A thank you gift...

Today I put together a gift for a friend as a thank you to her. An avid horsewoman, I thought she might appreciate a decorated horseshoe to hang on a wall or use as a paperweight or accent decoration for a small table or shelf. I used an old horseshoe (actually a small one meant for a pony) and a vintage rhinestone earring, which I thought reminded me of a horse show ribbon in shape. I calligraphed a quote from Shakespeare, "Your heart's desires be with you," and attached it to the horseshoe along with some vintage seam binding and the earring. A quick gift, but one that I hope is a blessing to my friend. I know that she cherishes her time spent riding her horses and the peace and pleasure she finds while doing so.

Christmas Projects

I've been busy working on special orders for Christmas. Just finished an invitation design and calligraphed envelopes for a customer holding a special holiday party. She wanted the recipients to be able to hang a portion of the invitation on their tree, so I used antique skeleton keys in the design knowing they would be lovely on a Christmas tree, especially with the deep red velvet ribbon. The antique sheet music holds the invite and the key, which slip out to be opened and read. A touch of real German glass glitter adds some sparkle along the edge of the invitation flap. This all went into a white outer envelope with addresses in calligraphy scripted in black McCaffery's Penman's ink with a Nikko G nib.

Hot Wax Workshop

Just a quick post about an online encaustic workshop which I am taking from artist and teacher Judy Wise beginning October 17. It is called "Hot Wax Workshop" and I am looking forward to learning some great new techniques and tips from Judy, as well as my fellow classmates. Encaustic is such a wonderful medium! This class should be a great excuse to allow myself to get back to my beeswax, oil pigment sticks and blowtorch.

Baby Steps

It has been a very busy spring and summer around here. My daughter got married on July 30th and much time went into preparation for that wonderful day. We are thrilled for her and love our new son-in-law immensely! I will share some pics of the wedding once we receive them from the photographer.

My big news and reason for posting today is that I opened an etsy shop for my artwork and the occasional vintage piece. I have considered it for quite a while, but never managed to get it done. Thanks to lots of computer help from that new son-in-law, and another friend (thank you Summer!), I have finally opened it. So, click on my link on the left sidebar to check out my shop and know that I hope to list more art for sale there soon.

Today, I am posting a picture of an encaustic painting/collage which I completed for my exhibit at Malone University this past spring. It is entitled, "Deeper Calm."

New art delivered...

Just touching base to report that I did manage to finish and deliver several new encaustic paintings to Malone University for my upcoming exhibit. I took a couple older pieces as well, to be certain that there would be enough work to make a nice full display. It was a bit rough finishing up the last couple of paintings because I was hit with a nasty upper respiratory virus which really took a toll on me. The gallery director there is doing the installation this week and the exhibit will run from March 14 through April 27. If anyone is interested in taking a peek, it will be in the vestibule of the Everett Cattell Library located on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio. I am pleased and grateful for the opportunity to do this solo exhibit. Let me know what you think if you happen to check it out...

Mixing up my holidays...

I wanted to wish you a happy valentine's day... such a good day to think of all those we hold dear.
I decided to include this photo of one of the Christmas ornaments I make, filled with antique buttons and a calligraphed word or name and embellished with a tiny antique bulb. I know I am mixing my holidays together just a bit, but thought this "love" bulb was somewhat appropriate for today. I have made many of these ornaments as custom orders for baby's first Christmas with the child's name inside and the year included on a tag wired to the hanger at the top along with the tiny bulb or embellishment. They are adorable with just a few old blue or pink buttons added along with the white and cream.

Sunshine

We are back from our trip to sunny Arizona where we had a wonderful visit with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. I very much appreciated their gracious hospitality during our stay with them.

As I worked on another encaustic collage/painting today for my upcoming exhibit, I was so glad to be able to enjoy a rare day of sunshine and slightly warmer temps here in Ohio. Nothing like a bit of sunshine to help your energy level...

I have included a picture of another wooden collage frame in which I incorporated bits of old text and vintage wallpaper. The wood is one and a half inches thick and all four sides are decorated, as well. It is meant to hold your own photograph, but I included an old photo of my father as a sample under the glass. Isn't it a fun photo?