Wadsworth~Noll Studio

a lesson in patience; a warm memory on a cold winter day

2012-01-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

it started way back (waaaaaay back) when i was a little girl, just old enough to go poking around beaches and picking up bits of this and that and whatever rolled up upon the shores. bottle caps and drift wood, unidentifiable blobs of rust and shards of glass tumbled and rolled to gem like perfection; all stuffed deep into my pockets like bits of buried treasure. fists full of rocks and pockets full of sand- i was the renegade sweet pea indiana jones. unlike the fabled indiana, however, i had an elusive treasure. a treasure so simple, yet obviously so plentiful i could not understand why it continued to evade me. i found it had become an obsession- one that has lasted over 30 years. every nook and cranny, every possible stolen second ("oh, i'll be right back, just gonna have a peak") new york, new jersey, through the carolinas, delaware, maryland, hundreds of miles of florida coastline -and that does not include the hundreds of hours logged under the water. yes, that's right.

i have been searching for a shell for over thirty years. but not just any shell-oh no. i wanted a perfect non-clam shell. the ones with the points and the swirls and ridges and peaks, oh yes. a real shell. now. let us not dwell on the fact that, in all of my childhood innocence, i was searching for this shell for the first ten years in (sigh) fresh water inland lakes- that is not important. (silly, yes. important- no) i would let nothing deter me. year after year, visit after visit, i would wake up at the crack of dawn and take to the beaches- mission at hand. imagine my joy, when i finally reached the age of taking those 3 blocks from my great aunts house to the atlantic ocean...by myself. wonder of wonder- joy of joy- no distractions, no interruptions. just endless hours and miles of beaches to comb and search and pilfer. and yet, nothing. and though patience was never one of my greatest virtues, i refused to let disappointment take hold- knowing that one day....

flash forward to this one year. this one day. or, i should say this one night. this one fateful night in october. A storm was brewing off the atlantic coast of florida- later to be termed, oh so cleverly by the weather people as the *great storm with no name* of 2011.

I should mention at this point that my son, now 19, has inherited the 'call of the sea' from his mother (inherited from her father, and his father and so on)- drawn by the waves and the vastness of it all; its sad song of longing forever whispering in his ear. With a storm on the rise there is no other place you would have found him, other than the darkening shores with his feet in the sand and his eyes on the horizon. that is, no other place until he came running to the house, breathless, to grab my hand and sprint back to the beaches.

carefully we made our way back across the dunes, the sand stinging at our legs and i could see the the waves violently crashing at the shores- the mother in me hesitated as i surveyed our surroundings, wondering if this was in fact a really good idea. but, my son, still invincible, pulled me forward, and pointed. I followed his gaze down the shore line as he yelled above the wild ocean's call..."mom, it's time you found what you've been looking for!" twinkling in the moonlight, there it was...
a perfect whelk with a left twist.

now, i would like to say that i dropped to my knees over come with tears of joy- a quest consuming 3/4 of my life- finally realized. but you see,

he had friends...

whelks and turkey wings; cowries and coquinas; little slipper shells, jingle shells and fighting conchs. they were all present and accounted for. the ocean offering them up like jewels- we picked for an hour, careful to toss the live critters back to the water-
were it not for the lightening strikes warning us to take heed, we would have been there all night.
The next morning we took our stroll past piles of palm fronds and storm debris down to the dunes but the ocean had taken back the last of her gifts (and most of the beach as well). I guess she figured that offering up 30 years worth of searching in one night was enough, and i couldn't have agreed more.
so i suppose the lesson i have learned is this. when the time is right, the universe will give you what you have been searching for. when the time is right : for the universe and you. all of those years of searching; my son running to find me to share in his treasure trove, to spend time with him digging about a beach, in the dark with the wild winds and the full moon. those moments are fleeting for a parent, if they come at all. yes, i would have to say the universe had it right in waiting. i don't think i would have appreciated it so fully any other way.

live well.
love each other.

log off today- stand against censorship!

2012-01-18T00:51:00.000-05:00

http://www.sopastrike.com/

Today, we are striking against censorship.

Join the largest online protest in history:

tell Congress to stop the internet censorship bills, SOPA & PIPA now!

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go to your studio, read a book, take a breath,

count your blessing.

live well & love each other.

we will see you tomorrow.

2011-12-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

~wishing you a wonderful holiday season~

after an insane Summer and even crazier Autumn, it's time to slow down a bit and spend some quality time with friends and family! the studio will be back on line with updates

after the new year. See you then!

live well.

love each other.

on summer travels and things that caught my eye

2011-11-02T01:56:00.000-04:00

I always rather enjoy the travels of summer, or should i say the drives of summer as I rarely fly to my destinations domestically- i guess you can say i am a child of the *road trip*- a few snacks, a rucksack, a camera and a map and i am good to go. travel by plane and you miss the richness of the american road and all it has to offer. you just need to get off the highway now and again to make sure you catch it.

this summer the direction was south. the starting point; where new york meets canada. the finish line was the treasure coast. 1,380 miles, 8 states, 4 weeks and a whole lot of coffee. (thank god for starbucks venti quad mochas. how would i function?)

the coastal route has the best architecture. and once you get into the deep south- it's as if

you stepped back in time.

can you just imagine what the inside of this old theatre looks like? i silently hope they

have restored it to its original grandeur as i pass by. that would be lovely.

Bob's your uncle. Fannie's your aunt. Life is good. enough said.

while i always enjoy the journey- the finish line is well met and there

is still work to be done. and so we move on to Halloween!

Welcome to the Spirits in Sanford!

Did i mention that the women at the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery have a way

with entertaining? would you have ever thought of a prosciutto brain skull. very cool.

(me being goofy, again, in front of my doll display. )

after years of seeing their work via everywhere, this was my first show with the ever-so-charming Jorge de Rojas and the quite adorable (i can call him adorable 'cause he's the one in the stripey tights and buckle shoes!) Allen Cunningham. Both have hearts of gold and a talent unique as they are. it certainly was a pleasure to hob with them for a while.

the new steampunk zombie ornaments were unleased at Spirits, and i am thrilled to say they were very well received. while they have just about sold out, there are a few that you can purchase here .

And after all of that excitement, the miles on the road, the intense southern heat (yes, 82 degrees is INTENSE in October for a northern girl!), concerts on the warf and barefoot midnight strolls in the surf- i reach the mountains again...

Looking forward to the slight chill in the autumn air, candle-lit pumpkins, crunching leaves beneath my feet; the wonder that is the season between summer and winter.

let's just say mother nature had other plans.

♥*¨)¸.·´¸.·*´¨live well.

¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*love each other.

if you are ever in the area- you have to check out this gallery!

2011-10-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

Stop by and check out the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery. This is the BEST space i have ever seen/shown in. the energy and the art work and the people. *sigh* just fabulous.

A Walk Through My Wonderland

2011-06-25T00:31:00.112-04:00

instead of partaking in my usual schemes, i thought i would take advantage of this year's Mad Tea to offer a glimpse into my own little *wonderland*; so if you would care and like to indulge, we are off to take a stroll.

Welcome to my *Wonderland*

my *wonderland* is a place that is thick with green wonders, of curious things
and of some i am quite uncertain;

where on the first day of summer, snowballs bloom deep within its thickets.

Where the walls are splattered with polka dots,

and the floors are in tangles of vine and white trumpet.

it is a place where *fairy hats* appear out of nowhere

(seriously. they showed up last year. i still have no idea what they are so, i have

named them *fairy hats*- since that is the only thing that makes sense. to me)

to showcase their own splendor

and offer a resting place for weary travelers.

a place where even the most serious of guardians
have a sense of humor;

and the rocks can't help but show you some love.

a place where grand old trees whisper secrets to the wind

and curiosity gets the better of everyone.

Time is measured by the rust on a wheel

and daisies try to touch the sky.

dragons have breath

chickens stand guard

and all is right with the world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

if you look closely and believe in your own *wonderland*

i'm sure you will find

a smile lurking off in the distance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

be sure to check out the many wonderful *wonderlands* on your

way to Grand Mad Tea! You can find the guest list over at A Fanciful Twist

and be sure to send greetings to our delightful hostess Vanessa!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For Mad Tea Guests and Participants Only

use coupon code: MADTEA2011

in the art shop on etsy (whisperings13) to receive 23% off your entire purchase!

offer expires July 01, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While you are here- take a look around the newly revamped website! multiple tabs, more information, and a *new* location featuring fresh from the studio work available for purchase. expanded schedule coming soon-

STUDIO NEWS::: The studio was invited to the *Spirits in Sanford* show in early October! More details coming soon. Keep your eye out for details and show reveals in coming issues of Art Doll Quarterly/Stampington Publications! and check back here or follow on Face Book for up to date details and show listings. :O)

Also: Hot off the Press!! ; Mixed Media Artist and Guru Alicia Caudle's Altered Bits: Mixed Media Art Zine! 21 artists (including the Studio!), 2 themes- available now on Amazon! (for a direct link- go to the 'Exhibits and Publications' tab above)

until next time
.·*´¨)♥live well.
.·*´¨*´¨)♥love each other.

Duty, Honor, Country

2011-05-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

"...I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to victory. Always, for them: Duty, Honor, Country; always their blood and sweat and tears, as we sought the way and the light and the truth...."

~General Douglas MacArthur

♥always honor. always remember.

.·*´¨)♥live well.
.·*´¨*´¨)♥love each other.

hanging on just a tad bit more

2011-05-28T23:21:00.001-04:00

it's almost done...

the *deadlines* are almost through...

can't lose focus, not just yet, just a tad bit longer..

I'm looking forwards to the long summer days

and soon there will be time for

chatting and flitting, carrying on and catching up...

*and i can't wait!*

but until then, I'm still here. feeling much like this;

my 16 year old self...

completely out. of. my. gourd.

.·*´¨)♥live well.

.·*´¨*´¨)♥love each other.

p.s. Due to an internal glitch with Blogger-

commenting and following options are missing.

RSS feed is currently a working feature and is

located at the bottom of the page.

Hopefully Blogger will correct the issues soon.

Oh Spring, you sweet temptress

2011-03-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

changes on the wind

2011-03-04T17:16:00.001-05:00

Love is everywhere.

2011-02-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

Spread it around!

To all of my beautiful friends, fans and followers;

2010-12-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

May your lives be as blessed as you have made mine.

A Very Happy Christmas.

live well.

love each other.

tis the season; for tradition, a story, a new shop, a few updates and a sale to be

2010-11-30T19:31:00.000-05:00

okay, so maybe i am getting a bit ahead of myself, or even the season but when you spend as much time as is needed creating for the next season- i have been waiting with anticipation for thanksgiving to pass and for the holiday season 'to begin'.

as a child, it was the day that the boxes were hauled from the attic and the tree was placed, that the holidays began to come alive. box after box of lights and tinsel and every ornament lovingly placed upon the tree, after a close inspection and the recant of a story as to its origin. every year since i can remember there was a gift of a new ornament to place on the tree. when we were just little tots, they were ornaments we made ourselves from clothes pins and paint or macaroni and glitter; as we got older they were symbols of events, of adventures and travels and each one a memory- if only a memory of a smile of a moment in time.

my great aunt is responsible for my love of creating ornaments. she would spend months sewing and gluing; beading and tacking; sequins, lace and shiny gold hangers- she made ornaments. dozens of ornaments. little dolls with locks of yellow yarn and gingerbread men with white rickrack icing; soldiers with big red top hats and green felted christmas trees with tiny little bells- she was a master. one year she created an entire felted manger scene. dozens of little ornaments all strung on lines of gold; wisemen dressed in long colorful robes bearing gifts and large white camels with bright turquoise saddles; donkeys and sheep and a barn with a manger and a bright shiny star. every one a gift, every one more detailed than the next and every one destined for that tree; and then the box, and then the tree. year after year. the ornament box comes out and the memories flood back like hidden treasures tucked safely away awaiting to be discovered again.

so it is no wonder that i tend to go a wild when it comes to creating ornaments and fun little celebrations of the season.

between local shows and deadlines, i have managed to stay pretty on top of things so far this season- which i have to say i am pretty proud of *pat on back*- i spent this morning adding new listings to the etsy shop- so stop on by to check out the new ornaments- new this year; i have added gift boxes! so many people asked for gift boxes so they could spread the love- i thought it would be much simpler this year if i just added them to the listing- so if you purchase an ornament you have the option of purchasing a gift box. gift andddd DOne!

due to a great new promotion that artfire was having- i closed my shop over there and opened a brand new one- also "Whisperings 13"- ends a lot of confusion and is allowing me to tidy up the branding of the studio. I hope to have enough inventory to add some things to the new artfire shop the first week of December- but i have to wait until after the old fashioned christmas celebration on the 4th. the etsy shop will be closed the 3rd through the 5th as i re-sort and restock.

e-commerce will never cease to amaze me. it is unpredictable and predictable at the same time. when something doesn't work- it really doesn't work. when something works, it takes off and leaves your head swimming as to why, why, why as you dogie paddle through the bliss of a successful campaign. i find myself in this conundrum with my holiday SNoWiEs. two days after i listed them, my email was flooded with requests and my custom order drying table looked like this:

these sweet little snowmen (or whats left of them) have been a wonderful hit and i am very excited as to how they have been received! as i finish up on the last of the latest orders, i am coming to the realization that i am going to have to put a deadline on orders for multiple SNoWiEs- but that is to be determined. in the meantime there are still a few available in the etsy shop.

a *super SNoWiE* three times as large as the other SNoWiEs-

only one being created! will be listing later this week.

keep your eyes out for a sale coupon coming this week, just for blog readers, hive members and facebook fans of the studio. *how cool is it that etsy finally caught up and allows us to run specials now*

i go back to greedily awaiting the first snow of the season, the warmth towards others that people seem to find and the magic that envelopes the world.

live well.

love each other.

there are some things i know for certain ~ a practical magic blog party <[:0)

2010-09-25T00:23:00.002-04:00

hosted by the lovely la boheme magique and frosted petunias (a/k/a Anna & Justina)

*click on photos for detail*

*for rss feeds, best viewed at original blogsite here*

"Can LOVE travel back in time and heal a broken heart?... I'd like to think so.

There are some things I know for certain:

Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder.

Keep ROSEMARY by your garden gate.

Plant lavender for luck"

Roses are worth the thorns.

"Being NORMAL is not necessarily a virtue.. "

Make room for Fae.

Twinkle lights are always a good idea.

costumes are a necessity.

destinations may be in more than one direction.

find comfort in rain.

"Magic ... has power because you BELIEVE it does."

sometimes it's best to throw off conventional formality and...

be as silly as possible.

*purchase me here*

love what you do.

"Twelve's BETTER"

*purchase us here*

stand in awe of the world.

smiling makes more than just you happy.

"There's a little WITCH in every woman"

*purchase me here*

karma will care for betrayals.

trust in your guardians.

celebrate change.

look for guidance from your elders.

find strength in silence.

do with intention.

believe that the stars will guide you.

"And fall in LOVE whenever you can."

live well.

love each other.

***Leave a comment on either the main blog or the rss feed through THe Hive and be entered in a random drawing for a set of three Spirits of Pumpkins past!***

one leads to many; moments, days, lives, loves

2010-09-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” ~Jimi Hendrix

idealistic. yes.

unobtainable. no.

Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.” ~ Robert Fulghum

"Let us forgive each other - only then will we live in peace"~Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

Celebrate differences.

enjoy cultures.

share stories.

discover humanity.

Live well.

Love each other.

a peak at the darker side of the studio

2010-09-19T21:44:00.000-04:00

a confession of being a tad overworked these days; i am having a hard time splitting the creativity between writing and painting- and as a result, my blogs have been sadly ignored. in attempt to let everyone know that i am infact still currently amoung the living, i have put together a few snaps of my darker, more inspirational side- pulling back the curtain, lifting the veil and sneaking you a peak into the "other"
side of the studio.

(mixed media totem wips)

(mixed-media wip totem w/ my signature flamed enamel painting technique)

(yes. her head has been turned into a paintbrush holder)

(my 'boyfriend' and the pinnacle of inspiration in the studio; Beau Bunny. he hangs in the foyer, in his 1800's mahogany frame; such a dapper guy deserves no less!. The genius behind this dashing bandito is Donna Courtney at The Decorated House; just know his heart belongs to me!)

(mixed media altered art piece)

(waiting their turn.... creepy, huh.)

(gargoyles and dream jars)

live well.

love each other.

Halloween is coming! Halloween is coming! or Mayhem, Excitement and Deadlines~ My work here has just begun!

2010-08-17T22:15:00.000-04:00

When school lets out in the June, everyone is a flutter with excitement and anticipation.

It's SUMMER! There is packing to be done and trips to be made,
sunshine to delight in and hammocks to relax in.
And the lazy days of summer stretch on and on and on.....

until ***'"'PooF'''"' one day you wake up and it's over. and you can't quite

grasp on to where it all went. and then you realise. if Summer is over, then school must be starting.
if school is starting, the Autumn must be on it's way. if Autumn is on it's

way, then that MuST mean....

HaLLoWeeN is Coming!!!!

i love Halloween (or All-Hallows Eve, as we call it here at the Noll).
i keep half of my decorations up all year long.

half of them- because then, there is still always decorating for the day (and night)

to be done! and oh, what fun we have!
Halloween invokes images of magic and mayhem. Of full moons and bat wings, of costumes and
cool nights. long walks with leaves crackling beneath your feet. of witches and spells and things
that go bump in the night.

Halloween also means the start of a very busy season here at the Noll.

Orders come swift and they come early. i now know why stores start to stock

seasonal items three-six months before the season!

*i still don't understand it- but at least now i know!*

I've created a limited studio edition Zen-sible dolls- the most

senseless of creatures- so silly they are! But they are bound

to lighten your mood with a giggle or two!

just watch out for this one, where ever she goes~ she likes to

announce that she's queen of everything- and then tickle your toes!

a touch of Fae and a dose of magic appear in a series of

watercolor paintings on vintage papers

3-d sculptured shadow boxes will make their debut. this little

w.i.p. has a 'pocket full of poseys'- look for him in early September!

and the studio series of cloth/sculpted "stump" dolls

(the 'ada' has to find a better name!)

were so popular *there are still a few left at the shop--->*

that there are more on the drying rack- heading for art shops in Idaho and Oregon.

Little Safarina was so excited- she tried jumping off the drying rack in hot

pursuit of some candy- as you can see- she put on her best witchy

costume- and added a nose, so you would be frightened *don't tell her i told!*

Well, time she is flying, like a witch and her broom!

Halloween will be here before you know it!

it's time i headed back into the studio!

don't forget to get your custom orders in early~

there are phenomenal artists out there,

with voices to be heard!

if you don't believe me- just listen for the buzz!

it's coming from the hive!

live well.

love each other.

the findings of my gypsy journey or why i believe i should come back as a bat

2010-08-12T01:30:00.000-04:00

sounds silly enough- coming back as a bat- its not like i have a fetish for mosquitoes, and while i do have perfect pitch hearing- i tend to be quite fond of my eye sight. so why a bat you might ask? well- first and foremost- bats are super cool. and really. who doesn't want to be super cool at least once in their existence? but that isn't even it- the real reason goes much deeper than that-

i have an on going love affair infatuation with places like this:

i can tell you, i just want to, feel compelled to, really long to, well, hang out in there.

what do you say? just for a few hours. i am betting the view is fantastic!

and then there is this.

it's not a morbid facination- but a facination nonetheless-

graveyards. cemeteries. boneyards- what ever you call them.

every one of those markers tells a story. had a life, lived a dream, broke a heart. and as daft as it may

sound- i find great peace listening to their stories.

and the older the marker, the deeper the history, the better the story.

this is my favorite time of day- the time when the sun just sets but it is not yet dark.

the earth starts to cool, your skin takes to a chill and the chaos begins to quiet. this is the

time when my mind starts to whir.

As you can tell by the time of this post, i seldom sleep through the night,

unless it is a full moon- and then i don't sleep at all. for three days.

until it starts to wane- my mind won't shut off and my eyes won't shut.

a bit odd i think- but i am used to it- and a such,

we have great conversations during those times,

the moon and i.

and i think she will be great company when i come to take flight.

as a bat.

^oo^

live well.

love each other.

Wrapping up the ghoulies -mini e-class-summerfest 2010

2010-08-02T22:07:00.000-04:00

I'm Late! sorry bout that folks- one of the draw backs of being in the middle of no where- is that,

your in the middle of no where. and by no where i mean cable arrived some time in the

past two years- and there is no cell service. As a result i am at the whim of mother nature, who

has been, well let us just say- she has been a bit irritable the past few days- either that or

Thor is auditioning for a new band. This activity results in cable (Internet) intermittent for about

5 minutes every 6 to 8 hours. But we are back up on line- so here is what i

finally wound up doing.

Once i sat back and looked at my ghoulies, i just wasn't happy with their....ghouliness. so i pulled

out my bucket of molding paste and some cheese cloth and decided to

beef up their ghoul level.

once all the icky stuff was dried up and set i mixed up a concoction of raw umber, quin gold,

gesso and flow release and slathered them up.

**oh- BIG mention here- make sure you place your

work in a position you want it to stay in before you use the molding paste- it's like putting it in a body cast

and it's mobility drops to about 23% when its dry**

this particular ghoulie wound up carrying a ghost on its back- i happened to have

some dry pumpkin ghosts *the ghosts of pumpkins past* and some cotton fish net in

the same location- you never really know what is going to come together

when you start~

i still have to seal them- a good coat of varnish should do it- and some gloss on their eyes to make

them shine-

i may even give them bases in the form of rocks and gravestones- possibilities are endless

when you start working with figures.

every one takes on it's own personality- and if you get stuck, have no fear.

sooner or later they will tell you what they want to ; look like, wear,

do or even say. all you have to do listen to them.

"Kootash dai na, aja nilo. "

[translation] "Take my hand and I will spare your friends."

~The Mummy

Thank you Juliet! i am glad you enjoyed it!
Kristal-Hey Girl! no worries~gather your supplies! i am going to keep these up for a while- and after that, there will be a direct link on the side, so that you can refer back to them at any time!
Di~ you are the sweetest person on the planet! and i thank you for your kind words. i am speechless at the role model part- i've often been referred to as a bad influence :oP - as for a role model i am honored, and humbled. you are an inspiring work of art yourself- and i am blessed to call you friend.

Have a wonderful week all~ I am in the overwhelmed part of the process here- working to stock a new gallery **the studio is hitting the west coast! formal announcement to come- listen for the squeels of delight* and trying to stay afloat in the mean time with the rest of you~sometimes the simplest thing we can do to be happy is just smile at the blessings we have~ and i have so many, of which you are included.

live well.
love each other.

SummerFest- Free E-Class Tutorial- Time to Make the Ghoulies Part Three

2010-07-26T00:26:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's monday already and another week has past!

First thing we need to do is make a pair of boots for our ghoulie

so that he can stand on his own.

all we are going to need is the paperclay, a few tools and a skewer. by the way- the skewers

come in handy for a multitude of reasons- but the coolest is that they are just a hair larger than the

15 gauge armature wire- which allows all your pieces to fit together just right.

work a piece of clay into a cylinder form.

place on your table and cut in half. one for each foot.

shape into a triangle form and then pull up one side to form a boot- and round

out the front.

take the flat end of the skewer and poke a hole for the leg wire

to go in- once that hole is in there- then you can gently place your ghoulie

into the boots- to make sure you have a good fit, and the wire sits in the boot properly.

i added little buttons for effect. place them up on a piece of styrofoam to dry-

you can put them anywhere flat really, just not wood (the oils will seep into clay).

i just use a piece of styrofoam because it is clean and "seep free"- nothing in it to come out

and nothing you put on it will seep in.

while they are drying, it is time to rip up some fabric.

i used coffee stained muslin. you may use what ever fabric you choose- just rip

it up into strips that wil fit comfortably around your ghoulie.

and start wrapping.

leave some hangers- ghoulies can be so messy.

gently place in the boots again- to make sure the wrappings don't do down

to far, and the boots dont fit. once the first wrapping sets, and the boots are dry

glue the boots in place and then give the ghoulie another wrap.

now is the time to start playing with your ghoulie. paint, embellish, give the final

touches.

the finished ghoulie is within sight!

Q&A:

thank you for all of the emails! i will get to everyone of you!

and thank you Elizabeth! that means my goal has been achieved! to take some of the intimidating out of art dolls. This is just a beginning. like i explained- these are your basic, basic steps. but once you start (and you will :O) you will develop your own style and technique; your work will become more refined and intricate- never worry about watching someone else- that is where inspiration comes from- if one werent to teach another- the "art of" would fade away.

Allison; The objective is to develope your own style, and not continue to copy someone elses. when your starting out you are mimicking actions- as an artist your talent will shine through and so will your own style. it takes loads of practice. some people think you can just wake up and be good at something- just because someone else is- what they dont show you are the hours and hours of work it took to get there. it is fun. it is an amazing thing to be able to do, actually- but it is also a great deal of work to perfect.

Ger: no, you did not miss the steps. i realise i did not go over hands and face painting. that is for a whole other day!:O) this is for getting the basic armature and form down. just a look to take the scarey out of the whole process. i had a number of people approach me not understanding or knowing how to begin- my answer to them is this basic step class to get them started on their way.

okay- see you all next week!!

live well.

love each other.

SummerFest- Free E-Class Tutorial- Time to Make the Ghoulies Part Two

2010-07-19T08:36:00.000-04:00

Welcome back and Thank you for all the lovely emails!

As we go along (for anyone new joining us) please feel free to drop me an email or leave me a comment with any questions or comments. The comments section has been temporarily placed on moderate- and i will not be posting the comments (for the e-classes only) here on the blog- i have found this makes people more comfortable, as i want everyone to be confident enough to ask me anything and i will only make reference by first names- there are no "stupid" questions (Right Alice *wink*) it is "just" art- it won't bite!

Okay then. let's get to it!

...... the Body Armature! (insert scary 'muwahh haa haa' here)

The body armature is actually not as scary or complicated as it may seem. And i will note here that a) i am not the end all, last word on body armatures- like everything, there is more than one way to get it done. b) this is a basic structure, as you go along making dolls and creatures, you will perfect your basic structure and things will get very tricky- but until then, grab two pieces of armature aluminum wire and some masking tape. yup. that's it.

the length of the wire depends on how "tall" you want your little being to be.

lay your wires next to each other, and start to wrap them together with the masking tape, about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54cm to 3.81cm) from the top end of the wires. keep them parallel with one another while wrapping. you want to make as many wraps as you need to keep them securely together. usually about 4 or 5 wraps should do it.

once you have them so they don't "roll" away from each other, and your going

to have to eyeball this one- wrap the length of what would be the distance between

the shoulders and the hips- your basically outlining where the torso will be.

the next step- see photo above- is going to be to bend the two wires apart and

then bend them back again to create, what looks much like a tuning fork, but will

actually become the hips and legs of your little being.

Do NOT glue it on yet, but if you just put your head on the 'neck' you can get a better

feel as to how things are going to look when we are done.

You can keep the head on, because we are going to need it there for placement of the arms,

but for now you can put the head/body aside and grab another piece of armature wire.

the length of the wire is going to be 2x the length of the shoulder to the knee area of your being,

or basically however long you want it to be :o) see that is the beauty of making creatures/dolls-

you can make them look however you want to!

TIP: armature wire is very... bendy. it is easy to start getting a lot of kinks in it.

here is a super easy way to bend the wire in half in one shot.

grasp each end of the wire between your thumb and first finger (one in each hand) so you look

like your ready to conduct an orchestra- and bring your hands down and together and the

wire will follow, so you get this..

now take those two ends again, same position and just ratchet it back and forth in small, fluid

motions. the wire will start to close that camel hump until the two sides just about touch.

give the wire a bit of a flip and bring the two ends back up so it looks

like this...

time to bring back the head/body to the table for a line up:

flip the wire so the hump points down and, giving room for the neck, place the wire behind the body

and Voile'! instant shoulders/arms. now we want to make sure that they

are secure and don't wiggle or fall off- so it's time to bring out the masking tape again

and start wrapping, first the hump to the 'spine' and then up and around both

shoulder parts, and you will see the body start to form up. remember we still

have NOT glued the head into place. it is just rattling around up there, so

be careful not to send it flying while your wrapping with the masking tape.

next, cut another small piece of wire, bend it using the same technique above, only this time

we are placing it around those hips we just made. if you refer to the picture, you will see

one side on top of the body frame, and one side underneath. this is giving the armature some added

support and rigidity- when in doubt- reinforce. you don't want to put all of the hours

into an art doll only to have the main structure fail- a few extra steps in the beginning

will save you a whole lot of swearing in the end!

that being said, what are we going to do? you got it...

wrap him up! masking tape is remarkably strong when used in this

application. it can also be twisted around joints so that the form is strong,

yet still moves freely.

so there you have it. his main body form is almost complete.

now we need to grab some batting...

i like batting, as opposed to fiberfill, because it is easier to wrap and weave around

armature parts when making dolls. it is a personal thing- i don't like lumpy dolls, and the batting

holds itself into place so you don't need additional (insert name of favorite securing

device here) to keep it in place.

so peel off some batting (single layer) and lets get wrapping!

okay. now he's not so skinny! put as much or as little batting as you want to make your

creature as thick or as thin as you like- it's all about your vision when creating art dolls.

me, i'm going to stop here. i think he is ready for the next step.

we finally get to give him his head!

and i found a pair of hands that were drying and commandeered them

for this project-

make sure you have good air when using your adhesive- it STINKS-

and will give you a headache- so... fresh air!.. lots of it!

i put the wire right into the tube of glue and gob it up good.

i just don't like pieces falling off!

so don't over do it- but use enough adhesive to get the job done.

and if the glue globs over the neck or arms.. no worries- it is going

to be covered up anyway- and at least you know the future owner of your lovely won't

be searching for a hand some day!

ohhhh. creepy, creepy.

okay- so more cute than creepy - we will work on creepy

another day! :o)

okay- remember- shoot me off any questions you may have, next week we will finish these

bad boys up with feet and paint and final wardrobe selection-

have a most excellent week!

live well.

love each other.

SummerFest- Free E-Class Tutorial- Time to Make the Ghoulies Part One

2010-07-12T20:54:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Summerfest at the Studio!

Halloween is around the corner and everyone is working hard to get their muses headed in that direction for the big Halloween sales- so what a better way to kick off Summerfests free E-Classes!

It's time to make the Ghoulies!!

Supplies you will need to complete your project (in no particular order):

a water spritzer

aluminum armature wire

masking tape

paperclay

bamboo skewers

an assortment of clay tools

acrylic paint in your choice of colors

gesso

fabric scraps (i will be using muslin but old t-shirts work just fine)

aluminum foil

wire cutters

We will start with making the head.

for this part you will need the paperclay (i exclusively use Creative PaperClay), a wad of aluminum foil, your clay tools, masking tape and a bamboo skewer.

i like to recycle aluminum foil (just throw it in the dishwasher and it comes out clean!) but for this demonstration, i will be using fresh from the roll foil- to make it easier.

take your bamboo skewer and gently scrunch the aluminum foil around the top

of the skewer (the flat end, keep the pointy end down).

once you have it in place, your going to give it a good squeeze and

tighten the foil- while molding into a head like form. you want the

skewer to the top of the head form- but not sticking through the top of it.

don't forget to leave a tad at the bottom for the neck.

when you have the foil firmly squished around the skewer, you want to grasp the

foil in your hand and give just barely a tug, (to make sure you can remove the skewer later)

and then move it back into position.

take your masking tape and wrap the head till no foil shows through.

this is done so that the clay does not react with the foil and it aids in the

drying process of the clay- you won't have so many cracks (the foil has lots of crevices for

air to get trapped in)

now make a loose wrap around the bottom (the neck). this will allow you additional space for a neck

and by making it loose, while the clay will push it back against the skewer, it will allow for easy

removal of the skewer later.

cover the head with a layer of paperclay. about 1/4 inch thick.

if it is too thin (i.e you can feel the tape through it) it will have a higher rate

of cracking when drying, if it is too thick it will take days to dry properly.

TIP:: use your spritzer!

spritz the taped head before adding the clay.

spritz your hands while working with the clay.

spritz the clay.

paperclay is very finicky depending on your environment, your body temperature

and the humidity of the room you are in. It is not hard to work with,

and is very forgiving- if you just remember to keep it moist. if it doesn't blend to itself with one

rub of the finger- it's time to give it a spritz. If you think you have given it too much water

just wait a minute and let it set- but don't walk away from paperclay! you will return to a lump

of unusable grit if you do. just keep moving and you'll be fine!

pinch off a bit of clay from your block and give it a spritz, roll it between your

fingers to make a fat teardrop and (give the head a spritz) place it in the center of

the face to create a nose.

you can work both sides of the nose into the head with your thumbs (don't forget to spritz!)

if you don't have clay tools i have found that the end of another skewer, or the back end of a pair of tweezers

works well for making a nose. insert your tool (whatever it may be) to the left and then to the right to create nostrils.

TIP: when creating nostrils, a slight bump upwards before pulling the tool out

helps to create the "flair" of the nostril, with out too much effort. you are pushing the clay up slightly

to "bubble" into a nostril flair.

to make the eyes- first- hold the head, facing up, on the ends of your fingertips

(both hands) place one thumb where the left eye should be, place your other thumb

where the right eye should be, and give a little push- till you indent the clay into

the form of an eye socket.

then, taking the rounded end of your tool, define the eye to a shape you like. again, a popsicle stick

also works well for this part, or the back end of a spoon- look around- you will

be surprised what you can use for clay tools!

here is an example: the left eye has the thumb impression. the right eye

has been defined with the rounded end of a clay tool.

the mouth is simply a split of the clay- i am using a tool in this photo, but

an exacto knife or even a butter knife will work here.

Make sure you are still spritzing your clay! (even the block you are working from

needs a good spritz now and again!)

use two splits on the top, to give the full lip look, and then once you have a bit of an

opening, move below the opening and give the clay a bit of a push in and up

and a bottom lip will appear. you can then define them as you wish.

once you are happy with the basic head and face give it

one more spritz (this slows down the final surface drying)

last step- smooth under the neck as this is the spot that gets handled the most

and is the most likely spot to get over looked.

give the skewer a twist to make sure it is still loose.

TIP:: Bamboo skewers are great for paper clay.

paperclay dries from the outside in. the bamboo wicks the extra moisture out from the

inside of your piece and is exceptionally helpful when drying hands and feet.

It will take 2 (two) days for the paperclay to dry completely. Do not try to rush it by moving

on to the next step or icky things happen to paperclay that is sealed when there is still

moisture in its core. worst case is mold, best case it's going to crack. in either case,

it is a frustration best left behind.

you can flip the skewer (put the dry end in the piece) after 24 hours- this will

help.

**********************************

it takes a while to master paperclay due to it's squishy need to be wet- but it is well worth the time, and so much fun to work with. the possibilities are endless! and don't worry if you don't have any or only one or two clay tools to work with. when i started sculpting with paperclay, it took me two years to buy a set of tools and another year to feel comfortable using them. your hands are your own amazing tools when it comes to clay- you will be surprised what you can accomplish with just your thumbs and a bit of household items!

*******************************

let those heads dry and i will see you back here for part two of e-class summerfest at the studio

the body armature!

remember, if you have any questions, you can either leave a comment and i will address

it at next class or you can email me for a private response.

live well.

love each other.

Happy 4th!!

2010-07-04T13:20:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a safe and festive Independence Day!

*enjoy free shipping on all art dolls at Whisperings13!!*

see Art Shop Etsy Link above!

Live well.

Love each other.

We have a winner! and get ready for Summerfest!

2010-06-30T11:18:00.000-04:00

after counting and marking and chopping and tossing and reaching and reading...
we have a winner of the Mad Tea Party Giveaway!

{{{{{{{drum roll please}}}}}}}

Joyce! from Nanas Space and Nanas Little Hobby

Joyce was the lucky party guest who commented during

the Mad Tea Party and won this OOAK Hand sculpted Ornie-Mental!

{{{{clap, clap, clap, clap}}}}}}

i just want to thank all of my guests for making this an Loveeerleee Tea Party in the maddest of sorts! i wish i had a little something to give to and every one of you! *hmmmmm* now that is an idea For next year!!

Better get to work, eh? there are an awful lot of party goers! i'm going to need more clay!

Okay. time to get back to it then!

i am in the process of moving the studio and need till Monday to get everything situated~ but after that- make sure you stop back, mark it down!

i am hosting a summerfest of tutorials, how-to's and free e-classes thru july and august.

while i have a list of topics to be covered- but if anyone has somthing they really want to know how to do, or want the "secret of" - just drop me a comment or send me an email- and i will do my best to put it on the list!

Have a WONDERFUL and SAFE July 4th Weekend!

Live well.

Love each other.

Wondering Thru Wonderland~ Mayhem Mischief and Madness

2010-06-26T08:19:00.001-04:00

We're off to see the sights.

traverse, a trek, a trip.

a quest, a tour, a wondering

of optical delights.

To wonder off thru WOnderland,

with rumor of a spree,

presented by the one and only

Fanciful Miss V.

Take a look around my friends,

we'll see what we can spy.

just keep your feet upon the ground,

while your dreams are in the sky.

Don't forget! Be well aware,

not all is cake and crumpet.

Lenny has been captured by the Red Queen!

that surly, little strumpet.

**DOWN WITH THE BLOODY BIG HEAD!**

All together now...

Twinkle Twinkle little bat, how i wonder where your at

Up above the world you fly

like a tea tray in the sky...

ohhh.. shiny!

Orbs of green and red and white grown straight up from the ground where ever you look around here the is something to be found it glitters and it glistens from the sky down to the ground impossible things really but they must be true because here i am seeing them but also seeing you

*breathe*

'have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?'

''There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full
of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter.

Which luckily I am."

'What is the Hatter with me??!!

no worries..

we're all mad here!

Oh dear- where was I- before the madness took over?

ah yes- the drinks that make you shrink (bitter but it works)

and little cakes that make you grow, made entirely of clover.

(how do you know? did you bake them? *giggle, snort*)

Leon! No! that's Not for you! you silly little elf.

the last time that you ate one

you picked me up

and stuffed me on that shelf!

The key you will need to

get through the door

but to find it is hard

you'll have to explore.

But wait! There it is- with Leonard and Brom!

Oh stop quarreling you two!

you can both hand it to them!

(when those two get together- it is nothing but mayhem!)

Oh I hope they behave, for the White Queen is watching!

Since the Hatter went missing, well, her hair it is... blotching.

(yes- i know she is bald, but we must be polite- you can't go up to the Queen and

just announce she's a fright!)

SPOON!

Hatter Chatter Pitter Patter time to skitter skat!

Batter Clatter Platter Scatter

Don't Forget the hAt!

***In Celebration of the Mad tea Party, any purchases made through Sunday, June 27th at the Etsy Art Shop Whisperings 13- see link above) will receive 15% off item list price. Put "MAD TEA" in the comment section and I will refund to paypal upon payment of invoice!***

check back as I will be adding new listings through out the weekend!

***And One lucky person leaving a comment will receive a OOAK hand sculpted ornament!***

Enjoy the Mad Tea PArty!

and remember,

if your feeling a bit on the bonkers...

All the Best People are!

my oh my- just one more day!

2010-06-25T23:05:00.000-04:00

I'd better get moving- there will be guests on the way!

I'm in such a state- my head is so twirly!

I've sent out the sign man- just incase some are early...

Head on over to V's to scan through the tally~

You don't want to be late. Don't boondoggle or dally!

It's a Mad Tea Party, yes the grandest affair-

and now with so little time- i am off to prepare!

Raise your glass, tip your hat, for the toast to be made~

join in the march of the Mad Tea Parade!

And all of this fun

just couldn't be done

with out the assist

~ A Fanciful Twist

(the hostess with the mostess!)

Welcome Weekend!

2010-06-19T20:58:00.002-04:00

this weekend is all about shop maintenance. uploading photos. downloading photos. listing. listing. listing.

Which is good news. not complaining~ except it is exceptionally beautiful out this afternoon and i have a few dolls that are taunting me to finish them from across the studio. But I refuse to give into them! I have put this off long enough- and considering last weekend was an exceptional art show- with wonderful people (and equally wonderful sales) it is time to update and re list. *sigh*

that doesn't stop me from wishing I were here...

But those days will come soon enough. So I continue my lessons in patience.

Today is the 2nd annual Where Bloggers Create blog party. which as you can see- due to scheduling, i have missed this year. *pout* but please head on over to My Desert Cottage and take a gander at all of the wonderful studios out there in Blogland! It is probably a good thing- since the recent show schedule, creative hurricane and just down right hot weather/rain my studio looks more like this...

and this...

rather than those beautiful, organized studios you will see along your travels. I tried. i failed. I like to call it.. Creative Chaos. it's a process.

Okay- enough procrastination. time to get back to the photos and listings and uploads, and downloads...

Don't Forget.. The Countdown has begun for the Tea party! Click on the side link for more details- or just pop over and say hello to Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist for all of the details and a sneak peek at her preparations!

Live well.

Love each other.

Prana. Patience. Reminder.

2010-06-18T21:00:00.001-04:00

Unconditional.

Defined as:
From Merriam-Webster:
Pronunciation: \ˌən-kən-ˈdish-nəl, -ˈdi-shə-nəl\
Function: adjective
Date: 1666
1 : not conditional or limited : absolute, unqualified ;
2 : unconditioned 2
— un·con·di·tion·al·ly adverb

From freedictionary(dot)com:
adj unconditional [ankənˈdiʃənl]
complete and absolute, and not dependent on certain terms or conditions
see also:
Unconditional love: to love someone regardless of one's actions or beliefs. without limits.
see also foregiveness- freeing the past. Prana (life force)
Synonyms: complete, consummate, downright, entire, flat out, free, full, infinite, no catch, no fine print, no holds barred, no ifs ands or buts, no joke, no strings attached, outright, plenary, pure, sheer, simple, straight out, supreme, thorough, total, unabridged, unadulterated, unconditional, unlimited, unqualified, unrestricted, utter
Antonyms: conditional, incomplete, limited, qualified, unfinished, weak, abridged, broken, crude, defective, deficient, expurgated, fractional, fragmentary, garbled, half-done, immature, imperfect, inadequate, incoherent, insufficient, lacking, meager, part, partial, rough, rude, rudimentary, short, sketchy, unaccomplished, unconsummated, under construction, undeveloped, undone, unexecuted, unpolished

[ more people should remember this. more people should practice this. those that have experienced it should embrace it and remember that when it applies- nothing, including time, can change it. It's like breathing.]
Semper te amabo.

Live well.
Love each other.

wednesday wonders

2010-06-16T22:29:00.002-04:00

Be still sad heart and cease repining;

Behind the clouds the sun is shining,

Thy fate is the common fate of all,

Into each life a little rain must fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

New Digs, a New Start and a bit of Zen

2010-06-15T22:04:00.001-04:00

A brand new look- that was relatively painless- considering Blogger has forced me to redo this thing about 4 times so far- i must be getting the hang of it!

of note- you will notice that all of the comments are being monitered for approval. I know its a bit of a pain and I will be lifting it for the 26th- but since my studio promotions have taken off, there comes with it the opening of the door to spammers and porn leavers. (people that randomly attack blogs and list/post/spam followers and blogs with porn links) So since those few bad apples seem to LOVE my blog, I am forced to put the monitor on. (Poopy heads! you know who you are!!)

it has been a long day of coding and computing so I am going to get back to this tomorrow.

Love each other.
Live well.

Blogger killed the art blog....

2010-06-15T11:12:00.000-04:00

Sounds like something straight out of the Age of Plastic!! okay, okay,- how many of you actually got that reference? We all know the song (I think I can say "all"), yeah- even the young'ins have heard of "Video Killed the Radio Star"- not many remember that it was the Smash hit of The Buggles or that it was of their album (yes. album. funny circular thingies- originally made of wax but towards the end of their lives only a polymer derivative. you put it on a record player... *this was me explaining to my son a few years back what a "record" was*) so the album was The Age of Plastic which even fewer people remember.
WHY the British synth-pop new age 1979 flash back?? funny. it was the song that started playing in my head the second I saw my blog the other day. only of course the lyrics went something to the effect of... Blogger just killed the art blog....
seems that when Blogger instituted their new "we can design it for you" feature- it blew apart all of my pretty little swirls, whirlygigs and link buttons. so now it just looks like the aftermath of a Donner family reunion. yuck.
I am currently working on a redesign- should be up in a few days- might even have a preview later on - but I absolutely have to get everything running spiffy before the big party on the 26th! <---- look over there.

In the mean time. Have a listen and have fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwuy4hHO3YQ

Love each other.
Live well.

True honor

2010-05-27T14:20:00.001-04:00

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

~Theodore Roosevelt

Spring: New People to meet, New Places to Go, New things to See- Oh mY!

2010-03-21T14:21:00.002-04:00

Spring has finally SPrOiNgEd here in the Northeast. And what a blessing it is. I saw my first robin this morning. And I have to ask. Do they have an alarm that goes off? an invisibility cloak that gets lifted? First Day of Spring and **PoOooF** there they are. Is there a memo or an announcement that goes out? "all right guys... ready? three, two,one..Go!" Stage left, enters the robin- like a well rehearsed play. directly on cue.

I love the Spring, most of all because of the full sense of 'new' that takes place. Time to fly open the windows, clear out the cobwebs, dig in the dirt. plant the seeds of a new season, a new year. All things start over in the Spring. All things start fresh. And the Studio is no exception.

Cleaning out the cobwebs of both the studio and the mind.

Like a vortex- swirling and whirring. Spring cleaning takes on more than just the physical -

it also is emotional. Finding things discarded and unfinished, "dirty" with the negativity of the cold dark months preceding- blown off and given the chance for new life.

I completed my very first ever ATC. I don't know why I avoided them for so long- maybe because of the size. not bad if I do say so myself. I have to send out a BIG thanks for encouragement, guidance and those little extra pushes out to Lisa of C&T Publishing. She is this sweet little light, encouraging us all to try new things and ever so passionate about what she does. (not to mention a formidable Scrabble opponent!)

Lisa is going to be featured in a live interview with Cool2Craft- on March 29th at Noon- You can find links and all things Lisa at her very cool Business Site: LisaLizaLou You can also follow LisaLizaLou on their Fanpage on Facebook where Lisa hosts monthly ATC swaps with a variety of talented artists!

The Creative Connection Launched live last month! A must read. The Creative Connection Event is A must attend. Mark you calendars. September 16,17,18. Minneapolis, MN... Where will you be? So very exciting! I know where I will be!

And while we are in the vicinity of the WWC realm don't forget to stop and say hello to Jo over at the WWC Blog. She is forever having these amazing give-aways from her featured artists. Fabulous Fridays are. truly. FAbULoUS!

Oh- and there is a huge Spring clean out sale over at The Giggling Goblin. If you are into Vintage items- check it out! most things 40-60% off- Like i said- Nothing is excluded from the Spring Cleaning. gotta dust up those cobwebs!

I have been spending a huge amount of time over on Facebook. Huge amounts of new friends, contacts- neglecting my blog horribly. I think it is the human tendancy for instant gratification and connection that has made FB such a huge success. Have a question, get an answer. Need Feedback. get feedback. Realizing this, now, of course, I am going to make every effort to not to neglect my other "child" anylonger. and spend equal amounts of time in both places. I can thank this realization to CK- a very talented artist who popped onto FB on day and announced "Where did ALL the Bloggers go???" aw crap- thats right. Facebook. alright. So lurkers and comments stand tall- we shall return.

On that note- I have several people following that are from other countries. Particularly those in/around Asia this message is to them.
Thank you so much for your comments. negative and positive- I have to tell you though, that I can only ever read half of them. Blogger only translates "at will." If you could find a translator (ie: freetranslator.com) and leave me a message with what your native language is and how you found this blog- I will work on finding and auto translator to install for the comments section. I know i have seen them out there! but they are specialized per language.
okay. enough. Spring Has sprOiNGed and I need to tend to the flower beds!
Have a wonderful week!

Live well.
Enjoy each other.

I can feel it, smell it.....

2010-03-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

and taste it on the air.

Spring is on its way.

The earth will soon start to thaw soon.

The buds will soon begin to break through their winter shells.

Sun shines, gentle breezes blow.

Tall trees rustle with activity of the forest creatures

venturing out of their winter nests.

shades of greens and browns and yellows.

The world becomes vibrant and alive once more.

*sigh*

i can hardly wait.

live well.
enjoy each other.

I heard a rumor...

2010-03-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

that Spring was around the corner.

Dare I believe it so?

On a creative journey in the north east and Adventures in Oil sticks and water

2010-02-02T22:42:00.002-05:00

It's February! And the buzz around the world (ie: twitter/FB/Bloglandia) is that February is the new January. I'm not so sure about that - but I will take it. I think that any day is a chance to start anew- but after the stress,strain and expectations of the holidays- I think we should have a month of reprieve- ie: January- before plundering on into a brand new year. All that excitement in one month is just overwhelming! So- I concur- January should now be known as the month of relaxation and recuperation and we should all start fresh in February!

You will note the jar of gesso as the opening picture to this post. It comes with a lesson. Too much coffee, too much art clutter and dancing like a wild person comes with a price. It used to be full. it is now empty. 'Nough said. just know that the trick to extracting gesso from a vintage oriental carpet is 4 quarts of water to every one pint of gesso, loads of paper towels to pull the diluted gesso from the fiber all the while making sure to mutter various words not fit for children under your breath (this is crucial as it lets the gesso know that you are serious).

I went to check my PO box this past weekend- to recycle the junkmail that gathers there- when what did my wondering eyes find- but a copy of this quarters Art Doll Quarterly sitting there. My first thought was "what in the world?" I haven't submitted anything to ADQ recently. I can't remember writing any articles lately sooo why is this here? ( I have to admit that the postage charges for ADQ scare me so i always pick my copy up at the local B&N.) Still befuddled- I rifle through the pages to find that my up-cycled sculpture"A Modern Day Medusa- on a woman's mind" has made an appearance! HOOT! Who knew?! I surely didn't! They did a lovely little story on her and her creation. How it wound up in the ADQ- I may never know- but I am not going to complain- no ma'am.! If you have your copy, keep flipping pages- she's in there! Though, this is what she really looks like:

So- that has just about made my month- and it has barely started!

I have been playing around with oil sticks - alot- lately. I have found that they are wonderful for bringing out texture and color and depth. wonderful depth.

Layers and layers of modeling paste and acrylic paints and oil sticks and WATER! (yes- i will prove that oil and water DOES mix!) and you wind up with this warm, deep coloring over fabulous texture! It is quite addictive, I assure you!

one step further though. add a heavy gel medium.

Without Gel medium

With gel medium.

It adds a whole other dimension to your work. yum.

It also helps with the depth of the entire work- as you can see with the "cliff" there- the gel medium adds enough dimension to highlight the "glow" and add that extra POW. good stuff.

This gel medium/oil and water technique can also be applied to other forms. My two passions are mixed media and art dolls- so obviously (LOL) i would attempt to marry the two in a most perfect union.

Ok- so I would actually try anything if it meant that i didn't have to sew- but I really think this is cool. It is messy and color-filled and fills all of my requirements! Give it a try. there is no particular order that it needs to be applied in- i have tried all possible- just make sure the gel medium is last.

Which brings me to my QUESTION: to all of the photography hounds that visit my little blog here. I am more of a "point and shoot kind of gal". My camera is much smarter than i am. So- how do i get the glare to stop on the paintings? It seems that I have tried every direction possible with the lighting- however I know i must be missing something because BAM- there it is every time. The Gel medium refracts/reflects the light so intensely the only way i can get it to stop is to shoot at a hard angle- which- we all know throws the proportions off and will lead me to troubles when listing things for sale. Do any of you have any suggestions? A little hint to the secrets of your world?

And so the last lesson for the day is this. Know your pens. seriously. the writing kind- not the "GO PENS" kind. I have this habit of just picking up a pen when i go to sketch or draw something. I learned to draw using a regulation bic ballpoint- so, me and fussy- not so much. It's not really important. right? Until the day that you get lost in what your doing and can't remember which pen you used to do what with. This is an important thing with mixed media- a little insider secret- as everything reacts with everything else.

Remember this gal?

After I did the inital sketch- i even remember saying to myself- self- which pen did you use? Since I just pulled out of my pen can- I had no idea. and as a result- she now looks like this:

OOPS.
I had grabbed the Sharpie fine line instead of the PITT. The pastel and colored pencil I used for the shading, over the past three weeks, has pulled the ink out of the paper and absorbed it.
Fixable? I can probably salvage it with a few hours of color manipulation and highlighting- but more importantly- i have now segregated my pens. PITT on one side- everything else on the other side. Sometimes the smallest thing can have the greatest impact.

What new things have you learned on your creative journey? How many "Oops" can we come up with?

enjoy each other.
Live well.

addendum: had to "reboot" the tweeter twit there- got stuck on 5- I appreciate the retweets! Thank you!

Long Overdue Greetings and News From the Studio

2010-01-10T15:36:00.003-05:00

The holiday season has taken on a life of its own here at the studio- it just seems as though there isn't enough time to get done what needs to be done, much less what I want to get done! Now that the festivities are waning, along with that blue moon, I am hoping that things will get back to some sort of normalcy... Normalcy? What is that exactly? If anyone has a hint or a clue that they could share with me- I would be supremely grateful! Being one of those individuals that thrives on change- you would think I would be handling this whole traveling through life at Mach 3 with my hair on fire scenario that seems to be here of late- but, alas, I am not. Beyond popular belief, one can have a very exciting by the seat of your pants lifestyle and still enjoy order. The order part these days, yeah- not so much. And the simplest things seem to be taking the longest to complete.

Let us take blogging for example- simple process really- sign in, write, post. Done. And yet it takes forever to get done! Mental note- New Year, new blog schedule. Or at least try to keep up- would you? (that is me, scolding myself in my head). It IS the New Year! 2010! Hoot!! Happy New Year everyone! (see- I am over due in that. What would Miss Manners say!!)

People have been asking about new year's resolutions and what I want out of this year, and yadda, yadda, yadda. As a practice- I do not make resolutions as they are typically emotionally induced word vomit for the moment the question is posed in. Either people break their resolutions within days or scurry around like chipmunks before a snowstorm at the end of the year to get them all in before the clock strikes midnight. It is my personal opinion that people should try to live more authentically than that. So, in my own personal attempt to accomplish this- I want out of this year the same as every year. I want to do it better. From being a better human to being a better artist. I want to live, love, create and laugh better than I did the year before. There is always room for improvement. To live in this world and not on it -that is my every year goal. To interact with my fellow man, and to do it with heart, laughter, honesty and integrity. Sometimes I don't get it right. Sometimes I do.

Okay- enough of that. Time to get on with the year at hand!

I am currently working on a series of illustrations for a set of Girlfriend cards to be set for printing early spring- so keep a look out for them! This is just a preliminary WIP taste.

Also- After several pushes from various individuals to write a book- I have finally decided to push past the inner-critic monster and have committed to do the same. I will be able to give details to that in a few- so just keeping your fingers in the crossed positions for now would be amazingly appreciated.

I am also in the process of working with a group of extremely talented artists to produce a series of mixed-media altered tarot cards. I wasn't prepared for how difficult this one was going to be. You know- tarot cards- right up my alley! Should be a breeze! HA! Yeah- not so much- Even though the “assignment” was up to artist interpretation- a large amount of symbolism still needs to be included to make them “authentic” and that inlays the constraint. But this too shall be worked through- I have almost completed my first “card” The World.

Beyond that is VERY cold here in the northeast. Not much unlike most of the country these days... Snow, in Texas! And freezing temperatures in Florida! And we decide to try to blow a hole in the moon. But hey that is another whole soapbox for another day.

In the meantime, this is the view from the studio these days- it is no wonder I am bundled from head to toe. So thankful for the lovely girls at Sockdreams- In the dreamy cold city of Portland- These gals know what they are doing! They are my one true vice. OTK's and warmers to just... yum! Check them out when you get a chance- just be prepared- you are not going to want to leave without buying something!

For me- I am off- to throw another log on the fire, visit all of you lovelies and do some serious blog surfing.

May you all find what you are looking for in this new year.

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

Wishing you all...

2009-12-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

A very blessed holiday.

"May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, And happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas."

~traditional Irish toast

Happy Christmas.

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

The answers, the questions, the surprises along the way.

2009-12-16T02:46:00.002-05:00

It's been a short time since ending the corporate chapter of my life, yet it seems like forever ago that I took that final walk out the door. I am forever being asked “how is it going?” or “what are you doing” or my all time favorite “do you regret leaving” (I have to laugh at that one- sorry). It hasn't all been smooth sailing- there have been a few definite riffs along the way, but that is to be expected with any dramatic life change. I have no regrets. I am doing fine and it is going well. Shallow answers at best- except the “no regrets part”- that rings truth to its core. Not above showing the frailties of my human side, I sat down to reflect on what I have learned these past months. Things I was and was not prepared for and things I must remind myself of every day. Surprisingly, it all boils down to these few:

1.You can not schedule a time for a Muse to appear. They have a mind of their own, and appear when they want to. Often at inconvenient times. Usually after midnight. Make sure you have coffee- and they prefer scones over bagels.

2.I spend more time on a computer now than I ever did at the law office.

3.I am not just an artist. I am now an accountant, a data processor, a web designer, a sales(wo)man, an inventory clerk, a publicist, a printer, a promotions director, a mail clerk, an events coordinator, a maintenance worker, the cleaning crew, not to mention president, ceo and one bitchy boss.

4.Everything I ever needed to know about running an art business I already learned from Sesame Street: Share, add color, take naps, count often, smile, laugh, dance and sing whenever possible, being different is a good thing, connect with your neighborhood, plaids and stripes do make you happy and when in doubt- bring out the tiara.

5.Fretting about things only feeds them negative energy.

6.When you least expect it- something exciting always happens.

7.It is physically (not to mention spiritually) impossible to: do laundry, cook 3 meals, clean house, shop for groceries (haul and put away), tend to the yard, help with homework, update shops, package shipments, advertise, tweet, blog, facebook, AND be creative all in one day.

My father is a brilliant man. He told me “You can do anything- you just can't do everything”. Words I now live by- that and a good schedule.

8.Don't fight it. Stop and breathe.

9.Sleep is an option. Food is not.

10.Some days you just have to get out of the studio and go be with people.

11.Caffeine is the nectar of the gods. That, and a good bottle of wine.

12.Don't judge yourself so harshly. That is what other people are for- and them- you can ignore.

13.If you don't compare yourself to other people- Don't compare your work to others either.

14.Make it your own.

15.No matter what people may tell you, life will go on if you forget to blog, tweet and/or facebook every hour of every day.

16.While you are running around doing everything else- Do your best to remember your dreams.

I am still learning. I have so much more to learn, that I am sure my list will grow as the new year progresses. It's a lot tougher than it seems. But I figure, if it were easy- it would not be so much fun.

enjoy each other.
live well.

We interrupt this weekend...

2009-12-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

I know I will come to my senses soon enough- realize what a hassle all the snow is- the roads and the scatterheads that are driving on them; the delays and closings and cancellations. Shoveling, salting, hauling wood and chipping ice. I know it will edge on my nerves before the season is over. But until then,

I am going to revel in the magic,

be absorbed into the silence

and stand in awe of the beauty.

enjoy each other.

live well.

Fridays news and an fyi

2009-12-04T12:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Nothing extraordinary going on these days- as with everyone else out there- there is a Holiday blitz going on!

I am off to shows for the weekend- so I will be checking back with everyone on monday!

Just as an FYI, I will be pulling stock from Whisperings13 tomorrow morning for the shows this weekend . You guys are so awesome, I had such banner sales this past month that I must empty all the shops to make stock for the Christmas shows! So a very merry THANKYOU! to all!!! If you would like anything in the shops, let me know before tomorrow am (I will layaway for anyone that needs it).

Have an Exceptional weekend! and Enjoy the first snow of the season! and most importantly... stay sane!

enjoy each other.

live well.

Word for Wednesday

2009-12-02T15:15:00.002-05:00

Serenity

enjoy each other.

live well.

Daily Blessings

2009-11-25T21:34:00.002-05:00

Blessings that I am thankful for every day:

My home and hearth, and that I am able to share it with my loving family, who hang odd things on it at any given time.

My grandmothers; the wildly brilliant women that came before me, and their families that made them all crazy.

Those men and women that altruistically defend this.

                                                                     Witnessing this.

Growing this.

                                                                Good Friends.

A magical place filled with warm hearts, bright spirits and great coffee.

              Knowing that this is the worst I have to
              look forward to when my son gets home
             from school. (Guess the artist gene runs in the family, 'eh?)

Having the ability to do what I love, every day- and have wonderful fans, collectors, galleries, shops and friends that support me in doing it.

Being on the outside of this gate.

guys that look and talk like this


                                and this   :o)
      (okay- I know they aren't real- but come on!)

And all of you that follow, fan and tweet the studio and share a glimpse of your world with your comments and blogs.

What are your blessings?

Wishing you all wonderful holiday and a life of blessings.
enjoy each other.
live well.

Messy Studio Distractions of Holiday Glee

2009-11-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

Distractions, Distraction, Distractions.

How can you not get caught up in the holiday glee- upcoming, soon upon us, people becoming nicer by the day.

I admit- I have a perpetual holiday excitement. Starts a month before Halloween and continues through the new year. I get so caught up- I forget to blog, to tweet, to well- there is a list a mile long on that one!

Studio mayhem.

Messy, Messy Madness.

No time to clean up. No time to re-organize.

Time for that in the new year. maybe.

For now- a glorious mess.

Where Women Create must peek in here and cringe.

Miss Manners (does anyone remember her?) says you should be no more than fifteen minutes

away from company. I think I am abouth fifteen hours, maybe months. HA!

Sorry Miss Manners- I have to go paint now!

Happy Madness Bloggers, Stalkers and Lurkers!

(and Happy Birthday to that extra special one!)

enjoy each other.

live well.

A Wonderful Artist, Humanitarian, Friend and her Art for a Cause IAM

2009-11-12T01:59:00.000-05:00

Many of you out there all ready know of whom I refer, but I would like to take this moment to share with the rest of you- this wonderful individual. Her name is Sonia Rodriguez. I am proud to call her friend. She can usually be found lurking at her blog, the Dark Ravens Nest- but mostly - she is out and about. Living authentically. Reaching out across the miles. She is a very talented artist, a self taught third generation artist to be exact. Taught by her father and grandfather to pay attention to those creative muses when they begin whispering in her ear. But more to the point- she is a phenomenal human being. Another trait, I believe she inherited from the ones that went before her. Sonia is strength and inspiration. She is fire and life. She is humor and humanity. She has taught me so many things. Reaching out. Reminding me to remember to believe in the good in people, to take a chance, to look foolish and to love unconditionally- no matter what the cost- because in the end, it is what is most important.

Sonia has touched so many lives, and she has allowed so many lives to touch her. She is there to hold out her hand, offering support and a lift up off the ground to anyone who needs it.

Now, I know that it is hard to find a person on this planet that has not been touched by cancer. I am not going to go into the circumstances surrounding how this came to be- you need to hear it in Sonia's words. But while most of us cry, get pissed off and feel helpless- Sonia, in true Sonia fashion has decided to do something about it. She has created an entire character “IAM” and hand draws this character to greeting cards (All of the artwork on this page are examples of these fabulous designs- there are many more at her store) and is selling them and giving half of everything that she makes on the sale of these cards to The Wellness Community. A global support network helping where it is needed most; those individuals facing this horrible disease. She is also donating 25% of all of her other sales of art work to this charity as well.

Please take a moment. Remember someone in your life that has helped you, inspired you, made you laugh or made you cry- and if it was not that person that was touched by cancer- I guarantee you- they knew someone that was.

"IAM" cards and Sonia's Etsy shop “Sonia Rodriguez Designs” can be found here.

Her blog “Dark Raven's Nest” can be found here.

And if that doesn't convince you- you need to visit the wonderful, inspiring and breath-taking Renee. Read just a few of her posts. Introduce yourself, say hello. You will fall in love with this woman, as thousands of others have. Her insight and ability to let you into her world, her love; her pure, raw struggle to stay with us and her humor through it all, will inspire you. Renee can be found here.

We can all help make a difference- a small gesture- by supporting people like Sonia who are walking the walk. And just think how good you will feel – because in addition to helping make that difference, you get an incredible piece of artwork – to remind you of that one moment. That one person, that touched your life.

Thank you Sonia. For being you.

Enjoy each other.
Live well.

Tuesday Night Ramblings, Wips, Project Art Dolls and such

2009-11-10T23:17:00.000-05:00

Greetings and Hello! It has been awhile since my last post but here we are again in the mix of things! First and foremost I want to thank everyone for their cards, emails, ecards, comments and generous thoughts of well wishes while I have been recuperating. I appreciate every one of them! Thank you!!

While the leaves have given into the forces of gravity, and the air has turned cool- no wait that isn't right. This past week has been hovering around 70 degrees here in the Northeast- not to say it doesn't chill up when the sun goes down- it still remains a wonder as to what season it is exactly. The color of the leaves seem to resemble Autumn, but the temperatures are still in the vicinity of late summer. No wonder my poor trees are confused! All of the Black Walnuts have been naked for about a month now- and yet the Sassafras just won't let go of its orange'y goodness!

I have to say this is my favorite tree. It hovers over the house, cloaking the entrance in shade during the summer months and when the leaves do start to fall- when I exit my front door I am greeted with a hundred little mittens as if all waving “Hello! Welcome outside! Have a great day!”- Yes- I know. Silly. But, I just love my trees. Every last one. Which is a good thing since my back yard looks like this:

(Those poor naked sticks are the Black Walnut trees)

But I digress. Back to the Studio! Last time we met- I was just starting a new piece for a group I am working with- the subject being “Side show Freaks”. I chose Josephene Myrtle Corbin (1868-1928) to take inspiration from- and this is what she looked like after her head was completed.

Yes- I use aluminum foil as a substructure for some of my dolls. And yes- it is recycled! I fold it flat when I am done with whatever I am using it for in the kitchen- icky side out- and throw it in the dishwasher (top rack)- comes out sparkly clean and disinfected and ready for a second use! (Rule Number One- EVERYTHING has a second use!). The trick with the aluminum foil is that you want to give it a wrap with some masking tape- so the foil does not react with the clay. This is particularly important if you are using a fimo or other clay that needs to be baked. Here she is with her masking tape wrap still showing on her legs, and a first layer of airdry clay on her top.

And this is what she looks like now, after a second layer of airdry clay and a bit of hard sculpting on her clothing.

At this point, she is going to be a mix of hard and soft sculpt- I want to give her a vintage feel- true to a woman of the 1800's- so she will remain armless until the last possible moment. She is very “white” in this picture, because I have already applied two generous coats of gesso to her body and three to her face. The third layer of gesso isn't absolutely necessary on the face- but I hate sanding- and that extra layer helps keep the “skin” smooth. Next stop, hair and make-up and a stop at the wardrobe department!

While I was unable to move from the couch (seriously- how on earth do couch potatoes do it! After 3 days I was going completely mad! And it took two weeks! The crazies have set in Big time!) I also had time to start on the ornaments for my local shops- I am hoping to have at least an extra dozen to offer on Etsy and Artfire as well!

Pieces and body parts. Poor Elves. Hope I don't loose any!

(click this <---- over there)

SO. I know that I have mentioned this before. But really- It is worth mentioning again. and again. and again. Until every last one of you have become a fan, followed and tweeted with greatness! Where Women Create has started their own blog. I am still SOOOooo excited! really! I was obsessed with the book. Danced for a week when I received the advert that they were turning it into a magazine- because that was just, well, YEAH! And now, NOW the ever delightful Jo Packham has given us THE blog. More studios, more artists, more eye candy than anyone can handle at one visit. Absorption. Long term absorption is what it takes. And a list of amazing artists as long as your arm! I myself am half way through the list. I realize that statement is actually and metaphorically (or is that euphorically? Cause- did I mention I am ON that list! With all of those phenomenal women! Little ol' me. shock.) Oh yes- IMPORTANT- BTW! Because they are having their first anniversary- they are having a give away! Great glorious (a/k/a really cool stuff!) gifts - go- check it out- I won't be upset if you run out the door. It's okay- just stop back sometime and give me a report. Let me know if there is anything I missed- or anything that particularly struck you. I love it when I know that I am not the only one that gets excited about seeing other artists studios- or struck with great love jealousy over their fantastic organizational skill. But I am still rambling and you need to go visit Jo. Now shooo.

enjoy each other.
live well.

A Promise you can keep

2009-11-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

~ A.A.Milne

(Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh)

Looking down the path, Wips and Exciting news!

2009-11-01T17:12:00.001-05:00

A view from my window reminds me that the change of seasons has finally taken hold. Up until a few days ago, the canopy was thick with leaves and the underbrush still quite green. The dawn brought a new mystical look to the woods around the studio; the fog rolling up through the valley- now visible as the transformation of thicket to sparse winter cover has been completed. Yesterdays dreams of basking in warm sunshine have been replaced by dreams of the first snowfall. Anticipating the brisk air, the long quiet nights and glow of hearth fires I look forward to the upcoming change once more.

Prior to the wonderfully haunting and Magical Halloween party (hosted by our dear friend Vanessa at a Fanciful Twist)- we were in the middle of a few Wips- The conclusion to these Wips was the addition of the Opaque Flake Medium (Goldens)- remember how I said “go for the Flake and not the Opaque...” Once dried- the flake stands out and the medium disappears into the background (since we added nothing to it) giving the appearance of leaves, snow, etc. with three-dimensional values. A very cool effect.

For the color blocked squares- I went back and mixed a paint two hues off from the original base color- and individually painted the leaves in, leaving parts of the flake bare to give natural highlights and further the dimensional effect. A coat of archival clear gloss and a dark edge paint- and they are done! And it is time to move on to other projects~

I am working on a project entitled "Sideshow Freaks" with one of my groups- and this little darling will be the next WIP that I share with you. She was inspired by Josephene Myrtle Corbin, (1868-1928)- and is quite a fun piece to work on!

It is also time to start looking forward to the Christmas holiday rush- the Elves are on their way!

In other news from the studio-

I am very excited to share that The Canvas Project book has been published! Hoot!! And am even more excited to share this! :

Yeah!!

I also want to direct everyone to the link on the left side bar to the Where Women Create blog! If you haven't viewed their blog- you must run over immediately and check it out! What a magical wondrous journey. I am just over the moon that I have been included on their "Link" list (Wadsworth-Noll Studio)! Life is super good!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Hallo'ween and Blessed Samhain!

Until next time,

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

A minor set back yet something to think about

2009-10-27T16:51:00.000-04:00

Well, okay then. Universe may collide- but this to shall be overcome. I have spent a few days in hospital- nothing serious. Well, serious to start, but not serious to end. It was just a point in life where I was feeling like I had caught up on things. One thing about being in charge of your own business, is when you get put down- everything gets put down with you. A new struggle I have to learn- Sometimes, you just have to take time to make your self well- and then everything else will follow.

It will take me a few days to get back on my feet, back in to the rhythm of things- so if you bear with me for a bit longer- all will be right with the world once more.

I do want to thank everyone that made the Hauntingly Magical Halloween Party such a brilliant success- especially our hostess, Vanessa at a Faniciful Twist- another brilliant year! So many magical stories, haunts and people I have experienced! I can not wait to get back in touch with them all, continue with the stories of their journey- and delight in the wonderful eye candy they have to offer!

I did want to share one thing about my experience this past week. It has been 17 years since I have been in hospital (not a bad run, if I do say so...) So many things have changed. One of the most amazing is my local ER. Lets face it- it was a decision, not made lightly to go there- after all. horror. It is an ER and we are in the middle of an epidemic! e-gads! But, even I know when homeopathic must take a back seat to actual medicine. and so I was forced to go. I don't know exactly what or when or how the transformation was made- but lets just sum it up as a .. really not horrible experience! Beyond the grace and professionalism of the individuals (with what they have to deal with- I don't think I would find myself being so "nice")- there was one thing that struck me. First day in the ER- I kept hearing this little sound in the background- a hauntingly familiar tune. I chalked it up to someones cell phone- or perhaps an in-house phone- with the number of times I heard it. Soothing, though- not invasive and annoying as other cell phone rings we are so used to. interesting. Day two- there it was again. Knowing that cell phone use is frowned upon, it must be something else. But what? There were times that this "thing" went off 5 times an hour...I finally asked a nurse as to the manner of the melody- not annoyed- just curious as to what it was- where did it come from?

The answer? It was a soft musical chime, a lullaby- that they played through out the emergency room- every time a baby was born.

I was brought to tears! Silly, I know, but what a beautiful thing- a balance. a notification. a verification- that everything these wonderful people saw and had to do- the sadness, destruction and death and horrific human suffering- counter balanced with the soothing tones of a small voice, melodically whispering in their ears.... it's all worth it. You are doing good. It may not feel that way sometimes- but have faith in the balance of life- here is a new beginning for you to celebrate.

Something so simple to remind them. And I started to wonder. What other simple little reminders were out there- could be out there. what other little things could be done to remind people of their humanity, of the fragility of it all and to maybe remember to treat each other with the dignity that we all deserve.

or maybe it's just me being all goofy on pain medication. But I really liked the fact that they did that.

Stay healthy.
Enjoy each other.
Live well.

All Hallow's Call

2009-10-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

Let the cauldrons bubble

and the black birds call

it's an invitation to one and all

So if you are good

and if you believe

the magic will rise~ of All Hallow's Eve

Be loving of Skellies, and goblins and bats

they're just after your candy

there is no harm in that

Bring out the crystals,

bring out your brooms,

and dance by the fire 'neth the silvery moon

A zombie, a vamp, a gargoyle or two

no one is excluded, not even you

Take a drink from the goblet, crack open a book

there is so much to see, you just need to look

A wish on this night, this year is now last

both the good and the bad, are now in the past

Hold tight to your loved ones,

be joyous and sing

for all of the bounties this new year will bring

Take shelter through winter

'round the hearth fires be warmed~

and may the love in your hearts

be well adorned.

Happy Halloween To ALL!

Make sure you visit our lovely hostess at

A Fanciful Twist and thank her for the haunt!

And be sure to stop at the other wonderful participants!

Happy Hauntings!

Walking through WIP; part 3

2009-10-15T17:59:00.000-04:00

The titanium white highlights are all on- notice the objective is not to highlight every stroke but only enough to keep the illusion going. I use a number 2 and 0 liner brushes to mix up the thickness of the highlights.

Next stop- globs of Liquitex Opaque Flakes

go for the flake- not the opaque! :o)

Next up- Walking through WIPs

2009-10-14T15:13:00.000-04:00

Still working on those backgrounds.

Once I get the background where I want it.

Time to doodle.

I usually work with Staedtler Lumocolor or the all time Favorites- Faber-Castell Pitt artist pens.

They come in a variety of sizes and colors. Be wary- some varnishes make them run if you try to brush stroke them- you need to pat the varnish on over them. learned that one the hard way! :o)

ok- now that the doodling is done- time to add a slick outline of Titanium white- the object is to use the color of the background to color and everything else added is merely to enhance- kind of like working in a negative.

When I am working on three or four pieces at a time- I just mix up a batch of paint in a container-

(re-using take-out food containers is the best! they come with lids, go right in the dishwasher- and you don't have to feel guilty about throwing them away- cause you have already used them twice!)

to get it the way I need it for the outlines- I mix in Acrylic Flow Release ( Golden Additives) and spray with water- mix, mix, mix. I can't tell you how much- it is a feel thing- I never use it the way the directions state- and have found it to have amazing texturing abilities when mixed... improperly! just play around with it- you can't go wrong!

Till the next step~

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

Winner and SPLAT!

2009-10-13T19:30:00.001-04:00

Here we are - it's tuesday, after a holiday should be a monday yet feels like a friday..... I believe I have been sucked into a time acknowledgement paradox!

The winds have definatly picked up- I think they said that it was going to be in the low 30's tonight! Good thing the wood has been piled up close to the door!

I have been working on backgrounds for a few of the paintings I am working on- as you well know, layers upon layers are needed to get the proper effect. (I'm not sure I like this new blogger layout- it doesn't let you ley the photos up next to each other- wastes a lot of room! guess I will get used to it) anyway. I am 6 layers

into the one on the right - and the one below - only one.

The toughest part of layering up backgrounds, I think, is that some times I just fall in love with the background and revert back to the "blank canvas" stage- deciding what to put on top of it- if anything at all.

It is Tuesday, the 13th and I promised to announce the winner of the 100th post give away today.

Congratulations to Jennifer Macneill-Traylor of Night-mare Designs! what a clever name- don't you think! She incorporates her love for horses and Halloween, rolls it all together with fabulous creations! Check out her wonderful talents over at her studio site Gypsy Mare.

A devishly goblin of jester fame- all for her very own!

So- I literally tripped over this yesterday. A little morbid maybe- but not if you have ever read Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book. There are a series of books, of which, I believe this next photo belongs to.

I was sad for a moment- and then laughed- because it was as if suddenly I figured out where Brian Froud and terry Jones received their inspiration.

SPLAT!

it's okay. you can laugh.

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

A crazy, cold Monday full of lists

2009-10-12T17:56:00.001-04:00

Crazy, cold monday~

It is a definite sign that the seasons are in transition- one day warm, the next day... not so much. The winds finally subsided long enough to finish the studio. Wintering the studio that is. Having a studio that has 2 sides with full open windows is a wonderful thing, most of the time. Now that the winds are starting to chill it is time to batten up the hatches, seal up the windows and make room for the winter muses to move in. One more thing to check off the list.

I love lists. It's how I get things done. Which is funny, because in my "corporate world" life- I hated lists. I used to know what needed to be done, and just did it. methodical, mind numbing routines. Now that I am living more in the moment- I am finding that things come and go much quicker. Distractions come quite often. Not the bad, take me away distractions- but more of the... ohhhhhh shiny! distractions. I get caught up in the studio and hours pass and, well, things just get put off to the next day, until something else draws my attention. So, every night, I bring out the index cards and make a list of things that absolutley have to get done the next day, and check, check, check them off. The earlier I get the list done, the longer I have to play!

Speaking of lists... I feel one coming on...

- working on a few mixed-media pieces, a custom and a birthday present

- trying to be inspired to come up with a goody for the Halloween party~ only 5 days away!

-Anyone interested in winning some serious Halloween goodies should definitely go here.

-Very inspired by Seth Apter. if you have not been introduced~please, do so now. A truly passionate artist.

-Can NOT wait to see this. As a result, my computer now looks like this.

-If you are looking to learn how to market your wares on the web- You need to check out this ecommerce workshop. The least you need to do is introduce yourself to Laura Bray- and sign up for her newsletter- what's to lose? You won't be disappointed.
-I so totally want this.

Enjoy each other.
Live well.

Silent Sunday

2009-10-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

For the Change of it all

2009-10-10T21:59:00.000-04:00

Pumpkins for the Season, fresh from the garden!

I am in the process of yet another metamorphosis ~ first on the hit list was the blog. I thought it was getting a bit stale and needed a touch of color. How did I do? Since I have already stepped off that edge and am no longer dreaming but living the dream, paying homage to the Muse- The entire blog will be following this new direction. First up is the name- Whisperings 13. Inspired by finally listening to the whisperings of the Muses I have ignored for 13 years- they deserved acknowledgement- and, it also serves as a reminder to myself- not to ignore them again.

The Artfire shop got it's overhaul early this week, and the Halloween Ornies are up and listed. Have a look see. Over at Etsy, The Giggling Goblin has gone into an overhaul as well (big surprise, right?) and now only lists vintage and found objects. I will be updating that shop quite often as I have tons of wonderful little finds to share! I do have another art shop in the works - but that is for another day, another post.

Speaking of the 100th post- I promised a give-away! I will be announcing the winner (and the prize) on Wednesday, you guessed it - the 13th.

Have you all signed up for the Hauntingly Magical Celebration??

Vanessa always puts on quite a fest for the senses, and her guest list is quite extensive! It is a party that lasts for days. You never know what will happen, or who you will meet. All you need is a camera and a bit of imagination! Don't be shy! Sign up today and put your best ghoul forwards!

On the subject of Ghouls~ I am excited to announce that I am a new member of the Ghouls Guild! A guild devoted to all things All Hallows Eve! So if your head spins at the scent of spice and the sight of falling leaves, if you love the time of Autumn, things gothic or ghouly or just plain spooky- you need to check out the Guild's blog. They promote artists that capture the essence of Halloween all year long!

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

Ramblings of the Season

2009-10-04T18:57:00.018-04:00

Getting back in the groove of things after a prolonged illness is much harder than anticipated. So many things to catch up on, both in the house and in the studio, not to mention all of the fantastic blogs out there I have been missing out on! I started feeling like such a slacker when I started reading up on your blogs~ you have all been so busy over the past two weeks! I still have many to visit and many, many emails to catch up on ~ so bear with me as I am slowly working through the list, trying to make sure I don't miss anyone!

I have managed to get some studio time in, and the updates for the Halloween Ornies are on schedule and are being uploaded to Artfire as we speak- or write, er.. type... You get the point!

I am wishing the sun would shine a bit more~ so that I can go find a nice windowsill to warm myself, much like this little honey that I photographed in my travels pre-flu. Yet with the passing of the sun-filled afternoons comes yet another breath-taking time of year. Autumn is upon us; the rich fall colors are starting to take hold, and the magic of the season is beginning to stir in the darkness of the chilled night. This time of year has always been a favorite of mine and thus far, though we are short into the term, this season holds fast to the promise of the warming of the senses and inspirations to the soul. Leaves stained with the hues of gold and red begin their debut, swirling effortlessly to the time of a well rehearsed dance. The effulgence of candlelight emitting aromas of mulled cider and spiced apples grace the counter tops. Grand pumpkins with their smooth orange skin and coarse stems claim their positions of sentinel to the halls and cornstalks stand tall as if claiming their last right to be majestic. Magic is in the air, and I myself get an infinitesimal sense of self in comparison to it all. Take a deep breath and enjoy the splendor of it all as it will surrender to the austere winds of winter forcing us to take haven around the hearth fires before to long. But then, that itself holds a promise all of its own.

Buzzing with activity now, the studio is getting ready for Halloween, even the WIPs are getting into the spirit. If you have not done so as of yet, make sure you remember to sign up for Vanessa's Halloween Party over at A Fanciful Twist~ She puts on a gala every year that dares you not to acquiesce to the spirit of the season.

Keep in mind- 100th post is coming up (I never actually thought I would make it!) and in celebration of this milestone I will be having a special give-away for those that follow the Blog, Fanpage and/or Tweets of the studio. It isn't too late to get you name in the cauldron- so sign up to follow today! Fanpage link is at the bottom of the main blog page; all other links are located at the top of the main blog page.

Good luck to all and Thank you!

This is a mixed-media piece that I am working on. It is a process. I say that for all the pieces that I have absolutely no idea what direction it is going in. (HA!) Any suggestions?

Where ever it is going, it is proving to be a ton of fun and pushing me outside of the norm. It is a formula of canvas, modeling paste, clay, three- dimension and loads of yummy texture and color. Something to play with, I suppose, while testing the strength of all of the above and "longevity"; otherwise known as- how much can I put to canvas without it caving in or falling off....

Until next time,

Have a great week!

Enjoy each other.

Live well.

Icky Flu Friday

2009-09-25T16:15:00.013-04:00

The title says it all. It's Friday and I have the flu. ICK!

The Halloween Ornies and goblettes are almost completed- and will be listed- once I regain my brain. I personally can't stand those blog posts that run on and on (and on) and say nothing. So, since I am in a NyQuil haze, I will spare you from the potential hazard of vapid idiocy and make this short and sweet.

Post 98. Big one is coming up- don't forget to follow, tweet and Fanpage to get your entries for the big give away!

Stay well my lovelies!

This side of the tissue is not a fun place to be!

Saturation Saturday

2009-09-19T15:47:00.033-04:00

This photo (taken this summer off the the point on Lake Ontario) pretty much defines my current notion of saturation. Incapable of absorbing any more color, one more ounce of static, any more perfection, as it were. I have been trying to get caught up since my summer of travels. Getting back into a routine is harder than expected. My mind keeps taking me back to places such as this- and while I find it inspiring- it has led me to a place that is- well- chaotic. So many things to do, to try, to get done. I feel like i am training for a marathon. A marathon that has no date, not length and no end. Of course the pending change of seasons is of no help- but that is a whole other post. So- in a nut shell, here is the mind numbing saturation; the things I have completed, the things I am working on, things that are finished and things that I have learned during my hiatus from the "real world"- although I have to say this:

Lesson one: I am just on the cusp of the real world- that thing that I was doing before, all those years- not so real. And certainly not so filled with life as the one I am in now.

For those that don't Facebook or haven't added my Fanpage (see link at bottom of page) yet- I was involved with the Canvas Project: Encyclopedia. It was hosted by an Atlanta based gallery called The ArtHouse. It was a project that involved artists from 48 States and 21 Countries. When the exhibit was opened there were 6000 plus paintings and they chose 1200 of those to represent this amazing collaboration. When I heard of the mass response to this project- you can imagine my profound excitement in learning that I was one of the 1200 to be chosen. The show ran at the Atrium Gallery at the Atlanta Airport, then back home to the Arthouse and will ultimately wind up in a book called the Arthouse Encyclopedia V.1.

Still working off this little high-

Lesson two: Exposure is a wonderful thing-No matter how small it may seem to others, or how scary it may seem to you- get your creations out there and revel in the delight as to where they wind up.

Huge score at Dick Blick. Twice a year- they hold a massive canvas sale. One that actually warrants showing up. I say that only because we have all been taken in by the "sale" and if you are anything like I am- 20% off- NOT a sale. However- this sale is an elevated mix and match sale which translates in to huge savings on canvas. The idea is this- the more you buy the bigger the savings. If you purchase 20+ pieces you get 70% off the lot! Why is this good, you ask, knowing that the average decent sized canvas these days is between 50-80$? Because they added the mix and match! You don't have to buy 20 of the $50 canvas- you can buy 10 of the 5$ canvas, 8 of the 3$ canvas, 2 of the 50$ canvas (you get the point) and get 70% off the whole thing! for example.. this whole pile of canvas (and some are hidden due to piling- there were 65 in all) cost less than $200. Huge score, right!! And I am a sucker for the thick gallery wraps- so to get them on the cheap is like having christmas, your birthday, dark chocolate and a good wine all at the same time! The sale runs usually back to school time and then once on the spring. Keep your eyes and ears open (they don't make a huge fuss about it when it comes to advertisments) and save those pennies! It is worth the wait!

The "alone with my thoughts" dolls are nearing completion. A few more tweeks and twitches and they will be ready for sale just in time for the holidays! Speaking of the holidays and sales and such - there is a huge upturn with the Etsy shops. Due to an overwhelming quantity - Giggling Goblin is going strictly vintage and found objects. All of the Ooaks and art work will be moved to a new shop Whisperings13 on Etsy as well as the Artfire shop. This move is time consuming but needed, as I have had much feedback as to the art "getting lost" and folks not wanting to weed through the vintage to find my work. Hopefully this will make a smoother shopping (and selling!) experience for all. Whisperings 13 will be up and running for shipments to be made in time for Halloween!

Lesson Three: Sometimes you have to re-do, re-make and re-master things a dozen times before it feels right. Listen to your market and your "peeps"- Sometimes a critic is more helpful than a cheerleader.

The Farmer's Market dinner and auction was... fabulous! not only a success for the Farmer's Market but also a delight for those in attendance! The food was amazing!! The night could not have been more perfect; there was good friends, good wine, great food and perfect weather! Kudos to all that put on the event! I can't wait until next year.

These are the paintings that I donated to the market's art auction- Full of texture and color- I just thought they were a perfect fit for the event.

A few more WIPs I am working on- As bizarre as it sounds- I am find newspaper very satisfying to work with! I have a few "in-progress" photos for next time to give you an idea of what I mean.

Which brings me to the next thing I learned.

Lesson four: Sometimes it can all be summed up with one word. Less is definitely more, and quality is definitely better than quantity.

Anniversary Post coming up soon! Special giveaway for my 100th post! ! Automatic entry for all followers, a second if your a facebook fan and a third if you follow on Twitter!! (All links are located on the blog home page) Check back- it is sooner than you think!

Have a great weekend!

Enjoy each other.

Live well.