The Sketchbook Project

I just ran across this project on another blog, and I must say that it completely intrigued me! Through teaching, I have really enjoyed getting into the whole Artist Journal scene. I haven't been able to dive into it as deeply as I would like, but my sketchbook is totally my creative outlet!!!

There is something about the layering and the multitasking that fits my life so well! I can only do a little at a time, allowing me to complete the other thousand things my day entails, but leaves a special treat to go back to! :D

So, now that I have a little one, who is ALMOST here :D, I thought this project would be a fun relief from the day to day schedule.

Basically, I will be sent a journal that I can transform in any way I want!!! I chose the them "It will be fun, I swear." I have until January to complete my journal and send it back in for it to be part of a nation-wide exhibition! After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view. I can go there, and check out MY OWN BOOK! :D

The Art House site gives more details if you're interested, including:

Thousands of sketchbooks will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the US.

After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

Anyone - from anywhere in the world - can be a part of the project. To participate and have us send you a sketchbook that will go on tour, start by choosing a theme…

Again, I chose the them "It will be fun, I swear." I am really all about the fun! Plus, I figured this would be a great way to document this new stage in my life! So, what "chapters" do you suggest for my "fun" theme? I would love to have suggested topics to use to get my brain going. Any idea would be greatly appreciated!

Also, please let me know if you decide to join this project! You don't have to be an "artist!" I am just so excited to be a part of an exhibition, and to basically be published!!!

The Nursery

Over the years I have done tons of murals in other people's homes. I have adorned walls with pictures that will create memories and years of fun for their children and families. I have loved painting special pictures for them, but am so excited to have now done it for myself!!!

Although Tucker's nursery has many different elements, I mostly wanted a calm and soothing atmosphere. As soon as we put the glider in the corner, I imagined a tree to hang over us as we rocked, read, and snuggled!

Then, of course, a second tree seemed appropriate on the other side of the room! I love how the leaves blow over the changing table, too!
And, lastly, is his name canvas. Big A and I used Matthew 4:12 as his verse, since it was the same verse that Big A's mom picked out for him when he was born! Plus, the fishies match the bedding!

Please pardon my works space. It looks much better finished and hanging over the crib!

I just thought I would share some of the special details of Tucker's room! Plus, I will be available this fall to once again do custom murals! If you are interested, please email me now to book me for later! :D

Burp Rags

With Tucker arriving in about a month, I wanted to make some cute burp cloths! They were super easy, and turned out really cute!

I started with a 6 pack of Gerber 6-ply Cloth Diapers. I found mine at Target. I've heard that the 6-ply holds up better than some of the others over time.

Next, I chose my fabric, and cut it a little larger than the size of the middle section. If you're wanting to save some money, buy the Fat Quarters at a Quilting or Fabric store, and cut them into thirds. This will give you 3 burp rags with the same pattern!
Then, iron your seam allowance to the wrong side, I usually use about a quarter of an inch seam allowance.

Finally, place the fabric right side up on top of the diaper, pin, and sew around the edge. I used a zig zag stitch that went halfway over the fabric, and halfway over the diaper.

And, Ta-Da!
You can monogram or put an applique to snaz them up a bit! Mine haven't been monogramed yet, but they will be!!! Enjoy!

1st Soldering Class!

My first soldering class at Gallery 116 was so much fun!!!

Krissy brought in pictures of her parents, and her ornaments turned out so neat! I love the vintage look!
Everyone's projects were just so different!


For more information on the soldering class, check out the post below!

I will be teaching it one more time on July 3 from 5-7, and then will teach the Mixed Media class on the 13th from 5-7.

I will resume classes in late fall after I've had time home with the baby! :D

Soldering 101

I am offering a new class at Gallery 116 this summer!!!! I thought it would be fun to teach some basic stained glass techniques that allow you to make so many other different projects!!!!

In this class you will learn soldering basics, such as:

*glass cutting

*how to copper foil

*soldering with a soldering iron

You will leave this class with the basic knowledge of where to get the supplies needed for future projects, and the techniques to create beautiful artwork, such as:

*ornaments

*gift tags

*charms

*place cards/ party favors

**Each student will take home 3 ornaments!**

*Feel free to bring your own pictures, papers, and ideas, or use ours when you get here!

Class Dates:

June 21, 5-7 pm

July 6, 5-7 pm

Be sure to contact Gallery 116 to sign up for the class.

Mixed Media class

Tuesday night was a relaxing evening of mixed media making at Gallery 116!!! I had such a great time with Libby and Linda! Both stepped outside their comfort zone and played with the materials at hand!

In addition to doing collages, Libby also writes tons of poetry. She came with this part of a poem that she had written. The words had stood out to her because they contrasted so much with the rest of the poem, and she was able to create the visuals that went with it!
Linda works with fiber arts, and as we sat and talked, the "weft and warp" appeared on her canvas!!! Normally being drawn to greens, she has recently chosen her sister's colors and purples blues have appeared in her work!

Thanks, ladies for a wonderful evening!

Check out Gallery 116 for the summer schedule of classes to come!

Coming Soon!

I apologize for my recent absence! Finishing up the end of the school year is always busy, and especially this year with the preparations for the baby! ...Have I mentioned that I'm pregnant?! I don't think so! Well, come August I will have my greatest creation ever! ;)

I've been working on these pieces, and am really on a roll! Some of these are finished as is, and a few of them still have one more piece to add. I will post pictures of those when I am done.

I've always been a huge fan of texture and have enjoyed experimenting with it! The pine cones are my favorites :D
This piece below is gorgeous as well.
I love the shape of the wood, and it's hard to tell in the picture, but the paint has a very iridescent feel to it.