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I just received word from Seth Apter that I will be a contributing artist in his new book, The Pulse of Mixed Media. I am so thrilled! I have long admired Seth's work and his blog, The Altered Page. The book is due to be released by North Light Books on 3/2/12. You can pre-order it on Amazon, but I'll wait to see if Seth offers any autographed copies.
To find out more about the book go to Seth's blog.
Today, in between errands, I started a large collage project. This was inspired by some work I saw at ArtFest several years ago from a class taught by Anahata Katkin. Anahata had her students do large works on wallpaper.
The first step was to get the wallpaper taped down onto some garbage bags.
Then I applied two coats of gesso. I actually used a brush to save the roller for background paint.
Tristan could tell this was going to be a long project so he settled down with his favorite toy, Foxie.
I wish I had applied gesso to the back of the wallpaper also to help prevent rippling. Maybe after the piece is done.
Using the roller, I applied a coat of Americana paint in the color, Tangerine. Then I began pulling out collage papers to add to the piece. The face was cut from an advertisement. The body is a piece of paper that covered the work table in the studio. I liked the square shapes on it.
Then...it was time to fix dinner. If only we didn't have to eat.
More tomorrow...
I am experimenting with an idea this week. I have two lamps that need to go to my booth at the flea market. The lampshades on both these lamps are rather yucky, yet they are the perfect shape and size. So, not wanting to invest any more money in the lamps than necessary, I am experimenting with painting the shades.
I originally thought of using plain acrylic paint, but then I found this textile paint that stays a soft texture. It was really nice to use although the fabric on the shade sucked it up very fast. Thank goodness for a 40% off coupon at Michaels.
Here is the first shade on the refurbished lamp. I really like the look of it, however, when I turned on the light there were lots of places where the paint was thin. So I am going to give it a second coat of paint. I hope that fixes the problem of patches of the light shade showing through.
Have any of you ever painted a lampshade? What product did you use? Do you have any tips to share?
How many times have I said it: You never know what you will find at GoodWill.
I have been searching for graphic patterned pillows for our living room re-do. I wanted a touch of black to contrast with all the light background. I looked in all the department stores in town, even Home Goods, to no avail. It seemed I wouldn't find that just right graphic print.
Then one day I was browsing in the linens aisle of GoodWill and these NEW pillow covers were hanging there in all their glory. This particular GoodWill sells new as well as used merchandise. There were several styles of the covers, red, neutral, blue, but only TWO of the graphic black pattern. Well, I only needed two, so they were meant for me, right?
The fact that they are off white, not true white, makes them perfect for our living room since our walls and sofa are antique white.
The covers have a zipper closure which makes it easy to insert a pillow. I had two pillows, bought earlier at GoodWill for $1.00 each, which fit into the covers nicely. At first I wanted a tight fit, but after seeing these two together, I've decided the slouchy look is very comfortable and appealing.
And the surprising part? The price...$1.59. Can you believe it?
Yep, you never know what you will find at GoodWill.
Today's journal pages in FTB 1 journal.
Isn't this the sweetest picture of a dad and his son? When viewing vintage photos I often wonder about the story in them. This one speaks to me somehow.
I also love pictures of old ladies. Especially this one. No, she is not in my family. But I like her anyway.
Working intuitively like this in journaling is so interesting. And the best part is; there are no mistakes. You don't have to worry about getting things "right". It's all right.
I found these cute little lamps that would be perfect as night lights. I love the shapes and the gold leaf finish on them, but I hate the glaring white candle stick on them. Time for a re-make.
First comes a good cleaning. A paintbrush makes a great duster for carved detailed areas.
My big idea was to cover those white candle tubes with vintage paper. I was not worried about risk of fire with the papers because the bulbs in these lamps are very low wattage. Of course, French text always looks good, but what about using some music on them? Hmm...I like both patterns.
My assistant was no help with this dilemna. It's a good thing he only works for cookies.
Finally, I decided the lamps were detailed enough without adding in the pattern of the music. I think the more subtle text compliments them more. Time to get out the ModPodge.
Starting in the back, I applied the ModPodge to the candle, then wrapped the book page around it. I overlapped the seam about a half inch in the back. When the bubbles had all been worked out I brushed a coat of Modpodge on the outside of the covers to seal them.
It was a quick and simple make over, but I think it made a big difference in the lamps, don't you?
It has been raining here in central Florida today. And yesterday. Perfect rain. Falling steadily all day long.
Restorative rain. Falling like medicine being poured out on the starving earth.
Beautiful rain. Worth more than gold.
Flowing in the streets with its bubbling, swishing, slippery abundance.
Falling off the rooftop like diamonds from the hand of God.
It makes me grateful. It makes me pray. I pray for this outpouring in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. I pray God will send His beautiful rain on the parched earth. I pray He will once again restore balance to our land.
