Fresh Prints

Hooray for printing days! deciding I was at a stopping point, I needed to print in order to see what direction to take these carvings. My son helped me turn the wheel on the press and watched as I pulled the paper from the matrix. He was thrilled to see the process- (of course these little moments warm my heart!)
So next, I'll clean them up a bit, finish and print them again in bright colors on colored paper... aahhhh, progress. :)

Christmas Card Plans

A preliminary crayon rubbing

These are some of the woodblocks I've been carving for Xmas cards. I've never really done holiday cards before -except for collage cards. It's hard not to be too sentimental, predictable etc. Amazing how some things that seem like they'll be simple end up being more complicated than you'd planned. Ultimately, I wanted to make something fresh and different! I'm planning on some bright colors come printing time... fun! These will land in my etsy shop and and a few local shops.

ps - today's the last day of the fiber art sale in my Etsy shop... take a look!

I got a wild hair yesterday and decided to make something with the air-dry clay. Of course this person is not finished and maybe not even 'a keeper' but I'm going to experiment on him! I plan on painting him and trying out different media and finishing 'varnishes' (in other words - to seal it somehow.) It was so much fun doodling around with the clay. I think I have 'art ADD' lately... not sure why. But, I need to re-gain focus to complete the Christmas stuff on my list. It may have been a bad idea to buy that clay because it's got me laying awake thinking about what I could do with it!

More Needle Felted Christmas Ornaments

I'm finally accepting the award , Brilliante Weblog Premio, 2008 given to me (a few months ago) by painter, Paula Villanova...(http://www.meandmypaintings.blogspot.com/) Thank you so much, Paula! Your paintings are an inspiration to me.

So, now I get to choose my favorite blogs and pass on the awards to them... it was hard to decide! Here are some lovely blogs that feed me constant inspiration, you all deserve this award so celebrate it!!! (and don't worry if it takes you some time to accept the award!)

Beth - http://www.tangledskystudio.blogspot.com/

Mary Ann - http://www.maryannwakeley.blogspot.com/

Martha - http://www.marthamillerart.blogspot.com/

Jennifer - http://www.jenniferlommers.blogspot.com/

Celia- http://www.purplepoddedpeas.blogspot.com/

Kristin - http://www.moontea.blogspot.com/

Julia - http://www.miss-frugality.blogspot.com/

Here are the 'rules' of acceptance...

1. Put logo on blog

2. Add link to person who awarded you

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Add links to those blogs on you blog

5. Leave messages for you nominees on their blogs

6. Participation is voluntary, of course!

7. Have fun...honoring the bloggers who inspire you regularly

Laguna Air-Dry Clay

I had to share this fabulous find... kiln-free clay! It is a high quality, smooth clay that is very easy to work with. (it feels like regular clay that I've used in the past) . It's leather hard in 24 hours and 'all dry' after several days depending on temperature, humidity and thickness. I bought it at the local art supply store.

Mostly I was thinking of Christmas ornaments and stamping my smaller woodblocks into it for mini-wall art. If you love to work with clay but don't have a kiln or access to one... this is a great alternative! You can paint it with acrylics and who knows what else. I'm preparing to experiment. It is not waterproof, though and you have to use a commercial water sealant for that - so, decorative use only. (no, I don't work for Laguna... I just tend to get overly excited about the possibilities of newly discovered medias!)

More Circus Ornaments

The Big Top... looks more like Red Square! Will be doing more.

Here are some wool felt ornaments in various stages. I don't think any of them are officially done. Some still need stuffing, embellishments and ribbon for hanging. It's hard for me to stop adding stuff, so I'm trying really hard to 'hold back' a bit. Some will not make the final cut! Next, the tiger... he's going to be a challenge. Stay tuned!

Leaves are Falling...

Here's a post script to last week's Autumn Walk. In only a week's time the leaves have really fallen - it's unusual for our town. By now, the fall clean-up is done with just a little more to rake in November. These were taken this afternoon on a 'stroller ride' with my little girl...just trying to walk off that Halloween candy!