Valley Ridge - Open Now

We will make starts and parts - crazy paper and backgrounds, and even a journal. We'll multi-task our way through each day just like I do in my studio. We will dance and eat and laugh as we get to know each other.  It's going to be special. Won't you join me at Valley Ridge?

Monster Mish-Mash Friday

Lots going on here in the Shaw household. Today is my first book signing; it is at the Wood Icing store, where my art hangs. Heather and Rose have graciously allowed me a display in the special installation area and I have most of the art from the book hung. It is pretty cool to see it all together. Very hard to hang though, good grief, so many small pieces and I am accustomed to organizing shows with larger works. It took me most of Tuesday to get that together. Crazy!
(ps....if you are in St. Louis, the signing is at Wood Icing@Chesterfield Mall from 5-8pm)

Today I baked cookies and brownies using recipes from the book. Here is the brownie recipe if you are interested. These are truly the best brownies ever, very fudgy, so if you are looking for a cake type brownie, this is not the right recipe for you.

Best Ever Brownies

Yield: 24

Ingredients:
1 pound semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 and 1/2 cups)
1 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup strong brewed coffee
4 large eggs, room temp
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cups coarsely chopped walnuts 

Cooking Instructions:
Melt together butter, coffee and chocolate. Beat eggs and sugar until light. Slowly add chocolate mixture. With a spoon, stir in flour and walnuts. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch pan with foil. Generously butter foil. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes or until just set around edges. Cool on wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover pan with foil and chill for several hours or overnight.
Best stored in refrigerator.

This encaustic sold along with three of the Strata pieces

Remember my Strata series? I haven't had a chance to paint any more of them lately, but an interior designer (thanks, Liz!) sold 3 of them along with this encaustic (shown above) to one of her clients. Sweet!! I am thrilled they are going to such a stunning home and will live in the company of Warhols and a Lichtenstein, woo hoo for that.

Valley Ridge Registration opens on Saturday. If you want my class (it is going to be a good one, trust me), be sure and register right away. I know a lot of people who plan to sign up and I think it will fill quickly. This one is special (I know, I say that all the time, don't I, but really!!) and includes ideas and techniques that I incorporate in all my work; plus you will work on multiple projects just like I do when I am in the studio. And.....we have other activities planned that make this so much more that just a mixed media class.

And finally, check out Dolan's blog post to enter the Book and Ephemera give away. Be sure and stop  back on Monday to see what's in store for next week.

On a personal note, it is my fervent hope that I can eek out some studio time this weekend. If not I fear I may go nuts and will have to be institutionalized as I miss my studio so very much right now. I.need.to.make.art.to.live.
Ahem.

Yard Dog

Source: yarddog.com via MaryBeth on Pinterest

When we were in Austin, we visited the Yard Dog gallery. What a fun space, sort of an irreverent alternative take on the traditional gallery concept. Naturally I loved it. That art had a decidedly 'outsider' feel, was sort of retro in nature and there was a good selection of artists. My nephew (at age 10) thought he found his tribe when he saw skeleton references in several pieces, ha! It was cute to observe him looking at art that was so diverse. That kid is uber talented; oh my he is amazing. His Manga sketches are excellent and he recently crafted a movie (of sorts) with character/figures he had made with Legos. He filmed shot by shot using a camera on a small tripod, moving the figures a tiny amount for each shot. It must have taken his forever and it is so cool when you view it all together fast it really reads like a movie. I swear he is a genius. 

But anyway, back to Yard Dogs. When we were there, I adored the exhibit by Bill Miller (that's not his work shown as I couldn't find him on the Yard Dogs site). He crafts his work from vintage linoleum. You must check out his website. I was sooooo enchanted by his work and stared at it long enough that my companions were ready to drag me out; I simply cannot imagine how he achieves the depth and detail in this work. If you go to the Exhibitions page of his site, there is an interview with the artist. And now I think I like him even more.  His interest in the history of his recycled source material is similar to how I feel about all the vintage items I incorporate in my work - like they somehow vibrate stories.

I really wish I would have bought a piece from him. Seeing his work also made me want to resurrect my Common Denominator series. Do you guys ever feel that way, where you want to revisit older work? Ummm, it would be like putting on a wonderful cushy sweater. Now I'm thinking and thinking which is oh-so-dangerous. In my current dream state, I imagine a 3 person show with me, Bill Miller and Dolan Geiman.....all using vintage and found materials in such different ways.....ok, somebody slap me as I have work to do in my real life, hahaha.


Don't forget to enter the Book/Ephemera Give Away (sadly, I have no linoleum to add to the ephemera mix) over on Dolan's site.

Dolan Geiman - Blog Tour week #3

I worship at the feet of Dolan Geiman, one of the guest artists in my book. Oh yeah, you all know how dramatic I am, but seriously, he is an artist who really has it going on. His work is authentic and completely engaging, pulls folks in hook line sinker; I mean who can't relate to the Americana meets hipster aesthetic. I love it!!

Which is probably why Bayou City Art Festival chose Dolan as their featured artist for 2011.  Whoah, little doggies, this is big and I am absolutely delighted for him! If you live in Houston, mark your calendar now.  If you aren't near Houston, check his website to see if he has any upcoming art fairs in a city near you. Or peruse his Etsy site for online offerings including very affordable reproductions.

Scoot on over to Dolan's Blog and enter to win a copy of the book plus an ephemera pack that you can use when working through the projects. Stuff that Dolan and I both use in our work. And I am betting you will find a fresh way to use in your work too.

Book Winner - week #2

Since we were having martinis (can you say gorgonzola olives?) it was only fitting to put all the entries in a hand painted brandy snifter.


John did the honors and the winner is...


If you could email me with your address I'll get the book out to you right away!
And the rest of you, stop back on Monday to hear about Week #3.


-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More Squash love

If you read Elizabeth's post, you can see her preparing her amazing Blue Hubbard Squash Soup. And I gotta be honest here, those squash kinda scare me. They are frigging b-i-g!!! Like I don't know if I could manage that process or not, something about thick squash skin, super sharp knife, my usual distracted approach to cooking.....hmmm, not so much (sorry darling E, you know I adore you!)
So, for those of us looking for something easier, just scroll on down to read how I make Squash soup. And even if you think you won't like it, I bet you will.....

Just realized my Hipstamatic made these veggies green which they are not, tee, hee.

Buy a package of Root Vegetables from the store. I usually get them at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods where I can find organic veggies already peeled and cut up. I get one package of root veggies and one package of butternut squash.
Pre-heat oven to 400. 
Put all the veggies on a cooking sheet. Add chopped up onion, garlic, sweet potato, turnip, whatever you might want. Pour some olive oil over top, not so it's swimming, but enough so there is a nice glaze of coverage (you can do this part in a zip log bag if you want, just toss it all around). Salt & Pepper and make sure everything is well mixed.
Place in the oven and cook till fork tender, perhaps 20 minutes or so depending on how big the chunks of squash are.
Typically, we eat this as a side dish to Salmon or Roasted Chicken. So I usually making the soup on Day 2 using my leftovers.
Fill a medium/large saucepan about halfway with Chicken or Veggie Stock. Add your leftover veggies. Decide what flavor you want to use to punch it up. I often add a peeled/chopped up apple. I think Chipotle would be good, but I haven't tried it. Sometimes I don't add anything extra.
Allow it to cook for awhile and make sure all components are good and tender. Taste and adjust flavor as desired.
Then, using an immersion blender (or you can transfer to a regular blender) puree the entire mixture. If you want it creamy, add a dab of milk, cream, half & half, etc.
Depending on your own taste for creamy, chunky, etc. you can strain the soup. Sometimes the onions don't want to play nice with my immersion blender so I will often strain out those parts.
When serving, I like to drizzle a bit of artisan vinegar (mango is my fave) over the top. Serve with a crusty bread and you are good to go.
I think I know what I'm having for lunch today.....

Don't forget the book contest......and also Elizabeth's contest for original art!!

Art & Book Give Away

BLOG TOUR WEEK #2

The Blog Tour continues with a visit to Mystic Vixen, the wonderful blog of Elizabeth MacCrellish.  She and I have so much in common, mainly Squam (which is her creation!) and food and art (and music too, I might add, but more about that later). 

See, Elizabeth is a foodie who is also a cook and an artist. So when I decided to write a book combining ideas about food and art, it was a no-brainer to ask Elizabeth to contribute. In fact, other than my editor, Tonia Davenport, Elizabeth was the first guest artist to come to mind. Of course she tried to say 'no' because she is uber busy, but you know me, I simply couldn't take 'no' for an answer. Not from Elizabeth! I mean really......so I did what I do best, I whined.....and she gave in, yippeee. 

Elizabeth made a lovely piece of art for the book plus contributed a kick butt recipe. Both the art and the recipe simply resonate with her gorgeous spirit. She is truly a Goddess, you know? That being confirmed by this week's two-fer give-away. 

1. Elizabeth is giving away her original artwork that appeared in the book. Yes, I repeat, she is giving away her original art from the book. How cool is that!?!? You can click on over here to enter your name. The drawing is on Friday.

2. And I am giving away a copy of the book and exclusive stencil. To enter for the book, simply leave a comment here and then re-post this Blog Entry on one of the Social Media options below - see those little links......that would make me really really happy (see, I'm starting to whine already) cause it helps me spread the word. Drawing at midnite central time on Friday.

And speaking of spreading the word......check out this blog by my new best friend (stalker) Amy. I heart her. Not just for talking so nice about my book but because she is so frigging funny. You will want to read every single one of her posts, she is really a good blogger.

Bubbling over about Encaustics

Small encaustic - first layer is Wood Icing using my River Rock stencil. Hand colored the Wood Icing parts with soft pastel, then layered wax and tar. Finished off with oil stick into incised sections.

 

Just got back from Texas, where I took a 3 day encaustic workshop from Trish Seggebruch. Loved it.  Absolutely everything about it. 

Tar and torches and wax.

I also learned lots of new things that I will use in my other mixed media works and I will show you more over the coming days. 

Right now I am exhausted from the insane drive home. Ok, I know I just sat there while John did the work, but it was boring.

And I was fidgety. 

Blew thru the data limit on my phone by watching Netflix stuff. Geez, who knew? Had to increase my plan, ahem, which I was luckily able to backdate, the data increase I mean.

And you've got one more day to enter Susan Tuttle's contest for a signed copy of my book. Then a new contest will start. I hope you don't get bored with these give aways....

Tar but no feathers

So what am I doing with asphalt patch? Oh my, I am playing with



encaustics at a workshop taught by Trish Seggebruch. I can't tell you the last time I have had so much fun. This is exactly what I needed to get me over the winter doldrums.

It is so fun to see how Trish uses Wood Icing. We are sharing lots of ideas and Trish commented today that Wood Icing is so much more than just a texture medium; "it is magic in a jar", she says. And yes, of course I agree!

Tomorrow I will take pics of all my work plus hopefully some of the other peoples work too. Very talented folks and I have made new friends, plus re-connected with some old friends.
Plus I am very pleased with the pieces I've made thus far and that is unusual for me as I don't normally like work that I make during a class.

Don't forget to check out Ilka's Attic to enter for my book.



Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wax on Wax off

That phrase always makes me think of those clap on lights that were advertised many years ago. I never had one, so I don't even know if they worked, but the idea of it always cracked me up.
At any rate, today I am jumpin' up and down like a kid because I am starting a 3 day class with Trish Seggebruch Baldwin. Encaustics, baby! Yeah!!  Can't wait to show you the results.

And don't forget to pop on over to Susan Tuttle's blog for a chance to win my book.

Flavor for Mixed Media goes on a Blog Tour - Week #1

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
I am thrilled to announce that each week for the next fifteen weeks (yep, count 'em, 15!!) my book will be featured on a different blog. There will be lots of prizes - free books, art, etc. Each Blogger will do something a little different so I know it is going to be great fun. And now, drum roll please.........we begin week 1 with Ilka's Attic, the adorable and evocative Blog of Susan Tuttle.

I have "known" Susan for several years now. Nope, I've never met her in person, but I sense that we would get along quite well. I am hoping to catch up with her this fall when I travel to Maine; I dream that we will play with our cameras and she will taken a magical portrait of me (ha, no pressure, Susan) or maybe I'll even get to travel around the countryside with her. It seems to me she lives in an amazing spot, I sort of salivate over her photography.

Susan is getting ready to start another one of her Photoshop classes - this one is Photomanipulation 3 (it's ok if you haven't taken 1 or 2 because they aren't sequential). Anyhoo,  click here for more information and you can also sign up now 'cause registration is Open. I have taken Susan's classes before and they are excellent with an appropriate level of detail, great screen shots and everything you need to become proficient at Photoshop. She knows what she is doing and also has the ability to explain it in normal language which is very important to me.

Don't forget to also click over to her blog to enter the contest for a free copy of my book - it will be signed by me and also includes the exclusive stencil that says "Savor Life's Flavor."  The contest runs till Friday.

Valley Ridge, woo hoo

I feel as though I am announcing teaching events nearly every day. I guess it is that time of year, when everyone is organizing and putting their programs together. Other than my application to CREATE (in Chicago, still haven't heard by the way), this is my final teaching announcement.

If you've been reading my blog for any period of time you have heard me gush on and on about Valley Ridge. I love it there. And I talked about it here and here and here.

This is my favorite photo. At least I think. It is a pretty place and lends itself to good shots.
Check out my class offering. It is a deviation for me, sort of all my favorite stuff in 3 days. It is going to be good. Really, really good. Come and play!!

Nice article from West Magazine

Malibu was made for Mixed Media

Oh my gosh, when Gina Armfield invited me to teach at Artinfusio I had to pick myself up off the floor. She sent me this innocent li'l email that said, "you wanna come to Malibu?" Truth be known, I was thinking to myself, does a bear poop in the woods? But I thought perhaps I should act like a professional and take the high ground, instead screaming like a little girl yesyesyes!! Even though I used to live in CA, I have somehow never been to Malibu and always wanted to go. 

Photo by Dan Blocker, used under a Creative Commons License

So now I have developed what I think is a pretty fantastic new 2 day class. We are going to cover so much ground and make such amazing paintings!!! Won't you come join us? Spots are extremely limited and I love that because it means we will all get to know each other, like really know each other. Plus make fantabulous art in one of the most inspired spots on earth.
Ahhhhh.......I can.not.wait.

Check it out HERE

Robert Genn - Passing the Light

http://clicks.robertgenn.com/passing-the-light.php
This issue is about teaching and passing on ideas without fear. I love the way this man thinks.

Friday?

Geez, I haven't known what day it is all week long. With all this snow and ice and businesses closed and kids off school - I am betwixt and befuddled.  I think my age is showing, ha, ha.



Been making arty centerpieces for a Chesterfield Arts fundraiser on Saturday night. It was a lot of fun and I had to stop myself because I do have real work to do.

Sadly, I don't get to wear the hats  because they will decorate tables and then be auctioned. I also donated a lovely piece of work to the event, I was a little sad to let it go.


And, I've been working on something arty to wear to the event. I think I mentioned this the other day but Oy vay has it been tough and I am a wee bit obsessed.

I first attempted to paint a sweater (yes, I realize now how stupid this was) and that didn't work out. At the time it seemed like a good idea, like that one time I started painting a rug. Till I realized when a yuck-yuck feeling it had (even with textile medium) and that I would never want to walk on it in bare feet. Yeah, well, same with the sweater, I wouldn't have worn it.

I made an artsy tie for John to wear and it turned out quite well and even looks like a real tie design with a lovely subtle pattern I created using multiple stencils.
I think I might have to make a little video about this, because it is a very cool way to use the stencils.

At any rate, for my own outfit, I have finally(!!)  decided I will wear a painted bangle bracelet with the dress I already have.  It is not quite finished yet, but I will share pictures once John and I are all dressed up tomorrow night.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hello Sunshine

Finally. The sun shines. It seems especially bright with the snow.

One of the things that is fun about snow is observing the animal tracks each morning. For instance, today I noticed the tracks from a rather large deer that had apparently been standing right on my front porch! Oh how I would have loved to have seen him or her. I am guessing they come during the night when we are asleep. All the shades had been lowered last night to keep the warm in, but we have side windows by the front door and I can only imagine this creature peering in to see what we were doing or (more likely) to scope out possible food sources.

Some of Jasper's friends

And here are a few of our bird buddies who clamor over the buffet. That lady Cardinal is so adorable. She has been really puffed up with the cold weather and there are times when it appears she has a mohawk. She is very camera shy and I've been trying to catch a good picture of her for days. I had to belly crawl across the family room and shoot between a trunk and chair to get this shot. I will keep trying though. Happy Winter everyone; I don't mind being stuck indoors. I have everything I need here.

Book Button fixed

For anyone who has tried to order the book off of Stencil Girl Products, I believe it is now fixed. Possibly the friggin' Blizzard Warning here in Missouri has created a white-out situation in my brain. So very sorry for the inconvenience.

The Books are here

I received my books, the ones that I ordered. Wow, what a feeling. It is hard to explain really, seeing all the boxes stacked in our foyer. Crazy, I still have to pinch myself to believe I am an author. And you know what? I haven't even said that out loud yet.

So, here's the deal. If you would like to order a book from me, you will need to head on over to the Stencil Girl site where there is ordering and pricing information. You will receive the book, signed and personalized per your request. PLUS (wait, there's more cause I want you to get something special if you order directly from me) the exclusive Stencil Bookmark. The stencil was inspired by one of the book's projects and features abstracted letters which spell "Savor Life's Flavor." The one shown above is my sample. The one you will actually receive is pale blue, similar to the book, but it is 7 mil Mylar, same as all my stencils. Lovely quality, I played around with it over the weekend and oh how I love my stencil manufacturer, yes I do.

I expect to start shipping next week once the stencils are here.

Lazy Weekend?

I guess this all depends on your idea of lazy. For me, it simply means that I had two entirely blank days on my calendar. You have no idea how rare that is and I don't say this to imply that I am popular or anything so silly as that. I have a problem saying no. It is a completely sentence. Anne Lamott said that when I heard her speak once. I have to tell myself over and over. I also have a problem sitting still.

So. Here I was faced with TWO days. What did I do, you might ask?

• In lieu of actually buying the sectional sofa that I would like, I re-arranged the furniture in the family room and am trying to tell myself it is just as fabulous.
• I painted a tie for hubby to wear as 'art' at a fundraiser next weekend (art clothing is suggested). It looks pretty cool really, I will post photos of us after the event.
• Started working on perhaps my 3rd idea of an outfit for myself for same event. UGH. A seamstress I am not, you all know that. I feel like just wearing the cute vintage slipdress (that I bought (before I knew there was a theme) with my painting shirt over it as a wrap. Hmmmm.....
• Considered project for my TV gig on Thursday. Took no action.
• Gessoed 12 substrates.
• Worked on my first knitted garment, a shawl. It is proceeding well, but I have a long way to go.
• Cleaned a closet.
• Called my Mom.
• Did laundry.
• Made my fave chicken salad. Here's what you do: using leftovers from a good roasted chicken, pull the meat apart using two forks. This is important. Don't chop it up. Mix with Hellman's Mayo, slivered almonds, dried mixed berries, tarragon. Yum.
• Cooked dinner. This was unusual because John has been cooking lately. I made up a recipe that was actually pretty good, not to mention quick. I will do it again. Here's the deal: Make some Israeli Pearl Couscous (use low fat chicken broth) and allow to sit. In a deep sided skillet, brown scallops (I wash and dry them, then toss in flour and salt & pepper lightly) in olive oil. Three minutes on one side, two on the other. Put in a 200 oven to keep warm, foil on top. Take a chopped shallot and some butter and throw it into same skillet. Cook for awhile, then pour some white wine (whatever you're having w/dinner - for us it was a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc) into the skillet. This will sizzle and allow you to scrape those brown tasty bits (from the scallops) off the bottom. Put chopped tomatoes and chopped artichokes into skillet, add some capers and crushed red pepper to taste. Spritz of Meyer Lemon. Taste and adjust as necessary. To assemble - Place Couscous in a deep bowl. Put fresh baby spinach on top. Put skillet mix on top of spinach and then place scallops on top. Drizzle some Pomegranite Balsamic reduction syrup (if you have it) on top and another spritz of lemon. Serve with crusty bread. It was seriously good. 
• Ran errands. Note to self - never go to Costco on Saturday.
• Worked on Blog - see the link to order my book on sidebar - you can order from me or Amazon, but I send a gift so check it out.
• Worked on Upcoming Classes, descriptions, etc.
• Did some more stencil design.

Good thing I didn't have anything to do, huh?

Create Mixed Media

Woo Hoo, the site is L-I-V-E!!! You are going to want to make this site a regular stop. I just got finished watching some very cool technique videos - including one of me demo-ing at Art Unraveled last year. There are also instructional pdf's you can read and print, podcasts, interviews, wallpaper, you name it. I am so proud to be a part of this incredibly informative website on my favorite topic ever. Which is, of course Mixed Media. But you already knew that, didn't you? 

In other news, I've had reports from some people who have received their copy of my book from Amazon, yippee!! I will soon be announcing a promotional offer for those of you who wish to purchase the book directly from me - this will consist of a signed copy, along with an exclusive stencil that I designed as a gift for people who purchase from me. Crazy as it may sound, I don't have my books yet - or the stencils. Obviously, you all will be the first to know more. 

Surprising Prize

acrylic, Wood Icing, collage and china marker on wood panel

The Foundry Art Centre, an arts organization in St. Charles, MO recently sent out a call for mixed media for their "In the Mix" show. I entered and was thrilled when all 3 of my works were selected. So imagine my reaction when I heard my name called at the awards ceremony!? [insert sidebar here - actually I wanted to jump and scream, but I played it cool - had to walk up on a stage and I was happy I had worn my new cowboy boots]

A very cool award - the Grand prize (which I did not get) was a Solo show in one of the Foundry's stunning galleries. The other prize was a 4-person show and that is the one I got. I wish I had kept better track of the peeps who won along with me so I could link them up. Duh. I didn't know any of them cause it was a national show. I certainly admired their work. At any rate, here are two of my pieces.

acrylic, Wood Icing, collage, vintage fabric, china marker on wood panel

All my pieces included parts of an electronics manual in addition to other vintage elements that are symbolic to me - I think if you click to enlarge you can see them a little bit better. The pieces are about communication and how it has all become so complicated, I was hearkening back to a simpler time as I explored the work.


Simultaneous to "In the Mix" is a solo show by Matthew Davey - oil paintings, drawings and sculpture, all absolutely bigger than life - literally and figuratively. Amazing realistic and evocative work with such heart. Both shows run until March if you have a chance to get over there.

It's a New Day

What a difference a couple of days makes. This past weekend, I was a freakazoid, just really anxious about all the stuff I have going on and feeling insecure about my ability to accomplish my uber long list of 'to-do's.'

But today the sun is possibly going to shine (imagine that!) and we may even hit the mid thirties. I woke up very energized. And the snow makes it seem bright which cheers me immensely.

I am getting a lot of work done. Stencil design, yum, yum, I can't wait to reveal the new ones. And new classes - Valley Ridge, yep, Kathy is doing it after all, save the date May 13-15 if you are interested. It will be unlike anything I have ever taught, kind of a dream really, conjured up by me and Kathy. I am very excited about it. Should be announced soon, until then mum's the word (sort of).

acrylic, graphite & Wood Icing on claybord

So, in the spirit of my amazing mood, I leave you with new art and one of my favorite songs. 

Illusion

I enjoy things that fool the eye. And this certainly does....
Happy Monday!!

Studio assistant available for hire. Reliable, friendly and curious. Sometimes runs off with supplies. Occasionally loses focus and/or sleeps on the job. Literally.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Painted Papers and Artfest update

Could my studio be any more of a mess???

Painted papers........ah.....me loves to do this.

Waxy papers, made with encaustics.

Stencils, at the ready!

I have a lot of projects 'in the works' as they say. Classes, entries, working on marketing for the book, a charity thingie - geez, you name it. I'm going several different directions at one time. So what's new, you say??

Oh!! If you have considered going to Artfest, I got an email from Teesha that she moved my class into a bigger classroom so we can accommodate more students. And guess what? It's not too late to sign up!! There is still room - just pop on over to the Artfest site and make your choices. Even though it says I'm 'FULL' there are a few openings now that I'm in a bigger spot. Yippeeeeeee!!!!! Won't you join us?

Flavor for Mixed Media

 The advance copies of my book arrived. Oh swoon, I can't believe this is really happening. Yippeeeeeee!!!


Some of you might have seen this over the weekend but I thought I would re-post for my blog readers who are not on Facebook, oh wise ones (as FB tends to suck time from my life, creating a love/hate relationship). 

Stay tuned for information on Blog Tours, give-aways, signed copies, etc. All coming soon. 

Encausticamp

See my stencils, how cool is this!?!?

Encausticamp is OPEN! Ok,ok, I am not teaching there; I am merely an assistant (to the incredible Judy Wise!!!) but I am so excited to be part of this inaugural event. And I am just mainly hoping that I don't drool over all the amazing encaustic work that I will undoubtedly see. Woo hoo!!! So come join us! Registration is open.


And pictured above, you can see one of Trish's fabulous Encaustikits! They simply rock and I'm not saying that just cause my stencils are in this one, tee, hee. You can order the kit shown for a discount through the end of January. Click HERE for more information. And get details about the discount HERE.

Wax on

Encaustic, I did a couple transfers and used my baby stencils in a few spots.

 And just in case anyone is worried that I am not making any 'real' art, the encaustics continue...... These might enlarge if you click on them, not sure.
I have this push/pull thing with the encaustics regarding the texture issue. I love the texture, don't get me wrong, but I think I overdid it in the piece below. I think what I really like is a combination of a smooth glass-like surface with texture in some parts. That is what I was trying to do with the piece above. I am still playing and really can't get enough of it, you know how I adore a challenge.
I used pigments in both these pieces and felt a lot more comfortable creating my paint that way. I felt like I achieved better layering, more akin to how I use Fluid Acrylics in my other work.

In other news, I just got word from Kathy at Valley Ridge that I will be teaching there this year. Oh my oh my, am I ever dancing around the house about this!!!
May 14-15, 2011 - save the date. Seriously.....it is going to be a completely different type of class. I can't say anymore just yet, but I am so unbelievably excited that she is diggin' my ideas. Oh how I adore Kathy, she and I are sooooo on the same page.

Another encaustic, too much texture though, not sure if it is finished.

 

 

 

 

Funky Felt

We interrupt our usual Mixed Media programming to bring you a video on how to have fun with old wool sweaters. This is the project I am doing on KMOV Great Day St. Louis tomorrow. Since time is so limited during the show, this video gives a little more information.



Making wearable things out of old stuff is so much fun. When making the scarves, save every piece because you never know what you might want to make later on. So keep those arms, waist bands, v-necks, etc. I'm hopefully going to play a little more this weekend and see if I can fashion up something more advanced than a scarf. I have a vision of some sort of longish draped vest. Anybody wanna serve as my mannequin, tee, hee.

And, if you want to explore making garments or home accessories in depth, check out this book which is simply excellent - don't you love that cute sweater on the front? I know there is a patchwork blanket in my future. (no affiliation, I just really like this book).

My Crystal Ball

Welcome to 2011 or Twenty Eleven, I guess that's what the cool kids are calling this year.

Paperweight by Chris McCarthy, bowl by Rhonda Cearlock

Three days in, I would pronounce this a glorious year; we celebrated with friends (the boys did the cooking, yippee); I then spent Saturday and Sunday wallowing around in my studio and office, organizing schmorganizing cause that is what I am pulled to do at the start of every year. I suspect it is a disease of some sort. Now I feel cleansed and ready to hit the ground running. You wanna jump into my brain for a second?

I have projects both afoot and underfoot. Cats are reclining on some of them.

My book comes out in about 6 weeks, geez Louise, can you believe it?

I am teaching at world class locations during 2011, also planning my Italy teaching gig for 2013; the year is a temptress and I am drifting after her elusive scent. I am simultaneously filled with energy (hmm, maybe that is coffee?) yet scared shitless. 

Blink. Blink.

It is big stuff. The stuff of my dreams but I am awake, right? 

Pinch me.

I'm still just a girl.

And, in other news:

Here's a lovely article about me that was published last week.
Here's the fall lineup for Squam, holy crap (and really now, what *would* holy crap look like? that's tmi, isn't it?) does this look amazing. Come join us!
And don't forget to mail your registration in to Art Unraveled.

The week between the holidays

I am not getting any work done. It is really weird being self employed because I love my work and want to do it all the time. This holiday thing is killin' me. You know? I pine for my studio.......in the meantime here's a pic of one of my favorite coffee mugs.



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Art Unraveled/Aug 2-9, 2011

I just wanted to send out a little reminder that it's almost time to register for Art Unraveled. In fact, you can send your registration anytime now. I am going to take at least one class myself; the lineup is phenomenal with lots of new teachers.  In case you are wondering about The Color Class, here is a blog post from one of my students from Squam last year. I am offering a full day class at AU, so it will be even better, yippeeeeeeee!! If you want to paint and understand color, this is the class for you!

And Stratalicious, well, what can I say, I love my rocks. Creating texture in the form of rocks is just funfunfun. I can't get enough of it.

 Any questions? Feel free to email me with the link in the sidebar.

And the party plays on

We just got home from visiting my family for Christmas. Lucky for me I was able to pop into St. Theresa's Textile Trove while I was in town.


I adore how they are decorating their walls as shown in these pictures. Oh how I like that place and you know I don't even sew. But I got a big hunk of oil cloth and I think I'm going to make an apron.


In the meantime I have lots of ideas for projects and classes and yep, even an online class.


So stay tuned as I get myself organized. I want to offer something deliciously different.
But right now I've got more Christmas celebrating to do.
Yippee!

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Baking and baking and.....

Yep, baking. I must have eaten who knows how many pounds of raw cookie dough this past weekend. Cause you know that's what you do when you bake? Or at least it's what I do. That's why I try to bake early in the day because then I call it breakfast. Seriously. Perfect with coffee.
 

Grandma's actual recipe

I made my Grandma's Thumb Print Cookies. They are my favorite cookie in the world.  I always put icing in the thumbprint parts, never jelly like some recipes suggest. I mean seriously.....

I am trying to save them for guests...

Tarp Heaven

Oh, be still my heart. Check out this tarp!!
I could see using it for all kinds of tasks.
Sanding for one thing. This tarp would help contain the sanding debris. And perhaps I could use it for a Sanding Station in my studio, rather than just sanding wildly wherever I happen to be, thus having airborne yuck yuck everywhere......in fact, my friend Dawson (check out her site, you gotta see her work, by the way!) called me out last week for sanding while I was on the phone. Ahem, what can I say - I am a multitasker.
Anyway, I don't have any affiliation with Lee Valley, but just thought this was pretty cool. It is a nice size at 32" x 32" and also a very good price @$4.50. 
And don't ya know I placed my order before you all rush over there and buy up their inventory.

Art Unraveled/Aug 2-9, 2011

Stratalicious

The Color Class

Site opens Friday at 10pm PST. Registration opens January 10th. Last year was my first time at AU and I really enjoyed the experience, so I am thrilled to be back and teaching two classes. Plus I think I will probably take a class or two - Linda has done an amazing job selecting teachers and classes. There are a bunch of teachers I haven't seen before and I feel like immersing myself in the thrill of being a student for a change.......yippeee....

ART UNRAVELED

Abstracted Letter Forms

Here are some pieces that I made for Christmas gifts (if you are in my family, stop looking n-o-w) and also for commissions. They are paintings made up of abstracted versions of names, so each family gets one painting for every member of the family. I made some of these for my stepdaughter's family several years ago and they were a big hit. I've played around with the idea since then and added some texture. I think it is fun how the pieces become puzzles and the viewer has to search to figure it out.
I kinda like these names, especially love how they look all pushed together, in a quilt-like fashion.

12-8x8 Abstracted Letter form pieces

These Boots were made for walkin'

My very first pair of Old Gringos. With Swarovski crystals, no less. Maybe I little over the top, but I actually think they are pretty neutral, black with brown stitching, golden crystals in silver bezels. They match everything I own.


And they feel amazing on my feet. I was dancing all around the house in them last night.
Thanks to Deb Trotter and Deryn Mentock for introducing me to Old Gringo boots. I can't really blame them for my boot obsession though; that one is all mine.
Giddy Up!!!



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And the winners are.......

Wow, between the blog and Facebook, we had a nice batch of entries. Thanks so much to everyone who played.

So, without further ado......

Prize 1 - Set #1 of my new baby stencils:  CINDY SWAN-EAGAN
Prize 2 - Set #2 of my baby stencils:  BUMBLEBEE
Prize 3 - Both of the clear stamps:  LAURA WEINRICH
Grand Prize - Container of Wood Icing and a set of large stencils: RH CARPENTER

Woo hoo, I am so pleased for all of you, yippeeeeeeee!!!! John and I are such dorks, we probably should have filmed this - we were all in my office, two cats sitting on my desk, one of them on the keyboard. John insisted that I make drum roll sounds when he pulled each name. As an aside, he wanted me to tell you all that he didn't wear his glasses when he pulled the names. 

If you are a winner, post a comment for me or email me with your address. Obviously I will not 'publish' the comment so no one else will see your address. And thanks again to all of you who took the time to link me up. I really appreciate your support in helping me spread the word about my blog.

Little gifties tied up with yarn

Aren't they cute? Cute stuff inside too but I can't tell.


Don't forget to enter the contest. Just one more day, scroll down for details.


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My yearly sick

I have been hit with my annual sinus thing. The one where I announce that it's too bad snot has no nutritional value. Ahem. Tmi I know.


This is not a bowl of chicken soup but contains the entries for the contest. Oh what, you say you haven't entered yet? Just scroll down to see details.
And back to bed for me!


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It's a Baby Blog Button

Ok, several of you have asked for it, so here it is.......a Blog Button. I have also placed it on the sidebar where you can grab the code.
And while you're here.....don't forget the CONTEST.

Holidaze are here!! Hip Hip Hooray for a Give Away!

It has been forever since I have given anything away and I am hanging my head in shame at this terrible omission.  But I've got a great idea! I am going to make up for it by offering prizes.  Multiple prizes in fact.
Prize 1 - Set #1 of my new baby stencils
Prize 2 - Set #2 of my baby stencils
Prize 3 - Both of the clear stamps
Grand Prize - Container of Wood Icing and a set of large stencils.
You can pop on over to Stencil Girl Products to see descriptions of all these products in case you don't know what I am talking about. I have also posted a Video there that shows how to use the Wood Icing and the stencils. It goes without saying (although I guess I do say it a lot because I have apparently turned into one of those people who loves hearing the sound of her own voice, oh please tell me it's not true) how much I love the Wood Icing. Rockin' texture that has replaced Molding paste for me which you will understand if you watch the video. 
So, you are probably wondering what you need to do to be entered in the contest.....
Link me up
Yep, that's it. Just put a link on your blog sidebar or Facebook or, well, I don't know where else you would put one, but maybe you all have clever ideas. Then leave me a comment along with the link so that I can check it out.
Mr. John will do the drawing for me on Sunday night and I will announce the winners right here on Monday, December 13th.

Origami

My grandson Aidan loves origami. To be honest, I have always had trouble with it. I think it may have something to do with following instructions. Ahem.


But I took Aidan to a demo this past weekend and I paid very close attention, we both did really. And we learned to make these sweet ornaments. We loved making them and Aidan even turned one into a tree topper which was rather clever.
Here is Jasper right before I hid them.



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