Pages 11/27/11

Since I've been feeling under the weather I've been doing small projects in front of the TV while I rest - ATCs, painting pottery and doing some finishing work on various small projects. I've had these Day of the Dead clay magnets in a box for well over a year, just waiting for magnets to be attached. I finally finished them up. Nothing like some brain dead finishing work while sick. One more small project off my list.

Pages 11/26/11

Here's the Frida ATC all painted with watercolors. I really like the way this turned out! (She looks a tiny bit angry though. lol)

Pages 11/25/11

Here are a couple of new ATCs I've been working on.  The Santa was inspired after watching the Macy's Day Parade. Christmas with a twist. The other Frida / Catrina card was inspired by a Mexican folk art compact I bought a few months ago. I've never done any other types of skulls besides traditional and I thought it would be cool to try some different styles that include necks and shoulders. I thought it might be interesting to try adding some personality as well.

Pages 11/12/11

Working on painting some small trays about 6" x 6". I used underglazes on low fire clay. These are in the kiln and will need to be overglazed with transparent and fired one more time. I think I like the contrast between the bright color and the simple black and white. I think I might not paint the center portion. Hmm.

Pages 10/26/11

Some recent ATCs I've made. Copic markers, inks and watercolor.

Pages 10/19/11

Treasures from the kiln. Check out the haul. :-) Opening the kiln is always big fun. Perfect firing, nothing lost, nothing needing to be re-fired. Getting ready for my show in November. Hoping to get in one more load before then.

Pages 10/18/11

Sketchbook spread and a couple of ATC doodles.

Pages 10/15/11

 Benicia old ship bone yard from the highway.

 Crazy refinery in Benicia.

 Restaurant in Marriot Hotel in Sacramento.

 Inside of old record shop in Old Town Sacramento. There were tons of records, pinball machines and jukeboxes.

 Vinatage concert posters all over the walls. I love Stevie Ray.

 Close up of Juke Box selections.

 Strange park in the middle of Old Town.

 I love the California rolling hills.

 Staircase in Old Town Sacramento.

 Heywood Building. Old Town Sacramento.

 On the road again. The clouds had this super cool pattern.

 Rolling hills in farmland, near Pleasanton.

Photos from our recent getaway to Sacramento. These were all taken with the Hipstamatic on the iPhone.

Pages 10/13/11

I've been ignoring my blog lately. But, I've been working on projects the whole time. Here's a selection of some things I've been doing. A couple ATCs. One was for a friend's family member who she sends copies of my cards to. She loves collecting them, and I thought it would be nice to make her a custom card with her name on. Also shown, my mini journal I have by my desk at work so I can quickly scribble in when I get a jones to draw. I use mostly highlighters and it's fun to limit the palette as well as the materials I use. Lastly I've been putting together more ceramic skulls for an upcoming show. I enjoy jumping around with different types of media. Makes it more interesting to stretch the imagination and my skills.

Pages 09/15/11

Been working on my journal lately. Here are a few finished pages for you guys to look at. I love journaling. It really gives me total freedom to work less mainstream. It's art for myself, not anyone else.

Pages 09/10/11

A few weeks ago my pottery guild had an open studios tour which I signed up for. Other members went from place to place to see how others had set up their studios. It was good because it forced me to clean up my enormous mess. (Mind you, some of the boxes on the floor got stacked in the back room, shh.) So, I took some pics to document that a. I *do* have work surfaces where piles if crap normally sit. b. I am able to keep it clean for 3 weeks and counting!

I didn't take photos of the pottery studio. I think it's clean too still. Maybe I better quickly take photos of that too before I cram it full of crap again?

This is the front room of our house, which in normal families, we'd have a big unused dining room collecting dust. My husband is pretty awesome. When I first moved in he immediately said, "This should be your studio". Really? Do you know I'm a pig? Really?

He's pretty awesome. I love that he accepts that I am a bit of a slob. I try to keep it contained to this room. *angelic smile*

Pages 08/01/11

Here's a snapshot of the final tip in page for my friend. 'She's Alot of F's ...'

Pages 07/28/11

Working on this tip-in page for a friend's 50th birthday. Size is 7X7. She's doing a 50th birthday journal and capturing her year. Hope she like this! This is the ink only version before adding color. I always scan after I do a black and white piece. I try to capture all stages of the design.