HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hopefully 2007 will be a better year than the end of 2006.
Too much illness and bad news. My son is going in for brain surgery next week.
They have to put Buster (their dog) to sleep and my cousin just hade surgery for colon cancer.
Other than that all else is well.
A new picture of my son , grand children and daughter-in-law. Can you tell they are BEARS fans?
I've also posted some more Bottles Of Hope that I've made. Somehow they seem more signifigant now....
The world needs PEACE, HEALTH AND TRANQUILITY. That's what I hope for. Both on a global and personal level......
LOVE AND LIGHT also.

BACK TO NORMAL

Had a great Christmas day with family at my house. As usual, I'm glad life will get back to normal again.
The kids gave Bob and I concert tickets to see Josh Groban. Can't wait to go.
My newest project is making "Bottles Of Hope" out of Polymer clay. They are supposed to be given to cancer patients with a positive message for healing..
The photo is of my first one. It was fun to make and I hope to make alot more to distribute.
Today is a do nothing relaxing day....

WORKSHOP WITH LISA PAVELKA

Spent the entire weekend taking a polymer clay workshop with Lisa Pavelka and her daughter Anne.
Had a great time, learned alot and of course spent lots of money.
Enjoyed being with my art friends too.
I can see myself working with polymer clay. A good part of it takes alot of patience . It is small and intricate and I love that.
The picture shows what we did in the workshop. I guess we accomplished more than I thought.

CATCH UP DAY

I Have spent the whole day catching up with projects. Misty Mawn Swap is finished and ready to be mailed. Made my 100 little squares book and worked on more charms. I feel like I've put in a full days work.
The difference is I love this type of work. The time even flies by. I guess I was in the zone..
Still in my PJ's. I guess it's too late to get dressed. I'm so glad I'm caught up. Now I can think of taking on more swaps. I'll probably wait until after the holidays/

BACK FROM FLORIDA

LUCKY US! We missed the big snow storm!!!!
Spent 4 days on Sanibel Island, 2 days in Naples, 5 days at Disney and 4 days driving. Next time I fly.
I guess the long ride was productive. I finished a needlepoint canvas, read a book and journaled every day. Had a wonderful time, but now it's back to reality.
Went to the "ART SISTHARS" Christmas gathering on Saturday.... My favorite art friends were there has well as many new people. What a friendly, warm group. We made Christmas paper, socialized and ate...

FINISHED!!!

Just finished 21 charms. Was it fun? Yes and I would probably do it again.
Went to "Artful Gatherings" last night for the opening of the exhibit for Belinda, Cindy, Jerri and BJ. Very nice.... I bought an art doll from Belinda.

Went to an Art Sale today for the Collage Sistars.
Bought some hand made paper made by Cheryl. There were alot of hand made books and jewelry.
I did get a few ideas. As always, these shows inspire me to try new things.

Barb is in town. She's been busy visiting with friends and family. It's good to see her. Too short a stay. Only one week this time.

One more swap to go (Misty Mawn) and I'll give it a rest for awhile... At least until the Holidays are over.

Charm Swap

Spent all day Sunday, working on my charm for the charm swap. I'm not sure if this is going to be the final one. I think it needs a bit more color.
I'm enjoying the process though.
I'm also working on journal prompts. I'm trying to collect words and sayings and will eventually incorporate it into a journal jar or book. Haven't decided yet.
The next few weeks are going to be busy. My friend Barb is coming from Phoenix to visit, my neice Mia is also coming to visit, Thanksgiving (Still don't know what I'm doing) and than off to Sanibel Island, Fl for
a vacation. Can't wait.

NEWEST ENDEAVORS

One of my first attempts at polymer clay.
I was trying to learn Mokume Gane, but it didn't quite turn out. I ended up with this pendant instead.

Spent all day yesterday with my art friends. Shari, Pam, Mary G and Mary W . Not only do we do art, we vent about world issues and the state of our country. Sometimes it gets quite emotional. Oh, we also like to snack.....
I Had a great and productive time.
I joined a fat book swap called "Invoking The Spirit" I did my prototype and now I need to create 20 more.

I signed up for two more swaps. (Am I crazy?) The charm Swap and a Misty Mawn Swap. There is plenty of time to get them done.( I hope)
Going to play with clay today. Need to start thinking about those charms..

ONE MORE

Made another necklace out of polymer clay.
I need an oulet for all my creative endeavors. It's piling up
and hiding.
I'm kind of restless today. I feel like I need a road trip somewhere. What I don't need is to go to another store and buy more stuff. I need to start using what I have..
I'm going to try Mokume Gane with polymer clay later today. I love that look. If it turns out, I'll post it.
Our art group was cancelled today. I was looking forward to it. Oh well, I'll just have to play by myself..
More later!

NEW PROJECT

Spent yesterday afternoon taking a Polymer Clay Necklace
class. Here are the results.
Didn't learn too much, but had a good time with my art friends. We went out to dinner afterwards. Got home early and spent the rest of the evening cutting out images for my collage projects.
Of course, I had to buy all these new gismos for making beads and for baking them. I hope I use them.
Actually, the class kind of renewed my interest in polymer clay. We'll see. Maybe I can incorporate some pieces into my mixed media art.

Another Work In Progress

This is my first attempt at Needle Weaving. It was supposed to be a necklace. It's certainly something I would not wear, so I've decided to
incorporate it into a collage.
I've noticed that everything I've created lately is
in the gold and brown tones. Another phase I'm going thru. GRUNGE
I finished another batch of little 1 X 1 collages. I'm really having so much fun doing them. They are so cute!

MINI COLLAGES

I can't believe I signed up for a swap requiring 100 little 1"X1" squares. I've finished 15 so far. Actually it's been alot of fun. In a way it's addicting. Been busy trying to finish my needle woven necklace. I do that when I watch TV. Hopefully it will be done this week...

Went to a lecture Saturday with Linda and Pam at "The Well", a part of Sisters Of St Joseph. Mary Southard spoke about the DEVINE FEMININE. Her art work is beautiful! I bought a poster and some note cards. All her artwork is so spiritual and touching.

I noticed that the trees are beginning to change color. The colors of fall are beautiful. Actually, my favorite. Soon all the trees will be barren and than it will be winter. (I hate winter)

FAUX FAMILY

Uncle Mortimer and Joey are ready to go.
This is part of the faux family swap I'm participating in. The short story was more fun to write than doing the art work.
Spent this week catching up with chores I didn't do last week. It was a non-stop art week. Going to workshops and visiting with friends.
I even got lost coming home from "Artful Gatherings" in Lemont . I spent almost an hour driving south and I was sure I was heading west. Somehow I ended up right back where I started in Lemont. One big circle .It took be soooooo long to get home. Just another adventure!
I'm working on a needle woven necklace with beads. Will post later. Did some more match book art too.

PLAY DAY

Yesterday was a grey, rainy and chilly Sunday.
Thank goodness for Play Day with the Midwest Collage Society. I had a wonderful time experimenting and learning new techniques.
Thanks to Belinda and her generosity. She taught us how to make match book art (soooo cute). Used color washes and made background paper, tried the new daubers by Ranger and just had a great time making art and hanging out with fellow artists.
I need to start creating more instead of thinking about it and researching new techniques. What good is it if I don't apply it! So what else is new?
It's another grey yucky day. A preview of winter soon to come.
Good day to play......

Another AU Project finished

Here is my version of the class I didn't get to take with Gail Russokov. "Tasty Textured Squares"

This was fun. I'm sure I'll make another one.

Next one will not be so monocromatic.....

I can't believe I have spent the last two days creating. I'm in the process of making a book with all the papers I made. Just watched Traci Bautistas video.

AU really inspired me..........

NEWEST CREATION

Uber Self-Portrait
Traci Bunkers Class at AU
This was difficult for me to do. We had to cut a close up photo in quarters and than do each quadrant seperately.
At the end, we had to put it all together. Am I lopsided or what? It was not easy to do this is in four parts. If It was anyone elses picture, I could have done it. I guess I don't like the idea of being fragmented.

Back From Art Unraveled

Had a wonderful six days in Phoenix , AZ participating in AU 2006.
Classes were great, learned alot, met many new people . Shari, Sandy and I shared a room. We were constantly on the go, taking classes , socializing (Happy Hour) and having a great time just being there. Spent a day shopping at the Extravaganza in the hotel. As usual, I bought stuff.
It's kind of a let down being home. I've been busy finishing and creating new objects of art. All ideas and techiniques learned at AU.
I've actually used my new studio in the basement to do my art work. It's nice not to have to clean up all the time....
I will post my artwork as soon as I finish.

NEVER AGAIN!!!!

I'm finally in my new house. HURRAY! I love it, but the move went on and on and on.
It has taken more than a week to clear out the other house. I have one more trip there to finish up. I cannot believe how much stuff I have accumulated.. What a pack rat!!! All books and art supplies...
If I ever suggest moving again, remind me of what I just went through. I'm getting too old for this.

ALMOST DONE

Finally! I'll be closing on June 14th.
I have just gone thru the whole gestation period of this house. From a thought to the real thing. Almost like being a mother waiting for the baby to be born. Of course no pain, except seeing money fly out the window.
This has certainly been an experience for me.
Will I do it again? NO

Met with art group yesterday. Enjoyed it, as usual. It was a nice break from house stuff.
I'm finding it very difficult to focus. So what else is new?

CATCH UP

HOUSE IS SOLD...
Now that most of the paper work and negotiating is done, I can take a breather before the packing starts.
Went to a workshop at Artful Gatherings yesterday. Belinda taught a sample class on necklaces. The photo is what I created. Had a great time and enjoyed everyones company...
This week-end was quite busy. Went to the Scrapbooking Expo at the Odeum Friday. Didn't see too much exciting new stuff. Bought some letter stamps.
Saturday was our Bi-monthly gathering for altered art. Enjoyed that too. Nice group of ladies.
Celebrated the Cinco de Mayo a day late with friends at Cozymels. Great food and of course, Margaritas...
Back to reality today.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY

It's Sunday morning, it's spring, everything is turning green , the SUN is out, weather perfect..
My second open house today!
Not much being done as far as art work goes. I've replaced my creative side with keeping the house clean.
My house is on the market . Between keeping it in order and waiting for possible offers, I have been very pre-occupied. The creative spark has been put on hold. I think about projects I want to do but just can't get started.
As soon as my life becomes normal again,. I'm sure the creative juices will start flowing.
Let's see what today brings!
Life is Good!

INSIDE OF NEW HOUSE

Went for the pre- dry wall inspection the other day. Things are moving along according to schedule. My present house goes on the market in one week. I forgot how much work is involved.
I haven't been creating much art the past week. Went to the quilt show with Shari, Sandy, Debbie, Rebecca and Margie. It was a long day. We managed to stay until 7:00 PM. This is the first year there was a mixed media section. The quilting gallery was awsome. Some beautiful pieces of work. I spent too much money on kits and supplies in the mixed media section Took some make and take classes too. What a fun day. It's so nice to have a community of friends to do art with and go to functions like the Quilt show. Life is good!

MORE FACES

This is so much fun, but what now? My famous last words.
I keep on creating, but don't want to sell my work. Maybe it's lack of confidence.
Oh well, a few more pieces to add to my collection (which gets stored away).
I believe the process is more important to me.

I became ambitious today and created a painting with the techniques I learned in Anne's class last week-end. I used a 4X4 canvas. I liked working small.
I'm beginning to notice elements in an image rather than just looking at the whole..
This was too much fun. Want to do more.
I'm procrastinating about the stuff that really needs to get done.. Like getting the house ready to sell. (2 weeks)
There is always tomorrow. My famous last words.
Creativity feeds the soul, house cleaning doesn't do a thing for me. It actually wears me out.

ART SISTER WEEKEND

It's amazing how a group of women artists can get together (not knowing each other) and bond so quickly.
Anne Grgich taught a "Landscapes Of The Mind Class" this weekend. What fun!. She made a special trip from Seattle just to teach us her techniques. She's so generous.
We hung out together and spent the whole week-end getting to know each other,
I feel we will be connected for a long time. I hope we can continue to do this at least once a year.
It's almost a let down to not have this to look forward to. Oh, but what good memories.
Right now I have to concentrate on getting my house ready to sell. UG I'd rather be making art.

MIRANDA an SUNNY

My grandaughter Miranda holding my dog
Sunny. It warms my heart. SIGH!
I'm having a difficult time focusing.
I was given a closing date for my new house
(June 12). I need to get my house ready to sell .
It's going on the market in two weeks.
Do I have alot going on? No wonder I'm having a problem creating now.
All I've been doing is cutting out images for collage work. It will be interesting to see if I will still be able to relate to these images in a few months when life has settled down.
Big snow storm coming today. Hopefully this is the last one of the year.

SELF PORTRAIT

I've been playing around with Photoshop again and this is what I came up with. It's weird, But in a way it's descriptive of my mood(Blue). Not really depressed, just I need something new and exciting to do.
It's been a long drawn out winter and I'm ready to move on... Can't wait for warm weather and lots of sun.
Still no word on the progress of my house. This waiting game is driving me nuts.

VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE

Finally got a group picture from Christmas.
My son Keith (far right) , Bob, my significant other(Far left), Alex in back with Tracy and Miranda sitting with me.
Isn't this what life is all about? FAMILY!

WORK IN PROGRESS

My newest endeavor is a free form crochet wall hanging.
I'm still in the process of embellishing it.
Been doing alot of crocheting this week. Unfortunately, one of my projects became a disaster. I felted a hugh piece for a tote bag and it turned out lopsided. I tried to fix it and it became worse. Oh well, one more item for my stash of unfinished projects.
I need to start going through my piles of art supplies and decide what is going to be given away or packed for the move.
I hate this inbetween period . It's too soon to pack, but I really want to get started. I'm getting restless.
Drove by the new house yesterday. It doesn't look like they have done a thing in the past week. What a long drawn out proceess. Patience is a virtue!

NEW HOUSE

Checked out the progress on my new house. Foundation is in. YEAH. This process of waiting is driving me nuts.
It's still too soon to do anything. Can't pack, can't put my townhouse on the market yet. At least 4 months to go. This sure is a good lesson in patience and waiting. My impulsive nature is being squashed.(I guess this a good lesson) I can't have everything NOW!

DIGITAL ART

It's all beginning to make sense. I could never grasp
using layers in Adobe Elements. It all clicked yesterday. I started playing with it and all of a sudden the light bulb went on. Yeah!
This is my first attempt. The symbolism in this picture represents Birth to me.
I can't wait to create another picture.

THE ERENBERG GIRLS

It's been a long time since we've all been together. We had a family gathering last night. My sister is in from New York for my nieces wedding. From right to left is aunt Ruthie (She's in her late 80's). Not a grey hair in her head. It's all natural. Next to her is ME (hair is not natural). Joni my youngest sister, Naomi , my sister from NY and Mia (Joni's daughter)

Today is the wedding. My brother's daughter is the one getting married. No pictures of her yet. More later!

SOUL COLLAGE CARD- ARTIST

It's a beautiful Sunday morning. The sun is out, no schedules to follow. A relaxing day....
Met with the Womans Wisdom Group yesterday. We sat around and talked, did art and bonded. I'm so greatful I can participate in a group like this. It's so healing.
Speaking of healing, I am going to work on my "Soul Collage" cards today. I need to focus on my archtypes . Since I've been doing this, so much has surfaced from the past. Good and bad. Stuff I totally forgot about. I recommend this process for everyone. It's also creative and fun....

Free Form Purses

My newest project is free form crochet. I just finished two purses. I love working with color and
fibers. It feels good and helps me get through the winter months.
The only problem is I can only make so many purses. Now what?
I think I'll work on my Soul Collage Cards today. It's snowing and turning cold (DARN). It's a good stay at home day. I'm so glad I have choices.

Sample of one of my collages.
Watercolor background, stamps and other embellishments

Expressions Of The Spirit

Expressions Of The Spirit
I'm going to start blogging again. It's been months.
Hopefully I can keep this up.
What a dreary day in the Chicago area.
Making art always puts a little sunshine into my life.
I'm going to finish one of my projects tonight...

Here we go again!

I'm starting a new blog. My other blog "Expressions Of The Spirit" is impossible for me to access for posting. It's just a front page and nothing else. Hopefully this one works!!!