Handmade this Holiday!

I pinky swear I will!

I've been a little bored lately. (in case my kids are reading this please read to the end before you text me chastising me for using the word bored)

The studio is going great. Classes are AWESOME! And I love working with kids. My class room rocks!

-but-

 The rest of the place is like - eh. I like the artwork and the jewelry but it could be so much more. I am pretty bored with it. The energy isn't there and you can tell because I hardly spend any time up front.

I was skimming through my blog list and popped into Jennifer's blog.

OH WOW! 

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!!
Now how do I get people to get it?

I am an artist. I make things out of stuff other people throw away. My favorite source of materials are curbside, thrift store and re-cycling center.  I know there are other people out there like me. People who like to look at something and see POSSIBILITIES!

I promise you if I can get this going I will offer classes for adults too.

Pinky swear.

ANNOUNCING!

((((((((((((((((((((drum roll please)))))))))))))))))))))))

The official Schedule of the Summer Art/ Craft Classes at Artworks Studio

(registration forms available here)

GRADES Kindergarten through 8th

Passport to Art (mixed media and cultures) Get your passports ready and travel the world through art. Each week we will visit a different country and learn about the culture through arts and crafts. Each student will receive a complimentary passport at the end of class stamped with each country visited. Come join us as we visit China (Blue Willow Pottery), Central America (Aztec masks), Japan (hand fans), Kenya, Africa (Masai collage)

Session 1: Grades K- 2 Wednesdays 10:00 AM- 11:00AM June 6th – June 26th
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Mondays 1:00PM – 2:00PM June 4th – June 25th
Session 3: Grades K-2 Thursdays 1:00-2:00PM July 12th -August 2nd 
Session 4: Grades 3-4 Thursdays 2:00PM-3:00PM July 12th-August 2nd
CLASS SIZE: 10
FEE: $54

Rocket ships You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to create this fantastic rocket ship but you do have to be creative!
Session 1: Grades 4-6Thursday June 7 2:00-3:30PM

Session 2: Grades 2-3 Thursday July 19th 10:00AM-11:30AM

CLASS SIZE: 10
FEE: $22

Angry Birds ROCK! Everyone needs an angry bird to call their own.
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Monday June 4th 1:30-3:00

Session 2: Grades K-2 Thursday June 7th 10:00 -11:30

Session 3; Grades 4-5 Thursday July 11th 1:00 PM- 2:30PM

CLASS SIZE: 10

FEE: $22

Ocean Diorama Let’s turn an ordinary tin into a picturesque ocean scene using sea shells, drift wood, and other bits of flotsam.
Session 1: Grades 4-6 Monday June 11 2:00-3:30 PM
CLASS SIZE: 8
FEE: $28

Painted Sneakers Turn a pair of plain white canvas sneakers into walking works of art. (You must provide a pair of white canvas sneakers for your child)

Session 1: Grades 5-6 Monday June 18 2:00-3:30PM

Session 2: Grades 3-4 Friday July 27th 10:00AM-11:30AM

CLASS SIZE: 10

FEE: $12


Ultimate Tree House (Architecture) Have you ever thought about the tree house you would build if you could dream big? In this class you can build your ultimate tree house on a small scale. Think in terms of dollhouse sized staircases and rope swings fit for a fairy. These are the requirements: your house has at least three different levels and each level needs to be accessible – no magically jumping from level to level. One level needs a roof and three sides. Furniture and accessories that you build your self are optional and encouraged.
Session 1: Grades 5-8 Tuesdays June 5– 26 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Tuesdays July 10 – 31 1:00PM – 3:00 PM
Class Size: 6/ Fee: $85 per person

Jewelry Making Make some fashionable jewelry this summer using unusual materials like metal washers, ball chain, embroidery thread and leather scraps

Session 1: Grades 5-8 Thursday June 14 & 21 10:00AM-NOON
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Friday July 13 & 20 10:00AM-NOON
CLASS SIZE: 10
FEE:$28

Batik This traditional craft comes from Indonesia and we have given it a new twist. Beautiful patterns and designs are created using melted crayons and ink.
Session 1: Grades 5-8 Thursday June 21 & 28 1:00-3:00PM
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Thursday July 19 & 26 10:00Am-NOON
CLASS SIZE: 10
FEE: $32

Fairy House Every fairy needs a home to call her own. In this class we will create a tiny pose able fairy doll and then make a house for her to live in. Participants are welcome to think elaborate from curtains and chimneys to tables and porches.
Session1: Grades 5-8 Mondays July 9-30th 12:30PM-2:00PM

CLASS SIZE: 6

FEE: $85

Friday Afternoon Crafts Friday afternoons in the studio this summer are all about crafting. Sign up for as many Friday afternoons that will fit into your schedule. We’ll be crafting with materials found around the house and found in nature.
Session 1: Grades 3-4 1:00-2:30PM
Session2: grades 5-6 3:00-4:30PM

CLASS SIZE: 10

FEE: $22 per date

June 8th Flower Wreath This wreath is made entirely out of egg cartons- you’d never know unless I told you. It’s beautiful!

June 15th Nature Weaving We will use red twig dogwood sticks, yarn and other found objects to create a unique nature inspired wall hanging.

June 22nd Painted Totem Turn an ordinary 2x4 into a work of art you will be proud to display in your garden.

June 29th Summer Wind Chimes Make a summer wind chime using sticks of drift wood and sea shells.

July 13th Peg Dolls Using wooden pegs we will paint a whole cast of characters from your favorite movies like Harry Potter, Star Wars or where ever your imagination takes you.

July 20th Print-ology In this class we will explore three different ways we can create more than one picture using corks, the sun and special inks for printing right from leaves in your garden.

July 27th Wooden Suns it is summer time and what better time to go looking for craft supplies outdoors. These wooden suns will use slices of wood and sticks to create a unique wall piece to celebrate summer

August 1st Miniature Mosaic This class is for those who like the idea of mosaic but only want to work on a small scale. We will use a handful of beans, some PVA glue and a CD case. And you have a self contained mosaic.

It’s Easy to be GREEN! (Re-purpose and up-cycling)

Each of these classes emphasizes recycling and repurposing materials to create something new, useful or beautiful.

Wood Works Sculptures Create a unique sculpture inside a cigar box using wood turnings and other scraps.

Session1: Grades 4-8 June 14 1:00-2:30 PM

Fee: $28

Hemp Wrapped Bottle Recycle and old bottle into a vase by wrapping the outside with colored hemp and if we have time we will make some fabric flowers to put in it.

Session 2: Grades 4-8 June 29 10:00 AM-11:30AM

Fee: $22

Hula Hoop T-Shirt Rug (recycling and weaving) Re-purpose colored t-shirts into a rug using a hula hoop for a loom. We will make a 36” decorative rug for your bedroom floor. Basic weaving with no fail results every time!

Session 1: Grades 3-5Wednesday June 6 & 13 11:00 AM – 12:30PM

Session 2: Grades 6-8 Wednesdays June 20 & 27 11:00 AM – 12:30PM

Class size: 6 / Fee: $54 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 edited and put together into a unique wall piece. Students must provide their own digital camera of at least 6 megapixels and higher and bring it to the FIRST class!
Grades 5-8 Fridays June 8-22 10 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Class size: 6/ Fee: $90 per person

Bling Rings and other things to wear You’ve seen everyone with these big bold rings- now let’s make some! We’ll also make personalized bracelets with a hanging charm you will make yourself!

Session 1: Grades 5-8 Thursday July 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Thursday July 25th 10:00AM – 11:30AM
CLASS SIZE: 10
FEE: $32

Vacation Travel Keepsake Shadowbox Gather all those little keepsakes from a trip you want to remember and we’ll assemble them into a small shadow box. (This a great class for kids who go on the DC trip or camp this summer)

Session1: Grades 6-8 Monday June 25th 2:00-3:30PM
Session 2: Grades 6-8 Friday August 3rd 10:00AM-NOON
CLASS SIZE: 8
FEE: $32

“Stained Glass” Picture This kid friendly project does not involve cutting pieces of glass; however, we will get beautiful results using tissue paper, colored cellophane and plastic sheeting.
Session 1: Grades 4-6 Thursday June 28th 10:00AM-NOON
Session 2: Thursday July 18th 1:00PM-3:00PM
CLASS SIZE: 8
FEE: $35

Sea Shell Frames Nothing says summer quite like sea shells. We will decorate a wooden frame with a variety of sea shells.
Grades 5-8 Thursday July 25th 1:00PM-3:00PM
CLASS SIZE: 8
FEE: $3

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 12” x 12” wall mosaic using Italian glass tiles and fine grout.
Session1: Grades 5-8 Wednesdays June 6-20 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Wednesdays July 11th – July 25th 10:00AM-NOON
Class size: 8/ Fee: $75 per person





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!

Holiday Hours

Starting tonight I will be in the studio Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Saturdays and Christmas Eve I will be here from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.  Your response to the up-cycle request was - as always- amazing! I am so happy there are so many other people out there who see the benefits of re-using things. So I am extending it until December 24th!

If you bring in 6 paper shopping/gift sacks or jewelry sized gift boxes you will get 15% off one item in the studio.

 

 Vintage and new rhinestone jewelry. Handmade neck scarves.

Handmade paper star lanterns from India......and so much more!

Shop local! Shop hand made!

Seriously- clean out that stash you have and take home something beautiful just for you!

Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without

Bring in 6 gift boxes or paper shopping bags and recieve 15% off any item in the studio.

For those of us whose parents lived through World War II this was heard a lot. It was a mind set that helped many people get through some very lean years. Clothes were handed down to siblings or cousins, broken things were mended until there was nothing left to mend.  Being thrifty was something to take pride in because it was "for the boys over there"

Not so much anymore- with affluence comes waste and we are a wasteful nation. That bothers me. You see, our natural resources are not infinite. I have been the butt of much kidding over the years for being able to make something from nothing. For re-purposing items that most people would throw away. I was raised among a very large group of strong minded opinionated women. They were mostly Aunts and Great Aunts and a couple were cousins of my mother but were lumped into the group I referred to as the "Loony Ladies" There were 9 of them and each one was quirky and loud and thrifty. One of The Loony Ladies used to say:

 "If you take care of the pennies the dollars will look after themselves".

  If you asked Aunt Lu where she got the new mixing bowl or rolling pin or picture on the wall her response always was:

"I got it at a garage sale for a quarter"

Aunt Mary was a bargain shopper- Younkers downtown in the bargain basement would offer such treasures. The one I remember best were the summer dresses she bought for the youngest 5 girls in the family. These dresses had matching bloomers underneath so when you twirled around no one could see your underwear. Mine was pink with big polka dots! Aunt Emily took frugal to heights I won't even go into here. Suffice it to say when she held forth on ways to save money it made for interesting commentary in later years. I mean -

 "If you're going to bake a turkey then for Pete's sake BAKE a TURKEY"

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It's time for me to restock the shelf of empty jewelry and gift boxes and paper handled shopping bags. I could order new ones complete with my logo in shiny gold letters. I prefer not to. I aks my customers, family and friends to go through their stash of paper goods at home and bring in thier excess boxes and bags. Anyone who brings in at least 6 boxes or bags or a combination of them get's 15% off anything in the studio. This is the only sale I ever have. I figure it's a win-win. I get boxes and bags out of it you you get to take home something wonderful.