Family Message Board Finished!

I am SO happy to be done with this project! I purchased these shutters at a salvage/junk store for forty dollars with the idea of making a family message board. I am a huge do-it-yourselfer and really enjoyed transforming these into a family message board.


First up was the fact that I didn't want to look at all the mess and calendar. So when I found these shutters with a two inch inset of wood on the back I knew they would work wonderfully. I was happy because I didn't have to add any wood to the back to raise it off the wall. I had to saw off a side piece from both shutters so when I opened up the doors I wouldn't have two wood strips running down the center.

Once I got the shutters cut and sanded I was ready to paint them. I found it easier to use spray paint because of all the little nooks these suckers have. After the shutters were dry I screwed them into the studs in the wall with the help of my husband (he has height on his side). I covered the cork board with a leftover painters drop cloth because it was clean, long and wide. I screwed the board to the wall and all done.

Now I have a place for all those numbers, odds and ends that was clogging up my counter and fridge ...best part I can close the door and not see the mess!


I got these great knobs at a hobby store at 50% off...I just 50% sales!

Flickr Studio Shot Tuesday

I joined a group on Flickr called Studio Shot Tuesdays. I love it because I can "show off" some of my goodies in my studio and look at others. So here is my first contribution to the group.

I have a few of my pens, Xacto blades, scissors organized next to my computer (for easy access). I LOVE to find old objects or junk and reuse it in my studio. I found this old Kraft American Cheese box at an antique store in Concord MA while visiting my friend Patty. I filled it up with white rice and it works perfectly for me. If I remember correctly the little box was only six dollars...gotta love that!

Illustration Friday "Climbing"

Here is my idea for Illustration Friday's topic "climbing"

"Climbing" paper and dye ink

Constantly Growing

I put up some new artwork in my Etsy shop today...yay for getting something done! It is a growing "love" tree with a couple of birds sitting. The quote says, "love is a constantly growing experience". How true is that statement! This piece is a fun size, 23 1/2" X 8" because it is on scrap wood I made into a frame. It has a wonderful 2" border that I just love doing and if you're curious it weighs around 2.6 lbs.

Love is in the air!

Love Is and Contained

"Love Is" - Cut paper, paint, adhesive on a wood frame.
Size 8 X 10 with 2" edge
45.00 + Shipping

"Love is the only flower that grows and blossoms without the aid of the seasons"
I have this listed in my Etsy shop

"Contained"- Paper, dye ink, paint, adhesive on wood frame
SOLD
Size 8 X 10 with 2" edge

New Valentine Ornaments

Here are some new ornaments for Valentine's Day I've been working on. I made them with paper mache, paper, paint and yummy glitter. Both sides are decorated the same so either way you turn them you can have a smile.

side 1

side 2

$30.00 for all five (this price includes shipping) you can find them in my Etsy shop.

Oooohhhhh, Pretty

I had these random buttons, hearts and acrylic words setting on my desk and I was just about to put them away. Suddenly, I decided to just make something...anything. Here is what I came up with. Gotta say it's Oooohhhhh, pretty.

Kids Fun Discoveries

Eleni and her cutie Zachary

I've discovered I still love to do fun things I did as kid. I can think of a few things I've done lately like flying a kite, Skee-Ball, Hopscotch and riding the train at the park. I can't tell you how excited Eleni and I ...err I meant to say Zachary was when we discovered the "caboose" of the train was a seat facing out. We were all SO excited! Then the train started and we soon became aware that it was making us motion sick facing the opposite direction. With our stomachs turning we trudged onward...only because we couldn't jump from the train with a two year old in tow.

We started laughing so hard because we knew that if we were kids again it wouldn't bother us one bit. After this discovery next time I'm totally facing the other direction...gack!



I've also discovered I'm hopeless at taking pictures of myself

and sometimes you just need to put a bumblebee hat on!

Valentine's Tree

Pink, purple and red oh my! Valentine's Day is on it's way and I started getting my little tree all ready for the day. I made some ornaments for it and of course they are all glittering with goodness. Isn't it the simple things that make us smile?

Illustration Friday "Pale"

Here is my simple "pale" flower.

"Pale"-paper, dye ink, adhesive

Chic Galleria Article

Thank you so much, Beth at Chic Galleria, for the great article!

Paper, Scissors and Paste Render Art

Richard Sweeney Totally Rocks Paper

Richard Sweeney began using paper as a medium for sculpture when he realized that it was a great way to create form through hands-on material exploration. Check out his Flickr gallery it's really amazing. Wow, he is so unique and talented!

All Done Little Bird

SOLD

Got my little orange bird piece done today. It looks kinda small on the wall but it really isn't. It's a strange size because it was an old piece of wood from my scrap pile I used...this sucker measures 30" 1/2 X 7" 1/2 X 2" (told ya it was an odd size) and it's got some weight to it also.

I've been making my frames with very deep edges lately. I like the idea of the piece being more than just what's on the front. Aah, the feeling of doneness...is that even a word?

Finishing Up New Work

Almost done...

I will have more pictures soon. It's a big sucker!

Illustration Friday- Contained

Here is my idea for Illustration Fridays topic "Contained". This piece has lots and lots of layers because I used all scrap paper.



"Contained" paper, dye ink



I love my little scraps...best pile I have in the house

Paper Sculpture by Sher Christopher

Sculptor Sher Christopher’s creations look like characters in a play, replete with theatrical masks, hats and intricate costumes. Christopher gathers papers of various colors and textures from around the world, using the weight and feel of a sheet of paper to suggest the fluid flow of a gown or a wisp of hair. Christopher’s sculptures are characterized by unexpected attention to detail, such as an embossed belt barely visible under the folds of a coat.


Check out Sher's website for more awesome artwork.

IF Time

Cut paper, dye ink

IF Resolve

I used left over scrap paper from my Type C project to do Illustration Friday's topic "Resolve". I resolve to live life to the fullest!

Resolve-paper, dye ink, paint, text