The Now. Getting in Touch with your Touch

I love working with clay, and preferably a soft clay.  My hands tend to be quite warm so there are times it gets too soft and I have to stop.  Sometimes a short trip into the refrigerator does the trick, especially in the summer months.    Scuplty lll is my clay of choice….at least right now in my beginning stages of "playdom".

The shapers to the left are my preference and I have learned they come in different sizes…..  I sell these on Etsy and there is no size given but in terms of small, medium and larger, I would have to say I would be using these on medium sized projects.

There are also stiffer rubber claying tools but I don't like them at all and find they don't do what I need them to do…..  Since my clay is soft the stiffer rubbered ones easily mark the clay in a negative way.  I tend to use the softer rubber types as one would an eraser if they were drawing.   To erase mistakes, marks, etc. that I do NOT want left on/in the clay.

So many things should be taken into consideration when purchasing a tool…… an extension of our hand and based "on our hands' touch"….  Some are heavy handed and some of us are very light handed and this is the "category" I seem to find myself when it comes to art.  I found the same to be true in painting…..I was always "taught" to paint with the largest brush available for the space……  I tend to use smaller brushes, because they provide me more control and yet the looseness I want to see.  Tools based upon me….not someone else.

I love sculpting clay ….  I like the feeling of creation it provides and what happens,  happens from inside rather than outside….and time tends to just "stand still" and I am in the NOW…. not the past, not the future but the NOW and it is pure joy watching what is happening.

Get in touch with your touch and choose your tools accordingly.   Art is healing,  spiritual,  provides us the ability to go inside, is an emotional outlet and provides us the abillity to transcend time so the proper tools are personally important to achieve these goals.





Just my two cents.

POSSIBLE NEW PROJECT (s) ??

TWO OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS OF CAMP SHERMAN METOLIOUS RIVER AREA.  I AM NOT SURE WHICH ONE IT WILL BE,  BOTH OF THEM, OR BOTH IN ONE.   I HAVE REALLY BEEN WANTING TO WORK ON MOSS SO I HAVE A SNEAKY FEELING I AM GOING TO BE DOING 2 PAINTINGS…

I also ordered some different colors of wire in 2 different sizes so I feel some wire sculptures might just be coming up also.  I want to do some overly big flowers for wall art.  

I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I AM RETIRED AND HAVE THE TIME TO "PLAY"…..  AND THE ROOM TO HAVE SEVERAL DIFFERENT PROJECTS GOING AT THE SAME TIME.  One provides inspiration for the others…
kinda neat.

Have a Great Tuesday everyone.

HANDMADE Turqoise Lampwork Bead Necklace/Bracelet

Add caption

I have had these two focal beads for what seems like forever so I decided it was time to sort through my stash and see if I could come up with enough complimentary small spacer beads to make a simple necklace and bracelet….this is the result.  I have several different tops that I can wear these with.

I buy my cording at the Military Surplus store.  Who would have "thunk it" but they had the major colors and I also purchase patches, zipper pulls (5 cents each) etc. there.  I don't go often but when I do I never come out empty handed.

All of the beads are handmade and the findings/clasps, etc are sold by my daughter on Etsy…as well as her handmade lamp work beads at www.dragynsfyre.etsy.com.

What's Next?

A couple of necklaces,,,, and a mixed media wire piece I have been thinking about….or maybe I need to play with some clay and rubber stamps, or maybe another painting.  I most generally have several pieces going at the same time.

ACRYLIC PAINTING The Metolious River …. Camp Sherman, Oregon

After spending a few days here I knew that I had to do a painting (or two, or three) from the photos I took.  It is hard to believe that the water is this blue….but it is….  No matter where you are on the river it is a gorgeous site…. and different.  The water mesmerizes and is a great place to meditate.  Quiet, water sounds, a few birds chirping, people voices in the far distance, a nice breeze and solitude.

This was painted with Liquitex Soft Body acrylics and a minimum of brushes by Dynasty.  Love their dry and foliage brushes and use them pretty much for  everything just by using different sizes or from different lines.   IMHO the best performing brushes on the market.

The canvas is a square gallery canvas from JoAnnes which is normally not my choice but it was the right size so I struggled through ----  I usually use portrait grade hand wrapped canvas boards by Sharks so the bigger nubbies gave me a few problems…..Normally I use these less expensive and nubbier canvas pieces for mixed media paper work as it gives the paper a faux painted look.    I painted the four sides with Paynes Grey (one of my favorite colors) and when I was done I used Glamour Dust Ice Crystal paint by Americana (to shimmer with colors) on the water portion for the sparkle the way the river does naturally.  A gorgeous place to camp or visit…..  some sites are RIGHT on the river just a few feet from your camper.  Totally relaxing….and one hates to leave, but only an hour drive from where we live….

This was fun to watch it "develop" and exciting as I neared completion.  I have a Dead End sign photo I want to paint and another of a fly fisherman in the river with chest waders.

Enjoy.

TIDELINES Rubber Stamp

TIDELINES REVERSE TTL-216

This is a brand new rubber stamp just out from one of the companies I purchase my Etsy rubber stamps from and when I ordered it I did so because I thought it might be fun to use some of the "water" ones I have and create a landscape out of clay.

I have not taken the time to really play with the stamps except on a couple of occassions when I first began selling the stamps online.

Many would be buyers and customers want to see what the stamps look like when "clayed" so I think the time has come to play with them in a way that will showcase the performance of the stamps as they are quite impressive as far as quality, intricacy, and final product…..  What they can do is really up to artistic license and that is what I think makes them such a valuable tool for all types of creative art from scrapbooking to jewelry to abstract art.  

So now I am off to go through the hundreds I have in stock and choose those which I will use, decide on colors or maybe just using a neutral color…and embellishing afterwards.
The choices range from inks to acrylic paints, to metallics, glitters, and patinas.

I have not purchased any metal clays so I will be working with soft polymer clay as it is easier for me to "work", sculpt and blend.

I have just ordered a couple of extra sets of the rubber brushes to sell on Etsy and they are my favorite tools for working with clay the way I do….  they come in 5 different shapes and are wuuuunnnnderful.  Another of my favorite tools is one I made myself from polymer clay that is shaped like a my little finger and slightly bent….It works great for small areas where I need more oomph than the rubber brush allows for.

So stay tuned and hopefully I will have a finished product to "show off" soon.

New Abstract

I really love the variations,  borders, designs, and backgrounds which seem to provide so much depth in a layered look.   I don't look at what I have done for about 3-4 days after I have completed them.  I look at lot more deeply into the design, or colors at this time.

Once these are matted and framed they really become works of art.  The 8 x 10's are my favorites.  A perfect size to make a statement.

"Mushroom Garden"
Available in 4 x 6  or 5 x 7 glossy.  Larger sizes are available as a custom order.

Harem Designs Handmade Bib Necklace

I buy on impulse only when I am afraid I might not find it again….which happens a LOT even on
some occasions when I talk myself out of the purchase….. but when I saw this bib type handmade necklace I had to purchase it.  I told Ebru it was the "Cats' Pajamas".  One of a kind, unique, a bit eclectic and she has a wide choice of colors, shapes, sizes, and prices.  I am so anxious to get mine (above).  I am hoping that colorwise it will work with a grape tshirt dress that I have.   Perfect to add that "artsy" touch.  

Ebru is from Istanbul, Turkey and is a young woman of 42 who loves lace, crochet, and I am sure many other forms of lacey type artistic handiwork.  I love supporting Etsy and come here first to search for an item I might want…and very rarely am I disappointed.

Go to:  http://www.haremdesigns.etsy.com and check out the other necklace bibs she has for sale.  Support the artists of the world….

Camp Sherman, Oregon

After spending 3 amazing days in Camp Sherman to learn today that there is a fire raging close and eating up acres creates a sadness…. I just pray that the fire is contained really soon.






This time the wild sweet peas were in bloom in colors ranging from white, soft pink, dark pink red and purple.  Just fields of them growing everywhere
and gorgeous. Twisting and turning and wrapping the vines around each other and up anything that was around to support them…..otherwise they just laid upon their leaves.

I also noticed that the wild lupine leaves are soft and furry (white)  vs the shiny smooth leaves of the one I have in my little area at home.

Camp Sherman, Oregon Metolious River

Tomorrow I will be HERE…and with temperatures in the 90's here in Bend and to be continued;  the river is going to be "the best".

Larry didn't care for it as there is no quad riding so he wasn't interested so I conned my friend Candace to share the journey…  Larry is taking us up with the RV  and then will come back up on Monday and pick us up to come home….. About a 45 minute drive for us.

It will be cooler and just the music of the water will be wonderful as the sites with no hookups will be right along the river much like this spot was….

There is a PO and a SMALL little country store in Camp Sherman so it is quiet yet noisy with the chatter of everyone eating ice cream outside the store.

I have art materials packed, a couple of movies if we get bored (which isn't likely to happen) and I think the main item on the agenda are spirit dolls which we'll make from "walk gatherings" looking for natures treasures.   I have started mine using sticks and driftwood from the first walk a month ago.   We have meals prepared lots of goodies, cameras,  comfortable lawn chairs, and reading material….. so we are all set----although there will no doubt be things we will wish we had…or forgot.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Jewelry Sets

When I saw these metallic focal beads in the green, silver and black they were too pretty to pass up.  Made by Darice and I purchased them in Joannes along with the hazy shades of green miss shaped nuget beads.  The silver spacer beads and the Buddah are Tierra Cast sold by Dragynsfyre on Etsy.  I love the way it finished.  I still have some of the metallic beads left so I want to make a very simple necklace with just one of the metallic beads and use some leather black cording for the necklace.
(Bracelet and Necklace)

I needed a colorful casual set so these are once again Tierra Cast findings  (I love the hammered clasp on the necklace) and the colored beads are by Darice purchased at Joannes.
(Necklace, bracelet and anklet.)


The only time I allow myself to buy at JoAnnes and Michaels is when something has a good markdown or I have a coupon……


Next are some fun pendants….with cording….

ROOTS

Professionally Matted, Framed and ready to hang on the wall.  Mat matched great and the frame is a silver but reflects the salmon color…..it is not pink and not orange….  This is one of my favorite chemical reaction photos…

HUMM KOMBUCHA

Bend is a unique, busy, artistic, beautiful little (but growing darn it) city that never ceases to amaze me.

Craft beer distilleries are everywhere along with growlers (jugs to fill with yer' favorite beer and/or brand) , fill stations, and fantastic food.  I just discovered Swill which is a citrusy beer that is light and refreshing….and I DON'T normally like the taste of beer but this one is the exception.  It is made by 10 Barrel Brewing here in Bend.

Now….it seems as if a drink called Kombucha is the rage amongst residents….  The preference brand HUMM;  which is made right here in Bend, comes in various flavors and everyone seems to have a favorite.   At our awesome Farmers' Market which is Wednesday afternoons you can sample the flavors and buy different size containers or   buy a Humm growler have it filled with your favorite Humm Kombucha--- some even have flavors mixed…..I think there are 9 different flavors and endless personal mixtures when purchasing on tap.  Right now just a few markets carry the Kombucha but it is getting more prevalent.   There are several different companies marketing the Kombucha but Bend residents are "Hummers"…..  Coconut Lime is my daughters' favorite, my friend Candace opps for Chai, and I prefer the Strawberry Lemonade, but check out their other "flavors".

Kombucha takes me back to the Hires root beer that my sister and I helped our parents make and bottle with a special little bottler back in the 50's…..the longer it 
fermented the stronger it would get …. and every so often would "pop" their caps and make a mess.

If you want to get the "story" behind Kombucha go to:  http://www.hummkombucha.com and read all about it.

KOMBUCHA………seems like it should be another form of gazoontite (sneeze blessing).

Stay cool everyone……we are in the 90's this 4th of July.

MEGA rubber Stamps

JUNGLE LOVE

The company I purchase these awesome rubber stamps from have just come out with some LARGE MEGA rubber stamps that are 7 times larger than their normal ones but just as wonderfully detailed and intricate.   These MEGA stamps are 9 1/4" x 6 and for each design there are two different "types" of cuts….Fineline, Regular and what they call reverse….others call outties…

In the next month working with these stamps is one of my goals.  Try different things and see what happens.  I especially want to use them on some CitrArt pieces.  Just the right size for what might be some really interesting additional "effects".   There is a product called Cool Slip which you spray on your tile as the soft clays that are recommended and the metal clays have a tendency to adhere more that we might want without the release.   I have used even the fine lline stamps and have gotten wonderful imprints with clay as well as with acrylic paints ….  so many different artistic uses.  And jewelry…..that is a whole "nutther" story…..  Love these stamps for pendants and brooches, etc.

I have listed just a few of the MEGAS" m on my Etsy site http://www.artisticrenderings.etsy.com but will be adding more designs in the next couple of weeks along with some brand new designs in the smaller ones that are also awesome so keep checking the shoppe out for new and different upcoming feature items you won't want to miss.

Photo Site...

If you would like to see other photos I took this weekend when I went to Camp Sherman, Oregon for the day of heavenly sweet smelling fresh air, green, wildflowers, blue water (and I mean BLUE water), and the fun I had taking the photos along with a shot of yours truly go to:
www.picturetrail.com/ArtisticRenderings for a short little tour and it won't cost you a penny; how great is that?  I am hoping that we can go back with the RV and stay for about 3 days right before the 4th of July holiday.   Test drive.  Camp Sherman is 45 minutes away from where we live in Bend, Oregon.  

Magazine Altered Art Photos

"ROOTS"

"WASH DAY"

A year or so ago (in the summer) I played with magazine pages and have just now taken the time to really "look" at them and have been amazed at the transformation from what was the original to my new original.

I have mounted the "revised" work onto canvas boards and will be matting them and then offering them for sale.

Each one is unique and one of a kind.   They range in size from 5 x 7 to 9 x 12 depending on how I have chosen to mount the design.  Many could be displayed in more than one direction…..and what I see and you see, and how it interacts with our emotional side will differ from person to person so it is almost like altered abstract type art that "I" find appealing and different than other works of art that are being offered for sale in todays' galleries.

I find art that is unduplicatable to my liking…..and hopefully it will be to others also.  Photo #1 I am going to have matted in a salmon, fleshy, color and I am anxious to see the secondary transformation which the matt will provide.  The framing will be left to the buyer, but the smaller ones will be matted and possibly framed.

There are 3 which I will keep as a gouping for one of my walls…. Each will have a name, signed,
dated, and numbered as #1 Original.     Someday hundreds of years down the road it might be a
valuable "vintage" item;  lol…..

On some of them I will add spiritual life quotes.

Experimenting is the journey of art or the art of journey…..

I LIKE TO THINK OF THIS AS SELF INTERPRETATION ART….. AND WHEN IT IS PURCHASED IT WILL BE PURCHASED BY THE RIGHT PERSON…..THE PERSON IT WAS MEANT TO BE FOR.  THE PERSON WHO IDENTIFIES "WITH IT"…..

Stamping on Fabric

I have had several inquiries about using the rubber stamps I sell on Etsy on fabric.  Since I don't use the stamps in this manner, but know of others who do I did a bit of research and this is what I found out looking at a tutorial by Lenna Andrews.


Use inks and paints formulated to be heat set for permanency on fabric.  Inks you might have for metal or paper is not the same kind of ink as one that has been designed to become permanent on fabric after heat setting.

Pre Wash your fabric.

Tsukineko Fabrico/Versacraft inkpads and Lumiere paint are perfect choices for fabric as well as So Soft Fabric Paints by DecoArt or your brand of choice.

Ink pads are just the thing to use for a more detailed rubber stamp image on fabric.

Reink your stamp for each impression

Smooth fabrics without a lot of texture/nap and with a tight weave work best.


Fabric Paint.
  1.  Use a foam brush or cosmetic sponge to tap or smooth the paint on

Heat setting is the most important thing you can do to preserve your fabric stamping.
  1.  Stamping must be completely dry
  2.  Hot dry iron ….no water
  3.  Iron about 2 minutes on each area.
  4.  A piece of muslin to cover the stamping can be used
  5.  Iron both sides of fabric.
  6.  Do not wash for one week
  7.  100% cotton or silk (natural fabrics) will hold fabric inks or paints better than poly blend.

Also remember that you can use bleach on the stamps to remove color from the fabric instead of adding color….Tide has a bleach pen that would work great for small designs.

Stamps should be washed with a mild soap and water.

Antique Brass Trinket Boxes (handmade)

These small pill boxes could be used for so many little things in your purse.  Tooth fairy box, pill box, to hold toothpicks, or a special trinket.

The inside has a mirrored top, and there is a white plastic lining in the bottom….

Just a project to do in-between pieces to just relax and enjoy the process….and learning I HATE glue.

The boxes were plain and then I decorate as I choose to do at the particular time of its' birth……. I never know.  Even have a couple which are pretty bad … tried a couple of things that were total flops….chalk them up to learning..

Unique Puzzled Art

I have had so much fun playing with these unique wood laser cut outs from ULD that I had to share the fun.


With the frame unit you get 5 pieces.

If you use all 5 pieces a 2 x 2 canvas fits perfectly and I have mine hand made (canvas wrapped boards) as the gallery canvas pieces that are 2 x 2 are too thick.

Use all 5 wood frame pieces or as many of the pieces you choose….you are totally the artist with this frame.

As you can see by the photo below there are several ways that this frame can be put together and turned to get the look you like.  You could even extend a design onto the frame if you put it together as in the 3rd frame over.

And then there are these awesome corners that can be added to further enhance the frame  --- all to your liking…        










This last photo is the piece I designed and have finished to go into a spare bedroom I am in the process of re-doing using things from other areas of my home …… so I guess it is a recycled room.   (I used the E6000 glue).    I wanted this particular piece to be abstract, unique, and totally different.  The wood piece on the canvas is also a laser cut piece and I have added Swarowski hot fix gems in Moonlight to accent the piece, (I have a HotFix electric tool to adhere to the frame)  jazz it up and provide a bit of bling as well as some antique brass jewelry findings I snipped the circles off of with my mighty clippers.

You can find all of the wood components to design your own piece in my Etsy shoppe.

If you are interested in handmade blank canvas pieces (I always purchase the x fine) go to Sharksartcanvas.com
                              
I am looking forward to making some more…..

Painting Altered Art #2

(My lupine was flowerless this year (so far) but my neighbors in puple, blue and fushia were gorgeous.
Maybe next year.  These grow wild here on our hillside
especially on the way to Portland….


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In yesterdays' mail I rec'd a sample of a portrait fine grade wrapped custom canvas board that I asked the supplier of my canvas boards to work up for me.   The canvas piece will be 16" x 4" and just the right size for this Buddah design.   I have been working on it on and off for a couple of days now so I am hoping to finish it up by mid week so I can show it as Painting Altered Art #3…..   I am contemplating putting together a pattern packed for this design which uses Americana Paints and Dynasty Brushes and the little knicky knacky brass elements are artist choice…and I have used the Hot Fix swarowski crystals for that bling that adds so much to the finished piece.  So if you are interested; start searching the internet for some vendors who might have what you are looking for.  In the pattern packet I will list sources for items I have used.    Although the design is the same as my other one…..the backdrop is a different color as well as the elements I am using.  I like it done on both the canvas and the barrel stave….just depends on the "look" you are wanting to achieve…….

This is a fun piece to do and requires a little technique in blending colros, slip slap backgrounds, etc.
If you don't know for sure just how the techniques are done this might be a pattern packet that will interest you……especially if you want to do a little altered art piece that is painted and add some bling,
and dimensional elements to the piece…..OR, maybe you just want to simply paint the design of the Buddah and add to elements to the piece…..ARTISTIC LICENSE is wonderful and I am always using it.

Photos will be coming soon….

Also on another table in my little creative corner are some altered art brass pill boxes that I will be listing on my Etsy site for sale.  Each has an interior mirror, hinged, antique brass, plastic liner, and they will be so neat for pills, hearing aid batteries or hearing aids, stamps, mints, etc.  Anything you might need a little container for that is handmade and pretty.  I love little pieces of art.

 

Pinecone Flowers

My husband (which was a surprise) called me to come outside and bring my camera because he had something to show me…. that it was nature and he hadn't ever seen it…..

These photos just don't show the vibrancy of these pine cone beginnings…..  This weeping pine tree is about 3 years old and this is the first time we have seen these or the actual full grown pine cones….

Tomorrow I will go out and try to get some additional photos which may show better color….  The tree is loaded with these delightful cones, different sizes and colors.

Painting Altered Art

I have been seeing this statue in a lot of different forms, shapes, colors, etc. so I decided I wanted to see what I might do….. and since I was working on a serenity area…..how neat would this piece be???

The only surface I had that was the size I felt I needed was a barrel stave so I decided it would be a start as I worked with some colors, shade and highlight colors, etc. and found I like the finished piece and already know where my next one is headed….and will also be done on a barrel stave until I come up with something different.  I want this blown up and I am thinking it would be great painted on the wall……  interesting concept and I am pretty sure it is going to "happen"….  I love the Japanese writing that is on one of the papers worked into the piece, the swarovski crystals in copper and the wiring I did…..  I am pretty sure it is done….  Have an email in to a vendor who does handwrapped canvas onto board with extra fine portrait grade canvas hoping he can come through for me and do some special wraps for me……

Have a few projects on the horizon so I am hoping that I can remain constant….

Thursday was my 30th day since back fusion and I am still feeling pretty doggone good….but know whwat my limits are and adhere to them….not pushing myself … no need to.  Slow and easy...

Project Time

Today is one month since my back fusion and I cannot believe how fast the time has gone….but slow too…. I invested in a memory foam body pillow and it along with the book light for reading are 2 of my newest and greatest luxury desires….. Along with an ice pack. some OTC Tylenol I am getting along pretty good and am greatful to Dr. Ward here in Bend for a successful surgery…..

My newest project; which involves a lot of other artistic happenings is redoing a spare room  which is off my dining toom…..  I have absolutely NO idea what is happening in there…..I just kinda go with the flow of artistic license but I do know that the room is going to be wine purple,  sea glass green, and a very
light salmon color…..  I have been taking things down, have purchased a couple of new things, I am painting a Buddah, and just having a lot of fun….and the best part is being able to close the door and leave the mess……..   I am going to take out some larger pieces of furnture and put in some smaller ones from another room, do some paintings, and altered art…. and trying to catch my husband to do some of the things I can't and shouldn't…  Like bending. lifting, pulling, etc.  So spray paint is flying,
I have to go to Lowes and have them match the color Black Plum because at least one wall in there will get painted this color which is my Wine Purple color….and I love it…..  I also have a vintage carved dragon head board that is going to go in this room…..where there is also a queen sized bed….and I am going to go over the relief with a sea glass green patina to emphasize the design and have it blend into the room.  The woman that sold me the bed told me it was the one her husband slept in as a child and he was in his 80's when he passed away so that brings an antique into the scheme of things.

So far so good and I am enjoying the ecentric, steampunky, bohemian, primitive mix of things…. which are somehow coming together……and I like it all….so that is all that matters….cause it's my house….lol…

Watch for me to post some pictures of some neat laser cut wood pieces I am playing with …..  and I am even going to have some of them in the room…and am looking forward to what happens….I never really know ahead of time…

So…stay tuned….

New Project

It is that time of year again when my cherry tree springs to life…..and with on and off rain showers today I am sure it will bloom forth and is once again loaded.

Today as I just sat and let my body heal a bit I picked up some bricks of clay to create a flower that had been growing within my mind…..which will be a wire sculpture….at least I THINK that is where I am headed….lol….I am not just quite sure….  The flower is "chilling" in the refrigerator so that I can do the next steps tomorrow which is the wire work and l will also include some small swarovski moolight crystals which are my favorites.  

So enjoy your week and be creative….. Photos of the flower will be posted when completed…..

Meeeeeetttttt "MIss Ella Mentary"

Deisgned and Created by Candace K.
5-1-14

How excited do you think I was when I was gifted with Miss Ella Mentary an alter art assemblage 

doll box which was created for me by a fellow artist who educates me weekly….

The head portion is an acrylic box which is on a swivel and each side relates to a different element of our life as we see it here on earth.    Inside Candace had a "proclamation" of sorts typed onto bold paper.

The wings I think represent my earth angels as they guide me along through life and dig me out of ditches I sometimes veer off into.

One leg is a palette knife and the other is a brush….

Inside are trinkets, bling and glamour and even a small match box which is decorate, marked "ideas" and inside she has even provided me some challenge words for creation….which is sometimes the only thing an artist needs to take off and fly to a creation that seems to come out of no where…… except maybe the unconcious mind.

Right now she is "sitting" on a vintage stove in my kitchen because she looks neat there…. but she will get moved all over within the house through time, rearranged and enjoyed…..as I do all of the  special treasures of creativity and / or spiritual creations.

Glad THAT is over with !!!!

Two weeks ago today I underwent one of my worst nightmares in deciding to agree to a back fusion L4-L5 with bone graft.  I have a plate and four screws as well as them grinding the bone they removed in spine to give me some space room.  This material was used as the grafting material....amazing.

With support from framily and friends and the word COURAGE on the day after the surgery I was up walking even though I had problems from anesthesia, was overdosed with pain medication the first night,  the threat of having to have a blood transfusion,  rolling veins, extreme pain and 13 staples...

My doctor was quite impressed with my first check up today and my progress.  Staples are out,  I am walking with a cane,  and although I am to really restrict bending, twisting and lifting I was told to just listen to what my body says to me....  I am walking a bit slower, and more carefully using a cane as a precautionary measure....but otherwise I am great.

After the frist 3 days in the hospital I was able to reduce my pain medication to simply OTC Tylenol and no more than 3 muscle relaxants aver a 10 day period so yippe.   I am proud of me....

So, now that I have been "released from care" with no real restrictions I can continue to push myself just a little bit more and work in some art every day as well as continuing to post here on my blog, as well as handling my Etsy Shoppe and adding some new and different items for fellow artists.    THANKS AGAIN MEGHAN and MICHELLE for running ArtisticRenderings during this 2 week period, and Meghan for helping to nurse her Neema back to health....

ZEUS......NOT for the faint hearted.....

How about this guy....he is absolutely gorgeous and a new found friend.  He looks and feels as if he is beaded with delica glass beads and feels so cool and smooth.  He belongs to my son in law... and is one of the smartest lizards and can be "walked" with a harness.  He mesmerizes me...

TO PONDER:

           "Your thoughts are your reality"

MY Journal (Mixed Media)

This week I finished up the front and back of the journal I have been using....  Somehow It just seems more fun to pick up a fun journal instead of just a book......  The heart at the botttom right is a small tin which holds paper clips and is glued onto the hournal....On the back of the journal is a cigarette type cigar tin that is slim and nice and the colors were perfect.  (Havana Honeys....roller derby chicks...mud or jello female wrestlers....?    I also gluee this tin to the back and it holds a pencil, 2 pens, small sissors, etc.  Now I won't have to go "searching" it will all be together for me...

They say BRASS is in this year...but I really prefer the copper .... rusty colors with a green or blue hue....  The round brass and black item is a vintage cabinet door knob and the horizontal piece moves to the left and right so it opens the journal and I really love the victorian steampunkery look of the item.  

I found a very nice fretwork laser wood cutter online and they do some very special pieces that are spectacular and reasonably prices.  I have made 2 orders and have been more than pleased with the aroma of the wood/burn smell which brings back childhood memories for me and the top of the line quality of the pieces.  

This journal will be a mish mosh of this n that ....

Kitchen Facial

Tonight, the first time in probably 10 years (and these were years I should have used)  I remembered that my mother used to give herself egg white facials... And what is egg white but placentia???  AND... what is the main incredient in most face masques....oinments, gels, etc..??  PLACENTIA.... and I got mine for roughly 10 cents which refrigerated will last so I can do it every night for a week.....  My face is tighter,  just a very soft tingle and my face is so soft.   Did it diminish the wrinkles....no, but that is not to say it won't over time and my face is as soft as baby skin not to mention how clean and fresh it feels.

Steps:
I would do a test by applying some of the egg white to the inside of your  elbow.  You want to make sure you are not allergic to egg whites....and some people are so don't skip the test.   A pinking of the skin is sometimes seen .... but as long as it is not RED you should be OK....
1.  Wash hands and face with a mild soap and water.
2.  Using your fingers dollop up as much of the egg white as you can applying it to your face using outward and/or upward strokes.  I went down my neck applying the egg white in upward strokes also. The direction of the application is an important part of the procedure.
3.  Let dry.
DO NOT laugh or smile when you are letting the mask dry or it will crack and you will have to remove  as the "tighness" will no longer be...so do alone in a door shut room.  You will feel a drawing, tightening procedure whe you have applied, which will also draw impurities out of the pores.

4.  AS SOON AS THE MASQUE IS DRY or within 5 minutes remove  the masque with a wash cloth and hot to warm water.
5.   Follow with a cold rinse patting on to close your pores.
6.  Apply an astringent (Witch Hazel is what my Mom used so what I use) and pat dry I pat my skin with a clean face towel.
7.  Apply a good moisturizer
  My Mom used the pink Oil of Olay so .... yep, that is what I use.  It certainly worked for her so.....why not use the same thing?  Do other products work?  I am sure they do but the cost is certainly higher than my products....and nothing short of a face lift is going to last longer...

 Egg whites and Witch Hazel are both "natural " ( you can even purchase a witch hazel bush and make your own).  Oil of Olay has been around a GOODLY amount of years so it has to have a good reputation as to effectiveness or it would be long gone....  

So give yourself an old tyme natural facial ....  I think you will be pleased,,....

Bearded Dragon 

Pillow Sole Socks

As we get older hmmmmrrppphhhh it seems it takes LESS to make us happy and we enjoy those "little" big things in life.

This past week I found Pillow Sole socks.  When I saw and felt them I said "yea, right (in a negative mind only thought) but I bought them to try as I have Mortons' Neuroma and RSD... WELL,,,let me tell you...I went back to the store the next day and I bought 2 more pairs (they run $7 per pair and were on sale for buy one get one at 50% off).  These sock are awesome.... for what little extra there seemed to be in the sole.  AND they carry the socks in knee length as well....    The brand I purchased was Legale...  So if you want/need some foot comfort I have to say this would be a great option....  If your feet hurt seems as if everything is "wrong"...

Gathering

I enjoy "gathering supplies".

When I purchase supplies from garage sales, Etsy vendors,  street faires, thrift stores, antique shops, or going for "walks" I tend to gather things that I like, unusual items, or a item that brings back a memory, or maybe creates a new one.   Many times I have NO idea what I am going to do with the item, how it will work into a design, etc. but I know that it "will" somewhere along the line.  I have items that I have had for 10 years or more.  The spools of thread reminded me of my grandmother who was the town seamstress and when I was young I can remember her continual complaining about the poor quality of thread....it is a good thing whe can't see what we have to work with today....but at least she would have the option of getting better thread if she was willing to pay triple the price....the thread on these 2 spools I am sure is what she "used" to work with back in "those" days.   The nut is an acorn I picked up in CA when we went to see a family member in the hospital...and I LOVE tree bark.  I am on the look out now for birch, aspen, bark (white and black).  A few years ago I purchased an antique ledger book and when I finally found time to look at the entries I discovered it belonged to an artist who was handpainting place settings, dishes, tea sets, etc.  and she loged in the persons name, what she did and the amount the purchase was for.....   And the intricately cut laser wood tree......Unique and I have just glued one on to an art journal I am making for myself.  The pewter witch I bought at Goodwill and it is going to be used in a wire sculpture I am "gathering" for....

Just as with all art........the journey is half the fun....and each item I purchase or find is a personal "treasure" ....  a sense of satisfaction... and even excitement.  Everyone tells me an artist is a "different" breed of person and I have yet to ask or know if they mean that in a bad or good way....

So enjoy your own personal journey.....

Another Bridge and New Projects

Another covered bridge from the Scio, OR bridge tour can be found in the middle of my post.......this was the newest one...... while the others were built in the 1930's.   This was the only red one...the others are all white.

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For the past few days I have been busy but still finding time to work in some  'me' time in my work room.....   I have 4 new things I am working on; in different mediums that I can jump back and forth between.

I am working on a pink crystal necklace made out of a tiny crystal looking salt and pepper set and I want to incorporate some colored wire into this piece if it is feasible to do so....

Tonight I began another abstract wire sculpture using a Tablespoon this time, half of a welding rod,
some bubble glue that ran over onto my living room rug of all places and dried there but lifted right off the carpet with no effort leaving none in the rug....and fit perfectly into what I am doing.....is this one of
those "happy accidents" that Bob Ross always talked about....lol....  I purchased some colored wire to play with so I am pretty sure that some will be used on this piece.  And .... the base of this one is going to be a piece of tree bark (I think) from PA that flew back to PA and then later was trucked from CA to here in OR...so it has litterally been a LOT of places and I have had it quite a few years.....(over 10).
Not that it matters but the bark is Hemlock.  I am finding that I really like the wire medium as I am really in control of where the wire goes, how it is wrapped, twisted, turned, and molded....and seems to "fall into place".  With this piece I THINK, I know where I am going....but I have thought that before so we will see what happens....  I also like that I have not seen many wire sculpture artists  so I pretty much know that these are truly MY pieces, not copied from anyone else....and I can say with confidence will be one of a kind....not duplicatable.  I am going to wait until I get about 6 made and then decide what I will do as far as selling them and where.

I just finished painting, matting and framing a 5 x 7 acrylic painting of Mt. Shasta from a photo I took this fall....... and have plans for my next painting which I will start sometime this coming week.  It is

going to be a floral....on a black background....

Next I want to get a clay "something" in process.  It is fun working between the different mediums and projects.....and each helps on of the others I am working on....a nice flow that is enjoyable.

This weekend is to be nice so I will enjoy the sunshine and warm weather......back shots on Monday which I am not looking forward to with a couple days of "down recovery time".... which I normally don't do but am planning on definately doing this time.......

Have a great weekend everyone.

EVIL DOERS --- Hannah Bridge

We have all encountered Evil Doers' in our life which can be either human? or technical.   Whatever or whomever has done a complete job of slowly destroying nearly everything in my computer, thank you very much;  so now to begin the fixes, repairs and hopefully restores.  All of my photos here on ArtisticRenderings have been "obliterated" "deleted" but I am determined to move forward a little wiser than before.

This weekend I was near Scio, Oregon and even though the weather was not co-operative with plans we still managed to enjoy and visit 6 of the old covered bridges in this area.

One of the bridges was called HANNAH so this is where I sit...  the bridge to tomorrow.

My email site is gone so I need addressses of all of my friends to re-establish an address book on my new email site..... so please comment here and provide it to me.    When all one has to do is "click" we fail to "remember" personal information of importance.....  so across the bridge to the rest of today.