My JUNK List

I am hoping that those of you who read my blog can help me locate some items that I need to create some pieces for the studio. Unfortunately I recently cleaned out the garage and the storage room and recycled some stuff that I wish I had kept.

But that's always the case isn't it?



In fact there are several people in the area who drop off the most random stuff to me in hopes I might be able to use it. To them I say : THANK YOU! I use the most random stuff all the time in the studio!


So here's the list:
bicycle tires- any size- with or without tubes- doesn't matter
plaster or ceramic statues of people- can be full body or a bust- any condition too- in fact broken limbs, chipped noses would be totally acceptable                                        

Venus De Milo would be awesome!
as would cherubs or just a bust of a woman on a pedestal!















Paintbrushes that are beyond using- the big ones like you would paint a house with- not artist's brushes

and as always- feel free to drop off wine corks, interesting empty glass bottles, bits of yarn or anything else you think Laura might be able to use- you just never know. And if I personally can't use it my students will more than likely be able to use it.

Everything I am looking for is stuff that you would throw away. Or should throw away you just haven't gotten around to it. So check your basement, garage and storage shed. I really need some junk! I promise I will post pictures of what I do with the items I find.

"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." Thomas Edison

Some day I'm going to be a real artist

I tell my kids all the time I'm not really an artist. I just pretend.  

Iowa Learning Farms has asked me to create some art work for all four sides their new trailer that will be traveling all over the Midwest to teach people of all ages about the importance of taking care of our water.

 I sent my daughter a text about this project.

Me: :wow I guess I'm a real artist huh?

Biz: Congrats! I though you were already an artist

Me: Nope. Been pretending all this time

  Biz: Well you're a pretty good actor

                                                            

I have always been interested in ecology and I conserve and re-cycle.

A lot of what I make for the studio comes from up-cycled materials. Like my hats and mittens- made from felted wool sweaters.

I am pretty excited about this project. They asked me to do this because of a collage I created for them for a CD that was released this fall. Called "Dogs, Frogs and Nature Songs" 

Pretty darn cool huh? I could be driving down the highway and see my art work drive right by me. This makes me smile.

                                                              

To do list....have you colored outside the lines lately?

So, officially it's only the second day of summer. The weekend doesn't count. Already I have a To-Do list that is pretty long. Sometimes I think I should make a To Don't list because it would be easier and faster to check the items off.

On a mad dash trip to Ames I saw this wall decal and had to get it to hang in the window. All because of item number 10- it says- "Color outside the lines" 

YES!

I of course had to go in and make some of my own embellishments to the poster and added "take a summer art class"

Most people don't know this about me but my major in college wasn't art it was craft design with an emphasis on fibers/weaving. I fell in love with weaving when I was in grade school and was self taught. My first attempts were the ugliest pieces you can imagine- tension all off, pulled threads, knots everywhere...I have improved quite a bit since then.



Hula Hoop Rugs



In my "Art Explorations" art classes that I teach during the school year I decided it was time to introduce some fiber work. Because of the class size it had to be a small loom. Some kids took to it like they were natural born weavers and some just didn't get the rhythm. But most agreed it was fun and different. When I was flipping through a magazine waiting for my haircut and saw this project I knew I had to offer it this summer. It combines my two favorite things IN the world- weaving and re-cycling!

Hula Hoop Rugs- the hula hoop acts as the loom and recycled t-shirts are the "yarn". I made Joshua and Biz weed out their accumulation of t-shirts,worked up a sample this weekend and fell in love with the process. I didn't finish it so I can use it in class to demonstrate the process on. Here is my sample leaning against my first love- my Leclerc  36", 4 harness floor loom- handmade in Canada. I purchased it in 1982 with a small loan from the bank. She's a beauty and I don't get to spend as much time with her as I should or would like to. Right now one of my older students is working on a project on her so I will have to wait. 

Another class I am teaching again this summer is one I call Photowords. We walk around downtown Carroll and take pictures of letters of the alphabet and spell out a word (most of the kids do their name) I like this class because it makes you look at the world a bit differently - some of the letters are actual parts of signage and some are parts of architecture or cracks in the sidewalk or pieces of debris or parts of objects.  I wish I could get the grown-ups to come take classes because-

Coloring outside the lines is fun.

Won't you come color with me?

Fabulous Bags and Earth Day

The first time I became aware of Earth Day was 22 years ago.  I was visiting my sister in Philly and everywhere we went there were signs for the 20th anniversary of Earth Day. So Earth Day was a topic of conversation for us as we explored the city together.

I've been trying to do my part to be environmentally friendly for over 35 years. In my class room I try to stay away from art supplies that are toxic. I don't wash leftover paint off the pallets. I let it dry and then peel it off and throw it away. Sometimes those pieces of dried acrylic paint end up in another art project thus staying out of the landfill. I don't use paper towels but washable rags for clean ups in the studio. There aer live plants in the studio to help keep the air a little cleaner too. I also frequent thrift stores for things we can use in class instead of always buying new. So many people discard so much stuff- unused paints, slightly used pastels, artists brushes, paper- the list goes on. Anyone who is an artist can tell you that supplies are expensive and when you are working with children they get consumed quickly. This thrift store mentality on my part has helped me stretch my art supply budget by quite a lot.

This of course has spilled into my art making as well. I am drawn to vintage jewelry and old glass and crystal beads. I will often pick up a vintage strand of beads, break it apart and incorporate them into a new necklaces using a mix of trend colors and sterling silver. Or I would buy an old wool sweater felt it and make mittens or slippers out of it. Storage was a problem in my first house so I used old suitcases to store seasonal items like Christmas decorations and then by stacking them would also have an end table by the sofa.  Little did I know that what I was doing was going to become a part of an art/lifestyle movement. I don't like calling what I do recycling- to me that means that you are taking something cutting it up, breaking it down and totally making something different out of the raw material- like soda bottles into jackets. What I do is re-purpose or alter an item. Give it a new purpose and extend it's life. So what does this have to do with Fabulous Bags? Well....

The Octagon contacted me last month about having a trunk show. They love my Fabulous Bags and thought a workshop plus trunk show would be great fun. I agree! So on June 25th I will be in Ames (one of my favorite destinations in Iowa) all day doing what I do best. Sharing my creative talent with people. When it says all materials provided they mean it. I have a confession to make here- I have about 75 vintage handbags stashed away at my house in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. These are all thrift store finds and aer in two very large tubs in the studio. What each bag has in common- besides being vintage and a thrift store find - they all stand up on their own. So the bag can be used as an actual handbag OR it can sit somewhere and make a statement. 

What's so great about a Fabulous bag? It still fits even if you gain 5lbs!

The Summer Class Schedule is READY!!!!

Imagine my happy dance as I announce this! Summer Art and Class Schedule is now ready!

AGES 3-4

3-4 Year Old Kinder Artists
Young artists get to explore paint, glue, paper, markers and COLOR! It’s messy and it’s fun. Join Miss Laura and Miss Carly and explore the wonderful world of art. These classes fill up fast. Only sign up for the classes you can attend. Due to the popularity of the Kinder Artists Classes these are offered on a first come/first serve pre-paid basis. No phone reservations. A waiting list will be started and a new section will be opened at the discretion of the teachers. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE AGE BREAKDOWNS! CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!

Class Size: 10

Class Fee: $6.00 per date

Session 1: Mondays 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

June 6 –Absorbing Artwork

June 13 – Marble Paper

June 20 – Color Wheel garland
June 27 – Mono-printing
July 4- NO CLASS
July 11- Potions
July 18- Painted Suns

Session 2: Wednesdays 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
June 8-Absorbing Artwork
June 15 – Marble paper
June 21 – Color wheel garland
June 29- Mono-printing
July 4 – NO CLASS
July 6- Potions
July 13- Painted Suns
July 20- Water Color Wash

AGES 4-5
4-5 Year old Kinder Artists
Young artists get to explore paint, glue, paper, markers and COLOR! It’s messy and it’s fun. Join Miss Laura and Miss Carly and explore the wonderful world of art. These classes fill up fast. Only sign up for the classes you can attend. Due to the popularity of the Kinder Artists Classes these are offered on a first come/first serve pre-paid basis. No phone reservations. A waiting list will be started and a new section will be opened at the discretion of the teachers. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE AGE BREAKDOWNS! CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
Class size: 10
Class Fee: $6.00 per date
Session 1: Mondays 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
June 6 –Absorbing Artwork
June 13 – Marble Paper
June 20 – Color Wheel garland
June 27 – Mono-printing
July 4 – NO CLASS
July 11- Potions
July 18- Painted Suns
Session 2: Wednesdays 10:30 AM- 11:15 AM
June 8-Absorbing Artwork
June 15 – Marble paper
June 21 – Color wheel garland
June 29- Mono-printing
July 4 – NO CLASS
July 6- Potions
July 13- Painted Suns
July 20- Water Color Wash
GRADES K-2
Adventures in Art (mixed media/cultures)
One of my favorite activities is learning about other people and cultures. What better way than through art and craft projects. Come travel around the world with me as we visit Peru, Russia, Jamaica, Egypt and the USA
Session 1: Grades K-2 Mondays June 6 - 27 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 2: Grades K-2 Thursdays June 30-July 21 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Class size: 10/ Fee: $54.00 per person

Just For Fun!
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time and date.

Dragon Puppets

Students will create their own Chinese Dragon Puppet

Session 1: Grades K-2 Thursday June 9 9:30 AM – 10:45AM

Session 2 Grades K-2 Monday August 8 10:00AM – 11:15AM

Class Size: 8

Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Can-Do Robots (recycled crafts)

These friendly robots are more than just good-looking; magnets hold their features in place, making the 'bots the metallic equivalent of a Mr. Potato Head.

Session 1: Grades K-2 Thursday June 23 9:30 AM- 10:45 AM
Session 2: Grades K-2 Tuesday August 2 10:00 AM –11:15PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Sand Castle Sculptures
Using a special mixture, students will be provided with self hardening “clay sand” so they can create a permanent sand castle complete with moat, flags, sea shells and other decorative items you would find at the beach.
Grades K-2 Thursday June 30th 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

GRADES 3-4

Adventures in Art (mixed media/cultures)
One of my favorite activities is learning about other people and cultures. What better way than through art and craft projects. Come travel around the world with me as we visit Peru, Russia, Jamaica, Egypt and the USA
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Mondays June 6 – 27 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Thursdays June 30 – July 21 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Class size: 10/ Fee: $54.00 per person

Just For Fun!
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time and date.
Dragon Puppets
Students will create their own Chinese Dragon Puppet
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Thursday June 9 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Monday August 8 1:00 PM- 2:15 PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Solar Flare T-Shirts
Using a paste mixture and user friendly fabric dyes students will get amazing results on this one of a kind colorful t-shirt. PLEASE SPEFICY YOUR CHILD’S T-SHIRT SIZE!!!
Grades 3-4

Session 1: June 16 10:00 AM – NOON
Session 2: June 29 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Can-Do Robots (recycled crafts)
These friendly robots are more than just good-looking; magnets hold their features in place, making the 'bots the metallic equivalent of a Mr. Potato Head.
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Thursday June 23 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Tuesday August 2 1:00 PM – 2:15PM
Sand Castle Sculptures
Using a special mixture, students will be provided with self hardening “clay sand” so they can create a permanent sand castle complete with moat, flags, sea shells and other decorative items you would find at the beach.
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Thursday June 30th 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

GRADES 4-5
FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) (Crafts) Grades 4-5
Friday afternoon and it’s time to get crafty this summer. You can sign up for just one two or all the FAC Dates Come join the fun as we make flower vases from recycled glass bottles, some funky yard art, a fireworks t-shirt just in time for the 4th of July, friendship bracelets, sea shell picture frames and a hand painted ceramic tile. Sign up for only those classes you wish to take.
Class size: 10/ Fee: $18.00 per person per day
Fridays June 10 – July 22 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

June 10- Painted Glass Vase
June 17 –Yard Art Birdies
June 24-Fireworks Shirt
July 8- Friendship Bracelets
July 15- Sea Shell Picture Frames
July 22- Hand Painted Ceramic Tiles

Mosaic Art
Mosaic art goes as far back as 400 B.C. to ancient Greece where geometric patterns and scenes of people and animals were depicted by placing small pieces of different colour materials to create a picture. . You will learn how to create a wall mosaic using Italian glass tiles.
Grades 4-5 Wednesdays June 8-22 1:00PM- 3:00PM
Class size: 8/ Fee: $75 per person

Hula Hoop T-Shirt Rug (recycling and weaving)
You want me to make a rug using t-shirts and a hula hoop? Sure do! Come to this class and learn how you can recycle old t-shirts into a 36” decorative rug for your bedroom floor. Basic weaving with no fail results every time!

Session 1: Grades 4-5 Thursdays June 9 – 23 1:00 PM – 2:30PM
Session 2: Grades 4-5 Fridays July 8 – 22 10:00 AM - NOON
Class size: 10 / Fee: $54 per person

GRADES 5-6
Ultimate Tree House (Architecture)
This class proved to be so popular last year I brought it back for an encore! You have been dreaming of building your own tree house for a long time but don’t have the time, space or resources to build one. This class is where you think small –really small- as in dollhouse sized staircases and rope swings fit for a fairy. The only requirement for this class is a creative imagination, balsa wood, craft sticks and of course trees. Students will be using a hot glue gun and small hand saws.

Session 1: Grades 5-6 Tuesdays June 7– 28 1:00 PM – 2:30PM
Session 2: Grades 5-6 Tuesdays June 7 – 28 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Session 3: Grades 5-6 Thursdays July 6 – 27 1:00 PM – 2:30PM
Class Size: 6/ Fee: $85 per person

Altered Books (collage and mixed media)
An Altered Book combines several types of artistic techniques into one unique art form. Starting with a book base, the artist tears away pages and then adds their own creative expressions through rubber stamping, scrapping, image transfer, collage, photomontage, and writing. Students are asked to bring to class song lyrics or a favorite poem to use as the theme for their book.
Session1: Grades 5-8 Tuesdays June 7-28 10:00 AM – NOON
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Thursdays July 7- 28 10:00PM – NOON
Class size: 5/ Fee: $55 per person

Mosaic Art
Mosaic art goes as far back as 400 B.C. to ancient Greece where geometric patterns and scenes of people and animals were depicted by placing small pieces of different colour materials to create a picture. . You will learn how to create a wall mosaic using Italian glass tiles.

Grades 6-9 Tuesdays July 5-19 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class size: 8/ Fee: $75 per person

Photo Words! (Photography and computers)
Back by popular demand! Students will learn top look at everyday objects with new eyes as we walk around downtown and look for letters of the alphabet to spell out their name. Using digital photos and Photoshop –images will be transformed and put together into a unique wall piece. Students must provide their own digital camera of at least 6 megapixels and higher!
Grades 5-6 Tuesdays July 5-19 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Class size: 6/ Fee: $90 per person

GRADES 5-8
JUST FOR FUN! (NEW)
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time or date.
Leather Cuff Bracelets:
Recycle thrift store leather belts into fun and funky bracelets. Make enough to wear and give as gifts!
Session 1: Monday July 11 1:00PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: Tuesday August 9 10:00 AM – NOON
Class Size 10 / Fee: $28

Headbands and Hair Clips:
Headbands and hairclips with flowers, feathers, sequins, beads and ribbon are THE hot fashion accessory of 2011! Make some of your own to wear AND share with your BFF!
Session 1: Monday July 18 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Tuesday August 9 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class Size 10 / Fee: $28

Vinyl Record Clocks & Cupcake Lanterns:
Does your room need a new look? How about a funky clock for your wall made out of a retro vinyl record album- you know those big plastic circles people used to play on a record player- and a lantern made out of cupcake liners. So easy and so cool too!
Session 1: Wednesday July 27 10:00AM – NOON
Session 2: Monday August 1 10:00 AM – NOON
Session 3: Thursday August 4 10:00AM - NOON
Class Size: 8 / Fee: $28

Walking Works of Art
Grab a pair of white canvas sneakers or high tops and turn them into walking works of art using colored tissue papers, rhinestones and all weather clear sealing glue. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN SHOES!
Session 1: Wednesday August 3 10:00AM – NOON
Session 2: Thursday August 11 10:00AM - NOON
Class Size: 8 / Fee: $18

GRADES 7-12

Altered Doll House (Architecture) (NEW!)
Participants will transform four cardboard cigar boxes into a delightful free standing 3-D doll house with details like rugs, curtains and furniture and covered by a roof. If you are into tiny details this is the perfect class for you. Hot glue and x-acto knives will be used.
Session 1: Grades 7-12 Fridays June 10 – 24 10 AM – NOON
Class Size: 6/ Class Fee: $85 per person

Ultimate Tree House (Architecture)
This class is where you think small –really small- as in dollhouse sized staircases and rope swings fit for a fairy. The only requirement for this class is a creative imagination, balsa wood, craft sticks and of course trees. Students will be using a hot glue gun and small hand saws.
Session 1: Grades 7-12 Tuesdays June 7– 28 3:00 PM – 4:30PM
Session 2: Grades 7-12 Wednesdays July 6 – 27 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Class Size: 6/ Fee: $85 per person

Photo Words! (Photography and computers)
Back by popular demand! Students will learn top look at everyday objects with new eyes as we walk around downtown and look for letters of the alphabet to spell out their name. Images will be transformed and put together into a unique wall piece. Students must provide their own digital camera of at least 6 megapixels and higher!

Grades 7-12 Thursdays July 28-August 11 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Class size: 6/ Fee: $90 per person

JUST FOR FUN! (NEW)
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time or date.
Walking Works of Art
Grab a pair of white canvas sneakers or high tops and turn them into walking works of art using colored tissue papers, rhinestones and all weather clear sealing glue. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN SHOES!
Session 1: Monday August 1 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Wednesday August 10 1:00Pm – 3:00PM
Class Size: 8 / Fee: $18

Leather Cuff Bracelets:
Recycle thrift store leather belts into fun and funky bracelets. Make enough to wear and give as gifts!
Grades 7-12 Wednesday August 3 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Class Size: 10 / Fee: $28

Headbands and Hair Clips:
Headbands and hairclips with flowers, feathers, sequins, beads and ribbon are THE hot fashion accessory of 2011! Make some of your own to wear AND share with your BFF!

Grades 7-12Wednesday August 10 10:00AM - NOON
Class Size 10 / Fee: $28

What HAS she been up to?

I realize I have been MIA- missing in art I like to call it- lately. Between teaching classes and kids home on spring break and fighting with my depression I have not posted much of my work lately.

So- good news- I have been working! Just finished these today.

This is a journal/album that I recycled. I used these wonderful papers made by my friend Shari. I keep trying to get her to sell these papers on Etsy. They are so unique! Her process involves gelatin printing, textures, rubber stamps, stencils and anything else she can find to make it all come together.  At our Art Retreat last month I got to try my hand at Shari's printing process- what fun! I just don't have the same feel for it that Shari does though. I love her papers and am lucky enough to receive some as gifts every now and then. The original book was just a photo album. I kept the original clear pocket pages and added in some lavender and purple card stock paper. I like journals where you can tuck items into it and write on the pages at the same time.

This little piece was the 3-D challenge from last month's Art Retreat.  Again it's an up cycled item that I picked up at my local thrift store. Using the papers I designed in the gelatin printing session of the retreat, some sea shells and a few clay fish beads I created this treasure chest fir for any mermaid! This box measures about 3" x 5" and the drawer pulls out. Sorry this picture washed out a little on me.

And finally- I saw an altered spoon for the first time as I was blog hoping the other day. I love altered art and as soon as I saw it I had to try for myself. I used a vintage serving spoon- measures 9" long and the bowl holds 1/4 of liquid.  I have been fascinated with all things Alice and a spoon needs a tea party right? I had this vintage image of a young lady and her dolls having a tea party from my favorite place to get images- Altered Artifacts-

a couple of brass crowns, a clock face and the words "tea time" in glass alphabet beads and I was on my way to altering my first spoon.

All of these items are available in my Etsy shop. Now, I need to figure out what I want to do with this pile of rhinestone jewelry and a travel case that needs some TLC....

Oh my Ears and Whiskers....

...I'm Late!

Once again I've been lost in Wonderland. Everything in the project except for the White Rabbit on a penny farthing bicycle was found in my studio. I have a lot of stuff... A LOT.

  I also need to give a nod and a Thank You to Inka at Altered Artifacts for her digital images. Some are free on her blog and others I purchased from her Etsy shop.




I am not sure what I want to title this piece. I am open to suggestions.



So what have you been creating? And where do you find your inspiration and materials?


Post a comment. I love hearing from you!

desperately seeking .....

....your stuff. Seriously. In my classes we use a lot of weird and unusual stuff to create our masterpieces. So if you are doing some cleaning and would like to re-cycle some of your stuff. Please do not hesitate to drop it off at the studio. Here's a list of items I am collecting for future projects with my students.

cancelled postage stamps

old sheet music

greeting cards- any holiday or subject

 small doll accessories- you know- unmatched shoes, dishes, gloves, brushes all that tiny stuff that you always manage to step on with bare feet.

tiny trinkets- the stuff you get out of gumball machines and the empty bubbles they come in

misc. game board pieces- wood or plastic

keys

bottle caps

misc.broken jewelry or single earrings

wine corks

silk flowers

empty matchboxes

1/2 gallon empty jugs

plastic bottle caps of all sizes

aluminum tea light holders (save after burning candles)

beautifully shaped wine bottles in an assortment of shapes and sizes

toilet paper rolls

large round opaque bottles, such as those for bleach/cleaning fluid

and if you are cleaning out your craft cupboard and don't know what to do with those odds and ends of scrap papers and ribbons and stickers....

You get the idea.