A little quiet time

Dover Image, feel free to use this in your artwork.

Hi all, I wanted to let you know the blog will probably be silent this week. Not headed anywhere glamorous, I was supposed to be working in Chicago for the Craft Hobby Association Summer show (CHA) but unfortunately plans change. Bob kept his vacation days so we have lots of little plans to fill out the week. I'm hoping to get to sit poolside, craft, and take a few day trips with the family.

I'll catch up next week, for now I will wish for you a lovely not-so-hot week ahead.

Angie

What a find...free images

Remember when I used to post free images?? Well I stumbled across a gem of a site today and I want to share...that should get me back in your good graces ;)

It looks like this website offers copyright free images for those looking for textures and backgrounds. Great for graphic artists and mixed media artists alike, according to the website these images are OK to use commercially..wow.

Check it out:

Lost & Taken

I fell in love with a set of black & white trees...perfect for upcoming Halloween projects.

While I website was amazing I had a much easier time seeing all the choices here on Flickr.

Enjoy,

Angie

Something old but new

I realize you already know this but I guess I can say it again...I really enjoy working with vintage images, they just move me in a way newer images don't, plus there is the added benefit of fewer copyright concerns. Luckily polymer clay lends itself to 'faux' work...in my case making something new look like something old.

If you have the July/August copy of Somerset Studio there is a wonderful article by Sara Naumann, she has new artwork published using antique glass sides. While I loved her finished collage work, I was mesmerized by the glass slides. My mind automatically pops to hey I wonder if I can replicate that with polymer?

The pieces above are completely finished and glazed with resin. I love the glass-like look but I have to admit working with resin is a struggle. Below are another set I made using old Cincinnati images, these are pieces in progress, not sanded or glazed, they will most likely make their way to the bead store on consignment when finished.
This is pretty cool too, if you hold the piece up to the light it is semi translucent. I'm still thinking on other ways to use these besides jewelry. It is so outside of my comfort zone to do anything but wearable pieces, I'm trying to keep an open mind.

On another front I finished up 10- one inch size tiles for a swap in a yahoo group that focuses on all things polymer. It's my first swap with a group like this I'm very curious to see what comes back in return.

Angie

Bluegrass Games 2010

We took our girls team down to Lexington for the Bluegrass games this weekend. It was so H-O-T, averaging well over 90 degrees, but the girls didn't let it stop their fun.

Ms. Maria seems to really like being the goalie. It helps that she's not afraid to get in front of the ball, though today she did get her hand kicked and her little thumb is bruised. What a tough cookie.

It's good to be back home and hiding out in the cool basement. I hope everyone else had a great weekend!

Angie

Mind Wide Open Entry

I don't often get to take part in Gail's monthly challenge, but this month I just fell in love with the image she created and wanted to play along.

My entry is a mixed media pendant. Image transfer on polymer, micro glass beads, copper hand stamped tag and a swarovski glass crystal.

Go here to take a look at all the entries this month and maybe take a moment to vote for your favorite!

Angie

A Few Friends

A few fairy friends did find their way into my studio last night. This one looks like he just finished up a day seaside,

this one was playing dress up,

and this little one just looks happy to be here.

It was a strange evening here. Ms Maria got an impromptu invite to a a neighbors sleep over. I was out working so I knew nothing of it until I got home. If I work very late I will drop my bags by the door and sneak off down the hall to give kisses. Robert is always awake reading and Maria is always sound asleep. I can't tell you how much I missed her little kiss goodnight, I just didn't want to go to bed. I guess we never realize just how special those moments are until we can't do them.

Angie

Sad little fairy

I think she needs some friends to play ball with...

She's just a teeny little thing at under 2 inches tall with darling glittered wings.

Angie

A bit of color

Fourth of July weekend went by in a flash! It's so hot here in Kentucky that we tried to stay indoors but still managed to fit in a bit of barbecuing, fireworks, and family time.

Progressing along with the brick...

I aged the teal paint with one step crackle then followed that with some burnt umber paint.
Need to work on the wheels next, it can't be part of a circus train without wheels right?

Angie

Shop update

I had an Etsy convo last week inquiring about one of my perched bird necklaces. I hadn't done much with image transfers in the few weeks so I eased back in by making a new batch of pendants.

They are a little bit smaller than the pendants on the finished necklaces.

These are just four of the eight I made, Etsy listing makes me sleepy so I'll get back to it tomorrow.
The brick is still coming along and I'm happy with the progress, maybe new pictures tomorrow too.

Angie

Carla's giveaway

My friend and fellow artist Carla Trujillo is hosting a July giveaway! She's a fantastic mixed media assemblage artist whose current passion is art dolls. This lil' babe Rose is looking for a home, just leave a comment on Carla's post before July 14th to be entered.

Angie

Yippee they're here

My steampunk exchange charms came in the mail today!!! I'm like a kid at Christmas...

Wow, wow wow they range from simply charming to futuristically amazing. Because I didn't want to overwhelm everyone with pictures I made up some slides, just click on the pictures to see them all up close.

1.Sue Reaney 2. Sandi Collins 3.Marcy Antle

4.Luz Foster 5. Sew Revived 6. Anna Philpot

7. Melani Abercrombie 8. Patina Marie

9. Carol Wallace McGarva 10.Pam Kern 11. Missy 12.Karen Eilerman

Darling Christine out did herself all around, look at this gorgeous charm and she included a bit of link chain to get us started in the final assembly.

I wanted to show you what I made to swap as well, since we had 13 participants I didn't get back any of my swapped pieces, but that's OK I can make myself another.

If you ever find yourself looking to participate in a swap or exchange I have to tell you to keep an eye on Christine's blog. She comes up with the best ideas and she is such a gracious host!!

Angie