Coloring Outside the Lines

Lover's Lane

2012-02-09T20:16:00.004-06:00

I had a discussion with my sister about this painting since I always ask what the favorite house is. She picked the house with the hat and I was surprised. A conversation ensued about how there's always that house in the neighborhood that just doesn't fit. In this picture we decided it was that one, but that was her favorite just for that reason. She wanted to know why I put a Halloweenish house in the picture. I just wanted it to be a regular street with all the unique qualities of my two other streets. I guess I achieved that. Any favorites???

No Self-Control

2012-01-30T17:16:00.004-06:00

It's the end of January and is 68 degrees today. What a wonderful winter we have had so far. I don't want it to end. I spent last week cleaning and pseudo-organizing my studio. I am so happy in here today that I could just sing! CHA is going on now and everyone is abuzz with new product and new inspiration. I am enjoying watching it from afar. One day I will get there.

I had a fun group over yesterday to do some resin jewelry and we had a great time. It was a good way to brush up on my techniques and see friends at the same time. They made some awesome jewelry and were quite pleased with themselves since they were novices. It will make a great class. Stay tuned for more information on that later this winter.

Today, hearts were on my mind. I promised I would wait until February 1st, but I have no self-control. Hearts are amongst my favorite images to use. This canvas piece will go to someone far away, yet always in my heart. I hope she enjoys it. More hearts to come.....of course.

Back in the Saddle

2012-01-18T18:01:00.002-06:00

Well, it was time to head back in the studio to get some work done for my upcoming classes. I love playing with paint and fibers and never seem to get tired of it. I do like the change to the black glossy that also repels the paint, making interesting patterns. It's fun when these new ideas freshen the whole concept.

Oh, and American Idol starts tonight. I might have to have a feather back in my hair.

UPCOMING CLASSES:

January 21: For Keeps Sake, St. Louis
February 25: Stamp Your Art Out, Cincinnati
March 18: Wood Icing, Chesterfield

2012

2012-01-14T17:04:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year ....... My daughter went back to college in PA today for the first gymnastics meet of the season. I hope she is healed too. There is no one that deserves that more than she. (OK...maybe a few others but I would like to put her on the "catch a break" list). She'll be a great supporter of the team, but just wants the healing to continue so she can be an active participant.

She is already missed, but now I have the to-do list that I needed to have started last week including de-Christmasing the house and getting back to some serious studio time. We had a terrific holiday in PA. Family time is so important and it's nice that Jim and I both have family in the same area. I am the proud owner of a Vagabond and some wonderful Sam Toft prints. I now have a collection of sorts. They make me happy.

As far as art news goes, I do have upcoming classes in the St. Louis area and Cincinnati areas. I will be teaching resist techniques at For Keeps Sake on Saturday, January 21st. It's my first time teaching at this store and what a glorious store it is. On Saturday, February 25, I will be returning to Cincinnati to Stamp Your Art Out for two classes. And finally, on Sunday, March 18, I will also be marking my first time at a wonderful art gallery in Chesterfield called Wood Icing.

Come and see me and make some art! It's great for the winter doldrums.

ART of the Word

2011-12-16T14:01:00.003-06:00

It is December 16 and nary a card has been addressed, nor cookie made, nor package wrapped, BUT....my Stampaway classes for next August are done and in the mail. Now I can get to the Yuletide preparations. Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone. I hope there is joy in your world through the season and in 2012.

We will be reunited with our collegiate daughter on Tuesday, so naturally we are very excited to be spending the holiday with her in PA and then back here for an unexpected couple of weeks. May the merriment ensue.

Through the Looking Glass

2011-12-11T21:06:00.002-06:00

Well from watermedia printing to resins.............and nary a "made" or "bought" Christmas card in sight yet. Sigh...... December is always a swamped month with classes due here, there, and everywhere. This weekend was resin weekend. Again, thanks to Nancy's wonderful introduction to resin and the terrific Ice Resin site itself, I am finding my way to incorporate what I like to do into wearable jewelry. I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with. Now it's on to more painting....those gingerbread houses await, more class preparation, and cookie making. YUMMY!

Look for my local classes here in January at For Keeps Sake, in Jan or Feb (TBD) at New Art Legacies, and a foray to Cincinnati at Stamp Your Art Out on February 25th.

Crunch Time

2011-12-02T21:18:00.007-06:00

I've been playing with watermedia prints for quite a few years, yet when asked to do sale artwork, charitable donations, or even try a new class at a new store, it is my go to process. What I never ever remember is how long it all takes, so even though I thought I was on schedule through the first two days in the studio, my studio time yesterday amounted to 22 straight hours (45 minute frozen dinner break). During that time I listened to 10 episodes of Supernatural from last season, Terminator 2, Will and Grace, a Lifetime movie with Diane Keaton doing meth, the X Factor, and infomercials galore. I also heard tons of Christmas commercials and promos for all the new movies coming out around Christmastime. In the meantime, I was knee deep in fibers, metal powders, watermedia, both Golden and Sue Rothamel's wonderful Mica Color palettes (vintage my new fav) .I was also knee deep in the creative process so much so that at the end of the 22 hours I was tired but also at peace because I love so much what I do. Now, if I could just start a few days earlier next time there is a deadline. Note to self.

I am attending the opening of a new store, New Art Legacies, in Fairview Heights, IL tomorrow where all 22 pieces will be up for sale. I also am teaching the class next Friday for those who want to venture into making their own. It's a busy time of year, but a relaxing class that would be great for Christmas gifts. That will be my last class of the year, but I will be at For Keeps Sake on Saturday, January 21, doing my first class at their store. Things are definitely happening. Now I need to get someone to just help me decorate my house for Christmas!

Open House

2011-11-15T21:19:00.002-06:00

I have finished my second in a series of whimsical street scenes and have titled this one, Open House. While I was working on this painting, my mind wandered into the insides of each of these unique houses. What would it be like to tour them? I love going to open houses and seeing the decor, the mood, all the touches that owners put of themselves in them. I think most of the houses on this street would have interesting touches that would reflect the whimsy of their owners. Regarding the house styles, clearly their are no zoning laws in effect since almost any flight of fancy can be built. Enjoy your view of my new street. As always, I have a favorite and a continuing theme.

Halloween Couture

2011-10-27T20:52:00.003-05:00

I've been fascinated with witches' hats and shoes for the longest time. It must be the umpteen showings of Wizard of Oz during my childhood. It was always a family fest each year when it was on. I DID NOT LIKE the gargoyles at all. So once again I dipped my toe into painting but kept the theme more whimsical, which seems to be my bent these days. I sort of pictured the forest as a store of sorts for witches to go and pick out and try on their hats. The pumpkins were brought in to keep the hats from the forest dirt. Again the colors in this painting were largely done in a subtractive manner and detail added with Pitt Pen. I do like the white areas that show imperfection throughout the painting. At my sister/mentor's suggestion, I am developing a signature of sorts. If you look between the two paintings, there will be some commonality. I'll comment later after you have had a chance to figure it out and comment.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011

One Big Toe Outside of the Box

2011-10-20T18:43:00.000-05:00

Fall is here and the hearth and home have started to take priority for me. I have the first floor of my house 85% clutter free and have both myself and my husband on a short leash to keep it that way. The canines are not cooperating but I just try not to look at their scattered toys around the floor.

Many people that know me well know that I am obssessed with houses. Whether it be on Tumblr, Pinterest, or in my home decor, I am attracted by houses of all kinds, and, of late, the quirkier the better. A few years ago I dabbled in some drawing with Halloween buildings, but once I was done with them, I put that thought away. One of my goals after I got Sammi off to college was to pursue something I have been afraid to do for a long time...to paint in a representational style. I can put together images (as in stamping), printing, abstract painting (to some degree), color play and feel fairly good about it. I know as a child in some kids' art classes, I enjoyed painting, but as I headed towards adulthood, I lost my way. So, I put myself to the test and decided since I am always touting to do things that are different than what you usually do and play, yada...yada....yada...., I decided to paint. Houses seemed to be what I wanted to paint again, so I set about it two weeks ago. I wanted to capture the time the sun starts to go down but often (at least here in St. Louis) you can start seeing the stars and sometimes the moon. So yes, that orange partial ball is the waning sun. Yes, the houses are quirky and somewhat whimsical. I'd love to hear if you have a favorite house. I do. I'll tell later on if I get some responses first. The actual canvas size is 6 x 12" and my medium for this one was heavily watered fluid acrylics applied in a subtractive manner. The detail was done with an assortment of Pitt pens. Thank you for visiting my street. I think there will be more streets coming. Stay tuned and remember to tell me which is your favorite house!

Boo!

2011-09-29T14:22:00.002-05:00

OK...I've gotten autumn under my belt with pumpkin coffee and a mantel that still love to go by and sigh. So....this weekend it is Halloween decorating and planning for the month. In that vein, I played today with my go to image company for Halloween, Rubbermoon. It was a fun project.

How to's: I covered a canvas with Golden's Titan Buff Fluid Acrylic and then dry brush spotcolored it in a linear motion with quin burnt orange, pyrrole orange, quin nickle azo, and oche. I took a 2" square clayboard and stamped the image on using Black StazOn. I then colored the image with the same acrylics and set aside. While waiting for it to dry, I stamped the sentiment on the background with StazOn and painted a piece of aluminum foil with nickel azo and another piece with black to make a small frame. A few strands of black fiber and it was ready to be assembled. I think she is quite festive.......

Autumn in St. Louis

2011-09-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

Fall arrived at the Curry household yesterday. I spent the morning decorating my fall mantle with everything from white pumpkins to feathers and copper glittered curly qs. I am quite in love with the bit of seasonal whimsy dressing up my family room. Meanwhile, the temperature hovered today in the low sixties so I brewed myself my first pumpkin spice coffee of the season and finished these Halloween tags for an exchange. Harlequin designed papers combined with subtractive paint technique in the same pattern made for a neat vintage look for the largest tag. I found an old Rubbermoon image for the Tim Holtz ticket and combined it with a Tim Holtz clear acrylic tag stamped with a newer Red Lead phrase to finish this tag series off.

My classes are now set at Stamp Your Art Out on Saturday, November 12. I will be teaching Rock 'n Roll: Brayered Surface Design in the morning and then Kaleidoscope, a watermedia printing class, in the afternoon. I am looking forward to my return to my old home store and some Cincinnati chili while I am there.

Ice Ice Baby

2011-09-03T21:01:00.001-05:00

OK...so my only kid is in college fourteen + hours away and what have I been doing??? I took a class!!! I know that sounds kind of ordinary, but I haven't taken a class for more years than I can remember. And, (drum roll) I actually followed the teacher and made the project that I was supposed to. For those of you that don't know..... I can get very distracted in class. Usually it is a good thing for me because I've been inspired to go in a different direction, but it is not a good thing for my drawer of unfinished projects. Oh, back to the class. Well....I wandered down to a wonderful store south of St. Louis, For Keep's Sake, yesterday to check it out for local teaching and saw Nancy Wethington's samples for her Ice Resin class. Now I did know about the product, but until yesterday it was in the nether regions of my mind. I was lucky to snag a late spot in the class. So excited was I for the class that I did two pieces of art from my scrap bin last night and off I went today. That proved to be a good thing because I was able to complete four resin pieces total. Yes, props to me for being prolific in class. Nancy was well-prepared, enthusiastic, and generous with her tips, techniques, and humor. The process itself is not difficult, but it was so fun making more art with the filled class and meeting new people. My dogs are the only ones who wander into my studio at home and they don't seem to add any meaningful value. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I have now bought enough Ice Resin to play with in the fall and several more seasons. What a wonderful day.

First Week Pseudo Empty Nester

2011-08-31T14:25:00.003-05:00

Well, let's see. Jim is out of town and Sam is in PA so that leaves me and the two canines. I've gotten so many things done on my list that I needed to do all spring and summer. It's been wonderful having the endless time to get them done. I even fit in a rush hour movie yesterday to reward myself. I found myself in a theater seeing "One Day" with a 60 year old man. Interesting to say the least. I've still got plenty to do to get caught up, but I feel like I've put a dent in some things.

Happy almost Labor Day.....I think it is the Japanese Festival again for us. It will be strange without Sam but we can send her pictures. Also, I am working on my classes for Stamp Your Art Out on Saturday, November 12. More to follow on that. Come see me in Cincinnati.

Summer's Over

2011-08-19T17:18:00.004-05:00

There has been a long drought here for many reasons. First, Sammi graduated from high school and the summer has been spent preparing for her nest-leaving. We leave to take her to Ursinus College in Pennsylvania on Monday. And yes, I will survive..... I think. We also wanted to spend time with her so we took her to England. What a wonderful week we had in late June-early July. I finally got to step foot onto the Wimbledon grounds, but the Cotswolds stole my heart. It was a trip I'll never forget.

Stampaway was last week in Cincinnati, and I was happy to debut a new class called Painterly Pizazzz. I had 25 enthusiastic students and my wonderful friend, Deb, helping me. I also got to stay at her house and had the best time.

So what am I going to do with the rest of my life now that Jim and I will be pseudo-empty nesters for nine months out of the year? Well, I am going to start teaching again so if you know of a store that would be interested in me, drop me an email. I begin again as of now in November at Stamp Your Art Out in Cincinnati, my old home store. After that, who knows........

I also want to pursue my own art at the same time so you may see some things finally posted from me again.

Happy dog days everyone.....

Beginnings and Ends

2011-05-29T22:57:00.004-05:00

This week marks the end of Sammi's years of high school and new beginnings for all of us as a family. By summer's end, Jim and I will be partial empty nesters as we adjust to her being at Ursinus. These four years, marked by our third return to St. Louis, have flown by as wise people told me they would. My focus has been on getting her ready for college, getting her through gymnastics seasons, and adjusting to increasing freedoms and responsibilities. It will be this week that I will take stock on how we've done...... in between the appreciation luncheons, field days, awards banquets, and, of course..... graduation this Friday. The artwork to the right is my annual gift to Barat Academy.

Anniversary Surprise

2011-05-18T21:27:00.002-05:00

We received a wonderful anniversary gift from our graduating senior today. What a fun video to reminisce to. It's been a hectic couple of months since I posted. We're caught up in senior moments, college decisions, traveling for gymnastics, sick friends. I can honestly say I haven't been in the studio since March. Things will slow down after graduation and I can get back to being Nancy. But I can never get back this time with Sammi so I am taking it without any guilt.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T21:53:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and healthy special day tomorrow. I was treated to a beautiful bouquet today and a 5"7" Epic Rose from Ecuador. It's my second year to receive the tall rose from Jim. I loved the one last year and if memory serves me right, it lasted a couple of weeks. Not too bad for an import. I included a picture of it and two of my three men. The other dog, Bogart, was sleeping but Tucker was pretty docile in Jim's arms.

We had a wonderful weather weekend so finally the ice and snow is starting to melt. What a treat to have the ice gone from our driveway. It takes so little.....

Electrifying

2011-02-07T12:59:00.002-06:00

Electrifying can mean so many things. I spent another weekend watching gymnastics and that truly is electrifying especially when you see two "10s" given out. In fourteen years of competition, I have never seen a 10. But electrifying to me is also seeing my nephew Jon's photography. He is a natural and last week during the storm took a wonderful macro video with his camera of a melting snowflake that I found "electrifying" in it's simplicity and rare view. When I went to do my inchie, I chose between "joy" and "memories" to showcase the word. It was a tough choice for me because I do find memories electifying when they just pop into your head out of nowhere...good ones and bad ones alike. But the most electrifying feeling I have felt is pure joy so that won out. Enjoy........

Mirthful

2011-01-31T13:54:00.002-06:00

It is interesting that mirthful is this week's word and I am experiencing the worst weather of the winter so far. I am less than mirthful right now. My dogs that just slid about 8 feet on the icy patio are feeling even less so. But, as they say--the show must go on. I have a confession to make. I hate clowns and am terrified of them, however, I have a fascination with jester's hats. I make no sense sometimes. Actually, truth be told, party hats of any sort. Linda Malcolm at Lost Coast Designs has at least two wonderful sets of party hats of all sorts and then another must have set of wild animals with party hats. They are definitely for those with eclectic tastes and were perfect for my mirthful Every Inchie Monday theme. Enjoy......

Maudlin

2011-01-24T07:43:00.003-06:00

Every Inchie Monday day again.....the week rolls around really fast. This week's theme was maudlin. I couldn't figure out my interpretation until I saw about 10 minutes of Beverly Hills Housewives or whatever it's called. They were bemoaning their youth and they looked stunning. My inchie idea came from that. It's always interesting where ideas find their beginnings. Enjoy....

Snow Day

2011-01-20T14:34:00.002-06:00

An unexpected gift of a snow day and I got lost in my studio. Dreams do come true sometimes. This is a piece for my oldest friend in the world that I've found again. I feel so lucky to have made that reconnection since we spent a majority of our time together during elementary school. He was my other half.

Birds of a Feather

2011-01-18T13:35:00.004-06:00

I am back in the tundra of St. Louis after quite an eventful trip to the Tampa, St. Petersburg Beach area for five days of gymnastics bonding. This was our fourth year to travel down with Sammi's team and we had a great time, although the weather could have been slightly warmer. Fun was had by all. This season is still surreal since it is Sammi's last under USAG rules so each meet is bittersweet. It was a fun time for her since she had uninterrupted team time and also took home the all around award for the meet after winning bars, beam, floor, and taking second on vault. Add to that the camaraderie of the team, team parents, coaches and just generally the gymnastics world and you come up with the first reason I titled this entry, "Birds of a Feather." Gymnasts are a different breed and those in that world with them all have to stick together. I would guess it is that way for any high level individual competitive sport as well. Well, we did all stick together and it was a memorable time.

I worked on my inchie for the word caring today. I didn't have a clue what I was going to do until I was in front of my bird feeder and saw a male cardinal putting seed into his female's mouth since she couldn't get up to the feeder (the restaurant was quite crowded). Hence, the inchie I made for caring has a pair of birds and the titled phrase. I spent quite a lot of time watching the bird interaction and found it quite amazing.

Powerful

2011-01-10T14:35:00.003-06:00

That word means so many things to so many people. For me emotions are the most powerful thing in my life and always have been. This week I experienced a myriad of them....pride, fear, joy, and a little sadness as my daughter began her last competitive gymnastics season unless she chooses to continue in college. All were almost equal in intensity but the joy eclipsed the others when I saw her triumph over some physical and mental challenges. So for me, joy is the emotion I find the most powerful. I celebrate it in my entry for this week's inchie challenge. We leave for Tampa on Wednesday for her to compete again. It will be bittersweet for her since each meet will be her last one with the team. Fourteen years is a long time in a young life.

Eclectic

2011-01-03T19:07:00.004-06:00

I noticed an online inchie challenge and decided to have a go. Now whether I will do it every week or not, I guess we'll find out soon enough. But it was very fun to work on this one today for the theme, eclectic. What's more eclectic than a post-Christmas phrase the I added at the end??? Today's "Fa la la" started as a leftover piece of transparency from a local demo last October. It was spot colored with Ranger alcohol inks, texturized with a product called Wood Icing that led to the darker more matte finish, and then gilded with Gildenglitz. I finished it off by backing it to a piece of white cardstock. What a fun time I had with this little piece.

Post Merry Christmas and Happy almost New Year

2010-12-29T21:47:00.002-06:00

The rest of fall and holiday season are but a blur now. So much thought, effort, sweat, and sometimes frustration goes into the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas...and then it is but a memory. Our season itself was quite wonderful once we got through senior exams and another college shopping trip to PA the first week in December. We traveled back to PA for Christmas with family and managed to get out of dodge before the blizzard hit the area. My gifts of Christmas were many: time with family, laughter, a peaceful candlelight church service, some treasured gifts that were unexpected. While my family moments were wonderful, my favorite moment came when I was reunited with my best friend in the world for the one year I lived in PA during 8th grade. It was online that I found her, but we hadn't seen each other for 33 years. It was nice to see we could pick up where we left off all those years ago. I hope to see her for years to come.

I have many moments and people to be grateful for in 2010. It was the year of trips for all of us. Lots of gymnastics and college travel in the winter and spring. These trips were soon followed by my nephew's wedding and our summer Japan trip. I will treasure those family moments and the peaceful nature of the Japanese always. More college trips came our way later in the summer and into the fall. Each college had its own flavor and being on these stately campuses made me want to metriculate again...briefly. I took a break from that kind of travel to go on my first trip with my sister in November to the Caribbean. We had a lovely cruise together and enjoyed bonding over jewelry shopping and stingray swimming. I am really blessed to have had all these opportunities this year. Unfortunately, that meant that not a lot of art was done. I am ready to jump back in for 2011! The art above is a little taste...... Happy New Year and a wonderful 2011 to all.

Chills and Thrills

2010-10-21T23:14:00.002-05:00

Mike Meador of Coffee Break Designs left us today. I will miss his wit, support, and good-natured demeanor. I feel lucky that I was able to see him at Stampaway and will remember him that way. Although I only saw him sporadically, he was always willing to help when I needed every little thing for classes....yesterday. I took some gentle ribbing, but he always came through. Thanks, Mike...you will be missed by many.

Halloween is rapidly approaching. I finished my cards tonight and managed to do some ATCs to send out as well. Yes, Chills and Thrills is supposed to be askew......I promise.

Willy-Nilly

2010-09-29T21:46:00.004-05:00

willy-nilly adv: in a haphazard or spontaneous manner ... That word sums up my September. Maybe my 2010, too. I was pulled in so many directions all month that I got little done on what I really wanted to do and what I did get done was 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there so everything felt disjointed. I got a little of my studio cleaned only to mess it up again so quickly while getting some things out at the last moment. I got Sammi off for her senior year of high school..... and then had a moment after she left that first day. Then I had a week where I realized that I will need to reinvent my life after she goes off to college next fall. Yes, it took a week. I have come to no conclusion on what I want to do....another book? more travel? a job? more studio time? Hmmmmm....... Even my thoughts have been coming and going in a willy nilly fashion. They flit in and flit out and almost get forgotten. It's so fitting that my last artwork of the month celebrates the freedom of willi-nilliness (head nod to Red Lead for the great stamp). I think I will try not to fight it in October, but will embrace the randomness of it all. We'll see how that works.

STAMPAWAY 2010

2010-08-09T21:13:00.003-05:00

Well once again it is Stampaway week and it's all happening here at my house. New samples, packing, more packing, more organizing for packing, buying supplies, forgetting supplies and having to go back again and again. But along with that is the excitement to see our small world again, meet incredible students and peer teachers, and get inspired by all the artful discussion all around. I've been going for 15 years and have been teaching for 10 or 11. It is always a week to be remembered.

Hope

2010-07-28T18:08:00.002-05:00

It is midsummer and quite tepid here in St. Louis, although Tokyo was not much better. College shopping is in full swing as is prep for Stampaway in two weeks. I am quite looking forward to it. But back to Tokyo....what an experience. It was as if we stepped completely into another world for 8 days. The people were fabulous and the scenery in such a large city was lush and bountiful. We negotiated the subways and learned that just when you think more can't fit...they can. We also managed to handle the lack of English with dignity. Luckily, pointing to food mock ups was socially acceptable.

Summer 2010

2010-06-15T12:46:00.003-05:00

Sorry for being in absentia for quite a while. We had a lot of post season gymnastics travel as well as a family wedding, college shopping and, of course, the lousy winter pneumonia scare. It's been quite a busy few months. I am really enjoying the slowing down in summer and have probably done about 10 pieces of art since school let out. I hope to get some of them posted on my main website shortly. This painting was done this morning and was my first foray into using Wood Icing as a texture tool on canvas. It was wonderful to work with after a terrific demo with Mary Beth Shaw last week. I think it is going to become a studio essential. This week was banner since I was able to head to the Collinsville Convention for a few hours with my bff, Tracy. Typical vendors but the day was capped off with an ongoing demo by USArtQuest owner and fabulous artist, Sue Pickering Rothamel. I hadn't seen her for a long time but was entranced as usual with her talent and demo style. She'll be around this summer so be sure to catch her when she's out. It is always worth a few hours.

Scrapbook Page!

2010-03-18T14:30:00.002-05:00

I will tell you all that this is about the 6th scrapbook page I have ever done and had no pictures. So I had to do what I do best. My oldest nephew is getting married in May and this is a page to go in a wedding shower album. It was fun to do. I can see why people scrapbook! I am ready for spring now...that's for sure. I love weddings and haven't been to one in a few years. It will be fun.

Lost and Found

2010-01-27T22:20:00.003-06:00

I am in the process of trying to find my art muse again. It has been lost for some time now. I still can appreciate art but have not been able to find the desire to produce until last week. I am happy it is here now and am going to try to keep it going.

I never understand why it comes and goes. Part of it is a lack of nurture I guess. Anyone have any suggestions?

It's In the Details

2010-01-21T22:29:00.003-06:00

JANUARY 2010

*new year
*new start
*new art
*new honesty
*new resolve

Don Sanderson and David Wilson....you will both be missed. I am lucky to have had you both in my lives, my father and my dear friend.

Fall Musings

2009-10-29T13:41:00.005-05:00

Golly....I think St. Louis has been deluged enough over the last month. We've had few days without rain and have seen blue sky rarely. What else is new? Well during the rainy time I did manage to find my desk in the studio and have kept it about 80% clean. I also was lucky enough to have Charla in from Boston for a bit so we were able to have some fun when she wasn't busy working to clean out a house. I had a spider bite that went toxic and within two days my car was totalled (and then totalled reversed) on a poor young deer when my husband was picking me up from a concert because I couldn't walk. Nice run-on sentence from the former English teacher. On a positive note, the husband was able to walk away and I have a new Highlander because of it. Artwise I finally delved into some repousse after having the supplies for two years. Teresa Holt, a longtime friend and incredible artist challenged us to do some metal atcs for the month after demoing it up close and personal. Well, I had a great time doing them and have all sorts of ideas in my head for more. ENJOY ...................................most of the rest of them are on my website

Beginnings and Endings

2009-09-18T11:40:00.005-05:00

A heavy post written with a heavy heart. I am blessed to have a core group of people in my life that I love and would do anything for. My life is richer because of these people. I learn daily how to be a better person and thank God every day for teaching me through them. I understand why they have been brought to me. What I don't understand is why those that focus on the negative and tearing people/places down must also be a part of my life? I guess I am supposed to learn from them, too, but these lessons are oh so painful. For me, nothing can hurt worse than the betrayal by someone I considered a friend. It hasn't happened often in my adult life so this took me by surprise. I hope the pain and anguish that is inside subsides for her so she can get on with her life. I will get on with mine. The artwork for today is aptly titled "Life's Beginnings". Happenstance.........

The Perfect Risk

2009-09-16T21:50:00.002-05:00

Watching the beginnings of another artist's journey is an intense experience for me. Musicians have always been close to my heart. I have followed my nephew, Jon's, exploration for years and found each phase really interesting. I have admiration for the creativity involved in not only writing the stories in the music but the music itself. What a process it must be. I also have admiration for the songwriter whose lyrics let you see exactly who he/she is in the story. That honesty and vulnerability is at the core of all art. It's simplicity is compelling and the purity of the emotion takes your breath away. I heard a new song by a dear family friend, Eric Sommerhof, last night. Eric spent the last year + with Sammi and his song, The Perfect Risk, will draw you in and make you remember who we should be. Enjoy...........

K A R M A

2009-09-14T14:09:00.003-05:00

It has been a jampacked couple of months since I posted anything new. Stampaway was a blast as usual. I had so many wonderful people in my classes and had fun mingling with old and new friends. I couldn't have asked for better weather or company. I stopped back into St. Louis for four days and then left on a 10 trip to the Outer Banks with Jim and Sammi. We met up with my sister and family for a wonderful time. Our house was a former model so it was definitely HGTV perfection. The beach was wonderful and the ocean was peaceful until Bill the Hurricane showed up. But still it was a great trip. School preparation, some teenage drama, and a death in the family of a dear friend dominated the next week before school and then it happened....I have a junior in high school now. Actually one who sometimes thinks she is wise beyond her years. It has been a roller coaster at times. So school is now in session and I am trying to find my studio once again. It looks like a cyclone blew through it. Enjoy this little ATC and I'll try to be back soon.

Diffusion

2009-07-09T17:56:00.002-05:00

I have a teenager. Today a driving one with lots of evolving ideas, wants and needs. I feel like I am spending an inordinate amount of time diffusing that teen angst while trying to accept her and foster her growing independence. That's my story and I am sticking to it.

Summer 2009

2009-06-24T16:03:00.003-05:00

Could it get any hotter in St. Louis? Of course, when it was 70s and beautiful, I was too busy with the last part of Sammi's season so yesterday in the 100 degree heat, Ibought flowers to plant. The three of us planted 5 pots last night and by the end of the half hour I was a drippy, drippy mess. Sammi kept sponging me off...I felt like a surgeon in the middle of surgery. The posted artwork today for the alphabet workshop (letter B) came out of my floral experience last night. The rest of the uploads from today: C, X, S, F can be found on my altered website under the Alphabet Workshop book.

ENJOY!!!!!!!

Nuances

2009-05-31T15:42:00.003-05:00

I joined an international artist journal project, Alphabet Discovery Workshop...the first one I have been in besides the calendar since we moved. It is the brainchild of a wildly artistic artist in England, Trish Bee, who has an incredible blog and website.I am so glad I did. I am really enjoying what everyone else is doing and can't wait to have a finished product that expresses where I am at now. Fun!!!!!

Barat

2009-05-29T15:10:00.002-05:00

My daughter's sophomore year is coming to a close and each year I do a piece of artwork for the school. This year I went more with graphic doodles. The broken heart symbol is the school's graphic and the words are the ideals they hope they pass on to the students.

Sammi

2009-05-21T21:17:00.004-05:00

I celebrate my daughter's tenacity in overcoming injury and family obstacles during her first level 9 season. She represented her gym and her family well at the Western Championships in Bartlesville, OK. In the process, she brought home a medal from beam at both the regional championships and again at Westerns. Well done.....now she gets some much needed rest...........

It's back to art for me now. I haven't been to a store lately but am just dying to get my hands on the new Ranger refillable alcohol ink pens. Anyone have them yet??????

Limbo and beyond

2009-04-06T12:39:00.004-05:00

Many times I've wished for a crystal ball but March was definitely a month that I am glad I didn't have one. March was a month of bad weather, of two last minute flights to Pennsylvania, of a wonderful quick trip to Tampa for more tropical gymnastics, and also the month that I spent my last days with my father. I am so grateful for the time that my sister and I were able to spend with him the last few days of March. Hospice said the last sense to go was hearing so we spent lots of time reminiscing and helping him to let go. Donald Munro Sanderson, our dad, a consummate whistler and harmonica player, a tinkerer who could fix everything, a lover of Whitley's peanuts and fettuccini alfredo passed away quietly while we were with him on April 1 and will be missed.

Fiddle Faddle

2009-02-25T11:00:00.002-06:00

February is almost over which means we have reached the downward slope of winter. Thank goodness. I spent a lot of time in the studio this month doing this and that. It has been very therapeutic for me. I was very happy with my non-traditional VDay cards this year. I don't think I had done cards for the past couple of years.

Sammi competed her first meet finally after missing three and did about as expected. As a new level 9 and an injured one at that, she isn't going to do any damage until her skills are stronger. We did have about five minutes of drama after she narrowly avoided going down on her neck during vault. You could have heard a pin drop while everyone waited for the medics to allow her to get up. I am not sure I was breathing much. She did finally get up and then proceeded to compete the entire rest of the meet. That's my daughter.

ART NEWS: I was pleased to have an email from Stampington regarding some wall art that they are going to publish in a new specialty publication called Black and White in November. I am currently writing a feature article for that work. And, I am pleased to announce that I will have three classes at Stampaway this year: Elementz, Play it Again, Sam and Resist 2009. More on that to follow.

Will You Be Mine????

2009-02-05T10:18:00.004-06:00

It is February and love is all around.....well, it is all around when we get through algebra, gym practice, snow, a puppy who is into pens and is not particular about what kind. You get the drift. I love Valentine's Day and love to doodle so without further adieu, you can peek at one of my cards for 2009. They are all different and fun to do!

On the "must have" front. I am waiting ever so impatiently for Ranger's alcohol ink refillable pens. For more info, take a look at this video and prepare to be intrigued. Be very afraid.

Snow Day

2009-01-27T15:29:00.003-06:00

I had some extra time today while nursing Sammi back to health so I uploaded some new art on my main website and one pic for this blog. I had two great classes this weekend at Rock Paper Scissors. I hadn't taught my advanced resist for a while so it was great to get back into it. It is snowing visciously here today so we are bundled up watching The Bachelor. What a day.....................

I've been reading all about CHA and can't wait for a lot of the new products to come out especially Ranger's new refillable pen and the new alcohol inks. Anyone else waiting for anything new???

Elementz

2009-01-04T13:21:00.004-06:00

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the holiday season was a whirlwind for us and I am sure we are not the only ones. We made a quick trip to PA to see family and then came back for the myriad of practices that she had to be at. New Year's was a meal at Shogun followed by Valkyrie and some Korbel. We celebrated with Sammi and ber boyfriend and then took them on New Year's Day to Dave and Busters. Much fun was had. Now it is back to business and reality. The canvas artwork here features Ranger's new stickyback canvas and some mixed media applications. Enjoy....it is the flagship for my Stampaway class in August.

I have two upcoming classes here in St. Louis on January 24 at Rock, Paper, Scissors. Then I am on hiatus traveling with Sammi for her season.

Cherish

2008-12-07T21:00:00.002-06:00

There is a lot of hubbub to December for me, especially when Thanksgiving is on the later side as it was this year. We are still decorating, buying, and trying to keep up with all the activity. Some days it goes better than other others. Last week was particularly busy as I was also getting art ready for the Bizarre Bazaar. It was a great show and I was amazed with all the beautiful work when I stopped down there this weekend. We got our tree, Sheldon, up on Saturday and then it promptly fell and shattered a few non-special ornaments. We were very lucky that the special ones remained unscathed. Next on the agenda....Christmas cards and an altered calendar collaboration that I need to get caught up on. And, of course, Stampaway class applications are on the horizon. What a couple of weeks!

Resist

2008-11-23T10:24:00.003-06:00

I haven't done a new resist card in a while but really enjoyed revisiting the technique for my classes two weekends ago. Another online group is doing a tutorial of sorts for my book so I thought I would post this for them! It was done with a mixture of Clear Resist, Distress and Nick Bantock inks from Ranger.

On another note.....go see TWILIGHT...you won't be sorry!!!! I saw it this week and was immersed.

I am busy working on artwork to sell at the bazaar the first weekend at Rock Paper Scissors. I am getting pretty excited about doing it and seeing what everyone else has been working on. Fun..........................

Junk

2008-11-16T12:02:00.003-06:00

I love to pepper my altered calendars and atcs with junk mail so when an opportunity for a junk mail ATC mingle came, I went for it. For those of you that haven't tried this, take a catalog or sale flyer page and tear out patterns that go together. Then tear strips and glue them down or use some other easy adhesive. Very fun and easy..........Add what you want on top to finish it off and you are good to go. I included some samples in this post.

Classes were great last weekend. I'll be back at RPS on January 24 with two classes. One will be the advanced resist class and the other is as of yet, undecided.

Weekend Classes

2008-11-07T12:44:00.003-06:00

I am going back in the classroom this weekend here in St. Louis. I can't believe how long it is since I have taught a whole weekend for a store. I think it will be fun and definitely the cocktail party tonight will be great. I couldn't ask for a better welcome back than I've gotten.

This piece is for my demo tonight! Enjoy......and have a great fall weekend.

Hallowwweeeeennnnn

2008-10-21T22:46:00.004-05:00

I found patterned paper and transparency overlays that were born to be used together. I added just a hint of color in between the two layers and used the mini pom poms to and sentiment to finish off this ATC. Chills and Thrills is courtesy of Red Lead Paperworks here in St. Louis. If you haven't visited their site, you should to see all their smaller, interesting stamps. Those are my favorites, although they have a lot of other wonderful stuff.

Remix again

2008-10-20T22:27:00.002-05:00

More digital art ........................ tres addicting!!!!!!! These are all the same ceramic tile pieces that have been manipulated. Enjoy!!!!!!

PS: My Missouri classes are doing very well. It will be fun to get back in the local classroom after a few years on hiatus. Dates: November 7-9, 2008 in St. Charles.

Remix

2008-10-20T21:35:00.005-05:00

I was lucky enough to be invited in a Photoshop class with a friendly group of quilters this fall. I've had Photoshop for years courtesy of my nephew while he was in college but only knew how to use a small portion of its capability. I am begininng to have fun reworking some of my old artwork using the various adjustments and filters. It is fun seeing my old compositions become something new. The pieces above are the original pointillism piece from my book (bottom) and the transformation into a 5 x 7 with black detailing (top).

Perhaps Yet Again

2008-09-23T22:42:00.003-05:00

That word has been my mantra since we moved here last August. I couldn't tell you why except that it signals hope and possibilities to me. Maybe I need that right now. Daily life is chaotic right now as I navigate the back to school pitfalls and preparations for beginning to teach again here in St. Louis. I will be resuming some teaching in November at Rock, Paper, Scissors with some debut weekend surprises. It should be fun and I look forward to it. I have been lucky enough to join a quilter's Photoshop class this fall and I am having fun learning more about the program that I have used for years and only new a tinge about. I guess you are never too old to learn new tricks!!!

Chicago Escapade

2008-08-26T21:56:00.003-05:00

I have been fascinated with that word for quite sometime so when I picked a letter for my local ATC guild August project it just had to be an "e". Summer is winding down here and school is about to begin for Sam. She's been in Chicago with a friend from school and her parents for a shopping trip. I think she has had quite a lot of fun but I have missed having her here. It was a glimpse into three years from now when she is off to college. I think I want to retreat into my own little world where she is with us all the time. At least that is where I want to retreat while she is gone and happy with life! So here is some art to toast to your Chicago escapade, Sammi.........

Ebony and Ivory

2008-08-14T09:28:00.004-05:00

Well, I am still getting back into the swing of things from Stampaway. It was so fun to see many old friends and make some new ones as well. My classes were filled and full of so many eager and talented people. They were a pleasure to teach. I could have done without the hour and fifteen minute delay from the security alarm, though. I am sure they would echo that sentiment but everyone helped out to get the show on the road and were gracious about it. Shopping was fun at the Preview Party, but I was all but spent before that so sitting was a priority for me. I did a lot of product restock and bought a few new images, but my damages were minimal. Tracy and I went to the antique mall again up in Springfield all day on Saturday. Last year I bought old windows. This year it was an antique birdcage. Go figure....... We had a terrific road trip. Enjoy the posted art. These are 12" x 12" canvases so I would categorize them as wall art. I got quick photos of them before they headed off to CA today.

Stampaway 2008

2008-07-25T20:57:00.004-05:00

Stampaway is quickly approaching and I am so excited. I will be able to travel with my BFF Tracy and again I know it will be a blast. For those of you who have never been.....go. You'll be glad you did. I think this is my 11th or 12th year going and my 8th or 9th teaching classes. FUN TIMES....Connie Williams is devoted to charity and always holds an opening wine or cheese event to garner donations. I love doing artwork to help support her in this. Enjoy the watercolors posted tonight. These watercolor paintings will be part of that opening night event once I frame them over the weekend.

TUcKEr!!!!

2008-07-12T23:22:00.003-05:00

Well, we have entered puppydom with a vengeance. Tucker has been with us for almost a week now. We picked him up about 13 hours after returning from the east coast. He is settling in nicely and as long as I am trained to take him out, we do ok. My studio is definitely off limits for him so I am not getting much done. I was lucky to get my Stampaway supplies ordered this week. He is 10 weeks old and a beautiful mix of black and brown. He is 10 pounds at this point but as furry as can be. I always love the poodle coat before maturation. Will he grow as big as his big brother, Bogart? Only time will tell. He can put his paws on my shoulders when he stands. I am sort of hoping that Tucker will be a little smaller. We'll see! Here are some puppy pics!!!

Impending Puppydom etc......

2008-06-24T23:05:00.002-05:00

June is passing by so quickly as we are in the midst of preparation for puppydom. Right now Tucker is the name of choice but he could end up as Truman, Kikkoman or even Blackjack. We'll decide while we are on vacation for the next 10 days. Will our 10 year old Bogart be ready for this????? Hmmm.......and two black standard poodles. Will we be able to tell them apart? I would guess so. Tune in to find out. Enjoy my altered calendar for the month. That will have to keep everyone busy while I am gone to the east coast. I'll eat some Armand's Pizza in Georgetown and some Cincinnati chili on the way. Happy 4th of July to all! We'll be back after that.......

Birds of a Feather

2008-06-08T16:21:00.005-05:00

In celebration of our daily birding here in Missouri and an ATC exchange online.....enjoy........! Soon we will be adding a puppy to our household so don't be surprised if somehow there are some furry pictures uploaded in July!

Miracles Happen

2008-06-04T00:16:00.002-05:00

I had fun transforming another 4" x 5" canvas that was leftover from a demo from last year. This one started out spot brayered with some Golden Fluid acrylics and Krylon leafing. At least that's what I think was on it last year. To update it and make it into something more than a background I added two noise stamps in eggplant Adirondack and then trees and leaves in black and white. I took a gold Decor It pen and played with the shapes a little and then added the sentiment. It was a fun exercise today.

Expect Great Things

2008-06-02T11:22:00.003-05:00

Well, we are into June and school is almost out here in St. Louis. I am so looking forward to summer--hence the title of this entry. Everything is beautiful here right now, mostly due to the 11" of rain we had in May. We are still avidly birding in our backyard and are attracting a wonderful mix of species. We put up hummingbird feeders yesterday and are hoping that the Curry Cafe will attract them as well. I've been working on a watercolor tall book swap for a local group here but took some time last night to rework a canvas I had done in a demo last year sometime. I was pleased with the overall effect. It is so fun to rework something that is just lying around on your desk. This piece started out as a spot brayer demo and ended up showcasing not only acrylics, but gesso, dye inks and metal work. You just never know where things will end up sometimes. That's the fun of these processes.

Shapes

2008-05-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

I spent some time last night playing with circles. I've not done a lot with circles in my artwork because I am generally a more linear person, but thought it would be nice to do something a little different. An aside....I hate ovals. I have no idea why, but can't say I have ever even made anything with an oval shape in the 14+ years I have been playing with paper. That dislike also extends to oval mirrors, turkey platters, etc. I wonder if an oval did me wrong in my childhood! I never get tired of squares or rectangles. Hmmmmmmm. I wonder if other people have shapes they just don't care for. Let me know!

Sammi

2008-05-14T23:37:00.003-05:00

This is a digital of the collage the photographer is printing to celebrate her regional championships win. I couldn't resist putting it up.......always the gushing mom.

Embrace Imperfection

2008-05-10T11:06:00.003-05:00

I was up early this morning before the rest of my household and had a delightful bowl of cereal outside on my patio. The understory is now completely filled in our ridge. It is beautiful in its imperfection and is the perfect backdrop for our bird "restaurant". Things were quite hopping this morning, as a matter of fact. I think our "Denny's" opens up before the sun and then continues a brisk business all morning. It is fun to see the couples show up and the brazen hussys or BMOC birds try to break up the camaraderie. Nature does imitate life very well, but doesn't worry about every little detail. Hence, today's artwork theme. I enjoyed marring the background some before adding the wonderful paisley tree. It was a fun exercise today in using what I already had and putting it together in a haphazard way. The sentiment came from a conversation with my best friend a couple of days ago.I love it when nature inspires and when things just come together because they should.

Listen Closely

2008-05-07T12:57:00.003-05:00

I am trying to get quiet and listen, hoping that I will know which way to go. It is easy to get lost in the quiet where I live now. I am hoping that the solitude will help me on my journey.

Sunkissed Moments

2008-05-06T08:59:00.003-05:00

Well, May is here and a lot is in bloom. I am thrilled to say that we are getting our house landscaped today finally. I will, of course, post a picture when it is done. I have really been enjoying getting back into doing some painting so I painted a series of abstract designs for Mother's Day cards that can be found on my site. Having a brush in my hand is one of those tactile experience that I missed while struggling to deal with our relocation. I hope I am coming out of it. Happy Mother's Day.......and many sunkissed moments for all of you.

Ordinary

2008-04-30T08:47:00.004-05:00

I actually did some watercolor yesterday while Sammi was at the gym out of some paper that I had to cut up to move.....enjoy! It is amazing what you can do with a clipboard, Lyras , a waterbrush and 5 hours. Art felt good again.........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAMMI!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Sammi!

2008-04-29T14:18:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is her 15th birthday......I am hiding this piece of canvaswork in her locker for a surprise this afternoon. ENJOY..................................

Imagination

2008-04-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

We are finally coming out of winter here in St. Louis and boy do I need spring badly. This has been the longest winter in my life for many reasons. My in-laws were here over the weekend and we were able to tour Grant's Farm on a beautiful, sunny day yesterday. It was wonderful. Sammi's season is done and she won the Region IV championships in South Dakota last weekend. What an amazing meet she had. She moves on to train level 9 now for next season.

I did this included artwork for an ATC exchange for favorite quotes. I hope I can rediscover my imagination. It seems to be hiding somewhere these days.

No art in sight

2008-04-04T20:27:00.002-05:00

Sammi's season is finally coming to a close so maybe art will begin to happen again. We have one more meet...regionals in South Dakota... in April. Then she starts training for the next level (9). It never ends, but at least we are local during the rest of the year. I am enjoying being part of an ATC art guild and collage club here in St. Louis. They seem to have more inspiration than me these days, but I do enjoying the gatherings. Wonderful people with wonderful ideas and hearts of gold.

No art as a pic this time but here is one of Jim and Sam headed off to the Barat Academy Father Daughter Dance tonight.... Enjoy!

White on White

2008-02-27T11:14:00.002-06:00

There are big flakes of snow coming down yet again today, although I doubt we are in for any accumulation. I am SO ready for spring after these latest snows and forced hibernations. But at least it is the endish of February. We leave on Friday for Wisconsin so I am sure we'll be heading into more snow there, but at least it is just overnight for the latest and greatest gymnastics competition. Two weeks from now is Tampa so at least we are going south.

Not much arting going on here, but I am uploading an ATC exchange card that was appropriately themed: white on white....esp. since I keep seeing those flakes. It was an interesting card to do. The background is torn deli paper spot coated with gesso. The lacy embeliishment was embossed in white as were the words. It was a stretch going almost colorless, yet I really like the finished product.

Still unpacking here so no new classes scheduled until Stampaway in August. Stay tuned for any changes to that schedule.

Hard Holidays where art and music meet

2008-01-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

No, this isn't my art at all, but the cover for a new EP put out by my nephew, Jon (25). His long time friend, Tia, did the cover artwork for him and it turned out great. I have put a link to Jon's myspace (or click here)so that anyone who wants to can listen to his music. Jon has been creating music for years and it has been interesting seeing the evolution and the depth that he now brings to the table. My personal favorite off this EP is Used Books Torn Pages but Nations and Hard Holidays are creative as well. I am amazed at the varied layers of music that can exist within one song and as everyone knows by now, I love layers in my art and the constant reveal. I wish Jon all the best with his music and his life. I celebrate what he has brought to all our lives with his talent.

2008 art

2008-01-08T23:56:00.000-06:00

I promised some new art online and here it is. The two jpgs are new class samples done on layered canvas. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Celebrate '08

2008-01-08T22:16:00.000-06:00

Happy 2008

everyone....

We had a great trip

east for Christmas

but headed back

early to St. Louis

so Sam could have

a shot at going to

her first meet.

The foot isn't quite

at 100% but she

was able to compete

and win three events

and her meet in Kansas City over the weekend. Art samples to follow tomorrow online, but for now I just wanted to celebrate my amazing daughter. Here's to a happy and healthy '08!!!!

Fa La La

2007-12-11T20:31:00.000-06:00

I don't know about everyone else, but December is roaring by me. We had three days of ice here this week so I didn't do any driving except what I had to. Now I am really behind. I will say I felt like I was in Narnia every time I looked out the back of our house to the ridge. The ice was beautiful to behold. Instead of promises to keep, I have boxes to keep, I think. My studio still has quite a few, although my shelves are filling with stamps. The artwork pictured here are some stampbord inchies I did to share at the Collage Club luncheon tomorrow. I had a lot of fun doing them. There are four layers in all and then I distressed the sides and wrote the words. It felt good to get at least some art done in December.

House news: We should close in the next couple of days and will only own one house after that. Keep your fingers crossed.

I hope everyone has a joyous and festive holiday season.

October musings

2007-10-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

Well, October has quietly slipped by ins ome ways and roared in others. We moved over into our new house last week so we have boxes, chaos, more flies than I can murder in one day, and some damaged furniture from the move. But, even with all that....I love the house! I have space to myself and love the wooded area we are now living in. A new discovery: turkeys do not adjust well to concrete. I watched them meander in a meadow one morning and then look like roadrunners as they scurried to the other side of the road, then meander again. It was a funny sight to see. Artwise...not much going on. My studio hasn't even gotten on my radar. Food and sleeping quarters took priority. I did have a chance to work on a series of Halloween houses for an ATC exchange tonight. I hand drew the ones above.....I don't hand draw often but it worked that I could do it while Sammi was at the gym. I hope they are well received. That's all from the new Curry abode.... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Living Inside a Box

2007-09-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

We are still living here in our apartment for a few more weeks. Move in day is October 11 and I can't wait. Sam has started school which is freeing my time somewhat, but am dealing with reacclimating here in St. Louis and the tiny apartment which seems to be closing in on me more each day. I leave on Friday to visit my dad in Williamsburg. We are at the cusp of putting him in an assisted living facility by my sister. The decision is difficult but it is a safety issue as of now. Art has been almost non-existent but this piece is the sign in page from my new altered calendar that needs to be sent off next week. Just a bit of doodling to add interest. Enjoy the fall!!!!

Stampaway 2007

2007-08-12T23:21:00.000-05:00

What a crazy time for our family. We arrived in St. Louis in the middle of the night on the 2nd and I left to return to Cincinnati with Tracy on the 8th for Stampaway. I can't even remember how many years I've been attending, but I think this is my 7th year teaching. I loved the clocks that were done in Time of Your Life. They really took off and had a ball doing them. My favorite class was my new stampbord class...LOVED IT...... It was fun to see everyone try the new techniques. THANKS TO EVERYONE IN BOTH CLASSES!!!!

Tracy and I had a great time at Stampaway and cavorting about Ohio. We hit an antique mall in Springfield on Friday and I managed some finds. I bought two vintage windows and two post boxes. Both are for the new house. We hit the ground running at the Friday preview party. Tracy loved the new designer for IO, Leigh Hannan, so we spent a long time there. I already had all but two designs that I wanted so my damage wasn't as great. We also had to by soldered charms for necklaces from Artful Illusions . That family is one of the nicest I've met so I enjoyed plunking down a lot of dough there. Last year I bought a lot of their unmounteds and totally missed the jewelry so it was nice that I could poke through their stash this year. Connie's party was a fun time as usual. The usual cast of characters were there as well as a special guest, Carol Duvall. We spent a lot of time chatting with the JudiKins crowd both at the booth and the party. They are always fun and inspirational at the same time. I've been a longtime JudiKins fan.

Now it is back to the grind in our one bedroom apartment! Here is my temporary email address: nancycurry1@gmail.com if anyone needs me.

Perhaps

2007-07-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

This artwork sums up our week. We lost the sale of our house because of Joe, our sex offender that lives on our cul-de-sac. Apparently because he plea bargained and did his 8 week stint in jail and a few weeks in counseling, he can go on with his life while ruining ours. No one can make him leave unless he keeps his yard unkempt. It doesn't matter that he wants to chat/meet/greet underage girls. So we are still moving next week and the house will sit. Sit. Sit. Perhaps it will sell. Perhaps it won't. Perhaps ..............................

On a more positive note, this is a piece ( 6 x 12" canvas) I did for the art auction for charity at Stampaway. I am quite pleased with it. On my regular website there is a duplicate that I did for my bff, Deb....That one is in Tuscan colors that will go with her house. I do love working with stampboard. It is great for home deco.

New email until we move into our house is nancycurry1@gmail.com . No new posts until we are in the apartment!

Movers and Shakers

2007-07-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

We are nine days from the movers beginning the four day process of packing and crating for storage. But GOOD NEWS ............... the Curry abode is S O L D !!!!!!!! That development was Wednesday but I think it has taken me a few days to know that it is real. No rest for the weary, though, because the move is imminent, but at least we don't have to worry about it standing after we are gone. Prep continued this week for my Stampaway clock class. I think drilling took me 6 hours or so, but all canvases and matboard are drilled. I have to write the instructions, and pack the kits this week. It will be nice to have that done as well. The picture today again isn't art, but it is the first pic that Jim, Sam and I have been in since she was a baby. It was taken on the cruise and I think we will use it for our XMAS cards this year. Enjoy............

Chez Curry

2007-07-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well, here is a non art-related picture.....our new house that's going up in Missouri. Jim stopped by tonight and this is the first pic I have seen so I had to share. I am busily prepping for my Stampaway classes that need to be finished before the movers come. Today's fodder included packaging up clock movement pieces and painting 70 canvases black. Everything is coming along, although I have to admit it is difficult doing this in the middle of prepping for 2-3 months of storage. I have to keep telling myself it will all get done. It will all get done. It will all get done..............yada yada yada.

Up, Down and All Around

2007-07-02T19:33:00.000-05:00

These days I spend a lot of time going from up to down. Today was a down. I see other houses selling in the neighborhood, yet mine can't even get an offer. This puzzle piece for an "opposites" puzzle parallels my up and down mood. I love to play with patterning and love to doodle so I spent the afternoon on this piece while Sam was going up and down at the gym.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have an up. Who knows..............

Home Stretch

2007-06-29T15:18:00.000-05:00

We are home from our wonderful trip to the Mediterranean. I have officially fallen in love with Rome. The flora, fauna, and flavor were just so wonderful....all except the taxi drivers. The rest of our trip was as wonderful. We saw so many begininings of civilizations that it is hard to pick a favorite but if I had to I would say the pyramids at Giza. They are amazing. Even more amazing is the fact that our party all traveled in a four foot wide and tall, downward angled passageway about 150' into Chephren's pyramid. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Had I known what it was going to be like, I might now have gone, but I am glad I did now that I am sitting in Cincinnati.

The cruise itself was wonderful, too. We did a lot, but also were able to relax some, too. It was wonderful to be on the trip with our chosen family from Boston, and equally as wonderful to still have that bond after eight years apart. We are very lucky to have friends like that.

Now it is back to the grind. We have a month left and then everything will be in storage until October. I am busily prepping for class here tomorrow and packing my materials for the Stampaway class will be a priority in the coming weeks. The moving man cringed today when he saw my studio. That's all I'll say about that.

Coloring Outside any Lines

2007-05-14T21:03:00.000-05:00

Well, Sammi is finally on the mend and the house is still on the market. Our new house in St. Louis will be started at the beginning of June so this chaos will continue into the fall. My friend, Deb, inspired this ATC from top to bottom. She brought me back these Technique Tuesday petal stamps http://techniquetuesday.com from Florida. They are so petite that they are a perfect size for cards and ATCS. I must confess that I bought two of the larger sets on my own after that. She also found the text stamp and thought I needed it, too, since it is the title of my blog. I finally got around to using both today. It was fun being down in the studio again even if just for an hour or so. I worked on some charms for a mingle, too, and I am very pleased with them as well. I hope this trend continues that I can get down there once in a while just to scratch that art itch.

May Day

2007-05-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

My best friend started me on the tradition of May Day baskets when we lived in St. Louis in the 1990s. I didn't grow up with that tradition, but thought it was wonderful each year when one was delivered to us. Well, I have my own imaginary basket today that is filled with the blessings that have been delivered to us over the last couple of weeks. Our house is up for sale and we have had a number of showings, but no buyers. Words have been critical, but I am trying to see the big picture and know that there will be a buyer for us. My father seems to be articulating better and we have had some great conversations together. I don't mind playing "fill in the blank" when he is showing me he wants to talk. Finally, Sammi is back in school this week and is recovering from her gym accident from last Monday night. She plowed into the high bar with her head before falling to the ground and jamming her knees into her face. We are very lucky that she had only multiple level 2 concussions and bursa fluid in her knees. After three days of "brain rest" she was sort of back to her old self. She is still on crutches but even the knees seem to be getting better. Unfortuately for her, she had to miss her regional competition in Indy, but we are just happy she is on the mend. No art pics today, but there are pics from her in the ER and taking 2nd on beam at state last month. Anyone who has my book knows how much I love her, but not everyone knows what "heart" she has to push through as many obstacles as she has had. I celebrate her "heart" today.

Diffusion

2007-04-14T19:47:00.000-05:00

I've spent a lot of time during the past three months diffusing life's curveballs, but more keep getting thrown at us. The house is now up for sale as of Friday and we have had our first showing. They are marketing the house with a working studio so it doesn't have to be as pristine as the rest of the house. My foot still isn't healed so I have to be off of it as much as possible. I can't believe that it is still not right after about 12 weeks. The boot and I have become one soul. We are probably going to build a house in St. Louis but I'll know more about that next week. The builder took forever to get us a cost analysis, but I love the lot. I'll post a pic if that happens next week. Unfortunately I had to pull out of Artiscape so I can get my body healed. Lisa's event has been one I have always wanted to go to, but never seemed to be able to because of Sam's competing season. It had worked out this year and I was eager to teach. I hope it goes well for everyone. The piece featured in this post is for my calendar exchange. It is the first art I've sat down to do in weeks (watercolor, permanent markers, sprits bottle, Hampton Arts stamp.)

Once Upon A Time

2007-02-21T11:52:00.000-06:00

I've spent a lot of time this past week thinking about "once upon a time." No conclusions on why things can't be as good, but definitely thinking about it. Hence, the piece of art above that I did yesterday while cleaning out my studio to put the house on the market. I can only hope that some day in the future I'll be able to look back on this and reminisce fondly!

Teal...all day...all the time

2007-02-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

I had a lot of fun working with some leotard patterns to do this teal challenge on one of the Yahoo lists I am on. Sam leaves today on a bus for Orlando and I fly out tomorrow morning. She doesn't compete until Saturday so I am hoping to get out into the sunshine while we are there a little bit.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

True Blue

2007-02-02T21:39:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it is already February. It does look like we'll be relocating this year to St. Louis.....a trying time this has been for all three of us. My time has been spent beginning to get the house de-cluttered, but not too much art has been happening. This week, though, I sat down and did this piece of canvas for a mingle.

Time of Your Life

2006-12-01T10:02:00.000-06:00

Time just keeps marching on...........I can't believe that it is already Dec 1! Thanksgiving passed quickly and was quite fun. I did my typical Black Friday shopping spree at 4 am and then was exhausted by noon. I was able to finish the first Stampaway class before I picked Dad up at the airport, but then was not able to finish the second class until yesterday.....the due date, of course. I am pleased with the concept.........but always hate running at a deadline.

Next up.......cleaning my studio, I mean..."the pit." I am tired of working in a 4" area..............

A Golden Life

2006-11-17T17:12:00.000-06:00

I finally had a chance to work on some art. This month has been a roller coaster and I have not felt creative at all. My dad seems to be better and hopefully his heart rate will stay above 40 so we don't have another scare during the holiday season. My sister was a real trooper once again, dropping everything to go down and make sure he is ok. I am not sure how long he'll be able to live on his own. 81 isn't a great age to be when you are trying to be independent.

This piece of art is just a study in monochromatic gold. It was a lot of fun putting together, although I really wish I could wiggle my nose and clear off my studio desk more than 7". Creating would be oh so nice if I could do that. Maybe I'll work on clearing a foot a day. Next up is the finishing of my Stampaway class for 2007. It is 95% done and I'll post a sample another day. My second offering will have to get finished after Thanksgiving. It is time to clean the house for family coming next week. More on that later.

Nostalgia

2006-11-02T08:21:00.000-06:00

I created this puzzle piece and was overwhelmed by nostalgia.......I inherited a box of handmade gift tags (cut with pinking shears, hole punched and attached with curling ribbon) from my grandmother quite some time ago. All of our packages growing up used these tags and many of them had the type of graphic design that the tree epoxy stickers I used had. My childhood and the early '60s came rushing back and I could see more than just those trees. I find it interesting that one image can open the well for many more to come flashing back. Does anyone else have that happen???????

My 2007 schedule will be light due to probably relocation, but I am pleased to say that I will be teaching at Artiscape (May 4-7). I've wanted to participate in Lisa Ohmer's retreat for years but it normally has been during Sammi's competiting season. This year it is not. Check out European Papers for more info. I am sure it will be a great weekend!!!!

Happy Boo Day!

2006-10-27T12:38:00.000-05:00

Well, it is the Friday night before Halloween and lo and behold, my plan is to watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown with Sammi. I love to relive those childhood favorite moments and this year it worked out that we were home from the gym to do it together. Fall has definitely hit here in Cincy, along with the rain and dreariness. I teach here locally tomorrow at Stamp Your Art Out and then will be taking a break for the holidays and throughout most of her competing season that begins in January. It's hard to believe that the holiday season is almost upon us, but knowing that our time changes tomorrow night, makes it a done deal. Last weekend we went to a corn field and went through a haunted maze. Yes, the ones with the chainsaws and zombies. I have been through indoor haunted places, but have never been outdoors in the dark, cold and seemingly evil field. It definitely ramped the scare up a notch. I worked on this Halloween card the next day. Enjoy!!!!!!

2006-10-17T19:41:00.000-05:00

The time has been passing at super speed this fall. The faster I go, the more behind I seem to get. Hence, the name of this entry.....falling. I've had a busier than normal teaching schedule while getting Sammi back in school. My trip to Red Lead in September was terrific. I really enjoyed teaching there and getting to see a lot of old and new faces. My demo and classes were both well attended and I was able to socialize with Tracy and Leslie and did some more house hunting. The week before Red Lead I was able to pop into the A.R.T. weekend retreat to teach a shorter class and sign some certificates. I loved being able to put faces with names from that wonderful group as well. This weekend I went to Chicago to Carolina Moon and had a blast. Carolyn was a wonderful hostess and Chicago offered me a beautiful fall weekend. My classes again were well attended and those involved were excited and generous with their spirit. I was so glad to visit there again. I even got to meet Carolyn's cat, Mr. Moon. I have to say that he is one of the most beautiful cats I've ever seen.

Artwise, I have been able to just barely keep up with class prep, my calendar and the other exchanges I signed up for in a moment of weakness. The piece below is an encaustic wax extra from a fat book exchange done for St. Louis. I love the contrast between the white and the magenta. I was able to get my class submissions done on time for Artiscape in May. I've never been able to submit before because Sam is usually competing then. I hope my classes were appealing. Stampaway classes are due at the end of next month. I'd better get cracking!!!!!!!!!!

My schedule is light for the rest of the year. Upcoming classes: Sat. Oct 28, Stamp Your Art Out, Cincinnati, OH.

ceLeBraTe

2006-08-13T19:43:00.000-05:00

Stampaway is over for another year. It was quite a jampacked six days personally and professionally. It is wonderful to see the same people year after year and to feel the undercurrent of energy and excitement. My classes were well-filled and full of ladies that amazed and inspired me the whole time. I saw some fabulous color combinations and design strategies that I can't wait to try after my studio is CLEAN. That is my goal for this week since I need to gear up for four upcoming events. The piece of artwork above is a sample from my demo today (ignore the lousy paint job on the canvases. Time was critical.) I see a new class in the future................

I took my first carving class from Connie Newbanks early on Thursday. SHE IS OUTSTANDING! Tracy got in from St. Louis on Thursday after my Kaleidoscope class and we scurried out for dinner at Pappadeaux (horrible waiter, great company and conversation). Deb was indispensible to the smooth running of the class and as a chauffeur (my car's steering column ...R.I.P) and I just LOVE having her there with me. Friday's ATC class was sold out and Tracy effortlessloy kept everything running smoothly. We had a wonderful lunch in Glendale and a bit of shopping as well before I took Tracy to a quilting studio to see the quilting machine to end all machines. Friday night was the preview party and it was delightful to browse without being elbow to elbow. I DROPPED A LOAD ON PAULA BEST'S JEWELRY http://www.paulabestsilver.com/ . Saturday I had to leave my friends for a few hours while Sammi was choreographed on floor. I then returned to the convention center and spent some more shopping time with them. Dinner was at Vincenzo's and was fabuolous as was Connie's vendor/teacher party on Saturday night. An illusionist was there that knocked my socks off. Today's demo went fine and I did debut some brand new techniques from this week. I hope everyone enjoys playing with them!!!!!!!!

Off to get some well-needed zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzs.

Upcoming Class Schedule ............September: ART gathering, KY........... September: Red Lead, St. Louis, MO............ October: Carolina Moon, Chicago, IL.............October: Stamp Your Art Out, Cincinnati, OH

Happily Ever After?

2006-08-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

It is August 1 and Jim, Sammi and I are settling into this new separated living arrangement....as well as can be expected. July brought much travel: St. Louis, Ann Arbor, and North Carolina so I am glad that August brings some time at hour to recoup. This ATC is a sample from a class I taught at Altercations..definitely the need for time at home with my family was in my unconsious.

Hard to Please

2006-06-25T20:40:00.000-05:00

Certain lyrics always find their way into my artwork. Does anyone else have that happen? This is the third piece I've used lyrics from "Hazy Shade of Winter" but they always seem applicable to my life.

Lately I find myself questioning why I spend so much of my time wishing, wanting and waiting leaving less time for doing, enjoying, and feeling satisfied. In a nutshell..... I am hard to please and it isn't one of my qualities that I am very proud of.

************************************************************************************ Summer/Fall Class Schedule July: Altercations, Ann Arbor, MI July: Enchanted Cottage, Lewisville, NC August: Stampaway, Cincinnati, OH September: ART gathering, KY September: Red Lead, St. Louis, MO October: Carolina Moon, Chicago, IL ************************************************************************************