The Art Dept

What : In this fun and inspiring workshop we will use a variety of collage materials to create a one of a kind art jewelry piece. Materials include printed words and phrases, acrylic paint films, bits of canvas, strips of leather, various handmade papers, and beads made from paper. I will demonstrate ways to combine words and pictures to tell a story both personal and wearable, then put it all together with various beads and findings. No previous jewelry making experience is required All materials are supplied Snacks, coffee and drinks are available  Where : The workshop will take place in my inspiring and peaceful country art studio When : Saturday, Feb 24, from 10 - 12AM To register for Wearable Words and Pictures  go here  

      Years ago when I was new to the art show circuit,  there was a local arts and crafts show in which I participated.  All set up and waiting for the inevitable crowds of customers to come,  I started conversing with my neighboring artist.     “You really should do this one show I just did last month,” she said,  “Your work is great and you would probably sell out!”        Now that I’m a seasoned vet of art shows, there are certain phrases that make me run as fast as I can in the opposite direction.  “You will probably sell out” is one of them. I mean, how do they know that I would probably sell out, and why would I even want to sell out?  That day, however,  the words of that well-meaning woman caught my interest.        "You have to set up the night before, because people will come out early to shop." she said. "There is not much for people to do in this area, so people...

            Why is it that our children have turned out so innovative?     Recently our son Daniel was awarded with the Innovation award at his workplace where he serves as Technology Director. It was a recognition for being creative, but specifically for creativity in problem solving. The presenter noted that Daniel is not only great at coming up with ideas, but also at knowing which ideas are worthwhile, and then questioning what the best solutions should be. He also noted that this past year Daniel designed the foundation for a project that in turn has brought the greatest increase in revenue in the history of the company. Kudos, Daniel!       So it makes me wonder, where did this innovative mind set originate? Not that my husband and I are taking all the credit!! But still....     Could it have to do with his upbringing, being raised by two self employed artists who had to think outside the box simply to pur...

         In this lively workshop we will focus on designing and producing the components of mixed media art jewelry. By the end of the day, guests will be able to take home several pieces of wearable art of their own design.  Components include but are not limited to handmade textured paper, acrylic paint skins, canvas remnants, polymer clay beads, paper beads, and various painted and textured surfaces. All materials will be provided to guests. Yummy snacks, drinks and lunch are also provided. Parts of Parts of Art workshop will take place on Saturday, March 3 Schedule for the workshop:  10 AM       introduction and demonstration of techniques 10:30-12   design and build components 12                lunch 1-3               put all the parts together 3                  toast t...

     “We need to come up with something catchy, so people will remember your name.”        I was set up at an art show, if you really want to call it that. It was hot, dry and dusty and there were no customers. It was more like a desert than an art show. So, as often happens, my neighbor and I began to talk. She was selling collapsible hats, and had travelled over the country doing so. Over the course of the long two day affair, she surprised me by becoming the self appointed advisor for my brand.      At the time my brand was Paint Chip Jewelry. It was an apt description of my work. I peel the acrylic paint from an artist palette and upcycle it into jewelry. But that day as the hat lady perused my booth and offered her unsolicited but appreciated advice, I realized that which I had not seen.       "Your name makes your jewelry sound cheap, like some leftover throwaway paint. We need to find ...

Know what inspires me in this autumnal season? Copper!  Here’s a recipe from Bustanoby’s Color Manual, copyright 1939 (no, its not edible): Copper: Neutral tint of red-orange, typical of this ductile, metallic element. Copper is used in the arts, in electrical manufacture and in alloys.  Color matched from actual copper articles:  16 parts Zinc White 8 parts Yellow Ochre 1 part Venetian Red         So there you have it; the recipe for copper paint. And if you’re like me, and feel compelled to pull that dried copper paint off its palette, you might procure pieces such as these.         This might be just an ordinary old paint pan with layers of dried creamy caramel and burnt sienna paint to some.  To me it is a mouth watering concoction of harmonious blends that make me wanna exile to the studio, fire up the wood stove and make jewelry.  And yes, this is where it starts....     ...

       Many years ago when I did art shows in Del Ray Beach, Florida, one of my clients brought one of her favorite pair of earrings to show me.  The earrings from her collection were a fascinating combination of different shapes and colors of vintage glass, wood and lucite bits, suspended from a circular piece that covered the earlobe. I was so inspired by seeing these very unique and artfully designed earrings that I started making a similar style. I was also impressed by my gracious and stately client, Lorraine. She was quite fashion minded and carried herself with elegance. She was a lovely silver haired women who would always seek me out to find just the right piece for her collection.       The last time I was in a Del Ray Beach show, her husband came by to pick something out, and told me that Lorraine was now in a nursing home, and no longer able to get to the show. I love that even at the end of her life, she was so co...