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?

Tea time...

It is miserable outside. I look out to see snow, ice, freezing rain, and grey skies, and predictions do not sound especially positive for the next day or so. We postponed a flight to warm and sunny Arizona because of this nasty storm that is blasting across much of the country. Not relishing the thought of being "stuck" in an airport, we rescheduled the flight for later in the week when weather is hopefully more conducive to air travel.

In the interim, I am working on some encaustic paintings for my upcoming exhibit and drinking lots of tea. Tea always seems to ease any difficult situation, don't you think? I leave you with a favorite quote about tea and the hope that you stay warm and can enjoy a nice cuppa...

"When the world is falling apart around you, drink tea." - Author unknown.

Edited heart...

Today I want to share a quote and a picture of another one of my encaustic paintings. The title of this painting is "edited heart," and it speaks to my propensity to try to edit, change, control, and contain my thoughts, words, actions... even my very heart -- the essence of who I am. When I read the following quote from Frederick Buechner, I think maybe I need to have a bit more grace with myself in this regard.

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is.... Touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."

A Grateful Heart

I am writing today to tell you about a great new blog written by a friend. It is fresh and insightful and will speak to all you creative hearts out there. I am so excited and grateful to be her featured artist today. What a sweet "shout out" she gave me and I am soaking up all the encouragement she sent my way. Her blog is going to be a major success... I just know it. Check it out at:

http://nichecreative.tumblr.com

Just do it...

A new year is well underway and with it I have a new resolve to begin posting on a regular basis. So, in spite of busy schedules, computer illiteracy, health struggles... in spite of anything... I am just going to do it.

Therefore, here is post number one for 2011. Blessings to all in this new year! I hope you are filled with new hopes and new plans and a continuing sense of gratitude and wonderment about this life we live. I leave you with a picture of one of my encaustic paintings. This particular piece found a home with a dear friend and fellow creative soul. I hope she is enjoying it in her home!