Nature Treasures

Here are a few of my nature finds. I love to collect as I go. The big turkey feather is one of my latest discoveries. Nature is the biggest source of inspiration to me in my art work. I like to be able to look at these little goodies and get ideas for color or texture or even for composition. They also bring back many memories of trips taken.

Found Objects

The magical thing about "found" objects is that when you find them it is totally by accident. You are walking along and, "hey", there it is! I have found myself actually scouring the ground for more. It just doesn't work that way. Thus the name found.
Isn't it a treat to discover a special treasure now and then? It does tend to make one more observant. Here is a picture of a little metal treasure box with one small collection of found objects. Someday these will find their way onto one of my art quilts.

Altered Book

As promised in an earlier post; here is a picture of the altered book I did as the result of a class at Artescape, in Columbus, OH last month. I think my favorite thing is the really cool book stand I bought at one of those home parties. It is actually a cookbook holder. I think I need more of these, because I could really get caught up in this book altering thing.
The photos I used are vintage ones that I "saved" from a local antique store. I like giving a home to these "homeless" people. ( click on photo for a close-up )

Good Morning

This is the view I was greeted with 2 mornings ago....actually, it might have been the last day we saw the sun OR the moon in these parts! Anyway, the sun was just barely rising and here is the almost full moon setting. Such a treat!! I really feel like I've " grabbed" a sacred piece of time when I get up early, ( 5:30-ish) and have the world seemingly to myself...just me and the birds and the sun and moon and the gentle breeze. Ahhhhh. Mother Earth really is a great place to be. Thank you.....

What Am I Afraid Of?

While on my morning walk this morning I saw so many things that I wanted to "capture", but of course I didn't have my sketchbook/journal OR my camera....both of which I keep telling myself to never leave home without! GRRRR. So what is up with that?? How many times have I told myself "draw something everyday" or "take the camera with you everywhere". It really is not that hard to do...so why don't I? What am I afraid of??
Maybe it is the old ego thing of being worried that I'm not good enough...or maybe I am just lazy.
At any rate, (and here I go again), I will renew my commitment to myself to have those items with me all the time. There...it is now in print for the entire Universe to witness.

Follow your heart

Last summer I made a decision of sorts, to make whatever I wanted to...to go with my instincts and just create. For some reason, I used to create with the idea that there were "judges" out there; that I needed to work towards their "approval", or for a certain exhibition in mind.

It has been so freeing for me to just create...to follow my heart and intuition. And, it has paid off in numerous sales and acceptances into shows. It is very gratifying to know that something I create and love has "rung true" for someone else. It has been an important lesson learned: Follow Your Heart!

ArtEscape 2009

I have been sooo busy the last few weeks, but have lots to share. Last weekend I attended ArtEscape in Columbus, OH. It is put on by "European Papers" and Lisa Ohmer. It is always an amazing experience chock full of mixed media art making.

I took this class, "Stories From the Heart" from Sharon Andrews of Westerville, OH. What an amazing talented lady she is, and SO sharing. She truly showed us how to create a work of "heArt".

I will post a picture of my heart book as soon as I complete it!