12/20/12

Google celebrates 200 Anniversary of Grimms' Fairy Tales

Red's Winter Walk

Anyone hanging around here for long knows about my love of fairy tales & legends. Just wanted to share a link to Google's multi panel homage to the Grimm Brothers today. Seems it is the 200th anniversary of their famous fairy tales collection.

nicked from google

Click Here to visit the page where you can scroll through the story panels. Not your great-grandfather's Little Red, this one has been (cutely) sanitized for all ages.

12/19/12

WOYWDW 185 - a corner & a necklace


Only snapped a corner of my workspace on the fly today. Finishing up some Christmas presents, like this glass & wire necklace /earring set for a special someone (who fortunately doesn't read my blog). There are also some work-in-progress art tiles on the bottom right.

Curious about the other stuff peeking around the edges? The boy on the right is from one of my favorite artist's, Lisa Falzon. The wee colored corner that just overlaps him is a peek at a Nancy Lefko fabulous collages. Nancy mixes patinas, textures, text & vintage ladies a wonderful, whimsical fashion. Other odds & ends are mine.

So what is on your work desk today? I know it is a bit late, but if you feel like sharing snap & post a picture! Post a link over at the wonderful stamping-ground blog - show off your treasures, WIPs, or creative messes. Want to know what other folks are up to? Follow the link above and check out the 100+ entries over there.

12/14/12

Meet the Tampa Bay Etsy Crew


I had so much fun last weekend selling art at the Handmade Holiday Market (& will share some pics this week). Many of the vendors are also members of the Tampa Bay Etsy Crew, a wonderful group of creative types who are always ready to answer questions, share selling advice & dispense virtual hi-fives whenever needed. The best part about last week's market was  hanging out with these folks!

photo courtesy of TBEC & Kristin Hemphill

While you can find members over on the Etsy Team page & the TBEC facebook group, be sure to pop over to the crew's website TampaBayEtsyCrew.com. The first member profile is up so you can get to know  Kristin Hemphill from LocLava.etsy.com a bit. And with over 800 team members, there are many many more artist features to come!

Do you live in Tampa Bay and like to shop local? Or do you live in the region, sell on Etsy.com but not a member yet? Then here are some links for you:


12/13/12

Adam Sandler - Hallelujah


for all my friends & fam in NY

12/5/12

WOYWW 183


What is on Your Work Desk Wednesday? I'm making a mess!


Embellishing & matting prints for this weekend's Handmade Holiday fair at Tampa Upcycle.

more market info at this link

To show off your desk today or check out some others, click here & visit The Stamping-Ground blog for a list of fun spaces.

12/4/12

Smoke & Mirrors


mirror mirror




Here 

Gathering odds & ends for this weekend's Handmade Holiday gig at Tampa Upcycle. I'll be hanging these lovely ladies (originally created for the last summer's Poisoned Apples show), plus lot of other goodies. If you're in Ybor City Friday or Saturday pop by The Roosevelt 2.0 & check out the wares from 40+ Etsy.com artisans. Click Here for Details

11/22/12

Black Friday Sale


Getting a jump start on Black Friday with 20% off everything sale in my ArtSnark etsy shop.

Black Friday Cyber Monday ANNABEL LEE original watercolor painting brass pendant necklace, Edgar Allan Poe inspired
Annabel Lee watercolor painting pendant with chain

 Plus ACEOs, jewelry and large canvases have free shipping worldwide.

Black Friday Cyber Monday Dark Angel Bettie Page original drawing of classic pinup girl
Dark Angel original pinup drawing 

Please note that all orders will ship Dec. 1st. 

Black Friday Cyber Monday ACEO Red Riding Hood & wolf print of original mixed media artwork
Red's Walk ACEO

Happy shopping & best wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving


Today we are thankful for friends, family, 


.... and too many puppy kisses!


Best wishes to all!

11/10/12

Mixed Media Masks for the Hurricane Sandy Charity Auction

Secrets & Lies - mixed media

The Pulse Charity Auction for Hurricane Sandy Relief is still going strong! As of 7pm (EST) tonight the 10 fabulous bundles of original art, art books (some signed), online workshops & other creative goodies has brought in over $2200.00 to help folks affected by that terrible storm!


There is still time for you to get in on the action! Bidding continues until Sunday 11/11 at 11:59 pm (EST).  As of this post, high bids for each bundle range between $65 - $375. This is a great chance to take home a wide variety or artsy goodness... while helping people in need. All proceeds of the auction will go to The Mayors Fund To Advance New York.


I've donated this set of mixed media masks, originally made for the Poisoned Apples (Snow White themed) show last June. They are made of Papier-mâché, thread-inclusive papers, Polaroid Emulsion transfers, ribbons and paint. They are included in Bundle #10, along with wonderful pieces by talented artists Sharon Payne Bolton, Katheryn Dyche Dechairo, Seth Apter ... plus a signed copy of Seth's latest book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists. 


Each also holds a secret inside. 

Somewhat fragile, these life size masks are mainly decorative. They could be displayed on the wall, or even in front of a mirror.... if you want to give the world a glimpse of what is going on inside.

C'mon - click here to check out all of the fun stuff up for auction. (By the way, the 2 drawings I  contributed are in Bundle #7). There are great photos of the goodies plus links to the artists & authors who created them. And, who knows, you may even find a few things that want to come home with you.

11/9/12

IF - Tree

charcoal on newsprint

"We are back at the foot of the great narrative tree, where stories can, as if by a kind of natural magic, go anywhere...." - Roger Sale

Quick & dirty sketch and post today for the Illustration Friday challenge "Tree." Click Here to visit a forest of takes on this prompt. Be sure to add your own if you feel inspired.

Have you checked out The Pulse online art charity auction for Hurricane Sandy Relief? There are several awesome bundles of art, art-books, how to DVDs & even online workshops up for bid. I donated two charcoal drawings to Bundle #7, which includes pieces from 3 other artists. There is also original work from Angela Cartwright, Sarah Fishburn, Pam Carriker and many more contemporary artists for sale. 100% of  proceeds go to charity. The auction is hosted by Seth Apter's Altered Page blog &  ends Nov. 11 ..... so pop on over super-quick!

11/8/12

Win Art & Help Folks In Need

Face Forward
charcoal & mixed media self portrait

If you hang around here or have popped into my Etsy shop, you may recognize this set of self portraits. Each original drawing measures 8"H x 6.5"W. Materials used include charcoal & conte on paper, embellished wooden frames, and vintage brass jewelry bits & cogs. Both are wired and ready to hang. And ... they can be yours.....

Don't Look Back 
charcoal & mixed media self portrait

... if you are the winner bidder of Bundle #7 at The Pulse Charity Auction for Hurricane Sandy Relief.



These drawings have been donated to Seth Apter's online auction. It is a great way to add to your art collection, while helping folks in need. All proceeds of go to The Mayors Fund, to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. 

Seth is a New York City artist/author who wanted to do something to help the many people affected by this destructive storm. He has collected creations from some of the artists included in his book, The Pulse of Mixed Media:Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. These works have been grouped with art-books & even online classes into "Bundles". So, if you win a bundle you get all the goodies in that package.

Each bundle is being auctioned off separately over at The Altered Page. This auction closes at 11:59 pm on 11/11 so hurry over and check out all the goodies. Info on how to bid is there as well.

The lucky winner of Bundle #7 will take home five original pieces: the 2 drawings above as well as 1 handmade book from Leslie Marsh, a mixed media collage from Jill Zaheer, and an encaustic piece by Lisa Jones Moore. Click Here for photos of these wonderful works & links to the artists.

11/6/12

The Pulse Charity Auction - Win Art while helping others


One of my favorite contemporary artists/ authors, Seth Apter has pulled together an auction to aid NYC folks affected by Hurricane Sandy. There are several items up for auction, including a copy of Seth's latest book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists revealed signed by 30 of the artists featured.  



There are also other art books / DVDs. As well as original works by Seth, Pam Carriker, Joanna Pierotti, Linda Woods and many other creative folks who just want to help out. The auctions are in themed bundles, so the auction winners will receive prize packages loaded with goodies!

"100% of the proceeds will benefit The Mayors Fund to Advance New York City.  Donations will support immediate aid needs - including water, food and hygiene supplies - as well as long-term relief and restoration efforts. One hundred percent of donations are being dispersed to relief organizations and their efforts." - Seth Apter

What can you do help? 



If you want to bid on any of the bundled items, instructions are in Seth's auction post. Please   note: more bundles are being added as the donations roll in, so be sure to check back.

Spread the word! Know any artsy folks? Send them a link. Remember this is for a great cause!

By the way, I have submitted a couple of pieces. When they are put up for bidding, I will post photos & links here so you can check 'em out.

10/24/12

What is on your workdesk Wed.

studio scribble

For WOYWW this week.... I've got nothing, not even a desk. It has been shoved aside while I try to declutter my room. Need to add some more storage & while this looks awkward with the desk so close, I'm thinking about recreating an arrangement that I pinned a while back.


This photo is borrowed from the original source, The Smith Nest blog. As you can see, she lined 3 skinny IKEA Expedit shelving units against the wall. One is turned & the side has has been altered with Chalkboard Paint (I'm guessing). 

IKEA Expedit

I flipped the photo & started scribbling. The big white piece in my doodle is a window & the grey mess is supposed to be the metal art hanging system.  

My room is small and this set up could be a bit ungainly. But it will also require the least amount  of rearranging furniture. Someday I'll probably get some burly guys to put my ginormous computer cabinet in that corner & then  replace it with a grand-daddy sized expedit or something nicer.

Still thinking... Any suggestions?

10/23/12

Congrats to The Dude!

The Magic Momentary Man of Moments 
Congratulations to the Big Guy! 

His school announced the winners of the PTA's "Magic of a Moment" challenge & this colorful mixed media painting received 2nd place in the 3rd-5th grade visual arts category. Now it goes on to the county competition. Way to go, my man!

10/18/12

We have a winner! The 100 postcards go to....


Many thanks to everyone who entered the latest PrintRunner.com giveaway! Today's lucky winner will  see their very own design printed on 100 free postcards. So, with help from random.org lets get this party going..... drum roll please.... and today's winner is ......


....still drumming.....

Rachel from 

Congratulations, Rachel! I will contact you with directions for claiming your prize. 

Sending a big Thank You to Print Runner, the sponsor for this fun random drawing! And again, thanks to all who left a comment & entered this giveaway. It is your interest that keeps the prizes coming. 

Be sure to pop back next week for a new artsy-craftsy giveaway announcement. If you like working with your hands, this might just be the prize for you. Until then wishing you a creative day!

10/17/12

How To Get What You Want

mixed media artist, author and life coach Lesley Riley


How to Get What You Want

sage advice from Lesley Riley
I used to, no, I still get excited when I read a quote or a phrase that directly or indirectly alludes to the magical workings of the Universe or the many other names it goes by: God, fate, Allah, Law of Attraction, Buddha, the divine.
It does not matter what name we give it, but I know for certain that there is some force that is bigger than us that is running this whole operation we call life on Planet Earth (and beyond.) I'm not sure if it is the wisdom that comes with age or the fact that I am living the life I was meant to live (my purpose, as some would call it.) But each and every day, without fail, I see, feel, know, or intuit this force operating in my life. And I'm thrilled beyond words. I'm also in amazement, wonder and gratitude.
In my role as the host of Art & Soul Radio I get to interview a lot of artists. One thing that has been coming up lately in a lot of the interviews is that they too are noticing the very same thing.
So, as is my usual modus operandi, I want to know why. Why do some experience this and not others? It appears that as much as it seems out of our control, in reality, it is something we ourselves create.
It is a result of three very simple actions:
1) Stay true to your heart
2) Take action on your dreams
3) Believe that you will get what you want
I am the first to admit that while the actions themselves are simple, simple does not mean easy.
It's hard to follow your heart when you keep running into roadblocks or there are money issues.
It's hard to take action when you don't see any results or you are worn out from the day-to-day.
It's hard to believe that you will get what you want when all you ever get is problems.
But here's the thing. Here is what I have learned and know to be true.
You have to do all three actions in order for the Universe to step in.
Not for a week, or even a month, but every day. As a way of living. The Universe does not operate on our timetable. You have to prove yourself time and time again. Easy quick fixes have no place in this game called life. You have to know what you want. Take forward action and believe that it will turn out just right.
And guess what. Just right isn't always what you think it is. The Divine has a better plan for you than you could ever conceive. Knowing that I can ride the down days. Knowing that there is something good in the works for me is incentive enough to keep me plugging along even when I feel like giving up.

Snap Out of It by Mary Engelbreit

Just like in a "real" job, you have to show up every day in order to get the rewards. Creating the life you want is a real job, too. And it's not always easy. To be honest, occasionally I will take a day off to wallow in self-pity when the going gets rough and I'm really down. We all need a day of rest from pushing that boulder up the mountain. But wallow is akin to doubt so as Mary Engelbreit put it so beautifully, I "SNAP OUT OF IT."

But I promise you, if you keep pushing, not only will there be rewards along the way, but you will see that the view from the mountain top is well worth it.

And then you will go looking for another mountain to climb.

Posted with permission from the author. Lesley Riley, The Artist Success Expert, is the creative founder of Artist Success, Solutions for the Struggling Artist. To receive her bi-weekly articles on creating your own success as an artist, visit www.ArtistSuccess.com.
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By the way, 10/17 is the last day to enter PrintRunner's random drawing for 100 Free Postcards printed with your  awesome design! Leave a comment on this blog before 1 am (EST) on 10/18 to enter this great giveaway. Winner will be announced here tomorrow

10/16/12

Art & DIY Book Destash begins


Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler

The Great Book Destash continues.... 

I've been downsizing my house this year and have given away at least 100 books. Plowing into my art room now and decided to reactivate my ebay shop. Starting with books, I will be adding new items every 3-5 days. Everything is priced to sell with bids starting as low as 25 cents. Each auction will last a week.

Altered Art Techniques for creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards, and More

Anything that doesn't sell will either be added to my Etsy shop (at higher price) or donated to the local library. So... get em while they are hot!

Today I've listed an assortment of how-to art books, photo/art history books, writings by the Dalai Lama, and a collection of erotic literature - I had to spice the list up a bit (winks). 


By the way, if you are over 18 and a US resident don't forget to enter Thursday's random drawing. One lucky winner gets 100 custom postcards printed with their own design from PrintRunner.com! To enter just leave a comment on my blog before 1 am EST on 10/18. Click Here for details

10/15/12

Music Monday - King of Spain & The Pack A.D.

Hello, Monday. 
Where did you come from?


Somehow I am already behind this week, so it is another post-and-run this morning. Right now I'm chilling with King of Spain while pushing papers. Click the link above to have a listen to their tune Motions on soundcloud. (please note: it opens in this window tho so you'll have to hit the back button to return.)


Got my wake-up jolt earlier from The Pack A.D. Just to let you know (in case you've got kiddos in the room) there's lots of arm flailing & punching in this video. Great tune tho.

Looking for some more Monday music? Pop over to XmasDolly's - today is a freebie so there will be a big-ole variety to listen to. 


Photobucket
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Quick note: last few days to enter Thursday's random drawing for custom printed postcards. Click here for details. Or just leave a comment to put your name in the hat.

10/8/12

Musical Monday - Turn up the radio!


Popped over to Xmas Dolly's and found that this week's theme is "songs that make you 'turn the radio up' You know, songs you can only listen to on 'High Volume'."  Swwweeet!

(this one is quiet at 1st but the chorus/bridge requires a good crank-up). 


.. like an espresso for the ears..mmm..mmm...good

....must turn up at 35 sec mark....

"Egyptian Pharoahs fell from the sky & played the blues:... somehow this makes sense on a where's-my-coffee-Monday-mornin'.


Looking for some more ear-candy? Pop on over to Dolly's and have a listen. 

Photobucket

Never know what you'll hear over there. If you're in a sharing mood, post your own and join the hop!


Sorry about the crazy formatting - Blogger is misbehaving again. I'll try to clean it up later.

B.T.W., if you haven't entered the new random drawing (goes off Oct 18th) be sure to leave a comment. if you're over 18 & reside in the USA you are automatically entered to win 100  Free postcards printed with your very own design from PrintRunner.com . Click here for details

10/5/12

Illustration Friday - Mirror

telescoping mirror with miniature eye painting

Mirror is the new prompt from IllustrationFriday.com this week.  Another inspiring one! 

I'm disappointed that I haven't had time to make anything the last few weeks... and this one looks no better. So, I'm cheating & sharing this old mixed media altered mirror.


The mini eye is painted with acrylics, ink and metallic paint. It is secured to a telescoping mirror. These were a lot of fun to make (& play with). Pretty sure I have another unaltered one around here - I'll have to keep an eye out while sorting through the scary mess of my art room.


Well, time to run. Hope you have a wonderful weekend & if you are inspired by "mirror", be sure to  share your creation with everyone over at Illustration Friday.

You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul. - George Bernard Shaw

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By the way, have you entered the latest random drawing for 100 custom printed postcards from PrintRunner? Leave a comment before 10/18 to enter (US residents only, sorry international folks). Click here for details

10/3/12

Pinterest is a small world after all....

untitled photo by Deb Schwedhelm
Spotted this fun (but unattributed) photo on Pinterest. Love the pic but one of my pet peeves is sharing visual images without proper credit*.... so I went digging. 

Luckily the image was linked to the photographer's, (Deb S) flickr account. Poking around there led me to the evocative images on her website http://www.debsphotographs.com/. The "about" page had a picture of this talented artist, Deb Schwedhelm. Here's the small world part - her son used to talk Lego with mine at the walkers pick up spot after school. It really is a small world!

* Now, I will admit that I have gotten sloppy regarding re-pin attribution too. ( & apologize for this). But I try to give credit when I can. While http://images.google.com/ used to be my go to place for identifying original sources, nowadays so many leads link to uncredited pinterest or tumblr pages that it has become a challenge to give credit where it is due. Questions for you:Do you use pinterest, polyvore, tumblr, etc? How do you deal with the uncredited artist problem? Do you have a favorite source search? 

10/1/12

An Embarrassment of Riches

my closed door- don't say I didn't warn you

I've been griping for years about how my "studio" - a bedroom converted into a craft room - has become an uninhabitable boxroom. Too many years of Don't know where to put it? Chuck it in and shut the door. The time has come to put on my big girl panties and dig in.

peeking in...Beware. Here Be Dragons....

I'm sharing these embarrassing photos to give myself a final (shameful) kick in the keister.  Hey, they'll make great "before" pictures eventually. (You know, that unfinished blue painting has been sitting there since 2008 or so - sigh. I have my work cut out for me.)

Can you spy the remains of the last foolish brave visitor?

To help keep me on track, I've signed on for a fresh round of Beth Dargis' Declutter Club. (Psst... You can get her free Declutter Calendar here). My task this time around is to turn this soul-sucking  disaster into a creative space. 

my desk is under there... somewhere

The extra accountability & support really do help; with ideas and encouragement from Beth's group, I have purged a unbelievable amount of excess from the rest of our house and office in the last 6 months.

boxes from failed attempts to get organized

However, my space now reminds me of the infamous Dorian Gray's portrait (via Hoarders)... as the rest of our space grew beautiful, my room became more hideous and corrupted. 

closet - perhaps I can wish it bigger??

To be fair - this is totally my fault. So, taking a deep breath and wading in. Wish me luck. If you don't hear from me in 6 months, send for backup.

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Before you run screaming from my torture chamber, leave a comment to entered my Oct 18th random drawing for 100 custom printed postcards from PrintRunner.com. Click here for giveaway details