metal pellets used in BB Guns. The opening was covered with a piece of mica. The really big change for me was using the photocopy of a face instead of a clay face.

I drive around with my dolls hanging from my rear view mirror, and she was up there the past few days, and my oldest daughter said that she liked my dolls with the dimensional clay faces. I said I did too, but I was going to give the photocopy image a try.

So far, I think her body needs to be a little wider to accommodate that square open space and she could use some length as well.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T03:57:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all the wonderful people in blog land!! Yes, I had time to post today because we don't live around any family, so we didn't have to be at 2-3 places at once. It's just me the hubby and the kids. It was a very nice Christmas day, except for being stirred from a deep sleep about 2am this morning from a very excited kid! Needless to say, she never really went back to sleep and is running on empty as I'm posting this. She actually ran out of gas a few hours ago, but is fighting to stay awake. I remember those days soooooooooooo many years ago! The were fun back then when you didn't need as much rest as you do when you get much older. It's amazing and tiring to see Christmas through your childrens eyes!

Anyway, a friend of ours called early this afternoon and asked us to take a look outside on the front porch. I had a sneaky feeling what he had waiting for us. Well, we went and took a peak and found this Santa cookie jar sitting at our door step. Filled with homemade sugar cookies and this sign.
This Santa cookie jar has over ten years of wandering between our households looking for a home. Every year we keep filling it up with cookies and sending it back to them and they in turn send it back to us(no one likes the jar!). Last year we thought he was gone forever because he hadn't made an appearance, but here he stands again! It's been a long time running joke between our families. It's really turning kind of weird because this friends wife is actually starting to like the jar and so I have to alter him in some way to make him unappealing. No one wanted him for years and now she has a crush on him! When I'm done with him, she just might change her mind. Don't worry! It will be a subtle change!

This doll was created for the recycled materials doll challenge on the Art Doll Only Group that I belong to. The body is made from an metal spice container and the dangling piece is a vintage door knob to a dresser drawer.

Last Art Show of the Season

2011-12-07T05:55:00.001-08:00

Eiteljorg Museum In Indianapolis, IN

This is the last show of the year and I'm glad because I seem to have less and less energy and enthusiasm for some of these shows. The attendence was low because some type of basketball playoff going on the same day, so people were at pre-game parties and tailgating parties all afternoon. I should have packed it up and crashed one of those parties.

I did have a few sales and meet some really wonderful people. Let me tell you that it is a small world! I meet a couple at the this art show in Indianapolis, who live not to far from me in the greater Cincinnati area. They just happened to stop in at the museum to kill some time before the woman was flying out to visit some friends in New Mexico. Come to find out that she knows quite a bit about the small town I came from in New Mexico. At one time they were looking to purchase a house there, but decided against it. It was really cool!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-18T14:40:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it is almost December!! The Fall months are just crazy in regards to my kids school. Soooo much homework, 3 Holidays, Science Project, studying for tests, dealing with Etsy, Flickr, and the rest kind of takes the back seat. Hence, my absence from the blog. I haven't learn to balance the new things(my job) in my life yet. Somehow I do make time to create. I mean pockets of time! It'd funny because I actually take pieces I've been working on and hang them up in my work area.

The guys are oblivious to their presence. See, I'm adapting!! Anyway, things are good and I'm where I'm suppose to be in life, so I try to embrace it and move forward.

Just wanted to remind folks that I will be at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Dec. 3 from 10am-5pm. It is called Winter Market and I think this is my 3rd year of attending. I really love being in the museum setting! This year I will take pictures and post them here.

This is Tulip and she is one of several I having been creating with a board as a background. There is just something about it that is not quite right. It doesn't sit very well with me and I don't know why.

Oh well! I just will keep marching forward and try to work it out some how!

I hope you all have a very wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!!!

Rona and The Mourning Madonna

2011-10-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Rona

Okay, so I haven't been keeping to my word about blogging more frequently, but I have been working on stuff. I had taken a doll making class several years ago and only made one doll in class and that was it. I finally stopped procrastinating and made another doll last week. I was happy with her outcome! I tweaked the original design to fit my needs! I hate stuffing, so instead of stuffing her from head to toe, I stuffed her from head to below the waist line. You can look up her dress and see that she has no legs.

The head is done with clay and the arms are very long and light aluminum nails used on gutters.

The dress is composed of scrap fabrics, lace, silk and paper. I played around with free motion stitching.

Madonna in Mourning

This is a pencil drawing I finished several months ago. This is an example of the type of art work I use to do many, many years ago until I burned out and moved on.

Lately, it has been nice to revisit and see if I still had the knack for doing it. I think the spark has been rekindled a little bit by the inspring work of artist on Flickr that I come across. I can see a lot of potential for expanding and stretching beyond the comfort zone with this.

I am still working with the pine needles and hopefully will have some art dolls posted soon.

Completed Pine Needle Art Doll

2011-10-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

"Trudi"

Finally settled on a face for this doll. Pine needles are really great to work with, although they will tickle and prick you at the same time. I went a little over board and bought more needles that have been dyed. The colors are soooo beautiful!! The shop owner of artgalstudio recommended soaking them first to get them to bend. I haven't tried that yet because I'm content with experimenting with them dry. I've thought of applying hot bees wax on them to see how they look and how well they hold up.

There are more dolls to come!! I've started one that is done with black needles and the full length of the needles are intact. The art doll above has had her needles trimmed.

WIP - Pine Needles

2011-10-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of the pieces I've been experimenting on with pine needles. I came across an artist at one of the art shows last month and she was a basket weaver and she used these very long pine needles. Being originally from the Southwest, I had never seen such long needles. Their length ranges anywhere from 14"-16" long. So, I talked her into selling me a bundle and now I'm just thrilled to be working with them. I also order some that have been dyed different colors, so I anxiously wait for their delivery.

String of Hearts

2011-09-26T08:19:00.001-07:00

"String of Hearts"

I just finished up the last of two art shows I had two weekends in a row. The first show was the Loveland Art Show in Loveland, Oh. and it was the weekend before and this past weekend was Art Affaire at the Promont Museum in Milford, OH.

I have to say both art shows were pretty nice. Meet a lot of new people and was revisited by past customers. Both shows were a first for me and I plan on trying to apply for both again next year. They are juried shows, so there is no guarantee of getting in every year.

I don't know about some of you, but these shows just tire me out! I don't know how some of these artist who travel around the country from art show to art show do it!!!

I'm trying to keep the art shows I participate in local, except for a couple at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis IN.

Anyway, it's time to get back into the studio and posting on my blog. I found out that I can only focus on a few things at a time and so I put my blog on the back burner.

Angel Oddity?

2011-09-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

"Angel Oddity"

Lifes been very hectic and so I have neglected my blog. I am still creating and Angel Oddity is my latest piece. Can anyone take a guess as to why I named this Angel Oddity? Go ahead and give it your best guess!

Anyway, I have two shows coming up in the next few weeks and trying to find time to create pieces for them is VERY challenging!

Pendelton Art Center Final Friday Studio Tours

2011-08-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was invited by artist Joanne Honschopp to be guest artist at her studio at The Pendelton Art Center in Cincinnati August 28, from 6-10pm. Her studio 804B is located on the 8th floor.

The Pendelton Art Center is home to over 200 artists and studio walks are open to the public the last Friday of every month, so if your in town please stop in to say hello and to have some wine and crackers. That's right, 8 floors of art, wine, & finger foods.

"Landmark Tribute"

by Joanne Honschopp

"Over The Top"

by Joanne Honshopp

Sprite - Plaster Art Doll

2011-08-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've been toying with the idea of adding some type of silk on her, but it never seems to make it on her body. She is not connected permanently, except for the arms. I keep switching faces to see which one works best, but I keep coming back to the one she has on.

I really like the texture on the plaster. I try to stay away from using too much color, because I still strive for a more simplistic look. I don't always succeed, but I do try!

Plaster Onie and Sir Paul McCartney

2011-08-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sir Paul McCartney was in town for one hell of a show! This the massive stage that took over a week to set up non-stop work. I had heard that it took about 30 trucks to haul it here.

People seem to be coming in from everywhere.

This is one of two lighting towers that has 4 people manning it.

I would say we had some good seats and with those huge screens flanking the main stage, there really wasn't a bad seat anywhere. He did one wardrobe change and that was taking off his red blazer in between songs. He must of switched playing different stringed instruments about 8-10 times and that didn't included several types of pianos as well!

He serenated us for 3 hrs straight and gave tribute to some of his fellow Beatle bandmates. It is hard to believe that this man is 69 years old!!! He was up on stage with the energy of 20 year old!

The hubby is a major Beatles fan and that's why I was along for the ride. I've always listened to his music on the radio, but when he began to sing his songs, it's amazing how many great songs he has written. He is quite an artist and legend, and this will probably be his last time performing in this country.

I've been experimenting with making some ornies with plaster and loving all the marks and textures.

New Plaster Work

2011-07-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

I finally have some more work to share with you in regards to the on-line plaster class I took earlier in the month.

The piece above has about three layers of plaster with some carving, stenciling, and painting. I would get it to a certain point and then try to push it even further. There is an emotional roller coaster creating these pieces. The end result is that you can go on forever changing it just when you feel that it looks like crap. I was there several times!!

This piece has several layers as well. I worked more with just creating different marks and textures.

The hubby had a stack of these round wooden disks that are 1/4" thick and I really liked working with it! Again, this piece has several layers.

I need to live with this around the house to see how I feel about it. I kept wipping until there was more white showing, but believe it or not, I'm all about color. My goal is to keep things simple and toned down.

This dress is about 15" tall and 5"wide. I had to walk away from this for a short time to figure out where I wanted to go with it. Things are coming to mind, so hopefully I will work with it this weekend.

The piece is 2-D and made from wire, paper, and plaster. The lower part of wire dress is all done by hand.

Assemblage Art Doll Tuttie

2011-07-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Since finishing up my on-line plaster class, I had some time to work on Tuttie.

She came together for me quite quickly!! I love when that happens, but it's not often!

I'm still experimenting with the plaster and nothing to post yet.

I can't believe summer break is almost over for the kids!!!!!!!!!!! Where on earth did the summer go? They will be back in school in 4wks and then we will be up to our you know what in homework! From an adults point of view, school the second time around is very interesting.

It's funny because we started our kids this past year to start writing up note cards to study from for tests. I mean that's how we learned to study in college and it works like a charm for them at this age.

I'm sure it will another interesting and challenging year for all of us!

Problem with Blogger!

2011-07-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let fellow artist blogging friends know that I have been visiting your awesome blogs, but have not been able to post a comment on anyones blog for a couple of months now! Luckily I can still post and reply on my own blog. There is some kind of glitch in Blogger. I have reported it but no answer yet!

Plaster Class Assemblage Project Complete!!

2011-07-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Angel Mine

Our class ends tomorrow and my goal was to complete one piece of art and I did with one day to spare!! Love, love the class! It is just amazing in what you can create with plaster. The book, "Plaster Studio:Mixed Media Techniques for Painting, Casting and Carving," for this class is worth buying if you don't want to pay for the class.

Need to make more time to play!

Mixed Media Art Doll - Carolina

2011-06-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was messing with Photoshop this evening and came out with this x-ray looking image of my art doll. I thought it looked pretty cool and wanted to share it with you.

This is what Carolina actually looks like. The front of the doll is a wire dress with silk fibers and wire. The wire dress is like a cage.

On-Line Plaster Studio

2011-06-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

I've been inactive on my blog for a while due to my return to the work force. The company that layed me off several years ago came knocking on my door earlier this month looking to rehire me, so how can one say no to a job offer! It's been a bit of a challenge to restructure my life around a job and getting the kids taken care of as well. I am a truss designer and have been for well over 12 years. I really like what I do and I am glad to be back!

Now all need to do is start creating art again! I have been, but very slowly.

Hopefully to jump start the creative flow, I am in the middle of an on-line Plaster Class hosted by Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise. There is so much info. to take in and I am behind, but they have generously given us over a month past the last class to revisit blog site.

I hope to have something created from this class to post this coming week!

Angel of Royalty and Totem

2011-06-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

"Angel of Royalty"

I had these done a few weeks back, but I get into this mood of not wanting to photograph or posting them. I have this thing where I like to live with the pieces I make for a while before I part with them. I usually will have anywhere from 3-5 new pieces hanging on walls throughout the house. I rotate them constantly from room to room. It's my way of examing and critiquing my own work. The hubster just looks at me and shakes his head!

"Totem"

Lani

2011-06-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

I found some black mohair off of a coat I bought at a rumage sale a few years ago and wondered if I would ever use it? It just sat and sat, until this past week. I like the way it works well with this art doll. The legs are a file and a very long drill bit.

My Origins with Mixed Media Art Dolls

2011-05-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

As a child, I have always been drawn towards Native American Indian Art. It started with acrylic painting on canvas and burlap adhered to a board. I was also very much into doing portraits. The passion has always been there.

While visiting a state fair back in my late twenties, I came across an Indian display and was inspired to create my first art doll and from there it has just evolved.

I meet this incredible beader at an re-enactment village several years back and took a beading class from her. I don't bead anymore. It's been a long time since I created this piece. This kind of beading is priceless and have kept this doll to pass on to my daughters.

Revisiting 2007

2011-05-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

"Moments"

The mixed media quilt above was based on a drawing my oldest daughter created. I just loved her figures and was inspired to sew and glue! The material used for the figures are scrap pieces of leather.

"Journey 2"

It's been a while and I can't quite remember what inspired this piece. Again I have used scrap pieces of leather, various hides, fabrics, wire, beads and found objects.

"Dancing Deities"

Dancing Deities was inspired by one of my collagraphs.

BTW I wanted to thank you for the comments posted in my previous post! Somehow Blogger messed up and none of the comments appeared on my blog but I did receive them through my e-mail.

Angel B1

2011-05-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Angel B1

I had taken an online quilt class months ago and was introduced to weaving with fabric. Very cool technique and I tried it with some of my left over collagraph prints and vintage papers. That is what the angels wings are made from. Her body is a domino.

This past weekend was The Duveneck Art show down in Covington and the turn out was great. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day!!!!!!!!!!!!! I met a lot of people and some were collectors of my work!

I really enjoy meeting people who own my work! Oh! Yeah! I did take 1st place in the sculpture catergory, so that was exciting. I've been doing this show for the past 3-4 years and this year was the best.

Angel Jack and Angel Kory

2011-05-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Angel Jack

Angel Kory

I finished up a few more angels using the wooden houses I cut out. I did finally list some wooden houses in my shop.

Assemblage - Angel Brody

2011-04-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I spent an afternoon cutting a variety of house shapes out of wood and sanded them down. My intentions were to post them for sale in my Etsy shop for artists to use in their mixed media art work, and they never made it to the shop. I started playing around with them in my studio and got really excited with what I was coming up with. Angel Brody is my first creation with these houses and I have a few waiting to be finished. I still need to post a few of the wooden shapes in my shop.

Brody is available here.

Mixed Media House Revisted

2011-04-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

I was feeling a little nostalgic and wanted to share with you this house that was part of challenge back in 2008.

All four sides were created separately and then sewn together.

The roof is separate from the rest of the structure.

It was built to open up like a book.

The images on the inside are of my family.

Domino Angel 21

2011-04-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

"Domino Angel 21"

We have had way too much rain, and the kids 5 day weekend turned into a 6 day weekend due a to power outage at school that was not fixed in time this morning. So, they were off today, but things went pretty well!

My Domino Angel 21's midsection is sporting some really cool fibers that's handspun wire core art yarn. Gotta love all those yarn people! The wings are treated brass and a blue glass heart hangs in the hand.
Available here!

When Your Muse Goes Dormant!

2011-04-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Eos, by Evelyn De Morgan

As artists, we have our ups and downs in regards to our creativity. But, what do you do when your in the down cycle of creativity and you can't seem to rebound. Your muse has gone dormant and no matter how you try, she just refuses to awaken. What do you do? Thank God I haven't been to that point in my life and hope I never have to face that situation, but a fellow artist and friend is there and has decided to move on with her life without art. At first I couldn't believe what I was reading, because I just couldn't imagine not creating art. Her work is raw and very powerful, and to have such a talent come to complete halt!

I know that she needs to move on with her life and the decision to take art out of the equation had to have been a very difficult one.

Her art will be missed, but not forgotten! Much success in her new journey and I will secretly be praying that her muse will awaken one day and she'll be creating art even more powerful and raw than ever before.

Once an artist, always an artist!!

The Birth of an Assemblage Artist

2011-04-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

"Salvation"

Back in 2009, Salvation was the very first assemblage piece I had created. I just wish I had kept for myself!!

I foolishly placed it on Etsy with what I thought was a high price tag, and that would thwart anyone from purchasing it. Well, I checked my e-mail and found out that someone had purchased!

I was shocked that someone had payed that price for it. This piece now resides in the home of Rosie O'Donnell. Yes, it is the actress/comedian! Even though I'm sad that it is gone, I'm still excited to think that she lives with a star! Anyway, that was my small claim to fame! Thanks Rosie!

Spring Break In The Land of Enchantment (New Mexico)!!

2011-04-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

It had been two year since I was home to visit family and friends.

We usually visit every other year, but with my parents getting up in age I would like to visit more frequently. Every other year family comes to visit us as well.

Ten years ago my hubby proposed to me up on the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, New Mex. and we hadn't been back up there since then. This time we had the kids with us, so we had a new venture to share with them.
We took the worlds longest tram (2.7 miles) to the top of the peak which is about 10,000 ft.
and the base is at 6,500 ft. It was a bit windy and cool.
My youngest one was ready to go back down as soon as we stepped off the tram car because it was pretty chilly.

We had purchased some property in Northern New Mexico for retirement and we try to visit the property when we're home visiting.
On the drive there, we pass Victory Ranch which is home to about 200 alpacas. The white dog laying in the foregound is a Great Pyrenes and they herd and care for the alpacas. The ranch has any where from 8-11 of these dogs working. They are a beautiful breed of dog!

Baby alpaca

This llama named "Spaghetti" helps in guarding the alpacas along with the dogs.

I think what I miss most about New Mexico besides family, is the beautiful blue skies and those breathtaking mountains.

A small lake nestled in the mountains and not far from our property.

We spent a day in Santa Fe just browsing through shops and galleries.

A visit to a cemetary my grandparents are buried. It is located up the road from mom and dad's house.

My mom had placed two artificial X-Mas trees on my grandparents graves and they were stolen, so she planted two real pine trees and decorates them every year. I told her she needed to decorate them for every holiday season. She liked the idea.

Steampunk Challenge

2011-03-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

ADO (Art Dolls Only) Group is having a Steampunk Challenge that ends ~~today~~ next Friday, so I just made the deadline!! This is my steampunk angel that I created last weekend and I like the way she came out!

She is made from wood, paper, clay, wire, and found objects.

My Heart Will Go On!

2011-03-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

First of all, I wanted to send a heart felt THANK YOU to all of you wonderful bloggers and friends who left words of comfort and support in my previous post!!!!!!!!!!!! It meant the world to me to read all those wonderful comments!
The cardiac procedure went very well and the results are that the pipes are squeeky clean and free of any blockages!! It's a huge load off my mind knowing that my heart is in good shape because the number one killer of women is heart disease.
We now venture into examining what could be going on with the body that mimics heart problems. The doctor gave me a few suggestions to check out, so we will see how things unfold.

Affairs of the Heart

2011-03-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

I mentioned last year about having some health issues with my heart. Well the issues have continued and now I'm at the point of having an invasive procedure done tomorrow to have a look and see what is going on inside. We hope to find out what the problem is and fix it! If not, then we keep looking 'til we find some answers.

Pantomime Revisted!

2011-03-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little nostalgic, I decide to re post an older art doll I had created back in 2007 "Pantomime."

She was part of an art doll challenge to create ornies and she was my own version of one. The challenge was put out by Tricia Anders, who may I say has been one of the biggest influences for me as a doll artist. I first came across her amazing work in Art Doll Quarterly Magazine several years ago and was totally hooked.

Her art dolls are simply amazing and very sculptural. She has the talent and vision!

Minuet II

2011-02-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last week I had posted WIP pics of Minuet II and she was very much in the early stages. The photo above is the before picture.

This is the completed Minuet II.

Mixed Media Art Doll Tulla

2011-02-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

"Tulla"

Tulla is made from silk fibers and a wooden thimble for the upper body. She stands about 9.25" in height and sits on a wooden base. The arms are made from coiled wire and the face is clay. A little green heart rest on her chest.

Doll Town - Online Marketplace Goes Live Tonight!

2011-02-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

Doll Town Online Marketplace opens tonight at 7PM.

It was created by Jane DesRosier for doll artists to sell their creations.

All doll artists are welcome to join. Most, if not all the doll artist are from an online doll group called

Cloth and Clay Dolls that was also started by Jane. Jane is a very talented artist and very generous with her knowledge. I took her Cloth and Clay Doll Class a few years ago and it a very good class!

Please stop in and take at look at some very talented doll artists and maybe join yourself!!

Blog Giveaway Winner!

2011-02-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

Marcia Antle from Queen Marcy Originals, was randomly selected as the winner of my blog giveaway! Marcia, I hope you enjoy Ellie!
Big thank you to all who follow my blog! We will have to do this again real soon!

Blog Giveaway Ends This Thursday!

2011-02-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder that my blog giveaway ends this coming Thursday.

WIP - Minuet I

2011-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

"Minuet I"

Since using some of my collagraph prints in collages, I decided to try using them on an art doll. I really liked the way the layering of colors came out, but it was a little to crafty looking for me when I was done. So, I tried to counteract it with found objects for the torso.

Minuet II

This doll was made with vintage paper from an old book and she stands shorter than the doll pictured above.

I think using fabrics next would add a different feel.

Mixed Media Fiber Art Collage - "Homestead"

2011-02-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

"Homestead"

Sorry for the delay in posting, but it is so darn cold that I just want to hibernate until Spring!

Creating these art collages has kept me busy and under a warm blanket. I've just been plain lazy to photograph anything lately. We also have a new camera and that has been slow in learing how the darn thing operates. These photos were done with my old camera!

The new camera does take some amazing pics, but I'm struggling with photographing my work indoors!

Anyway, I am enjoying pulling out my old collagraph and etching prints and using them in my collages.

MIxed Media Quilt Collages

2011-02-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

"Forever"

I get restless very easily, so I painstakingly look for something different to stimulate my creative motor.

I've dabbled with quilting in the past, and it has been on the mind for a long while.

Both pieces were created from scratch, meaning no preconceived idea of what I was going to do.

I seem to work better that way.

"Reflection"

This mixed media collage piece was created using several of my older etched prints. I cut the prints into sections and then started to piece them together. Various papers, fibers and fabrics were also in the mix.

Everything on this piece was hand sewn.

Giveaway At Art Dolls Only

2011-01-31T06:35:00.000-08:00

I am a member of Art Dolls Only and they are hosting their own One World One Heart Giveaway.
Twenty-seven doll artists have generously donated items to be given away and all you need to do is stop by the blog and leave a comment.

Art Doll Domino 13 is my donation to the group for the giveaway. In order for you to have a chance at winning her, please stop by ADO for 27 chances to win!

1st Blog Giveaway for 2011!!

2011-01-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

"Ellie"

Blog giveaway to celebrate the New Year and to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who follow my blog!

To participate, use three words or less to describe yourself!!

The drawing will run from January 24 - February 24, 2011.

Assemblage Art Doll - Moira

2011-01-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

Wanted to give you a look at what I have been laboring over for the past week. I had her laying out on my work area for several months and simply had no desire to permenantly connect her with bolts and adhesives.
So, she sat faithfully waiting for me! My gut instinct does not allow me to finish pieces. I didn't alter her too much. Her body had originally been covered with a silver leaf and I traded that in for the silk ruffled skirt.
The hubby came into my studio last night looking at her and asked me if those legs were from a protractor. He thought it was a perfectly good protractor and that it still had some use left in it. It had and now it has found a better use in my art work. His practical way of thinking and mine are very different.

WIP - Cloth/Found Object Art Doll

2011-01-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

Last week I was working with mono printing on fabric. I wasn't to happy with the end results until I flipped the fabric over and found a beautiful print on the backside. The fabric was ironed onto a sheet of freezer paper and then worked into with acrylics. Layer after layer I kept on with the process.

Anyway, as I was pulling the freezer paper off the fabric, I had already decided that I would continue to evolve the piece somehow. I threw it on the table feeling disappointed, but not defeated. It landed face down and starring up at me was this awesome abstract piece on the backside!!!

So, after I got over that nice surprise, I decided to try it out on a doll. Turning a stiff painted fabric inside out was a challenge to say the least. After machine sewing the main body and packing it with what seems like a truck load of fiber-fil, I had to reinforce the seams with some hand stitching because it started to come unsewn. I can't even count the number of times I pricked my fingers with the needle. Luckily, I only had to use a thimble to get the needle through the painted fabric. There have been times where I have used a pair of pliers!

Tried all kinds of legs and opted for this strange wooden contraption I purchased this past summer. I am still debating on how to deal with the arms? Or does she even need arms? Oh Yeah! and the face!

Experiment with Cloth/Clay Art Doll

2011-01-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have said in the past that I am not much a stuff doll kind of girl. I'm always open to different things!
A few years back I took an on-line with Jane DesRosier and she taught how to make a cloth/clay doll. I really enjoyed the class! She is a really great teacher and very generous with her information.
Anyway, last year I did a project with my kids creating a cloth/clay doll. Well, my oldest grew tired of the doll she made and gave it back to me and I painted her white and gave her a face. I like her all white except her head. I've been staring at her a while to get a feel for what direction I am going to take with this.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

"Trei"

Happy New Year to all of you Bloggers put there! For the past few years, our New Years Eve is spent at home and in bed by 10:30 pm. I can't seem to stay awake that late anymore.
Our Christmas was spent at home with our kids and since we live far from our families, there were no obligations to be somewhere. Sometimes is'a nice and other times I miss spending the holidays with family.

"Metamorphosis"

Anyway, I have been in the studio working away on a few things. I'm hoping to try some new things out in the next couple of weeks and hopefully blog about it. Here's wishing you a productive and creative year!

X-Mas Surroundings!

2010-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Indian papoose ornament

Here a few of my favorite things hanging on my tree!

Peanut ornament

Embossed "Our Lady de Guadalupe" paper ornament

Look what I finally fnished! I named him "Happy" just because I'm so happy to have finished him.

I decided to go with doll legs and a cone cap.

"Word Became Flesh"

Hope everyone has a Blessed Holiday Season!!

Gentle Woman

2010-12-17T07:02:00.000-08:00

Our blessed mother has been on my mind since celebrating The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary last week.

Gentle Woman is one of many beautiful titles given to the Virgin Mary.

Domino #10

2010-12-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

I've been fiddling around with my domino art dolls. Always trying to find new levels to take it to. Size wise I like to work on a small scale because my studio is small and my time is very limited lately.

W.I.P. for Winter Market Show

2010-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

"Angel Gabriel"

Trying to get last minute work done for my last show of the year!! Yeah!!! I'm tired, but motivated with new ideas to work on.

Angel Gabriel was created with only the right wing, because I really liked the way he looked. Well, there was only one problem. He was heavy on one side, so he hung off balance. I didn't have much choice but to add that other wing to make him upright. I was happy with the end results, but still pouting a little about not having only one wing!

Oh My!! What a pose! I haven't put a hook on the back for hanging yet, so I had to a find a position that would keep him upright while the glue on his hat sets. The paper on the front side is a piece cut out from one of my collagraph prints.

Cork board display in my studio, where all my little creations hang for my viewing pleasure or critique!

Jewel

2010-11-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

Winter Fair this past weekend was a very nice and sold a few items. I also got to meet the person who purchased my brick doll from the breast cancer auction. I had mentioned that to my hubby last week that I had no idea who bought the brick, so that was a bit exciting!! Winter Fair is juried fine art show and I am making plans to apply for a spot next year. This year I showed with a group of fellow doll makers as a guild on the upper level of the convention center and the juried artists were all on the first level. Several guilds are allowed in on the upper level as long as you demo your craft for the public.
Jewel was created from a wooden stake used at a construction site and the string was still on it when I scavanged it somewhere. I originally left the white frame around the face plain white, but that kept bothering me, so I added some design marks to it and now I'm somewhat satisfied with the results.

Queen I

2010-11-23T13:23:00.000-08:00

Another paint brush art doll. This one is titled "Queen I". I've been experimenting with pewter like faces and just looking at her now, I should have done her crown in the same material.

Bewitching Angel

2010-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still a little MIA with blogging, but I have been plugging away in the studio. Yes, I know that Halloween has already passed, but my spooky little face creations keep reappearing.
Winter Fair is coming up next weekend and our figurative art group has been preparing for it, so hopefully we will have a successful show/sale. My last show for the year will be at Winter Market on the Dec. 4 in Indianapolis, IN. That show is held at the Eiteljorg Museum and I just love the feel and atmosphere of that place! Their permanent exhibit is awesome!!

Paint Brush Art Doll - Pebo

2010-11-09T02:35:00.000-08:00

The hubby had a bag full of paint brushes left over from a painting project done a few months ago and of course I had to keep them when they were offered to me.
I tripped over the bag over the weekend and decided it was time to put those brushes to work. My favorite part in creating this doll was working with the paper ruffles. She measures about 13.25" tall.

Fiber Art Quilt By Danny Mansmith

2010-10-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Awesome mail art! This is the front cover of the package.

This is what I found after opening the first layer of wrapping. It's wrapped many times with different colors of thread. It's like X-Mas in Oct!!

This is the back view before removing another layer.

The drawings below are what covered the papercut flower showing above and yet another layer of string to cut through!.

This is the piece I was dying to see! This is a mixed media art quilt created by Danny Mansmith. He is one incredible fiber artist and I just love this piece I bought from his Etsy shop a few days ago. If you zoom in on this photo, you can see the detail in the stitching and the eyes are too cool!!!!!

Anyone Up For Critiquing My W.I.P.?

2010-10-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's seems to bit of a struggle for me lately where my creativity is concerned. I can count on one hand the hours I have spent in my studio in the past four weeks. I feel burned out and wish like crazy it would hurry up and pass. I do make the effort and the doll above has been a pain in my behind!! That head just bothers me! The pic of the head below was the original one I was going to use, but I had issues with the Apoxy Sculpt not adhering to the plastic, so I selected to go with the head above. There is just something about it! I have hung that darn doll on the walls throughout my house so I can stare at him and it just won't speak to me!!!

Am I being too critical about the poor guy?

Head #1

"Blaine"

I finished Blaine and Blanche today and that did bump up my time in the studio by a couple of hours.

"Blanche"

Mercado! Hispanic Art Market!

2010-10-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Rogue and Jingle

If anyone is in the Indianapolis area, come join us for the 1st Hispanic Art Market at the Eiteljorg Museum on Oct. 23 (10am-5pm). I was thrilled to be invited to participate in this event! Some artists participating come all the way from New Mexico, which is my home state! Born and raised!

I finished Rogue and Jingle and they will make an appearance this weekend.

St Francis

2010-10-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

St Francis

Francis was born into a wealthy family and lived a very comfortable life. One day he heard a call from God and devoted his life from then on to serve God and others. He inspired many by the his example and encouraged others to live according to Christ's command "leave all and follow me."

St Francis renounced his inheritance and followed Christ.

Minuet

2010-10-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Minuet has silk skirt ruffles, porcelain arms and head, wire lower body and a thimble for the upper body.
I switched her head off with other things and I finally decided on the porcelain piece. I was pretty indecisive as to which head, but I finally commited to one. She stands about 8.5" tall. Available here!

Angel Igor

2010-10-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

A new little angel I created a few weeks back and I just now found time to post. His face is not quite as serene as my other angels, but I really liked the look of him when I was done. My place of employment has a whole lot of rusty stuff scattered all over the property, so on my brake I meander through the property filling my box with goodies. The angel's arms are from one of my outings.

I Spy Two Eyes and Doll House no 333(with heart)

2010-09-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

I sneak peak at a doll I'm working on and I hope to have a lot done by this weekend!! I have finally started to use some of the dolly eyeballs that I purchased last year.

This wonderful piece of art work was a giveaway hosted by Sushipot (Suzanna Scott) and I won the drawing!!! I know you have heard this a million times, but I usually never win anything. I'm totally honored to own a piece of Suzanna's work. Stop by and take a peak at some the different art pieces Suzanna creates!
Thanks Suzanna! It really ROCKS!

Fall Rush!

2010-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Fall is a little busier for me with a few shows to prepare for. Not much time for exploring and experimenting, and I usually put that in my schedule after the New Year.

Fraktur in Folk Art!

2010-09-16T02:40:00.000-07:00

"Jacob and Hannah: Courting in the Garden"

This awesome original painting was gifted to me from a very generous friend Ken Scott. The painting depicts a gentleman wooing a lady acquaintance. The background shows flowers and birds that are prevalent in Pennsylvania German folk art and fraktur. The depictions of nature on some pieces represent good luck and healthy life.
Fraktur is the use of archaic and decorative fonts for lettering. Fraktur writings appear in broken segments within the art work. Ken's pencil drawings and writing in this piece are reminiscent of what may have been done on book covers years ago. The painting is done in India ink and watercolors. The base for this piece is a book cover that was antiqued to look 200 years old. Stop by Ken's Blog and check out some more of his wonderful art work.

Blog GiveAway Winner!!!

2010-09-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you again for stopping in to play in the Blog Giveaway! The winner for this go around is Lynda Howells!! If you would e-mail your address, I will get Tilly all packed up and ready to fly later in the week!

Last Chance for Giveaway is September 10!!

2010-09-09T02:42:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the deadline to enter for the Giveaway. The winner will be announced on Monday. Thank you to all who have stopped in to play along in the Giveaway!

Spare Parts Monday

2010-09-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Finally I am able to get my Spare Parts Monday postings going once again!! After three years of staying at home, I literally had a job offered to me one day and I was working the next. So, I am in the work force once again and I'm still trying to figure how that all happened!! Trying to figure out work schedule, gym schedule, kids schedule, & art studio schedule has my head spinning these past few weeks. But I'm back and hopefully more organized! Ha! HA! I'm never organized and the hubby can attest to that!

Anyway, here is another wire base that I wove a few years back. My fascination with wooden spools continues and an altered porcelain doll head tops off this piece.
After a few years sitting in the basement, the wire base has rusted and I really like the look, however, I wanted to preserve the rusted look by spraying it with a sealer. I sprayed it outside on a very humid day and it left a nice white coating all over the wire!! I was pretty ticked to say the least. So, painstakingly I had to rub off the coating one wire at a time, and the moral of this story is to never spray a sealant on a piece of art work in hot, humid weather!
P.S Don't foget to enter the giveaway in Aug.23, 2010 posting! Deadline is this Friday Sep.10, 2010!

Breast Cancer Brick Complete!!

2010-08-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my brick and let me tell you, she is heavy!! Meet Pink Rose!

The only thing I wasn't too wild about is all of the ruffles. One day I just kept hand sewing and before you know it, I had all these ruffles! Then I thought of doing ruffles all the way down close to the bottom, but I wanted to show some of the brick and the rusted wire cage. The beauty lies in the wire and brick! I attempted to tame it by placing the large, round metal piece at her waist and it sort of worked, but it still annoys me a little. I don't have much choice at this point since they are due at the beginning of next week. I'm sure someone will love her enough to buy her. It's all for a good cause!

I was fortunate enough to find this mutted pink ribbon at an orphanages sale last month and it matches well with the color scheme.

Assemblage - Paint Me

2010-08-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

The hubby had a couple of used paint brushes and asked me if I wanted them before he threw them away? Of course I can't say no to almost anything given to me, so I kept them.
This piece was inspired by the work of John Whalley. His paintings are phenomenal!!
The red background are painted egg shells. The fibers are ink stained cheese cloth I retrieved from the printmaking studio.

Mira

2010-08-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

I belong to the RiverCity Figurative Artists' Guild and we brought dollmaker Cindee Moyer to teach a class last weekend. She created a doll specifically for the class. This style of doll making is not really my style, but I went in with an open mind and really enjoyed the class.

If I can avoid stuffing a doll at any cost, that's the game plan. Cindee's doll was stuffed all the way to the bottom of the dress and I stopped right below the waist line because I really liked the look!

I tweeked my doll a bit further by using clay for the head and porceain arms. However, I was intrigued with her technique for making hands and plan to try that sometime soon! I did away with the hair and she hangs on the wall instead of a free standing. She measures about 18" in length. There are soooo many possibilities with some of the techniques I learned.

This is the doll Cindee created for the class. Cindee also offers on line-classes at Joggles.com

Blog Giveaway!!

2010-08-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

"Tilly"

Sorry for the MIA for the past few weeks! This has been the year for my body to start wearing down!! My heart issue has been addressed and now I'm dealing with my knee. All that's left are my feet and I shouldn't say that too loud! Over all it's still good! Next week I will get back to my Spare Parts Monday Postings

I truly enjoyed the last giveaway, so I was anxious to have another! So may I present Tilly! She stands about 7"x3" and is created from wood, wire, clay, silk, and found objects. The wire work on the lower half of Tilly has been done by hand. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and it will run from August 23 - Sept.10. The drawing will be done over the weekend and the winner will be posted Sept. 13.

Queen For A Day

2010-08-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

"Queen For A Day"

Assemblage - Flutter

2010-08-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Flutter is a lot larger than I normally work and it measures about 15.25"x8"x3.25". The wings are brass and have been treated to give it really cool colors. My favorite thing that I used for this piece is the faux snow behind the figure. The box it came in is actually labeled faux snow. All they are is soft shavings of plastic and they are really cool looking!

Spare Parts Monday

2010-08-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

When I first started out making assemblages a few years back, I had discovered M. DeMeng and his infamous art work and was so enthralled by his work! He was the king of the altered anatomy man and hence my anatomy man that had been rusted. He's been sitting around for a few years collecting dust and now in all his gradeur, he stands tall amongst the towering columns of dowels. The box is part of a free make and take my kids frequent with their dad at the hardware store. The window is a piece from a yard sale and the background behind the window is a collage piece I had made.
Inside the anatomy man is a matchbox and a fuzzy glass heart.

Angel Sullen

2010-08-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

The purple paper backing showing beneath the skirt is a piece of one of my collagraphs. I love the color and range of textures I can achieve with collagraphs. The brass piece at the chest has been etched, but it is hard to tell in the photo. The copper piece of metal has been embossed with random lines. This doll measures about 10.25" in total height.

The Watcher

2010-08-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

I have toyed with the idea of layering blocks for a while and this is was the results. Sometimes I get caught up in wanting to keep the body proportionate and that kind of keeps me inside the box. Staying within the box is an area you are familiar and comfortable with. It's kind of like a safety zone and after a while it becomes routine that eventually leads to boredom!

So, to combat that feeling I go get inspired by other artists work that I really like and start pushing myself outside the box. I constantly struggle with that darn box!!!!!

Pan Handler

2010-07-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

My third post in one week is a new record for me!! Here is another piece using an old screwdriver as the base! The head is sculpted out of clay.

The old screwdrivers were a flea market purchase when I was vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Green With Envy!

2010-07-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

"Green With Envy" is an assemblage piece whose base is an old screwdriver.

And the background piece is some type of grater

This really cool glazed ceramic head was from a shop on Etsy called Wonderous Strange Designs. She creates some of the most unique ceramic pieces and I immediately was drawn to this piece. For those of you looking for a different take on the Frozen Charlottes, check out this shop!

Spare Parts Monday - Breast Cancer Brick Auction!

2010-07-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

It took a while to come up with some type of doll that required a brick to be apart of the piece. I found the rusted wire flower pot holder at a sale for a $1 and I was thrilled. I just wasn't in the mood to weave a huge skirt, so I had been on the look out for this and was totally amazed to have stumbled across it!!! I also borrowed the head from the previous Spare Parts Monday post. This is the preliminary look. There is a bit of work to be done, but I have a little over a month to complete it.

The doll will be donated to the "Breast Cancer Brick Auction" and this is the 9th year that this has been held here in Cincinnati. I will post the doll when complete and I plan to attend the auction, so I will have more photos to post of that event.

Spare Parts Monday - The Heart Within

2010-07-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

"The Heart Within"

For this Spare Parts Monday post, I am using an altered porcelain doll head, altered glass container, velvet heart bead, metal scrubber and a found object that the head rests on. The glass container is heart shaped and then altered with a technique I learned in the book by Jane Wynn called, "Altered Curiosities." I altered the container a few years back and it has been sitting on my shelf waiting its turn for a home.

Chistmas in July Sale!!

2010-07-17T10:59:00.001-07:00

Come visit my Etsy Shop for a special Christmas in July Sale!! Marked down prices on selected items! Sale will be from July 17- July 25.

Blog Giveaway WINNER!!!!

2010-07-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

A very big thanks to all who stopped by and commented for a chance to win Rose!! Rose's new home will be with Ken Scott!!

Spare Parts Monday

2010-07-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

"I've Got My Eye On You"

I couldn't make up my mind on the head part, so I decided to post both and let you decide. Some people are more partial to an actual head versus a strange one!

"?"

Couldn't come up with a good title for the picture above, so feel free to make up your own!

Reminder For Giveaway Deadline!!

2010-07-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Just a little reminder that the deadline for the giveaway is July 14. To enter, just comment on July 1st posting.
Thanks to all who have commented already!!

4th of July at the Smokey Mountains & Bella

2010-07-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

A family member had a time share and we were invited to come spend the weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It was about a 5 hr drive for us and the kids handled it fairly well.

We had a two bedroom condo that we shared with another couple. From our balcony, the view was just beautiful.

We spent little time in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg because it was insanely crowded for the holiday. We were told that Gatlinburg has the very first 4th of July Parade in the country. It began at midnight and that was way past my bedtime. So needless to say, we didn't even attempt to see it!

We spent quite a bit of time in the mountains playing in the river. I just LOVE a river with crystal clear water running through it. We hopped our way down the river on the rocks and a few of us meet our fate with a spill into the river. My kids would have been content with just doing this all weekend, but luckily they were not in charge of the trip.

This is me and hubby relaxing and enjoying our time away from everything that weighed heavy on us regarding my health. No appointments, no doctors, no devices, no shots!! It was great to get my mind off of those things for a short time.

This is Bella! I made the wire cage last year and she just came together for me just this week.

"Tis the Season for Blog Giveaways! This One Hosted by Clarissa Callesen!

2010-07-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

The very talented Clarissa Callesen is hosting her first blog giveaway! Stop by and check out her blog and some of her unique and awesome art work!!

Blog Giveaway In July!

2010-07-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

It's been several months since I had my last blog giveaway, so it was time again! Pictured above is Rose and she measures 7.75"x2.5". She is made out of wood, wire, metal, silk, and clay. To get in on this give away just leave your name in the comment section of this post. You will have until July 14 to post your name and the random drawing will be announced July 16. A big thanks to all of you who visit my blog and Etsy shop!

Tipper & Angel Patrice

2010-06-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Tipper

Angel Patrice

I think I need to do something with those angel's wings! They just need to get bigger and more shapely.

Working at a slower pace due to some health issues involving my heart. It just recently occured and I hope to have it diagnosed and treated very soon. Luckily it is not life threatening!

I remember talking with my chiropractor a few weeks back about how I felt like my body was falling apart. I was sort of kidding around and then this surfaces. What would life be without challenges mentally, physically and spiritually?!

Spare Parts Monday

2010-06-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

The most interesting piece on this doll is the skirt. I bought it for $.25 and was told it was part of a learning toy. Holding it in your hand, you can turn it under and it has a clear marble that stays in the center.

Tha base is large wooden candle holder. The trunk of the body is a thick cardboard cone from one of my kids projects. A plastic doll head, rusty head cone, a nut and a few metal found objects.

Art Doll - Willa

2010-06-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

I had started Willa before I left on vacation a fews week back and I finished her up this past week. Her skirt is a tin ball that has been fire treated.
Happy Father's Day!

Vacation Pics and Yard Sale Goodies!

2010-06-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

I am back from a week vacation with my family on the coast of Michigan Lake. We were camping in an actual tent and sleeping on the ground in sleeping bags. Campfire everynight to toast marshmallows

This is one of our favorite places to visit. It was a dream because there were few mosquitoes, very low humidity, and cool weather. I just hate camping in hot, humid weather!!!!!

There are plenty of trails to hike and bike. The kids were content with spending most of the time on the beach!!

The white sandy beaches are all natural! The weather was perfect except for one day of rain and that day was spent in Chicago. You can catch a commuter train close by the camp site into the city and it is about a 1.5 hour ride.

Yard Sale Goodies

These a few small samples of some the goodies I found at a HUGE yardsale prior to leaving for our camping trip. My brother-in-law lives in Indianapolis and his neighborhood hosts this 2 day yardsale that includes 250+ families. They bring in food vendors and port-a-pots, so it is a big event for their area. It is one of my favorite events to attend every year!! My big find was this guy who guts these old homes and then sells everything he removes from these jobs. I mean he has a huge semi full of this stuff parked outside the house he sells at. Needless to say, I was in heaven!

Blog Give Away Hosted By Fellow Artist Angie B.

2010-06-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am back from vacation to find a very talented jewelry artist and friend having a blog giveaway! Please stop in and take a peek at Angie's work because her work is awesome. The piece pictured above is an image that has been etched into the clay.
I will post pics from my vacation adventure and yard sale findings before the end of the weekend.

Pre-Spare Parts Monday

2010-06-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

I will be on vacation next week, so I decided to post today. Spare parts used to create this doll - plastic doll head, a wire skirt I made a couple of years ago, wire spool, scrap wooden piece above the spool, half of a tin ball, and a hardware piece between tin ball and spool. I like the feel of this piece and will work on making it a permanent art doll.

Angel of God, Protector of Families

2010-05-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

I finished up another angel. The arms on this angel were created for another art piece, but somehow landed up on this guy. The small tiny picture in the center is a glass bead with the Holy Family.

Art Doll - Ellie

2010-05-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

textured fabric

Available here.

Assemblage - Sacred Heart

2010-05-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sacred Heart

I've been revisiting and creating religious assemblage pieces again.

Enamel Class - Stepping Outside the Box

2010-05-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Angie graciously invited a few members from our Altered Art Group to an enameling class that was put together just for us!!Thank you Angie and Joanna!! Her friend and part-time boss Joanna from Bellevue Beadery was an exceptional and very generous instructor. I had never done this before and wasn't to sure about it in the beginning, but once you get going, there is no stopping! You become addicted to it!!

"Sounds of Space" by Ellen Goldman from Holland

All the enameled art pieces pictured in this post are from a museum that is connected to the enameling studio.

By Aleksej Muckuslev from Russia

The pieces are collected from all over the USA and the world. It was a pretty awesome display of work!

By Hans-Georg Andres from Germany

By Valeri Timofeev from Russia

Spare Parts Monday

2010-05-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

I finally had a chance to clean up the studio this past weekend, so locating parts for Monday posting was a bit easier to do. I was struggling in try to find a way to attach the arms to the body. Wire was my first attempt and I settled on raffia. The wire body is a corn feeder holder thingy that is used to hold the corn while the squirrels feast. The upper torso is a scrap piece of wood from a friend who is a woodworker and is constantly working with the lathe. A lathe is a machine where you attach a piece of wood and the machine turns it very fast. As it it is turning, you are carefully carving into it creating things such as table legs, bowls, lamps...etc. Well my friend throws all these scraps away that turned out to be mistakes, so I started raiding his dumpster and what a treasure going through it all.