EARTH MOTHER I'M NOT

I'm trying so hard to be good to my flowers and plants. It's been so hot and dry, they need to be watered daily. I forgot one day and they all looked dead. I managed to revive most of them. I hope my little garden will be maintained for the duration of the summer.

I won't neglect them again.

So, now I'm into fabrics and art quilts . The picture is of a 4X6 I just did to experiment with my sewing machine, which I haven't used in ages. It's a pitty. There are so many neat stitches to play with. Part of this card is machine stitched and part hand embroidered. The woman is a collage I did on a formica sample. I believe this piece is really MIXED MEDIA.

I have designed an African watercolor quilt. It's all pinned and in place. After I fuse each 2"square onto the backing, I'm going to machine stitch it with decorative stitches. I had fun planning it. Hopefully, I'll finish it before I go on to the next project.

I've been feeling a little restless and unfocused again. I want to create a million things. My head is full of ideas, but I know I'll be better off doing one thing at a time. The story of my life!

(ha ha)

WHAT"S NEXT?

Can't believe I'm making paper dolls. This is what we are working on at the Peoples Resource Center.

I have to say it's kind of fun. Just another form of creativity....

I spent most of the week hanging out at home, getting things done.

Friday I met Shari and her grandson Joey for lunch and than we went to a carnival in St. Charles.

I love being with children. They are so full of wonder, curiosity and zest for living.

Traveled to Milwaukee yesterday for the Bead and Button Show. I went with Shari and Belinda.

Saw alot of beautiful hand made creations and of course, there were tons of beads and accessories for sale. Did I buy anything? Of course! Mostly charms and a book. I feel a beading session coming on. I got alot of ideas just walking around. We walked and walked from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. NON STOP! We finished the day at a Sushi Bar in Aurora. It's always fun getting together with my art buddies. By the end of the day we were so tired we became slap happy!

BACK TO DOLLS

OK, so I can't focus on one thing. I pulled my sewing machine out and started playing. These

little dolls are my newest creation. I think they are so cute. I'm sure I'll make more....

It's Memorial Day Week-end. Off to to Oak Park later to visit Renah and my cousin Sharon.

I had a very pleasant day on Friday with Shari and her son Michael. We ate lunch at Wildwood

in Geneva, Stopped for ice cream (of course) and

took a nice long walk. Weather was perfect.

Met Belinda for coffee last night . Always fun to

talk to art buddies.... The sun is coming out and I'm ready to start the day!!!

I'M EXHAUSTED!

The whole house was painted. I love the colors. Very warm and earthy. Exactly what I wanted. The painters finished in one day. Very chaotic!
We had to move all the furniture and clear off surfaces first. A lot of muscle work. Everything is back in order. Now I want to get some different accessories to match the new colors.(Of course)
The chair is what I did in a class at CHERISH yesterday. Went with Sandy and her sister Lynn.
I really enjoyed it. Who knows what I'm going to do with it. Right now I have a plant sitting on it.
Haven't been doing much art this week. Too pre -occupied!
Had breakfast with my grandson this morning. He's so grown up. Now that he's driving, he seems more mature.... He met me at the restaurant. YIKES!

THEY'RE MULTIPLYING

I'm addicted to making felted beads. It's great to do while watching TV. I am having a difficult time wrapping the wire loop. It never turns out right. Oh well, I hope I improve with practice.

Today is a big birthday bash for my grandson Alex.

He's celebrating his 16th. We all know what that means. Time to drive. I'm sure I'll worry at first, but I know he's a good driver and I hope he stays responsible. Pictures of his party later.......

Getting ready to paint the whole house. A week from today I need t o have all the furniture moved to the center of each room. UG, lots of work.

It's funny how I'm having a difficlt time choosing the perfect colors. I keep going back and forth and changing my mind. I normally can pick color combinations right away. Is it too dark or too light, will it match the furniture and contrasting colors? On and On! JUST MAKE A DECISION!

FELTED BEADS

I've been busy felting little beads for my Art Unraveled Trade.

Last night as I was watching "Dancing With The Stars" while I was felting. I kept pricking my finger instead of the felt. OUCH. Can't do both at the same time.

So anyway, I finally decided what I'm bringing to trade. The picture shows what my little charms will look like along with the card they will be attached to.(At least for now. Who knows, I might change my mind).

Not much else is going on. I'm trying to coordinate colors for my walls. I've decided I'm tired of staring at white . Time to Paint.

This is such a hard decision. I thought it would be easier. My walls look like patchwork. I keep trying different colors.

Back to the store to check out more samples.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Love this weather!!!! Warm and sunny. Bought some furniture for the new deck. Blossoms are out. Bob and Sunny are well and I'm happy....

I have been concentrating on needlepoint this week and also finishing the two swaps I have left. NO MORE

SWAPS for awhile!

Met with Art friends yesterday. Always love days like that... Very inspiring and fun...

Meeting friends for an early dinner tonight.

FAMILY REUNION

I can't believe that the older we get, the more we all look like our mother.

I think there is a definite resemblence.

My brother Joel joined us also. He came with

Chelsea and Tyler. Joel (Naomi's husband), David (Joni's significant other}, Bob (my significant other) and

Maia were there too! IT WAS A GREAT FAMILY REUNION!!!! We ate at a very exclusive Steak House at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Chicago and hung around for a couple hours talking . We had lots of laughs.

I spent Easter with Keith, Tracy, Alex, Miranda, extended family and friends. Oh,and four dogs.

SWAP CATCH UP

These cards are part of a deck I am making for a swap. Still have a long way to go. "Celebration Of Women" is the name.

As usual, I want it to be cross cultural.

I finished the "Found Object charm swap. Need to package them and get them to Belinda.

One more swap to go and I'm done for awhile.

I want to start making trades for Art Unraveled.

The weather here SUCKS. What a change from Phoenix.

My sister Naomi is in from New York. I'm going into the city later to see her. All the siblings will be getting together...

Should be fun...

BACK FROM THE VALLEY OF THE SUN

And that's no lie. Beautiful blue skies, sunny days and lots of greenery and of course, warm weather.

Stayed 5 days more than originally planned.

Couldn't part with the great weather.

Of course it's grey and cold in Chicago today....

I might become a snow bird next year.

Spent alot of time stitching , eating out, shopping and apartment hunting.

We went to the Festival Of Arts in Tempe, drove to Cave Creek, spent time in Old Town Scottsdale, visited with friends , saw two movies,

ate alot of Gelato (That's popular in Phoenix right now) and just plain relaxed for two weeks. Now , I'm back home to reality which really isn't too bad...

LEAVING FOR PHOENIX

Going on vacation for 8 days. Can't wait for flip-flop weather and lots of sun...
Had a make-over today. I actually looked better. I ended up buying some new products. It sure is cheaper than Botox.
No creativity this week-end. Too busy running around.
I will be bringing my needlepoint to Phoenix.
Barb always has a project going and it's fun to sit and stitch with her.
Won't be blogging for a week.
I'll be taking lots of pictures for my artwork.
Need to start packing!

BACK TO DIGITAL ART

I have so many swaps and projects to finish and I've been
playing on the computer instead.
This picture is my newest attempt at digital art.
I guess this is being creative (in a way).
Went to Women's Wisdom tonight. I haven't been there in many months. There were alot of new faces. Actually, I enjoyed myself. The enthusiasim is back.
Met Shari and Sandy for dinner. MARGARITAS were only $3.50. So of course, I had to have one.. YUMMY! One of my favorite things aside from chocolate.

NOTHING CREATIVE THIS WEEK

I've been working on a playing card swap, but haven't accomplished much .
It was a very active week-end.... No time for much art.
Friday night Bob and I were treated to dinner by our neighbors. We went to Claras (Italian Food). Spent four hours eating and talking.
Saturday morning we were at a funeral and Bob got very sick. He thinks he had food poisoning.
He's finally feeling a little better.
Saturday afternoon , I drove to Chicago to my sisters house so we could go to a surprise birthday party together. Had a great time. Spent the night there and drove home Sunday.
Met my little nephew Tyler for the first time. He's so cute. Nine months old and walking. I can't believe my baby brother is a Grandpa. He's so proud!!!!!!
I hope I can get some art work done this week. I NEED TO FOCUS!

THE SUN IS OUT

I can't believe it is sunny out. It sure lifts my spirits. It's been a grey snowy week. Made reservations to go to Phoenix onthe 20th of March. Can't wait!!!!!

The photos are my attempt at Bernie Berlins gesso technique.

It looks a little like the masks I made last year.

I'm still using the same colors. This time I made ink jet copies of photos, transfereed them onto a page in an old book and did my own thing. I love embellishing faces.

I spent yesterday with my art buddies. We started out with breakfast at a local restaurant and than worked on our art the rest of the day. It was productive as well as fun. As usual, there was alot of talking and exchange of ideas.

JOSH GROBAN CONCERT

Went to see Josh last night at the United Center. What a voice!!!! The concert was great.
The ride home was horrible. It started snowing, sleeting, and raining all at the same time.
It was so tense, but worth every minute of it.
I guess I am in a creative slump this week. I've done nothing but look up stuff on the computer for my geneology research. I'm getting no where. Need to take a break and get back to doing art.
Keith goes back to work tomorrow. I am so greatful he is doing well.
I'M SO SICK OF WINTER...It's snowing heavily at the moment. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!
No pictures with this post. Nothing new to show.

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)

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?