Monday, September 29, 2008

Tired of the same ole same ole...


Got wild last week and knitted a handbag. I've been inspired looking at pictures of gorgeous bags, so I collected the yarn on sale and got myself a-knitting. It is addictive. I learned knitting overseas when I was a kid and it's kind of like bicycling, you never forget. Haven't touched knitting needles in years, but I used to knit these really cool socks. Hmm, Christmas is coming, though FL is not wool sock kind of a state....

Anyway, tried my hand at felting for the first time, and this is the result. There are other threads in the mix that don't felt, but it's a sturdy little thing, and so soft it's like a pet in my lap! :)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Project underway....


I started a collage, couldn't get anywhere with it so I painted over it with these "angel wing" birds. In my art journal I had doodled an angel whose wing morphed into a bird. Then I thought I'd try it on a larger surface with more birds, and this is what I came up with so far. It isn't finished, but it's fun to see the progress, though I admit it's another weird painting....

Monday, September 22, 2008

Old memories...







I spent some time going through my picture collection and found the "Grandma Moses style-era" of my evolution. I had a lot of fun, and I've actually sold most of those originals. Here are a couple of pictures from that time.
It's interesting to see how we change as artists. I'm sure I could sit down and paint another one, but I'm not drawn to the style any longer. I'm more into mixed media these days as there are so many possibilities for exploration. My collage supplies and do-dads are taking over my studio space like an alien invasion!
Are you C-R-E-A-T-I-N-G?? If not, what the heck are you waiting for? ;)
Maria


Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Bailey is in the bag...




Bailey in the bag going nuts with a knitted ball. Bailey out of the bag is marshalling the felt pumpkins on my porch. He thinks the small ones are fun to bat around. Sometimes I find them in the flower bed below, but at least he hasn't been CHEWING on them. Next, my fall wreath of silk chrysantimums in yellow, orange, and dark red, will come out of its storage bag, or maybe I'll go wild and make a NEW one. What a novelty idea...
Fall is coming even though we're still in the 90s here in Florida during the day, but the mornings are dewy and actully somewhat cool. Yay!
I've got my garden going for the second time this year. Will post some pictures of that later once the plants get a little bigger.
Keep on creating!

Maria

Monday, September 15, 2008

Did decide on a collage...



I went for a collage inside the frame. Used some ripped paper that I painted with a wash and then glued a polymer clay heart onto it. I liked it better than a mirror. The inspiration factor appeals to me, but I don't know that inspirational words inspire anyone. Sometimes, maybe? I keep doing those themes. Now for some pictures:






Live Your Dreams--what else is there to do? Life is short!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Mirror or collage insert?



The opening in this frame is 3.5" square, and I'm debating whether to put a mirror there, or do a collage?

The frame already reads "follow your dreams."

I've been making more colorful tiles lately, and I;'ve found more objects to use as stamps. I also embed pieces like mini keys into the clay. This piece doesn't have that, but I'll post some other pictures.

Just do it! (create that is.)

Maria

Another birthday....


It was that time of year again...another birthday! But I have to say I was very well celebrated by all! Here are some pictures that Leah, my friend and coworker took. She's a great artist, by the way.
Us hugging (me on the left.)





The fabuloso cake that Leah made for me. It was raw, nothing unhealthy about it! I ate the rest for lunch the next day. The picture was pretty cosmic what with the aluminum bench as a backdrop.













Blowing out my one candle... I had to wear a tiara and a sash that said "birthday girl" on it. I made my wish of course...









My bosses, the owners of the Purple Moon, Sherry and Roger, and myself.
I have a garden and they supplied the plants to grow my winter garden this year. Yay!! Happy, happy...










Rachel, my sweet friend and coworker, refused to have her picture taken so I snuck one.
















Excited with tissue paper

















Art supplies!!!! Is there a better gift for an artist?






There were lots of other people singing and hugging later in the evening, but we started the party before the crowds rushed in for their lattes.
Keep on creating....
Maria