Altered Antiquity

For the Birds

I am famous for starting art projects, setting them aside, and not finishing them until several months...even years...later.  My goal has been to complete all those projects that have been set aside waiting for that final finishing touch.  Such is the case with this canvas birdhouse that I started over 1 year ago. 

The birdhouse was made by hinging two 8x10 canvases together so that they opened like a book.  An opening was cut into the first canvas to create a window, and a flat canvas roof was attached using an embossed metal insert.  Even the bird's nest, inside, was made with wire and natural materials. 

After the initial structure was built, the rest was easy!  Birds, eggs, twigs, and greenery were added to give the feeling of nature to the completed project.

      

MOO'vd to Create

It seems that Moo Cards have become the hottest new craze since ATC's.  These tiny, wonderful photo calling cards, measuring 1-1/8" x 2-6/8", can be used for anything from business cards, to trading cards, to even gift tags.  They are the ideal way to trade or display your artwork with their smaller-sized format.

I participated in a collaborative project with several other fine artists who were challenged to devise a new way to use Moo Cards in their artwork.  The article appeared in the July/August 2008 issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. 

As my collection of Moo Cards was fairly depleted, I was in a quandry as to what I could make with the supply that I had on hand.  I decided to make a small schoolhouse with a wooden assemblage from Coffee Break Design.  Several of my Moo Cards had a school theme, so it was the perfect solution!  I lined the back with 3 matching cards, then used 2 different ones for a microscope slide door which attached to the side and "swiveled" to open. 

I love to make my own Moo Cards when I'm not in the mood to create a big piece of artwork.  I enjoy the smaller format and the satisfaction in completing an entire project in a small amount of time!  Paperwhimsy offers a monthly Moo Card swap that is coordinated by color.  Below are my 3 sets of cards for the months of May (Pinks), June (Purples), and July (Blues).

MAY MOO CARDS 

JUNE MOO CARDS

 JULY MOO CARDS

The Lion King

One nice thing about living near Washington, DC is the ability to be able to take day trips and visit all of the wonderous sites that the city has to offer.  My DH and I will occassionally attend many of the shows and musicals at The Kennedy Center.  This past Saturday we went to see "The Lion King".  WOW!  If you haven't seen this musical, I highly recommend going to see it.  Every single one of it's performances was Sold Out.  I have seen many different musicals, but this one....by far....was the most entertaining and had the best costumes and special effects of any that I have ever seen.  Being an artist, I was fascinated by all of the sets and the creativity that were put into the stage designs and the animal costumes.  I was able to find a video on YouTube that gives you a little prelude as to what this production has to offer.  Be sure to pay close attention to the costumes....especially the giraffes and the hyenas.  Yes...there are people attached to those magnificient animated costumes!  If I ever have the opportunity to return again, I will DEFINITELY be first in line for a ticket!

Design Team News

I have been busy over the past few months creating many new works of art.  In conjunction with this, I am pleased to announce that I am now serving as a Design Team Member for JoAnnA Pierotti of Moss Hill Studio.  JoAnnA has introduced a wonderful new line of collage sheets that are the ideal extension of her beautiful artwork.  JoAnnA's collage sheets are laser-printed, which makes them ideal to use in all areas of the art world. 

JoAnnA is famous for her unique and wonderful vintage style, which combines a lacy elegance with a worn and tattered look.  Be sure to check out her website and continue to check back for all of her upcoming exciting new products!

As one of her new Design Team Members, I created an assemblage piece using several of her new designs - Favorite Things F0001 and Vivi's Dress 0001-5.  A real porcelain doll was used for the head, arms, and legs, and the dress was mounted on bassword and cut out with a jewelers saw.  The complete instructions will be coming soon in a special "How-To" section on JoAnnA's website. 

This piece will soon be available for purchase on ETSY.

More Row Houses....

What is it about Row Houses that makes them so addicting??  Just when you thought the neighborhood was completed, 2 more Row Houses are constructed!

These two houses were created for a private swap with 2 friends.  The one on the left has actual dollhouse shingles for the roof, while the roof on the right is made with a wooden accent from the craft store. The right house also has actual butterfly wings behind the image.  After experimenting with them on this project, I would highly recommend not using them on something like this unless it's protected behind glass or another clear covering as the wings are very fragile and tear easily.  I sprayed them with a light coating of matte Krylon finish, although time will tell as to whether or not they will hold up to the elements.

     

I'm Back from Hiatus

I know that it's been awhile since I've posted to my blog.  For those of you who have continued to "check in" on me, I thank you for your continued support and apologize for my lengthy hiatus.  The entire month of April was spent taking care of family matters and preparing for my teaching event at Art & Soul Hampton in May. Since then, it has taken some time to catch up on all those things that were put on hold during that month, as well as simply relaxing and appreciating life during the beautiful Springtime weather.  I have completed some new artwork and some other things to share with you, but I'll be saving it for upcoming posts as to not turn this one into a book!

I want to thank all of you who commented on my Row Houses in my previous post.  There were made for a swap which was hosted by Jeri Aaron and included a large number of participants.  Each person made 11 Row Houses based on certain size parameters, and the results were astounding!  The slide show below shows the houses that I received from some of the talented artists who participated in this swap.  Their names can be found by hovering over each house while viewing it. 

A big Thank You goes out to Jeri for hostessing this swap, and to all of the wonderful artists who have graced me with their exquisite artwork!

Home Sweet Home

Other than birds and nature, the house appears to be the next most popular element to use in mixed media work.  There have been numerous swaps and projects revolving around the popular house shape; thus, I was thrilled when I was invited to participate in a Row House Art Swap.

   

Each of these little houses were made on matboard and range in size from 3" to 5" wide x 4" to 7.5" tall.  I had so much fun digging into my embellishments and using items that have long been yearning for use on a project.  My favorite find was the use of old dollhouse door portals on 2 of the houses.    These were so much fun to make and I hope that the rest of the "carpenters" will enjoy the new homes for their neighborhoods.

"Garden Gate" Paper Doll Shadowbox

I couldn't resist signing up for a Paper Doll Shadowbox swap with Paperwhimsy.  I love dolls, and I love the Paperwhimsy images, so putting the two together just had to be a winner.  This is the Shadowbox that I created for my "secret sister" with her favorite color of purple and a nature theme.  The head is from Paperwhimsy, and the arms and body were drawn onto cardstock, cut out, then covered with batting and fabric.  The fabric skirt was gathered on the sewing machine and then fitted to the bodice.  Accents of moss, eucalyptus, baby's breath, Prima flowers, and a rusty fence were added for accents.

 

PocketFULL RR

It's wonderful to sit down and get some artwork done again.  Although most of the things that I have been doing lately are for swaps or special projects, it does give me the incentive to sit down and create.  I completed 2 more pages for the PocketFULL RR.  The left one is for Joyce Vance, and the right one is for Robin O.  I only pictured the front of the pages, not the backs  or the "goodies" that were enclosed in the pockets.

 

"You Make My Day"

I have been honored with the "You Make My Day" blog award from 2 wonderful friends and blog readers....Greta of Oz in the Fast Lane and Linda Findley of The Art Sook.   The rules for the award are to re-present it to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blog land.

I have to admit that I've been very remiss in keeping up with my blog readings and postings, lately.  Although I value each and every reader and link that I have on my blog, I am limiting my choices to one blog that inspires me both in its artwork and its posts.

JUDY WILKENFELD of Red Velvet is a genius.  I am not only enamored with Judy's wonderful  style, but each and every piece that she creates has a genuine and absolute purpose in its creation.  Judy dedicates her artwork to the Holocaust victims and their families, and the research and symbolization that she adds to every piece is phenomenal.  Reading Judy's blog is like reading the pages of a history book, only with a fairy-tale ending.  I know that you, too, will be mesmerized by her talent.