Mud Hound Studio

colorful venture

2011-07-30T17:12:00.000-04:00

stepping out of my box

by offering colorful ribbons in my etsy shop

and some old favorites in fresh new muted shades...

I hope you've been having a wonderful summer...

as for me...

family time and kids have been occupying

the bulk of my time...

though I am looking forward to

returning to my artistic endeavors

as soon as our summer schedule

begins to take a breather...

thanks for stopping by!

and the winner is...

2011-06-22T21:42:00.000-04:00

Elena of Bicocacolors!

Congratulations Elena and

many thanks to everyone who entered and

left such kind comments about the book

and my entry.

The deadline for the next zine submission

is October 31, 2011.

If you'd like to find out how to

submit artwork for consideration

visit Altered Bits here for all the details!

hot off the press!

2011-06-17T13:42:00.000-04:00

Alicia Caudle has just introduced her

first ever print issue of the

Altered Bits Mixed Media Art Zine.

Not only is Alicia an amazing mixed media artist

but her digital design will blow your mind...

every page is fresh and unique down to the smallest detail!

This dynamic work of art is available for purchase at amazon or at

lulu where you can choose either print copy or digital download.

If you'd like a chance to win a copy...
please leave a comment below and I'll draw a lucky winner
on Wednesday, June 22nd.

As one of the 21 artists featured in this exciting new book,

I am honored to have my work included...

In addition, I'm pleased to announce that I am the spotlight artist
with a personal interview and a few of my works highlighted.
I couldn't be more thrilled to have been chosen to
be part of such an inspiring project!

Many thanks Alicia!!!

summer whites...

2011-05-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

and blush blossoms...

gorgeous new recycled silk sari ribbons

have finally arrived

in shades of

white, ecru, blush, peach, ivory, bronze and cream...

now available in my etsy shop

inspired winners!

2011-05-27T21:42:00.002-04:00

A big thanks to everyone who stopped by on the

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Tour !

Congratulations to the following winners!

A) The Book - Inspired Remnants,Curious Dreams by Kerin Gale

Kathy Stone

B) One Aves power pack -

Gale from Vintage Green

C) Fluid Chalks Online Workshop By Lesley Venable -

Tina Jensen of Tiny Bear

D) Two digital collage sheets from Altered Bits -

Dena of Wilton Art

E) Sample pack of Silpak putty -
Lisa Gatz

F) One ounce ICE resin and a mixed metal bezel -

Kathyrn Dyche Dechairo of Dyche Designs

And Gaby Bee wins a copy of Kerin's new book from me!

Prizes will be sent to you directly from the product manufacturers

so please send me your mailing address @ jmozart1@msn.com

and I will make sure your info gets to the folks in charge!

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Blog Hop

2011-05-16T00:30:00.001-04:00

Come and join us for the

"Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams" blog tour

18 stops, 117 giveaways, online workshops,

amazing eye candy, new artists to meet and such fun!

About the book from Amazon.com....

"It's all about creating the curious. Inside this book, you will be introduced to 26 very unique and unusual stepped-out projects, each offering new techniques using epoxy clay. Two-part epoxy clay can be sculpted and manipulated in a variety of ways and is extremely durable when cured, resulting in amazing effects that are easy to achieve with no sculpting experience necessary! You will learn the basics of working with this new craft medium and then dive into the projects, which feature sculpted and molded epoxy clay inspired by and often combined with altered remnants. Projects include mixed-media pieces such as a small totem, curio cabinet, fish tank and lighting along with personal style and jewelry items fashioned in a curious, Victorian Gothic style."

Blog Giveaways

Every blog on the Tour will be giving away prizes to some very lucky winners. Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) will be awarded to US participants only. Access to Online Workshops and Digital Collage Sheets will be sent anywhere, worldwide. To be eligible, all you need to do is leave a comment to this post by May 26. Please note in your comment if you are a resident outside the US.

A) The book: Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams by Kerin Gale. This will be mailed directly to the winner from Northlight Books.

B) One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas) from http://AvesStudio.com. (This will be mailed directly to the winner from Aves Studios)

C) Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by Lesley Venable on her The Art Of Altering site which features many other awesome online workshops. More information about this workshop can be found here: http://theartofaltering.ning.com/group/fluidchalksbackgroundsbeyond

D) Two Digital Collage Sheets of your choice by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. You can see her unique and cool collections at http://alteredbits.com/digital-collage-sheets.php

E) Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak. This is the formula Kerin recommends in the book that has the longer cure time. If you want to order any of these materials or have any questions, call Jerry at Silpak 909-625-0056. He was her technical advisor for the book and so it’s great that you can talk to him directly and get any assistance you may need!!!

F) 1 OZ ICE Resin and a mixed metal bezel from http://www.iceresin.com/

Grand Prizes For Book Reviews

Any reader that writes a review ~ however short or long ~ of Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams on amazon.com before July 31, 2011 and sends an email with the title “Inspired Remnants Review” to remnants.art@gmail.com will be entered in a drawing to win one of these prizes. Please note that your honest opinion is wanted on this review. Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) will be awarded to US participants only. Access to Online Workshops will be available worldwide.

A) The art piece featured on the cover of the book, “Sacred Totem”

B) Power Pack plus extra Fixit Sculpt clay from Aves Studio

C) A Frozen Charlotte Doll with digital tutorial “How To Crackle Charlottes” from Alicia Caudle of http://alteredbits.com.

D) Resin Clay Pendants online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com

E) Vintage Gentleman online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com

F) Choice of any one workshop being taught by Kerin and Charley at Art Is You retreat in Petaluma, CA. The registration fee and workshop cost are both waived. http://www.art-is-you.com/mysitecaddy/site3/generalinformation-westcoast.htm

G) One copy each of Jen Cushman’s book, Explore, Create, Resinate and Susan Lenart-Kazmer’s book, Making Connections plus ICE Resin and a selection of bezels all from http://www.iceresin.com/

In addition, for my blog followers,

I will be giving away a copy of Kerin's new book.

The winner will be selected from the comments left below

and can live anywhere on earth.

Don't forget to visit the last few stops along the tour....

May 17
Michelle BernardYesterday’s Trash: http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18
Kerin GaleRemnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19
Facebook Party!Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

announcing...

2011-05-13T21:39:00.000-04:00

the winner!

BUNTY

Congratulations Barbara!

Everyone please stop by on

Monday

as I will be having another

giveaway

for my stop on Kerin's blog tour

for her new book

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams

like tulip-beds

2011-05-09T10:24:00.000-04:00

of different shape and dyes,

bending beneath the invisible west-winds sighs.

~ thomas moore

what better way

to start a monday and celebrate spring

than with a giveaway

of a bundle of lovely tulip colored

silk sari ribbons?

This is a quickie...

I'll be drawing a winner this Friday, May 13th...

Have a beautiful week!

flowers and fashion...

2011-05-06T23:48:00.000-04:00

a little spring inspiration for you...

silk fiber packs available in my etsy shop

It's a celebration and you're invited...

2011-05-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Kerin Gale's online tour to promote her new book about epoxy clay

starts today!

For all the exciting details about the book and the tour,

online classes and

lots of giveaways tune in to her blog.

Sixteen blogs will be participating in the tour over the next

few weeks with lots of exciting giveaways!

Stop by here on May 16th to enter to win a copy of

Kerin's new book and some other cool goodies too!

Blog Schedule

May 1

Kerin Gale

Remnants of Olde: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2

Alicia Caudle

Altered Bits: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3

Lesley Venable

Flatwoods Folk Art: http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4

Christine Lehto

Lilly Bug Studio: http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5

Seth Apter

The Altered Page: http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6

Nancy Perennec

Little Bit Wired: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7

Jen Cushman

ICE Queen Zine: http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 9

Beth Robinson

Strange Dolls: http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10

Brenda Schweder

Brenda Schweder Jewelry: http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11

Esther Verschoor

Vanessie Art Dolls: http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12

Kecia Deveny

Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy: http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13

Rachel Whetzel

A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal: http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14

Shannon LeVart

MissFickleMedia.com: http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15

Marlaine Verhelst

Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls: http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16

Lisa Jurist

Mud Hound Studio: http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17

Michelle Bernard

Yesterday’s Trash: http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18

Kerin Gale

Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19

Facebook Party!

Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

the moon has a face...

2011-04-29T23:08:00.000-04:00

like the clock in the hall;

She shines on thieves on the garden wall,

On streets and fields and harbor quays,

And birdies asleep in the forks of trees.

~ R. L. Stevenson

a primitive quilted fabric from the civil war era

provides the base for many layers and textures

hand stitched tiny treasures light up the night

a rusted bell with a secret hidden crystal clapper

and a driftwood hanger

textile art quilt

available in my etsy shop

bursts of spring...

2011-04-09T00:37:00.000-04:00

nature inspired silk fiber packs

available now in my etsy shop

cool and inspiring...

2011-03-24T11:54:00.000-04:00

stunning set of hand printed and hand dyed silk

stitched cards by Heike Gerbig

beautiful blue hand dyed textiles by Heike

delightful hand tatted gift from Suztats

my charming resident studio textile pup by Heike.

who is much less demanding

than this little guy...

who will not be having

studio privileges...

what's inspiring you lately?

snowdrops...

2011-03-06T21:27:00.000-05:00

saw these on the trail yesterday...

a subtle first reminder that spring is on the way

hope you are seeing some

delightful signs of seasonal change too...

presentation matters

2011-02-24T00:31:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has ever purchased an item from my shop

knows that presentation is an important part of the sale for me.

The manner in which you present your art

reflects how you feel about that piece.

It's also a nice way to show your appreciation

to your customer!

I like to send off my fabric cuffs in one of these little pouches.

It only takes a few minutes to put together and

makes the presentation so much more complete!

I start with a piece of unbleached parchment paper doubled over

with a strip of fabric sandwiched in between to stabilize the stitching

for my cover design. Once I've finished sewing down my logo and design

I line the inside of the envelope with bumwad (tracing paper)

and sew around the edges. I like to do this to prevent the

stitches from catching on the cuff.

Sew a strip of fabric along the edge...

fold in half and stitch the side and bottom together.

Punch a couple of holes through the fabric, add some ribbon

and you've got a neat little pouch!

the definition of serenity...

2011-02-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

if you've never visited the blog of

Carolyn Saxby

you are missing a real treat,

for it is a truly enchanting place

filled with her exquisite nature-inspired

textile art and photography

recently Carolyn sent me the most wonderful treasure

a precious handmade heart...

with the most extraordinary hand stitching and details

isn't it totally awe-inspiring...filled with elegance and tranquility?

I'd just love to vacation in that little cottage by the sea...

thank you so much Carolyn for such an inspiring gift..

sweet memories of favorite places and things.

stumbling into tumblr

2011-02-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Things

extraordinary

architectural

inspiration

of Konrad Olsson

the love is in place...

2011-01-28T18:49:00.000-05:00

a most favorite gift

beaten and recycled...

silver plate and brass leaf created

from a reclaimed jardiniere by Barry Smith

his generosity also included this most extraordinary

little copper bowl...

Barry is an Australian sculptural artist and metal worker.

These two phenomenal pieces were created by beating

recycled metal from discarded objects.

Each time I admire Barry's work,

the texture, details and designs take my breath away...

Wire Whimsy by Barry Smith. To read more go here.

" I like textured and 3D artwork; artwork that has layers and embeds history and messages in and on the material; artwork that takes used, forgotten and discarded materials and objects and gives them new life, new forms, new meanings. My art encourages the viewer to not only be uplifted by an appealing or quirky form; but also to look for messages and personal meanings in the art." - Barry Smith

Double bowl font by Barry Smith. To read more go here.

"Much of my work reflects themes of peace, meditation, nature

and our journey through our life and environment.

Where possible I use found objects and salvaged

or recycled materials in my work." - Barry Smith

Detail Shrine for Artist Blogging by Barry Smith. To read more go here.

Many thanks Barry for sharing your talent, inspiration and

creative wonders with the online art community!

a breath of fresh air

2011-01-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

simple

uncomplicated

design perfection...

Linnet, located in Kyoto, Japan is one of my

favorite online shops to visit for inspiration.

They have the most beautiful textiles...

"Linnet is a company that has been created by

the fusion of different skills partly by architecture,

and the other by art and design."

"The company was named after the bird's name

who likes to eat flax seeds,

which is the law material of linen,

as linen is our most favorite material."

Linen. wool. organic cotton. cotton wool

muted palettes and gauzy fabrics

natural fibers

linen waffle

linen canvas

linen hand crochet and tweed

I'm sure you can see why it's one of my favorite places!

Having purchased fabrics from Linnet, I can vouch for their

prompt customer service and quick shipping.

The prices are stated in yen, but there is a link on the site

for currency exchange rates.

enjoy!

the winner...

2011-01-18T13:27:00.000-05:00

revealed!

Suztats

please email me your mailing address

at Jmozart1@msn.com

and your creative stash will be on the way!

Thanks so much for playing everyone!

I have more so stay tuned

for other upcoming giveaways.

how sweet is this...

2011-01-16T20:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I received a package in the mail from

the talented and most generous Alicia

wrapped to perfection wouldn't you say...

too pretty to open so I had to enjoy it for a day.

i just adore the Asian influence...

finally i peeked inside to find...

the most adorable little altered journal book...

such tiny perfect details!

and this from a girl who claims sewing is a challenge

look at those amazing embroidery stitches!

such perfection!

a truly beautiful little treasure!

thank you Alicia!

on the heels of the clean up...

2011-01-14T09:56:00.000-05:00

comes a giveaway

fabric and trim stash

an 8 1/2" x 11 image

printed on fabric for transfer

you know the drill...

leave a comment and check back on Tuesday when

a winner will be announced

good luck!

seems as though everyone is doing it...

2011-01-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

tidying up the studio

organizing all the bits

putting everything back in its place

freshening up

ready to get back to creating

...how about you?

wishing...

2011-01-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

winners...

2010-12-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

revealed!

Many thanks to all who left comments...

I wish you all could have won.

If I was Oprah,

I would have given ribbon to everyone

but since I'm not,

I've done the next best thing and in the spirit of the season

selected 5 winners through random.org

so withough further ado...

#9 Love Stitching Red

#17 Dorthe

#29 The Feathered Nest

#52 Ludid

#56 Joanna B

If you've won, please email me

@ jmozart1@msn.com with your home addresses

so I can send your bundles to you!

who doesn't love ribbon?

2010-12-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

Well, If you don't love silk sari ribbon,

then skip this post...

Otherwise leave a comment below and on Friday morning

I'll draw a winner who will receive six bundles of ribbon...

5 yards of each.. as featured in my etsy shop.

a little creative inspiration for the holidays!

remembering...World AIDS Day

2010-12-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day...a day for remembering those whose lives have been lost and a time for recommiting ourselves to saving lives in the future.

"Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done."

"According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS."

HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. Most of today's youth have never know a world without it. Having worked for many years as a Development Director for an AIDS Service Organization, I have seen first hand the devastating effects of this disease. Strides have been made - but not enough.. the time is now to prevent the spread of this pandemic - through awareness, care, prevention, education and research. To learn more visit http://www.worldaidsday.org/

pulp wrap up

2010-11-08T19:59:00.000-05:00

My work in the Museum of Forgotten Things

is finally finished.

In true Alicia style, her Pulp Redux book centers

around a story she wrote

about a moonstruck deserted old woman

with a dreadful secret hidden in her past.

A sad tale of love and deception...

heavily textured and layered pages

of tattered textiles, worn books and distressed metals

illustrate the story of her heartbreak...

and her transgression

as discovered in her journal posthumously.

Now that my work is completed in this book it will

soon be jetting off to the Land of Oz where Kim Palmer

will be working her pulp magic in it.

pulp progression

2010-10-30T09:36:00.000-04:00

Silence must be heard...

The earlier photograph with my most

recent addition to Alicia's book

"The Museum of Forgotten Things."

The center spread..two of my most favorite

rusty finds are featured on these pages...

Right click on the photos to view the details.

Breathe

2010-10-23T11:22:00.000-04:00

the arrrival of spring or departure of fall?

free motion stitched piece

organic and tattered in nature

past and present elements include:

vintage Japanese hemp and cotton mosquito netting,

silk sari ribbon, silk fibers and yarns,

linen and cotton textiles, hemp fibers

tattered silk from a Victorian blouse,

brown ribbon trim from an old ribbon dress,

hand dyed silk

available in my etsy shop

just now

2010-10-19T12:20:00.000-04:00

using my new free motion foot

life sat waiting

2010-10-17T12:15:00.001-04:00

layers of old and new

woven together to create a sanctuary...

mixed media collage on vintage cabinet card

backed with antique photo album page

handmade nest from oxidized and steel wire

with curly grapevine and silver jasper bead

victorian silk lace and textiles

vintage Japanese mixed hemp and mosquito netting

hand dyed silk carrier rod

hand dyed cotton fabric

hemp fiber

silk straw fiber

silk leaf

shattered silk lining from a Victorian blouse

hand dyed silk from Gerdiary

hand dyed silk ribbons from Jo Wholohan

silk sari ribbon

available in my etsy shop

an awesome giveaway

2010-10-12T21:59:00.000-04:00

How great is this?

You could be the winner of these

gorgeous earrings by Mary Jane...

just go to the

love my art jewelry

blog to find out the details...

better hurry..

the lucky winner will be chosen on

Monday, October 18th!

another glimpse of pulp progress

2010-10-11T10:58:00.000-04:00

my work continues in Alica's book...

the museum of forgotten things...

a theme unfolds...

click on the photos to enlarge

Pulp Peek

2010-10-08T08:46:00.000-04:00

Sneak peek of the cover

of my contribution to

Alica's book

"Museum of Forgetten Things"

Sundays at The Altered Page

2010-10-02T08:04:00.000-04:00

Grab your cup of coffee and

head to The Altered Page on Sunday morning.

Each week Seth features exciting information and photos

compiled from a survey of the online art community.

The current topic is art vignettes

and tomorrow morning

a little corner of my workspace

will be included in the post.

an end and a beginning...

2010-09-23T10:29:00.001-04:00

a photo taken with my iphone

that set my theme

for the next round of

Pulp Redux

working in

Alicia's book...

The Museum of Forgotten Things

moo it forward

2010-09-18T18:20:00.000-04:00

do you moo?

thanks to mary jane i discovered and ordered some

of these adorable miniature cards with a 15% off discount

and you can too!

i love my little moo cards...it's so fast and easy to do

and you get to select and crop up to 19 images for a

box of 100 cards.

how fun is that?

and the winner is...

2010-09-16T16:47:00.000-04:00

#38...

selected by random number generator

which means

your're the winner

JOANNA BLACK!

butterfly story

2010-09-15T12:16:00.000-04:00

Recently, I read about a deeply moving project that

Trudi Sissions of Two Dresses Studio

is supporting and I had to join in...

maybe you will come along too.

Trudi is collecting handmade butterflies for The Butterfly Project.

Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston,

the goal of the project is to collect

1.5 million butterflies as a remembrance of the

1.5 million innocent children who

perished as a result of the Holocaust.

In Spring 2013 these butterflies will comprise a

spectacular exhibition for all to remember.

This is my contribution that will fly off to Trudi this week.

If you'd like to read more or participate in this project

you can read more about it here.

Butterflies can be as simple as a cutout image...

Trudi even supplies some templates on her site

if you're pressed for time.

one for you...

2010-09-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of the fall arrival here in the Northeast,

what better way to kickoff the season than to have a giveway?

So I've designed a little box of creative inspiration with some goodies

from my stash and some from my etsy shop.

You know the drill...just leave a comment with your email

so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner.

So without futher ado here are the goods...

Vintage laces, silk ribbons and lace, victorian beaded trim

along with some silk fibers and a silk carrier rod

all in a lovely fall color palette.

vintage mother of pearl cabochons, a crystal and

some sequined lace trim.

a well-loved miniature little leather library book

all neatly packaged in this little box I've embellished...

comments close on Wednesday night and

I'll draw a name on Thursday, September 15th

good luck to everyone and thanks for stopping by!

long overdue...

2010-09-10T19:37:00.000-04:00

This summer I was once again surprised by a wonderful package

of vintage delights from my talented blogging friend Nancy!

She is so thoughtful and generous and through her many travels

is always on the lookout for things I might incorporate in my artwork.

Although my thank you is long overdue, my enthusiasm has not waned

about the delicious treasure trove she sent to me...

lovely laces, brass finding and vintage hardware

Beautiful lace cuff with rhinestones and pearls, more lace trim

and brass findings and lots of those fantastic little metal brads...

more lace and trim, rusty hardware and those sweet little brads!

Many thanks Nancy...

and if you love out of this world amazing photographs

and art, take a moment and treat yourself to a visit to her blog

All Pulped Out

what's new and cool

2010-09-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

It's September, the kids are back in school and I am looking forward to getting back to blogging and creating new
art!

The past month I have been busy learning something
entirely different...metalsmithing...

I took an online class with Stephanie Lee that was very cool! The exciting news is that she is offering the online class again soon and registration starts September 8th. You can go here if you are interested in learning more. Stephanie teaches a lot of techniques...soldering, making bezels and chains, etching, patina, resin, casting solder to make charms...all can be transferred to mixed media as well as jewelry. Many of these techniques are not so easy to pick up without instruction. If you are looking for something new to add to your art.. I highly recommend this course...plus you get to use power tools! Her videos are all short.. 5 minutes or less and very informative and she is always available to answer the many questions she receives. There is also a yahoo group site where members can communicate and help each other.

Keep your eyes open for an upcoming giveaway here soon. I'm thinking some textile goodies for the creative muse...

by the sea...

2010-07-30T19:29:00.000-04:00

art quilt now on etsy

life in miniature

2010-07-16T23:07:00.000-04:00

art quilt portraying the tiny

dwellers of the tidal pool.

quilted and embroidered

entirely by hand.

all the beauty

mother of pearl buttons, seed beads,

freshwater pearls, linen and scrim

subtly suggested

curly grapevine, hemp and wool

with freshwater pearls.

antique silk fabric and

hand dyed silk fibers.

silk fibers and ribbons

rusty bell

mother of pearl button

available in my etsy shop.

textile pastry

2010-07-11T12:34:00.000-04:00

vernal resurgence textile wrist cuff

hand embroidered embellishments

and silk ribbons on a bed on antique lace

wire nest with silk ribbons, curly grapevines,

tiny beads and tiger eye bead...

inspired by the little mama bird nesting in my hanging plant

freshwater pearls, silk ribbons

silk french knots and ribbon flowers

antique victorian buttons

charcoal gray cashmere lining

available in my Etsy shoppe

and the winner is...

2010-07-09T07:27:00.000-04:00

sukipoet

please contact me with your mailing address

and the book will be off to you!

thanks so much to everyone else for playing!

time for a giveaway

2010-07-01T18:15:00.000-04:00

With summer activities in full swing there's no better time

to giveaway a great book...

something

inspiring to read

while sipping iced tea next to the pool...

Just leave a comment below and you could win a copy of

ETCETERA by Sibella Court...

Comments will close next Thursday, July 8th

and the winner will be posted here next Friday, July 9th.

...and a whole lot more!

Good Luck!

a little visitor

2010-06-27T18:51:00.000-04:00

I couldn't figure out what was going on

in the middle of my hanging plant until i turned it around...

to find out a sparrow had taken up residency...

she did a wonderful landscaping job with the moss

from my planters...

Over the course of the weekend the egg numbers have

dwindled from four to two and back up to four again

due to lots of predators...

Now she has finally decided to sit on them

rather than keep laying more.

she must be tired!

Oh La La...

2010-06-23T19:07:00.001-04:00

commission piece created for a lovely client

who is a retired French teacher

"one only sees well with the heart"

antique french letter from 1849

the piece as it appears when the letter

is removed for viewing.

merci pour visiter...

Something New...

2010-06-04T11:56:00.000-04:00

vintage style wrist cuff designed on silk

with handsewn antique and designer

textiles and embellishments.

fully lined with Zegna menswear cashmere.

available in my Etsy.

textured pulp sandwich

2010-05-25T10:46:00.002-04:00

I've finished my contribution in Kim's book
"Fragments, Vestiges and Remains" for

our Pulp Redux collaboration so the book is now
on its way back to New Zealand.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, for my part,

I've used the photography of Dorothea Lange to create a piece
illustrating challenging times of the
midwest migrant farmers of the 1930s...

On the left is a quilt I've assembled using recycled fabrics,
book bindings, vintage brass stencils and found flotsam and jetsam.

The star is a remnant from an 1800s quilt which I've reworked
and I've made a little book in the upper corner that contains a quote.

On the right is an an album I've designed using a pages and posts
from a repurposed album which I've attached into Kim's book.
The pages flip but the album cannot be removed as it is woven
into the pages of the book.

I've torn and aged the stack of pages that Kim has given me to

create depth and a layered effect below the album pages...

The album progression...

suffering and resilience

mothers and their children

the struggle to resolve conflict

in a world of human error....

I've included some text and quotes from "The Grapes of Wrath"

by John Steinbeck...a novel based on the lives and struggles

of a fictional family during these times.

The photo of the steer and the family are mounted on covered

foamcore...when the book is closed they fit together

like puzzle pieces providing an even layer of support.

To follow the Pulp Progression click here

Pulp Fragments

2010-05-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

A quick sneak peek at my pulp update...

At this point in our Pulp Redux collaboration, I am furiously working

in Kim's book "Fragments, Vestiges and Remains."

Previous contributions have all

been historical themes from the artist's homeland.

For my pages, I've chosen the midwest migrant farmers

of the 1930s featuring portraits of

human despair taken by Dorothea Lange.

I have long admired Ms. Lange so I welcomed the opportunity to

create a piece incorporating her extraordinary photographs.

Portraying the daily struggle of the dream vs. reality endured by these

farmers during one of the greatest environmental disasters ever...

These pages with photographs of mothers and their children

will be bound together as a book within Kim's book

so as to appear as an album.

more to follow soon...

windswept and tattered

2010-04-16T12:53:00.000-04:00

torn and tattered, vintage and recycled, bits of nature,

new made to appear old...elements brought together to create

this wildly layered heart mounted on

a well worn vintage cabinet card.

textiles and vintage haberdashery...menswear fabric,

silk ribbon, hand dyed laces, recycled tea bags,

silk fragments from a Victorian blouse,

tulle, hand sewn glass beads.

curly grapevine and a piece of slate from my roof...

vintage key with fresh water pearls and hematite

rusty found metal and salvaged clock remnants.

now available on Etsy.

1920s bathing beauties

2010-04-01T19:54:00.001-04:00

My latest series...

designed to look like a tattered page

torn from an old photograph album.

Lots of tone on tone layers, frayed fabrics,

silk, hand dyed lace, hand stitched details,

tattered bits and bobs...

Available on Etsy.

gift of friends

2010-03-31T21:48:00.000-04:00

Hearts, twigs, nests, friends...it's all good!

"A friend is a gift you give yourself"

New collage listed on Etsy

first crocus

2010-03-10T20:18:00.001-05:00

Where flowers bloom so does hope.

-Lady Bird Johnson

My Pulp Redux contribution to Through the Looking Glass

2010-02-28T12:11:00.019-05:00

the year was 1896...

poor Richard...

but time waits for no man...

did he die of a broken heart...

This is my contribution to the second page in my Pulp Redux progression of

Debrina's amazing book Through the Looking Glass.

This side tells the story of Maude's husband Richard
and his unfortunate death.
We never know the cause of death...so there's only speculation.
However, after his death, Maude takes her inheritance
and buys herself a much needed eye glass.
She then heads off to meet her lover Damien
in the city of Romance.

A side view shows the underside of my first page of
peeking out and a pocket for the watch.

These are two sides to a small signature piece I made
as a contribution to a book Deb created. In this book she
designed tiny collages to represent each person in the collaboration.

If you'd like to find out more about the Pulp Redux Collaboration,

you can visit the blog here.

OWOH Winners!

2010-02-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

The response to my OWOH giveaway was overwhelming!

Many thanks to everyone who stopped by and left comments

and to the many new found friends and followers!

Congratulations to the following winners

chosen by random number generator...

#1 Nancy of All Pulped Out

wins the fabric collage

#7 Dorthe of Den Lille Lade

wins the fabric bundles

#202 Rob of Creativ Spirit

wins the vintage hardware

A big thanks to Lisa Swifka for hosting this wonderful event!

secrets of being a woman

2010-02-14T10:42:00.000-05:00

mixed media fabric collage constructed on a frame

from inside an old photo album cover.

layers of vintage lace, silk sari ribbon,

muslin and tapestry embellished

with crystal beads and pearl trim.

beneath the quote are layers of vintage and discarded papers

including cardboard, tea bags, dryer sheets, text,

tissue paper and bird's nest.

it wouldn't be complete without a birds nest!

made from wire and mohair

i've tucked a tiny egg-shaped white turquoise bead inside.

this piece is listed in my Etsy shoppe.

one world one heart giveway

2010-01-25T11:57:00.003-05:00

One World One Heart was created by

Lisa Swifka in 2007 as a way to

bring bloggers together from all over

the world.

Last year over 900 bloggers

from 28 countries participated!

This year, I am very excited

to be taking part in this

exciting event!

I have three different giveaways to offer...

one of my collages made from

vintage fabrics and embellishments

twelve bundles of fabric...

perfect for altered book or collages

vintage hardware

and typewriter keys

the drawing will be held on February 15th.

winners will be chosen by random number generator.

all you have to do is leave a comment.

feel free to note which prize you would prefer and please

make sure that i have a way to contact you

either by email or blog link

if you win!

thanks for stopping by to visit!

enjoy the OWOH ride!

"Timeworn"

2010-01-22T11:41:00.003-05:00

frame built from repurposed barn wood

distressed and aged fabrics

vintage text and book covers

recycled printer's tray parts

brass printing plate numbers

quilt squares c. 1800s

antique mother of pearl buttons

vintage hardware and clock gears

fig twigs and white turquoise bead

beach rocks gathered

on the shores of Maine.

What could it be?

2010-01-19T12:42:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago,

I received a lovely package in the mail from

my friend Nancy of All Pulped Out.

It was quite a heartwarming surprise...just look at all the

wonderful goodies

she so generously sent to me!

all kinds of

fabulous text sheets...
vintage, chinese, german, music...

and loads of gorgeous

laces and vintage crochet pieces...

I just can't believe all the beautiful things

she sent my way! She definitely knows what

inspires my muse!

Thank you so much Nancy for such

a sweet surprise!

Hope for Haiti

2010-01-13T20:31:00.003-05:00

As you probably know,
Haiti was hit by a massive earthquake yesterday.

In an effort to raise funds to help the people of Haiti,
Deryn of Something Sublime is
generously auctioning off this gorgeous
piece of jewelry she has created.

The proceeds will be donated to Hope For Haiti,

a non-profit charitable organization.

Please visit her blog for more information or to place a bid.

Bidding will end on Saturday, January 23rd.

Pulp Redux Update

2010-01-04T13:03:00.007-05:00

Pulp Redux is an altered book collaboration between five artists.

You can read all about the project here.

For the last month I have been working on Debrina's extraordinary and brilliantly crafted altered book titled "Through The Looking Glass." For a peek at her book click here.

Deb has set the scene in her book through a journal entry written in January 1896 by Maude who is leaving London to meet her paramour, Damien. Her husband recently passed away and left Maude a substantial fortune. With this inheritance Maude has purchased herself an eyeglass (not considered a fashion accessory in her day) and is on her way to see the world with her not so secret lover now. Each of us will have a
chance to tell what Maude sees through her eye glass on her journey....

Keeping in mind Deb's love of tiny details, I have designed a page
influenced by the end of the Victorian era and
dedicated to the passion of the lovers...

the page is fairly thick with a few secrets

styled to resemble old luggage

inside reveals a removable calendar from the year 1896

she in all her glamour...

her locket...

with her secret inside...

Soon to follow...the flip side of the page

as the story continues...

Something for Everyone

2009-12-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

This has been an amazing year at KC Willis Studio. Wow. 170 students from 8 countries currently enrolled at her on-line workshop where she teaches the basics of her techniques and inspires you to new creative heights. http://www.collagecamp.ning.com/ You have never seen anything like Collage Camp!

After Collage Camp there's Mixed Media Mania where you take what you've learned at Collage Camp and learn about Altars and Shrines, Altered Books and Works on Paper. Fun stuff. http://www.mixedmediamania.ning.com/

And for those of you already making art and wanting to know how you take it to the next level and get yourself a regional or national audience, next week starts the super exciting Marketing Mindset. http://www.marketingmindset.ning.com/. Check out the Main Page and take advantage of the Intro Price which will only last until January 8th.

And if video workshops aren't your thing...how about KC Willis Live! Come take a multi-day class with KC in her very sweet Victorian studio house in Longmont, Colorado. Check it out at http://www.studioretreats.ning.com/

Lotta Snow!

2009-12-20T15:42:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the Northeast evolved into a winter wonderland!

It's been about 6 years since we've had this amount of snow.

However...our dogs are not so impressed.

Lots of shoveling and sledding fun!

World AIDS Day December 1

2009-12-01T11:26:00.008-05:00

World AIDS Day is observed December 1 each year and is dedicated to raising the awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. Most of today's youth have never know a world without it. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published national HIV
incidence (new infections) than showed much higher numbers than previous estimates. The time is now to prevent the spread of this pandemic- through awareness, care, prevention, education and research.

twigs and fiber

2009-11-29T09:37:00.001-05:00

layered fabric art quilt