Flying Lessons

I couldn't tell you for sure when I came across Kelly Rae Roberts art or her blog.  I've been reading and admiring both for some time now.  So when I walked by our gift shop and saw a display of items by her, at Carson City Hospital, in Carson City Michigan, I stopped and said "HEY, I KNOW HER".  Well, okay, so we aren't on a first name basis or anything, and she doesn't have a clue who I am . . . . but still . . .

So I began to think longer and harder about my creativity and desires to branch out in the art world.  The time I had away from it was enough to let me know that I am more at peace with myself and my world when I am using a creative process to express myself.  I always thought I really didn't have any right to enter into the art world so boldly as I have never had any formal art training.

But you know what . . . doesn't mean a thing . . . if I face my fears head on and love and embrace them . . . well who knows . . . could happen . . . won't know unless I give it more of a try now will I?

Inspiration is abounding in me from the first few pages that I have read of Kelly Rae's e-book . . . Flying lesson . . . just follow the box in the side bar of my blog and take a look . . . .

after all . . . nothing ventured, nothing gained . . .

I thank you Kelly Rae for lighting the way!

La Paix,

Judy

As Great As Glitter and Unicorns!

Before the pen doodles

  It has been way to cool here for me to work out in the garage with metals. (Cool is my nice way of saying . . ."colder than a ____") !   I suppose I could have fired up the propane heaters, but really, it doesn't put me in the mood to be out there when it is cold and damp.  So what is a girl to do?

Why break out the paper and ink and sign up for an e-class!  It's as great as . . . .

Glitter and Unicorns!

I learned a few new tricks and tips from Robin Marie Smith in a very fun and relaxed e-class, Mixed Media Mayhem.  Below is a wee sampling of one of my pages for the journal I am putting together.

After the pen doodles

I used recycled file folders from work, and because of HIPPA, they were given to me with names and numbers torn off.  But for me, that just makes them all the better!  And I like that someone else tore them off for me, as I probably would have sat and contemplated as to where the tears should be!  The randomness of these torn off tabs and corners just rocks!

And the odd staple or two in them . . . why to me, it's just added bling!

So you'll have to just have a peek, as I still have several more folders to go before I can reveal the next phase!

And as for the metals, soon enough it will be warm enough.  As much as I want to do some work with the hammer and saw, as much as I want to fire up the torch and melt some solder . . . .

I have missed my paper work that much more!

Hoppy Easter to you all!

La Paix!

Judy

What's On Your Desk?

Time To Get My Hands Stained!

I've missed working with paper, glue, inks, and paints!  I've decided that I need to rotate out all my art media loves.  So this week I am dedicating myself to paper arts.  Collage and mixed media are my first passion.  There is nothing like having glue or gel-medium to peel off your fingers :D

I have decided it is time to get more instruction in these arts.  I am so happy that so many great artist are now offering instruction via the internet.  This time I will be learning some great mixed-media inky processes from the very talented Robin Marie Smith  , via the internet e-class Mixed Media Mayhem .  I note there is a little sewing, which as we all know, I don't do, but I do have a very little sewing machine I got just for sewing paper, so perhaps now it will get put to use!

I am very very excited!  I have plenty of the supplies, but can always use an excuse to purchase more.  Now though, I know for sure I don't have Muslin and Duck Canvas . . . . ssssoooooooo

Off I go to fill yet another shopping cart . . . . after all, I need to do my part to stimulate the economy!

La Paix,

JaWhoDee

What's On Your Desk?

Before:

After:

And now I am making Resin Paper.  I haven't a clue what to expect when these are done, but nothing ventured nothing gained! 

Soldering For Virgins

I've just registered for another e-class.  This time with Sally Jean , an artist that I have admired for oh so long!  The class is:  Soldering For Virgins and I hope thunder and lightening doesn't strike me down as I click on the first day.

I'm no virgin to soldering . . .

But I've never had any instruction before either, so I feel rather virginal about it.

Okay, here's what I'll do . . . .

I won't wear white while I take the class :D

PPfffttttttt

La Paix!

Have You Hugged Your Mojo Today?

I spent a long time neglecting my blog. Worse yet, I spent a long time neglecting my art. I let my Mojo slip away.

I started an unorganized journey into the WWW world and now am kind of forced to take a step back and restart over. But you know what? That ain't all that bad. I'm willing to step back and begin the journey again. I'm making my map and planning my itinerary!

I'm moving forward again. Gathering my Mojo back into my life. Finding my muse that I have allowed to retreat to the back of my soul. It's not easy sometimes to get lost and find your way back. But slowly, I'm making my way.

Here is a glimpse of the direction my art is taking me. Working with metal and working with a camera.

This necklace was made after learning some metal working skills from Deryn Mentock during an e-course she taught with another artist, Sharon Tomlinson. The class is Towers and Turrets and it is so wonderful. I think I mention it in several blog posts.

I have found that I am rather enjoying traipsing through small cemeteries to find just such patina's to use as a back ground for my copper and brass creations.

I find a calm and peace for my soul as I wander through the quiet and wooded areas that the cemeteries in my area seem to be blessed with.

It feeds my muse.

I think my Mojo is coming back home to me.

Welcome back Mojo.

I didn't realize how much I have missed you and how much you seem to complete my being. I promise myself I will not let me neglect you so completely again!

I give myself permission to explore and express myself with my art as I journey through this world.

Me and my Mojo!

Have you hugged yours today?

Stop on over to SoftFlexGirl blog! She is having a great give away!

A Good Day With Ruth! :D

Say hello to my best "La Paix d'Art" ever. This is HRETMG, who is now 13. Wow! Does time ever fly.

This is the first picture I took with my new Canon G12. I am in love with the camera! Right out of the box, no setting changes, and wa-la, I have a perfect to me picture.

Now it was time to get serious and take some pictures of my art. I had visions of necklaces laying on the old stone at the cemetery. But alas, the weather was not cooperating to great with us, so although we spent a sunless day traipsing through the cemetery taking pictures, none turned out as spectacular as the photo-shoot I had with Hazel and my mother, Ruth. So I will share these instead.

My mother has Alzheimer's, as many of you may already know. It's been a long long road with the progression of this disease rapidly changing my mother. Every day is always as good as it is ever going to be.

Lately Mom has been seeming distant, uncommunicative, and very angry. Her fun loving nature seemed to have disappeared. It often felt so much like she had forgotten who we were when Hazel and I visited.

But last Sunday, well, it was a gift! We walked in the room and mom was happy to see us, and very talkative and even posed for a picture or two! It was just what my heart that had seemed so sad needed.

So I am sharing them with you now :D

Hazel decided that a heart was in order.

This is mom trying to make the heart :D LOL. Bless her heart!

This is actually a very funny video. Oh yeah, my camera does video! But then I was also able to get a still shot from the video.

How much fun is that!

See, this is my mom! A lady that loves to joke and laugh!

Thank you God for allowing me to have a wonderful day with Mom! (Not that lady that looks like my mom but really isn't!)

La Paix,

Judy