What's in my Studio... Houses!

I thought I'd share some photos of a House Accordion Book project done with the local Artist Trading Card folks. We traded them this past weekend, and constructed our books while we were together. I still need to decorate the covers of my book, and am debating whether I want to attach a ribbon... we'll see. 

This was based on a project created by radiantcrust, suggested by my friend Nancy, an ATC enthusiast who is in three area ATC groups, if I recall correctly. There were 11 of us who participated, from our ATC group here in Bellingham, and from the two groups in Vancouver, BC. 

These were my submissions: 

Most folks did Christmasy houses, however I decided bird houses would be perfect. I created my own template and traced then cut out enough for 12 houses. The front and back pieces are glued together on either side of the base. 

All in all, the project was fun, even during my busiest part of the year. 

Wishing you all a happy and creative New Year! 

Joining Julia at Stamping Ground for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday

Merry Christmas!

This is an older piece, but is just right for wishing you a Merry Christmas! I hope your holiday was special! 

Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice! 

Solstice Snow by
Helen Campbell

Stop and Listen

Clear Directions
from brianandreas.com

Flowing Colors

Playing with a technique for a demo I did yesterday at Stampadoodle and the Paper Cafe. It was based on the article in the Sept/Oct 2014 Somerset Studio by Mary Beth Shaw - The Art of Pour. 

So.... mine did not come out quite like hers did at all. Part of that is because I didn't have fluid acrylic paint, so used acrylic ink and reinkers. I didn't have birch panels so used canvas panels. I did have GAC100 polymer medium, and also tried liquid matte medium, which worked alright... just not the same. :)

You see, my goal was to try to do the technique WITHOUT buying anything new. 

Always a challenge when improvising! In any case, it was fun, and messy, and we had a good time playing with it at the demo. 

 This is using GAC 100 and acrylic inks. Do you see the tiny heart that appeared? 

Using liquid matte medium and reinkers

 Using matte medium and acrylic inks

This is an offprint from a matte medium and reinker attempt. We (I) didn't like how it was going, and this smooshed print made us happy. 

Playing with reinkers dripped on water color paper, sprayed with water and tilted. 

We had a good time making a mess. At least I was entertaining.

I'll keep playing with the technique to see if I can get some similar to those in the article. Art is always an adventure! 

It's been a few weeks, however I'm checking in with the folks at Paint Party Friday to see what they have been creating.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Borrowed from  http://www.scienceofrelationships.com

Artificial Urgency

In the midst of all the rushing about, take time for the little things.  

Annas Hummingbird in snowy tree

"There is what I call an "artificial urgency" that can screw up our lives, if we let it.

Social commitments, work deadlines, spouses, kids, parents...all of that daily maintenance that life requires...it doesn't feel artificial, it feels REAL.

Radical hospitality starts within - you gotta be ok with being ok with yourself. 

Respect yourself enough to step away. 

Set priorities and boundaries that work for you and your family and let the rest go. 

BE RADICAL. 

As much as possible, optimize the things that energize, minimize the things that drain. 

And persevere."

Wise words from Jane Somerton (aka my big sister)