Tristan

And here is Tristan, Katelyn's brother, being his cute self. There are some words, written sentimentally, behind him, on the occasion of his recent 6th birthday. He has such a wonderful sense of humor. And his smile just melts your heart.

His name is hand-lettered and then painted or doodled in.

Lovely Little Princess

And here's another page that showcases my granddaughter, Katelyn (cousin to Addison). This was taken at her 7th birthday party. She is a sweetheart; can't believe she's 8 now!

The background is red tissue paper, stamped with foam stamps.

Little Miss Sunshine

I have a little art journal that is strictly for play and experimenting. I've had several of these, and each has its own unique personality. This one, which I just began a few weeks ago, seems to want to have photos in it. So nearly each page has a photo, or a copy of a photo, along with words and art.

Here's a little tribute to my granddaughter, Addison Rose. She is a huge dose of sunshine and I love her independent little personality.

"DreamPiece"

Here's a piece I just finished. I really like it; very different from anything I've ever done before. Very organic. The bottom stick is the broken end of my drumming stick (I drummed so hard once that I broke it. It was so therapeutic though that it was well worth it.)

This is a piece I "dreamed up." (Or did I drum it up?) It came to me during that state of sleep when I'm half-awake, half-asleep, in the morning, but not wanting to get up quite yet. That's why I call it my dreampiece. (Apologies to you, Tina, for stealing your art title!)

I really like the combination of wood, beads, wire, and fibers. It just has a such an earthy feel to it. Feels very comforting to me.

Good-bye Orioles......

've noticed since we returned from our trip to Wisconsin, that the Orioles have left. I expected them to leave by this time, but I do miss them. Their cheerful colors and bright songs are such a joy. We had many babies-turned-juveniles that visited our feeder this year, so hopefully they will all return here next year. They know where the oranges, grape jelly, and hummingbird nectar are now!

I wonder how far north they fly now? When we were in Wisconsin, I read an article about them in one of their tourist magazines, and it seems they are there also only in the Spring. So they must like cooler weather than that even.

Door County Treasures

Here are some of my finds from our trip to Door County. I fell in love with the birch trees, so I brought home a little branch. The two turkey feathers were discovered in a cute little shop in Gills Rock, for 50 cents each. That's where I found the lovely red hand-made box also. It's made with fine Japanese papers and has a reversible lid. The artist who makes them was actually there that day, just stopping in to chat.

The "rock" was an awesome find at an art gallery: Charlene's Studio Ten in Gills Rock. There were several rocks sitting in a pile, and I was reading the story behind the rocks, when the gallery owner suggested that I pick one up. So I did. It was so light! I loved the feel and the look of it. Then she told me to look closer. I wasn't sure what she meant, but after awhile I could see that it was actually a BOOK! The artist had carved and shaped books to look like rocks. They were incredible. So of course I had to get one! Also at this gallery, I got a pottery mug that is a beautiful ochre color and feels wonderful to hold (not pictured).

And I found a printer's drawer at an antique store, which will be great for a collection of mini-collages. At a bead store, I found some beautiful beads and some square pieces of metal that had holes punched in them. I was thinking of our Tin Ladies when I bought them, but who knows where they'll end up?

Also found an old yardstick. I have several of them now, and some day will find just the right idea for them.

The galleries there are marvelous, and I am so inspired now. My next big project is to design some sort of sculpture for our backyard that will commemorate our 20th anniversary and Door County. Phil can build it, and I can make it "artful." Such a team!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Here's another result of my crazy photo-taking! This time I took photos through a piece of sequin waste. I think it's so cool--even serendipitous--that I found a photo album on smilebox that also shows sequin waste. Even the song that came with this album is appropriate. So enjoy. (HINT: click on each photo to enlarge, then click on the arrow at the bottom to turn the page.)

New Piece: Glimpses of Home

Here is the end result of my "Toilet Paper Tube Photos." I cut each photo in a circle, attached it to a background page which had been cut into a larger circle, and then glued them onto a large board that had been covered with black gesso.

It was a challenge to choose which photos to use (there were over 50!) and then to choose an appropriate background for each photo. Lots of circle cutting. I cut ALL the photos into circles, and have several background circles left over as well.

I decided to call it "Glimpses of Home," since all the photos were taken in and around my house. Then I got to thinking--I could do a whole series! Glimpses of Nature, Glimpses of Family, Glimpses of Chicago, Glimpses of YouNameIt. (I'm starting to sound like Forrest Gump here....)

Anyway, it was fun to do. The shape of a circle is interesting. Imagine if that was the only way you could view the world--in blocked-off circles. Fascinates me.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Here's a digital scrapbook of our Art Retreat yesterday. A wonderful time was had by all, and the Creative Spirits were definitely present all around.