Happy Birthday, Mr. Wells!

H.G. Wells 1907

Considered by some to be the father of Science Fiction, the imaginative H.G. Wells would be 143 today. Shame we haven't created the time machine yet - we could all go back & have a grand party!

National Geographic has posted a fun piece which looks at his ideas: 10 Predictions that have & haven't come true.

Last month I wrote a post about how much I have enjoyed rereading the works of Wells this summer (seeking details for a new Author's Box). If I'd been thinking, I'd have finished the box today.

Instead I went with a blend of Mixed Media Monday & Maternal Spark's Weekly Muse (formerly Monday's Muse).



Mixed Media Monday's prompt today is Metal/Metallics. Visit that blog's comments for links to some wonderful creations. Even better, add a link to your own interpretation.


In addition to asking "What inspires you this week?" the Weekly Inspiration presents a number of thought provoking questions today including "If you find yourself pushing something away, be it an idea or an object or a color, stop and examine why you’re doing this?"


These 2 topics prompted me to get to work on some of my unfinished toys. While I enjoy drawing, I really love tinkering. Lately, it seems I can hardly find the time. The ideas have been piling up in my head like the famous newspaper stacks that smothered Langley Collyer. Actually, so have the supplies. I could make a tin man with all the metal bits I have stashed away.

For the last year several half-finished projects have been stacking up. Why? Excellent question. I'll over-analyze it later tonight when I can't sleep. In the meantime, I managed to complete these 2 pieces

My contribution to Mixed Media Monday this week is 2 altered telescoping mirrors. I took these cool gizmos & secured tiny art to the mirror backs. These little pieces are surrounded by metal rings marked with the words Focus & Imagine. The tiny art is protected by a thick glaze.

Just in time for Halloween. Use them to peek around corners to see what goes bump in the night. Perfect for cosplay or looking for the monster under the bed.

Hopefully I'll get them posted to 1 of my etsy shops this week. ArtSnark is looking cluttery to me but SteamDreams is almost empty & supplies-heavy just now. I will have to think on it. Any suggestions?

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By the way, 2 random drawings will be happening here on Thursday. Click through for details:

1 winner receives a custom printed 18" x 24" poster from Uprinting.com - US only

The 2nd winner chooses 1 print from Koniver.etsy.com - Worldwide

Things slowly come together

It was not like the beginning of a journey; it was like the beginning of a dream

I'm so happy to have come across this line in The First Men On The Moon by H.G.Wells tonight. After 30 years, I've returned to his wonderful stories in search of a catalyst for his author's box. As soon as I read that line, things finally clicked.

On the aside, I can't remember the last time I've enjoyed reading this much. While exploring the Island of Dr. Moreau, The Invisible Man & The Time Machine, I've been returned to an earlier time in my life when everything was fresh & new. I was probably about 10 when I first read Wells' books. Some of my earliest TV memories are of Claude Rains as The Invisible Man, Charles Laughton & Bela Lugosi in 1933 The Island of Lost Souls and other early adaptations of his works. I remember how thrilled I was to find there were books that came first... in my local library - woohoo! One thing that strikes me years later is how accessible the stories are. Unlike other pieces written in the 1800s, the language is clean yet riveting - with just enough adventure to keep a kid's interest.

At last I have a line to focus on. Now the box can slowly form itself in the back of my mind while I find the time to build it....

On another note, I haven't had much free time this week. Still playing with the Melange prompt Archetype when I get a few minutes here & there. The pic at the top is a sneak peek. Here's a another one:


If you want to see some cool interpretations by other artists, click HERE & check out the links in the comments section. Or add your own if you want.

I finally got a grip on Illustration Friday's prompt, Impatience, tonight. Another fun challenge, but I've been struggling with it. Finally came together in my head but only had time to lay out a few lines on canvas. Sorry about the bad lighting.

I hope to finish these before the challenges roll over (Wed & Fri.) but who knows what, ehem, distractions (work, family, sleep) will have to come first.... Wish me luck!

Just a couple notes:

15% off sale in all 3 of my Etsy Shops this weekend. If you're into art & jewelry start at ArtSnark's Artifacts. There's also free shipping on ACEOs & books. In my shop's "announcements" you will find links to my 2 supplies shops, as well as a list of Melange Team Members who are also having a 15% off sale all weekend.

Plus if you would like to be entered in this Thursday's random drawing, just leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) 8/13. 1 lucky winner gets this piece of art, Alice with Tulips. Contest is open worldwide with free shipping.