What Can Ya Do With This Stuff? Part 3....

Well, you could do a lot with it, just depends on you imagination. Thank gawd for Imagination and Tools! What would you do with it?
 

Since I’ve been on an ALTOIDS tin kick lately (see last post), the decision was to Keep Calm and get on with it! Do you see those tiles at the bottom of the first pic?... those are Formica tiles samples...some of them were gesso prepped to be used in the last workshop I taught. Huh, they never made it into the stash of classroom supplies. The idea was to make a “book like” thingy to go inside the tin. Nope, never happened. But the idea still lingered in the ‘ol noggin so I put it aside in the Later Reference Files brain compartment.

Last week I came across a challenge while visiting some Art Blogs. One is over at Three Muses (they have a weekly art challenge every Wednesday). This particular challenge piqued my interest and set it on fire. Steampunk! Oh yeah! *reaches into the Later Reference Files and pulls up the Formica tiles “book like” thingy* Oh I got busy on this one right away so it could go into the challenge. Who knows, it may show up in other places. Here it is...love the way it turned out too.

Shout outs go to The Graphics Fairy for some awesome graphics to play with and Spirit's Journey Designs. Other images came from various places (wish I could remember….brain freeze). Thank You all!

Some serious collage, mixed media, assemblage goin’ on here. I intentionally painted it all over so that it wouldn't close….to give you a tiny peek inside. How or why I came up with the color is beyond me. What was I thinking?! But it worked out tho. And because of the Formica tiles (5 of them), it has a bit of weight to it. The eyelets and jump rings used completed the set. A perfect match indeed. Just pull the tiles out by the little key to see all the dapper gentlemen inside. Sprinkled with bits of watch parts here and there. See those rusted gears in the pics? That’s my next project/challenge. Thanx for stopping by….see ya soon!

Sacred Shrines and Altars Workshop

Hello there, and thanx for stoppin’ by for a visit today.

HAPPY SUMMER!!! 

It’s been really busy on the other side of this Blog...which is why it’s behind on posts. But I’m here today to share some magic with you all that happened on Saturday at my Sacred Shrines and Altars Workshop. Not gonna be long winded here ‘coz I wanna share the pics with you all. But I’m...

...Givin’ a great big hug and shout out to Jordan (what an Angel you are!), for inviting me to her Ventura Street Art Studio to share this special class with everyone. And much, much thanx all who came out and made the magic happen. A remarkable group. Mannn was that awesome! And let me tell you, the creative juices were flowin’! ....see for yourself.



I prepped, primed and rusted the ALTOIDS tins for the class and made three samples for eye candy. There were two tables (12’) of trinkets, charms, papers, fabrics, notions, specialty papers, ephemera and other yummy items to embellish with (overkill? yeah, I think so). How could one not create something special?

Magnificent works of art flowed from every hand, giving way to the magical energy within. What an amazing group. I created this slideshow to share our day with you. The day was incredible! Enjoy!

Just in time for Halloween?.....

...Well it ought to be. I made this piece in August, posted it elsewhere in September, and kept putting it off from posting here. Why? Dunno. But here it is...My Darkness.


This 6x6 piece represents what may be lurking in many of us. This is definitely some of my darkness. Roots go deep. What's underneath, inside. Do we dare expose it?

Believe it or not, the face is made from pieces of Coka' Cola cans. Embossed, inked, punched and nailed together with gold pin heads. Collaged papers, washers, flooring nails, vintage beads, and the brown eye (it's not a piece from a computer), you don't wanna know.

Background: acrylic paints, and image transfer experiment.

Art Workshop at Jannie Camp 2009

Hello all,

Haven't been here in for a few. Hope you've all been well. I was up in the mountains celebrating Jannie's birthday at Jannie Camp. Happy Birthday Jannie!

She invited me up to Helene's cabin along with Wanda, Sara, and Diane for this relaxing, tranquil event. Jannie, in all her sweetness asked if I would give one of my Art Workshops during our stay up at the cabin. I gladly said, yes. It's beautiful country up in the Sierras, and rare for me to visit this part of the California. The air is so clean up there. We stopped at a few fruit stands along the way and got some amazing peaches, nectarines, cherries, apricots, and watermelon. Yummy time! So fresh! Our car caravan left on Thursday and returned on Sunday.

It got very hot up there. But that didn't stop the relaxation on the deck, that looks out into the woods, where you have to crook your neck so far back that you almost fall over to see the top of the trees. Having great talks and discussions with one another and just hangin' out. Or sleeping under a blanket of stars and watching a few of them shoot past you. So quiet and serene. Awakening early in the morning to the sounds of birds singing and the sun shining high above you. No cars, no trains, all peaceful. I never made it to Alpine Lake to cool my toes in the water with the rest of the bunch, it got too hot for me. But that was OK, I took a nap instead. I was a happy camper (you saw that coming, right?).

I gave a two day workshop on Dream Boxes. Preparations of pulling and packing for the class started the Sunday before....this is the condensed version...preparations really started months ago. The traveling classroom consisted of five banker boxes filled with tools and supplies, an over sized crate and a 28 quart tub filled with more class supplies. Two tables, and a 10x10' canopy, which by the way was wider than the deck and Helene's husband, Randy had to do some infrapilating to accommodate its setup (see slide show), thank you Randy. The classroom was setup outdoors, on the deck. And I got a lot of help with the classroom set up/breakdown. What a great group of women!

Class started on Friday morning taking us through most of the day. We started with tin punching on Coke cans, creating windows and doors for the dream boxes. We also explored techniques with alcohol inks, masking tape backgrounds, emboss resist backgrounds, crackle medium and "what if I" experiments. Diane was up at the crack-o-dawn and in the classroom on Saturday morning and Sara was not far behind.

As we settled into the morning class, we explored other areas of creativity. Wanda decided to create a beautiful journal cover instead of her Dream Box. Jannie and Sara took a break and created some ATC's experimenting with watercolors, masking tape, Sharpies, and crackle medium. Diane and Helene continued in the beautification of their boxes. It was wonderful to see everyone so enthusiastic in their creating. Giving themselves permission to be playful, and open to their muse. I think I will stop here and direct you to the slide show. Here it is Wednesday, with the classroom still in boxes needing to be put away! To all of the awesome and amazing women that came out to play, I say THANK YOU! It was a pleasure creating with you all. Will see you July 19, at my next workshop!

I am Grateful

You cannot believe the emotions that are fluttering wildly inside of me right now. Just trying to grab hold of one or two seems impossible at the moment. I have spent most of the morning burning incense and in a meditation of thankfulness and gratitude with my Spirit Guides. I sooooo needed to do this.

This past Sunday I got my courage up and took four of my art pieces for a “there’s no guarantee any will make it, well possibly, sweat beads drippin’, keep my fingers crossed that one piece might make it in, knee knockin’, show your art stuff” over to the Frank Bette Center For The Arts. Each month there is a Thematic Exhibit and for the month of May, the theme is “Characters”. And all the while I was thinking that my pieces didn’t fit for this theme. Art pieces are submitted each month by artist all over the area and selected by a panel of judges. There is no guarantee that your submitted artwork will be selected.

“The selection of artwork is based on how all the artwork shows together and reflects the theme to create the best exhibit possible.”

So I called (a day too early…guess the fine print didn’t stick in the ‘ol noggin) to see about a time to come in and pick up the art pieces. Still thinking that maybe one piece made it into the exhibit. I was informed that ALL OF THEM were accepted into the exhibit! Ohhhh my gawd! I was floored. Overjoyed. In tears with gratitude. In shock. At a loss for words other than THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
And as I write this, still in shock. The emotions or so raw right now.
It’s a wee bit scary going through this new door. No, scratch that, it’s very scary! But I’ve stepped through it and the floor has not dropped away from under me. My friends and loved ones have given me support, encouraged me, given me strength, even loaned me some of their courage to strengthen mine, listened, hugged and shared words of wisdom with me over the years with my art. I thank you all for being there for me. My Guides and Spirit Helpers and spiritual loved ones have carried me along my many roads and never left me not once. I thank you all too.

This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for me, it is a humbling experience. I have been given an opportunity to show a part of my world to others in a new way. The universe will put opportunities along one’s path all the time. Sometimes we see them, sometimes not. I see it and do not know what will happen now that this door has been opened to me.

But I will continue to walk on along this path gaining more experience, knowledge, courage, clarity, wisdom, and gratitude. I am full at the moment and guess I will stop trying to grab hold of any of these emotions inside. Now if I can just figure out what to wear to the Gala Opening tomorrow night.

And I believe in Angels too

I was talking with a friend last evening that I had not seen since last October catching up on our lives. Wow, so much has changed for the both of us since then. She's moving into new realms with her music career as a healer and reaching for the world. Totally embracing it all. New doors have opened for her in many areas of her life. I am so proud of her!

Last we spoke, we were both on the verge of "something" and all was not clear then. But from our conversation yesterday, we saw that there have been positive and major movements in both our lives. Yeah! Without getting into the details ('cuz it would be pages long) the assurance of our Spirit Guides were in full swing all along. And some of them are Angels.


You may or may not know but in 2008, every month came with major changes for me. And I did not like it or know how to handle it all. A year of grieving and loss. I kid you not, from January through December. It was one of the most difficult years in my life. It's been about 19 years since something like this has happened. So I guess it was time for another one? Didn't see that one comin'.

I can now look back on it, thank the gods and goddesses. I now see how my Guardians, Angels, Protectors, Ancestors, Sisters, and Mother helped me through those 365 days. And still they help me. It is a year that will never be forgotten. I am humbled, grateful, blessed, and much more aware of my Spirit Guides now. In full force they come to help me. So friggin' caught up in the circumstances that they went unnoticed for a time, and they were knockin' hard too. But when I sat to quiet myself in my art, that's when I realized with clarity what was happening. Healing was taking place all over me, inside and out. The flow changed and I was on another path. With this shift, or transition as I call it, my Guides would visit often and comfort me. They are helping me with my grief, acceptance, letting go of things that I had no control over and taking leaps of faith.

It is best that I stop here and show you one of the pieces born out of that tragic year for me. She is called The Fiery Angel. Born out of the ashes you might say. Her creation started in April and completed in May of 2008. She sits in a shadow box that is 9x15". Found objects, vintage jewelry pieces, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Mother of Pearl, handmade papers. Because she sits under glass, it is a bit hard to see her. So here are some pics before she was set inside.

Do you believe in Fairies?...how could I have forgotten

There have been talks about some who do not believe in the Faerie Folk and other little ones that share our world. That's fine if you don't. But I certainly believe in them. The little glimmers of light that touch my eyes now and again assure me that they are indeed here. The magic is definitely strong. If you are open to them.

When we are children, we see this world with such clarity and feel the magic like a soft breeze on the cheek. As we grow older, our daily lives tend to take us further away from the magic. Leaving some to reside in a cold shell of a body that has lost the childlike magic. The loss in the beliefs of Fairies, Sprites, Elves and the like are shorted out and never to be seen or thought of again. I am grateful for the reminders myself.

These playful, some times mischievous little cutiepatooties have been around for ever. I see them in gardens and sometimes when walking along the Marina they are playing in the tall grass. They remind me of the sweet things in life and why I need to keep my heart open. I also create them and have passed them on to the good homes of those who still believe in them.

Captured Fairies

These tiny beauties were captured unharmed, and sent off to the loving homes of those who would cherish them. Had a heck of a time trying to capture them too.
Hand beaded. They stand about 3"
Created in 2007

Wish Fairy

These were made for two swaps done over the holidays....12 Days of Christmas, and 12 Days of Festivus. Each fairy was handmade and personalised for the individual intended. About 3-4" tall.
Created in 2008

She didn't quite get it...but her heart was in it

She's finished and ready to go before a panel this Sunday for possible exhibit at the Frank Bette Center for the Arts in Alameda, Ca.


As per usual, this piece evolved into something completely different than what it started out to be. I had other ideas for this piece. There was a crow, a monkey, a pair of legs and more color at the beginning of all this. As I went with the flow, it came together. I started with the eyes, the doors to the soul. Then one thing led to another, and it ended with her heart. Is it captured, or is it protecting? The on/off switch is a reference to the human emotions that we work with on a daily basis. Hence the title. This piece is 4.5"w x 2" x 8.25"h.


Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally satisfied with the final piece. It’s the zone that I emerge from that gets me. It’s like waking from a sound sleep. I never see it coming though. I only realize it once I’m on the other side (this side). It never fails to keep me in awareness.


The visitation is different every time. And the funny thing is that in this realm of consciousness there is such peace and happiness. Time is endless there. Electrical energy flows fluid, crackling with sparks that keep me floating. Thoughts move in colors to touch the energy flow as my hands embrace the textures and vibrations of this time and space. It’s such a high for me. And this is the end result.

The Collector of Things...2009

Was looking at some beautiful Mexican punched tin niches and wanted to do something like it too. Sooooo, I altered an Altoid chewing gum tin and created my vision of a niche.

OUTSIDE: Alcohol inks, punched design. That was fun.

INSIDE: bits-n-bobs of transistors, computer and watch pieces. Chips of jade, glass button, mini strainers, old necklace chains, and other jewelry pieces.
I so wish that my picture taking skills were better.

The Collector of Things

Salt Water Kisses

Once again the Muse yearns to create and speaks in ways that are unexpected. There is a Blog, Step Outside Your Box Saturdays that I happened upon last week that sent my Muse into a state of deep emotion. Emotion is the theme for now (there have been no updates as of yet). I think that the theme is still there because of others needing to create something around it. I for one did.

This piece is called Salt Water Kisses. 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 box. It is of a mother burying her daughter. There is no coffin, only a cardboard box. That is all she has. The angel depicted is receiving the tiny baby into the embrace of the universe and is sending comfort to those who are still here. The box that holds it all is made out of corrugated cardboard.

Salt Water Kisses comes from my many years of grieving. My daughter's death, she was stillborn at seven months. She would have been 32 by now. My best friend of 20+ years, lover, daughters (my "second chance" baby girl) Godfather, and most respected gentleman in all the world. He was 80 years old when he passed away five days before Christmas in 2000. My "Big Sis", my oldest sister, mama when my birth mom could not be there, best bud to hang with, talk to about anything, gave the best advice, was always there for me through all of my shit. She passed away September 19, 2004. My Mother Annie Bell. She gave me breath she was my connector to the world, my foundation, she taught me how to make due with what I had, how to be strong. She was a powerful woman, independent, expressive, and would give you the shirt off her back if you asked. She went home to be with my sister in January of this year.

My Muse has taken me on this road to remind me of those who loved me and that their love still transcends through time and space even if they are not here in the flesh. That they are still in my heart and I feel them ever so close to me everyday. The grieving process can take on so many forms. It can last a short time, or a long time. However it may come into one's life, it has to be dealt with. Whatever your strength is, move with that.