FABRIC I 1X1's

I don't think I'll do that again. Too much work for what it is. I preferred the paper ones.

Anyway, this is for a swap. I'm glad I needed only four of them.

I'm spending too much time on the computer looking for data about my immigrant grandparents. I'm having a hard time finding documents about their arrival to the U.S.

I know I won't let go of this until I have the info I want.

It's been warm an sunny the past few days in Chicagoland. Almost like spring. All I want to do is be outside. IT FEELS GOOD

CHECK IT OUT

Check out the raving beauty in the first row, second from left.

I found this picture on the internet of my 1st grade class. Oh my God, more than 55 years ago.

I couldn't believe how ugly I looked.

Anyway, I started doing geneology again.

That's how I stumbled on this.

Not doing much art this week-end. I missed my art friends yesterday. We had another snow day and no one wanted to venture out, although it did clear up later.....

SOME MORE

Ok, so I'm really addicted. My newest ATPS.

This time I used Formica samples on two of them, a puzzle piece and of course metal.

Now I have to figure out what to do with these. Maybe just embellishments.

It's crappy outside. The weather has warmed up a little, but it's supposed to snow again... DARN IT

It's grey and gloomy. Another day to stay home and do art... At least I'm saving money!!!!!

I'M ON A ROLL

More ATPS. I've spent the whole day playing again. These are my latest creations.
The puzzle is made of wood and found objects.
The other two are metal with more found objects.
It's time to sign up for ART UNRAVELED.
The list of classes are out.
I'm so excited. Shari , Sandy and Belinda are going too!
Can't think of anything more fun than going to an art retreat with some of my favorite people.
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!

PINS (ATPS)

I was experimenting with metal to make pins for
a swap I might join. The picture isn't the greatest, but it is close to the real thing.
Again, I'm really enjoying the process.
Spent yesterday with Shari, and Pami doing art.
Had a nice time. It was soooooooo cold.
I plan to keep working on metals charms for another swap . This is so addictive.

METAL CHARMS

I tried something new this week. I took old tin containers and cut them into shapes for charms.
I'm learning how to use all types of new tools.
The background for the charms in this picture are from an old Cadburys Chocolate Tin.
I used tin snips, metal files,hole puncher, eyelet setter and was trying different types of aging techniques . I even bought an anvil for metal pounding. The embellishments are things I had in my stash. WHAT FUN! Can't wait to make more..
I found a Harbor Freight Store near my house and a new thrift shop. A perfect place in the same mall for all my metal needs. (Tools and Tins).
It's been FRIGID in the Chicago area. Brrrrr
GO BEARS!

VALLEY RIDGE RESIN WORKSHOP

Took a Resin Open workshop at Valley Ridge in Wisconsin last week-end. Belinda and I went together.
Had a wonderful time and would definitely go back.
Winter is not the time to go though. We had to drive in a nasty snow storm. It was tense.
Take a look at Belinda's Blog. You can see her work too. She was more prolific than myself.
I can't wait to make more charms. The entire process is simple. It just takes forever for the resin to harden.
YEAH!!!!
Keith just called. All is well with him. He went to the doctor, had the stitches removed and the biospsy report was negative... LIFE GOES ON!
I feel soooooo happy!!!!!

ALL IN A DAYS WORK

Spent all day yesterday playing! Made some more charms and of course another BOTTLE OF HOPE. Actually, I made 3 total, but I still need to work on them.
I really find working with polymer clay very therapuedic. It's helping me deal with my anxiety about Keith.
This has been a week from HELL.
Keith is scheduled for surgery this Friday. I can't wait for it to be over. I've been nervous and unable to focus....
I pray that he will be OK.
Saturday was art day. Mary, Shari, Pami and I got together. I spent a couple hours cutting out words for my JOURNAL PROMPT JAR.
Again, I plan on journaling every day. We will see!

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)