STILL PLAYING AROUND WITH DIGITAL ART

The pictures below are my newest attempt. Every time I think I'm beginning to learn something, I run into a problem. I guess experimenting is the only way for me to learn.
I have many books on Adobe Photoshop elements, but do I use them? Of course not.




This week-end is Memorial Day. You would never know it! The weather is abnormally cold. I can't believe I'm still walking around with sweaters and socks.

I'm hoping to have my family over Sunday for a Barbeque. I still don't know what I'm going to serve. I have one more day to decide.

Not much else going on or worthy of talking about. Except the economy and the price of gas (OUCH!)

DIGITAL ART ATTEMPT

What fun! I'm just experimenting and learning at the moment. The photos below are a sample of how I intergrated diferent images. I still have a lot
of learning to do.
Somehow, I love the challenge and when I get to the point where I think I've learned enough I move on to something else. I guess that's why I never perfect anything. I don't give it a chance. BOREDOM sets in. This newest obscession will go to the wayside also. I guess it's just who I am!

Barb returned to Phoenix and life is back to normal.
I'm trying not to drive anywhere I don't have to. Instead of going on road trips, I've decided to stay closer to home and just drive when necessary.
The price of gas is ridiculous! I hate contributing to the pockets of thieves!

INSIDE MY BOOK

These are just a few samples of what I did insie my book.
I guess I'm still into GRUNGE.

FINISHED TWO MORE PROJECTS

I pulled out my sewing machine and made a fabric book. It's a combination of fabric and paper. All the pages inside are papers I've made in workshops

the past few years. I believe I used one made by Belinda. She was kind enough to share. This project was fun. I loved sewing on paper. I just might try making something else. Maybe an art quilt.

The funny looking woman is a needlepoint canvas I just finished. That was fun also. This is the canvas I started in Phoenix. It replaced the canvas I planned to do in Tony Minieri's class. This is more whimsical and colorful.

It's called " Monkey Business"

Barb is visiting from Phoenix. It's nice to have her here.

We've been stitching and watching Dancing With The Stars and American Idol at night.

Christian De La Fuente sure is HOT!

Anyway, no big plans this month.

I'm looking forward to the Bead Show in June and maybe some workhops this summer...

IT'S TIME TO START USING WHAT I ALREADY HAVE

I've been going thru my stash again.
I feel guilty that I keep buying stuff when I have so much here.
Aside from needlepointing, my brain has
been busy thinking about making a fabric journal , using fiber , paper and fabric. Of course I'll need to quilt some of it.
My challenge to myself is to only use what I have accumulated and put in the basket. (Attached photo)
Oh, I need to include beads too!
I love the planning stage. I think even more than actually making it. It's exciting and stimulating. The creative juices are flowing.(In every direction)
We will see where this project goes.

Life has been fairly normal. SPRING
has sprung and so has my mood. I think being in Phoenix really helped. We got back just as the weather started improving here. Snow birds have the right idea!!!!

HOME AT LAST!

After three weeks in Phoenix and 6 days on the road, we made it home safe and sound.
It feels good to be home in my own house, but I miss the weather, abundant sun , beautiful flowers and of course Barb. She will be in Chicago next month and twice this summer.
If all goes well ( if I don't change my mind again), we will spend the winter months in Phoenix next year..
I'm trying to catch up with chores and business. I'm almost done. One more thing to do tomorrow and than I can start relaxing.
Attached are pictures of my newest needlepoint I finished and my new collection of heart milagros . Like I need more stuff!

MY NEWEST INTEREST

Since I've been in Phoenix, I've noticed a large amount of Hispanic religious art. Santos, retablos, nichos, milagros. I did a needlepoint heart milagro (below). I actually finished it. It was small and went fairly fast. I want to do another one.

I've also started collecting little metal milagros. The other picture above is from one of my many quests to find milagros and other hispanic artifacts. This is the Pedegral shopping mall in Cave Creek. Went to the "Town Dump" also. What a place! I hit the mother load. I found a wood santo , a tin nicho, an etched tin mirror and of course more milagros. I hope there is room in the car to bring home all my new acquistiions.
I found more milagros in Old Town Scottsdale yesterday.
Went to Stampers Frenzy and Old Town Needleworks! What fun! I needed more time to browse. Bob was outside pacing.
My class is this coming Monday and Tuesday and than I guess we will be heading home. I have mixed emotions. I want my own house, but would like to move it here. If I could only bring my family and friends here, LIFE WOULD BE PERFECT!

NEW CAR FEVER

SOMETHING ABOUT THE ARIZONA SUN! IT MADE ME BUY A NEW CAR... While I was waiting for my CRV to be repaired, I went browsing and sure enough this tangerine Honda Element caught my eye and I had to have it. So far, I love it. Got a very good deal and knew I wouldn't be able to do any better back home. Actually, it feels the same as the CRV. I believe it might be a bit higher.
Life has been great here. Bob and I do something different everyday and we feel very relaxed. Haven't been to the Grand Canyon yet. That's on the agenda for this week. I really am not looking forward to going home. I'm liking it here more and more. I seem to have more energy! There are a ton of houses for sale in Phoenix and surrounding areas. I thought the prices would be crazy, but they are not! Some are very affordable and really nice.
Haven't been doing much art, just stitching, eating, watching movies and touring the area.
I miss my Chicago friends, but not the weather.

EASTER CELEBRATION

Bob spent EASTER with six women and 4 dogs. What a trooper. He did well!!!!! It was chaotic.
Alice and Carol were enjoying cocktails before dinner. Nancy, Martha,.Barb and I were also there on the other side of the bar. We had a delicious dinner and a good time was had by all.
We have been enjoying beautiful weather. I'm so glad we decided to come. Bob has been doing his golf thing every day and I'm stitching, beading, shopping and just relaxing...
My car is still in the repair shop. We were given a Toyota Prius as a rental. It's really a nice car and we're saving on gas. I guess the damage on my CRV was more extensive than we thought.
The repair man couldn't believe we actually drove from Albuqurque to Phoenix without problems. We were probably stupid to do so.
Off to Old Town Scottsdale today!

MADE IT TO PHOENIX

After three days on the road and an accident, we finally made it.
All was going well until we were about 40 miles west of Albuquerque and all of sudden rubber, chunks of metal and little pieces of who knows what started flying towards our car. A semi truck blew a tire and we were one of the cars hit with debris. The car in front of us really got hit hard and had serious damage. My car ended up with a broken front grill and a dented radiator.
Luckily. no one was hurt. We had to wait for the state police for a report. That added another hour to our trip. I guess Bob and I have a guardian angel! The car was drivable and we were able to finish the rest of the trip. I need to replace the radiator and fix the grill. The truck company is responsible.
Sunny was a perfect little passenger. He caused no problems at all. He slept alot.
When we arrived at Barbs house we were greeted with a wonderful home cooked meal .(YUM).
It's hard to believe we're actually here. NOW IT'S TIME TO RELAX AND ENJOY OUR VACATION!!!
More later

ROAD TRIP

A long one at that!
Bob, Sunny and I are leaving for Phoenix .
I had a severe case of cabin fever last week. I really wanted to go somewhere. I Called Barb and asked if she minded company. She was happy to have us visit, so our plans began.
We're driving and taking the dog. That way we have no time restraints.
Who knows when we're coming home. Hopefully all will go well and we will stay 3 to 4 weeks.
I guess this is one of the benefits of being retired. JUST DO IT!
As long as the money doesn't run out.
Can't wait for warm weather and lots of sun

IS IT SPRING YET?

I' m so sick of winter ! More snow tonight.

I can't remember what the color green looks like. I guess I'm dreaming of the good old days of lush lawns, full bloom trees, colorful flowers, etc, etc etc. I'm learning what it's like to be a hermit. It's too much trouble going out in this. Oh well, at least I have choices.

Speaking of choices, I chose to do more beading . This time a necklace.

Check it out! This one took about 5 days of sitting around the TV at night and going blind! Am I bored yet? NO. I'm starting a new project tomorrow...

SOUL COLLAGE WORKSHOP

I had a wonderful experience yesterday. It has really uplifted me.
Thanks to Peg Lentz for conducting the SOUL COLLAGE WORKSHOP.
The entire event was well planned and most of all, it connected me to a part of myself I have lost.. Met some wonderful woman and connected
with old friends too.
The cards in the picture are the result of everyone's experience. We had a circle of meditation and song to honor them at the end.
Since I've been involved with Soul Collage for many years, I focused more on social issues than myself. What effects others also effects me on a collective level.
I'm so happy I participated and hope to go again....

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

I just finished the above mask. I made it in the ceramics group at the clubhouse. I am giving it to Bob's mom for Mothers Day . I'm in the process of making another one to match it. She loves those colors. This sure is a departure from beading.

Surprise Surprise, another bracelet! It seems as if I've been using the color turquoise alot.

I'm beading a free form necklace next, with neutral colors.
Can't wait for tomorrow!. It's the Soul Collage workshop. I hope I get alot out of it

MY FEELINGS EXACTLY!

Made this yesterday on a dreary. rainy day. Go figure, RAIN? Now it's snowing again...

I love this photo. Exactly how I feel. Someone was playful and made use of the snow! Brrrrrr! IT'S TIME FOR SPRING

NOW WHAT?

One more beaded bracelet finished. I cannot believe I keep going on and on with this beading obscession. I think it's time to do something else.

Although I really love doing it, I feel I'm ignoring my other passion(mixed media art). I decided today to participate in a local round robin. Hopefully that will get my juices flowing again in that direction.

Finally saw Shari and Sandy today. We met for breakfast...It's been awhile.

This winter has not been very condusive for going out.

I also stopped by to say hello to the Saturday art group on my way home.

I haven't seen them since November. It was great seeing them also.

Another storm is coming tomorrow. A good day to stay home.

SNOW SNOW SNOW

The deer like it. They always come into our yard about 4:00 P.M. to visit.

In this picture, they are heading back to the forest preserve. Hopefully they found food.

Enough snow already! I'm so sick of it. I spent the day organizing my beads and watching the boob tube. I'm getting clausterphobic...

Across The Universe is out. I bought the DVD yesterday. I have to agree with Sandy, It's awesome! I could watch it over and over again. I'm in love with the music and special effects. I hope it wins an award..

THINK SUN

This might seem a bit bazzar, but I am actually gettting my dose of sun from my full spectrum lamp. I've been sitting under it alot lately doing more beading. I guess it is really helping me beat the winter blues. My newest creations are another cuff bracelet, a spiral necklace and a bead I haven't decided what to do with it yet.

So between the Ott Light and beading I've managed to get thru this horrible

grey weather.

The picture of the beach is from our trip to Mexico in December. There were blue skies and sun every day. OH WELL!

Another snow storm is heading our way. I'm so greatful I don't have to go out or drive unless I have to. RETIREMENT IS GOOD!

LOST AND FORGOTTEN

Surprise surprise! I was going through my bead stash in the basement and I came across a container with all these beaded dolls I had made years ago.

They must have gotten lost when I moved. Always a welcome find!

It's amazing how much stuff was packed away and totally forgotten..

I need to go back into the basement and go through my unpacked boxes and see if I find more . Who knows what is hiding down there.

My neice Mia is visiting for a couple of days. We're going to venture out in this cold ugly weather and go to see a movie. I believe JUNO is the pick. I hear it's great.

TIME TO NEST

The weather is nasty cold and if I can help it, I won't go out.

I HATE WINTER! Hate is a strong word to use, but I emphatically mean it.

One bonus, the sun is shining today. YEAH. Homemade chicken soup weather....

Anyway, I did venture out last night and met Sandy, Cindy and Belinda for a birthday dinner. A belated gathering for Belinda. Went to Carrabbas. Love their food! Shari was missing. This winter weather keeps all of us apart.

I guess I need my fix of art friends more often. They really motivate me with their enthusiasm.

Since I haven't been doing any paper art lately, Sandy challenged me to make something that appealed to me from Somerset Magazine. I did deviate and ended up with a combined collage and beading project. I made it into a birthday card for Belinda. The photo is above.

I probably need to veer away from beading and start doing other art projects. Actually, I'm not feeling anything else right now. Working with

beads, yarn and fabric comforts me the most at the moment.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

I can honestly say, I stuck this beading project out. This is the first time I have followed a graph. I challenged myself and wouldn't quit until I was finished. I'm happy with the end results. Again, I doubt if I'll ever wear this.

My interest in colored pencil was sparked this week, I went to the

Womens Wisdom group at the PRC last Tuesday. We're doing an architectural drawing and I really enjoyed it. It feels good to draw again.

I finshed my Menorah that I painted at the club house this week too. It's being fired, Can't wait to see it...

I started a new afghan with the beautiful colors Vanna White

has in her line of yarns. They are so different than most 4 ply

I have seen. This will take me awhile. It's a good winter (nesting) project.

Shari had me over for lunch last week. A yummy meal and great company. It seems as if we hardly see each other, except for a quick lunch at a restaurant. It was fun hanging out.

I've been laying low and trying not to go out. I'm having dental work done.

I look funny without some of my teeth. It's embarrassing. So staying home will avoid this. Two more days and I'll be able to smile in public again.

Now I have to go and clean my beads up from the last project. I'm making space for somehing new.

SNOW CAN BE PRETTY

I can't believe I actually thought today's snow storm was pretty. I looked out on the deck and saw this plant covered with snow and wanted to capture it. I knew I didn't have to go out today or drive in the snow, so I
viewed winter differently. I usually hate it.
Life has been uneventful. Hanging out at home and finishing projects I've started. I have been staying away from the stores because of the Christmas
madness. I do plan to venture out tomorrow. Need to get some fresh air and do some errands. I got a GPS for christmas from Bob. I can't wait to try it out.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy holiday.

Above are two more photos of bracelet's I've finished. One was done In Mexico and the other one was done before the trip.
I have been home for over a week and the memories of the trip are quickly fading. I sure could use a dose of warm and sunny weather..... I should have appreciated it more while I was there.

Met Shari and Sandy for a Christmas Breakfast yesterday. It was so nice to see them. It's been very difficult to get together considering our varied schedules.

My kids will be over Christmas day along with Tracy's family. I think it's great that we can all share the day together and not split it up as in the years past. We should have thought of this sooner.
I supply the house and they are bringing most of the food.
Since I have absolutely no tradition for Christmas Dinner, and they do, they offered to bring the meal. I'm definitely OK with that.

I'm off to take a nap. Another lazy day. ! That's the only reason I like winter. It's easier to give myself permission to not get dressed and virtually do nothing.

BACK TO REALITY

Just returned from a 10 day trip to the Yucatan. The highlight of the trip was visiting the Mayan ruins at Chitzen Itza and Coba. The entire experience was so unbelievable. Almost surreal and spiritual at the same time. I felt like I was transported back to ancient times. We also hiked in the jungle and visited a Mayan village. The Mayan people live such simple
lives. They seem happy and proud of what they have. They live in huts, have no bathrooms, no beds, hardly any electronic devices nor electricity.
The children have the bare essentials to play with. No fancy toys or gadgets. Their pets were animals of the jungle.
The hotel we stayed at was the best accomodations and service I've ever
experienced. The food and drinks were abundant and good. I highly recommend the Hotel Iberostar Parasio Maya in Riviera Maya. I'd go back in a split second.
The weather was perfect every day. I can go on and on.
I love Mexico

Back to crappy, cold and ugly weather.
I need to get into the Christmas spirit. I just don't feel it yet.
Being away made me totally forget the holidays.

ONE MORE

Finished this bracelet the other day and am planning to make more.

This has a right angle beaded base and than embelished with swaroski crystals and more seed beads. My favorite so far.

Got together with some neighbors yesterday. We're starting a Geneology

Group. The lady leading it works at the National Archives in Chicago.

One more thing to add to my list of works in progress. I want to start researching my ancestors. I need to find out my grandparents name before they left Russia. It was changed to Chapman when they came to the USA.

INDIVIDUATION VOW

Individuation Vow
Each day of my life I vow to continue to grow more deeply
Into the precious being that I AM,
A unique expression of the Source,
A guardian of life,
Dedicated to relieving suffering and the cause of suffering,
which is in our minds,
And to bringing love, harmony and beauty into the world.
.R. Birney, MD

I love this vow and wanted to share it with everyone.

DUSTY THE PUPPY

Add one more to the menagarie. Dusty came to stay Thanksgiving Day

He is definitely an active puppy and a peeing machine. I forgot how much work puppies are. I think he is sooo cute.

Gus and Dusty went home last night. Sunny has his peace and quiet back and so do I.

The above bracelets are the newest I've created. I'm trying to teach myself

new beading techniques. Right now I'm working on a right angle weave

bracelet. It's almost done.

GUS AND SUNNY

SUNNY AND GUS

Are they cute or what? They have bonded.

I'm watching Gus for the week while my kids are on a cruise (Lucky them). I get to watch their puppy Dusty tomorrow for the remainder of the week. Three dogs at once . Oh my!

They picked a good week to go since the weather has been so crappy. Snow predicted tonight. Oh well, it is winter.

I'm still beading. Finished two more bracelets. Will post pictures later.

I've been home alot lately. No desire to go out in this gloomy weather.

Bob and I are leaving for Mexico (Riviera Maya} on Dec. 3rd. I am so looking forward to it.

CATERPILLAR BRACELET

My version of a bracelet I saw and thought I bought a kit for.

A few weeks ago, I was at my local bead store and saw a bracelet I wanted to make.

I bought the kit and when I got home, OOPS, I opened it up and realized it was the wrong one. Since the kit was already opened and I couldn't return it, I decided to figure it out myself.

I really enjoyed the challenge.

My friend Sandy bought the same kit by mistake, so she's making one also!

Can't wait to see her bracelet finished.

Again, I made an impulsive purchase without giving it much thought, but this time it was to my advantage. It gave me the chance to be more innovative.

BEAD CRAZY

I'm still beading away. Above are my newest pieces. I'm not bored with
beading yet. Actually, I just started another piece. I'm learning a new
technique and it sure has been a challenge. I won't give up until I learn it.
Not much going on in my creative, domestic or social life.
I've been staying home more. Haven't felt like getting out as much.
It's getting close to winter and I guess I feel like nesting.
I'm planning to tackle the basement soon. I want to make it more conducive to work in. Between better lighting and drywall, I hope I will go down there more often. Slowly but surely, all my art supplies are finding a home upstairs. I had such high hopes for making the basement a studio.
Let's see what happens.

ANOTHER BRACELET

One more piece for my collection . Now what? I guess I'll put it away with all the other finished projects sitting in my closet.

This has been a low key week for me. Didn't do much. I tried to stay away from shopping. I did a good job until yesterday. I ventured out to Jo Ann's and I managed to buy something I didn't need with my coupon.

Now there is a 50% coupon looming over my head. Let's see how long I can hold out. Who am I fooling?

Mia (my niece) came out to visit for two days. She's really going through an identity crisis. She's 22 and has no idea what she wants to do with her life. I am totally confident that she will figure it out. She has so much

going for her. I just wish she believed it.

I'm thinking of creating more soul collage cards on a smaller scale. It will be fun to do in minature , just like the inchies, but not that tiny.

I have all these ideas running thru my head about other projects too! Lets see what comes of it....

ALEX

Just had to share this photo. My grandson Alex and his date for homecoming. I cannot believe how fast he's growing up. He's 16, driving, working, going to school and actively involved with life!
I'm so proud of him and of course ,my son and daughter-in-law for doing such a good job. Am I bragging or what?

BEADING BEADING BEADING

That's all I've been doing the past few weeks. I really love designing my own
jewelry. I guess it has to do with my need to be individualistic.
This week , my desk top computer totally crashed (it's corrupted)
My son ,Keith ,(HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!) is working on it.
My lap top is new and functioning, but It won't let me use my printer.
I guess it's a compatibilty issue between XP and Vista. I'm being so patient . I didn't run out and buy a new one. I'm waiting for a resolution.
Of course, this has been driving me nuts all week.

Bob and I are going to Mexico in December. I've always wanted to see the Mayan ruins so we decided to go to Riviera Maya in the Yucatan. We'll be staying for 10 days. Can't wait. This will be replacing the winter we were going to spend in Phoenix.

Went to the Quilt Expo the other day in St. Charles. I really didn't see anything new and exciting in quilting. Nothing inspired me.
I did see one booth with kits and supplies for Brazillian embrodiery.(three dimentional)
I would like to learn that eventually.
Met with the ladies yesterday in Warrenville to do art. I just couldn't get into it so I left early and went shopping.
It's certainly grey ,cloudy and yucky outside. Fall is finally here. It almost
seems more like winter. I'm wearing socks and a sweater. I guess this can be called the transition period , neither here nor there.

ACTIVE WEEK

Between Birthday celebrations, going out to dinner with friends ( Shari and Sandy) driving into the city to visit Stampology, and going to see "Across The Universe " twice, I haven't had much time for creativity. I went with Barb during the week before she left for Phoenix and I went with Cindy yesterday. I could actually see it a third time.
I bought the sound track and that's what I have been listening while I'm driving.
I was never much into the Beatles music until now. They changed some of it for the movie and the actor's sang all the songs. Great voices.
This is my new favorite movie.
I believe I am obscessed with it (for now).

I'm trying to finish a needlepoint canvas and am
planning another beaded piece of Jewelry.

I'm not feeling the paper art thing right now.
I can't get motivated to do it . I'm enjoying the feeling of fiber , fabric and beads. I know at some point I will get back to it. I guess I just need a little break.

BEADED BRACELET FINISHED

I'm finally done with my bracelet. It sure was alot of beading. I was determined to finish it, and I Did! Will I ever wear it? Probably not, it's not my style. I am proud of it.
I started out with a vintage button and just went with the flow. I guess it is called free form.

Spent the day with the ladies, doing art. Had a good time. Again, we did more talking than creating. I worked on a needlepoint canvas.

My friend Barb is in town. We've been running around every day shopping and eating out way too much. So what else is new? Haven't stopped at Dairy Queen yet. I'm really surprised.

Tomorrow, Bob and I are having a party to celebrate our 65th birthday. We've invited lots of people, which means FOOD AND DRINK. We are prepared. Our birthdays are only three days apart. I guess turning 65 is an accomplishment. We're still here and in good health and happy too! We have it good!

SAMPLES OF LESLIE ALTMAN CLASS

I Took Leslie's class at Carolina Moon yesterday. We learned how to apply alcohol ink to different substrates. My favorite was using papyrus and vinyl (the two samples on the left).
Had a fun time and learned how to use the inks . Never used them before. Of course, I have had them in my stash for a couple of years. I love the colors, but other than that, I doubt if I will apply this technique to anything I'm doing right now. I'm really focused on other mediums at the moment.
As I said in an earlier post, I'm beading away.

I'm meeting friends at the Naperville River Walk Art Fair today. The weather is perfect for it. Can't wait to see all the new artwork that has been created this year.

LAST ROSE OF SUMMER

It feels like fall. I love this time of year. Too bad winter comes next. That I don't like...

I can't believe I got caught up in making coffee filter roses. I just had to try it and I actually had fun. I'm not sure it looks like a rose, but I think it's kind of pretty. I made a few , but now I'm done!! No MORE

I've been busy beading away on my free form bracelet. It's keeping me busy at night while I'm watching TV. If I ever finish it, it will be a conversation piece. I think beading is very Zen like. It's calming to me.
Between that and Yoga, I should be a new person.

There is alot going on this week-end. The Quilt Show in St. Charles(too close to miss), A class Saturday with Leslie Altman, Riverwalk Art fair in Napervilleand the Bead show. I think I'm going to do it all. I hope I can fit two events into one day.

I just dug up some of my colored pencil drawings. I was shocked at what I saw. Not too bad.
I was really getting somewhere with it, but lost interest. Just think, if I would have kept it up I would be much better now. Story of my life. Can't stick to anything too long. Once I learn a technique, I need to move on to the excitement of something new. Oh well, I guess that's part of who I am . I've learned to accept it.