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

Mix It Up With Melange Challenge - FUN

Just got back into town after a long weekend of fun & sun to find this cheery prompt from the folks over at Melange On Etsy blog. This is a new mixed media group & each Wednesday they offer up a fresh word to stimulate the creative juices. To play along, simply add a comment HERE with a link to the FUN piece you have made.

This prompt reminded me of all the fun some lucky people are having in Pleasonton, California starting today. They are attending Convenzione ZNE through May 3rd and will be making lots of friends, memories & wonderful projects! (What is ZNE? It's an online gathering place for "mixed media & indie artists". To read more about my experiences with this creative community click HERE) Fabulous classes will be taught in a variety of media - click HERE for more info about the instructors and their artistic talents. There is also a Vendor Fair which is open to the public on Saturday & Sunday. Click HERE for more info & to get a coupon for $1 off the $3 general admission price.

To my fellow ZNE members: I know you are having a blast! Hope to see you next year !!

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The Party Continues! Happy Birthday to The Duke!

NY declares April 29 Duke Ellington Day
NPR & others ride the 1939 A-Train with The Duke Ellington Orchestra
Now that sounds like fun!