Blue Creek Print now Available!

NEW Prints in my Etsy Shop:

"Blue Creek" one of my newest pieces, now available as an 8 x 10 print!!
Price: 15.00
This WEEK Only (Ends August 15th, 2008) 2.00 off as part of my Anniversary in August sale.
I will adjust the price if you convo me first before purchase or re-invoice you after purchase via paypal.
All other prints also 2.00 off this week!!

Don't delay--all of my prints are VERY limited!!


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Has anyone seen the new Artful Blogger? I just love this magazine. I have been reading it, or rather just soaking in all the beauty within this book. I'm so inspired by every story in the magazine. The world truly has become smaller with the invention of blogging. It's comforting to know that there are many, many kindred spirits in this world just like you and me just waiting to be found, waiting to be heard, and enjoying life when something we say or feel resonates with another like minded individual.

In another one of Stampington's magazines, Life Images, a local artist & photographer who is also part of our Carolina Mixed Media guild, has the cover shot!! Isn't it lovely??? Congratulations Chrysti!

Hope you find a bit of inspiration in your day today!

Two More Days To Enter!!!

I've started to list a few of the prints I just received this week and wanted to share with you some of the features. I still have several more to go yet but may not get them listed until next week because.....

I got some good news that my Sister Sherry and her boys will be dropping by for a visit this weekend on their way home to Florida from their summer stay up in New York!! I'll be honest, I am panicky about getting my nest in order. I just got done mowing 1/2 my lawn, doing laundry, ran the dishwasher, swept the floors, cleared off 1 of my craft tables so we have at least one table to eat at, took the garbage to the dump, cleaned the kitchen.....and there's still more to do.

Now, don't go thinking I'm a slob or anything..lol..I just well, don't do the white glove every week so when guests come I feel the need to go over board and make sure the palace is in spit shine condition. Not to mention the fact that since I've taken on my part time job as an artist, I have more craft supplies then one can probably use in a lifetime at this point (that's not to say I couldn't take on more..lol) and not enough storage to put everything up properly and beautifully (like I see some of your studios when you feature them...I know 'you' are out there)!

It'll be nice to have a visit with the fam though, it's something that happens not enough with all of my family. Tis the price we pay for chasing after our dreams, it has put a very real physical distance between us. I happen to live in the middle of everyone so at least I get the benefit of 1/2 way drive thrus when the fam travels from NY to Florida or Florida to NY. My house in NC is pretty much the halfway point, funny how that worked out isn't it?

Don't forget, the last day to get your name in the drawing for one of my new prints (could be one of these or one of the 3 or 4 more I have yet to list) plus goody box I have started to compile (you don't want to miss out now, do you???))!!

Simply make a comment on one of my posts from August 1st on and you'll be automatically entered my very scientific drawing (cut up names and draw out of a hat)! LOL

Thank you for all your support, kind words and encouragement! My blog readers are the best!!
xoxo

lucy

Anniversary Celebration Continues--Featuring The Artist Alley

The 1 year anniversary on Etsy continues....remember to leave a comment for a chance to win one of my new prints coming out this week. Contest ends on Friday, August 8th!!

(((new work in progress--one of my largest yet. 24 x 30))
I don't have a title for it yet. I'm sure though, something will come to me in my dreams..lol.

One of the best things that I have done this year is to join the Carolina Mixed Media Artist Guild which although membership is open throughout the Carolina's, the most active members are from Central Carolina and meet monthly in Raleigh or a nearby area for play dates. I can't tell you how much inspiration I've acquired through this group and the new friends I've made.

(Amy, Olivia, and Jean in the background)
I stumbled upon this group when I happened to visit a local shop called Artist Alley which is located in downtown Southern Pines. Artist Alley displays a variety of art in just about every genre you could imagine, from jewelry, to painting, fabric art, mixed media, metal, and pottery to name just a few. I believe it was Penny that I met first that invited me to join the group, and if anyone has ever met Penny before, her personality is as lingering and delightful as her soaps and candles she creates. Jean, the owner of Artist Alley is warm and friendly. I've never seen her without a smile on her face. She also extended the welcome to join the group and I started to feel like, yes maybe I could do this even though it was moving far and away from my comfort zone. I'm glad I joined though as the meetings have evolved from a once a month visit to a complete network of not just peers, but inspiring woman I also consider friends.

I visited Jean's shop again on Friday of this week to take part in the First Friday Celebration. I think First Friday is a fantastic idea. Not sure who thought of it but what better way to advertise your shop and rub elbows with those that create the beautiful works of art. Normally at least one artisan is featured on the First Friday opening and is on site to discuss what it is that they do up close and personal. In a store like this, you must go back, and back, and back again because it is forever changing.

I'd be remiss not to mention one of my favorite artists featured at Artist Alley, the wonderfully talented Amy Smith. Amy has an entire wall of her artwork displayed as you can see from the snapshot above. She is fearless with color and creates work that has many layers incorporated into her whimsical pieces. I just adore what she does and am finally a proud owner of one her lovely pieces! Amy has been extremely supportive of my development as a mixed media artist, even going so far as to introducing me to many different mediums such as tar gel, molding paste, and golden fluid acrylics when she graciously allowed me to purchase some of her overstock and duplicate supplies.

Doesn't this flower just sing happiness?

Some more of Amy's mini's on the right.

I wish I would have wrote down the name of the last several artists I took photos of but I didn't. I just love the vibrant colors of these flowers and animals which are created on wood.

Talk about inventive and imaginative, bet you didn't know that shovels and cast iron pans could be so funky!

I'm not sure what this sculpture is made out of, I think some sort of blade or farm equipment? I have no idea and it really doesn't matter because it's now a person strumming the guitar and dancing to the beat of their own drum. Amazing.
After the First Friday celebration all the ladies mentioned as well another dear friend who is a mixed media fiber artist, Nanette, went out for some snacks and a drink. We couldn't hear each other to save our lives, but it was fun. Being in the company of such wonderfully talented individuals motivates me to forge ahead and continue on this journey. Nanette has been instrumental in guiding me on the writing portion of my next phase of my own personal journey which is to achieve being published in art magazine(s). She's taught me several things about writing and the process of how to submit work and so one. If I do achieve this next goal, I know it won't be because of what I have done by myself. The goal will be achieved because many had their hands outstretched, guiding me along the way.

Thank you all for joining me on my little tour today. Hope you have someone(s) in your life that have been instrumental in help you achieve your dreams and goals. If not, open yourself up to the opportunity. You'll never know when walking through a strange door will open yourself up to a whole new world!

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Update--after posting this, I saw that I was featured in a post from my online mixed media team from Etsy-'Metsy'. The blog author, Yin, asked for feature ideas and after writing to her about my anniversary giveaway, she suggested doing a post about my first year on the site. Thank you Yin for the feature!

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Don't forget--contest ends Friday, August 8th!!!

Anniversary Celebration at Sweet Repeats Studio Shoppe

"City Life"
Many heartfelt thanks for the positive feedback on my new blog look and new artwork! You don't know how tickled I was to see the many comments come through and such kind words. You all made my week and it was a difficult week, so it was good timing. :)

Here's a snapshot on a piece I completed that I have featured in a shop downtown Southern Pines called Swank. I've actually put several pieces in their shop recently. It's fun to go into a store and see your work featured! I'll have to see if the owners would mind me taking a few pictures and feature them on my blog so you all can see what they look like hanging up.

Don't mean to post an run but I'm on my lunch break--however, I did want to give my faithful readers and friends a heads up on a giveaway I'm going to do next week to celebrate my one year on ETSY! My anniversary is at the end of August but I"m going to do the giveaway this next week when I get more prints in.


So...for now, anyone that leaves a comment between today and next Friday August 8th, will be entered into a grand giveaway from Sweet Repeats including one of my fine art prints and several other goodies I've set aside.

Thank you for your support and inspiration!

Blue Creek

She's been busy visiting a town far, far away.

Blue Creek, I believe is the name.

A place where there are buildings that have a personality and can speak of a day gone by,

whispering of times when life was so much more simple and anything could be possible and as real as our dreams.

Treasury Galore :)

Don't you just love Etsy Treasuries? Even better when you find one that you are featured in!! Now that I figured out how to do screen shots, I'm good to go and can savor them a bit longer then the few hours/days they are up.

To see the full size treasury--click here.

The piece that is featured is one of my recent favs--click here to see the full size piece.

The curator, Alisa--has a great store herself, full of sweet collages and mixed media soldered pendants (I would love to learn to solder----I've had a soldering gun since my birthday last year but I'm too scared to pull it out and give it a shot!!))
Good news--I finished my article with a little help with some friends who have done this sort of thing before and I sent it off last night. Phew--now I have to send my pieces and pray they make it on time. I'm kinda down to the wire but I think I did a good job considering I had to recreated 6 pieces (only sending 3 of them but I made a few for back ups just in case) as well as for the the fact I've never written an article before..LOL. Should be interesting to hear their feedback! Hopefully they still like it and the deal doesn't fall through. I'd have shame face if that happened!!!

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On the money saving front, I've taken Selena's suggestion and stayed out of the grocery store this week. I was tempted as there isn't anything quick to eat here and DS is staying in Myrtle Beach so I really hate making food for myself and having it go to waste so I normally opted for a restaurant take out of a quick frozen dinner. Instead I made a steak I had in the freezer and then made stir fry veggies and mixed it altogether after the steak was cooked and it was delicious. I wish I had rice to go with it but all I had was broccoli and cheese rice and that just didn't seem right....lol. Oh well, saved on the carbs anyway. It really is a good idea to do meal planning and less grocery shopping. I know that I have very little restraint when walking into a store. I'm perfectly fine when I stay the heck away but the minute I go inside, that one item turns into twenty! 10 dollars turns into 60 dollars that I end up spending. Just say no...just say no.. Okay. Until this weekend, then I really need to go to the store, I can only last so long :)

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Stepping out of the Zone

Is it Monday already?

Having a few days off really spoils oneself, doesn't it? I had Wednesday through Sunday off and got a whole bunch, a WHOLE BUNCH of artwork done, 7 pieces altogether would you believe?!
I also was whittling away at my article during my days off. I figured I would take the creative approach to keeping notes about my process and put them in the big BIG HUGE journal I have that I received during our Paris Swap. I totally made note keeping fun. If I only could have brought my markers and stamps to college, life would have been so much easier! I wish I had beautiful handwriting, I have a tendency to scrunch up my words together, sometimes barely even waiting to finish one word before moving on to the next.

During this time off, I day dreamed about what it would be like to throw the corporate world away and turn to my hands as well as my mind to make my living.
What was my conclusion?
I need a sugar Daddy. LOL
No seriously, I'm a modern woman here. I can take care of myself--but not yet by myself. I still need my day job, but I do believe I could make a decent living if I could focus the majority of my day on my artistic life. I might be a skinnier gal and have to take a few less trips to Starbucks--but hey, I'm about to have to make that choice anyway with the rising prices so what the heck. Well, what the heck is Insurance money. That's pretty much the only reason why I won't quit my day job truth be told.
Well until that day comes along, I'm satisfied to create on the side and have fun in my own little world. I'm hoping soon it's going to branch off into bigger things--time will tell!

In my last post, we ( meaning me) started a discussion about what you are doing to save money these days. Be sure to check back in the comments and read what others are doing--and please share yours if you missed the post!
Several of you mentioned using what you have, ENJOYING what you have whether it be the food you already do have or utilizing the (art) supplies you own before going out to the store to by more. That's a great tip. The picture above denotes pieces of scrap I use over and over again in my pieces to create texture and use as stencils. Nothing fancy and probably mostly things you have in your stash. I've been doing good at saving things that I think will work in my art. Almost too good. I've got a growing stash of 'texture' tools as well as papers that I can pull from at a moments notice. That's saving and recycling, right?
Although, I must admit, I did visit an Etsy shop recently of a new friend called Remember Yesterday and bought some cool vintage goodies to use in my collages. I received them today and the shop owner through in some goodies from her art store--Kathy's collages and assembleages are wonderfully crafted. You must visit!! Very reasonable I might mention (as we are trying to save $$)

See here--I'm working on my 'secret projects'(which are completed now), utilizing one of my used up gift cards! I've used the credit cards and gift cards before to spread on paint on my collages, but only recently started working with modeling paste and found that the cards are perfect for laying on this medium as well. Who needs an expensive palette knife??

I need to do a few touch up on these pieces before I list them, but they are pretty much completed. I had a coffee shop in town in mind when I made these, I even used their cups they use for inspiration. I doodled and journaled on the background using a brown charcoal pencil. That's the first time I used a brown charcoal pencil.

I love the distressed look it generates as I worked the yellows, creams, and oranges in to create the warm and funky background.

Makes me want to grab a cuppa Joe...something I drink entirely too much of. I do get a lot done every day thanks to my pal Joe.
In other good news, I prospected two more shops that I potentially can put my art in. One is going to be perfect for a couple of bigger pieces. The other, my friend Amy put in a good word for me to one of her friends that owns a shop and I am going to chat with her about potentially being a featured artist for August. It's all very exciting. I'm glad I've started to network and get to know other people and artists in my area. It's taking a big step for me because outside of work, I'm pretty much a loner....making friends and getting out in the world pretty much doesn't happen for me so it's definitely outside of my comfort zone. I'm fine once I get to know people, but generally I'm not the social butterfly that gets involved in a lot of things. Amy is helping me along with ideas on how to feature myself in galleries or shops, and I'm doing my best to encourage her to send her work off for publication, too.
I'm hoping this last 5 months of the year brings many good things to those of us who step outside of our comfort zone and just try...just try something new and brave and scary all at the same time. You never know where that road may lead. It leads no where if you don't at least attempt the journey. That's one thing for sure.

Until next time, be good--and be thinking of new ways to enjoy what we have and or save a little bread for Sunday dinner. :)

Some Things Change, Some Things Stay The Same

"Hometown Friends"
6 x 6 on deep edged stretched canvas

I almost hesitated on posting this little new piece as the colors didn't come out as vibrant in the photos as they are in real life. I did take them outside but perhaps the sun light was not in the best position for me to capture the true essence of this piece. I still have a lot to learn with photo taking. A lot. But I am getting better and I do realize the value of having great photos of your work when you are selling your wares, not to mention, I want to keep my archive of paintings for future uses of prints so I want the prints to look as closely like the originals as possible. Speaking of archives...I need to get my tail busy moving my pictures to cd before this computer blows up from all the abuse I've given her, loading her with picture after picture after picture!!

This weekend has been pretty laid back for me. 4th of July came and went with little fanfare. I opted not to go anywhere this year. Instead we ran errands in the morning, went grocery shopping for some grillin' goodies, came home and relaxed outside with the new Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine, DS played with the neighbor girls with the slip and slide, the went with his Dad to the fireworks (it seems to have become a routine that his Dad takes him to the fireworks each year....I guess it's a guy thing and the new wife doesn't like me taggin along so I stay home..lol), and then a friend of mine came over for some grillin out and some wine. All in all not a bad 4th, but I do miss the bigger get togethers my family used to have each year and then all of us walking down to the lake for the fireworks show.

After my friend Linda left at about 11, I settled in for bed but was rudely awoken about 1 am by furious knocking and the dog barking. I go to the front door and there's no one....but there is a taxi in my driveway??? huh??? The dog is still barking and so I go to the back door....and yep, it's What's His Face. Drunk. Just came from the "DANCE" Club. I say Dance loosely, or nudely rather. He wants to stay here AND for me to pay for the taxi because he is out of money!!! The taxi won't take him to where he lives because it's too far.
Did you hear me when I say he WANTED ME TO PAY for the taxi after he spent all HIS money at the club????

Oh my goodnesss...well since this is a family show, you don't want to know what came out of my mouth.
Needless to say, the night was not good. Yesterday morning wasn't good either since I had to end up paying for gas to take him home and I was ill from the night before, mad as all get out at the audacity of him to actually think I was going to pay for the f***ing taxi!! No Bleepity bleep bleep bleep Way!!!

The bright side to the story is that he is actually working and can pay to go to the club himself.
He is still begging me to take him back because he has done everything I wanted him to do. Got a job, got his own place, and not doing drugs anymore. That doesn't erase all the pain and suffering I had gone through though. Nights like the one described above is a scaled down night like it used to be alllll the blessed time. Ridiculous.
There is still the looming issue of the drinking that I can't get passed either. Not that I'm a prude and detest everyone that drinks. I enjoy a cocktail from time to time. I can't be around alcoholics though. Too many bad memories from my past relationships and other events in my life with alcoholics in other close people's lives. You never know when that switch is going to be flipped and the happy fun person is turned into a monster from hell.
It doesn't take much for that switch to be flipped.

I do have to say though, the bright side of this whole adventure is the amount of artwork that my experience has inspired me to create. It's that escape that I started with to get away from all the sadness, anxiety, and depression that I have turned into a gateway for my new passion. Not everything I create has come from this experience, but the the idea of painting and creating is rooted in that need to go to another place and escape in my mind.
Now it's become a way of life.
I believe it's time to move. Over 3 rooms in our house as well as just about every storage area and built in cabinet houses my artwork and supplies. I need a bigger place for the rest of us to live, but then again, I like to create out in the open, not in a separate room.
I can only imagine what someone would say if I did start dating again about all of my art supplies in the area that used to be my dining room. LOL I'm not sure they would understand the journey I've taken to get to where I am today and why it is that I do what I do.

Then again, I could always point them to my blog and just say read it.....you may just begin to understand me from my posts and artwork.
There's still a lot yet to discover yet. I'm just not so sure I'm ready yet to open up to anyone else to join this journey with me.
No, I'm prepared to walk alone for a while yet longer.

This last piece feature is called:

"Through the Window of His Eye" which is the 3rd in my Faith Collection. This one depicts the window to which I am looking at as I see myself and the approval I"m looking for, for using the new skills I've been honing. The gifts HE gave me. I'm hoping they are being put to good use in His eyes.

It has helped to save me and my sanity.
(((((UPDATE-I have mounted this now and it is currently available in my Etsy shop. Mounted on a 12 x 12 black and gold masonite board. It looks striking on this 'frame'!))))))
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Next post--my FANTaBuLouS swap package from Katie!!!!!! You won't believe all the wonderful goodies she had in store for me!!

In The Village

Newest Mini Collection:

"In The Village"

I'm definitely in my blue period lately. I'm not sure if I'm trying to reach out to you for help or shouting out loud that I love my blue paint! These 3 pieces are my latest in my on going collections of three mini canvases collections. Featured is my whimsical home town I so dearly love.

Has anyone moved away from where they grew up?

I moved 660 miles away from my hometown back in 1998. It seems like eternity. It seems like yesterday. I'm not sure I'll ever capture the same sense of belonging like I did back home. Home will always be where I grew up.

I wonder if my boys will feel that way one day when they grow up and move away (if they do move away...which I hope they don't, but I can't stop them if that's what they decide to do). That's what children do. Fly away and make new homes. New nests. Hopefully they will remember fondly the place they grew up.

It saddens me that I have lost touch with my child hood friends.
I guess that happens. People grow up and move on, move away and loose touch.

I do have some wonderful memories of my dear friends and all the fun we had during high school and college. I remember many difficult times, too. Times that as they were happening, I wondered if I'd make it another day. Those times, both good and bad shaped me into the person I am today-for better or worse, it's who I am.

This new town that I live in, is starting to feel a bit more like home but still--it's lacking many things that I had back in NY.

The biggest thing it's lacking in, is family. I do miss having my clan so close at hand. Being 600 or so miles away from those that you were born from and entangled with through blood, bond, memories and love--is more difficult than one might imagine. The beautiful thing is though that my memories are still very clear of my days,

"In The Village"

As I look out at the sunset, I remember fondly how there was once a beautiful glistening lake holding her hands out to the warm golden ball as she said good night to me each day. Some things, you never forget.

In The Village

Big shop update! 4 new original pieces uploaded today!!

Click here to see them all :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful and creative weekend!

Beautiful One

I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend!! For us, we decided and by we, I mean ME, to stay home rather than to travel this weekend. I definitely feel that before the gas prices go down, we have to take a stand and just point blank change our ways. It does put a damper on things as far as feeling like you are chained to your surroundings, but on the other hand, it may surprise you how many things there are to do close to home. Not to mention if you do have to spend some money on entertainment, why not spend it close to home in your own community rather than throwing your dollars elsewhere?

DS found entertainment with the neighbor girls with a slip and slide that we bought at Walmart for 7.94 cents. Not a bad expenditure. We also took in a movie ((saw Chronicles of Narnia)), ate some Chinese food, had a cook out at the house and pretty much chilled all weekend. Don't get me wrong, we will travel a bit this summer but we did opt not to go home to Mom in NY or to see Dad and sis in Florida this year--again we, meaning ME; but we will go to Myrtle Beach a couple of times as it's only 2 1/2 hours away and we get free lodging..lol; and perhaps another amusement park, but we definitely are revisiting our gas consumption and overall shopping habits. Definitely need to do more.

Good news is that I got a little promotion at work so I'll have more vacation time coming up to sit home with..LOL, and have decided to challenge myself by doing 52 pieces in 26 weeks.

This is the first completed work since I decided to set out the challenge. I am not going to include small works like my magnets or ACEO's, those will be icing on the cake. I'm talking medium to large pieces. If nothing else, I will get better at what I do :)

This dragonfly picture is called "Beautiful One". I believe dragonflies are messengers from beyond, and this one is coming to tell me that despite my insecurities and doubts, I'm beautiful from the inside out. Despite the different textures, and colors, it comes together very peacefully and evokes a spiritual sense with lots of hidden light emitting from all over the piece.

I'm embarking on a collection of some spirtual pieces. I think I need to narrow my focus into a few collections so I'm going to do items in the following themes: (((subject to change..lol))

1) Spirtual/Inspirational (2 pieces completed)

2) Whimsical (completed 9 pieces)

3) Altered Thoughts of Woman (already completed3 pieces)

4) Abstract Doodles ((I have some ideas on this one but yet have to complete anything in this category)

5) Nature (featuring florals, birds, trees)

How does that sound??

Well I better get busy, I still have a few things to finish up on-work is still crazy as well. Right now, I am managing two branches and mentoring 2 people (co mentoring one of the peeps actually), and handling the drama that goes with it all. It's going to be busy busy like this for me for a least another month as some new changes are on the rise on the work front. More details later :)

The House on the Hill

Sorry about the assortment of pictures, just couldn't pick any one to show and tell today. I'm pretty proud that I actually finished several things this week. Crossing off the list and accomplishing what you set out to do is a good feeling. Wish I could do more of that at my day job!!!

Anywhoo--having lots of fun at my part time job working from home in the luxurious studio ala dining room!!

Quick art card 4x6 "Send Me a Sign". There's very light journaling on here that starts off to say "When one door opens, another closes.....or is it when one door closes, another one opens, how will I know what is right, who will show me the way...........Someone please, send me a sign. Oh Dear Lord, send me a sign." Don't read too much into it..lol...I just was thinking about the bird whispering in my ear as I stamped and embossed this image and imagined it being my messenger to all of life's secrets....my 'sign' in essence.

Awhile ago, I made a quick sketch and then painted out the basics of the sketch on a small art card so I used that idea and made this 6x6 piece on wood called, "It's My Birthday". Every girl deserves a little indulgence once in while. Why do we have to hide behind our desires??? Can't we have our cake and eat it, too?? Well, we can but eventually the hips catch up to us--but a little cupcake here and there surely can't hurt!

Pretty polka dot sprinkles, sweetheart lips, pink and brown cupcake, aqua and pearl background, what more could a girl want?? I am going to make a couple more in this same style.

Anyone have any ideas on cute whimsical but indulgent topics I could make into a painting??

Finally finished these three 6x6's on canvas.

The series is sold separately but desperately wants to go to the same home :)
"The House on the Hill"
I messed up the order of these pics. The Flower should go in the middle. It's symbolic of the desire to plant roots, to have a place to nurture and cultivate of my own.

This is the first piece...."The House on the Hill: The Dream

Then we have the last:

The House on the Hill: The House (lol creative, huh)

I just love this funky bird and crazy sweet pink house. The little lady is listening for her sign from thebirdy, and dreaming about the house on the hill--the garden, the place where she can plant her roots and fulfill her dreams.


Phew. Uploading, editing, resizing and listing these puppies took me a little short of forever to do!! All but one of the features tonight are listed on Etsy. Check em out to see a few different pics as well.

Oh...I FINALLY figured out how to use that little link icon!! Dang, what in the world was I thinking typing out the html code over and over again??? Am I the last to know these things??

Jane-(and others who have commented about this over the last few weeks)--thanks for the observations about my artwork. I think last year at this time, I was really confused, saddened by a lot of difference things and really struggling with a lot of emotions. I wasn't depressed, but more angry and confused, thus the darker more all over the place type collages. This year and over the last few months, I definitely have developed a sense of peace about my life. I've become more hopeful and inspired along the way AND with every passing day. Not saying I don't still struggle with questions about so many things that have happened over the last couple of years, but through this blog, my friends and family, and of course my artwork, a lot of healing has happened. I'm more inclined to reflect that in my pieces than I was earlier in the year.

Thank you for checking in here with me. I hope you have a creatively good rest of the week. I wish peace and strength for you and your journey for finding all the answers to the many questions and struggles that we all face each and every day.

Learning to Sing

Happy Mother's Day to everyone, especially to my Dear Mother!

When I think of sources of inspiration for my art and life, there is no one that even lights a candle to the one person in my life that has provided me with more inspiration, more guidance, more encouragement, than My Mother. She is a woman who raised three girls on her own, working 2 jobs or more for most of our lives and yet still had time to give her all to us and STILL gives her all to us whenever we need her. She gave me the strong work ethic I have today and taught me to take every opportunity you can and do your best at whatever it is that I do. My Mother also taught me that a woman can be independent and successful in her own right just as much as a man can be, it's all within each of our reach.

Recently Mother let us know that she had been diagnosed with a form of Leukemia and it was like a cold steel dagger was sliced through our hearts. The thought of our Mother not being here for the rest of our lives is really incomprehensible and something that none of us can imagine. It does want me to make sure she knows how much we love her and cherish her and that if nothing else, she should know that she has made a difference in this world with being our Mother and we love her dearly. Luckily with medication her condition is treatable and containable, but it is something that will be there for the duration of her life. The one thing I do regret is the distance that is between us now and how I wish we just lived around the corner again like we did for so many years. How I miss our Friday lunches and Saturday shopping excursions and Sunday dinners together. But I know my Mom would say, there is a reason for everything and because the road has lead us each to the place we are at right now--it is exactly where we are supposed to be.

Although our family is spread out over 1200 miles now from NY to Florida, I know I speak for my Sister's in that our hearts are held tightly and closely together by the one bond that will never be broken, the bond of a Mother and her daughters.

With Love and Gratitude,

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

It is because of you....we can soar.

This is snap shot of many of my works in progress. I think I have 8 projects going on right now..lol. I think I have AADD. Artistic Attention Deficit Disorder! No seriously, when you work with paint and collage, it's wise to have several projects going on at once because often times you have to wait for a section to dry before you can go on to the next because of all the layers incorporated in the pieces. In addition to that, I like to use all my paint up that I pour out so I try to utilize it by creating multiples pieces in the same color family.

I drew this picture a while ago and made it into a little art card, now I'm taking this sketch and making it into a 6x6 mixed media painting. She's too cute sneaking a big ole chunk of this low calorie cupcake!!

I'm doing better at sketching out be fore I start going at it. It's really necessary when I'm working in 3 or more pieces that I want to go together. These pieces are the same ones feature in the beginning of this post with the other works in progress.

The one orange and brown one is just an experiment so far...now that one I have no clue what I'm doing with it!! LOL Those dots are the result of alcohol inks dropped on the painted canvas. Cool huh! If you want to know more about some the many ways to use alcohol inks, try checking out Tim Holtz's video where he demonstrates the proper usage of them. Many awesome possibilities.

Adding more detail, you can start to see the pieces come alive. This three piece set is going to be called "The House on the Hill". I started to think about the number 3 as I was working on the paintings and it is becoming more and more apparent that it is a number that keeps re-occurring in my life so I incorporated many different threes in them--some apparent, some hidden.

Paint & other material used is a combination of my new love, Golden fluid acrylics, regular craft paint, alcohol inks, pearl ex powders, charcoal pencil, and of course underlying is a multitude of papers and tissue for texture.

I wanted to add some journaling to the lady on the left but I think I'm going to have to wait until I work on a bigger piece. I wanted to say on this one:
I was afraid the music would stop before I learned to sing.
It kinda relates to my fear that I won't be able to do everything I want to do before my time is up. But the fact that I do try to take steps to 'learn the music' leads me closer to the song itself, even if I never really learn to sing it correctly, at least I'm practicing and giving it my all.

...and here we are at the house on the hill. How sweet the journey has been.
Thank you for sharing it with me!!


Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Things Are Looking Up!

New pieces completed:

"Things Are Looking Up"

Part1 The Egg

Part 2

Cracking Up

Part 3

Birdie

**I'm offering these separately but if purchased together, I will apply a 20% discount to the entire purchase**

I hope everyone's week was good. I had yesterday and today off, originally I took it off because I was hoping I might be able to go to
Art & Soul
but after debating about it, I think next year will be the year that I try to do something of that magnitude. I do know lots of people going between the NCMMG that I belong to, as well as my Sweet Goodness Swap Sister, Jane--so I can't wait to hear all of there stories and experiences!

Nope...instead, I'm preparing for a yard sale. Art & Soul, or Yard Sale. HMMM??? What was I thinking???? Seriously, it's more about the money than the choice about going, it does look like fun though.

Who knew preparing for a yard sale could be dangerous??? I found that out yesterday when I was taking about DS's bunk bed, well taking off his mattress. I pulled the mattress down and hit the ceiling light which promptly crashed down within inches of my head in big ole glass shards!! A piece did stab me in the shoulder but it was small thank goodness. I could just envision myself bleeding to death with this huge piece of glass attached to the top of my head. What a way to go. Like some crazy horror movie..lol. Then later on that evening when I was putting everything back together and vacuuming up my mess, I stepped on some glass, fell backward, knocked over a bookcase, fell back onto the vacuum, and clocked my head against the wall. My war wounds are plenty from this seemingly safe and easy (well not easy) task of cleaning out the boys room for a yard sale!

Thank goodness today is a new day and there are no major tasks for me to do for the yard sale. It's amazing how much better I feel already with about a truck and half load of stuff taken out of here. Makes me think about what I've been doing and how I've been doing it. I was going to yard sales and thrifting every single week without fail. And the house was getting fuller and fuller and fuller--until finally it was busting at the seams! I had an obsession to replace everything I had lost and THEN SOME. All for a dime on the dollar...lol. Things were getting out of control. This is a good thing now, and believe me, I could do more. There still is a lot I could scale back on and not really miss. I think this year I need to seriously consider what I need and how much I need before I go anywhere. Even before I go to Walgreens, Michael's..etc. Two of my most favorite shops on earth..lol :) I believe without so much, I'd be more open to new things and new ideas. Clutter and things really do cloud our minds and create disharmony in our worlds.
Things to think about.

Have a artfully great weekend!

I Know a Good Actor if you Need One!

I had a rough night last night, not like a 21 year old running on the town rough night (good old days, remember those?), but a 39 year old with a triangle creating chaos in her life rough night. (((anyone see Chuck and Larry?? Triangle's not good....circle good...LOL)) Long story short, I was up at 2:30 this morning and I ended up staying up all night and into the morning before hitting the big old yard sale early on, and the craft show this afternoon. Lord knows how I'm still standing at 7:30 in the evening. I can't pull all nighters anymore!
The good news is, I was really really productive during my early morning escapade. I worked on all of my projects and this is where we are today. My productivity today in my artful endeavors is a perfect example of why I need to have this in my life. I would have sat around and cried or stewed all day if I didn't have my projects to escape with.

Sometimes people aren't all they are cracked up to be. It's amazing how good some people are at acting. How they can live with themselves when they are pulling the wool over someone else's eyes is beyond me.

Anyway, I've stewed over this all day long and I know I'm not making sense because I'm not rehashing all the details, but the main point is, I was put in situation that I didn't ask to be put into yesterday...I was working last night on my heart magnets, minding my own business when chaos walked in unannounced. Drunk as a skunk. Anyhoo--suffice to say, I learned some things that really really tipped me over the edge to say the least. So I decided to call someone on the lies--and well--same old same old. Not that I'm surprised but it really drives me nutz that chaos is obsessed with me and will not leave me alone. Go on with your life and LEAVE ME ALONE. Don't play me like a fiddle and think you are the best actor in the world because your not and I see right through it, and for what I don't see through, other people are happy to tell me. Especially when I go through your cell phone and find their numbers. HA!

Okay...enough venting. Aren't my newest pieces in progress cute as can be?? I'm using some of my new Golden Paint that I bought from Amy, another mixed media artist that lives in the area. I took a trip up to her house last week and bought a bunch of duplicate supplies she had for sale! whoooo hooo. These little 6x6 canvases are part of an order we purchased together. I have 12 total to work with for upcoming projects and another 12 on the way. I'm trying to beef up my inventory for 2 reasons. Number one, I am going to put some of my artwork in a local store so I want a nice collection of new items to display as well as I am going to...yes, I declare right here right now to do an art show this year at one of the local festivals. ALSO--I am going to submit some of my work to Cloth Paper Scissors...my favorite art magazine, so I need a few things that aren't in my shop to send to them as they can keep items up to 6 months or so as they jury you for their publication. This is going to be the year for me that I really make some moves to step it up notch in my little 'part time' job.

It not only keeps me busy, it keeps me sane!

Here's some more of my Sweet HeART magnets that I have going for another special order. I'm doing 24 of them this time for a customer. These buggers take a LONG time to make. First you have to cut the wood, then sand it, then prime all sides, then coat with black paint at least 2 times all sides, cut the background papers, cut the hearts out, cut the inspiration words out, then decorate. Final step is to seal on the front, let dry, then repaint the back because inevitably there is glue or XS paint from the decorating on the back...then seal the back and add the magnets. That's a lot of work for a 2.50 item. That's why I'm raising my prices on these!! LOL Not to mention, the new set of magnets I'm making are bigger than the last set.

Well, thanks for listening today even though half of it is in riddle for those of you who don't know who triangle chaos is. Sigh.....it's like a bad dream that keeps coming back every night and Ican't get rid of it no matter how hard I try.

Thanks for visiting and hearing me roar!!

Tiny Art

I have another order coming up for my Sweet HeART magnets so I thought I'd play around and make a few ACEO's.
It's funny, I have a much easier time working on larger canvases but these cards were fun to make and are adorable. I had a real small frame I tested one in and they look great in it. Gotta branch out and try new things, right?

So, I'm thinking about getting a scooter...lol...can y'all believe the dang gas prices?????? I decided not to go on any road trips this year because of it. Maybe some people haven't changed their driving habits, but I can say I surely have. The only thing I haven't done differently is to stop going home for lunch....but that may come soon if the prices don't go down soon. Other than that, because we live out in the country, I really try to plan my route so we are not going back to town 2 or 3 times a day--or on a weekend. Josh said Mom, we can always walk.
Child, do you know how long 10 miles is??? LOL Mama ain't walkin' to town anytime soon!

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