Christmas Printing...

A few days before Christmas, I was knee deep into making. Ask my family.

The living room was covered in sewing-- fabric and thread. Towels lots of towels. I made 9 hooded towels for nieces and nephews, and little friends. The kitchen covered in embroidery and felt at one end of the table, drawing and painting in the middle of the table, print making on the end of the table... and ironing in the laundry room.

And then there was printing. I wanted to use these wooden printing blocks that my mentor, John had given me years ago. I do drag them out for projects once in a while but I'd wanted to organize them in alphabetical order. So I didn't have to play the "Who can find Mommy an S? Now an R?!" game.

And organizing them gave me so many options. Oooo what if I printed on paper, for cards! Posters! Tea towels!

With a few short lengths of furring strips and hot glue, held everything in place as I printed.

And I used acrylic paint as ink-- so it would dry faster.

I loved how these turned out. And the process was just so fun. I think I will get these out more often.

What have you been working on?

Birch Trees Encased in Wax

This is the first time I've posted here at The Artist Babes, but I wanted you to see what I've been working on lately! 

This technique is century's old, there is nothing new. But this IS new, it's new to me. I've been thinking for years about painting with this golden glaze. I finally took the plunge and using my old candle making supplies from junior high, I melted wax in a double boiler (wait can you call an old Folgers coffee can a double boiler?), and with an old paint brush I began layering my birch trees with vintage sewing patterns. Creating an erethral space between each translucent layer.

 Encaustic painting as it's called, uses wax (traditionally bee's wax). It's been used to add texture and intrest, to encase a book page or a painting or when tinted used as paint.

This particular piece was done with melt and pour pellets from Walmart, I don't think century's ago they'd approve of using cheeeeap wax. But I thought I'd use it up before I upgraded to bees wax.

 And my brain has been a little dry lately, all of it used up for Spanish, work, family, home or holidays. So this evening of experimentation was just what I needed to feel refreshed and ready to take on all that this December has to offer.


Where has your creativity been lately? Are you crafting up a storm for the holidays?

Eggs!

I've joined C & C photography for a four-week workshop, and our first assignment was... eggs! Very timely for Easter! I thought I'd share my Spotlight on the White Egg to get you in the mood :-)

If you want to see all the amazing things that can be done with eggs and a camera, check out the blogroll in the sidebar of C & C! There are some very talented photographers and absolutely stunning images out there! Who knew eggs were so photogenic?

Hi from Sedona

HI Babes, I'm in Sedona teaching and on a retreat. It's been a few months since I posted so I wanted to drop in and say hello. I too soooo enjoyed and was honored to be a part of Shannon's first e-course and I know they are going to be a huge success. I don't have alot of personal art-making time so it was great to be able to do that freely for a month. Thanks Shannon!
Some of you may know from posts I made last summer that I have been teaching workshops in southern France for the last seven years. I am offering an early bird discount for the workshops a year from this summer- in July 2011. If you'd like more info you can visit the France page on my site- www.dayledoroshow.com and email me for the discount info. I would love to share the experience with you! dayledoroshow@hotmail.com
Here's a pic of what I'm inspired by at the moment.

What Better Way to Be, then Love?

I began my Magical Eyes Tour a little over a month ago, traveling across The United States, staying Pinkies, learning about their lives, sharing what we each had to offer each other.

Though my journey has only been a month long, there was a flame that sparked inside of me. A flame that was put out long ago. Rediscovering these passions and truths has led to a whole new level of art for me.

I know that one stepping stone in getting to where I am was taking Shannon's Inside Out eCourse. It led to a completely new space of self expression. I got back down to the roots of who I was and why I am here.

Thank you for letting me be part of this group of artistic bloggers. I love the space already and feel honored to be here.

Here is my first home-made card: What better way to be, then love?

Premiere of crafts outdoors today!

Today, it was possible to sit outside in a sunny corner and work again after a looooong winter. I'm learning a new crochet-technique (tunisian) for a course, while I'm surrounded by a dripping from the melting snow. It so unlikely wonderful.

First Sign of Spring!

What signs of spring do you see where you live?