Vintiquities Workshop

I Just Felt Like Walking...

2012-01-31T10:31:00.000-08:00

Just trying something new. I was playing with a homemade recipe for paper clay last weekend and made up this little bird guy. (he met with an accident right before I took his pic, he fell off the stump and broke both his legs :( sad face)

He's just a goofy little wire and clay sculpture I made while working through some ideas, breaking out of my box. Using new mediums and brighter colors.

He's called "I Just Felt Like Walking" cause he's a rumpled old bird tired of the same old scenery, so he decided it was time for something new, just like I was when I started to make him. :)

In the beginning...

Legs

body

wings

face and feathers

rumpled top hat

And a pair of shoes

A free Flower Tutorial...

2012-01-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

I was working on some flowers this weekend and I thought I would show you a step by step on how I made them...

This shows all the different parts of the flower and different pieces in different stages.

Step 1: Cut a strip of satin type material and clip it into six sections.

**To those who may not know FIRE IS HOT and can BURN you! Do this at your own risk!**

Step 2: Place each of the six sections "near" the flame *not in it* and it will begin to shrink, do this until you like the look of each section.

Step 3: sew the back of the petal strip and gather...

Step 4: Cut a strip of stretchy sheer material and stitch the back edge to gather it into a circle (just as you did the petal strip above)

Step 5: Cut some larger circles from fabric and clip at regular intervals like a pie, Use a candle to curl the edges of each "pie slice"

Step 6: cut some strips of tulle and gather to form a circle (as above) for the bottom layer of the flower and start stacking the different parts of the flower.

Step 7: Stitch the tulle layer and 2 large circle layers together to form a base.

Step 8: Stitch the stretchy sheer fabric layer and 2 petal layers onto the base you have created. (if you want to make it quick you can use hot glue but I prefer a more finished and soft piece)

Step 9: cut small circles and use fire to curl the edges.

Step 10: place the small curled circle in the center of the flower and stitch in place with a bead in the center.

And there you have it, a very detailed, soft flower.

Have fun!

Hugs!

Tattered Layers, antique lace, cuff bracelets...

2012-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

I got to play in the studio last night and came up with these pretty cuff bracelets.

They are up for sale in my shop Vintiquities Boutique

*Take Me Home-I'm perfect for Valentine's Day*

This one has lots of layers of antique fabrics, lace, and fibers. The focal piece is a vintage flower with antique rhinestone jewelry piece and a vintage glass pearl drop. There are also some antique rhinestones hand stitches into the design on the sides.

This cuff bracelet's focal piece is a vintage flower with an antique reflective glass button center.

*You know you want me*

*I would make a beautiful Valentine's Day Gift*

This one is my favorite and I'm really wanting to keep it all to myself. Lots and lots of layers of antique lace, fabrics, and fibers. The focal point is an antique rhinestone piece sided by 2 mother of pearl buttons with hand stitched antique rhinestone centers.

A Valentine ATC

2012-01-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Just a quick share of the Valentine ATC I made last night.

Have a great day everyone!

Hugs!

Soldered Necklace, Some Blingy Finds, & My New Favorite Place on Earth!!

2012-01-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

SOLD
"One Heart" Soldered Necklace $35

The Two Hearts necklace is off to it's new owner today!...

And I wanted to show you some of the super fun blingy things I found during lunch yesterday...

I found this super old, completely wonderful cast iron knob that I put on my Victrola cabinet...

I also found some great old keys, a couple of old rhinestone necklaces, and my favorite tons of wonderful little metal rhinestone buttons! The buttons the knob and that little metal claw foot were found at my new favorite place on earth "The Rusty Chair" in downtown Rogers AR. That place has everything I love and I think I will probably be spending a lot of lunches browsing that wonderful shop! Can't wait to go back.

I also wanted to share this old check book. I love the fact that it's from my hometown. Whomever this belonged to had a lot of dough for back then. $2000 was a lot of money in the 40's.

Hope you guys are having a great week and looking forward to a great weekend! Hugs!

Thespa

Stop SOPA/PIPA! Leave Americans their RIGHTS!

2012-01-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

To everyone who blogs, has an online business, any one who uses Facebook, Twitter, Google, Craige's list, etc. Everyone who uses the internet, should know what is at stake. VOTE NO on SOPA & PIPA.

There are so many ways this bill could go astray if passed and countless numbers of people will be hurt when their rights are taken away (it could even be YOU). Don't let it happen. Make sure your congressman knows exactly how you feel about it.

Please sign the petition to congress through the link provided by Google.com ...

https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

I have been the victim of numerous copyright infrindgements. There is a website out there that continually steals my blog posts and photos and posts them as their own. I have had artwork plagerized by posting it online and even though I hate those experiences and these bills are made up to stop that sort of thing, it is overreaching, overbearing, and completely set up by the big brother corps to control me and you!, THIS IS NOT THE WAY! A few bad apples should NOT be the catalist for removing my rights to free speech. It's completely ridiculous to punish everyone for the corrupt behavior of a few. Spend some of that time going after them not plotting on ways to take our rights.

A little tea dye in the evening...

2012-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

Got a little tea dying done last night after work. I boiled up 3 family size tea bags with 1 single serve coffee bag (to take a bit of the orangeyness off the dye)

I even dyed some natural cheese cloth I picked up at Lowe's. I love how the peaks get darker as it dries. A really nice aged look. ( I don't put cheese cloth in the washer or dryer, unless I want an unusable ball of fluff, so it gets air dried)

I had another pic of the items in the dye bath but I accidentally deleted it off my camera. :( sad face.

after dying some different fabrics, I tore the muslin into strips and then washed it for future projects and threw the rest into the dryer with the strips after they were washed to give them that wonderful frayed edge look. Now all I have to do is untangle them all, :)

Soldered Jewelry, a few new pieces...

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

$35
SOLD

I finished this piece ("two hearts")

and started a few more...

I wish my camera was able to show you just how pretty these are in person. All the sparkle and the true colors of the ephemera don't show up well. All of these let light pass through which adds a lot of depth. Each necklace is handmade, soldered, patina solution is added to age each item and a small collage with antique and vintage ephemera and elements is encased in resin.

An Apron from a Skirt...

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show you my apron that I made this weekend. I started with a skirt from Old Navy that I got at a thrift store. I don't wear skirts (I'm more of a jeans and tshirt kind of a gal) but I just loved the ruffles at the bottom and the fabric was a light weight cotton.

I decided an apron would be the best use for this skirt so I cut the liner out and used it for the straps and pockets. I also digitized my header image from my blog and embroidered it on the front over a tea dyed piece of muslin. The frame from my header is also from the Graphics Fairy and I'm sharing on her Brag Monday today.

Then I sewed some fabric strip rosettes to the straps and the pockets...

I had a lot of fun transforming this piece of clothing. Now I have a great apron for use in my studio and during the classes I teach.

I also got more soldered necklaces done and I'll show those tomorrow.

Happy Monday!

The CRAFTERMATH...Cue scary Music!

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I showed you some of the things I got done in the studio and have been showing you my pretties and decor. After rearranging, getting lots of artwork done, and shooting a TV application video, everything is out in the open. It's the Craftermath!

Ahhhh! Nooooooooo....

Just to proove that my workspace gets just as messy as everyone else's. I guess at this point it's time to stop and take a breath, regroup, and clean.

I think we can safely say that my new studio has been thoroughly broken in.

But at least we know the other side of the room is all organized and pretty, lol.

Hugs!

Phewww! I'm beat...

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you remember in my last post, I told you that I was rearranging things so that I could hang a door on my wall. Well here it is...

I had one old door and parts of another one. I took one of the sides of the parts door and cut the edge off then screwed it to the top of the full door to make a small shelf, then hung it sideways on my studio wall.

Don't you just love the old hardware keyhole on this door! LOVE IT!

No the door isn't going to be bare for long, wait for it....

I got to hang my mirror, finally! I have admired the wire work that I've seen on the Sassy Trash Blog and have wanted to make a wire setting to hold my mirror and finally got it done today. Though mine isn't as cool as her work, I like it lots.

After that I got a couple of finials put on the corners of my desk -see how cute they are! I got my artwork hung and decided that my upper shelf would hold my published artwork and corresponding magazines. (only to realize I can't find half of them...)

Then....

I got to make some of the sewing pattern tissue pom poms I've wanted to make for forEVER! Even made a couple of wire hangers shaped like flowers to attach them to the ceiling. LOVE!

And after THAT, I got some artwork hung on the walls. YEAH!

Oh and since we're in the sewing area I wanted to show you what I got for Christmas, my first ever brand spanking NEW sewing machine, before this my newest one was 20 years old, lol. and my other two are 30 and 40 years old. And they all work great but they are loud.

I also recieved this sewing machine cover and pad from my mother in law. She makes the cutest stuff! LOVE IT!

So that's about it. Got lots done and I'm really happy with the result. (Yes I do realize that half that door space is empty, but I haven't figured out yet what I'm doing with that space so I'm leaving it blank) :)

So the wind is blowing like crazy and it's cold outside right now. Perhaps it'll snow a little tiny bit? We'll have to wait and see. So wierd. Last year we got 4 foot of snow this year not so much as a flurry. Anyway, stay warm folks and thanks for dropping by to see me. Hugs! (cause, yeah, I'm a hugger)

Fabric Collage & Rearranging the Studio & yard sale finds!...

2012-01-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

I finished this little organizer last night. The top of this faux dress is a fabric collage that I plan to add a few found objects to, probably a pretty pearl necklace etc...

The bottom has two big pockets to put "stuff" in and it all hangs on an altered wooden hanger.

I had this shelf sitting on top of my sewing table, but it was taking up most of my sewing room and blocking the majority of the wall that I plan to hang an old door on so it had to move. I moved it where my chair was and my chair is now in front of my sewing desk.

I rearranged a few pretties...

Just had to show you my favorite necklace (above) a vintage Whiting & Davis rhinestone number. Super long and completely awesome! I wear it for special occasions.

I went to 1 yard sale this weekend and found a few really pretty things...

I found a very see through 1920's gauze summer dress (underneath) and a beautifully made top with hand made lace inset collar. There was also a floral silk bag with tatted lace top and bottom. (see it hanging at the end of the umbrella) It's so pretty but fragile. I love the tatting on it.

And you'll never guess what I paid for all of it....

25 cents! I spent 1 quarter at that yard sale and went home to throw a birthday party for my daughter and my husband. :)

Thanks for visiting! Have a great week!

A few new soldered pieces...

2012-01-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Got a few new pieces soldered this weekend.

Playing with texture...

And playing with Ice Resin

One More Mixed Media Painting

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another painting I completed on Monday. Titled "Freedom Embattled"

Mixed Media on Canvas

It took me a bit to work out the background technique but I really like all the texture it gives. I believe I'm going to propose a class for Create Art Retreat with these pieces and techniques.

Fairy Baby Art Doll

2012-01-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share my sweet little fairy baby I made Sunday.

I've got a huge bag full of wooden wings I found at a thrift store and have been trying to use them up, one set down only like 150 to go, lol.

Three's Company - Art Inspired by the way back machine...

2012-01-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

I had the most productive 1st day of the year yesterday. My muse has finally come to visit and inspired me to get my hiney in gear. I finished a mixed media painting and I worked on a cute little paper art doll that I will share tomorrow.

I titled it Three's Company, do you remember that show? So funny and so hopeful, that's what I feel when I look at this piece, hopeful for a year filled with possibilities,fun...

and rusty metal finds of all kinds. lol

Happy New Year you guys!

Hugs!

Ultimate Craft Throwdown & a Busy Busy Gal...

2011-12-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

A lot is happening around here lately. After finally getting through the Christmas season (and none too gracefully I might add) I'm now onto planning two birthday parties for my Husband and my youngest daughter this weekend.

I've been caught up in a whirlwind of a new craft show on a cable network called the Ultimate Craft Throwdown.

I saw a call for submission and put in my application. I was then asked to put together a video submission. There is nothing harder in my mind than tooting one's own horn, so that video was tough in that respect, but I feel that I am up to the challenge. Hopefully I'll get a spot. We'll see what happens...

I'm also extremely busy at this time working up my class submissions for Create Chicago 2012.

And so the whirlwind continues. I'm also hoping to get a new free class video up at mixedmediaartclass.com very soon.

It's Giveaway Day! Enter to WIN!

2011-12-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

I have the opportunity to share with you some wonderful scrapbooking software from

www.MyMemories.com

My Memories Suite3

This is just one of the super cute pages in their gallery showcasing some of the products online.

MyMemories Suite v3 software is a complete digital scrapbooking solution that provides a comprehensive powerful set of creative tools no other scrapbook software can offer. With its intuitive workspace and enhanced time-saving features, this application is perfect for a beginner to create a complete album in minutes, or to empower the design pro to build a scrapbook album masterpiece.

Making a Scrapbook

MyMemories Suite will help you create your beautiful pages from scratch or build an entire album using one of the many professionally-designed scrapbook templates provided within the scrapbook software. A large collection of papers and embellishments are also included and available at your fingertips to help you make each page uniquely your own.

If this were any other scrapbooking software, you might be finished. But with My Memories Suite, the real power-and fun-of this software is just beginning. There are so many ways to save and share your memories, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

With over 1,500 papers, over 1,000 page elements, and over 30 album templates (including 10 new for v3), MyMemories Suite lets you hit the ground running with your very own scrapbook or photo album in a matter of minutes. It’s easy-to-use and affordable—and compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.

In addition to this great software www.mymemories.com also has lots of great addtional materials to make some truly amazing pages in a very short amount of time.

I have been given ONE copy of the My Memories Suite 3 software to give away and in addition to that you will also recieve $10 worth of free products from their digital scrapbook store.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT!

Just in time for the holidays!

All you have to do to win is...

1. go check out www.mymemories.com take a look at their products and come back and tell me which is your favorite.

2. Share a link to this post somewhere, anywhere (blog, facebook, twitter, doesn't matter) then come back here and leave a comment telling me where you shared it.

You MUST DO BOTH to be entered, leave one comment for each step, but you do get credit for each so you get two entries for participating. That's it!

****The winner will be drawn on MONDAY DEC 18th****\

Also feel free to visit My Memories at the following...
Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

Everyone wins! If you wish to purchase a copy of the My Memories Suite 3 software, use the following code at checkout to get $10 OFF the software plus $10 in FREE PRODUCTS *after purchase* from their store! That's $20 FREE!

code: STMMMS12640

Please feel free to share this code with ANYONE who wants to $ave $$$!

This would be a wonderful last minute Christmas Present for that scrapbook enthusiast on your list!

Scrapbooking Giveaway News!

2011-12-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Some of you may not know that I got my start in the craft industry with scrapbooking. I was published in some scrapbooking magazines like Creating Keepsakes and Paper Crafts Magazine.

I won some national scrapbooking competitions, in 2005 is was one of 5 finalists int the Fiskars Get Ready Craft competition and won a trip to Chicago to be in a live craft off on Fiskars TV with host Laurie Smith of TLC's Trading Spaces.

In 2007 I was named Paper Crafts Magazine Stamping Royalty and

I won a 1st place & 2nd place prize in the Skinny Cow Ice Cream Queen of the Crop contest.

Even though my focus these days is on mixed media artwork I still scrapbook on occasion when I have the time.

Which brings me to the giveaway!

I have been asked by a large Digital Scrapbook company online to host a giveaway and I will be starting that giveaway tomorrow!

If you or anyone you know loves scrapbooking or digital scrapbooking come back and see me and bring your friends tomorrow for some fun.

On another note, I applied to be on a craft reality show and got a call back from casting. I've been moved to the next level! I have to make a video tonight and send it in tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Cream sparkle button tree tutorial...

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

I want to show you a little sparkly button tree I made this past weekend.

I used a bottle brush tree I had bleached a few weeks ago (you can find tutorials on how to do that on the web).

1. I used Beacon's 3in1 craft glue to glue some old mother of pearl buttons to the tree slightly pushing them in and holding for a few seconds.

2. Next use a paint brush to brush some gel medium onto the bristles between the buttons.

3. Then sprinkle glass glitter over the wet glue.

(see above, the left half of the tree has glue brushed onto the bristles and the right side of the tree has glitter glass sprinkled on).

4. Next tear a strip of old music and glue around the base using Beacon's 3in1 craft glue.

5. Use a small dab of E-6000 jewelry adhesive to glue the tree to the lid of an old jar.

6. Now enjoy your cream sparkle button tree. Sure to add a touch of vintage elegance and Christmas cheer to any dull corner.

Merry Christmas!

Pretty Soldered Ornaments & Brag Monday...

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

So after much too much time has passed I've finally finished 2 count them 2 whole soldered ornaments, lol. I had plans to make lots of these and put them up in my shop. They took much longer to make than I had anticipated due to all the details but I really had fun with them and they turned out so cute!

I have listed these two ornaments in my new online store...

www.vintiquitiesboutique.com

as well as several necklaces. I will be listing more items as I get them made.

For these ornaments I used vintage images from The Graphics Fairy

The background image and the image on the back side of the ornament are both from the Graphics Fairy as well as the ribbon "The Christmas Tree" from the top of a music sheet.

I bleached the bottle brush trees, added glass glitter so they shimmer and shine, as well as some old glass pearl beads. The star is cut from an antique dictionary and a 1920's rhinestone is placed in the center. I created the scene inside a 2x3 inch box and 2 mercury glass beads, an old glass pearl and lots of glass glitter shake and roll around inside. Two pieces of glass are soldered to the front and back. Antique sheet music is collaged to the sides and back and each ornament is signed and dated inconspicuously.

I'll be sharing these on Brag Monday at the Graphics Fairy and I hope you will go and join in the fun.
I've got some pretty things to show you tomorrow some come back and see me.

Happy Holidays to you all. Hugs!

Busy busy busy...

2011-12-05T07:38:00.001-08:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, a whirlwind if you will. I have gotten a lot of things accomplished lately but not much pertaining to the opening of my new store (although Friday night I did get a few more ornaments soldered). Sorry to keep everyone waiting.

Saturday my uncle David Merrifield came over to photograph my studio for my magazine article. He spent hours taking pictures for it. These are just a few shown here. I LOVE how they turned out.

Sunday was a crazy day for me as well. I completely disassembled my laptop in order to replace the fan (something I've never done before). I replaced the top screen of a DS Lite game system (who knew soldered jewelry techniques would come in so handy). (both items are now working great!) I made a skirt from scratch for a band performance. I did the grocery shopping. I sewed patches on some shirts for work. And I put the finishing touches on my magazine article. Whooo!

I'm focusing this week on making things for my store, no matter what! LOL

Happy Holidays to you all. Hugs!

Year One Christmas Ornaments

2011-11-21T07:54:00.001-08:00

I am at present working on a design for my year one soldered Christmas ornaments. I've got a lot of ideas and working out the kinks but please join me on black Friday as I unveil this year's design.

I hope to make them available for sale in my store starting this week.

Here's a "tiny" sneak peak.

There will only be a limited number of these beauties so don't miss out.

Happy Holidays!

Soldered Jewelry & My New Store

2011-11-16T07:17:00.001-08:00

I've been wanting to make some jewelry for quite a while now. Sunday I finally got the chance.

I've still got to add some dangles to the round design but I wanted to share these with you today.

The holidays are fast approaching and I'm setting up a new online store.

For those of you who are followers on Vintiquities Market please know that, that site will be removed soon and my new store will be at

www.vintiquitiesboutique.com

I will be listing some new creations there very soon. :)

Thanks for visiting!

Breaking in the Studio with a craft day! New Art!

2011-11-14T07:53:00.001-08:00

Sat. was the first official craft day in the studio.

My best friend Lydia came over and we worked in the studio with my daughter Abbi.

Abbi got some new play dough and was crafting it up at the sewing desk.

Lydia was over at the watch bench working on a book page wreath that is going to be gorgeous!

And I was over at the work bench working on an art doll Santa Clause. See my mess.

Stitching the hat band.

Deciding on how to attach the feet. Also my hubby brought home a piece of Plexiglas from work that had gotten broken at the corner, and it was the perfect size for the center of my work bench to protect the pages underneath. I also slid a couple of old family pics of my dad underneath.

The body of the art doll is a couple of old playing blocks altered with paint and old paper.

Abbi's drawing of Lydia, me, and herself.

Attached the parts.

And finished up.

He's a shelf sitter.

Sunday I made some jewelry but I'll share that tomorrow. :)

Have a happy day!

Carole Stupell Candelabra Find

2011-11-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

I found this old glass candelabra at a yard sale last weekend. It was in a doubled up plastic shopping bag, kinda smooshed (each petal is individually handmade and wired, so they are a little out of place from being in that sack) but still pretty. It has about 30 years worth of dust on it which I am about to endeavor to remove carefully. I just think it's beautiful. When I got home I started looking at it and it has a sticker on the bottom that says "The Carole Stupell Collection". I went looking online for information about it because it is obviously well made and beautiful and very heavy. The base may be crystal and if I had to guess I would say possibly 1950's or 60's. I found info on a store in New York and a few items here and there at antique sites with the same sticker but no where near this pretty that were quite pricey but that's about it.

Anyone know anything about this item?

I'm pretty good at finding things on the web but this piece eludes me.

I bought it because I thought it was beautiful, even though pink isn't really my thing, so I may be up for selling it if I can find out more about it.

What have you found recently?

Some studio pics and eye candy...

2011-11-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's me! And do I have a lot of pics to share. Just thought I would show you whats doing in the studio and where I'm at so far. I still don't have everything brought in (believe me I DO know how much stuff I have, ugh) Hold on, it's going to be a long one...

The craft Cat, Starry. Meow!

Still working out the curtain under the bench, I may keep adding, I may rip it off and start over. Just not sure yet. I've got some trim temporarily pinned here and there to decide what I like. It's growing on me though.

... Some blingy things and lovlies...

So there it is at present. Still a work in progress!

Hugs!

ACO 5x5 Fundraiser 2011 -Art, Jazz, Food, Fun!

2011-11-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Arts Center of the Ozarks Annual 5x5 Fundraiser. Artists were given a 5 inch by 5 inch canvas to create art on and then donate to the auction to raise money for programs at the ACO. There were over 300 works of art. One of my pieces you can see above, the house mixed media with the number 5 on it. It got 3 bids and raised $35 for the cause. I met the gal that bought it and she was very sweet and I could tell that she was really going to enjoy the piece, made it all worth it just to see the way she looked at it. :)

It was really fun to see all the different works displayed throughout the two story building.

I saw Wanda Eash there, from the Two Crafty Mules Blog, she had a couple of really nice painted works there also. ..

My friend Lydia came with her husband Bruce to enjoy the evening as well, see Bruce below (in black) with my husband Rod, both sampling the delicious food they had there...

The stuffed mushrooms were a big hit as well as the candied bacon, mmmm.

Lots of people were there to enjoy the show and bid on art.

The jazz band that played was completely wonderful! I could listen to them play for days on end.

Below are a few of my favorite pieces...

Love how this one had items "trapped" below the surface of the fabric and then carefully stitched into place, I know it took a while to get this done and it was probably my favorite piece in the show.

Above is my second piece, it received a bid and raised $25 for the cause. :)

These two pieces were just really neat! Love all the fun things hidden within the works.

My husbands favorite was the bird dog (go figure) I thought it was really cute too.

Here is one of Wanda's, I thought it was so beautiful.

It was a great night, we had a lot of fun. I will definitely participate next year.

Junk Find and Vintage Finds Repurposed

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

I got a little something made in the studio tonight. I found this old board in the barn at my mother in laws house a while back. It's a piece of a door to a china cabinet, all that was left of it anyway. I thought the hardware was pretty and intended to salvage it but kept the board.

I also found these vintage hooks at a yard sale a few weeks ago. Love these!

I did a wash on the old wood with white and turquoise acrylic paint, brush on wipe off with a damp paper towel.

Then screwed the hooks into it. It's going to look great on the wall in the studio!

Each day brings new progress in getting the studio completed.

Have a great week!

Studio Progress, Decorating, and moving in Little by Little

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm getting things moved into the desks and decided my grandpa's old watch bench would look really cute with glass knobs instead of the wood ones so I'm working on that.

I got some things situated on the workbench, installed half of the paper holder I found for my birthday (when I say half there were actually two old paper roll holders that were screwed together but they were too tall to fit under my cabinets so I took them apart) I just love the color! And it will be very handy to have that paper at the ready to use to cover the workbench during messy projects.

I also installed another shelf above the pegboard and it's filling up fast.

Here is my sewing corner with the bottom half of the paper roll holder that I plan to attach to the edge of the sewing table to hold a roll of backing. As you can see I'm still working on this area.

The studio is starting to feel a little more like home each day. It's slow going but I'm very pleased with the progress this week.

Taylor Swift To The Rescue!

2011-10-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's been so hot for so long it seams like the summer lasted forever. I was so looking forward to fall that I was caught off guard when a little bit of "winter" sideswiped me this morning. We went out to the car and the windshield was white, I looked for my scraper only to realize that I don't have one. What? Where's my scraper? Anyway, the kids needed to get to school and I needed to get to work...that's when Taylor Swift (yes the singer) came to our rescue. She just showed up out of the blue and made the morning work.

If you've never used a CD case to scrape your windshield I've got to say it works quite well, lol.

Hugs! Stay warm!

Good Birthday Shopping & Some Scary news...

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

My stepson George will be deploying tomorrow. I just want to wish him well, and pray for his swift and safe return home. Words can't express how much we love you, how proud we are of you, and how much we miss you already. Big Hugs!

I wanted to say that first before I went any further but I also want to share my week with you.

Thursday was my birthday and I got to go to some craft fairs with Wanda over at Two Crafty Mules. Sadly we didn't get a picture together even though we meant to. As well as my cousin Kerri, it was such a beautiful day and we had a great time hanging out.

I did get a chance to get a picture with a very talented lady I used to work with once upon a time at Hobby Lobby. And managed to buy one of her super cute creations.... this adorable paper mache snow man pail.

Also at the craft fair we saw this gal spinning cotton into yard. It was neat to watch and she just loves to do it.

Friday, my best friend Lydia and I meant to go to the War Eagle Craft fair but we got sidetracked with the hundreds of yard sales going on that weekend (because it was craft fair weekend)

I have been looking for these old brass drawer pulls for a VERY LONG TIME and would you believe I came across TWO different yard sales that had them. Luck was definitely with me! SCORE!

I also found these gorgeous enamelware fixtures that were the PERFECT SHADE OF BLUE! I couldn't have done that again if I tried. They will be very handy in the studio.

Also last week I found these old door knobs, and these old jello molds.

I went to the flea market with my hubby Sat and found this old paper cutter with a giant roll of paper on it in the perfect shade of blue also. This will be great to protect my work bench, I'll just roll out some paper whenever I plan to paint etc.

As you can see I'm starting to get things moved into the studio!

I made the curtains over the shelves and did my very first Citrasolv image transfer! I used two different images from the Graphics Fairy. A frame and the crown.

Also I'm getting some small items moved into the studio as well. It's all coming along!

Old Victrola Cabinet Makeover...

2011-10-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you remember this cabinet I found a while back. It was pretty beat up and dirty and unloved when I found it at a yard sale for next to nothing.

I cleaned it up and oiled it and thought about leaving it this dark color but the finish was still not so great so I went back and forth on weather or not I was going to paint it.

It's got the most wonderful shelves that I'm going to store my antique sheet music in. What better place than a cabinet that used to hold old records.

I finally decided to paint it though and I love how it turned out.

I even found the perfect handle for the door. Matches the metal casters very well.

And a little pic of me and my craft cat, Starry (so named by my youngest because of his brilliant blue eyes, his "starry" eyes). He loves to hang out with me while I craft even though I haven't gotten the chance in a while, but he's been hanging with me through the studio build and is anxious to get back to work...er... snoozing nearby while "I" work that is. LOL.

Making a Revolving Mess and Hanging Shelves...

2011-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Working on the studio seams like a never ending pile of mess and chaos periodically interrupted by brilliant flashes of productivity. I get a lot accomplished then I clean up the mess. I get a little accomplished then I clean up the mess. I get nothing accomplished then I clean up the mess, LOL.

Piles of shelves and tools and scraps of burlap, more tools, building trash, etc...

Oh look a clear spot on the floor, I so love my floor, have I mentioned that? lol

Ah now we get to the productive part, starting to hang the shelves. I went to place my shelves where I wanted them only to realize that when you build walls with shipping pallets you don't have the luxury of orderly and perfectly spaced studs on which to hang said shelves. So I had to get creative and put up wood runners to support them.

I think it worked out nicely! Also notice that the baseboards are in, got that done too. Now to hang the framed pegboard...

Got that accomplished and look....what do I see but MORE MESS piling up on the shelves I have just hung! Ughhhhhh, I'll get there, eventually. Now to find just the right fabric to make curtains for my shelves, and get to making the coffee sack curtains for my bench. And next weekend I get to move in furniture! (yes I know I've said that before but this time I actually mean it!)

Hugs!

Burlap Wallcovering...

2011-10-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Got a lot done in the studio this weekend despite having HUGE amounts of things to do, school fundraisers, appointments, mom taxi, etc. I got most of the burlap wallcovering done and wanted to show you that...

Start with a small staple gun, staples, scissors, and burlap. Measure out the length of burlap you need and cut to size with and excess of about one inch per side.

Start at the top and work your way down each side. Fold the excess under and staple aprox 1-2 inches apart. You can cover this later with decorative trim or you can use upholstery tacks.

Use the grain of the burlap as a guide to keep it straight and even.

When you are done you'll have something like this...

Hope your weekend was great! I'll be sharing more of the studio tomorrow.

A Giveaway! Check it out!

2011-10-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Wanda over at Two Crafty Mules is having a giveaway!

Two very cute Halloween block dolls that you won't want to miss out on.

What are you waiting for? Go visit for your chance to win!

http://craftymule.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-mixed-media-block-doll.html

Paint And Stencil a Wood Floor Finishing Up

2011-10-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

In my LAST POST I showed you the first 4 steps of painting and stenciling my wood floor in my studio.

Step 5: After the spray paint from the old lace tablecloth stencil had dried I wiped on Minwax wood stain with an applicator sponge and then quickly wiped it off with a soft cloth. Making sure to work in small areas, wiping on and wiping off before moving along.

Step 6: I gave the stain 24 hours to dry and then got to work brushing on a coat of Minwax oil based Polyurethane. (It is recomended that you put down at least 2 coats of polyurethane to seal a floor, but I'm going for an aged worn look so a little wear sooner, rather than later isn't going to bother me at all) I let this layer dry for 8 hours before walking on it and I'm waiting several days for it to cure completely before I move furniture into the space. (don't want my furniture sticking permanently to the floor)

My completed, aged, pretty floor stencil. Using the old lace table cloth was very rewarding, the design is beautiful and I was able to give the old lace a new use. This floor isn't perfect, it's not meant to be, it's simply a way to add the style that I want to the recycled materials I had on hand.

Now to finish the baseboards, put up a little trim here and there, hang my shelves over my work bench and MOVE IN! YEAH!!!!

!!!!!!Finally!!!!!!

Paint & Stencil a Wood Floor Tutorial Steps 1-4

2011-10-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

My floor was made up of old real estate signs that had primer on the back. I lightly sanded the floor, swept and vacuumed it and then painted 3 coats of Behr porch and floor paint. I let each coat dry for 8 hours. My second step was to lay out the vintage lace tablecloth on the floor. I hung it on a cloths line and lighty sprayed the back with spray adhesive (very lightly) just enough to keep it from shifting during painting (adding too much could cause your paint to pull up or at the very least make your floor sticky and that isn't what we're going for here.) My third step was to paint over the tablecloth with white spray paint. I did short bursts of paint to keep from soaking the lace which would have caused the design to be muddled. The fourth step is to remove the tablecloth as soon as you get done painting it. You don't want it "glued" to the floor with spray paint, if that happens you run the risk of pulling up your painted floor.I have a few more steps to go, hopefully by next weekend I can share those with you.

Floor Painting has begun!

2011-10-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry ya'll that I don't have any pics, hubby is at deer camp this weekend and has the camera.

But I finally started PAINTING THE STUDIO FLOOR!

First coat went on last night!

Yeah!

I can't believe it, FINALLY!

You won't believe how cute it looks already.

Now only two more coats of paint, stencil, stain, and 2-4 coats of polyurethane.

Man that's a lot of work but I can't wait to have the end result!

Wish me luck!

Cherub Decorative Alphabet for you!

2011-09-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

I had to share this adorable alphabet I found in a book today. It was from "Decorative Alphabets and Initials" Edited by Alexander Nesbitt. 1959. All items in the book are copyright FREE for artists and designers as stated on the cover of the book.

Picked it up for $1 at the Friends of the Rogers Library used book store.

Just thought they were too cute not to pass on...

Vintage Style Painted Sign Tutorial

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I got my little sign painted this weekend for my studio and I thought I would share the process with you step by step.

1. I found a very old wooden chair (100+ years) that was dry rotted in places and broken to pieces. The piece I used for this sign was the top back of the chair, in this picture you are looking at what would have been the back of the chair and it's turned upside down. It was a very dark wood in poor condition so I painted it off white. for a nice base coat.

2. Design your words using Photoshop or other editing software, Word would do just as well. If your words are larger than a sheet of paper just tape the sheets together as I have done here.

3. A simple way to transfer your design is to color the back of your words with a crayon.

4. Next place your words where you want them on your sign and trace around the edges, making sure you don't shift your paper while doing so.

5. Now that all of your lines have been traced you can start painting in your letters.

Partially complete.

Floor paint I used just so that my sign would match my floor color. :)

Finished painting the letters.

6. Now that your paint is dry use fine grit sandpaper to sand over the entire sign. This gives it that gently aged and time worn look. Coarse grained sandpaper will make it look harsh and scratched up.

See how the painted words have been aged with the sanding as well as the edges of the sign.

7. The last step is to wipe on wood stain and then wipe it off before it dries.

The final result is a nicely aged personalized sign that could be hung in a studio, garden, front deck or anywhere you choose.

Superb "Old Things" Yard Sale

2011-09-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Friday I went to a couple of yard sales at lunch and I came across my DREAM sale. You know the kind...the one that has everything you love to drool over and NOT racks and racks of used clothes.

There were so many wonderful old things at that sale, I would have loved to have been able to buy more, there were certainly more items I would have loved to own but were out of my price range.

Some items however were priced very well and I snatched them up quickly. :)

Like that old tri fold vanity mirror at the back, I told my husband later that he had been shopping and bought me a beautiful mirror for my birthday, thanks babe!

Don't worry he got off cheap, "he" only paid $10 for it.

I also picked up my favorite color canning jar, a collapsible egg basket, a beautiful old tin and some wonderful old lace.

Haven't found a yard sale this awesome in quite some time. I hit the jackpot!

Na-Da Farm Giveaway!

2011-09-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

You've just got to go enter for a chance to win a weekend retreat with classes at the Na-Da farm!
http://nadafarmlife.blogspot.com/2011/09/giveaway.html

Art for the ACO 5x5 Fundraiser

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Arts Center of the Ozarks is having their annual 5x5 art exhibition and fundraiser soon. Artists can go by the ACO and pick up one or two 5x5 inch canvases on which to create their art to donate. The artwork will then be displayed during the month of October and on November 3rd there will be an auction to raise money for programs the Arts Center puts on during the year.

These are the two pieces I finished last night to donate.

This piece is titled "Playing by myself"

Mixed media with vintage ephemera, fabrics, and acrylic paint.

This piece is titled "Fifth house on the left"

Mixed media with vintage fabrics, found objects, acrylic paint, and tape.

I really loved working with all the different textures on this one.

And it turned out surprisingly like my sketch...

Minus a smoke stack, LOL.

If you live in or near the NW Arkansas area there is still time to participate in this years event...

They have extended the deadline to Sept. 30 so you better hurry.

http://www.artscenteroftheozarks.org/artscenter/

Lights! Camera! Action!

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

While helping my friend clean out her garage this weekend (so we can have a yard sale to raise money for our birthday, that we share) we came across these track lights. 3 tracks and 9 lights all in working order. She said she didn't have a place to put them so they were going into the yard sale. I said, MINE! Not really, I offered to pay for them and she said no just take them, so I did. Thank you Lydia!

So I took them home and put them up in my studio! I think they look great, it certainly brightened up the room A LOT! Recycled and Reused, I have loved working with the theme! Still have to add the trim to the ceiling obviously, and I put the outlet cover on after I took this picture. I also shortened the chandeleir cord and put a new plug on it so there isn't all that excess wire hanging down. My youngest daughter came in and said it looks like stage lights like they have at school. LOL.

Hobby Lobby Tin Shelf Makeover

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

My best friend gave me this awesome tin shelf 2 years ago for my birthday. I loved it but didn't really have a space for it on my wall, so it sat on my back deck since then. Now that my studio is coming along I decided to make a spot for it, but black wasn't exactly going to fit in too well. So I painted it.

Here it is after I spray painted it with Rustoleum. Still too white for my space I wiped walnut stain on it then wiped it off.

Here it is hanging in the studio. I love how it turned out and how all the details in it really show up now. I'm hoping to put some things up there that will conceal the air conditioner and it's plug without blocking air flow. And check out the neat old chalkboard I found this weekend. Even though it is black I just adore the graphics on it. It's just temporarily sitting there.

I plan to hang it on the door.

Some Pretties and Some Progress!

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Found these wonderfully aged goodies as a yard sale all piled up in a box with a bunch of other trim. I wound them all on some really old clothes pins I've had for a while. Love the old pearls that were in the box too.

This roll of old sequin trim was in the box as well, love how it's all perfectly aged with it's own patina. And the spool has some neat old graphics on it too.

After an almost unanamous vote for the music sheets on the wall, I went with it. Thanks for all your help. I used spray adhesive on the backs of the pages to adhere them all to the wall.

During the process.

Finished sticking the sheets on. And I'm now working on designing some wainscot for the bottom section.

I also used wood putty to fill the gap in my workbench. Then sanded it after it was dry.

After that I used the spray adhesive to put down the music sheets on my work bench as well.

I spryed them with polyurethane to seal them. They look all nice and shiny now.

You can see the trim I got to put on the front edge of the workbench. It's going to look so cute! Can't wait to get that project done.

What I Remember...

2011-09-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today is full of remembrances for so many people. I wanted to take a minute or two and jot down the things I remembrer about Sept 11, 2001.

Where was I that morning?

I had taken my daughter and dropped her off at school, she was in the first grade. I had errands to run and bills to pay that day and I drove my son to my sister-in-laws house. Shelly and Matt were going to watch William while I went to do the things that needed doing.

When I got to their house in Rogers AR, they were watching the news, Matt told me about a plane crashing into a building in New York, and I remember thinking how strange that was. I sat down to watch the news with them, which at this point was showing live coverage. Shortly after, we watched as the second plane hit the second tower. We were all stunned and we immediately knew what it meant. No accident, no coincidence. It was deliberate. Throughout that aweful midmorning we watched as the terrible scenes unfolded. We heard the news reports of the people jumping from the buildings and we discussed how bad it had to be up there for those people to jump. We prayed for them and their families and when the towers came down we prayed that most of the people inside made it out.

More reports started coming in about other planes that were missing, then found, striking the Pentagon and the news of United 93.

It was all so heart breaking to see the families of our country going through this.

When the news had played out I had to go run my errands, but before I could do that I had to stop and get gas as my car was showing empty. When I got to the gas station there were tons of people there filling up their tanks, I couldn't understand why people were acting this way, but I had to get gas so I waited my turn. As I waited gas prices started going up. I guess there was some sort of panick going on, why people would correlate terrorist attacks in New York and Washington to a gas shortage I'll never know. (Later I talked to my Mom and she said nothing like that happened where she lived. But it was a strange day.) Anyway, after I got my gas I went on my way and saw the same thing happening at all the other gas stations as well. Some stations were running out after having raised their prices to an inexcusable level. I knew my husband had gone to work with about the same amount of gas I had that morning so I called him to let him know that people were acting weird and he better go get some gas before he wasn't able to make it home that night.

He worked for a large construction company at the time and they shut their jobsite down because deisel gas prices had gone so high they weren't going to pay it. They didn't get to work for the next 3 days. After that there was an uproar about the gas price gouging that went on.

That week we set candles out on our sidewalk each night in remembrance of those who were lost.

One thing that I remember vividly about that time was the sense of togetherness as a country.

I remember how you couldn't look anywhere without seeing the Red, White, And Blue. Flags were on cars, shirts, and windows. Flags were hung on every flag pole everyday. I thought it was sad that something so horrible had to remind people that we are all part of a country we are proud of. And that it took the events of 9/11 to bring us all closer together.

Other than the 4th of July, when was the last time you saw the flag displayed so proudly?

I made this graphic quite a while ago, it is always in my sidebar and is distributed freely for anyone who wants to use it for any purpose.

I thought I would share it again today...

God bless those affected by 9/11.

Always remembered.

Help me decide...Swatches of a different sort...

2011-09-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is my accent wall that will be collaged with old paper.

My dilemma is that I don't know which paper to use. The old sheet music or the old dictionary pages?

Sorry my photos aren't the greatest. It was dark out when I got around to this tonight.

I have temporarily stapled a section of pages to each wall section as "swatches" of a different sort.

Music pages are on the left and the dictionary pages are on the right.

I'm leaning toward the old music pages because I think the dictionary pages might be too dark over the whole wall but not sure.

Let me know what you think in a comment if you would please help me out.

Burlap Wall, Old Book Pages & A List of Things Still To Do!

2011-09-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to decide what I'm going to do for the walls in my studio.

I know for sure that one wall (my accent wall if you will) will be collaged with old book pages.

How to create wallpaper from book pages!

That wall will be opposite my work bench which will also be collaged with old music pages similar to the one below...

I love this one!

The other 3 walls I'm thinking about covering with burlap. I just love the look of burlap and it would give me a way to tone down the white walls. I am thinking that all my trim will remain white. I don't have the option to paint my walls because the materials we are recycling don't paint well, so covering them with something is the only other option.

Google Image

Mine won't be loose like this but I like this setting. :)

I've been wandering around Google during lunch today and "Pinning" images of burlap covered walls to my Pinterest account.

I think they are going to look great with this treatment.

I've also been going through my head and trying to write down all the things that still need to be done in the studio before I can move in...

These are the things I can remember at the moment (I'm sure I've forgotten something)

TO DO:

Collage book page wall and seal.

Fill gap in workbench with wood putty and let dry.

Paint frame of workbench and let dry.

Collage bench with old book pages and seal.

Remove pegboard cabinet (decided to hang pegboard "flat" against wall)

Put wall board up around door and window and finish trim.

Finish out ceiling trim.

Put burlap on East, South, and West walls.

Rehang framed pegboard.

Build cabinets above work bench.

Add last layer of floor.

Add front supports to work bench.

Paint floor.

Stencil Floor.

Add bottom trim around walls.

Hang Christmas Lights on Ceiling.

Move furniture in etc...

Finish outside paneling and wrap eaves.

Phew! Man have I got a lot of work still to do!

HUMONGOUS Studio Progress! And a pretty!

2011-09-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

HUGE! Progress on the studio today! Yeah!

Got the last ceiling panel in (yep that same one that attacked me and left what will no boubt be a permanent scar on my forehead) Got all the walls up (that I had material to do, we underestimated by 1 1/2 panels, no biggie) got the wall trim done, got the pegboard cabinet hung and the work bench built.

Hung my chandeleir. Just temporary for light, still plan on working on it more.

Have to buy some outlet covers...but LOOK a finished wall!
And ME in my Instructables t-shirt! (still sporting a band-aid from that ceiling panel in the top right)

The only section that isn't done yet. Won't take much to finish it out though. Have to buy one more piece of wall board and trim in around the window.

And I wanted to share this cute old mirror I found. Love the shape of it. It will be hung on the wall in the studio.

I'm so excited that everything seems to be moving right along now. I've decided to add one more layer of flooring just to give it a little more support so I'll have to wait on recycled materials to become available before I do that, then I can paint it and start moving in furniture!

Art Genes Run in the Family...

2011-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

The day before yesterday when I picked my 6 yr old up after school she had 2 drawings that she did on her own. This first one kind of blew me away, not because the lines are precise or because it's a masterpiece (which in my mind it kinda is) but because of the composition she chose. (are we seeing the rule of thirds here? In a first graders artwork?)

When asked she said no one helped her, she did it on her own. I love that she filled the whole page with color and that it is so symmetrical and yet each section has it's own colors, shapes and feel.

I'm thinking she's a natural. :-)

Abbi's second page she said "Is Abstract" -her words I swear. I said yes it certainly is. Should have seen my eyes bug out of my head. LOL. Again I love how she filled the entire page with color not just one small drawing in the center. Oh and she says there is a hidden pizza somewhere on the page, lol. Not too shabby for a girl who just started first grade.

I'm just in awe that she gets these two concepts at such a young age. Proud momma here!

Framed pegboard Cabinet! And a little accident...

2011-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you saw this framed pegboard I made from a vintage mirror a few posts ago. This is it's intended purpose. A cabinet with the framed pegboard as the door.

I will be hanging tools on the pegboard and inside the cabinet I will store my glues, varnishes, etc.

You can see part of my hubby standing next to it and so can tell it's no small cabinet. It's going to hold a LOT of stuff!

I still have to pain the inside and outside of the cabinet and then I'm going to collage some old book pages onto the back. I'll share more when I get it finished. :)

After I wrote this post last night Rodney and I were working in the studio to get the last piece of ceiling panel in and it fell and hit me in the forehead. Two bandaids side by side barely covers the cut. Ugh, we really need to get this studio finished. First Rodney, now me, it's out to get us I'm telling you. LOL. My friends and family have now vowed not to enter till it's done for fear of retaliation. Hehehe....

Hope your week is going great!

A Chandie in Progress & a Beautiful Sunrise

2011-08-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Found this chandaleir at a yard sale for a few bucks last week. But pink really isn't my thing so I'm working on changing it up a bit...

I still have a little more to add. Not sure yet What to add but I'm sure it will come to me.

This morning while I was driving kiddos to school, the sunrise was beautiful...

More Progress on the Studio Today!

2011-08-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

I feel like the waiting is over. I have all the materials in hand to finish my studio. No more long periods of waiting while I gather used materials or waiting till I have the money to buy the things that are needed. Everything is coming along. Yesterday's post was about picking up the insulation to recycle.

Today's post is about ALL the insulation for the building is DONE! And the ceiling is one small panel from being DONE! And two sections of wall have been covered!

This was the first corner to be done. It was so exciting to get a glimpse of what it will look like finished!

The ceiling before we got the insulation done.

The air conditioner had to be taken out today and supports redone as it was tilted down and the water started running inside instead of outside where it was supposed to go. But we've got it all fixed now.

All we have to do is the corner of the ceiling (which will be done tonight, I'm just taking a break) and that is done! The walls are going to go up quick!

I love the fact that 75% of my building was made using recycled materials.

Studio Progress! FREE Insulation & a CURB FIND!

2011-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Went this morning to a church in Rogers AR called New Hope Assembly. They are in the process of a large remodel on a building that isn't very old and they were giving away a bunch of insulation that is in great shape. All R19 which is MUCH better than what we could afford. A big thanks to them for the insulation and to my co-worker Jeanie for letting me know about it. You Rock!

We got the first wall insulated in about 5 minutes! That's my hubby Rod, he's awesome!

The second wall is insulated! Yeah!

We've made more progress this morning than we have in the last couple of months.

And another awesome thing that happend today....

On the way to pick up the free insulation I saw this pretty cabinet sitting by the curb.

When I stopped to pick it up it still had it's sewing machine inside. It's been very well taken care of. It's all oiled and clean of dust and rust. Can't wait to plug it in and see if it runs.

Like I really needed another sewing machine, but who could pass one up if it was free? And I really love the cabinet! The pulls on the front and the detail in the legs is very cute.

So I hope your weekend is going great and I hope to be sharing an almost complete studio very soon in the future. Yeah!

Mixed Metal Art Book

2011-08-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Finally got to work on some artwork. Finished this art book with found objects, pieces of an old book, wire and hand dyed fibers.

Binding was hand stitched and glued in place. Then wire was added.

Each page was hand distressed and dyed then bound together in sections.

It feels good to have gotten something finished after so long.

Hope your week is productive!

Framed Pegboard - vintage mirror makeover

2011-08-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Despite the 108 degree atmosphere with a heat index of 114, I was outside off and on today.

Working on transforming an old mirror into a framed pegboard for my studio.

I sarted this morning with this old mirror that I picked up by the side of the road a few years ago. It was in my girls room for a while, hence the purple and green nail polish lovingly applied by my youngest child.

I removed the mirror and cleaned the frame.

I then painted the frame with 2 coats of Behr porch and floor paint and cut the pegboard I bought this morning to fit.

Next I lightly sanded and painted the pegboard off white.

After painting 2 coats onto the pegboard I used the paint brush to dry brush off white over the details in the frame to make them stand out.

My next step is to stain it and put hinges on it.

I am building a box shelf to put behind it to hold all my glues and the framed pegboard will be the door.

Can't wait to get it done and in the studio!

It's all coming along!

What an AWESOME brother I have! Studio Progress!

2011-08-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

This week I'm taking vacation and spending time with my mom who has come up from the south.

Love you Mom!

Today my brother Pete came over and put in the electric for the studio!

He's "the man" the completely "awesome man"!

Woooooop!

This weekend the insulation, walls, and cieling panels will go up and then I can finally paint the floor and get moving forward.

Yeah!!!!!!!

The end is near!

Can't wait to get all my stuff moved in!

The Creative Connection Event!

2011-07-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com/

I have wanted to go to the Creative Connection for a while.

There are so many things to learn and so many people to meet there, it seems like a great place to inspire creativity and to learn how to apply it to a business as well as get help for your blogs and take creative classes. So many wonderful events and ideas all rolled into one gathering.

The Creative Connection is giving away 2 tickets as well as a hotel stay for 2.

Just click on the link above to find out more about their giveaway and this fabulous event!

Studio News - Door & Window installed! Yeah!

2011-07-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is where we started this morning. We had to finish closing in the gables and the top of each wall.

Offered by: Rod Loves Thespa - isn't my hubby sweet, now that will always be a part of my studio even if you won't be able to see it, I'll know it's there. (Love you too babe)

Then we put the house wrap on, yep we flipped the building upside down so it would go on easier, LOL.

Now my window and my door are installed, YEAH!

Now for the electric!

Great Grandma's Chiar - Almost Done!

2011-07-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm almost done with the makeover on my great grandma's chair. This is the coat of white paint I dry brushed over the blue.

White paint layer is done.

Next I sanded different areas down so you can see the blue paint showing through and some of the wood showing through as well here and there.

The next step was to brush on some stain and then wipe off imediately with a clean cloth. I used several tshirts worth for the whole chair.

The next day after the stain was dry I started cutting the cushion foam to fit the seat and back. I put 2 layers down for the seat so it will be nice and comfy.

Making sure I have enough of this coffee sack to cover everything.

Now the batting which was also 2 layers. I just stapled it around all the edges.

And then trimmed the excess off. Better to have too much than too little.

Back and bottom batting in place.

I then stapled part of the burlap coffee sack to the back.

On the bottom I stapled part of a tshirt over the batting to make sure it doesn't pill and come through the burlap after a while of being used.

Got the bottom stapled in place.

I think it turned out pretty good for my very first upholstery job. And it's also the first piece of furniture I've ever painted. I just love the internet. There are so many wonderful people sharing what they know how to do with us. It made my chair makeover possible.

Now all I have to do is find some trim that I like to cover the staples and make the sack I'm going to hang from the arms to hold magazines.

And there will probably be a cutesy pillow along the back too.

Where Bloggers Create Blog Party! Visit my studio!

2011-07-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Visit more studios on the tour!

So today is the big day...and I'm SOOoooo NOT READY!

But I shall go on anyway.

I have not finished building my studio yet but I'm getting closer everyday.

In the meantime I'm planning out every detail so that when the time comes to move in and decorate (or vise versa) It will go quickly (HOPEFULLY)

Hold on folks, this is going to be a long one...

So I guess I'll start with a picture of my 12x12 studio building as it stands now...

Yep, we still have a little ways to go but we're getting there little by little, after work during the week days and on weekends.
Lots of recycled materials were used in this building. Doing our part to keep things out of landfills!
And it helps if you don't have to buy all those materials so double bonus.
Two of the walls and the entire floor are made out of used shipping pallets.

Looking in through the window, See my floor? Now you know why I'm painting it :)

Next I want to show you my floor plan, the furniture, and the decorating inspirations that have helped and will help me to create my space the way I want it....

This is my basic floor plan which incorporates all the furniture pieces I will be putting in my space.

The floor will be painted with Behr Jamaican Mountain Porch and Floor Paint and

I will then use the old lace table cloth as a stencil in the middle to spray paint the lace design in white on the blue floor.

After that I will rub a layer of stain on and then wipe it off to "age" the look so it won't be so bright and then finally a few coats of polyurethane. (Yeah I know, it's going to take forever! Lot of steps to that, wish me luck!)

EAST WALL

The east wall begins with the door which is steel so I can use it as a magnet board, bonus!

The only window looks out on our front yard with a big oak and a cedar tree for shade (or it would if it wasn't frosted glass, LOL, but using recycled materials and cheap windows I found at a yard sale for $5, I'm not about to complain, I'm just happy it's going to have a window at all, LOL) Under the window is my grandpas watch bench (my dad's dad Arnold used to be a watch repair man for Rolex then owned his own jewelry business) It needs some cleaning up. I will be using this area as my soldering station, as there is ventilation and plenty of light in front of that window as well as lots of drawers for storage.

Next is my dress form, so glad to have a real space for her, she was getting cramped in the corner of my kitchen with supplies all stacked around her. :(

SOUTH WALL

The south wall will have a 2ft deep by 12 ft wide counter top, Yeah! Lot's of room to ~~create~~ work.

I was originally planning to have a fold up table under the counter but have decided to nix that. It will have 3 curtains similar to ones made by Magnolia Pearl (where I can hide a small folding table if I need more space on a temporary basis)

The top of the counter will be made of recycled plywood (from old signs) so I have to cover them and I love the idea of using book pages to do it.

Above the counter top will be two sets of shelves, one on each side that will have curtains as well. Above those shelves will be the vintage metal baskets I recently painted white. I am going to make some natural burlap liners for them as well....eventually.

In the center I will have one shelf instead of the 3 shown in my plan (what can I say plans change until it's built) Under that one shelf will be a framed piece of pegboard to hang my tools.

WEST WALL

The west wall will house my Victrola cabinet that I found at a yard sale (so love the shape of it and it will be a great storage piece. Still haven't decided a hundred percent if I want to keep it dark, thinking about painting it blue then white then sand and add dark wax? What do you think? Leave it dark or bring it into the light? Haven't tried it yet but I think one of my white metal baskets will fit in that open top space.

Next is My great grandpa's jeweler's bench (my mom's grandpa).

In the photo you can see the top of the bench and the tray that slides out as it is now in my dining area. The curtains underneath just aren't doing it for me anymore and I'm thinking on removing them completely so I can stack my "new" collection of old suitcases underneath.

Above the bench I'm going to hang my framed artwork and magazine cover.

Dedicated to my dad Larry Jones and using his metal detecting finds.

To the right of that will be the sewing area with my my L shaped sewing table that I got off Freecycle (amazingly sturdy desk with lots of storage, couldn't figure out for the life of me why they were giving it away, well except for the fact that it's quite large and bulky)

--Sorry no pic of that it's buried alive at the moment, LOL.--

NORTH WALL

On the north wall in the corner is the same "L" shaped sewing desk with my sewing machine and the pin board I made recently above it. Still have to "age" the frame with some wipe on wipe off stain.

Next to the sewing table, instead of having a book shelf, will be my great grandma's antique chair.

Although it will be quite changed from that as I am painting and recovering it at this time. It will be painted blue then white, then sanded and dark waxed and finally recovered with coffee sack material. I've been wanting to make this old chair usable for a long time.
With it's bottom layer of paint...

Next to that I'm building some shallow shelves into the wall (as it is the walkway from the door) and they will hold my stamps etc. I'm also planning on recessing a couple of shadow boxes in that area to hold artwork etc. Trying to use every inch of available space.

CURRENT STUDIO FAVORITES...

A few old drawers that need a little TLC with an old doll peaking out from underneath.

More goodies that will find a new home in my new space. Antique photos, frames, boxes, and knickknacks.

Some of my favorite things in my space now. My antique Whiting and Davis mesh gate top purse and an antique Whiting and Davis rhinestone necklace. A wonderful little angel art doll ornament given to me by JoAnna Pierotti from Moss Hill Studio (which is just incredible, you wouldn't believe the detail she puts into her work). An antique baby dress with handmade lace in the center. And the sign my daughter made me for Mother's Day in wood shop. "Bow to the Craft Queen" LOL, I even have a crown (to the right) from when I was Paper Crafts Magazine Stamping Royalty 2007)

I LOVE old blue glass canning jars. If only I had bought more of them at that yard sale a while back. I also adore old leather baby shoes, these were missing their buttons but then I only paid $3 for them so I didn't mind too much.

I hope you were able to follow that massive jumble of ideas and plans.

If you want information on the images that were found on the web and that gave me inspiration you can find them all on my studio inspiration blog

www.vintiquitiesmuse.blogspot.com

I always link up to the owners there.

Great Grandma's Chair - The next step 2

2011-07-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I got to paint the first layer on the chair. It's Behr Jamaican Mountain. Tonight I'll paint another coat (assuming this rain stops at some point, I know I know, I should be very happy that it's raining, but I gots things to do people!)

Anyway, after the second coat of blue I will paint a coat of white and I'll let you know from there.
You can also see the coffee sack I'm going to use to cover the cushion and back after I get the paint done.

And now the second coat of blue...

I know not much difference. But patience...

Great Grandma's Chair - Antique chair makeover

2011-07-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

This is my great grandma's chair. It has been so wobbly and rickety for so long it hasn't been able to be used. I've had in mind to take it apart for some time and reglue it so that it can actually be used again without breaking something. And this past weekend I got to work.

First I removed all the edging that was held on by upholstery tacks.

I then started removing the old fabric and stuffing.

Down to the bottom layer of stuffing in the seat.

and the strapping on the back.

I discovered that this chair was stuffed with curled horse hair. (I've been reading about this and have found that you can actually reuse the old horsehair stuffing if you wash it first, and that is what I plan to do as least in part.)

Last layer before the spings.

And then I found this very old paper wasp nest. Extremely fragile but really neat.

I made it down to the springs. Fixed the broken piece that was making the chair wobbly and used hemp cord to retie the springs so they aren't all shifty and then did some sanding last night. I plan to paint this chair and cover it with some coffee sacks I have. It will be in my studio along with my grandpas watch bench, and my great grandpa's jewelers bench, and my grandma's quilt.

Speaking of the studio, I'm kind of at a standstill on that at the moment. I'm up to the point where I need to do the electric and I can't get ahold of my brother who is a master electrician to ask him some questions.

As soon as I talk to him I will get back to work on it.

Delays are so frustrating when I'm so so close! LOL.

Thinking ahead...Decorating the Studio

2011-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

So Rodney and I will be putting shingles on the second half of the studio roof tomorrow. Taking a vacation day off work. We should have that done in the morning. In the evening after it cools off a bit I plan to start working on the floor. As it is plywood I will have to fill holes with wood putty (which I'm doing tonight) sand, sand, sand, and remove dust. Then tomorrow evening I get to paint the first layer of paint on the floor...

I've chosen Behr Floor & Patio paint after much investigation online which I saved to

www.vintiquitiesmuse.blogspot.com

If you are interested in seeing all the options.

And the color of my floor will be Jamaican Mountain...

Behr has a really fun app that allows you to see samples of their paint colors. You can use your own photo or one of their sample photos (as I did)

Since my walls will be made of a material that doesn't accept paint well I decided to put the paint on the floor.

This color may look bright at the moment but I plan to stencil a lace "rug" in the center and then use stain to age it all a bit so the final color will be a little darker and slightly blue-green. Knowing I was going to do this, I chose a color lighter and brighter than what I actually wanted so the floor doesn't look too dark afterward.

I bought a vintage lace table cloth on Ebay yesterday that I love the pattern of. And it has stains so it isn't like I'm going to ruin perfectly good lace with spray paint. From what I've read it's good to spray a light coat of adhesive to one side before laying it down for a stencil, then you "lightly" spray paint over it which leaves a beautiful lace image.

I just love all the florals and the pretty edge shapes. I think it's going to look great spray painted on the floor.

After all that I have to put 3 coats of polyurethane over the top. So this project is going to take some time.

I just can't wait to get this project done. But I know it's going to take some patience with all the waiting for layers to dry.

Wish me luck!

More studio progress

2011-06-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have made a lot more progress on the studio this weekend.

We put the last rafters in the roof, decked it, put down the tar paper, and got half the shingles on. We also got most of the sheeting on the outside walls, all that is left to do on that is cut the pieces that will go around the window and door as well as the gables and that part will be done.

We are very tired and my hands feel like someone took a belt sander to them but we got a lot accomplished and are feeling good about it.

Since my oldest daughter is on vacation with her girl scout troop for the next 9 days and took my camera with her I took a couple of video clips to show you what we did...

This one shows our two cats at the end. Starry, named for his starry blue eyes, is part Siamese and is adjusting to being an outdoor cat during the summer, he's an excellent mouser. And Bob, short for Bobcat, because he survived an attack where he lost his tale, we met him shortly after. He was a wild cat that kept coming up to eat Starry's food and we slowly got him used to us and now he'll let us pet him. He's really become such a sweetie.

Help out a talented lady!

2011-06-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I was sponsored by Prilosec OTC to create online mixed media art videos and with that sponsorship I created www.mixedmediaartclass.com

The videos are slow going at the moment as I focus on building the studio, kinda hard to make a video with sreaming kids in the background, LOL. The new studio will make it much easier to get them made more frequently.

I've tried to inspire others to put in an application for sponsorship from Prilosec and today I found out that a fellow blogger from my hometown has put hers in.

Wanda is a very talented mixed media jewelry artist with a wonderful blog.

She is applying for sponsorship so she can upgrade the storage spaces in her studio and she could really use YOUR HELP!

Please go vote for her as often as you can

http://www.officialsponsor.com/applications/view/16743

***Nice comments to her application help her get noticed by judges!***

She would really appreciate the help.

And if you put in an application please let me know and I will be happy to vote for you too!

Hope you are all having a very wonderful weekend!

I'm on my way to the roof of my studio to put up decking and shingles.

Wish me luck!

Progress on the Studio! Thanks Everyone! Love ya!

2011-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

So this is what we started with Sat morning. The floor that Rodney and I built about 2 months ago right before the broken ankle. We had a studio raising party and invited everyone to come.

Friday night we went to Lowe's to pick up the few building materials we weren't able to pick up for free. (i.e. shipping pallets, old signs etc.)

These are the windows that I bought about 4 years ago at a yard sale, paid $5 for both of them and they were brand new. They've been on the back porch since just waiting for their chance to be used.

Getting started.... laying out the wood for wall #2 (the first wall was already built out of 4x8 shipping pallets)

screwing boards together. (you can see the old signs used for flooring here, Rodney and I work for a sign shop and these are some that were ordered to be taken down and we rescued them from the burn pile. I plan to paint over them with some good white floor paint)

There's Rodney, ankle getting stronger from the last time we attempted this.

Lydia Waldrop and her hubby Bruce. Two of the best people you could ever want as your friends.

And Chris & Lina Lewis (center) another great set of friends that we love.

Check it out! THREE walls! Yippee!

My gosh was it HOT Sat. We were all melting and had to take breaks periodically. But we persevered!

4th wall and framing out for a door!

Yep that's me, I was in there too. Holding up walls and ....

Tearing pallets apart for extra wood here and there.

Removing some nails.

Me and Lydia, oh yeah, we're hard core construction types! Look, power tools! LOL

Bruce, God Bless him, doing all the really hard ladder work as Rod's ankle is still a little weak.

And by the end of the day the rafters were put in place and nailed together (this is a pic before that)

So all in all a very productive day that wouldn't and couldn't have happened if not for my good friends coming over and working hard just for the sake of friendship.

Here's to you guys, my friends, that I love!

Hugs!

Continuing on...

2011-06-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

I keep planning the building of my art studio. First we were going to enclose the back deck and those plans didn't work out. Then we decided to build a studio with shipping pallets like some of the neat buildings I've seen online. That actually looked like it was going to happen until my husband broke his ankle as we were raising the first wall. The floor has then set where it was for a while as we slowly gathered more free materials like shipping pallets, plywood from discarded signs (we work at a sign shop) etc, and as my hubby slowly healed.

My best friend suggested we have a studio raising party so I planned that for this Sat and actually got some great friends to volunteer, then...

My uncle Robert passed away this week. A very sweet and loving man who has always been very kind to everyone. He will be missed very much and my heart goes out to my cousin Betony for the loss of her dear father, and to my aunts and uncles and my mom for their loss of a sibling.

I will be attending the funeral.

Though I'm not canceling my studio build party. It's something I've worked very hard to get and I just can't put it off any longer. And I already have lots of wonderful people coming to help me, I may not get another chance.

I hope everyone understands.

So if you are lucky enough to still have your father near, hug your fathers tight on Sunday, tell them you love them, enjoy their company, forgive old disagreements and remember it well. Time isn't always there.

Repurposed Antique Frame & Coffee Sack Pin Board

2011-06-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Usually when I find something at a yard sale that I want to "repurpose" I have that "Ah-Ha!" moment, I buy the item that created the inspiration and then....well, nothing. It sits, unused, gathering dust with the promise that someday it will be put to use. Yeah - Right.

But recently I have decided that if I buy an item I have to actually use it for it's intended purpose within a month or I don't get to keep it. For instance, I bought this antique frame at a yard sale for 25cents....LAST YEAR! And finally today it has been made into the thing it has wanted to be. A pinboard to hold my mixed media jewelry creations.

I started with this old chippy frame that someone had painted with ugly orangy copper spray paint.

It's completely fabulous with portions missing and many many age cracks.

I then used one of these coffee sacksto create the back.

(which I got last week, a huge stack for only $5, and all the proceeds of that sale went to the storm victims in Joplin MO, so that was just awesome)

I wrapped a layer of burlap over a layer of quilt batting and then wrapped the edges around a piece of an old plastic sign, (everything was recycled for this project) hot glued the back, and stapled it into the frame that I had already painted white. Love how the cracks still show through the paint.

1 project down, 100 to go...

My Sakes, I Shall Swoon!

2011-06-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Found some lovelies during lunch today. First off I found this gorgeous hand mirror. I've seen some really pretty ones before but nothing with quite as much detail as this one. It's really deep relief and gorgeous subject matter really appealed to me.

It just screamed out, "Please take me with you! You know you'll regret it if you don't." It really did! Love those flowers and the carved lady!

Also found these beautiful vintage cards, some perfectly aged leather baby boots, and some real silver salt shakers that are going to make wonderful little card holders.

Hope your week is going great!

It's HERE! Oh NO! I'm NOT ready!

2011-06-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

http://mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-bloggers-create-2011.html

Let the frenzy begin!

You there! Straighten up those paints.

And YOU! Get that fabric organized!

AND you, yes I see you in the back hiding behind that naked dress form, GET HER DRESSED for the party!

Yippee!

Wait....

Oh NO!

I'm NOT ready!

My studio is still just a floor....NOOOOoooooooo!

Ok, I need volunteers, barn (err...studio) raising party at my place!

Who's with me?

I had such grand plans for this years Where Bloggers Create blog party. I was going to have an actual studio, not just the same old corner of my kitchen, it was going to be all ready and decorated just the way I dreamed.

But stuff happens. My hubby is mending from his broken ankle from the last time we worked on the studio several months ago, but he's still not 100% and not sure that he ever will be. Sad face :-(

I am planning on having a studio raising party, with food and drink and hopefully enough volunteers to pull it all off. But first I have to come up with enough 4foot by 8foot pallets to finish building the wall. We'll see how it goes.

I have planned everything out down to the tiniest detail as far as where everything will go inside the space. Measured every piece of furniture, designed all the cabinets etc, it all has it's place (just as soon as it is built, LOL)

But still, I love this blog party, I love being able to visit the studios of others. It's going to be a fun time.

I hope you will all join in!

My Shabby Chandy... A Junk Makeover...

2011-05-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found this piece of an old miners lantern. I instantly thought to use it as a candle holder and planned to paint it white. I spray painted it yesterday afternoon and then this morning I got some inspiration...

I had been wanting to make my own chandalier for a while out of junk parts and found objects but I didn't have the right "bones" for the poject till yesterday. I love how it turned out. (I wish I was a better photographer though, it's so much better in person)

Hanging on the front deck.

A few new glass beads paired with some old glass bead chain. Some old keys with vintage rinestone jewelry attached and some antique crystal drops finally found a use.

Can't wait to light it tonight and enjoy it.

Much love and respect to the service men and women who have given everything for our country and to the families of those brave people.

Vintage deals on a great weekend

2011-05-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

I had to share the fun stuff I found this morning.

I got some things I've been looking for, for a long time.

Love the vintage suitcase, perfectly aged and great metal hardware and trim.

Love the tiny metal drawer/scoop with fading chippy red paint, thinking about hanging it on the wall vertically and using it as a nicknack shelf?

I also found some great old hardware and rusty buckles etc. More supplies for artwork. I also had to get that green vintage metal paint tin on the right. I even found some old potato sacks that will be a curtain eventually.

Found these cute little cup and saucer sets, too bad the pink floral Limoges cup had a chip and the saucer doesn't go with it, but I still think it's cute in a shabby chic sort of way. I plan to make tealight candle holders out of these as soon as I find the right candle sticks to attach them to.

This is my super happy wonderful find of the day. To some it may look like a rusty piece of junk but to me it's that one piece that will make organization in my studio. I've been looking for a milk carrier large enough to put my vintage blue canning jars in for quite a while. I also found 3 more blue glass canning jars as well. Now for the big question...Do I paint it?....hmmm.....

This is a piece of an old miners lantern. When I saw it I immediately thought it would make a great hanging candle holder. I painted it white this afternoon, I'll share it tomorrow.

Also found these vintage Dixie cups. I've seen them online and always thought they were cute. I got 2 full cases of them. Now what to do with them? Any suggestions?

These were hanging on a wall full of rusty old tools and things. I don't know how I spotted them but they will be neat additions to artwork. I'm also going to make molds of them because of their wonderful details.

And last I wanted to share the tags I made last night. I think they turned out well and they were lots of fun.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Inspired Remnants Curious Dreams WINNER!

2011-05-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

I'm quite excited as I found out today that I won 3 different prizes in the Inspired Remnants Curious Dream blog/release party.

I won a copy of Inspired Remnants Curious Dreams from and by Kerin Gale

I had actually already bought this at Barnes & Noble and loved it so I'm giving this copy to a friend to enjoy.

I also won a pack of Silputty silicone mold making material from the Strange Dolls blog

And I won a signed copy of Steel Wire Jewelry by Brenda Schweder

Can't wait to get it and check it out.

I was so hoping to win one of the Aves packs so I could try the Epoxy clay but I am happy to have won such neat prizes and I broke down and went ahead and ordered my clay today and hope to be creating with it soon. You will undoubtedly hear about it...LOL.

Yeah! Thanks so much for all the fun.

A word on tornadoes...

2011-05-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Having just had a wonderful weekend with great weather and lots of barbecue fun with friends both Sat and Sun, the sadness and destruction of the devastating tornadoes last night has cast a pall on all that.

While sitting at our friends house last night, having a great time, another friend of ours called to say that a bad tornado was in Southwest City MO. where my mother-in-law and family live. We called them to make sure they were taking shelter and they were. At this time we've got tornado warnings ourselves and are keeping a very close eye on the weather. We worried a few hours and heard some reports of damage and injuries just down the road from where they live. We called and couldn't get a hold of them. They were finally able to call us back later with the news that they were alright, thank goodness, just a loss of power. The house and the chicken houses next to them were all completely gone though so they had a very close call.

Just a short time later that cell went over Joplin MO with a tornado that caused major damage and fatalities.

My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones and are experiencing the loss of their homes, businesses and more. Praying for strength for you all to carry you through these difficult times.

Much love and big hugs to people in a town not so very far away.

It's been a beautiful weekend!

2011-05-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was very productive. I got my house cleaned up, laundry done, front deck cleaned off and organized, had a barbeque with some great friends and made duct tape dress forms with my friend Lydia.

Today has been so beautiful and finally NOT raining that I decided I could safely scrub and paint these old wire baskets that I've had for a while.

Had to take a wire brush to them as they were very rusted and then I spray painted them white with a rust blocking paint. I plan to sew up some burlap liners for them. I think they are going to look very nice in my studio...

We also got the rest of our garden planted. Yes we got a late start but I think it's gonna be alright.

Rodney found some neat colored carrot seeds and Abbi was excited to plant them...

Rodney's ankle is healing, as you can see he still has to wear a strong ankle brace on it, has metal supports on both sides....

William even came out to help plant...

Now we're off to another barbeque/ high school graduation celebration/ paintball party. The kids are going to have a blast!

Hope your weekend went well too!

Hugs!

The Rabbit Knew But He Wasn't Saying...

2011-05-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

I finally got in the groove last night. It was a pretty good day and when I got home last night my contributor copy of Sew Somerset was in the mail. There was something about seeing my art on the cover that got me in a creating kind of mood, LOL (I don't know why that would be?)

Anyway, I made this mixed media piece titled "The rabbit knew but he wasn't saying"

It started with an old book cover, then some collage and paint for color. I then added a texture piece that I made for my corn starch paint texture video and layered that in as well. I think it looks nice as the "house".

The title is still a work in progress. I wrote it on an old piece of music but I think it needs a little something extra. Thinking about using Ice Resin on it. I really think that will work. I'll let you know how it goes.

And the finished (almost) piece. So loved the little copper rabbit chocolate mold I found at the flea market last year. I just knew I would find him the right home eventually. ;-)

Hidden Treasure and Comparing Mold Making compounds

2011-05-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have one of those Aha! moments where you finally realized what you actually had? I had one of those last night. I believe I shared this cute little box last year when I found it at a yard sale for $2. I loved it instantly because of the pretty litho picture on the front and then I opened it to reveal these wonderful pieces with beautifully detailed crowns...

The tag on the box said it was an antique game but what I finally reallized last night was that it is actually a 100 year old paint set. (which makes it an extra special treasure in my mind being an artist) Those beautiful crown pieces are actually water soluble PAINT! (how in the world did they survive so long?) I LOVE the fact that "Thomas Johnson" painted his initials on the lid and made the "color chart" at the top. I mean how cute! (also a fun fact, my initials before I got married were T.J. Thespa Jones)

But the main thing running through my head when I bought it was to mold those wonderful crown pieces (paint brickets) and make casts for jewelry. Last night I finally got around to it...

I have used two types of molding compound (the first of which I was completely unhappy with and I'll share that one in a bit) the second of which is AMAZING Mold Putty and it REALLY lives up to it's name.

Amazing mold putty really captures those fine details extremely well and is super flexible. I am so thrilled with this product!

It easily peals off of the item you are molding...

Like antique glass cameos with intricate brass frames...

You can do a full wrap around a porcelain doll head and it just peals away with no problem.

And the best part is...You can make FOOD MOLDS with it. Oh yeah!

Can you imagine those little crown brickets made into chocolate wafers? How pretty would that be?!!!

Now onto the FAIL mold maker...

This is Sculpey MoldMaker and I was VERY unhappy with it. I bought it because I wanted to try making molds and it was the cheapest product on the shelf (I guess you get what you pay for)

It did mold well and hold all the detail but then it started to dry out, and cracks began to form.

I was very careful to bake it for the recommended time at the correct temperature.

The longer it sits the more dry it gets and the more cracks form, I even tried oiling it to no avail.

Needless to say this product fails! Obviously you don't want cracks running through your detailed mold.

The picture below shows a mold that is almost six months old...

In all of it's cracked wonder! :-(

So in conclusion, pay the extra bit of money for the AMAZING Mold Putty, it's SOOOoooo worth the price!

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Cracker Jack Button Necklace & Some vintage button rings

2011-05-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

Made this necklace Sat night. All buttons were came from my moms collection. The cracker Jack metal is even an old tin button from a Cracker Jack box. (So wish Cracker Jacks still had cool prizes like this)

The red white and blue buttons are some vintage buttons from the sixties.

And this picture didn't turn out that well but I made some wire wrapped button rings last night, just playing around.

Hope your week is going well!