I do other things besides bead!

As I mentioned in my description, I am a multi-media artist working on whatever my interest is at the moment.  Is it efficient?  Probably not but it suits me.

This art quilt called Garden Fairy is a raw edge applique piece that I did in a class with Rosemary Eichorn two years ago.  It sat on my design wall for a long time.  In order to break my sewing block, I picked it up and started quilting.  I also used an artists' binding with directions courtesy of K. Grace Howes.  I feel like I can pick up my next UFO and keep on working.

Boxes for Slovenia

We will be traveling to Italy this afternoon and a part of the trip is a visit to family in Slovenia. The photo is of the boxes I made for my dad's cousins and my cousin Polona (she gets the bigger one for showing us around!). I do love covering the boxes with beads and coming up with new designs.

   

Persephone

Persephone was created with felted wool flower kit and a polymer clay face bead surrounded by beaded hair.  She is next on the list of beaded faces that I have to create.

Another Beaded Box

This is a box from chocolate (of course it had to be emptied!) and it is approximately 5 inches by 3 inches.  It was done from a design based on the center bead which is actually a metal button with the shank cut off.

New Tangles

I've been gone due to computer problems and am now catching up.  A few more tangles. I love this stuff!

The Result of Sketching

Too often we all have great ideas that are lost because we don't jot them down.  As a participant in the Sketchbook Challenge (see link to the right), I have been trying to record my ideas for use later.  Yesterday I was able to execute a work that I am fairly pleased with from a sketch I had done several days before.

I love remaking Altoid tins, jars, beaded beads and anything else I can get my hands on.  I wanted to stretch myself to go beyond all over beads and add some of my embroidery work to the tins.  I started with this ketch and yesterday, while 17.8" of snow fell, I made the tin you see below.  I will be incorporating beaded embroidery into future projects.

Tangled Up

I have always loved doodling and recently discovered an outlet called Zentangle.  (When you are working its called 'tangling').  Zentangle seem to be a very sophisticated form of doodling that requires patience and the 'mood'.  It is also very satisfying and soothing.  

Tangles are everywhere.  You just need to look for them.

Beaded Ladies

Another beading project that has intrigued is the beaded ladies. In the top row is Maxine.  From left to right on the bottom are Stephanie and Roxanne.  This project was based on a demonstration held at one of my fiber arts groups.  I took it to the next level.  Maxine and Roxanne are made on face beads that I made.  Stephanie was made on a face bead that I found at a rummage sale.  More beaded ladies are in the offing.  I have a list of names......Josephine, Persephone, Margeaux, Karisma, Sequoia, Anya, Trudie, Mares, Giselle....................

Beads, beads, beads

Lately I've been addicted to beads. I've been covering things, mostly tins and other beads.  The process is very soothing to me.  I start and then before I know it, multiple hours have passed as you get in the 'zone'.  I am now expanding to other utensils including jars, bottles and salt & pepper shakers.

Dragonflies in My Garden

Dragonflies in my Garden 2010

In the Fall of 2010, I participated in a "Casting for Recovery" event in Alaska which was an auction to raise funds to assist those survivors of breast cancer to attend a fly casting camp. www.castingforrecovery.org.  Artists from all over the nation enhanced brassieres which were auctioned off to the highest bidder. The attached is a photo of my final product.

Well here I go!

What is Art - Page 1

What is Art? - Page 2

 I have had this blogsite up and running for a while now and have been afraid to post.  However.........here I go.  I am participating in the Sketchbook challenge and have posted a few of my sketches on line.  I have been inspired by quite a few of the artists who are publishing there and want to try to do the same.  Here are the images I have submitted so far.  The pages above are a collage spread that I put together as an introduction to my new creative journey.  If you lift the arrow flap it says, "Mystery & Alchemy" which is what it (making Art) sometimes seems like to me.  I love to make stuff and try new things, so you may be seeing some of that here.

The next two sketches are pen and ink doodles. These were inspired by the postings of other artists on the Sketchbook Challenge.  The site is making me work.  I love it!

Doodle Bug

Elaborate Doodle