Bear with me.....

I apologize for the lack of posting --- I am having some health issues and not feeling well at all. I will be back as soon as I can.

new day, new collage

Having fun in my studio. (Who doesn't like a bunny?)

Collage made with antique book page, various papers, colored pencil, mounted on black matboard.

New blog colors and new art doll

I had switched my blog from a black background to a white one. I tried it for about a month and, I tell you, it just wasn't doing it for me --- I needed some color!! Well, how do you like this?! I absolutely LOVE it, and I think it suits me and my style much better. (Ah, but knowing me and my many moods, this could change without a moment's notice. Don't say I didn't warn you.)

Anyhoo, here is my latest creation.




She sat for awhile at a certain stage, while I pondered and pondered what to do. Finally, I just kicked myself in the butt and got to it! I finished her yesterday. The 'in disguise' theme is kind of fitting for Halloween, don't you think?

Finley

Meet Finley, my latest doll creation. I didn't have a plan; he just turned out as Finley! I love him --- he kind of has a Teesha Moore feel to him. All that color and texture. He wasn't even shy about the camera; in fact, he just loved it! (I mean, look at the pout.)

Vacation!!

I will be on a much-needed vacation from Friday, Sept. 11 through Saturday, Sept. 26th. First we'll see Boston, then visit family in Jackson, Wyoming. I'll take lots of pics!

I woke up this morning with this little bird in my head. After I painted her, the rest just happened.
I love it best when it works out like that.

Collage made with vintage book pages, acrylic paint, pencil and oil pastels. Mounted on acid free matboard.

Softie Love

For all of you softie lovers out there, hope this brightens your Monday like it did mine :)

Studio Pics

I came across these older photos of my studio several months ago, and thought I'd let you see a glimpse of where I create. Trust me --- my room does NOT look like this now. You'd be stunned at the difference. Gives me incentive to tidy up, anyway!!!

This pail came from one of my favorite stores in Santa Fe, called Poem.

My sewing table is the area that is the messiest right now. I can't seem to ever get a handle on that one! Sheesh!

My paint, paper and collage area. Come to think of it, this is a mess too! Haha!

My inspiration board. It has a lot more on it now.

Anyway, this is my little space. I do love it. I'd like to paint it someday. Hmmmmmm.......what color?

Santa Fe Indian Market

A beautiful day in Santa Fe last weekend brought us to the Indian Market. Too many people, but look what I found --- and for only $10.00!!! It makes a statement with anything I wear; I don't think I've ever gotten so many compliments on anything!

And look at this little doll we saw there. My husband snuck a photo of her.
Now, really, does it get any cuter?!
(Click on the image to see the full cuteness...)

Collage Journals

Hello! Wow --- I found these really great simple small journals on clearance at the bookstore, so I thought it'd be fun to collage the covers. And I was right!!

Who doesn't love the shape and design of repeat circles.....

Random!!

I love little houses and flowers....

A little more elegant........

I would love some feedback here......... I feel like I jump around to so many different kinds of projects and techniques! I look at other artists, and see so much more of a consistency. I have such a desire to try so many different things. I guess I shouldn't overthink this and just have fun, but I would love to hear from others on this topic..... Let me know!!

Now on to my next random project!!

'Morning' doll and estate sale finds

I guess I'm still in my doll-making phase. This one's a lot different than the previous two, but I had just as much fun making her. She turned out 'sweeter' than I intended; wanted her to be a little more funky, actually.... Oh well. I'm still happy with her. If you click on the image, you can see more detail.

I love to go to estate sales with my mom, and I found some great things this time! Check these out! And all for under five bucks! Who can beat that?!

The fabric underneath the salt and pepper shakers was one of the treasures.

Can you believe this crazy quilt block? I try to imagine who did this, all the love that went into it and the history behind the fabrics........

I always have so much fun with my mom at these sales. What do you like to do with your mom?

Frida doll

I had so much fun with my first doll, 'The Old Rose,' that I had to make another one. You know how much I love Frida, so here she is! I love her. I have found that I really enjoy making dolls. With each and every step, they become more 'alive' and 'real,' and I get so attached to them. Hope you enjoy her like I do.

The old Rose

This is Rose.
Actually 'the old Rose.'
Rose is much older now, and she thinks quite often about her younger years.
When she thinks back to those times, she calls herself 'the old Rose.'
She remembers the simpler times when she was surrounded by her family and her friends.
Rose is all alone now.
She spends more and more time thinking about 'the old Rose' and
all that love.
It's all she has now
and it makes her smile.



Rose is a handmade mixed media doll. She is muslin-based, embellished with acrylic paints, pencils, and antique book text. Oh, and a single silk flower. You can prop her in a special spot, or she has a small hook on the back for hanging.

I loved making her.

Flower perfection

I love me my flowers, but this has got to be my favorite. My grandma called them portulacas, so that's what I call them. They look like mexican paper flowers, and each bloom lasts only one day. I can't get enough of 'em, I tell ya.

'Flowers' collage

A new collage I just finished with a flower theme.
My scanner kinda cut off the left edge and top, but you get the idea!
(Again, you can click on the image for detail...)

HAPPY SPRING!

HAPPY MONDAY!

This funny little face greets me every morning.
Hope he brightens your day, too.

Just finished

Things have slowed down a little bit around here, so I was FINALLY able to finish this little quilt. I kinda like it --- it's different than anything I've ever sewn before. Click on the image to see it close up!

And look at this beautiful fabric I found. I'm in love with it! Now..............what to make?

Life is Precious.

My mother-in-law has been in the hospital the last 4-5 days with meningitis and encephalitis --- so very sick! Days and nights have been spent with her at the hospital until we hear some better news. It's hard to see my husband watch his mother go through this. He's the only child of hers in town, and he has so much on his shoulders with this. Keep her in your thoughts.

Flowers and fabric...

Have been sewing this when I can. Inspired by the beautiful weather and the colorful flowers I've been planting --- what a fun time of year!

Mother's Day in Sedona

Well, this was a first -- instead of staying home for Mother's Day, my husband took me to Sedona for a 3-day weekend, just the two of us! I think it's the first Mother's Day ever that I got to totally relax and have NO responsibilities. Aaaaaaaaah..............
We stayed in Winslow Friday night and went to dinner at the Turquoise Room, a great restaurant in the most beautiful hotel, La Posada. What a find!



Off to Sedona the next morning! Actually, we drove right through Sedona to Jerome, a VERY COOL old mining town on the side of a hill, and spent the day there. Good shopping, eating, wine tasting, old mining sites, and a good ol' motorcycle rally too (my husband loved it there!).

The next day and a half were spent in Sedona siteseeing, shopping, relaxing and hiking. I think the hikes were my favorite. So pretty and lots of great people out there with us!

A truck from a favorite gallery there called Lark.

A couple we met had the coolest hiking shoes! They swore by them.

Sedona had some great bead shops too. Here are a few of my latest finds!

Can you even stand how CUTE they are???!!!

TTFN!

Ideas......

Ideas swimming around in my head....... I'm thinking about making a mini quilt, so I'm putting together some collage ideas for it. This is just one. I get carried away when I'm cutting and pasting, and it's hard for me to STOP! I like it as a collage, too. Well, anyway, we'll see what comes of it!

more journal pages

A few more journal pages, just having fun and experimenting.



And here's a background just waiting for something else...................but WHAT? I'll get back to it later and maybe it'll come to me.

(Maybe something to do with Frida -- I LOVE her!)

Paper bead jewels

What a great day! My sweet niece came over, and we made paper bead bracelets. We played fun music, laughed, made stuff and had the best time ever. I sure do love that girl. And look at the beautiful bracelet she made!