Hot! Hot! Hot!

A while back I worked on this Altered Book for a friend. At first I had a hard time deciding what I was going to do in the book. But then I remember that I had this box that was a vintage hosier box. So I color copied it...and that's what you see on the left page along with some ARTchix images. I used some antique lace and some garter clips toadd to the look. The last thnig I did was stamp the words HOT HOT HOT on the page, and used black glitter to make it sparkle.

This book is from the 2nd Round Robin group I've participated in. I'm going to take a small break from the books to work on some other things. Maybbe I'll even finally enter something in Somerset.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

Gothic Arches

Last weekend I had the whole weekend to create art and I had a deadline coming up for the Gothic Arch Swap at ARTchix...so, I knew what I wanted to achieve when I worked on the arches...I just didn't know if I could pull it off.

This is one of the 6 Gothic Arches that I created. See the arch in the middle of the 4" x 4" Chunky? That was the inspiration for the rest of the chunky. I created the rest of the background to compliment the original arch. What is really cool is that I had already created the piece of green paper about 2 months ago and it was the perfect shade and color to match the arch. I got the blue paint out and found my large alphabet stamps and stamped the letters on. Then I decided I wanted a spattered look and got a toothbrush out and spatter some more blue paint along with some white paint to give the affect. I used a soft white pastel to outline the original arch. I used a white chalk stamp pad to go around the outside of the chunky. I love the birds...I'm a bird person...and decided that the feather was the perfect touch to this piece. Added the bird head in the tab and used Diamond Glaze to give it the glassy look. I also cut the word LOVE out and stuck it in the Diamond Glaze while it was still wet and then added more on top of it to give it the resin look.

I was happy with 5 of the 6 pieces...I guess there is always one that never quite lives up to the others....partially because I run out of the images that I really like. Guess I should stock up on more in the future.

I am so thankful for my friends that have left such wonderful comments about the Chunky that was selected for the Homepage Art over at ARTchix's Yahoo Group. Thank you for being my inspiration!

Jackie's Heart Page

While I was working on Belinda's heart page, I decided to get a jump start on Jackie's and kill two birds with one stone. AND, I am way ahead as this one was not due until January 15th. But, happy early Christmas to you Jackie!!

Jackie's theme was Artist's Choice...so that left my pallet and ideas all to myself. Lots of layers on the front side and one of the beautiful transparency arches. The copper just makes this look so rich. What you can't see is the copper colored Stickles enhancing the edges....

The 2nd side is less worked, but simple and vintage. I really like how the colors and theme all came together on it. Hope she likes it!

Belinda's Heart Page

Today I got busy and worked on several projects. This was one of them that I started and finished. Belinda's theme was Artist's Choice and a color theme of True Colors. I tried to stick to the turquoise I love so much and added the blacks as a contrast. The backgrounds on both sides of the heart were many layers. I started out by gessoing the heart, then painted them turquoise. On the side with the skeleton I used a beautiful piece of mulberry paper I have and adhered it with gel medium. I then stamped it and used H2O's to paint in the stamped area. The edges are inked and the bird is tinted with H2O's. I like the dark side of this Heart. Side two started out int he same way and was stamped with a couple of different stamps and then the birds were stamped on. The color doesn't come out well in the pictures...it looks much richer in person. I may look at it again today and see if any new ideas come to mind, but I think I'm pretty happy with it.

Art of My Dad

I've had this photo of my dad and his brother for several years. Many years ago I made a pillow out of the image. I think it is so sweet and when I look at it, I see how much I looked like my dad when I was that age.

This helps me stay grounded. Reminding me of when life was more simple as a kid. I wanted to make each creation unique, so they're all different.

I've used images from Paper Whimsy and Artchix to enhance each of my creations. It's always fun to create with both of their lines. They both offer unique items and are different from each other's products.

Thank you for sharing with me.

Mermaid ArtChix Block

I've been looking at this Mermaid for a couple of weeks now. I was trying to decide what to do with her...almost used her in something else...and then this evening it just came to me.

I had this block of wood that was already prepared with the right color and was just begging to be arted up. I added some antiquing to the edges to match the ArtChix image and then found the words "Happy Little Maiden" in a ArtChix collage sheet. Added the lace around the top, the numbers 15 because I like the copper color with turquoise, an dthen added the silk ribbon. The final touch was the shell on the ribbon. I think I picked that up while on vacation several years ago and it's been sitting on my kitchen window sill ever since.

These Mermaid Cards are the Monthly Special over at Artchix. A whole set for only $4. Another DEAL!!

Helga's Weekly Challenge

Helga over at Artchix has a weekly challenge that she offers to challenge and stretch our abilities. I've been participating in this challenges since the beginning of the year, and have found them to be a great asset to me. They have helped me to think outside of the box and to think of art in a new way.

The Challenge for this week was to take Helga's "Master board" and create art out of it. If you visit her Blog you'll see what this started out to look like before I started playing with it. I've added several of Helga's collage sheet images and even used my watercolor crayons in a few areas. I did some paper cutting and folding, and then cut the whole image apart and attached it to another piece of paper and added the words in between for inspiration. Helga started this inspiration in the lower right hand corner with "be you". Things you could also be are brave, lucky, happy, amazed, and anything you'd like to be. I think this would look great framed and might just have to do that and make a gift for someone.

Heart Book RR

I'm participating in a small RR with these cute little heart chipboard books. Here's the back and front of my pages for my first swap partner. Her theme was "Glamour". This scan doesn't do it justice...used some Sparkling H2O's on it...and they stand out more in person. The project is quick, easy, and fun! Thank you ladies for asking me to participate!

Helga's Turquoise Weekly Challenge

Turquoise...I love the color turquoise! So, I was so happy to hear that Helga wanted us to add the color to our art for this week's Challenge.

We were on our way home from vacation this morning....and while we were driving along, I was thinking about what I wanted to do for the challenge. I completed another Challenge yesterday that I used turquoise for, and decided that I wanted to use a simliar background for this Challenge.

This piece is approximately 4 x 7ish...I stamped the flourishes on the background and then used my watercolors to get the desired colors. Because I really dig black and turquoise, I decided to add the black border. I used the Fabulous Paper Dolls and Spoil Me collage sheets for this piece. I added Tulle around her hair, I snipped the arms and legs to place them like I wanted...and used vintage Bric-a-Brac to fancy her dress up, and a few shiny flowers for BLING. The final touch was to pen the words "This Much"....because that's how much she loves ArtChix!! : )

http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00e5538e9181883301157246819e970b

Helga's Weekly Challenge #2

Glad that Helga is back from vacation...and the timing was perfect for me.

I am finished with the play I was in for the past month and we were on vacation last week...so I had time to play.

Helga's Challenge this week was to add turquoise to our art. It's funny, because I'm getting ready to participate in an altered book group...and that was what I decided would be my requirement for my book...to add the color turquoise. Great minds!! : )

So...here's my second piece of art for this challenge. I created the background using AC's watercolor ATC's, and I stamped circles on the ATC using a pop lid. I then used watercolors to add the colors I wanted. I used the bird from the Pretty Bird collage sheet and Chixies Hat Affairs collage sheet. I cut the bird out and then punched a circle out of the rest of the background to add to the ATC. I punched a cirle out of a vintage Dictionary with the word CHIRP as the focus. I'm loving the color combination here.

ArtChix Bi-weekly Lottery - On Your Way Home

I love participating in the Bi-weekly Lottery over at ArtChix. It gives me a chance to try out different themes and techniques.

I admit, lately I haven't had much time to work on my art like I'd like, but I've always found time for the Bi-weekly Lottery. I don't think I've missed one week since I joined in in January.

I feel so fortunate to have won the lottery this week. I love the fact that I get to receive pieces of art from so many of the artists that I admire.

I decided to have a little lottery of my own with MY piece and Pam McKenzie had the winning ticket. I'll be mailing it out in the next couple of days.

I look at the lottery as a chance to art...not necessarily a chance to win...but I DO think it's fantastic when I win!! I can't wait for the mail to come tomorrow.

Helga's Pink & Blue Challenge

Helga from ArtChix has challenged us all to play with Pink & Blue this week.

I've been behind in my artwork since I started my new job, but this weekend I did get about four projects done and felt like I could make some time to play in this week's challenge.

I haven't participated in Helga's Weekly Challenge for about a month and a half or longer. I miss what I learn about art and myself when I complete one of her challenges.

Helga challenges us to be better artists. To search deep within ourselves and create something that shows others who we are through our art. If eyes are the windows to our soul, then art must be the window to our being.

My Desire is to continue to create art to make myself feel worthy and happy. I feel great when my art affects others in a positive way. I hope they feel happy, which in turn makes me happy.

ART Blast

Here's one of the Art Blast cards I put together for the Art Blast Swap through ARTchix. I was having a difficult time getting inspired to do the Swap...I just couldn't imagine coming up with something different. BUT, as the deadline draws closer...I knew that I had to come up with something.

I have learned so much since I started in January. I look back at my first creations and see a lot of growth. Part of the problem for me is that I like immediate gratification....so I don't dwell on my art after I've started creating it. Sometimes I look back and think...I should have....BUT, I do spend a lot of time BEFORE I start a piece looking and looking at it....moving things around, change this, changing that. Usually if I need to create 6 of something I can get the first 4 with no problem and the last two are not my favorites...loss of inspiration maybe...or sometimes it's that I've used up my favorite pieces on the required collage sheet.

Wow! This has gotten wordy....I think I will stop at this and tell you that I plan to do 6 more. That's my plan anyway...wish me luck!!

Paper Doll Swap Idea and WINNER!

So...like I said...I had many ideas for Helga for the next Swap. This was the last one...and the one that I got up early to finish yesterday morning. This was my first paper doll. Other than the ones that I played with as a child.

I made the skirt and blouse patterns by hand and used the face from one of Helga's Art Blast Cards. The arms and legs are from one of her paper doll collage sheets...and the cumberbun was from another collage sheet. Oh yes, I used some of the hands from the ARTchix shop too.

I was so excited when I got home this evening after a fun day of ATC supply shopping with a friend and job hunting after that. I got home to check my email and see what the next swap would be....Tee! Hee!! It's going to be MY idea....Party Girlz Paper Dolls. Yippee!!! I'm so excited!!! So, come one (yes, Dawn...you're the only one :) come all and play with me in the ARTchix Swap due in September. BTW, there are new Paper Doll Sheets coming out next week...can't wait to see what they are.

Ticket Swap Idea

Well you see....I just can't pass on any of Helga's challenges. The challenge this last week was to come up with an idea for the next Swap. So I came up with about 5 ideas....and made samples for two of them on Monday night and then couldn't stop thinking about the third idea early on Tuesday morning. The challenges were due on Tuesday...so I got myself busy and started on my third idea. My first idea was to use ANY theater ticket for your background and create a collage with that. The second idea was to use paint chips to create art with. So, I'll post those pictures here. My third idea that I couldn't sleep over was Paper Dolls. I had originally considered Halloween Paper Dolls...but once I got into the doll...it was just a fun doll.

Oh! My!! New Pens....

Yesterday I got new pens...they're called Souffle Pens. I really wanted to try them out on something, but didn't want to use them on something that I might ruin. So you see, I had this image from the Dreaming in White ArtChix Collage Sheet, that is scary to me. Mostly because I had a doll as a child with eyes wide open that gave me nightmares. So, I decided that maybe I could make her a little more "special" and started doodling. This photo doesn't do the colors justice...they're much more ice creamy. After I finished doodling, I added the text heart and the vintage text background. The bird with the flower brad was the last to be added.

She is much more whimsical with all of the doodling on her than when she started out. I can actually look at her now and enjoy looking at her. Tee! Hee!!

Vintage White

I joined a group of ArtChix ladies that started a Round Robin for altered books. This is my first time to attempt these books, so it's been a challenge so far. This book...the Buffy's Vintage White altered book was fun, but a challenge to come up with something I thought was worthy of her book.

I started a page with an idea, but unfortunately, part way through...I ruined the picture and the page with my gel medium. The picture that I had printed on velumn completely smeared and went all over everything. So, I regrouped and this is what I came up with.

The page on the right is the one that I did first. The best part was I got my sewing machine out and stitched the picture, the muslin, and the mulberry paper to the page...then I stitched the lace onto the page too.

I hope Buffy likes what I've done!

Starry Starry Night in Paris

Helga has given us another challenge...what would you dream about if you were to travel to Paris?

I started thinking about Starry Starry Night and how I could incorporate it into my dream. My dream would be to enjoy the Eiffel Tower at night...with all of the city lights, the stars, and the moon to light it up.

I got out my oil pastels and started recreating Starry Starry Night. I started with my black piece of paper that measures 6" x 7". I had already envisioned where the Eiffel Tower was going and what other pieces from ArtChix I was going to use. I hope to mat and frame this one and enjoy it further on the wall.

Now...on to make my dream a reality.

Dreaming

Lately I've been finding myself dreaming about art. I like to think about what I'm going to create and how I'm going to do it before I start the piece. I lay everything out and move it around, add to the base of the creation before I glue it all down. I hate to make mistakes, so that is why I take the time to play with my creation.

Sometimes I wake up and realize that I have had a dream about what I should do for a piece of art. I try to build on the idea and see how I can make it better. Sometimes I complete a piece and after I've taken pictures of it, I realize that I'm not happy with it and it needs something. So, I work on it a bit more and take a new picture.

I think my dreams are an extension of what I think during the waking hour. Uninhibited...without boundries....freedom....DREAMS

This piece is one that I dreamed about...it all started out with the moon.....this 4x4 stretched canvas was painted by me and then the ArtChix collage pieces were added to complete the look. I love the colors in this one.

Inspiration

I have met so many wonderful new friends through creating and trading at ArtChix.com. I've been encouraged, I've been stretched, I've been inspired.

Because of their inspiration, I have continued weekly to create new pieces of art. Helga from ArtChix has created a weekly challenge to stretch our imagination. For the past two weeks I've taken her challenge and was surprised to win some fun goodie bags from her. But the topper was to be shown as Inspiration for one of her collage sheets along with Cindy McMath.

I'm in love with the thought of creating art every day. That's what is keeping me going right now. It's nice to have an obsession. And such a fun one too.

The ATC that was posted on my last post was what I won Helga's weekly challenge with. I'm posting a picture of the Twinchie that was used for Helga's Inspiration on her Blog http://www.myartisticlife.typepad.com/ This Twinchie was used using ArtChix's Fade to Black Collage Sheet. http://www.artchixstudio.com/mall/m178.asp

I can't wait to be challenged again.