Found Object Art

What to do with all those little bits of trash we come across everyday? Make art with them of course! Zac Freeman creates intricate portraits with the flotsam and jetsam of our lives. Click on the portraits and then click again to see the details of the portraits. A lot of painstaking work has gone into these pictures.

Great Idea for a Bookcase

I love the idea of this bookcase. I didn't see it when I went to the Raw Edges website, but it looks easy enough to build on your own. Although I didn't see it, I did check out the rest of their handiwork. On the most part, very cool!

What Can You Do With A Toilet Paper Roll?

With a lot of practice and much trial and error...maybe, just maybe...I could do something like THIS...maybe.

Funeral Cars of Argentina

Amazing is all I can say. These are the most beautiful cars I have ever seen! Starting out as 1942 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special four-door sedans, they are then transformed into works of funerary art. Here is the link to the article and more pictures of the cars. So far they have only these two cars. I hope there are more to be found in Argentina in the future.

Book Fort

Quoted from MAMbo, Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna

Throughout his career, Matej Krén, among the most important Slovakian contemporary artists, has focused mainly on the means of elaboration and transmission of knowledge, establishing suggestive links between their historical and ideological relativity and the experimentation with many forms of optical and perceptual illusion.

Chosen because of their nature as seat of knowledge, as symbols of intrinsically human free thought, books are here “used” as raw materials for an artistic process existing and communicating on many distinct levels.

Click on the link and see how big this thing is. Perhaps we will see something like this in iPads in the next 10 years. Hopefully we'll still have books by then.

A Different Kind of Artist

I tend towards the dark side of art at times and I recently found Greg Brotherton through Colossal. His sculptures are thought provoking, to say the least. They remind me a lot of Tim Burton and the various characters that he created for his films, with a little H R Giger thrown in.

One More Book Sculptor

What can I say? I love my books and if someone out there can make art from a book that would otherwise go to the landfill, I'm all for it. Guy Laramee's "The Great Wall" series is fascinating. You could almost walk around in these mountains.

Merry Christmas !

How Much Fun Is Math?

Yeah, I know. I don't think so either. Math was not, nor is it, one of my favorite subjects. Funny, because in my other life, I was a bookkeeper. I still need math to figure bead projects and designs, so it will always be with me. But...it can be made fun, interesting and artful when in the hands of Zachary Abel. How amazing are his sculptures? Look at what you can do with lollipop sticks and rubber bands and playing cards.

Friday Night Spotlight

I have three of the most fun sites you will ever get sucked into. I can waste so much time at any one of these places, so take it easy and set the timer. Don't ever say I didn't warn you.....

Pinterest. If you've seen my links to this place and haven't been there yet, what are you waiting for? Great ideas, funny stuff, eye poppin' pictures are what you will find here. Taken in moderation, is the only thing I can say.

Craftgawker will supply you with all the arty/crafty ideas for the rest of your life. I have ideas I want to work up based on some of these cool crafts.

Colossal is more on the artful scene and here is where you really want to be careful. You will be lost in the links for hours and hours. Beautiful, thoughtful, wonderful art from all over the world.

Enjoy your trip!

A Great Doggie Idea

I know it's too close to Christmas to get presents now, but think about this one later for your pup(s).

The Dog Peek would be great for the dog who can't see what's on the other side of the fence or maybe even the front door.

This made me laugh the first time I saw it, but then realized how cool would that be for your dog? Don't know whether it would slow down the barking or heat it up 'cause they can see. Either way, I think it'd make your pooch feel more in touch with the other side of the fence.

Happy Solstice!

Here is a picture I took this morning, at 10:15, of the sun through the alders that border our pasture. This time of year it is very low on the horizon and barely reaches the top of the trees. Today the light comes back and the cycle starts again.

Recycled Art

What can you do with a little wood, some beer cans and bits of wire? How about butterflies, birds, planes or words. Paul Vallinski has scoured the streets of New York for his materials to change, like a butterfly, into the beautiful.

Go on over to his website and take the time to browse through his galleries. The glove artwork is fascinating.

Have fun!

I Found Another Book Sculptor

"Nicholas Jones is a Melbourne based sculptor who uses books and printed paper to make works which question the manner in which books are ‘read’." I'd say so. His art is fabulous and worth the trip through the "pages". What better use than this for old books that would have been thrown away. I think I may have to go to my library book sale and see what I can find to fold, clip and tangle.

Sunday Quote

Friday Night Spotlight

The end is near. The end of the year that is and it's time to start thinking about how you're going to start 2012. Enough with the resolutions, they only last, at most, a couple months. Try something creative and productive. Take a class. Whatever it is that you've been wanting to do or try to do, learning is a life long practice. Since I'm interested in arty things, here is a selection of online classes that might interest you. I like the online classes because I don't have to travel all over the place and they are much less expensive than retreats and workshops. Another nice thing about these classes is you can relax and take your time. You can go back over each technique and feel like you're not missing anything.

Art Trader Magazine has two new Art of Collage classes coming up in January. Each class has three modules, Level I includes Module 1: An Introduction to Collage Art, Module 2: All About Backgrounds, Module 3: Telling a Story. Level II has Module 1: Material Manipulation, Module 2: Layers & Stamping, Module 3: Creating Your Own Style. Each class is $50. While at Art Trader Magazine, check out the free issues of their magazines. There is a lot of fun stuff to read about and see.

I just signed up for a visual journaling class taught by Traci Bautista at Strathmore Artist Studio. This class starts on January 1st. There are two more classes available in watercolor sketching with Cathy Johnson and Force drawing technique with Mike Mattesi. All classes are free and Traci's class runs for four weeks. Time to add colors and pictures to those drab journals.

If you would like to learn to knit or crochet, sew a dress, make jewelry or how to quilt, Craftsy has these and a number of other interesting classes to try. These can keep you busy for the rest of the year!

This is just the beginning for a new year of creativity. You never know where it might take you and the adventures you might have. But above all, have fun!

What Do You Do With Your Crayons?

I bet it's nothing like what artist Herb Williams does with his.

"Lubbock, TEXAS (September 2011) - The National Heritage Center (NRHC) is proud to announce its newest exhibit "Unwanted Visitor: Portrait of Wildfire" opening October 7. The outdoor art installation is the work of internationally-known sculptor Herb Williams of Nashville, TN. Williams will use Crayola crayons to create multiple freestanding, three-dimensional sculptures representing wildfires that are then meant to melt in the Texas weather conditions. "

Before you leave his site make very sure you look at his gallery. You will be amazed by the beautiful art he creates with Crayolas.

What to do with kitchen knobs

One usually does not think of cabinet hardware as jewelry. Well, it could be kitchen jewelry, but human jewelry? Here are a couple of necklaces I made from an idea I saw on Pinterest.

Holiday Eating Tips

This came from one of my friends at OnlineAuction. These are the perfect tips for eating for this time of year. If you haven't started by now, get ready, this is the weekend before Christmas!


Holiday Eating Tips
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Have A Happy Holiday Season! Don't Drink and Drive, I want to see you here next year.

The Mystery at the Library

No, it's not a Nancy Drew mystery or Agatha Christie brain twister. This is a true life mystery about an artist that was leaving beautiful works of art made from books at the libraries in Edinburgh this year. Read the story and check out the pictures of the pieces. You'll be amazed. It's still a mystery about who the artist is and there may be more "gifts" in the future.

I love a good mystery!

Sunday Quote

Friday Night Spotlight

Ok...I'm a little late with the Spotlight. It seems I'm taking longer to get back into the norm after the PAC show as the years go by. Having the show only on Friday and Saturday messes me up and puts me off by a day. So, I'm catching up and here are five blogs you might like to visit from some of the members of Portland Art Collective. Some blogs might not be up to date as we are all pretty slammed from the show.

I'll start with Jan Harris. She has recently come back from a wonderful trip to Australia. We are all jealous because it was a working vacation for her. She got to teach classes, have her birthday party and drive all over to see the beautiful scenery. Go see all her fabulous photographs.

Secondly is Cynthia, who has been to Hawaii and Australia this year, too. She likes flowers, fabric, color and journaling. Check out her beautiful photographs of her trips and favorites.

Thirdly is Lenall. Her art is so colorful and textural, I love it all. She is so creative and so full of ideas, it's hard to know what she will come up with next. My favorites of hers are the cats and crows. Look at all her things and you may find a favorite for yourself.

Next is Robin with her love of fabric, painting and "what ever catches my fancy." She was busy taking pictures of Portland's lovely fall colors this year. Between those outings, she came up with the clever idea of making the cutest little fabric ball jewelry. Also, she took a lot of her stash and made fabulous prayer flags. These sold very well at our show.

Lastly, I'd like to introduce you to Stephanie. We call her our Urban Folk Artist. Steph likes wood and she makes the most wonderful characters out of the strangest pieces of it. Right now she has a show up at SAID in Portland, check out her blog for more info on that.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting me and my friends. Have a great weekend and stay safe this time of year!

Steampunk for your feet

Wanna really blow their minds with the coolest shoes in the world? These heels will not only make 'em drool, but they can also light your way to and from the party.

A Little Calming Effect

It's been a busy/crazy week so far and it ain't lettin' up any time soon. I need a little breather and time to have the quiet little time of the soul. So here is my little bit of calm.

I hope you have enjoyed your walk through my woods. Life seems just a bit brighter now.

It was the best of times....

...not so much the worst of times. The show went well and everyone had a great time. We all worked very hard, talked a LOT and enjoyed the comments from friends and customers alike.

The best part of set up in the morning is you can see what people have brought, check it all out before the crowd comes in and grab it before anyone else. Here are a few of the pieces I picked up.

Dayna and Judi's Eclectic Pieces

Fran's Cool Spiderweb Glass Bowl

Jennifer's Golden Birdie

Sue's Lovely Encaustic Picture

So....are you coming next year? First Friday and Saturday of December, starting at 10 a.m. Get it on your calendar now, make the plans, save your money. Unique, strange, colorful and fun art will be waiting for you. To see our booths, click on over to PAC's Blog to see what we looked like. I'm the one with the bun in my hair, black jacket and purple scarf.

Sunday Quote

An Important Message To Artists

You may have experienced invalidations, evaluation, criticism and skepticism from teachers, peers or others regarding your art and your creative ideas.

You may have also been instructed to curb your creative instincts by being given instructions on what to do or what not to do.

If others are curbing your creative instinct, telling you what to do, how to do it and so on, how are new and original ideas going to come about?

It is our firm belief that an artist, in whatever field, can create unlimited. That there is an infinity of possibilities.

Perhaps a bit unconventional, but valid all the same, we believe that the Arts are not separate - that the opportunity to be with other artists creating is extremely exciting because one inspires the other and a huge create begins that snowballs into bigger and bigger creations.

A musician plays his ballad while a painter paints it and the poet gets inspired to write about it while the dancer undulates...


And so...creation continues.
The possibilities are endless.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After this weekend of the Portland Art Collective Open Doors Show, I gladly post this quote to honor all the "Art Sisters" of PAC.

Thank you for inspiring me!!!

Open Doors Holiday Art Show and Sale

Tonight starts the craziness that will be the Portland Art Collective Open Doors Holiday Art Show and Sale. Click on the link and see what goodies will be selling starting tomorrow and Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Multnomah Art Center in Portland, Oregon.

It Wouldn't Be Christmas Without Socks

and these socks RULE!

Faeries Dance has about 18 different styles of these mismatched socks. Who would want to go through life looking like everyone else when there are socks like these? I think I need at least 3 pair, if not all of them!!!

My very good friend, Heather sent me this link and now you have it.

Ball of Light

Denis Smith creates wonderful pictures using "light painting" and the beautiful Australian landscapes.

A New Kind of Refrigerator

THIS new invention will change kitchens forever.

Sunday Quote

Pencil Carver

I can't remember if I posted about this artist before. If I have, this is too good not to do it again. Dalton Ghetti has had pictures of many of his carved pencil creations running around the internet for a while. They are wonderful to see and I'm just amazed how Mr. Ghetti works magic with his pencils.

\

(Copyright Dalton Ghetti)

Friday Night Spotlight

Tonight I am going to spotlight some blogs I like to read. I hope you will like to visit them too.

First off is the OLA Blog. Lots of interesting tips, a little humor, great things to buy and check out the piggy banks one page back.

Supergranny has some eye-opening and put-on-you-thinking-cap posts on her blog that will make you say, "I didn't know that!"

I'm not a big fan of abstract art, but for some odd reason I really like Elis Cooke's use of color, movement and texture. Her art is intriguing to me and I guess that's what an artist is always working towards.

Createology is one of the busiest, creatingist, talented artisst I read. She has way too much fun in her studio! And it shows in all the arty things she creates. Go over and look at the fun things.

Maryanne Villalba of Maryniky Designs does some of the most beautiful bead work I have seen. I love the way she has incorporated lace into her designs. Very lovely!

Enjoy your adventures and have a great weekend!

Because Everyone Needs A 5 Foot Chicken

Read about the adventures in chicken shopping with Bloggess. I think if I found this,

I'd want it too!

Happy Thanksgiving

Street Art

Street Art Utopia is a wonderful site for everything street art. Things like this make me smile.

Things like this are incredible. This is a drawing.

This will give you something to do for the weekend. Get lost in the links and enjoy your virtual art trip.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Really???

I am SO glad I'm retired and don't have to "dress" up anymore!!!

Christian Louboutin has created a crazy eight-inch heel shoe in the name of charity. As part of the English National Ballet’s The Summer Party auction, the designer created these insane Swan Lake style heels. Even though anyone who isn’t a trained Ballerina would snap their ankle in a second of putting them on, the sparkle and craftsmanship still makes me want to try.

Turkey vs The Fat Man

'nuf said!

Bubble Tent

Would you like to sleep in this bubble tent? I think this would be so cool set up in the back pasture for sleeping under the stars on those lovely summer nights. Especially in the Northwest where is rains all the time, this would be perfect for camping in the Spring or Fall.

Go check out the different configurations they have of these bubble tents. Too Cool!!!

I Want To Live Here

This secret Fairytale Gatelodge is for the Ardverikie Estate, Kinloch Laggan, Inverness-shire, Scotland, UK. Ardverikie House (renamed Glenbogle House) was used in the BBC drama, Monarch of the Glen.

Sunday Quote

Lion in Chains

I got this great pendant on sale at Fire Mountain Gems. Didn't know what I wanted to do with him and just started looking through all the drawers in the bead desk. I came across the chains and thought how fun the lion would look all "chained" up. Here he is in his finery.

I used gold, silver and black plated brass chains. The necklace is 18" and the length of the pendant is 6".

Friday Night Spotlight

I had a little time to kill between projects and needed a break from the beads, so I searched for paper artists and here is what I found:

Wataru Itou is one heck of a master of paper. His creation is magnificent! Wish I could live in this Castle on the Ocean.

Yulia Brodskaya was born in Russia (Moscow); prior to moving to the UK in 2004 she was interested in diverse creative practices ranging from Textile Painting, Origami and Collage to more traditional Fine Art practices. Her paper art is amazing.

At webdesignledger they have a compilation of some very talented paper artists.

Paper can be more than a book page, report or letter. I hope you enjoy the art of paper.

First Snow

Well....it's here. The first snow of the season. We're in another La Nina year and if it's anything like last year, we'll be snowbound again later in December. Today there was only 1.75", but it's still snowing. The weather people say the flow is going to change and it will be warming up to the low 50's in the next couple of days. Until then, hot chocolate, a nice hot fire and my beads will get me through! :)