The Artist's Pub: Living Out Loud

Enlightenment in the World of "Blogdome"...and Other Interesting Facts....

Aug. 30th, 2010

Yea! Only one more day until I'm back in sync with the art book I'm blogging about, "The Crafter's Devotional".

Okay so here I am in the A.M., I know can you believe it...blogging....as I sat at the kitchen table early this morning with freshly brewed coffee in hand, contemplating life and all it's quirks....my mind drifted to my blog...I know, I know, what does "it" have to do with life contemplation....I thought, "What randomness shall I blog about today, since I won't be blogging about the art book?"

Then it hit me....and this is where the life contemplation weaves itself in....sneaky I know,right?...I began to think about those of you who are regular readers of this blog and how I actually forgot to blog Sunday, mostly because on Friday I had pre-determined to be a "slacker" until I was caught up with the art book...I didn't actual intend to "slack" but I did....then I thought about disappointing my readers....and I felt bad....THEN I realized how hard it's is to blog everyday and do a good job of it....for me it's about engaging you the reader and taking you, with me on this journey...sharing Beautiful art, stories and such....not just any old thing just so I can fill some "goal"...that's not why I started this blog....and it hit me just how hard it is to honor my commitment and do it well, because as we all know...aside from life's quirks, life also likes to pull tricks....lots and LOTS of Tricks...ha..ha..ha....very funny.

So now I'm really and I mean REALLY relating to the character of Julia in "Julia Julia", not Julia Child's but the other Julia...and her frustration as she moves through the cookbook...and not just any run of the mill cookbook either.

So what did I learn you wonder....well, that I'm going to stay true to my commitment of this blogging expedition in it's original intent....to provide myself with consistent down time to create just for the sake of creating with no real goal in mind...to continue to use Barbara Call's book for inspiration and to blog everyday, (once on weekends), but to not worry when quirks and tricks make there rounds and disrupt things....Truth be told...the quirks and tricks are pretty fun, I love a good adventure....

So if I'm absent....please know that I Love You....even when I take time to dance among the daisies....I'm thinking of you....wishing you here to dance with me too.....

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

Eco Friendly Altered Art for the Environmental Conscious....or....Fun With Scraps

Day 23

Aug. 27, 2010

Sand, Scrape, and Mark Your Photos

Okay...so before we begin our Creative yet Eco-Friendly journey into art this evening, I have to ask....has anyone notice how the "DAY" and it's number and the "DATE" and it's number of my posts are suspiciously moving further and further apart?  I'm pretty certain that when I started this blog on "DAY 1" of my Crafter's Devotional post, it was actually the 3rd of August...a 2 day difference....only two...now...suspiciously, yes....suspiciously there is a 4 day gap between those "DAYS"....hmmmm.

Also, (I realize though I've played catch up two other time), that today is Friday and the dayI'm on in Barbara Call's book is "Tuesday"...that's right...."Tuesday"....AND....I posted SO early in the day yesterday about the day before....which by the way I did skip, but you'll have to read yesterday's blog to find out why.....anywho...I posted so early that it feels like I haven't posted in a week....So guess what....I am going to do Tuesdays today....or tonight rather, because I actually did this project....yes, yes I did....then I'm probably going to be a "slacker" and just blog about whatever perks my fancy, until these bloody days catch up with themselves....

Okay...down to the business at hand...eco friendly art!  YEA for Eco-Friendly!

On Day 23 of Barbara Call's book "The Crafter's Devotional" (this is the abbreviated title), she shares some ways to rework some of your photos, even ones that you are considering throwing out.....you know the ones....the ones where you and your significant other try to figure out what the photo is of and which child took it, but then you remember you don't have any children....yeah....those photos.

I did this project....it was really cool and lots of fun....I'm going to show you what I did and explain how I did it...I did one step different then the book because it worked better for me...

Here are my photos..

This was taken while we were on a trip...in all actuality there really wasn't anything wrong with this picture...much....there was a reflection in the glass of I don't know who or what...it was SUPER distracting for me cuz I kept trying to figure out who it was and what they were doing....I don't even know them.....so I scratched them out, in a manner of speaking...

(In the above photo, after I finished etching the words into it, Astronaut, Photographer, Artist, Pilot etc..., I used different color, "Prisma Color" artist markers, to trace back over the words.)

This picture was a bust...it was taken near my house...it's a sunset...but my camera only seem to migrate toward the HUGE glowing red-orange light of the sun as it sank behind the horizon, which ended up looking like a big glowing light lost in space, just out there alone....sooooo...I etched in the waves where they were suppose to be and gave the sun back it's blaze of glory as it set....

(In this photo I borrowed one of my daughters oil pastels and with a Q-tip, rubbed what colors I wanted where in the picture....then I cut only the bottom, choppy like, for the waves.)

Okay...the step I did different...well I actually left it out all together....was to wet the photo in lukewarm water for 60 seconds....I tried it but no matter how many time I did it, for various lengths of time...60 sec....45 sec....30 sec...the picture tore or bunched up in places and I just didn't like how it looked...so I did it dry....I used two tools...one was a pair of embroidery scissors and the other way a large stitchery a.k.a. darning needle.  I used the same two tools on both photos.

Barbara gave all kinds of great tool ideas such as, a book binding awl, fine grit sandpaper, screwdrivers etc...She has had in the book a wonderful picture of a wrought iron door that had been altered by artist, Karen Michel...Oh I wanted this picture because it gave me an idea for my BIG project I'm working on....I just recently found a similar door around where I live so tomorrow I'm going to take a picture of it...I Super excited....

Let me know whatcha think or..... if you have any neat tricks or techniques and would like to share them here, post it in the comments or email me and I'll be happy to post it here for you on my blog...

Thanks for popin' in to The Artist Pub!

Blessings & JOY! Alexia

 

 

When Life Gets HOT....Go for a Swim and Other Lessons

Aug. 26, 2010

 

No....you are correct...I didn't Blog yesterday....I  could tell you it's because it was to bloody HOT, even into the night...to hot to sit at a computer...that's for sure....and this would all be True...BUT....

As I sat on the infamous "Purple Couch" in the late afternoon, contemplating whether or not I could suffer through working on a costume in this heat for a play I'm currently working for, (in real life I'm a Costumer, yes a Costumer by day and Mad Cap Blogger by night...), I decide No...no, no and no...I could not suffer the weight of a Wedding Dress and the hand work it requires, in this Heat....(the Wedding Dress is a costume for the play)....

I eyeball the book I'm currently and obsessively reading right now entitled....All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janelle Brown....I decide it must be cooler outside, so I gather my book AND the Reading Glasses and walk outside to the pool...ahhhh sweet serenity....dangling my legs over the edge of the pool I plop open my book and begin to read....my youngest girl wanders out, art supplies in tow and quietly take a seat on the brown woven chaise....as I read and my daughter draws out her latest inspiration with her Oil Pastels....out wanders my daughter-in-law..."I'm gonna start the barbecue" she says, "okay, you wanta' eat outside?" I ask...."yeah" she says with a smile..."yeah, we can do that...."

As she comes back with a bag of briquettes...toddling behind is my youngest grandson and his big brother....I put down my book as big brother plunges into the pool and the youngin' pulls off his diaper and wanders over to the pool steps...I move with him and help  him into the pool...a friend and her baby drop by, sitting beside me with her beautiful little girl, she dangles her legs over the edge into the cooool blue water of the pool....my sons wander in with hamburger buns and such for the barbecue...it's a gathering....

I sit back and take it all in....I am so in love with my life, my family...I wonder where exactly is my camera right now....but I can't move...I don't want to miss ONE moment of what is happening around me...the sudden burst of laughter, the giggling, the murmur of conversations....no I don't want to miss it....I am trying to burn these images and sounds into my heart and my mind...it's my attempt to capture these moments permanently....the organic happenings of my family, my daily life....Oh how I cherish them...each and everyone of my children, my friends....

These moments can't repeat themselves...just like the birth of each child is different, so are the moments of our lives....it's important to sit back and take note....everything else can wait....everyone else can wait....sometimes it's just about what is happening right now....some of the quietest moments of our lives are the most impacting, transforming....

So....I can't promise you this won't happen again...a day missed occasionally in my endeavor to blog my way through the Art Book slash Journal....that I'm currently IN LOVE with....but what I'm learning is this is part of that journey....my book blogging journey...the one that started off as an Artistic out let and is becoming an artistic, spiritually grounding journey, instead....

Embrace...Enjoy....Free Yourself...to Live LIFE OUT LOUD!   

Blessings & JOY! Love, Alexia

The Art of Blogging...The Adventure Continues....

Aug. 24, 2010

Okay so this evening I'm not Blogging about the book, Crafter's Devotional....I am Blogging about Blogging...yep...I got an email asking me about my Blogging experience so far....

So I decided to answer that email here...on my blog....I feel like I've learned alot but that doesn't say much as I am...as we all know...of loooow technological wit...

But this is some of what I know and the whole kitten caboodle of what I've learned....nothing......Ha!...just kidding...

I know I get more emails about "Stuff" then I get comments...I don't know if this is normal...I have no idea what "Technorati Tags" are....no matter how many times I try to read about them...I'm never sure what "Key Words" to put in...BUT...I think I've learned less is more....

I know that I REALLY like Blogging and reading Blogs and this SUPER Surprises me as I'm not really a fan of technology except for when I need to look for or research something....then I love it.....

I am apparently unable to meet an "pre-midnight" deadline for blogging...I haven't figured this out yet....

I know that I would like to have absolutely everything done by 9:00a.m....yes everything....Costumes made, laundry done, skip eating altogether (unless I'm hungry), errands ran, my run done...whatever needs to be taken care of....done by 9:00a.m....this includes blogging (we see how that's workin' out so far...lol)...If blogging can help me accomplish this, then I will LOVE technology and I will become a Surgeon of Technology...

I know I have a lot to learn about Blogs and I am enjoying the process even if I don't understand it...I love being able to share an on-line journal....It started off as an "Art Journal" journey, intended to spread inspiration and though this is still VERY True it has become kind of a spiritual journey journal as well as an art journal....

The Art of Creating something is not only inspiring but it's a Spiritual process for me....and sharing that here with each of you brings me Great Joy....

So overall I would have to say that being a blogger has thus far been a learning experience, on many levels....I think it's going well....lol...I've learned alot and still have much to learn....

I appreciate and am grateful for the encouragement I receive from each of you, the readers, as well as my family....

I hope I've answered the question, so stay tuned....I'll save ya a seat here at The Artists Pub....

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

The Color of My Miami....

Day 22

Aug. 23, 2010

The Colors of a New Destination

Good Evening All!  Well I guess it's almost morning again...YIKES!  I'm not doin so hot with my goal of Blogging before Midnight...lol...oh Well...Blogging is an excellent "unwinder" for me....

I'm going to responded to a few emails I've received about Photography....no...I have never been to school for photography...unless you count high school and I'm an Abulita(Grandmommie) now...so you do math...BUT...this is what I think...if you understand balance/composition you should have no problem...

So here are my Photography Tips & Tricks...for what they're worth...I don't over think my shots...if something OR someone grabs my eye...I "Line Up" the shot and take it....Oh...and I take the pictures from many angles usually....AND...you really should ask a person if they mind if you take a photo of them...and a book...to start I think you need a good "Basics" book...just one...and use it like it's your Photographer's Bible...

So I hope my amateur wisdom has been helpful...Oh yeah, and one more thing...pick the brain of anyone you know who takes a good photo...I would ask them...."what is your #1 trick for taking a great shot?"  See what works for you...just taking a day to go out and take photographs of where ever your heart leads you is fun and liberating...you'll be surprised by what you can teach yourself....

And...I want to say thank you!  For the encouragement I receive about my Photographs...I really appreciate it...

Okay...so what did Ms. Call talk about today?  I'm SO glad you asked! And I'm excited to share it with you....today's topic is about capturing the colors of a destination...it could be a trip to another country or state...a trip to the park or the beach...but the focus isn't just the place it's the colors...colors that you would put in your journal that invoke memories of that place...the sounds, smells, the way you felt....but expressing it with color....using whatever materials you like...fabrics, fancy paper, labels, stamps, draws, natural elements....mix it up....

I think it would be fun to make ACEs of color that represented places you've visited or lived...it would be like having a "Memory Deck" of your Adventures!  Now that's an idea...Right!  Ohhhh...you could do miniature scrapbooking layouts even....yeah....That could be Fun!....okay...just let me stop there...

Since I have so many projects at hand it's just not possible for me to create everything in this FANTABULOUS Book...Crafter's Devotional by Barbara R. Call....so I use alot of Photography to convey what I'm learning in this amazing book...

So I'm going to share with you the Color of Miami...or...MY-ami...as one of my grandchildren use to call it....actually what he'd say when I asked him where he was living now...he'd say, "Your-ami"....yeah...he thought it was mine....it's kinda true....there's quite abit of family history there about the naming of the place and Barefoot Postmen....but I'll save that for another time....

I LOVE Miami and here are the Pictures to prove it:

My Miami is.....Rich in Art, Culture and Diversity....

My Miami is......full of Life and Color....

My Miami is....Beautiful...!

My Miami is....a Spiritual Awaking....

"

My Miami is....the sounds of "Reggaeton" and "Samba"....!

I hope you've enjoyed my "Altered Art" journey into "My" Miami....

Blessings & Joy, Alexia
 
 
 
 

 

 

Natures Palette.....

Day 20 & 21

Aug. 22, 2010

Sensory Exploration: Vision

Hello!  I hope everyone had a Fabulous weekend!  So here it is, the blog topic for the weekend...sensory exploration of "los ojos", the eyes...what do you see?

This weekend Barbara Call talked about in her book, The Crafter's Devotional, the palette of none other than, Mother Nature herself!  I Love it!

Barbara...who does her research, good job too....shared her findings published by the School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, UK...which states, (in a nutshell), that color isn't inherent to the object...color is a property of the nervous system perceived via light...

Ms. Call goes on to share that we, humans, see in three dimensions...(again this is a nutshell version)...due to the 3 cones or main photoreceptors, we humans have...red, green and blue...However, and this I am EXTREMELY jealous of....Birds can apparently see ultraviolet light, seein' as how they have 4 dimensional color vision....just one more reason for them to strutt their stuff....hump...

So apparently this means that the beautiful and vibrant colors of say....a Peacock...the bird not the person you know who acts like one....the feathers of this bird or any bird are even more colorful, "psychedelic" even according to Barbara, then we perceive them to be....WOW!

So I have some Photographs to share with you...gratis Mother Nature herself.....

 I Love Color....although Rich Browns and Jeweled Purples are my Favorites....

I wonder what these Pussy Willows look like to a Bird....?  What are they seeing that we're not....?

The Perfect Pose....Zebra stripes are like finger prints....no two are the same.....

These Magenta Beauties (oh...don't ask me what they're called because I have no idea...but they're Pretty right...) are everywhere right now....

My youngest son...when he was a little boy...LOVED...yes....LOVED...Flamingos...or..."Camingos" as he always excitedly called them....

Oh yes...it's a Peacock...don't tell me you didn't see that comin'...lol....

I hope you enjoyed our journey...well my version of it anyway....into the "Palette of Nature"....

See Ya Soon!

Blessings & Joy, Alexia
 
 
 
  
 
 

Signs & Symbolism....What do they Mean?

Day 19

Aug. 21st, 2010

Gravestone Symbolism

Okay....so don't freak out...yes...the topic is gravestones...but more about their unique and often beautiful symbols, many of which art featured in art pieces....

Frieda Kahlo know for her graphic and imaginative "Outside" art, frequently used hearts, specifically her own, in her work.  Through the use of her heart in these images she expressed the reality of her suffering...but....artist Steven R. Miller uses Hearts for the same reason, that is one of expression, but it is the expression of Hope and Love...(you can view the work of Steven R. Miller's at.... www.stevenrmiller.com ).

The point is...that one symbol can have many meanings to many people....

In today's reading of the "Crafter's Devotional", Barbara R. Call shares her findings on some gravestone symbols and their meaning.  I was surprised at the beauty of many of them and how frequently some of these images find their way into my own work.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Winged Hour Glass - Time flies, swift passage  -    (for me it brings awareness to my surroundings and to make sure that I'm never going so fast that I miss "It", Life's simple joys, my daughter's infectious laugh, the giggle of my grandbaby, the jaw dropping wisdom of my young grandson...)

Sprouting Tree - Life Everlasting  -   (I Love this one...)

Heart - Love, Love of God  -   (this is Truth....)

Flying Angel - Rebirth  -   (this is something I Whole Heartedly believe in...)

Shell - Life Everlasting, Life's Pilgrimage  -   (Wow...because isn't that what life is about after all...an eternal Pilgrimage...)

Bird in Flight - Flight of the Soul  -   (Now this is not only a beautiful thought but a Beautiful image in the minds eye...My soul always feels as though it's flying anytime I see a bird in flight, but it was always more of a feeling, no words...the interpretation of this symbol, now clearly captured in my minds eye, will greatly impact the flight of my soul...not a mere flight but a soaring on the winds of time.)

Barbara speaks of how some symbols become universal and asks us to consider what images we are drawn to and what they might mean...

Maybe now is a good time to pull out that wordless journal and "Scrap" in some symbols that inspire you and call out your inner "Creative Genius....

Blessings & JOY!  Alexia

Finding Your Artistic Voice.....

Day 17 & 18

Aug. 20, 2010

Steered in the Right Direction

I hope I don't confuse any of you but...I'm combining day 17 & 18 of the Crafter's Devotional....since I spent an extra day on the "Wordless Journal"...

I'm starting with "Steered in the Right Direction", Day 17....

I really enjoyed reading "Day 17", because it's exactly what I was talking about yesterday evening not forcing it...don't get me wrong, I'm all for planning and concepts but I also remain open during these times as well.

I can't tell you how often a piece of art...say, my Folk Art chairs for example, (I have looong referred to this type of art as "Functional Art"), basically revealed their intended design to me...I didn't set out to paint Flowers on these old chairs...I was just going to sand them, paint them a cool color,stain them and seal'm...next thing I knew I was free-handing beautiful flowers on them...

This is the beauty of just going with it...for Barbara Call it happened when she picked out some animals and such that she liked, plus some blue and green art papers, which she had torn...with these, she created a pretty and inspiring collage.  However, she didn't realize until the next day that all the elements had naturally come together, the art papers forming sky, land and water, (it actually looks like a little inlet or gulf), and all the critters landed in their element...birds in the sky, horse and tree on the grassy knoll and the frog in the water.

Barbara hadn't set out with this in mind....she seemed to place each thing where it was most visually appealing to her and .....Waah-La!  I call this "Divine Inspiration"....I agree with Ms. Call, that sometimes we seem to be guided by what is not seen...a knowing of things not know.

Day 18

Finding Her Artistic Voice

Here, Ms. Call shares in brief, one artist's revelatory moment.  The artist's subject of revelation was "Consumerism".

The artist, Corinne D'Onofrio, shares with Ms. Call via her thesis, a portion of her story and her understanding of what art is...at least that's what I got out of it....she states, (regarding her concept of art), "as a powerful tool to reveal one's voice."

YES!  Art gives Voice...music, paintings, collage works, dance and so on...not just a voice for the artist but a voice for the admirer, or collector, as well...it tells the story, creates a mood, invokes memories...it can be an escape, a way to dream...Out Loud....

Art MOVES the body, and stirs the soul of the artist and the admirer...

With my art pieces, I know what I'M saying, but I'm also curious as to what it says to someone else....

There is an Wonderful art collage by Ms. D'Onofrio...before I read her description of her piece and her intention, I looked at it, admired the detail and found my own interpretation...This is what I saw...A Huge and beautiful Victorian style home, Beautiful on the outside but empty on the inside and a tall wrought iron fence, intended to keep truth out and my favorite part...a lone wooden chair on the outside of the fence, set right up to the fence but the chair is facing out, away from the fence...the chair represented to me...Truth and the History of the Family that lives inside....the piece is title "Beyond Consumerism"....

What story or stories do you have to tell....and....how would you tell them?  In a poem, a song, a painting or collage, maybe a dance...say a....Samba, Mambo or Ballet....perhaps some doodles on a page that evolve into works of art....

How will you express yourself today.....

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

P.S. (I encourage you to take a look at the works of art here and decide for yourself what the artists were saying....or....what story were they trying to tell....what do YOU see....)

xoxo

Creative Flow Vignettes....

Day 16

Aug. 18th, 2010

Move Things Around

Okay so I'm a day late...but if you read yesterday's Blog, you know why...it was worth every moment....

"Move Things Around" is about exploration and experimentation....at least that's how I'm interpreting it.  Here, in the "Crafter's Devotional", Barbara shares with us some techniques to inspire creativity by mixed-media artist Shirley Ende-Saxe.

Have you ever had that hunger to create, but just can't seem to get going....do you sadly give up after several restless attempts, feeling totally Frustrated....cuz all your trying to do is let out your creative genius to play....but no....it sits in the corner stuffing it's face with "See's" chocolates pretending not to hear your pleading soul....Selfish....right?

Fret no more...there is an answer to the creative famine...

Shirley shares how she sits down with selected images and begins playing with them...moving them around in different groupings...adding or subtracting pieces until the vignette appears...

I have to say that this does it for me...what I should say here though...is....that I do this without expectation...at least not consciously....I mean I'm awake just not...it's in my subconscious I guess....I just don't force it, is what I'm trying to say...

I pick one image....maybe a cherub...it could be a plastic one...a sticker or stickers...an image of one I've cut or more likely torn out of something, somewhere....

I finger through the items on my "Art Table" (that's code for "kitchen table"), I peek in my not clear plastic boxes...it's like opening a present...I find ALL KINDS of things I forgot about...I pull a piece of ribbon just for the color...I pick up a small and large silk flower and start layering...usually I'm trying to figure out the best place to put some glitter...cuz I'm a glitter kinda gal...an old flame of mine, frequently went to his "machismo" (macho) job with various shades of glitter on him...usually pink or gold...

Anywho...I think about what kind of surfaces I have available to put, my prize pieces of the moment, onto...I don't force it....I keep adding pieces and subtracting some...maybe....the color theme reveals it's self to me as does the piece...if there is something I want to use but it just doesn't seem to be happening...I put it aside for future use in a different project...I've had some "Ephemera" (code for "Scraps"), for YEARS...and then one day...VOILA...Masterpiece!

So the key for me in coaxing out my creative genius is to not force it...it's like trying to force a child to take a medicine they don't like...you wind up with a mess...it would do better to administer the one their agreeable to....

I may start out with a cherub and wind up making...oh say....an island themed something....yep...it's an adventure...

For me it's the adventure and experimentation of the creative process...

So grab a few pieces of "Scraps" that speak to you, to your mood, or just look pretty....carry them from room to room...lay them on the kitchen counter as you pour a glass of milk and move them around...then grab a few more "pieces" and take a seat at your "Art Table" and see what happens....

Create....Create....Create....

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

For the Art of It.....The Journaling Mind

cont.....

Aug. 17th, 2010

The Way of the Wordless Journal

Now I know today is suppose to be day 16 of my blogging expedition through the "Crafter's Devotional"....buuuut....I was so ....

well....I'll just go ahead and tell it.....This is the story of "Today".....

I started off the day with great determination and resolve to accomplish the tasks at hand....first on my list was to find 2....juuust 2 items....that would solve my costuming dilemma...but after an exhausting attempt...(which I solved in the later part of the evening)....I gave up....temporarily anyway....

Frustrated and annoyed....I look at my youngest daughter and say..."we're going to the park".  Of course not just any old park....but my favorite park....complete with Coi ponds, Japanese Tea Gardens, Butterfly Gardens and Museums....aaaahhh....

We learn upon arrival that the Art Museum is "Free" today...Yea!!!

As my daughter and I strolled the halls, alcoves and salon style viewings of the various artists and art styles...we begin a "Mental" journal....yes a mental one...it's possible...

We admired and studied the opaque watercolor paintings by East Indian artist c.e., we "ooooo'd" and "ahhhh'd" our way in and around Greek marble sculptures of the reclining Hercules, Water Jugs and Vases....there was Greek armour worn by a Great Warrior we saw the beauty of Buddha first hand....there was Toulouse, Cassatt, Andy Warhol and Dali...there was Georgia O'keefe and Monet....we were amazed...

We stood side by side, my daughter and I, in silence admiring the works of modern day impressionists....secretly wish that we had this one or that....we were in aw...

We stood before a Marble pictorial and could clearly see each letter the Greek artist had carved, atop the marble masterpiece....we stood there envisioning him at work creating...we were transported....I could see so clearly, as if I were standing behind him...I watched the carving come to life by the relief work of his hand...I could hear the "thwack" sounds of chisel and mallot off in the distance ....

He has no idea, I thought, that we are standing in a museum viewing his work and wondering about him, his family, his life....and what would he see today....what would his art speak to....today...?

On the rare occasion my daughter and I did speak....it was to marvel at the creativity, humor and emotion that was invoked by the pieces we most loved....

We could see the impact Monet and Van gogh had on future artists...We fell in love over and over again with Toulouse ability to capture real life moments and make them Whimsical, (truth be told, life is FULL of Whimsies, it's all in how ya look at it)...and I noticed how often the Masters painted outside the lines....I like that....

We wondered often...at the world they had lived in so different from our own...yet the same.

The ride home was quite...but then my daughter spoke..."I don't know if it's wrong to say this but when I look at some people I'm so Glad my life is in Color"..."that my life is filled with excitement and adventures"....she talked on about how sad it would be to live in the Grey...we talked about how colorful and brilliant our lives become with each passing day....and how it's possible to live outside the Grey...that all it takes is to be True to one's self...to who they really are...to live their passion...whatever that is....both earth and spirit...

I Love my Life....

For your "Mental" Journal experience and viewing pleasure....

Cassatt's "Mother and Child"...what Greater Joy than this...

  Degas...

Degas...one of my Favorites...

 O'keefe....Beautiful....

 Toulouse...another favorite of both my daughter and I....

   Toulouse....

Toulouse...I Love this one...

Paint outside the Lines...

Live Life Abundantly....

If you're going to Laugh then Laugh LOUDLY.......

Live a JOYOUS Life....!

Blessing & JOY Always, Alexia
 
 
  
   
 

 
 

 

 

Creative Journaling....Make It Your Own...

Day 15

Aug. 16th, 2010

Wordless Journals?

Yes....wordless...it's not that words are not in the journal...because for some, words are art...like poets, novelists, english majors and the like....I think of words as Art....and if you are good at visualizing then words can REALLY bring a thought, idea or description to life...even one or two words will do it....

This is my "Hanging" Journal...it has two words...."Hope is....."

What my "Hanging" journal says is ....My Life is Filled, with Promise, Joy and Abundance....

It represents FREEDOM....to me

How did my "Hanging" journal evolve you asked?  Well it all started early in the morning after I had shuffled across the kitchen to get my "Ahbuboo" coffee (see day 2 of my blog) and plopped down across the dinning table in front of my daughter-in-law and saw she was futzing around with stuff....I saw little wooden birds....and I said, "I want to make something with birds?"  She said, "You dooo?"....shaking my head yes, she pushed the birds toward me and I picked one...then while I sat there staring at the bird, she pushed a canvas toward me....NOW we're getting somewhere...then as I contemplated the objects before me, I looked to my right and saw a BAG of RIBBONS...Yea! and from that bag I pulled a miniature string of pearls or puuurls...whatever....and my artistic journey began....That's the story anyway.

So Yes, Ms. Call's topic today was about wordless journals...not that there can't be any "Words" in them...just nothing written by thy own hand...I took that challenge, to express what I'm feeling without writing anything on it....I did use two simple yet powerful...well powerful to me anyway...words....Hope is...I cut them out of a scrapbooking page...and yes I cut them out of just about the middle...the paper I used is by "K & Company", the little wooden bird was one in a collection by "KaiserCraft", I also used a tag from "Graphic 45's" vintage wedding line....I sprayed all the flowers with "Glimmer Mist" and made the leaves myself using the flowers and "Glimmer Mist" AND the little bird has been "worked over" with "Glimmer Mist"...the button is one from my vintage button collections, it's from the late 1960's...the rest of the items I used were found or "Ephemera" pieces.

Barbara Call explains that it's not about the type of journal....it could be an old paperback, a notebook or just some pieces of paper stapled together...in my case it was a canvas...  She encourages us to put in it...(or on it)...ANYTHING we want...a swatch of pretty fabric, buttons, pieces of color paper, old or new photos, ideas, pictures of our art work or the art work of other artists....Whatever we want....

She suggests that we consider the journal as a ".....collection of items, a place to store whatever it is that awakens your creative spirit"... (page 21, Day 15, Crafter's Devotional, Barbara R. Call)  

Whatever.....it is.....that awakens....your creative spirit....

I like the way that sounds....it feels....infinite....mmmmm

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

 

The Magic of Sea Shells....

Days 13 & 14

Aug. 15th, 2010

Ocean Jewels

Hi All!  Yes I'm still here...Thank You for your Beautiful emails!  Just a reminder...In the "Crafter's Devotional", Ms. Call combines Saturdays with Sundays...it's a weekend deal...which I personally LOVE by the way...on the weekends I'm so distracted and sometimes not home soooo.... Thank you! Glad to know you are following my Blogging attempts...

One more thing before I get started....Since we ALL know I'm "allergic" to computers....okay...so I'm allergic to technology as a whole...I wanted to take a minute to thank the one...you know who you are...for emailing and explaining to me how to set my computer so it doesn't update in the middle of stuff....THANK YOU!  That was Super Sweet....And I do believe it worked! Yea!

Okay...so ya wanna talk about Shells...well I just Love them and have collected them from just about everywhere I've lived and vacationed...yep...lots and lots of shells...

I love their variety...like people...it takes all kinds to fill and create beautiful oceans...shells that is....

I love their textures and colors....you can find everything rough and bumpy to silky smooth, bright pinks to deep earth tones like burnt umber and cream...

I love the way sea shells feel in my hand, the energy the shells hold and the memories they invoke...

I love pulling them out and reminiscing when and where and with who I gathered this one or that....

In the book, "Crafter's Devotional", Barbara Call talks about using elements from the ocean in your art work....and not just shells either....star fish, sand dollars, whatever you find....it could be a small piece of drift would or coral, even a stone or sea glass....

Ms. Call shows a shadow box with an ocean theme by artist Jenn Mason....it's soooo pretty!

I really like that Barbara uses outside elements to inspire creativity...I absolutely LOVE the outdoors!

So dig out your treasures from summers past and mix them up with your summer finds from this year and create something FABULOUS!

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

P.S. (this is for those of you who asked...the book's full title is...The Crafter's Devotional, 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Unlocking Your Creative Spirit by Barbara R. Call)

P.S.S. (Her name is Barbara Call...I think I may have called her McCall a few times in previous posts but it's Call not McCall...I don't even know how I came up with McCall...I apologize for any confusion.)

Thank You!

Buttons Galore......

Day 12

Aug. 13th, 2010

Button Work, Part I

Hello and Welcome!

As you well know I am, (so far so good, knock on wood and all that jazz), blogging my way through Barbara McCall's book, "The Crafter's Devotional".

It hasn't even been 2 weeks yet and I've already learned SO much....I've learned new art techniques...my passion for "Folk Art" has been re-awakened....I've been inspired creatively and spiritually...and I've learned alot about myself...some things I'd forgotten about myself and other things I'm learning for the first time....it's been quite an adventure thus far.

So stick around....and lets see where this journey takes us! I'm all about the adventure!

Today Barbara's topic of choice was what else......?  Buttons!  Yea for buttons! 

I have a nice size collection of buttons AND I am in the habit of cutting the buttons off garments I'm discarding....these are garments that are NOT donation worthy....(Barbara also suggests this in her book, cutting off buttons that is...).

So between my button hunts AND the occasional raiding of my Mother's vintage button stash over the years...with her permission and her encouragement....my stash has flourished.

Most of my buttons are vintage, I have buttons from as far back as the 1920's....I have newer buttons but I must confess that the vintage buttons are my favorites.

In her book, Ms. McCall talks about buttons and their versatility....from their basic use as a closure to their variety of uses artistically.  There is a FABULOUS vintage Mermaid collage in her book...it was a collaborative piece created by two artists....Maryjo and Sunny Koch.  The Mermaid's tail appears to be made entirely of sea shell buttons....It's Gorgeous.

If you are an Artist, Crafter or aspiring to be...I suggest investigating Barbara's book...it's Truly inspirational.

Yes, you can email me or post comments here if you like but I am happy to receive your emails...feel free to share your ideas, ask questions or just read and look...

Creativity is Food for the Soul....

Blessings & Joy, Alexia

Hide and Seek....Ephemera?

Day 11

Aug. 12th, 2010

Purse Ephemera

First and foremost, a confession.....I am perpetually confused by this word, "Ephemera"....is it a bug that only lives for one day?....OR....is it short lived popularity of something?....OOOR....is it an ancient form of Greek journal keeping?.....I don't know?....but I apparently use it alot in my art....

Yes I am that lady you see bending over, stooping down in the parking lot to pick up a "pull tab", (raise your hand if you know what one of those are), a squashed bottle cap, a gear looking thing....or perhaps you'll find me in Starbucks with one or more of my daughters, (daughter-in-law included ALWAYS), and find me reaching over to some discarded newspaper next to me....and watch me meticulously tear out some picture from the center of the paper, (I may need that later),.... that would be me....

So if the meaning of Ephemera is "Crap I Found" or "General Junk I Have"....then yes, that is me an "Ephemera Artist"....

In day 11 of Barbara McCall's book "The Crafter's Devotional"...she talks about "Purse Ephemera"....NOW I'm Excited!  Cuz I KNOW I have alot of That....

She asks us to empty our purses and peruse the treasures within....mmmmm

Among my many treasures were:

• an Alice In Wonderland movie ticket....I took that as a sign, what with Graphic 45's Alice In Wonderland paper and all....
• a lovely Shell Pink ribbon AND an Emerald Green strand as well....
• LOTS of pennies....
• 1 piece of SHOCKING Pink gum wrapper paper....which I will be using
• a piece of candy....which I ate...
• 5 colored pens with coordinating ink....YEA!
• Purple Q-tips in a cute little plastic box.....I'll be needing that box later
• some Victoria Secret lip gloss....which I put on
• and another piece of SHOCKING Pink gum wrapper....

So what's in your pockets......?  Let me hear from you and feel free to post and share you treasures Here!

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia

Your Place or Mine........Unique Living Spaces

 I did not forget you my Dear, Dear readers....nope....however, my computer apparently decided to "update" just as I was finishing my post....arrrghh....doesn't quite describe the sentiments I felt toward technology, (or my lack of techy intellect), in that moment...So in an effort to save my computers life...(from a FATAL cliff accident)....I went to bed.

What follows is my attempt to recapture yesterdays blog....and what will follow that is?  Yep! You guessed it, tonight's blog.....Yeah for Blogging!

Day 10

Aug. 11th, 2010

Your Unique Living Space

What I'm realizing more and more about this adventure of blogging thru Barbara McCall's book is....it's becoming not just an artful adventure, but quite the Spiritual journey as well....truthfully....I was hopeful of it....I am forever chasing the Divine....I am forever chasing God....and I do LOVE to Run.....

and....when He lets me catch Him....I sit at His feet....and listen....I hear, see and learn so many things....I'm in love with Him and the indecipherable sweetness of His Spirit, She IS amazing....

This love...it's something deeper.....something more....and entirely beyond words....a love that transcends space and time....the deepest joy....a hypnotic peace....

So this evening I took some pictures of what is in my "Unique" living space....inside...

and out.....

 The Cliffs.....

  The infamous "Purple" microfiber Couch.....

  I am surrounded by the sounds of.....Music.......

   We live not only to Love....

.....but to Create.....

  ....I am surrounded by Artists....

.....and the Art they Create...

....the beginning of 3 different Artists' drawings....

of the same image...."Little Red Riding Hood"....from "The Grimm's Brothers Fairytales"......

One of my Beloved shells....an Abalone shell....

 Candles.....and Sage.....

 Pages....from a journal.....

The Ocean calls.....

To be continued...... 
....Blessings & Joy.....Always!

What's your Theme Scheme?

Day 9

Aug. 10th, 2010

Theme Scheme

Evening!  Can you believe it?  I'm blogging before midnight...Yeah!!!

So as I'm sure you guessed by the title, that day 9 is about working up a theme...

In her book the "Crafter's Devotional", Barbara McCall talks about developing a theme and shares some tips and tricks from collage artist Olivia Thomas.

Ms. Thomas suggest picking a topic....I personally think Halloween is a EXCELLENT topic...but it can be anything...an emotion like joy or sorrow, food maybe fruit, a trip to Italy or Colorado....whatever moves you.

Once Ms. Thomas decides on a topic she then selects a color scheme that flows with her topic.  She chooses 3 - 5 colors, she also gathers images and various details to incorporate into her art piece.

So with that in mind I pulled together some "Theme Schemes" to share with you...I hope you'll be inspired...

PLEASE NOTE:( I just hate to have to say this but it only takes ONE bad apple...since I Trust that the big portion of all who come here are honest, I must apologize for what I'm about to say and PLEASE know that it does not apply to you...the bad apples know who they are....  I DO NOT condone PIRATING of ANY sort...it IS illegal AND morally WRONG....I also believe in KARMA Good AND BAD... Please recognize that the information shared, the images shared by other Artists as well as my own are for the SOLE purpose of Inspiring Creativity and not for stealing...Thank You )

 
   The GORGEOUS graphic paper in this piece is "Tim Holtz" idea-ology, some of the color paper is "Prisma" paper...I'll be using this Fabulous theme in my own project that was inspired by Barbara McCall's book....Truly Lovely!

 
   The Fantastic and Nostalgic vintage photos page is also a Tim Holtz design from his "idea-ology" line...once again some Prisma paper is used to coordinate this theme...I will be incorporating this Memorable theme into my project as well...

 
  This truly Wonderful paper is apart of Graphic 45's Halloween collection featuring none other then "Alice in Wonderland"...Love It!  It as well has been coordinated with some Prisma paper....

This Whimsical "Tag" paper is also designed by "Graphic 45" and again from their Fall/Halloween line...can't WAIT to use it! (These tags would make GREAT book markers, just add some pretty beads and ribbon, vintage if you have it...)

So these are just a few of my own inspirations in theme...I hope they inspire you...

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia
 
 

 

A Personal Journey through the Art of Creative Journaling.....

Day 8

Aug. 9th, 2010

Personalizing a Journal

Okay, before I get started on Ms. McCall's topic for the day, I have to ask myself...why am I almost inevitably Blogging in the wee a.m.....why?  Is this how it starts?  I have to laugh since my preference is to be up early...you know...6 a.m. or so....when I was busy trying to prioritize my many, many projects in life...this was over lunch with one of my daughters....the first thing I realized, (after she asked me what I thought was hindering me from achieving my goals, which was obviously "TIME", or so I figured out...oh she's an enlightened one alright), I realized....after I wrote everything down...that it wasn't that I had to much on my plate....no...it was that I wanted everything done by 9 a.m. ....Yeah....needless to say a little prioritizing was in order...my new goal is to blog BEFORE midnight...ucky it up now...but I will achieve my goal....yes my fingers are crossed.

Now to the subject at had...journaling or better yet, personalizing a journal.  I love journals, I love to make them, buy them and I will use almost any excuse to do either or both....if any of my children are with me and I'm in say....a store where a journal or art supplies to make a journal can be obtained....I will try to buy them one or me one or everyone one...this is how it usually goes...

"Lets just go over here for a sec"....(they don't even argue anymore, no moaning, nothing, because they already know it's gonna happen)...."Oooooh, look at this, this is pretty, say do you need a journal?"...."you suuuure?"...."I think you might need one for that _______ (fill in the blank)"...."I can make you one you can draw in or you could make an art journal, I'll help you."

Yep...I love journals and I have many....today in the Crafter's Devotional the topic is personalizing a journal, they do make lovely gifts as Ms. McCall states but she also encourages the reader to make a journal for themselves...and yours truly is taking that bet....BIG surprise there right?

She shows a beautiful example of journal by Deborah Fay D'Onofrio...she also gives information about what Ms. D'Onofiro used to make her journal...it's Beautiful.

I've decided to take my combined projects from days 2 and 3 and roll them into day 8...this way I can show and tell as I go...I'm SUPER excited!

I have another idea for a personal journal and that is decorate one to showcase pictures of your work in, whatever that is, scrapbooking, woodworking, photography, whatever you want!

Remember the Imagination has INFINITE possibilities....Yea!

May you journal journey be INSPIRATIONAL!

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia

The Folk Art continues.....

Day 7

Aug. 9th, 2010

What is Folk Art?

Good Morning!  I apologize for not posting yesterday...I woke up feeling VERY under the weather and well....lets just say it progressed from there...But I'm feeling much better this morning...

What I failed to mention on Saturday was that in Barbara McCall's book, Saturdays and Sundays are combined....like a workshop option....very cool.  She also gave instructions to make some wonderful folk art boxes....you could even make jewelry using this technique, that's what I plan to do.  She also gives some great ideas for folk art pieces on the "Make Your Own Folk Art" portion of the page (pages 14-15).

I shared with you on Saturday some of my folk art projects....In her book, Barbara speaks of the importance of keeping some of your art/craft projects for yourself, (it's okay, really, it's not selfish and you really don't have to give everything away), I challenge each of you to create something for yourself...whether it's writing a short story, making a piece of jewelry, or maybe a new journal to, journal in...make something for your home or maybe really stand back and admire the beautiful flowers you've just arranged in you grandmother's antique vase...admire the vase even.

Barbara talks about how your own work can inspire you AND remind you just how creative you are....I never really had thought of that until I read it in her book...and I agree.

It is important to keep things around us that inspire our creativity whatever that may be, our own art definitely, works of other artists, books...be it project books, or just a really good read like, say....mmmm...."Eat, Pray, Love" (that book does it for me)...or whatever works for you.

I have shells....lots and lots of shells I collected with my children over the years, from the different places we've lived, I even have shells and "Sand Dollars" from when I was a little girl....In my car I keep a handful of shells in a compartment where I can see them, exposed....these are shells that my grandchildren and I pick up when we walk along the beach, there are some that my youngest and I collected as well...maybe that's extreme for some....but for me they are comforting and inspiring....they bring me peace.

Well that's all for now...I'll be back this evening to Blog about todays topic..."Personalizing a Journal"....I Love Journals, don't you?

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia

 

The Inspiration of Folk Art

Day 6

Sat. Aug. 7th, 2010

What is Folk Art?

In "The Crafter's Devotional" today, Ms. Call speaks about folk art and what it is....even though over the years I have been an often avid creator of folk art, I never knew how far it reached, not really....

These are just a few of the examples that Barbara Call gave in her book, that can define "Folk Art":

• The art of the everyday (I Love this one, I think it may be my favorite...)
• Expresses cultural identity and traditions
• Folk art is a collaborative reflection of traditional art forms, from a variety of groups...

I ventured into Folk Art the old fashion way....by accident....while I was working on a "project", an idea I had in my head that kept evolving so it soon turned into a series, a friend stopped by....generally I didn't allow anyone to see what I was working on till it was finished...but...on that day I made an exception.....okay that's not exactly true.......what REALLY happened was I was so excited to see her I forgot I was working on anything and well.....she saw it...and said, "I LOVE this, I didn't know you where a folk artist too?"...."Folk Artist?" I thought....I'd never thought of anything I had made as being folk art....I thought I was just screwing around....who knew?

So I began to pay more attention to folk art....I think I took it for granted because it was all around me growing up...but....I soon realize how much I LOVE folk art....

What do I LOVE about it you ask?  Well I'll tell ya....What I love first and foremost is the nostalgia, yep, I'm gooey like that....but I also love the diversity and how varied the mediums can be....it can be one just one like metal or clay....ooooor.....it can be metal and clay and wood and paper and rhinestone....Whatever You Want!  How FUN is that!   WOW!  To be only limited by ones Imagination......hmmmmm?  That means the possibilities are....well...INFINITE!  HOORAY for INFINITE POSSIBILITIES!

Soooo, below I've added some pics of my folk art pieces....ask whatever questions you want about them....I am happy to share information and techniques....there's room for Everyone!

(okay, remember I JUST got a new camera like 2 weeks ago....so you know what that means....it means my most of the pictures were taken with my OLD digital camera....a dinosaur of a camera actually....okay...so here we go...)

This was a collage I made on canvas....the subject....Love.....I used found objects, a cake topper, real leaves from a flower arrangement that was in the house...paper of course...an old key...ribbons...you name it....it's probably in there somewhere....

this is a my ribbon "Art Doll"...her name is "Pieces of My Heart"....she is 2nd in a series of art dolls...where the rhinestone heart is a window to her soul...inside are heart pieces mixed with shiny stuff....I used "Graphic 45" paper for her head and LOTS and LOTS of mostly "O'ffray" ribbon...there are some vintage ribbons mixed...I made here jointed...and she does actually move...her arms that is....

this is the back of her...I used "Prisma" paper for the body....the stamp I used was from a French love letter if I remember right.....

This is one of two old chairs that I stripped, sanded and painted in Folk Art style.....I painted them free hand from some pictures I found.....then I stained them and sealed them.....

I also distressed them alittle.....this is the final result....I LOVED making these chairs come to Life....

this is a photograph of the 2nd chair...it's almost finished...alittle more paint and distress...some stain and sealer.... I did finish this chair but couldn't find a picture of it.....

This is what I stripped the chairs down to in order to recreate them....I do love and enjoy giving new life to old things.....

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

They are Rubies to My Soul

Day 5

Aug. 6th, 2010

Power of Sacred Places

Ahhhhhh....pictures at long last....I finally found away to incorporate pictures to my posts...FINALLY...I had to do something because I still can't figure out how to share my photo album I created....ugh....

The subject of the day is places of worship...yes that is what is in the book...places of worship and the inspiration they bring....

So today armed with two cameras and one of my daughters, I or we rather, set off on a picture expedition to capture places that I worship and reach out to the Divine, other then my home, and what inspires me spiritually....

At first I wasn't sure where I wanted to go...so we sat in the car and stared out the window...hmmm.....where to begin.....and then it hit me!

So sit back and enjoy the show....(it's not a slide show, I haven't figured that out yet so clicking and scrolling of the mouse on your part will be involved AND the picture sizes may be alittle unusual and inconsistent..)...alrighty then, Let's get started....

I don't go to church....not anymore anyway....

....And no I didn't lose my way or my Faith...nothing that dramatic....

....I just simply believe that some people, out grow their church or church as a whole...

 

Don't get me wrong...I love churches...I love to sit in them alone, silent...but it's a Happy Surprise if I catch a Choir practice...but for me, Spiritually evolving often takes place outside the church these days....

...this is my church....I live a surrendered life...a life surrendered to my Divine Creator.....

...and I am in Awe.....

Some of my favorite places of worship are empty churches where I converse with God one on one...other times its the cliffs by my house were I can sit and stare off into the vast ocean spread out before me and let my mind drift out to sea....even out on my very own front porch in the wee morning hours, you know, that time of day when it's not quite morning but it's no longer night, where the sun lights the space around you like the amber glow of a candle....ahhh...peace...sweet surrender....I also love my parents home when I visit, I love it best in the evening as the sun goes down and the stars come out, I stand out on the front porch and rest my gaze on the mountains laid out before me and soon I see the stars dancing between, over and around the mountain peaks...beautiful...Yes these are my places of worship...

I hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did creating it for you....Thank you  for coming along and may all your days be filled with....Blessings and Joy.....

P.S.(the fabulous "Tree Trunk" picture was taken by my youngest daughter...)
 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Creativity: Heart, Mind, Body & Soul

Day 4

Aug. 5th, 2010

Creative DNA

 

Today Ms. Call's topic was creative DNA and whether or not it's possible that we are hardwired with creative DNA...personally...I think it's so. 

Whatever that creativity is for you...taking photos, designing clothes, even if you're a 'doodler"...it's involved a creative process that's the obvious...but what about a software designer, not just a game designer either...or how about a horse trainer, or carpenter...each of these talents require a creative process to bring about the desired effect.

I don't have any "witty wisdoms" for you today...or witty silliness for that matter...instead I will leave you with the 3 questions Ms. Call asks in her book...I hope you'll ponder them...better yet answer them and share your answers here.  There is no right answer....the questions are subjective, they are "what do you think" type questions...

1. If you were born to produce just one type of work, what would it be?
2. What is your unique view of the world, and how does it manifest in your (work) artwork?
3. What medium best lets you express your creativity?

I've debated with myself whether to answer the questions now or later and whether or not I could answer now...do I have the answers for myself right now?  Maybe.

First, I don't think I would be able to produce just one type of work, my mind literally wouldn't allow it, it wouldn't shut up until I created everything I was suppose to create.

My view of the world is constantly changing so my work is constantly evolving, what I do know is color...color always makes an appearance in my work, even in a black and white.

The medium that best lets me express myself is mixed, wood, paper, metal, glass, paint, shells...you name it...I love texture, color and dimension.

Okay so those are my answers....let hear some of yours!

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia

Crayon Therapy?

Day 3

Wed. Aug. 4th, 2010

Crayon Therapy

Can you believe it...CRAYONS...my art instrument of choice of late, (please see my first post it'll explain everything...).

At first I thought "oh pleeeease", but then Barbara enticed me with an invite to buy a NEW box of crayons, I love new crayons!  Opening the box to a beautiful array of FANTABULOUS colors, the feel of a new crayon in your hand, paper in tact, as its semi-waxy texture glides across the paper...it's therapeutic...aaaahhh....

Okay Barbara, crayon therapy it is...Crayola is my crayon of choice, I've tried others but Crayola is the best, the most vibrant of colors, rich smooth texture...perfect.

However, the "Crayon Therapy" is now rolled into the "Reusing Old Photos" project.  I got a inspirational idea for using the crayons in my vintage photo project...so now 2 projects have become one but I think that's the idea...to use this book however I see fit... My daughter-in-law asked me, "What if this turns into one Big project?"  We agreed it could.

In the book Ms. Call doesn't encourage or discourage you from doing a project a day.  I chose to use it daily and blog about it and thru this process my art piece is self-evolving, reveling itself to me...it's like finding buried treasure...I opened the box (in this case the book) and the treasure unveiled itself to me...certain pieces begging to be worn together....So far projects for day 2 and 3 are merging together, creating the picture for me....I'm curious and excited to see what other days will incorporated themselves into this art piece...

I can't say exactly when this particular piece will be done but there's no rush because now it truly has become about the journey...

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia

p.s.(Please see new photo in my album)

The Stuff Scrapbooking Journals are Made of....

Day 2

Tues. Aug. 3rd, 2010

Old Photos

Day 2 of "The Crafter's Devotional" was to reuse an old photograph....however....the vintage photo that I've selected is now a work in progress....an art piece if you will so I can't actually show it to you...but I will so stay tuned.

Instead, today I opened a photo album.  I came across it while desperately trying to figure out how to "up load" a photo....I apparently needed a photo album first....wow...was that obvious...no laughing....I'm entertaining applause only....lest I need remind you that I am most assuredly of looow technological intellect.

Since I can't show you my vintage photograph master piece in the making I opted to up loaded, (I am so proud of myself), photographs from the end of last summer, technically these qualify as old photos...as they are almost a year old and in "techno time" THAT's OLD....These will have to suffice until my vintage art photo is finished at which point I will be sharing it here with you.

I think one of the things I love about the 365 Day Creative Devotional book is that there are no ridged rules...not that there is anyone around to make you follow them....but Barbara Call in here intro "Breaking Crafter's Block", states that the book is not really about following step by step directions (though you could I mean the option is there)...nor is it about adhering to some stringent guidelines....it's meant to do just what it is doing for me so far...be INSPIRATIONAL....

I must say at this point that I do not know Barbara R. Call...nor was I hired to plug her book...the book was, well, fated to me.  So it was my fate to blog my way thru this book....it couldn't have come at a better time...Thanks Barbara

Blessings & Joy,

Alexia

P.S. (don't forget to stop by and check out my photo album!)

 

Hydrangeas, Wisteria, Whats the Difference?

Whats the difference between Hydrangeas and Wisteria....alot....first off, Hydrangeas don't have "pea pod" type decor hanging from it....which lead me to the correction of my previous post where I said Hydrangeas instead of Wisteria...this is what happens when the "Ahbuboo Coffee Rule" is not followed...

Now that the little oops is cleared up I am off to the movies!

Blessings & Joy!

Alexia

The Poision Peas & Other Mis-Information

Day 1

Monday, Aug. 2 2010

Journaling

It was 9:17am when I sat down to journal...less then 5 hours prior I had laid my head on the pillow after my all nite "Blog Party" where I fumbled my way thru setting up and posting to my now Blog.

At 9:17 this morning I sat down with my coffee in one hand, pen in the other and a journal in my lap...I chose to sit out in the front room on the over stuffed, purple, micro fiber couch next to my daughter-in-law.  I consider briefly moving to a quieter room to be..."aloooone" with my thoughts.  But maybe my thoughts are out here where one of my grandson's has already asked me where the "poison peas" are...he could me the Hydrangea looking peas a.k.a. Eta-nomi...I hug him and remind him about the rule....you know the one....the "Ahbuboo needs her coffee to function" rule...which I make him recite, then I casually point to his mother for further inquiries about the "poison peas".

It's highly likely that the "poison pea" misunderstanding is my fault...it just Eta-nomi, you know, soy beans.  He calls them poison peas possible because I stressed to him the importance of not eating the pod or skin has he liked to call it.  I told him he only needed to eat the beans inside.  So while he sat on the counter in my kitchen, this was when I was living in Georgia, I was asking him to "please" not eat the skin, he said, "Why? Are they poison?" I simply said, "Okay".  The poison pea was his idea and needless to say the skin eating abruptly came to an end.

So it was decided then and there this morning that my thoughts were out there in the room with the most people in it.  Where my youngest grandchild stands methodically pulling books from the shelf, carefully examining each book and promptly tossing it to the ground....until he comes across a book that special book that grabs his interest and attempts to read it to his big brother, up side down and in a language we all pretend to understand that sound like a cross between Japanese and French...neither of which anyone speaks.

Sitting here while I mull over whether or not I should tell him that only the Hydrangea pods are poisonous my mind is pulled to other interesting and wholly entertaining mis-information that I may have allowed him to believe or at the very least entertain briefly....here are a few tidbits;

Whether or not Mrs. Santa was originally the Tooth Faerie and her sister had to take her place

Why the Easter Bunny doesn't take his fur off, not even to go swimming

That the dirtiest pennies make the best wishes (okay well this one is actually true)

maybe in future journalings I will elaborate on these....

But what I am re-realizing (yes, I am aware that is not an actual word but if the shoe fits...) as I work my way thru day 1 of the "Crafter's Devotional", is that my family, each one of them individually and collectively are my inspiration...its on their faces, in their words, deeds and actions, its expressed in their deep love for each other, its even in their silence and I am in aw. 

The love I have for them (daughter-in-law included), is ever expanding, growing deeper and never ending....I do believe that as we grow our love grows....true pure love is without end...sweet silent reflection...I am overwhelmed with Joy....I cannot speak.......

 

The Journey Begins

Well here I sit at 2:45am...this was not the plan...I didn't even know I would be starting a "Blog" today.  Just about 8 hrs ago I was sitting minding my own business when my daughter-in-law walked in with the most AMAZING book, yes AMAZING...entitled "The Crafters' Devotional 365 Days of Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Unlocking Your Creative Spirit",(I swear that's the title), by Barbara R. Call....

Now let me back up for just a sec and say that I have been mulling over the idea of Blogging, mulling it over mind you, I am what is commonly referred to as "Technologically Challenged".

Anywho...within 3 minutes of looking at that (last time I swear) AMAZING book, I knew what I was going to do...taking a que from the movie "Julia Julia", and the steady urgings of my mother, "you should really start a blog Babe"....I decided that I would Blog my way through this book and I would start it to nite, or last nite but now its tomorrow morning already...but you get the idea....

Originally I wrote down my goals for this blogging expedition, there were/are 2:

1) To share my creative journey, to inspire and be inspired through the process....and...

2) To learn how to and about the world of "Blogging"

Suddenly I realized, inspired by the book of course and using my selective logic, that blogging is a creative art form and process, which is something I do understand, creativity that is.

What I didn't realize until now was that I am about to use this book as my creative daily outlet, my justification to escape the chaos and insanity of my daily life....between starting my own business, pulling together a portfolio (that's another story, one I could kick myself for), being a mommy (I thankfully still have one more at home), and my job as the infamous "AhBuBoo" (my grandbabies couldn't say Ahbulita, so it came out AhBuBoo) and still thinking about what else I want to be when I grow up....my creativity has been put on hold...sorta...not Cool...I've taken to crayons and coloring books with one of my grandchildren, at least when ever I can persuade or bribe him, whatever works, into coloring with me.

So in an attempt to break this vicious and limiting creative web I've reckless created for myself, I am dedicated to one...full...year...of daily creating and sharing that journey with you.

Will it be; Therapeutic? Absolutely, Refreshing? Completely, Exciting? YOU BET!

I am excited to share in this adventure with you and look forward to hearing your input about my art AND my blogging abilities, be merciful for I am of low technological wit.

So pull up a seat here at the Artist's Pub and join me on this Creative Journey!

Blessings!

Alexia