Enigma Artist

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T07:52:00.001-06:00

Wow, I can't believe I have been gone for so long. I apologize for not posting. I have been really sick. I got the upper respiratory flu in early January, then a stomach thing that we are passing around the office, then bronchitis, which I am still fighting. I missed 60 hours of my vacation time and those are just the hours I took, missed a few more! And I even I had flu shot!

Seems like this "crap" is all across the country. I hope y'all have been well. I couldn't believe all the comments. apparently my email notification is screwed up. Thank you all for caring. Theresa, I was even sick on my birthday!

Lots of catching up to do in blog reading and in posting. Hopefully, I'll get to that this weekend.

Till then have a great day filled with Love and Chocolate!!

Wishing You All

2008-01-01T09:41:00.000-06:00

May you be healthy, creative and prosperous.

My New Year Resolutions for 2008 are live more "green", it's more than a bit scary to think the polar ice cap could be gone in just a few years, eat more salads, buy locally if possible, move more while at work, sitting on my butt 10 hours multiplied by 9 years is not a good thing, get up everything hour or so, and the perpetual yearly resolution LOSE WEIGHT instead of finding it.

PS. Image in this post and those of the Merry Christmas post are copyright free, public domain images. I did tweak them a bit, brighten them up some. I belong to a PD image posting group on flickr. So you are welcome to snag these images tagged copyright free for yourself. My art however retains my copyright.

IF: Horizon (and Backwards)

2007-12-27T23:41:00.000-06:00

ACEO 2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
bristol board 100 lb

My favorite horizon, even though I was born and raised in Iowa. Now living near Dallas with the Gulf about a 4-5 hour drive. I love the sea.

I missed last week even though I did a quick sketch.

In Iowa we have gates, lots and lots of gates. Panel gates, aluminum gates, even wooden gates.

In Texas, at least the areas where I helped work cattle, rodeo stock, and when we were on the dairy, there are lots of gaps... strands of barb wire, twisted around a bois d arc post, then you pull it tight and secure the top and bottom with a baling wire hoop.

Gaps are a pain in the butt and backwards!

blue ink pen
scratch pad

For more illos

Merry Christmas to You & Yours

2007-12-24T12:34:00.000-06:00

My 2007 Holiday Home Tour

Saturday Sightings

2007-12-22T11:37:00.000-06:00

Here's the wagon all decked out for Christmas. This wagon sets in front of a railroad depot converted to a Dentist's office. They decorate the wagon for each season.

Have a great Saturday!

And the Winner of Giveaway #3

2007-12-20T23:56:00.000-06:00

A Woman who is In a Garden Check out her Holiday Home Tour, too! A beautiful home!

Congratulations!

Thank you to all who commented and entered my Holiday Home Tour Giveaway! More giveaways coming up in 2008!

2007 Holiday Home Tour & My 3rd Giveaway

2007-12-17T03:30:00.000-06:00

Follow your guide, BooMama, for the 2007 Holiday Home Tour.

Welcome to my home.

I collect Snowman.
Occasionally a non Snowman will find it's way into my Christmas Decor.

I made this pair of Gingerbread Peeps in 1985.

Angels for all seasons. The Christmas Angel is on the lower right.

This photo and the one below are from Christmas two years ago

Cookies?

Tea or Hot Cocoa?

If you would like to enter My 3rd Giveaway please leave a comment. This giveaway will end Wednesday, December 19, at 10pm CST

This Giveaway includes:

One Reindeer Gift Bag, featured in the "How To Make" this bag post

Three original ACEO/ATCs created by me.

And Chocolate! As featured in the Quick & Easy Gift post.

Thank you so much for stopping by my Holiday Home.

Enjoy your visits to the other homes on the tour. Please follow your guide, BooMama, to the next home.

Saturday Sightings: Odd House Continued...Finally

2007-12-15T23:45:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember this house from this Saturday Sighting Post

Based on comments on that post I went back to take more photos so you could see the neighborhood.

I had been driving around looking for potential lakeside property. Texas only has one natural lake the rest are all man made. The Lake near me is man made. Instead of having million dollar homes with boat docks gracing it's shores. The Corp of Engineers owns and manages most of the shoreline. There are several public parks scattered here and there that go down to the water to allow access for swimming and boating. I do have more photos to give you an idea of what the majority of the homes look like surrounding the Corp property but for now I will continue the story of this interesting house.

My first glimpse of it was at this very sharp curve where I did come to a stop when I spied the gargoyle.

What the Heck?

Instead of turning to the left I continued forward. (at that time this mobile home on the corner had a bank foreclosure for sale sign in the yard)

Three stories, angles and doors everywhere. And no shingles.

Here is the neighbor on the right. (my Mom taught me if I couldn't say anything nice, shut up)

I am glad they were not home so I could pull into their driveway to take a few more pictures.

See that door up on the third floor? Matches the one on the other side. Some type of plastic sheeting flapping in the wind. No siding. Click to see larger photo if interested.

While I was leaving this little covert photography session the new neighbors, who apparently purchased the bank repo came outside.

The man walked to the center of the road with a gun in his hand.

A caulking gun. I stopped so he could ask me what I was doing. I told him my step dad was a hobbyist carpenter (he really is) and he had seen the photos I had taken a couple of weeks before and I came back out to take a few more since this house was such a carpenter's nightmare.

Did you think I was going to tell him .... I am soooo blogging this!

He did tell me the gentleman that lives there, yes, lives in a room in the back, is building this house in his spare time. He is single. That is all the info I got this trip.

I'll keep checking on his progress.

This is the view as I was going back the way I came. Yes, I was stopped in the road. Again. It's the country.

At the end of this very long dirt road should be the lake. No way was I going down there. By My Self.

Those signs say "enter at your own risk. The boogie man with the hook for a hand is down there".

Okay, the signs say something about no dumping.

I do wonder if he will be able to even see the lake from his third floor. With two doors up there I would imagine he is going to build some kind of deck. Original post is here for more photos

So y'all got any What the Heck houses near you?

A Day Late...

2007-12-15T13:47:00.000-06:00

Not to confuse anyone, including me, I am back dating a couple of posts to Friday. Where they should have been if I wasn't so busy. Then I took a nap. And...well, I read a few blogs and before I knew it I fell asleep. Now it's Saturday. I'm baking. Downloading and uploading photos for said back dated posts.

And...ta da

I added a blogroll. Finally! Many more Reads to Come though.

Check back through out the day. New posts coming. Including tutorial for a quick, easy last minute gift for teachers, mail carriers, UPS man, hairdresser, neighbor, etc.

The winner of my 2nd Giveaway is Farmer Julie. Congrats!

Update: Be sure to scroll back to Friday. The posts I back dated are up. If you still have gifts to buy you might like the tutorial for Quick and Easy Gifts that is very inexpensive.

I'm working on the Saturday Sighting post now. I took a small break from baking and blogging to watch "Love's Unfolding Dream" on Hallmark. Such a wonderful series!

Quick and Easy Gift for Teachers

2007-12-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

Not only a gift for teachers, but these make great gifts for your mail carriers, your hairdresser, your colorist, your paperboy, the UPS driver, your doorman, the farmer who mows your pasture, the sheriff deputy that tells you just shoot the dogs chasing the horses (I didn't shoot the dogs, btw)... you get the idea. These make great gifts. Inexpensive gifts!

A couple of these finished.

Now for the directions. This time of year most of the grocery stores have the huge candy bars on sale 10 bars for $10. That is 10 gifts!! Woohoo! A dollar a piece, not counting craft supplies. Walgreens and CVS carry these bigger candy bars as well.

Remove the wrapper and set the candy bar aside. You will need it later so no eating it.

Lay the wrapper on a piece of white card stock. Add another inch to the left of the wrapper or to the right if you are a lefty.

Yours should look like this, too.

Cut out it out. This is your template. Use it to trace all the rest you want to make. Forever.

If you are a Room Mom doing this project with your class or a Mom doing this with little kids I recommend using copy paper for these next steps. Room Moms and Moms with Martha tendencies you will want to use card stock.

Wrap the paper around the candy bar. Using copy paper just crease with your fingers.

Using card stock use the sharp edge of a ruler and a bone folder. Sorry, Martha, I left mine at home so I made the creases with my fingers. Much easier with a bone folder.

Those using card stock, remove candy bar and continue to use the ruler and bone folder to crease those edges. (Copy paper users can skip this step.)

Card stock should look like this. (using copy paper, the objective is to have an area to decorate)

If you are doing several of these and using card stock... unfold the one you just did and use it as a template to mark the fold lines on the rest of the paper for the number of gifts you want to make.

This step is a lot easier than wrapping the card stock around each candy bar. Draw light pencil marks, lay the ruler on the card stock, fold around ruler and crease.

Three different colors. Ready to decorate.

Almost

Now you get to unfold it. Don't worry it will crease again nicely after decorating.

Now the fun part.

You or the kids can decorate these with whatever you have on hand. They can draw Christmas or Holiday scenes using crayons or markers. Use Stickers, glue on fun foam shapes, stamp directly on surface, use paper punches to punch out shapes. You could even glue macaroni on these. Really! Just have fun.

When the decorating is completed. Wrap the copy paper or card stock around a candy bar... secure with tape (or you can use a glue stick with tape to hold it closed until glue dries then remove the tape)

Ta Da!! You can make these for any occasion as well. Valentine's Day, Boss's Day, My Friend Needs Chocolate Day... any day you want!

My daughter made theses gifts for ALL her High School teachers. Every Year! The Band teachers usually got Symphony Bars!

Yes, she was usually the only student giving the High School teachers presents at Christmas and at the end of the year.

Hey, they might have made me retire as a Room Mom when my daughter was in 7th grade (I had been a Room Mom since kindergarten) but they couldn't stop me from getting the teacher's gifts even when she was in High School. Once a Room Mom always a Room Mom.

I hope you enjoy making these quick and easy gifts! Send me a photo. I would love to see what you, your kiddos, or your class created. Email to enigmaartist at gmail dot com

Studio Friday: Festive Studio

2007-12-14T17:37:00.000-06:00

This week's theme for Studio Friday is The Festive Studio.

" The holiday season is upon us...what is festive in your studio for the holiday season? What puts you in the holiday spirit?" -espialdesign

I am attempting to participate in each Studio Friday. Since I mainly create at work in my cube. This is about as festive as I am allowed to get.

A bit pathetic. Huh?

What puts me in the Holiday spirit is Christmas Music. I love Christmas Music. At Christmas time though, not in October.

For More Studio Friday Festive Studios

Oh well, come back on Monday when I will be joining in on BooMama's Holiday Home Tour. I have not decorated as much this year due to the farm being for sale but I thought it looked like fun.

Another giveaway coming up on Monday as well.

Update: My home is all decked out for the Holidays, come see.

USPS=thumbs up!! FedEx=thumbs down!

2007-12-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

1st Giveaway Package mailed off to Emily... hopefully arriving tomorrow

I sent it by USPS.

My Mom however decided to send my Christmas gifts by Fed Ex. Her first experience AND her last! My last, too!

I wouldn't use Fed Ex if They Paid Me!

Why you ask?

Mom had 2, count 'em t w o...two boxes sent from Iowa to Texas. They left Iowa early on Tuesday, December 4th. From Grinnell, to Ottumwa, to Moline,Ill, to Chicago,Ill, to Sherman,Tx with delivery scheduled for December 7th. ( go east to go southwest, no wonder Fed Ex charges so much)

Mom is real good at keeping track using the Fed Ex tracker thingie.

Fed Ex however is not so good at keeping track of the packages they are being paid to deliver.

Why you ask?

Neither box was delivered on Friday, December 7th...the driver made a note on the Fed Ex tracker thingie that boxes were NOT on his truck when delivery attempted.

Mom called to find out what was going on and was told to expect Delivery on Saturday, the 8th. Deliveries were made until 8pm. I won't tell you how many phone calls she made to find out that time, but I will tell you the last call she made at 8pm to tell them NO boxes were delivered they said delivery would be made on Tuesday, December 11th, as no ground deliveries were made on Monday.

Why you ask?

Only Air shipments delivered on Monday, no Ground shipments. Mom had paid $40.00 to send these 2 boxes. Fed Ex Ground Shipment

So we wait.

Tuesday night I arrive home to find 1, count 'em o n e, One package on my front porch. On my front porch per instructions appearing on address label.

Huh?

Drop off
Fell off
truck
customer bought in

So I call Mom.

Who of course was all over and up to date on tracking my packages using her computer and the Fed Ex tracking thingie. Seems this particular package had been found in Allen, Tx, on December 7th, and been sent back to Sherman to be put back on a truck to be delivered Tuesday, December 11th. (good grief, the box was like 2-3 miles from me, Sherman is almost to Oklahoma)

Mom had no idea what was written on the outside of this box when she asked the Fed Ex rep how in the heck did a box that wasn't on the truck end up in Allen?

Did it walk there?

Well by now I am fairly sure you have figured out what we had by that time.

Boxes were on the truck when it left Sherman on Friday the 7th, boxes somehow fell off truck on Friday the 7th.

Good person in Allen finds one box and takes it to Fed Ex drop off place, who writes on box and sends it back to Sherman.

Bad person finds other box and keeps it. That box doesn't get entered back into Fed Ex tracking thingie.

No One can find that 2nd box, except the driver who, if you remember entered in the tracking thingie boxes weren't on truck, said he left this second box on my patio.

Sure. You did. Ha! Not!

First, why would you put box number 1 on front porch and then take box number 2, which also had instructions to be placed on front porch to the patio.

Second, I don't have a patio!

Mom had a nice long conversation with Tracking Dept. Supervisor during which she even said my daughter is so blogging this! Go Mom!! And the Supervisor without coming right out and saying so indicated these 2 packages weren't the only ones the Tracking Dept. was trying to track and he did say the driver was being investigated.

The original shipper in Grinnell refunded Mom's shipping costs and handled the reordering of what ever was in box #2 to be shipped directly from what ever company to me.

Let's hope the what ever company doesn't use Fed Ex.

**Thank you Good Person in Allen for doing the right thing! Many blessings to you!**
*FedEx Driver, I forgive you*

fedex

Photo Thursday: Body

2007-12-13T20:24:00.000-06:00

Body? I don't see no body.

Look a little closer

Just a little closer... see the body?

I just love geckos.

Well, except the one that lives in my pantry. Although I haven't seen it in a few months. Perhaps it moved on.

For More Thursday Photo Challenge submissions

My 2nd Blog Giveaway is ending Friday night at 10pm. To enter leave a comment here.

IF: Little Things

2007-12-12T23:56:00.000-06:00

When I first read the Illustration Friday topic of "little things" I thought, okay cute little ladybugs...but on the drive to work, with my thoughts and prayers for Julian. This "little things" drawing came to mind.

Simple "little things" we use everyday and most likely take for granted.

Food
Water
Toilet Paper
Toothbrush

and the list goes on.

But what if you are

homeless

unemployed

a single mom on food stamps

which won't buy

soap
shampoo
deodorant

or anything else of a non food item

like tampax or pads.

So I am asking you to add a few items to your grocery list and not just for the holiday season of giving, but weekly or at least monthly. Then drop these extras off at your local Care Center, Salvation Army, Church Food Bank, Shelter, etc. Every city or town has one.

Thank you.

For an Update on Julian check Michelle's blog.

Don't forget to enter my Second Art Giveaway by leaving a comment here.

For More "little things"

Fasting for Julian

2007-12-12T06:55:00.000-06:00

The Cheese Cross for Charity Auction on eBay ends in a couple hours. As a day for prayer and fasting begins.

Julian's story is shared on Michelle's Blog and Dawn's Blog

From Michelle "Fasting can be dangerous for some people with certain health conditions so please use your best judgement. Our church encourages people who want to fast but cannot/shouldn't/ don't want to give up food to fast dessert, TV, technology or anything else that would be a sacrifice.

When you feel "hunger" for food or otherwise...PRAY FOR JUJU!"

On the sidebar on Michelle's blog is a paypal donate button. All proceeds will go to Julian and his family.

Please join us today. Pray for a miracle.

How to Make a Reindeer Gift Bag

2007-12-11T03:42:00.000-06:00

My little girl is now 18, almost 19, but we still had fun making a favorite craft last weekend.

We first made one when she was in Brownies, a division of Girl Scouts, for a gift exchange.

Notice the small hands, aka antlers...this is an important element as you will soon see.

Material List:

1. Bags
2. Brown Paper (I used a sheet of brown poster board this time)
3. Card Stock, cream or off white and brown
4. Wiggle Eyes
5. Red Pom Poms
6. Craft Glue
7. Black or Brown Marker (if you want to draw a mouth, eyebrows, eyelashes)
8. Scissors
9. Little Bells (optional)
10. Bows or Ribbon (optional) I really wanted plaid bows, but could only find red this time of year.

Ignore the black Fun Foam...I'm so use to using Fun Foam in Kid's Craft Projects I had it in photo then couldn't figure out where I had used it in the Reindeer Gift Bag.

First step. Have your kiddos trace their hands or you trace your little one's hands.

See those odd looking hands on the left? My attempt of recreating child size hands. Not such a good idea. So save a master copy of your kiddo's hands for future crafting. Or just use their "18 year old hand" like I did.

Step Two: Trace around hand pattern on brown poster board. Then cut them out. Tip: I cut poster board into 4 pieces. And I traced all right hands, you can flip them later.

Step Three: Make Ears

Brown Ear, upper right hand area of photo, draw a fat football or an oval with pointed ends on white card stock. Trace on to brown card stock. Cut them out.

Inside of ear (optional) trace around outside part of ear on to off white/cream card stock. Now draw a smaller version inside this... See lower left hand area of photo. Cut it out and that is your pattern for inside ear piece. Trace and cut out.

These are the pattern pieces. You can use this image to trace your patterns, Click to enlarge or make smaller.

Glue inner ear to outer ear.

Step Four: Attach bell to Bow or Ribbon. This time I used premade Bows. I just unwired a bit and threaded the gold fiber wrapped end through the hole in the top of bell.

Step Five: Lay out components on Bag for placement. Then use craft glue to adhere them.

Ta Da .... Completed Reindeer Gift Bag.

Or with the size of those antlers perhaps that is a Moose with a cold.

Optional Step: Use Black or Brown Marker to add eyebrows, eyelashes, and a mouth.
Tip: Use a pencil first. You will not be seeing the photo of the Reindeer I made with a Unibrow!

I hope you have fun making these gifts bags. If you do make them leave a link to your blog if you decide to post photos...no, blog? Send me a photo to enigmaartist at gmail dot com. I'll post your photo if you ok that. Either way I would love to see how your bags turn out.

(if any of these steps don't make sense let me know, it's 4:30 am I should be sleeping, so it's hard telling if what makes sense to me makes sense to you. Does that make sense?)

Update: I originally posted directions for bag, in the top picture, on my farm blog in 2004...the directions are a little bit different so if you would like to read those and compare...click here

If you liked this craft project... check out my tutorial for a Quick and Easy Gift project

Dinner and Art Plus Another Holiday Giveaway!

2007-12-10T20:24:00.000-06:00

"Christmas Wreath"
ACEO=2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
card stock

Not one...

"Christmas Stocking"
ACEO=2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
card stock

Not two...

"Christmas Candle"
ACEO=2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
card stock

But three, count em 1 2 3 ...

Leave a comment and you are entered to Win ALL 3.

Great way to start a collection of ACEOs "Art Cards Editions and Originals.

Dinner was yummy.

Giveaway ends Friday, December 14th, 10pm CST. Leave a comment. Don't be shy.

And the Winner is

2007-12-10T19:25:00.000-06:00

for my first Blog Giveaway

I used the new random number generator...My Mom.

I am so far behind on everything (which is soooooo NOT my fault,the blame rests fully on Rechelle at The Country Doctor's Wife, I got lost reading her archives for hours...okay, days)

Anyway since I had no time to write names on slips of paper and it would take days to find dice.

I called my Mom. Long Distance.

Me: hey Mom pick a number between 1 and 7

Mom: pick a number between 1 and 7 (like I stuttered)

Me: Yes, pick a number between 1 and 7. It's for my blog.

Mom: 3

Me: Thanks, Mom. Love you

Mom: Love you, too

Pretty good number generator if you ask me. If you need her to pick a number for you let me know I'll give you her phone number.

So number 3 it is.... Emily of Explorations in Food

I have received her mailing address and will take a photo of what she is getting & hopefully post the photo in a bit.

Right after I upload photos for Monday Night Dinner and Art and the photos for How to make a Reindeer Gift Bag that was going to be Sunday's post and I am about to forget Saturday Sighting "the Odd House Continued" post.

Yep, I blame it ALL on Rechelle. Don't say I didn't warn you. Cause if you go there...you are going to read her archives... (I even read hers first today Before Ree/The Pioneer Woman)

And then you are going to want to read her sister, April's blog too!!!

Studio Friday: Creating Emotion

2007-12-07T21:05:00.000-06:00

In 2006 I lived through a very trying time for me and my teenage daughter.

I didn't think it was possible to survive the "heart pain". I cried everyday for months.

I rarely created anything during this time. Here are two...

ACEO 2.5 x 3.5inches
color pencil
bristol board 100 lb.

ACEO 2.5 x 3.5inches
color pencil
bristol board 100 lb.
Our relationship continues as those who have gone before us in the dance of Mothers and Daughters.

size: 4 inches x 4 inches
color pencil
bristol board 100 lb.

For More Studio Friday

Be sure to enter my First Giveaway by leaving a comment here.

And check out eBay Auction "Cheese Cross" for Julian. Full story on Michelle's blog

IF: Excess

2007-12-06T23:52:00.000-06:00

"Eggscess"
ACEO 2.5x3.5 inches
color pencil*
100 lb bristol board
*plus a bit of acrylic cause the eggs looked like potatoes when they were brown eggs

For more Illustration Friday

Be sure to enter my First Giveaway by leaving a comment here.

And check out eBay Auction "Cheese Cross" for Julian. Full story on Michelle's blog

Photo Thursday: Red

2007-12-06T22:45:00.000-06:00

daytime

night

Question... Is it possible to capture Neon with a P&S camera?

I really wanted the bright red Neon "fang" .... I use a Nikon Coolpix L11

Be sure to enter my First Giveaway by leaving a comment here.

And check out eBay Auction "Cheese Cross" for Julian. Full story on Michelle's blog

eBay Auction "Cheese Cross" for Julian

2007-12-05T23:44:00.000-06:00

Tis the season for Angels.

Michelle being one of them. In a hectic Monday morning a sign was given which sparked an idea.

An eBay Auction to raise funds for a family deserving of our help. Add the auction to your favorites. Email it to your friends. Post a link on your blog. If a grilled cheese sandwich can net $28K or whatever it was surely this can aspire to similar amount.

If you have no desire to own a cheese cross, but have the desire to contribute to the fund for Julian, Michelle has a donate button on her sidebar.

Julian's story is featured regularly on Dawn's blog "Because I Said So".

On a personal note: Be sure to sign up for my first blog giveaway! Comment on this post.
And I hope to resume posting daily...Soon...working 10 hour days is kicking my behind.

Dinner and Art Plus A Holiday Giveaway!

2007-12-03T19:42:00.000-06:00

2007 "Peace On Earth" Snowglobe
Size: 4 in x 6 in
color pencil
100 lb bristol board

Leave a comment on this post to win this original piece of Art by me!

Plus you will receive 6 Holiday Cards with envelopes and 6 gift tags featuring this snowman handstamped and colored by me!

Contest is Open until Saturday, December 8th, 10 pm CST

Holiday Goodies made by my daughter and me over the weekend. Pumpkin Bread,Peanut Clusters,and Chocolate Chip Blossoms.

I will be doing more Art giveaways this month so check in often!

Plus a fun giveaway on December 17th in honor of the "2007 Christmas Tour of Homes" hosted by BooMama

(Every Monday night I post Dinner and Art)

It's A Wondeful "Month"

2007-12-03T07:14:00.000-06:00

Christmas Tree 2005

After completing NaMoBloPo (success) and NaNoWriMo, even though I missed the 50K word count I needed a weekend to play!

My daughter and I made Reindeer Gift Bags and Dammit Dolls (photos and instructions this week).

We baked, too! Pumpkin Bread, Cookies, and Peanut Clusters.

Tonight's Dinner and Art will be a plate of those goodies and my First Blog Giveaway!!

So check back after 7pm cst to enter the drawing.

While you wait head over to Melissa's Inspired Room for Creative Inspiration Week! Great giveaways there!

(Saturday Sighting Continuation of this post tonight as well)

Studio Friday: 7 Random Studio Facts

2007-11-30T23:52:00.000-06:00

This week's topic for Friday November 23rd suggested by Robyn: THE RANDOM 7!

" 7 random facts/ studio habits. For example:
1. I cant begin my art until there is a a mug of hot coffee next to me and soft music playing in the background.
2. I have a good luck charm in my desk drawer. (It is a the third vertebra of a monkey or whatever)
It's just fun and some very unusual facts sometimes surface. We see lots of tagging but not studio oddities."
- Robyn

almost complete...Add work table, easels, stool, a couple of chairs

1) I have a studio!
2) It's a double garage converted into 2/3 part studio, 1/3 part library & my kiddo's hang out room. It has a propane wall heater, window AC, natural light from the North (and West)

3) I can't use my studio! Due to ALL the STUFF we (my kiddo and I) have stashed in there during our decluttering of the house in preparation to move when my farm sells.
4) Most of my "Arting" and "Crafting" materials are in my studio... Yep makes it hard to get to my materials due to ALL the STUFF in the way. (no way am I showing you a photo of that mess)

5) I believe all the Art on my Blog has been created while I am working at my real job!

6) Color pencils are a great portable medium. When I am ready to "color" in a sketch I select my colors then proceed to sharpen each pencil before I begin.

Seven must have tools, Sketchbook, sharpener, blender, eraser, and clips.

7) I do create "crafty" things at home, on my drafting table or dining room table. I have a corner in the great room with big desk to hold desktop computer, printer, scanner...drafting table and material table.

* the floor plan of the house I want to build or buy has a family/game room perfect for a studio. I want to paint one wall white,one pink/sorta fuchsia, one a golden yellow, and the wall with windows a turquoise.

NaNoWriMo Update: 38,456 words...didn't make it, but I had a wonderful afternoon and early evening with my daughter.

Photo Thursday: Happy

2007-11-29T22:13:00.000-06:00

For More Thursday Photo Challenge

I Heart Yellow Houses

2007-11-28T23:12:00.000-06:00

This is a little frame house I found in Plano, Tx. Next time I'm over there I'm going back to get a better picture of the detail on the mosaic.

When I write I like to have visual references. The characters in the stories I write need to live somewhere.

Houses inspire me to write worthy characters.

NaNoWriMo ... Novel excerpt from 2004

Our mother, an avid reader, and even more so while pregnant, named me while she read Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer’s Night Dream. I am Helena, or Lena, for short. We always shorten up our names before we started school, I went through a period of time, most of 4^th and all 5^th grade, answering only to Helena, usually waiting till whoever was calling me to say it twice. She was reading The Ambassadors, by Henry James, so that is how Chadwick got his name. And by the time mother was carrying Bart, her literary choices were quite different, with Chad and I, 2 and 4 years old respectively. He got his literally name from Dr Suess’s Bartholomew and the Oobleck. And Bart was supposed to be the end of this line of Carmichaels.

We weren’t sure what name mother would choose for the last wee one she carried. We all called this one the gift baby because we overheard mother muttering “the gift baby” several times a day. By this time her reading material was almost nonexistent, but she sure managed to eat a lot of rocky road ice cream, a half gallon would arrive by way of the mail boat every day for months. Plus, mother always had an orange, frothy concoction in a clear, cut crystal goblet, that she called “my mimosa”, but I knew there wasn’t any champagne in it. Mom was strictly a teatotaler, hot, cold, and many flavors, until at 40 she found herself gifted with another pregnancy. Then she carried the goblet and pitcher or thermos filled with the mimosa mixture with her everywhere. Chad and I were betting on Rocky, whether the gift baby was a boy or girl.. Bart was positive it would be Mimi, if a girl was born. I don’t think there was a literary reason for the name Meg, but at least she didn’t have to shorten her name.

I have not done a word count on my 2007 NaNoWriMo this week. I'll wait until tomorrow night.

The excerpt I shared is from a trilogy that began with my first NaNoWriMo attempt in 2004. I still work on the first and second one. The first is pretty much complete. Second one, started in 2005, I'm still editing. Third one was for NaNoWriMo 2006 and only has about 4000 words, but I do have a great outline and know the characters fairly well.

This year's "novel" has been fun, whether I make 50K words or not! Totally different, a romantic fantasy would best describe the genre. A Pirate is involved! Gotta Love Pirates!

When I sell the farm I will write, paint, create...

IF: The Zoo

2007-11-27T22:37:00.000-06:00

"The First Zoo"
ACEO 2.5x3.5
color pencil
bristol board 100 lb.

For More Illustration Friday

Go visit Nat and his Art Giveaway! Time is running out! I've won twice I really shouldn't comment again but it's really hard not to... go check it out! Win some Art! He is only shipping to the US, though.

Monday Night Dinner and Art

2007-11-26T18:11:00.000-06:00

"Orange Nude"
ACEO 2.5 x 3.5
Color pencil & Micron Pen
Bristol Board 100 lb.

I wasn't all that hungry after the four day food fest so I had one piece a pie left and the cow's head from this pie I made for Pioneer Woman.

Plus pie and whipped cream goes better with an abstract nude!

Please join me in posting Dinner and Art every Monday... leave a comment and I will link you here. When we get enough participants we can add Mr. Linky.

You may post anything creative, photos, scrapbook page, knitting, etc.

Saturday Sightings...Not on Sunday Either

2007-11-25T23:37:00.000-06:00

Another day filled with interruptions... not only affecting Saturday Sighting but my Marathon NaNoWriMo writing frenzy for today.

Good interruptions, but interruptions none the less.

Plus I closed my eyes for just a second around 7:30 pm. I just woke up! I not only didn't post the continuation of the "house" ... I missed Desperate Housewives!

This fabulously quirky house deserves more than my half awake attempt at a narrative.
I will however post this...

This is a very sharp curve to the left. I saw the turret or cupola or whatever that top thing is called and a gargoyle?

How could I not go forward rather than following the main road to the left?

Saturday Sighting continues Next Saturday. Surely no more Life could happened, right?

Monday Night Dinner and Art ... tomorrow evening...

so in the mean time go visit Nat and his Art Giveaway! Time is running out! I've won twice I really shouldn't comment again but it's really hard not to... go check it out! Win some Art! He is only shipping to the US, though.

Update: Answers to questions asked in comments on Black Friday Post

HELP KELSO, PANTHERGIRL'S GREYHOUND! Shop Amazon.com through this link!

Saturday Sightings...Not

2007-11-24T23:50:00.000-06:00

Well so much for posting more links to fab gift ideas on Friday and Saturday... it's almost over.

Ever have Life get in the way of blogging?

All is well. Family time was required.

So on Sunday...tomorrow I'll post more on this house.

Black Friday and "P Dub's" Pie

2007-11-23T04:10:00.000-06:00

First let me say Y'ALL are nuts to get up really, really early to go out shopping today... and I thank God my daughter is grown up to where gift cards are a Good Thing!

Oh how I still remember the crazy women in Toys R Us and the rush of scrambling Moms and Dads when the doors of Target opened.

Thankfully, the nightmares have ended.

There is so much goodness in shopping on the web! Comfy chair, roaring fire, cup of cocoa...

So if you're like me...hanging out at home today. (of course, I'm still writing my novel for NaNoWriMo)

Here's few of my favorite places to shop online. I'll most likely add to the list through out the day.

Buy Handmade! Shop Etsy!

Looking for a calendar? Besides Mary Englebreit's I would like to recommend the most awesome photography calendar Ever!

Ever!! Especially if you love Horses, Cowboys, Cows, and Wide Open Spaces to grace the walls of your cube or your home!

Confessions of a Pioneer Woman's Calendar

International orders, too!

You don't read Pioneer Women? Never heard of her? Goodness, you must be the only one!

And she cooks, too!

Warning: her site is extremely addicting! You will be compelled to read All the archives, drool over her photos... well maybe not the calf nut ones... and want to cook just like her. I hope you like real butter!

Ree, will be posting her pie recipes soon!

And speaking of Pie! I made one, a Pumpkin Pie, in honor of Pioneer Woman, a little tribute, if you will.

Now, I won't even attempt to top her soon to be posted pie recipe or Libby's for that matter. I just change the Libby's back of can recipe to Splenda for the Sugar and Skim evaporated milk for regular.

But!!

Where I shine is in the foo fooing of the pie ala Martha Stewart!

Pumpkin Pie Ala Martha Stewart Version...

Pumpkin Pie Tribute to Pioneer Woman

Now if I just had her camera, her kitchen, her photographer's eye...

Check back often for more Online shopping goodness.

Note: Saturday Sightings Post tomorrow will be More on the Odd/Quirky House from last Saturday... I talked to the new neighbor!

Nov. 25th Update: To answer a couple of questions from comments so that those use readers may see them as well.

The Libby's Pumpkin Pie Recipe

I used Pampered Chef canape cutters for the leaves...however I couldn't find them on their site.
Perhaps a Pampered Chef consultant could leave a comment if these are still available.

The cow was made by using a cookie cutter I've had for years. I googled cow cookie cutter, found many, but none with that little tail.

One More Thing: If you shop Amazon you could really help out a fellow blogger, Panthergirl, by shopping through her site.

HELP KELSO, PANTHERGIRL'S GREYHOUND! Shop Amazon.com through this link!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2007-11-22T01:48:00.000-06:00

Moo MmmMMooooo Moo

I have so many things to be thankful for...

I hope you and yours have a safe and happy day whether you are in the USA, celebrating our Thanksgiving holiday, or elsewhere in the World.

Photo Thursday: Black and White

2007-11-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

For More Black and White

IF: Superstition

2007-11-21T22:08:00.000-06:00

copyright 2007 Dawn
"Luck Ran Out"
ACEO=3.5 x 2.5 inches
color pencil
100 lb bristol board

Horseshoes hung above your door are said to bring the household Good Luck... Only if you don't let your Luck run out by hanging the horseshoe upside down!

For More Illo Friday

Happy Birthday...Baby Brother

2007-11-20T23:51:00.000-06:00

When on vacations in Canada, Mom would put a life jacket on him before he left the beach front cabin. He had to wear it until he came back inside! I think he was about fourteen when he was allowed outside without a life jacket.

Kidding!

Also taken in Canada...Like Father Like Son. Inspecting fishing tackle. Inside!

Little Boy Blue! All dressed up! Blogs are useful to post OLD photos of siblings!

Giddy Up!

All grown up! His daughter, my darling niece on the left. Photo taken by our Mom. One of the few without her finger or camera strap in the way. Come to think of it I should ask my Step Dad if he took this photo!

Monday Night Dinner and Art

2007-11-19T23:38:00.000-06:00

Even though I have not been posting much written content since I revived this little blog I have had an idea or two about what to write and how to share more of my Art once NaNoWriMo is over.

This is inspired by a little known group on Flickr called Monday Night Dinner.

I hope you will join me! Post some of your Art and Dinner on Monday Night, Leave a comment so those that want to participate can come visit you!

Not an Artist? Post a craft or scrapbook page or corner of your home... anything that might be pleasing to the eye as we enjoy the "dessert" of visiting your space on Monday night.

So no pictures of a sink full of dirty dishes, okay?

Color Pencil drawing from my 2004 sketchbook. Size is close to 4x6 inches.

Dinty Moore Stew and Cornbread. I add peas and corn to canned stew, plus a cup or so of water.Turns out almost like a soup. It's yummy. Easy and fast to cook. Perfect for a busy Monday night.

Note: I will be posting future Monday night Dinner and Art posts earlier than 11 pm. Blame this on NaNoWriMo.

Studio Friday: Color Wheel

2007-11-18T23:53:00.000-06:00

My color wheel is a Rectangle

This is my "test sheet" for color pencil, graphite, and micron pens

It was time for a new page to hold my WIP

WIP for Illo Friday

For more Color Wheels. Check out Studio Friday

AND MORE:

I usually don't win a thing, but I won this wonderful drawing by Nat Dickinson.

It is postcard size. He is giving one away each day this month as he does NaBloPoMo. Check it out, comment, and win yourself some Art.

Thanks, Nat. I love it!

(Yes, I know this part of my post looks exactly like what I posted Thursday and Friday. I did a copy and paste! Go visit Nat and win yourself some Art... except NOT the cake card. I want that one! Woo hoo!!! I won the cake card!!!)

Oh and it's Nat as in Nathaniel, just so you don't think Nat is short for Natalie.

Edit: Martha Stewart's Mother passed away on Saturday

Saturday Sightings

2007-11-17T23:13:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I will see something on my out and about Saturday drives that demand my attention.

This one had me coming to a complete stop!

well, almost and it's okay 'cause I have a bumper sticker that says

WARNING... I break for photo ops!
And may actually come to a FULL STOP!

Amateur Photographer on board

Okay, so technically I didn't do a Saturday drive today... but did you really want to see the mess and restoration of Christmas decorating.

I think not! It's not even Thanksgiving yet!

And just an FYI, the entire backside of this house is unfinished, unpainted, plywood I think. The east side is just the plastic sheeting that is put on before you install brick or siding.

Can you help but wonder about the people who live there.

Oh, yes it was occupied.

They had a sign posted on the front gate that the house was not for sale!

More about the location of this house next Saturday since I won't be driving anywhere, but franticly typing for NaNoWriMo!

Geeze, I could write about this house... should be good for about a 10K word count.

Last Day of Autumn

2007-11-16T23:16:00.000-06:00

At my house anyway. After tomorrow it will be looking a lot like Christmas!

This table will be moved to hold a four foot prelit Christmas tree.

The mantel will be filled with Snowmen. This will be my first Thanksgiving with Christmas decorations!

Why? Cause NaNoWriMo !!!

I have friends coming to help me take down fall and put up Christmas. Call them my "pit crew". This way there is to be no stress as I head down the stretch next weekend to finish.

I'll decide tomorrow whether we eat turkey and all the fixings using fall decor place settings or Snowmen plates.

Or Chinette paper plates!

( and More)

I usually don't win a thing, but I won this wonderful drawing by Nat Dickinson.

It is postcard size. He is giving one away each day this month as he does NaBloPoMo. Check it out, comment, and win yourself some Art.

Thanks, Nat. I love it!

(Yes, I know this part of my post looks exactly like what I posted yesterday. I did a copy and paste! Go visit Nat and win yourself some Art... except NOT the cake card. I want that one!)

NaNoWriMo word count: over 11,000

I know I'm way behind...that's why I will be spending my Thanksgiving break writing!

(edit: I changed the comment setting to NO pop up window, to difficult to go to blogs of commenters using that little window...thanks for visiting!)

Photo Thursday: Portrait ( and More )

2007-11-15T23:15:00.000-06:00

Portraits have never been my strong suit, but one Saturday morning a couple years ago my darling daughter plopped in the chair in my bedroom. So between the chatting and laughing... I starting snapping a few photos with my Polaroid P&S. So sweet, so innocent... she thought she should have had her "make up" on... I love her "bare" face.

The next two images are more of an actual representation of my usual portrait attempts!

Daughter cooperates... Dog doesn't

Dog cooperates... Daughter doesn't
( and More)

I usually don't win a thing, but I won this wonderful drawing by Nat Dickinson.

It is postcard size. He is giving one away each day this month as he does NaBloPoMo. Check it out, comment, and win yourself some Art.

Thanks, Nat. I love it!

IF:Scale

2007-11-14T23:49:00.000-06:00

Copyright 2007
Scale
ACEO:2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
100 lb. bristol board

*color is so much brighter in person. My scanner is not working, so I took a photo.

For More Illustration Friday

Studio Friday: Dots

2007-11-13T23:06:00.000-06:00

Dots or Stripes? Definitely Dots!

AND this is my favorite purse!!

However, if Checks, Checkerboard, Gingham Checks would have been a choice... Oh buddy that would be my pick! I have checks all over!

For more dots and stripes

Fall Break Dance

2007-11-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

or a break from Autumnal themed photos and art.

BALLET
ACEO: 2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
100 lb bristol board

JAZZ
ACEO: 2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
100 lb bristol board

I created these to sell on eBay. I couldn't. I adore them.

Do you create art that you just can't sell?

Happy Veteran's Day

2007-11-11T21:51:00.000-06:00

Thank you

Saturday Sightings

2007-11-10T22:25:00.000-06:00

Photo Thursday: Transparent

2007-11-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

For more Transparent

Autumn Leaves

2007-11-08T23:52:00.000-06:00

ACEO: 2.5 x 3.5 inches
color pencil
water color paper

NaNoWriMo update... not doing a word count until Sunday night. I would most likely freak out if I knew how behind I was... 10 hour work days kick my ... well you get the idea

IF: Hats

2007-11-07T20:49:00.000-06:00

Hat Stack
color pencil
sketchbook

more hats

Thursday Photo Challenge: Orange

2007-11-06T23:10:00.000-06:00

and you thought it was going to be a pumpkin. Didn't ya?

I'm usually stuck behind these instead of next to one.

and then I spied this...

Now, that's orange!

want more? Check out the rest of the Orange photos

Monday Night Dinner and Art

2007-11-05T19:01:00.000-06:00

Candy Corn and Pasta

Small Format: 4 x 6 inches
color pencils
sketch book

I fixed an entire bag of whole wheat pasta and oven baked 8 Schwan's chicken patties on Sunday... for lunches and Monday night supper.

With all this National Month stuff, Novel and Blogging I didn't want to waste any time with cooking when I get home from my 10 HOUR DAY. Ugh.

So when the pasta runs out I'll make chicken patty sandwiches. When that runs out then it will PB & J.

Will you look at that! The knife and fork are from the same set!
Oh and that is a salad plate by the way.

NaNoWriMo Word Count: 3247 as of 10 pm Sunday

Studio Friday: Materials

2007-11-04T15:46:00.000-06:00

"Materials: Show us what you use"
-coconutannies
I haven't sent in a submission for Studio Friday in a very long time. August 2005 I believe it was the first and only time. I had intentions of participating but I usually spent more time looking at all the other ones, reading their blogs, and then wouldn't have time to put mine together. Well that I didn't have a camera for over a year.

Materials: Color pencils, brushes, acrylics, markers, wooden birdhouses, bags, and there are pads of bristol board under that pile, too. All ready and waiting to be used.

NaNoWriMo News... I am not posting a word count just yet. I don't want to know how few I have completed till later tonight. I am afraid this is taking a bit longer than I expected.

These characters are talking too darn much.

My first attempt back in 2004 was more of a narrative. I have never been a big fan of dialog. I'm always messing up the punctuation. But I can only come up with only so many adjectives for the sky or the sea.

Especially when I look out my window to see horses in a pasture.

So dialog it is.

Saturday Sightings

2007-11-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

There is this Railroad Depot in a city near here, now converted into a Dentist's Office. This wagon sets out front decorated seasonally.

Wouldn't that look great in my front yard? Or Yours?

Just a writing fool

2007-11-02T23:39:00.000-05:00

like I didn't have enough to do... I signed up for this, too!!

Word count: 2237 and still going... for another hour or two.
Tip: Stop reading blogs and keep writing!!

I'm all comfy in my living room....

a little fall decor ... okay enough goofing off... back to it!!

Third Attempt or I have lost my mind again!

2007-11-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

It's time for National Novel Writing Month.
My first attempt was in 2004. I spent way too much time trying to edit. I think I ended up with around 28K words, but a great idea for a trilogy.

Tip: Don't edit. Just write.

In 2005 I found it difficult to set at my computer due to pain leftover from knee surgery. After sitting at work for a 10 hour day it was just to hard to sit at the desk at night. Completed about18K.

Now in 2006 I had a laptop... yippee!! Piece of cake right? Nope, just too much drama in my life to have a go... I might have done 5K. So I don't even count last year.

So hear I go again. New plot, different story all together.

Total words tonight: 1225

and it has nothing to do with "men in trees"

or "trees in men". A co-worker's costume for Halloween. He had the tree duct taped to his chest. The tree had a stuffed toy snake in the branches with apples tied in to complete the effect. All he was missing was Eve.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:24:00.000-05:00

Halloween Past:Reluctant Bunny, possibly 1994 or 1995

Kiddos grow up so fast.

Glampire, 2003, before a school dance

and After... pooped Glampire

Now I have to wait for grandbabies.

I said wait! I can do that!

For a few more years!!

Graduate college, get married first!!

Geeze, see what a trip down memory lane gets ya!

IF: Trick or Treat

2007-10-31T19:09:00.000-05:00

copyright 2007 Dawn
ACEO:2.5x3.5
colored pencil
100 lb bristol board

This is also my submission for Illustration Friday: Trick or Treat

Have a safe evening!

Comstock Covered Bridge

2007-10-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

copyright 2007 Dawn
ACEO 2.5x3.5
color pencil
100 lb. bristol board
I belong to a group of very talented artists, The Artist Confluence. I am rather new to the group. Challenges are held a couple times a year and I was finally able to complete one.

We were to all work off the same photograph and give our interpretation, our choice for size, support, and medium.

Tater Tot Casserole

2007-10-28T12:36:00.000-05:00

Tator Tot Casserole... you say Tater and I'll say Tator , either way it's yummy good.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray Pam in casserole dish or dutch oven

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small bag tater tots
1 small box frozen peas, thawed (English peas for those in Texas)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk ( I use skim)

Layer ground beef on the bottom of dish, place tots on top of beef, then the peas, mix milk with soup and pour that on top, spreading to cover.

Place in oven uncovered for 45 minutes or until ground beef is cooked to your liking.

Variations: green beans instead of peas.

I used canned peas for years but I prefer frozen peas, thawed, much better flavor.

This dish is even better as leftovers, warmed in oven or microwave.

(Originally posted on my farm kitchen blog on July 17, 2005)

Sites Around the "Hood"

2007-10-27T16:08:00.000-05:00

I was kidnapped by Pirates!!

2007-10-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

is the answer I give when asked where did you go.
It sounds so much better than all the drama that became my life for this past season.
But as the saying goes.
This to shall pass. And dog gone it.

It.

Will.

Pass.

NOW!

Copyright 2007 Dawn
ACEO 2.5x3.5 inches
color pencil
100 lb. bristol board

See all better!

I have had at least one blog since 2002. Started with an anonymous one. Then the farm blog, which spun off the cooking one, craft one, photography one... then the Art one (this one) and the Writing one. And a couple more. Crazy, huh?

Remember back when we all had one blog, then the pendulum swung and most of us had several blogs or a "more" link to keep reading.... then back it swung to having one blog and now it seems anything goes.

Knitting and cooking blogs were and still are a big thing.

But OH MY I have found so many adorable Home/Cottage/Romantic Decor blogs. I was just giddy seeing all these talented women's homes. Like a mega home tour. For Free!!

And giveaways, whoa, how about those. Awesome.

Only one thing puzzles me. Not many bloggers using Blogrolling. What's up with that?

I will be as soon as I get settled in again. A lot going on and with NaNoWriMo right around the corner. If I work on my blogroll now... all I will do is read Your Blogs and not finish again this year.

Motto for 2007 NaNoWriMo.... write first, read others later. Like in December.

PS. To those that used to read the Farm blog.... Kiddo is doing well. Me, too.

IF: Open

2007-10-11T22:30:00.000-05:00

Title:Open Seas

size: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.
support: watercolor paper
medium: colored pencil

The Open Sea was my first thought when I read the topic.

I've been out of pocket way to long. Seems appropriate that Open would be my return post to Illustration Friday in a long, long time.

A lot of changes in blogger while I was away from posting on my blog. Please bear with me over the next few days while I figure out all the new to me bells and whistles.

Coming to a city near you!!!

2006-05-31T07:44:00.000-05:00

Be on the look out for this symbol. You may find in anywhere. On a tree, on a statue, in the loo, (hey, that was those "across the pond" artist's idea), on a bench, in a park, in a store... you get the idea. A2A could be anywhere.

My first drops were in March, in Farmersville, Tx....

These drops were not reported... so either they weren't found, not appreciated, or they didn't like that fact that this art were prints. I prefer to believe they didn't have access to a computer.

My camera's batteries were dead so no photos of these 2 dropsites.

Next 4 drops were done May 29th and 30th.

This one at the Kroger Gas Pumps, at FM 544 & Shiloh, in Plano, TX

This one at Kirby Park, in Wylie, TX

Another drop in Wylie, TX. Downtown in front of "The Ole Back Porch" on a bench.

Last drop for May. Also in Wylie, TX. Downtown in front of "Davis & Co" taped to a charming little purple table.

Check out this awesome international movement of Artists Sharing their Art with the world. A2A site

Happy Hunting. I hope you find a wonderful "free" piece of ART in your city, town or village real soon.

If you do find an A2A piece of art be sure to report your find on the website. Us, Artists really like to know that our ART was found.

On a personal note, after an almost 3 month hiatus, (March, April, May). I am back in my "cube" studio creating more ACEO's to post here and on eBay for sale. Keep checking in.

Update: On becoming a full time Artist in 2006... it's getting closer to being a reality. I am getting lots of interest in the land I have for sale. Studio should be finally really by the end of June. Keep me in your prayers, please.

So much to do and SO little time.

2006-02-24T17:51:00.000-06:00

I have been missing in action on my Farm/Family blog and here for quite a bit.

Between continuing recovery from my knee surgery, then a severe allergy to newly applied concrete stain at work, and time with my now 17 year old daughter, I just haven't taken the time to post.

Plus I have been creating and selling more of these fun ACEO's. Remember, they are Art Cards, Originals, and Editions.

I had been trying to list some on eBay and get some ready to do a Art 2 Art drops around the Metroplex. Art 2 Art is going to be the neatest thing, but more about that later.

Plus, I haven't posted on Studio Friday or Illustration Friday in ages.

I am going to finally open my Etsy store and use this blog to show more of what I have created. So y'all can buy them directly from me or go through Etsy. I will link that when I have some stuff in there.

Oh and the international Artisans' Exchange that I admin is having a group swap. Sign up ends Feb 25th. Group is now invite only, but I'll let in just about everyone! This is the flickr group that luminate art started. Come join and swap art with us. It's fun. Especially if you can speak portugese.

I do have some new stuff scanned and uploaded to FLickr, so it's time to share.

Okay this ACEO I thought needed a beak or something... well it sold right out from under my pencil... really, so no beak, but I did get a quick scan... you need to squint not the best quality. ACEO= 2.5" x 3.5". Playing card size. Not one of my best ,but the buyer loved it.

This next ACEO may go to eBay... or y'all may buy it for the bargain price of $15.99, which includes S&H and insurance to the US.
International shipping, let's talk.

Cattails and Dragonfly

SOLD on eBay

Now this next one maybe something new to y'all it's called an Art Squared piece.

Dance of the Sunflowers

This is 4"x4", colored pencil on acid free heavy card stock.

SOLD on eBay

As always my art is always a one of a kind original unless I tell y'all differently.

More coming later... I am trying to finish up a Mardi Gras set to list on eBay this Sunday, in time for Fat Tuesday!!

Plus I have been doing some more doodles that instead of a Mother and Child, they came out looking like Geisha's. Almost finished but Sweetie took my GOOD colored pencils out of my bag so I was missing some colors to finish them up.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I do think I will go play Michele's Weekend Game, I miss everyone.

Happy Valentine's Day and EDM# 54

2006-02-14T06:33:00.000-06:00

You can't choose who you're gonna love...

Did this last year, while at work. Do frogs have little tails?

Thought this would work for EDM Challenge #54.... then I reread the directions!

- Draw someone or something you love - and journal about it.

Hmmmmmm... well, darn. I don't really love frogs or turtles... or fantasy lilies. So I guess I need to actually draw something new for this challenge.

Cloissane

2006-02-05T18:56:00.000-06:00

I did this in High School. It was great fun. I would love to do this again when I can afford the supplies. Hopefully, I would be much better!!

I have a couple of other pieces I will get around to scanning someday and post.

Plus, I have some sterling silver pieces I made during that same semester.

I could have spent all day in the Art Room during my high school years.... sometimes I came close what with passes out of study hall (yes, back in the OLD days we had a period for doing homework) and skipping PE.

:)

Happy Birthday .... to Me!!!

2006-01-24T18:53:00.000-06:00

My first ACEO of 2006

2006-01-19T05:32:00.000-06:00

Finally I got one in on time for the eBay ACEO group's Theme Week... "Baby, It's cold outside"

Size is 3.5 x 2.5 inches...standard ACEO size!

It's up for sale on eBay now!!! SOLD! (private sale, not on eBay)

Been a very busy year so far...lots of cleaning and organizing. I will get that studio done soon!!!

I have completed several ACEO's. The jester series is almost completed. I am excited about a golf course, "famous hole" series I am doing.

Now just to get everything posted on eBay...dang, it takes me forever to list something!

So here's on more ACEO that I did for Illo Friday "Sea", that I didn't get posted over there and soon will list on eBay.

Decided to keep this one. I love the sea!

So much shopping ....

2005-12-27T12:39:00.000-06:00

and so little time. I got alot of gift cards this year! Yea!! However, since the weather is cooperating I am not shopping, but working on the studio.

We got alot done yesterday. All the to donate stuff out, swept the floor, laid down the "dumpster" rug... yes, we got a wonderful like new, 8x12, rug out of the dumpster where I work, shelves moved around, and more stuff tossed out.

Today, after a brief, at least I hope it will be brief, bout of food poisoning we will be sorting out books and getting them set up in bookcases.

I need a tattoo to remind me not to eat Chinese food, it doesn't like me....ever!

Photos later today!!! Of course, I again failed to take before photos.

To One and All

2005-12-25T22:10:00.000-06:00

Black & White Swap

2005-12-02T22:21:00.000-06:00

This is the first in a series of "The Jesters" that I am doing to sell on eBay. This one however was for the Swap done in October. Mine was sent to an Artist in Brazil.

The jester, itself, is a print of my original drawing. Each jester will be hand colored or hand painted then glued to an original background. Each different in it's own way.

No two alike.

It's sure been a long week

2005-10-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

I made it to work everyday, but Tuesday. I was just plain worn out from all the walking , with a walker, that is hard work I tell you. Plus I pulled a muscle or whatever in the middle of my back on my third trip to the Ladies Room, 4 floors down, as the building management chose to tear up and redo our 5th floor one, 2 weeks before we moved to our new building. Jerks!!! Anyway, I ended up having to use the wheelchair to get back and forth to the Ladies Room and walker walked everywhere else for the rest of the week.

On Tuesday afternoon I created 2 more ACEO's...

This one was for "theme week" What I am afraid of"

I am really not afraid of spiders, well, those fast brown ones I don't like. I am really afraid of rodents... rats, mice... EEeeeeCKKK!!! But I am so afraid of them I can't draw them either. Can we say phobia?

I didn't get it listed on eBay though. By the time I finished it and the other my daughter was home.... dinner, a chat, and a pain pill left me ready for a evening nap.

Right, those pain pills knock me out. SO I didn't wake up until minutes before the cut off time for posting "Theme week" ACEO's and it takes me forever to post a listing. Hopefully, I will be faster today when I list this one.

Isn't he the cutest thing! This one will be hard to part with. I really like scarecrows.

If you want to keep an eye on my eBay listings here is the link.

We moved in to our new building Friday. It is awesome. Today, I am going to go buy a few small art supplies to keep there in my drawer so I don't have to lug things in and out everyday.

Yes, I am fortunate to work at a place where I can draw/color while I wait for calls. This is where I "color" all my stamped greeting cards and Christmas cards. Now, I plan on doing ACEO's there as well. Except for any watercoloring. I think that is where the boss would draw the line.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Where Have I Been????

2005-10-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

Spending a whole lot of time in the Doctor's Office. I am now happily recovering from knee surgery, not a replacement.

I did alot of sketching in a small spiral notebook. On a forum somewhere, probably on yahoo I stated that I had not used a lined notebook before and didn't know if I would like to sketch with all those lines. Well since I was spending so much time in waitng rooms and only had a lined notebook and a ink pen. I thought what the heck...

As always click on photos to enlarge.

Here is a close up of the Doc's Office... didn't matter which side of the hall you are on the office stays the same, just switched/flipped, as in a mirror image... right down to the soap dispensers.

I have also been lurking in eBay in the ACEO group. Art Cards, Editions, and Originals... I have bought 3 now and I am addicted.

I am listing my first one today.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7358582176

It is only 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Check it out and check out all the other artists that do these incredible mini pieces. Search for ACEO.

Looking forward to getting back to participating in Illo Friday, EDM, and Studio Friday. I have missed y'all.

Mother and Child #1

2005-08-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

a series of Mother and Child inspired doodles

Mother and Child #3

2005-08-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

A series of Mother and Child inspired doodles

Wisdom

2005-08-15T18:50:00.000-05:00

n. accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment...

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
William Shakespeare
"As You Like It", Act 5 scene 1

Submission for Illustration Friday
8/11/05
sketchbook and colored pencil

Empty

2005-08-11T23:52:00.000-05:00

Submission for Illustration Friday

8/05/05 Empty
medium: paper and colored pencil

Ever have one of those days? A day full of empty?

Sketchbooks

2005-08-05T00:05:00.000-05:00

Submission for Studio Friday

I draw, doodle, sketch, glue cut-outs from magazines, doodle, and draw some more.

I doodle when I don't have anything exactly in mind to draw. I have been quite pleased with a couple of them.

I even convince co-workers to doodle when they comment on my "art". The sketchbook page on the right was doodled by Diana, who said "Oh I can't do those. I am not that creative" ... she doodled, I colored them in. I think the fish came out quite well.

I am a firm believer that if you just DO it, you will be amazed at what you can DO.

Every child is an artist. It's when we grow up that we forget that.

And it's fun. It sure helps the day at work go faster that's for sure.

The sketchbook with the field and bugs is full.

The one standing up is one that I am doing my collage stuff in and I am now using it for Illustration Friday, too.

For the collages I paste interesting images cut from old magazines, well some aren't to old, I have been known to come close to snatching a current magazine from a co-worker when I see something that I just have to have for a collage. They humor me quite well.

The cut-outs serve as inspiration for me to draw something to go with them.

Somewhere packed away I have many other sketchbooks from years gone by. Eventually as I fix up my studio area and unpack all those boxes I will find my old "friends" again.

Sketchbook Pages

2005-08-04T22:30:00.000-05:00

pages from my collage sketchbook

I like to cut and paste interesting images in the pages then come back later and sketch in drawings to go with the cut-outs.

The Horse on the left wanted to be a giraffe, with a long tongue flicking out to get the offered bunch of whatever, alas he became a horse, almost an anime looking horse.

Who knows tomorrow he could become a unicorn.

Aging

2005-08-04T21:28:00.000-05:00

Submission for Illustration Friday: Aging
7/29/05

*(added this note 8/05/05 due to comment: Academie Sketchbook, Crayola Colored Pencils, Prang Watercolor wash as background... I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to use computer/illustrator :) (I'm a single mom. I buy lots of my supplies during back to school sales... this week is a big sale week here!!! Yea!!! )

I originally thought about doing strawberries because I had just thrown out about 1/2 a carton. Such a waste of goodness.

Bananas were easier to do than fuzzy strawberries.

I am sad to say I also have had more than one banana age to ooze liquid.

I really need to freeze them when they get too ripe so that I can thaw them and make banana bread.

Now if I can just convince my daughter to do that as well.

Where does the time go?

2005-07-24T21:16:00.000-05:00

We are still busy working on the studio. I haven't had much time to do any Illo Fridays. I have had the ideas, just no time.

I have been cutting out images from magazines to do compositions for cards for my mother, who had knee replacement surgery.

I love doing collages anyway. It is relaxing and sure makes the time go faster at work. I am always amazed when someone comments on how talented or how good a collage looks.

I mean it's just cutting and pasting. Everyone can do that.

Just do it. Try it. It's only old magazines. Supplies consist of scissors and a glue stick. Card Stock, if you like or just glue cut-outs on top of old cards. Recycle.
Let your inner child, artist out. Have fun.

Well, no wonder

2005-07-09T23:52:00.000-05:00

Apparently I am not the only one having trouble with this particular template.

I finally had time to see if I could reload it or get a different blogger template.

And the one I had been using wasn't even a choice anymore.

So this looks much better.

Been to busy to draw a thing. I have been working on a stamped cross-stitch sampler while at work but, since July 1st I have been working on the garage to studio/game room conversion.

Painting is almost finished. Most of the floor is stained.

Can't wait to get all my various art/craft supplies in one place instead of all over the house and packed away in boxes.

Template Test

2005-06-24T06:29:00.000-05:00

okay so is this working???? Now????

IF:Black and White

2005-06-24T06:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, something is screwy with my blog today... Sorry you had to scroll down to see illo. If perhaps you didn't have to scroll down, please leave in comments what browser and screen setting you are using. Thanks

I had originally thought of drawing an escaped prisoner, black and white striped, prison garb caught in the guard's spotlight, against the prison wall with barbed wire on top...

but this is what I sketched in a hurry while working at "my day job" yesterday and then was too darn tired to post it last night.

Hopefully, I will make it in time to post for this illo, Black and White, ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY subject for 6/17/05.

IF:Summer

2005-06-10T08:02:00.000-05:00

Submission for Illustration Friday: Summer
8/10/05

I didn't have time to do "digital" from last week and with my mom and aunt here I wouldn't have had time to do this week's "Summer" if I wouldn't have already had a summer type sketch done already.

As I drove home yesterday the farmers were harvesting the wheat fields already and the corn field across the road from the farm will be ready next month.

I have been in Texas 25 years and my "farm clock" is still off from the growing and harvest schedule of growing up in Iowa.

It always seems to soon!!

IF: Envy

2005-05-29T22:28:00.000-05:00

Submission for Illustration Friday: Envy
5/27/05

This is by no means a "self portrait". My legs are not that skinny.

Cleaning house

2005-05-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

but I would rather be finishing my submission for Illustration Friday. It's all drawn. Just need to finish the coloring.

Stumbled in to a fun blog... she does a weekend meet and greet. Snagged this meme as well, three daily things.

1. This weekend I have already
2. This weekend I plan to
3. This weekend I have no intention of

My answers....

1. This weekend I have already planted flowers in the rain
2. This weekend I plan to give my dobie a bath.
3. This weekend I have no intention of eating liver and onions.

Well, back to the laundry room.

Manipulated Doodle

2005-05-26T23:28:00.000-05:00

I fanagled the heart. Otherwise it was all subconsious doodle.

Madonna and Child

New Cards

2005-05-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

This one was made especially for my niece's birthday.

I made a total of three of this type of card while working yesterday. Great way to pass the time while waiting for a call. I just had to be careful not to get to much glue on my fingers. :)

I lost all of my sidebar info, links, etc... due to a accidental template change. I was using a different blog, one set up for trying out new templates before I use them. And poof, this site changed. That was odd. But now I have to put everything back. Bah.

IF: Aquatic

2005-05-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

Submission for Illustration Friday
Just happened to have this one done.

"Fish"

Doodle
Look at Doodle
Long enough...
Image emerges
Color
Voila

Fun... easy to do at work. Coloring relieves tension, stress, etc. And keeps that side of the brain working.

IF: Nourishment

2005-05-19T23:56:00.000-05:00

First entry for Illustration Friday

Time for Me

2005-05-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

I have been spending a lot of time working on a girlfriend's site to help her get her business up and going... Anointed Jewelry

Today is her birthday.... So I put up a photoblog for her ~ Ginger Snaps

So Happy Birthday Ginger.

Today, I started on a colored pencil drawing for the illustration challenge called Nutrition for Illustration Friday. I probably won't finish it in time to post it before this Friday... Maybe.

I have found some absolutely awesome Colored Pencil Artists. I am rethinking Crayola versus the pro type of pencils. And I have a lot to learn about this medium. This site has alot of information, lessons, etc.

Of course I would have more time for drawing if I would stay off the computer.

I have been knitting scarves. Finished three since I posted on this blog.

I am aggravated with Polaroid. I bought a digital camera PDC 3035. Not only can I not get it to hook up with my computer neither can their tech support. It looks like it takes great photos but if I can't get them on my computer who cares... So I guess it is back to Target and a refund. I will try tech support again on Friday or Saturday as their offices closes before I get home from work on the other days. Sigh, I really took some great photos.

This is enough for now. I'm off to color for a bit.

I Adore Sunflowers. Don't you?

2005-04-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

I had not used colored pencils for many years and then only to color in maps and graphs in school.

Last year I started carrying a sketchbook with me to draw and doodle during the "slow" times at work. I can't stand to sit and not be doing something.

Colored pencils were the only medium I could think to use besides crayons.

Portable and blendable.

I was hooked.

I use Crayola brand, started with the 12 pack, then quickly progressed to the 50 pack.

Then I found real "artist" kind of colored pencils... at $3 or more a stick.

Guess what? The expensive kind didn't blend as well and the Crayola Brand.

It's All About Me

2005-04-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

I am a single mom of a teenage daughter. I have had a passion for drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Do you remember the ads for "Draw this picture" in magazines and matchbooks? I was drawing those in the 1st and 2nd grade. My mother brought me a learn to draw kit around that time, using charcoal. I can still see that stilllife I copied. Pumpkins, gourds, etc. all in shades of black, white, and gray.

Victor Ward was my first "real" art teacher. That was in Junior High, 7th thru 9th grade. With Sylvia Potter, a wonderful enigma artist, who pushed and challenged me from 10th grade through graduation. It was in High School I discovered oils. Oh how I love that medium.

During my years in High School I was fortunate enough to explore many mediums... watercolor, pottery, jewelry making, but not beading... silver pendants and copper based Cloisonne. I still have many pieces from that time.

Then on to the big wide world of college. I attended the University of Northern Iowa. An Art Major.

What a shock that was. I was a painter of "what you see is what you get" well, at least my view of it.

One professor for drawing and painting in my sophomore year was only interested in Abstracts... Abstracts got the A's. I still heard my own drummer. Didn't get A's. Although I did some awesome night lightning scapes....black, white, and grays. 36x36 acrylic.

Gave it away. Turned down $350. The guy I gave it too designed his living room around that piece. Then he married and last time I saw it... it was in his parent's basement, not hung, leaning against a wall. Probably sold at a yard sale. Sigh.

But I do have a sketch around here somewhere.

I didn't graduate. No bachelor of fine arts, even though I spent 3 years, well technically 2 1/2 years years there as a student.

As a sophomore I was a Resident Advisor, as a junior I moved off campus and the second semester of that year I toured the US and Mexico with "Campus On Wheels". I did have a soft sculpture piece hung in the student union the summer between sophomore and junior year, "Ode to Jim's Comb"... Black silk comb, with many teeth missing... 4 feet x 2 feet... With wide and narrow teeth. I got an A. I loved that professor. I can see his face I just can't remember his name.

I lived in Cedar Falls for what would have been my senior year, moved back to my hometown and started working on a "real" life of the working girl while going to rodeos on the weekends camera and sketchbook never to far away.

Worked for THE phone company inside and outside. Yep, I was a Installer/Repairman and climbed telephone poles. I was also an operator and a bartender, but not at the same time.

Moved to Texas, went to rodeos, learned to team rope, worked the bucking chutes and stripping chute, got married, lived & worked on a Dairy, operated a horse boarding and training stable, drove a school bus, had a darling daughter, sold Tri-Chem craft paint and taught many classes of fabric and craft painting, showed horses, bought the farm, taught riding lessons, got a divorce, worked from home, got a real job... Lived life and dabbled.

So I might not have the degrees you see on "other" Artists' sites. But I have rappelled in Utah, Mexico, South Texas, rafted the Rio Grande, survived the Santa Elena canyon, ( I rode the raft, didn't do the portage), hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon while a blizzard blanketed the rim, climbed to the top of the Temple of the Sun outside of Mexico City, and way to many other things to list here.

I am an artist, who will always be in transition. I dabbled in a lot of different mediums way back then and I still do ... Always learning... Trying new things... Always have new ideas of something to do. An enigma.

So's here's my list:

Painting~ Oils, Acrylic, Craft Paint

Drawing~ pencil, pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, started using colored pencils in 2004,

Collage~multi medium, even used egg shells a time or two

Pottery~ prefer a kick wheel .... I would have loved to be a potter.

Sculpture~ soft, paper-mache, wax, ... did one clay to plaster bust, very hard work, a long story to go with it

Jewelry~ silver, cloisonne

Watercolor~ used ink, coke, with watercolor paints for a bit... great effects. Painting of Pioneer Seed Corn Company hung in the Toledo, Ia. office for years... Okay, till my Mom retired.

Printing~ carved linoleum block

Batik

Probably others that I am forgeting.

And then I decided Crafts were also an ART form...

Crocheting was first, actually learned how in High School art class. Thank you again, Sylvia Potter.

Counted Cross-stitch

Stamped Cross-stitch

Fabric Painting... sold Tri-Chem and taught classes for a few years

Bisque Ware~ painted with oils...now that's an interesting technique

Stencil

Dry Embossing

Stamping

Scrapbooking

Artcards

Most recently I learned to knit... scarves are all I have done so far...12 done and I am about ready to try hats.

And the list goes on. I am hooked on ART and a lot of it's forms.

Now it's colored pencils and knitting. I just bought new acrylics and got out my brushes. I have canvas stretched and ready. I just want my studio cleaned out and then I'm off to paint. (studio is a converted garage full of stuff)

Oh and I would love to weld junk in to sculptures...someday. But in the mean time I will collect junk.