Art Lesson - Surrealistic Collage

This was a lesson that I did with a small class of 2nd graders last week. It had been a while since I'd done this lesson, and it was a lot of fun. In the past I did it with K-2, and 8th grade. I think it is good for grades 2+. They really seem to enjoy it.

I collected some interesting images from magazines. This saves the kids a lot of time, and they don't get so distracted. Older kids of course can do the searching. I gave them at least 5 images and some markers. This group really loved the collage. I tried to encourage them to also draw, but a few really only wanted to use the magazine images... Oh well!


First, I had a little discussion with them about what surrealistic art is. I showed them the classic Salvador Dali piece, Persistence of Memory. We talked about art that is not real, what you see in your dreams, or imagination. I showed them a magazine ad that was very surrealistic and how common that style is in advertising. I also had 2 examples that I did combining magazines and drawing. This group was very involved in our discussion and that felt successful.


I was very please with the results. Most really got it. And except for 2 boys fighting over an image, it was a very relaxed time.


Most of the kids had lots of "crazy" and "loco" creations. One girl had her own unique idea and style. Very profound for a 2nd grader, huh?!

Busy Week - New Camera Bag

Yes, this week has been too busy, too many hours away from home, too much school! Yes it's all worthwhile, and important, but still I was longing for my home time!

I was able to sew a couple of bags this week. This one is a little bag that fit my camera so perfectly, I just had to keep it! My other bag was bunk, and kept opening up, letting the pricey camera fall where it may. This bag is sturdy, folky, and has nice texture with a little embroidery here and there. I love the feel of the French knots. This is a little print of a painting I did in 2002 which was printed on fabric.



This is the other side of the little bag. I love the vintage canvas style of fabric in brown with the paisleys. I've always enjoyed brown and blue together.

I've also got another little tote-style of purse which features a print of my little "Perplexed" Flapper. It's in the shop. It's in the colors of pink, brown and a little lime green.

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - nivenglassoriginals

I have an Etsy Pick-O-The-Week again! This time I've found an artist specializing in fused glass. I really love glass of all sorts, and at this time don't see myself getting a kiln any time soon. So I always admire creations of this sort.

The jewelry made by nivenglassoriginals are very creatively cute. I always enjoy a "diva brooch", and these are so chic, yet still so much fun!



I'm also drawn to the little chickadee brooch, because they are a special bird to me. You can find other delightful brooches and pendants at this shop, very adorable indeed!

Down From the Mountain

How wonderful to hear the rain gently falling on the roof through the night. Hearing that sound this winter means one special thing.... it's not snowing!

So we went off the hill to see The Spiderwick Chronicles which I thoroughly enjoyed. Wesley read 4 of the books in 2nd and 3rd grade. If your kids can handle a little scariness, and like magical creatures, then they should also love it.

Even So Cal can be a beautiful green in the winter...The hills were alive with the sound of GREENESS.



This poor little hummingbird was out even with the scattered showers. We don't have any of these little guys, or any greeness up on the mountain, and it was good to see all of it after much snow and cabin fever.



I have a bit of an obsession... I also got some delightful yarn for more crocheted items! Always fun!!

Art Lesson - Scientific Clouds/Imaginative Clouds

I did this lesson with Wesley's fifth grade class of 26 last week.

They were studying the weather, and magically on the Wednesday before the art lesson I got the idea while studying with Wesley for his test.

For the first part we used blue construction paper, and black and white tempra paint. (I also explained about "achromatic" and "monochromatic", just to throw a little art vocabulary in.) We talked about the different types of clouds - cirrus, cumulus, cumulonimbus, and stratus. I had some photo examples to look at. We painted the cirrus with a stiff larger dry brush, trying to make them as wispy as possible, just in white. Then we added a little bit of black to the cumulus. With the thunderhead, cumulonimbus, I tried to have them make a more contrasting cloud. The stratus was a little difficult to figure out, but it was basically more of a mix of grey.

This class hasn't had a lot of tempra painting lately, so I wanted to do some of that. And I notice they really still need to experiment with this paint. I did get them to mix more on the paper, instead of just mixing their pallette into a big mess. That was a good lesson for them. Although it seems that a lot don't know when to stop with the mixing, even on paper. A lot came up with more grey, no matter how many times I said to get clean paint and stop mixing once and a while. This is why I think they just need some more practice with this technique.

Wesley's turned out pretty good, and since he has a lot of experience in painting, he seems to know when to stop.



After the scientific part I wanted them to do an imaginary cloud. We even talked a little about what they see in the clouds as we were painting the first clouds, to get them thinking creatively about it. For the imaginary clouds I let them add one color to their black and white, making a monochromatic version. I first thought that I would give them a little guidance with this, but as I was handing out the colored paint, many were starting. And after the guided painting of the scientific clouds, I just felt they should be free to experiment on their own. Well I probably should've guided them a bit more during this. I did show them a version that I had whipped up, a poodle cloud. Because what's more cloud like than a poodle?

They really had some good ideas about the clouds, but I think they just had a hard time making these ideas transform from their mind onto paper. Or some would have a really cool looking cloud, then before you knew it, they had mixed the thing all up, completely changing the image. And usually not for the better. But I guess they were experimenting, and that is just as good for them. They did get more experience and that's really what they need.



I'm just so used to a lot of my projects coming out with a wonderful product. This was more process orientated. And kids love that. At least a few had a good product, as well as process. We adults just usually like the product to be good. And I think we should have fun with the process, forgetting the product, just sometimes!

A nice Convo - and Ban on Ebay

How wonderful it was to get a little convo from fellow Etsy seller, zJayne, yesterday. Jayne is selling this adorable little wristlet made of recycled t-shirts sleeves, and embellished with a t-shirt cutout. In one of her photos she shows the wristlet holding a couple of ACEOs. So Jayne had convoed me to ask permission to show my ACEO. Jayne bought "Mew-Donna" from me last year on eBay. Also shown is a fantastic piece of art from the amazing inkdot on Etsy. How cute to see the little bag being used to carry ACEOs, and mine being one of them!

As for eBay... Both of these artists I recognize from eBay. Did you know there is a ban happening right now on eBay? They've raised their prices again, and more importantly they are making it impossible to leave a negative feedback for a buyer. Well that seems very unfair, and while most people I've dealt with on eBay have been super lovely, I know there is the occasional rip off. I'd hate not to be able to leave a negative, if this was deserved. So I'm not buying or selling until the ban is over, which is Feb 27. My favorite contest, Nibble Fest has even postponed their event until after the ban. So if you like to participate in that, look for the entries from February 27 thru March 5. Luckily we have Etsy to find some fun things to buy!

Happy Valentines Day!

Finally I'm getting to my neglected little blog!

These are the annual handmade Valentines that Wesley made with my help. This is a Dr. Seuss inspired drawing that Wesley drew. We printed the design and wrapped 27 dark chocolate candy bars for his classmates and teacher. I think they are simply lovely little treats!

I'm trying to pull myself out of the dumps that I've been in lately. Personal problems and sicknesses, on top of the winter blues have just been wreaking havoc on my life. I've been unmotivated and depressed and my art, and life in general, has suffered. It doesn't help that we got some unexpected snow (about 5 inches) last night and today. Yes, we were in drought, and we need the moisture, but I've had to hike to my car about a block away all year. I'm tired of my car not being on my own property. But I feel I may be pulling out of this ... any day now.

I've got to go finish my PTA newsletter now, and get all prepared for an art lesson for tomorrow. I'm also so over the PTA, but the art lesson will be fun and the kids do make me feel better. Even though this is a brand new art lesson, and that's always some what of a learning experience, and could be hit or miss! Hopefully it goes well and I'll have some fun kid art to share soon!

Wow so sorry for the blues, but at least I've got a new entry, right? Hope your heart is filled with cheer!!

Illustration Friday - Legends and Tales

I'm getting my Illustration Friday entry for Legends and Tales done at the last possible moment of the week. Better late than never.

There are so many legends and tales that came to my mind for the theme. It was hard to choose just one to illustrate. I decided on one of the stories carried down through the ages of what happened to Merlin the wizard. Here we have the version where Merlin is trapped within a tree by magic.

I toyed with the other fate of Merlin for my illustration. In the other version Merlin impresses the fairy, Niniane with his magic by building a castle in the air. She learns of his magic and dances a spell to enchant Merlin. While he sleeps the fairies trap him in his castle in the sky where he lives, separate from the mortal world.

This is an acrylic painting done on an LP record. No need to frame, just hang on an nail through the center hole. They look wonderful alone or hung in a group.

-SOLD-

NibbleFest - 2 animals make 1

I was able to do NibbleFest this month! Yay for me! The theme this month was to combine 2 animals into 1. So here you have a "Bird Dog". He looks a little like Ziggy and a fancy rooster or peacock.

I hadn't listed anything on eBay since October. It feels exciting to have an auction up again, although I have to say eBay is so not user friendly anymore! And I hear people complain about Etsy not being user friendly. I like Etsy's interface much better. But the auctions are fun, and I love watching how they progress.

This is a little ACEO(2.5x3.5) watercolor and pen and ink.

And don't forget to search NFAC while there on eBay. I love looking at all the other entries, and they really came out for this one!

-SOLD-

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - colorada

How does it happen that you blink your eyes and a week has gone by since updating the blog?! Just busy-ness I guess, or is it plain ol' laziness? Me lazy? Never! (ha ha)

I've been planning on featuring this Etsy seller for a while now. I met colorada a few weeks ago in the Etsy chat rooms. Once I saw the shop I knew I had to choose it for a POW!

Aren't the colors, and photos gorgeous?



Here you'll find wonderful reconstructed clothing, bags and art. I always love clothing that has been revamped into a new, more exciting and unique creation! I like to upcycle clothing too, but it seems there is always some other priority in my life that must come first. So my ideas lie dormant in my head, for some day when the time and energy all mesh into a new invention.



I can see myself in this dress (longingly looking forward to summer dresses, barefoot in the yard!)

Oh, and she has an enjoyable blog too!

Secret Life of the Forest -PRINT

I've been trying to get a new print up for sale on Etsy each day. My newest is this illustration from 2006. It was originally made with pen and ink and watercolor. It was for a theme ... secret.

This is the "Secret Life of the Forest." I was influenced by the mighty trees that I live amongst. They are quite beautiful and stately and I just know they have a secret life that we humans are not aware of! That's why I get so sad when one is ruthlessly chopped down for toilet paper, or is killed by bark beetles.

They are amazing to live with, but can also be very frightening when they are being whipped by the wind! We had a bit of the Santa Ana winds this weekend. With them come my allergies. And more aggravation to my sinus infection. Well I've self diagnosed myself with this condition. I probably should go to the doctor, but I'm holding off a little bit longer.

That's one reason I'm having a hard time creating a new painting. Not a lot of extra energy, that and my time is always taken away by other things. Mostly volunteering. I really have to cut down on that soon, but I want to help my son as much as possible while his youth is with me. One day I won't have that, and I must do what I can now.

See all of my prints on Etsy here.

Pretty colors for your hands (and arms)

I've created more arm warmers for the new year. I completely sold out over the holidays, both on Etsy and around my town. That was helpful for my holiday spending. So along with making new prints of my art, I've also been doing some crochet. I've sold a new pair already, but I'm ready for more sales during this slow January.

I wasn't sure how the green and blue pair would turn out. I love this green and I liked the combo with the blue, but I thought it was going to be too bright. As I finished them I loved them more than I thought. I enjoy the colors, and sometimes our winter lives needs a little cheerful color! They were named "Beachcomber" because the colors are so beach-like to me.



I love this pair too. They have some wonderful yarn that adds this great texture. Wesley helped me name them "Oceanic Moon." I just can't decide which is my favorite!

On a related note, colorada from Etsy was kind enough to mention me on her blog, Delight::Destiny. That was a delight to see! She seems to like the arm warmers as well. That's nice. Go check out her blog for other good finds!

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - lunaclaydesigns

I'm far behind in featuring a wonderful Etsy seller. I'm trying to get back on track and tomorrow will be the true back-to-the-ol-grind type of day... Back to School.

Anyway look at this oh-so-fun teapot sculpture from lunaclaydesign! Is this fantastic, or what?! In this shop you'll find sculptures made with reclaimed/upcycled items combined with polymer clay. There is also some very whimsical jewelry. Lots of vintagey-retro stuff. Always entertaining to look at!



Her website is www.lunaclaydesign.com, and you'll find more interesting things there!

Bye bye for now, I'd better get ready for my early morning tomorrow... I hate routines!

Old Art - New Prints

One of my resolutions this new year is to sell prints on my Etsy site. I listed a couple in the print section of my shop today starting with this one you see here. This is "Spring Tea" a print from a little watercolor I did way back in 1991.

My dad gave me a bunch of high quality printing paper from his work. This paper is used in the printing industry, I just don't know what to call it. I hope that doesn't hinder my sales! I've got my prints listed for a little less than most prints over on Etsy, just for that reason. Until I get some other paper, I'll have to keep the prices at the low price. But really, the paper is a nice photo-type of paper of some kind.

I will continue to list prints of old and new art as the days roll on. I only wish I had scanned all of my sold art in a high resolution! In the old days of my life with a computer, I just didn't know what was best. So I've got lots of art that probably won't make it to 8x10 prints. Maybe they'll be good enough to make into cards or ACEO prints. We shall see.

Happy New Year!!

I'm just poppin in for my last blog entry of 2007! Just a little break from our little party to wish you all a good one!

It's cliche, but just where did this year go?!

So cheers! And have a drink for me! I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008, and let's pray for peace for our planet this year!!

Mural for Musical

One of the things that I did while in my blogging absence was assist with this mural.

My son's teacher asked me if I would help with the backdrop for the kid's musical/play. I normally would love to do something like this, but I had only wished it wasn't 2 weeks before Christmas! She couldn't have choosen a worse time to have to do a large project like this!

Luckily, the anticipation of it was far worse than the actual doing of it.

I quickly sketched some ideas at home. Got the large butcher paper from the school. Taped together four LARGE pieces of it (that was actually the hardest part since I had no help with it. This part would definitely be a lot easier with at least one adult helper.) Then I drew out the design. The kids came into the art room in groups of 5 and painted it. I supplied their pallettes. By fifth grade they should be over the incredible desire to just mix the colors into a big mess. Well most were, all but one!

We surprisingly got finished with just one session, each group coming to paint for 15 minutes each (27 kids). I quickly did some finishing touches like outlining with black.

It turned out pretty cute, I thought. And it fit in well with their "Brown County Fair" musical, which was based on tall tales of America. Nothing beats children singing and performing at Christmas time!!

An Exceptional Night, Leads to an Exceptional Sickness

Yes it's true, I, like so many others, have been sick!

On December 12 I had the most incredible night out, seeing the beloved Squirrel Nut Zippers! And what a night it was! Thanks to Wesley, we were able to go back stage after the show and meet them! We got pictures, and Wesley got some autographs (along with some little doodles.) It was very cool, and he was jazzed to share some of his sketch book with the band. They were very nice, and the show was so excellent. I'm ready to see them again. They've got to be one of my favorites of all time!! So many thanks go out to my bestest of girlfriends for the tickets!



I love this photo of Katharine Whalen, She's really looking at Wes, and giving him a smile! She always dresses so wonderfully, and her voice is amazing. Kind of Billie Holiday meets Betty Boop. I love it. I also always love Jimbo Mathus, the singer-songwriter-guitarist-extraordinaire. They are so much fun to watch, and dance to. I'll be looking for their return to the West Coast. Here's another good link to their unofficial site.

Anyway, because all of my allergies lately, and some complications from that, a simple cold became one of the worst cases of coughing fits I've had in a long time. I was having the worst tickles, and it lasted for the 12 days of Christmas! Finally, THE day before Christmas Eve I was feeling almost back to normal. Because of it, my Christmas plans were really skrewed up! I didn't get my cards out, didn't make the gifts I planned on making, didn't do all of my baking, didn't update my blog with lots of pretty stuff, etc, etc, etc. Oh well, sometimes you've just got to let things go, and accept them for what they are. You can't always be a Martha Stewart Christmas Wonder!

So I've got some updating to do on this here blog. Because some of the things that happened have got to be shared, if even for only myself.

I do hope that all of you who celebrate, had an enjoyable Christmas!!!

No Way!!

Cash Advance Loans

I saw this in blog land and just out of curiosity had to try it. While typing in my address I was thinking that I must be elementary school level. But no! To my honest amazement... My lil' ol' Blog's a genius!!

Their stats must be a little hay wire!

Sassy Elves and Sassy Windows

In yesterday's post I talked about my first real Christmas tree in a long time. What I was meaning was my "main" tree. I've actually had a small tree in my bedroom for a few years. I use to get a small potted variety. Last year I got this cute, retro style of tree in green, and added these cool purple-pink lights to my window. I've repeated it this year. I love the look!



I printed up some more of my Sassy Elf Christmas cards today. They're available at my Etsy shop. I must get my new design ready, carved, and printed soon... like tomorrow!! I thought I'd get it done today, but now it's pretty late and I've got some package preparations to do. Brad will have to do the mailing for me, since we've only got one vehicle shoveled out. Oh darn, I've got to stay home! I actually enjoy it. Some times I just need a break from the social scene at the school. Snow's a great excuse!

My Christmas Tree

The little storm from yesterday turned into quite a dumping! That made for a stay-at-home kind of day. Cold and beautiful!



We've been decorating a little at a time. I needed a tree topper so I thought I'd make one. I got this dove at my local thrift store. I cut the wings off and glued on just a piece of the wing.(The original wings were just too big, and the real feathers didn't glitter well) Glittered it silver, made a pink-glittered, Good-Witch-Glenda crown, and gave it a little message to hold. He looks rather stoic perched proudly at the top.



This is actually my first "real" Christmas tree since I grew up. In the past, for many years, I had a manzanita branch for a tree. I was suddenly ready for a change. I found it at the local thrift store. It was in an enormous box, and they just didn't want to put it together to see if it was complete. So what a score for me! The over load of ornaments works, and looks, way better than on the manzanita. A branch was fun and unique. But this new tree is very refreshing, and I'm lovin it!!