Caran D'Ache Neocolor II

My latest toys supplies arrived - and I'm so excited!

I absolutely love artsupply.com. As the name suggests, they are the premiere online place to purchase art supplies. Located in Chicago, IL, they are a brick-and-mortar store, and accept phone orders as well. I have been a huge fan of artsupply.com for awhile now - and for some very specific reasons:

• They are the one company I have referred friends and other artists to, over and over. They've never let me down - and I know they will take good care of anyone I send their way.

• Fast shipping.
• Free shipping on loads of products. Orders not shipping free do not have over-inflated shipping fees. Finally - someone gets it!

• Amazing prices. Almost everything I've bought from them has saved me money. For example, I recently purchased a silk screening kit at artsupply.com for around $35. After hours of searching, their cheapest competitor wanted $47 - and that was a sale price! I'm terrible at math, but isn't that around a 26% savings?

• Fantastic communication.

• Great selection. If you want something and they don't have it, they'll go to the ends of the earth to get it. That's just how their customer service is.

• About their customer service...it is phenomenal. Phe. Nom. En. AL. You will not hear me say this often, but I have never had less than a 5-star interaction with anyone representing that company. Five-stars doesn't begin to adequately describe their awesomeness.

• Art Supply Professional Circle. This program says it all.

I have been exceptionally blessed to be associated with such incredible people and such a fine organization. It is rare for me to have such loyalty to a company - but that's just how good artsupply.com is. I personally guarantee you simply will not find a better art supply store, nicer people, or better prices...anywhere. That's a pretty huge guarantee - but I say it knowing it's true.

Which brings me back to my recent order. I got the Caran D'Ache Neocolor IIs - and I am so excited to play with them! There was an article by Susie Monday in the Dec '09/Jan '10 issue of Quilting Arts. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists - her blog is full of great information and inspiration. The article in QA, Rainbow Printing with Water-soluble Pigments, was just like her work and her blog - informative, inspirational, interesting. About halfway through the article I knew I had to order some Golden's Silkscreen Medium and Neocolor IIs. I haven't had a chance to play with them yet, but stay tuned. I'll post my results when I've got something to show.

I just love getting new supplies...it's like being a little kid again!

xx,

Silver Clay

I've been in love with silver clay since I first learned it existed. The price was a major factor for me - it's daunting to relax and learn when you know the material you're working with costs big bucks.

It's a funny thing, silver clay is. I have a lot to learn - and so many ideas. It doesn't go very far - you don't get a whole lot for the money. That said, the pieces turn out beautifully - even if you're clueless, like I was. I should mention, before I began, I looked over several books, read tons and tons of websites, and spoke to a handful of artists experienced in silver clay. From my research and discussions, one thing was clear: just jump in.

My very first attempt was a couple of charms, where I really got a feel for the clay and the torch. (Sorry! Didn't mean to burn you or get my little needle pick stuck on you!) I made an art doll and crown from molds I'd made for polymer clay. I don't know how my little crown prong broke - but it did. I also forgot to add holes to these so they could be used as charms. - so a new use will have to be found. Maybe broaches?

Each of those pieces is a nice, substantial weight. I was instantly impressed and smitten. And wielding the torch totally rocked!

The last two pieces are an egg and a nest. I came up with a funky idea...to make a necklace from these pieces. Two sides of the nest - which looks kind of like a bucket - will attach to a chain, while the little egg will gently balance in the middle of the nest, the top of the egg poking above the top of the nest. We'll see if it turns out as cool in reality as it is in my mind.

Still need lots of practice...but this could definitely be addictive. So many awesome possibilities!

Oh - have you checked out the new forums at Cloth Paper Scissors? Quilting Arts released their revamped site not too long ago - and now CPS has done the same. Stop by and check it out - it's a great place to meet other artists, make new friends, learn new techniques, and post some work.

xx,

Meet Mother Wackadoo

I've been on a creative streak. I started Mother Wackadoo a few weeks ago, then put her in my clay box and (accidentally) forgot about her. How rude!

After discovering her yesterday, I finished her up. It's hard to see, but pink Angelina fills the background in the top triangular hole. A triangular purple and gold cab is suspended in the lower hole. Mother Wackadoo has been textured all over her body with doodles. Her head is large because she always has a lot on her mind. The blue portion of her head is textured with large swirls, the orange part is striped, and each of her shoes have a small flower doodle, as well as tiny vintage gemstone cabochons. Another tiny vintage gemstone cabochon adorns her ring finger. We're unsure whether her socks are mismatched due to the haste in which she grabbed them (have to keep up with those kids!)...or whether the kids have her so worn out, she just doesn't care. She's also a little batty - but what mother isn't??

The 18g sterling silver wire is squiggled, demonstrating her frazzled nerves. Even though Mother Wackadoo is stressed, her face is remarkably calm. Has she withdrawn into her own world, resigned herself - and made peace with - living in constant chaos, or is this a look of catatonia?

Mother Wackadoo is made up of incongruous, disproportionate parts - but she's perfectly balanced. She is symmetrical and different at the same time; completely adaptable. Her outstretched arms indicate the handle she has on the balancing act of motherhood. At the same time, her openness - arms held out - illustrate her readiness - and her desire - to hold and comfort her children.

Her semi-gloss sheen is courtesy of Diamond Flecto Varathan Varnish. This shows her outer strength and protection. I think it's also Mother Wackadoo's attempt at presenting her best self to the world - she may be worn out, run down, stressed, and in need of a vacation - but, like mothers everywhere, she keeps all of that hidden under her shiny appearance.

She will soon be available for purchase - along with the rest of my art - on my new website. It isn't quite ready yet - but watch for information on this exciting new venture!

Have a fantastically creative week!

xx,

Let's Take a Trip

Since it's right after the holidays, and the economy in the toilet, I thought I'd gift you with a free vacation. This isn't some ridiculous contest, where you have to stand on your head while you drink a glass of water. You don't have to do anything - but enjoy. Please make sure your items are stored safely in the overhead compartment, your seat belts is securely fastened, trays are in the upright position...and make note of the emergency exits. Who would've thought I could afford to send every single one of my readers on a free vacay??

Ok, so it isn't a traditional vacation...but better. You don't have to pack any bags, do tons of laundry upon your return, or spend hours getting ready for a passport photo that you know won't turn out well. There won't be any worrying about what the person sitting next to you has in their underwear. (Unless you're into that.) No strip searches. (Again, unless you're into that.) You won't even have to deal with travel delays, screaming children (unless they're yours), or bad food. (Once more, unless you're into that.)

Nope...it's all good. I haven't scheduled you for any lame activities, you don't have to worry about the water, and there's no how-will-I-fit-into-a-swimming-suit stress. I can see you don't believe me...but you'd be wrong! I've spent some time on a couple of really great new blogs lately. So enjoy your vacation around the web - I hope you enjoy the sites as much as I did. You can thank me later.

Scrap Journal of Angela H: This is a great blog by a talented scrapper, for scrappers. Angela happens to have a fantastic giveaway going on right now - and you'll want to run over and enter. She's giving away a Paper Gator -an awesome tool from Around the Block. Trust me, you need one! Entering is easy - answer the question "What is your definition of a Scrapbook Diva?" - but do it before Friday (01.15), or your chance to win will be shredded.

Redhead Ranting: If you aren't familiar with this blog, your life is not complete! I've been an avid reader of Jen's blog for a long time now, so it isn't new...but it's always worth a read. A recent post, Inappropriate Behavior, cracked me up -. I can so empathize! I dare you to read the entire post - especially the second option of the Fix It Plan - without cracking a smile.

KV Creative Designs: What can I say about Kathryn's delicious blog? She challenges me to be a better artist, with all the wonderful things she comes across online. She's also having a fantastic giveaway to celebrate her second blogiversary. She's giving away some scrumdiddlyumptious mixed media art she made - and a little gift bag to go with it. Can you stand it?? Definitely a don't-miss destination!

I'm Just a Girl: This blog is getting ultra exciting! Margie is right at the entry of a fascinating journey - she has developed a line of the most delish papers, The Girls' Paperie. Even Tim Holtz is bragging about this paper fashionista - which is how I found her. Margie's line was picked up by Advantus and it's totally fun watching her undertake this adventure - and live vicariously through her! She's also giving away some things from The Girls' Paperie...before it debuts at CHA 2010!

SuzeBlogz: What can I say about Suze that hasn't already been said? For some scrumptious eye candy, you have to, have to, have to check this out - she even gives you a tutorial for it! Suze has been busy getting ready for Art Opera, where she'll be teaching. I'm totally bummed I can't get to NJ to attend - but seeing a sample she created at least gave me the chance to dream. So much talent packed in such a spunky package...I love Suze. She couldn't be any nicer, more accessible, or more fun!

Creative Characters: Natalie's site is fantastic. Superbly fantastic. Her dolls...her faces...her art! I could get lost in this woman's talent - and she seems to have so much talent that it oozes out of her pores. She is absolutely amazing - a definite must if you're creative or interested in amazing art. She also has not one, but TWO etsy shops...Creative CharacterS and ClotheSpinZ. Splendiferous!


Illustration Friday: Just a really neat place to check out. Every week there is a new creative exercise to challenge your creativity. There's no pressure, no strings, no nothing...but a great way to stretch your creative bones. Are you up for the challenge??

After all that creativity and fun, you're probably worn out. Wasn't it worth it?!

xx,