Tattered Chick

Time for a Change

2017-10-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Time for a change! I've moved over to Word Press!

Musings

2017-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Creative overload . . . since Sophie has been recuperating I have spent quite a few hours sitting at the kitchen table doing art, taking lots of online classes. It's getting to the point I don't want to create anymore, ha ha, and making me wonder where my creative interests lie.

For awhile I was into painting but lately I've been drawn to drawing, well doodling more than drawing. It seems the more techniques I learn, the less I know, ha, but one of the few things I DO know is that I don't like to do things that take a lot of time to achieve.

My husband suggested I go back and get my degree, maybe in art and/or photography and at first I was like why not but then that will take awhile . . . and I don't really know if I want to have to do homework, well, the homework may not be so bad but the lectures, yuck, ha ha ha

I don't fancy myself an artist, someone who wants to sell art (although it's always nice when someone does like my art enough to purchase it). I create to keep busy and of course because I enjoy it. I also enjoy interacting with like minded peeps in the online art groups.

I recently learned about the Sketchbook Project put on by the Brooklyn Art Library. I decided to participate and I just received my booklet!! I thought I would use this sort of as a journal, practice the new techniques I've been learning, and maybe some of my photography. The instructions say it's best not to use acrylic or gesso as they tend to stick (?) but I will probably do some pages using acrylic and spray them with a fixative. I don't seem to have that problem of the pages sticking in my journals, although the paper in the booklet may warp a bit but using a ground will help.

And this is my first entry . . . da-da!

If you'd like to participate there's plenty of time! The sketchbook needs to be returned to the Brooklyn Art Library by March 2018.

To read about it click on photo below!

Whatever you do today, carve some "creative" time for yourself, be it cooking, reading, daydreaming, sewing, the list goes on and on, just do it!!!

What's for Lunch and Update on Sophie the Boxer

2017-06-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Came across this recipe for P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps and decided to give it a try!!! DELICIOUS!!!!

Sophie is doing good. She had her stitches removed on Wednesday but had a staple put in at the suture at the top of the knee. I knew it didn't look right and it was draining quite a bit the first few days. I know being confined (6 more weeks to go) isn't easy for her so it makes our heart happy to see her happy!!

Today's Quirky Faces

2017-06-02T19:18:00.003-07:00

Watercolor and pen/pencil fun today! Funny thing, I couldn't make the faces that I did the other day, these emerged! Maybe subconsciously I'm thinking of Sophie's stitches, LOL

Color Inspiration

2017-06-01T11:34:00.001-07:00

Nature's palette

well, this may not be nature's palette but . . . the colors sure look yummy!

So go grab some paint and create something magical!

Brushes optional!

Make A Face

2017-05-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

While Sophie is recuperating I am creating at the kitchen table so she can see me. I'm trying new things and one of them is making these type of faces! My first go at it! Hmm, wonder if Picasso started this way, ha ha ha

At first I thought, oh, no, these look like a child drew them and then it dawned on me, that's what I WANT!! Tap into that inner child!

If you'd like to join me go HERE!!

Today is a week since her surgery. She had more drainage this time around but thankfully it has stopped and so has the swelling. Noticed she had some blood in her stool yesterday which could be a side effect from the Metacam which yesterday was her last dosage. Hopefully it'll clear up. Today we lowered her pain med dosage as she seems to be doing well and letting us touch her leg and do range of motion. Don't know if I should keep the blinds open in case she spots a squirrel but she enjoys peeking out . . .

Repeat of Last Year

2017-05-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Ah, we had all sorts of plans for this summer as last summer was spent nursing Sophie with her TPLO in her left leg!! Well, guess what, YEP, right leg this time!!! Thank goodness she only has TWO knees!!!!

As she has to be confined for the next 8 to 10 weeks I figure this is a good time for me to catch up on those unfinished art projects and online classes! Gathering up the art supplies to haul downstairs so I can be close to her.

I'm not really big into drawing faces but I discovered I like drawing them with a Stabilo pencil! Quick and easy!!

Found this shirt in the back of my closet!!! Hope I can BE INSPIRED in the coming weeks!!!

Found, Written, Made

2017-05-21T08:11:00.001-07:00

I have FOUND that posting everyday for 31 days wasn't/isn't easy . . . . as has been WRITTEN "better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all" and now for the MADE . . . been working on abstract art, trying to calm the chaos . . .

Day 10 of 31

2017-05-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND

Lotion bar candles made from soy wax so it doesn't get hot and you can use it as lotion once it melts! It works wonderfully!!!!

Something WRITTEN

The best laid plans of mice and men . . . .

Something MADE (in this case taken at Daffodil Hill)

Day 9 of 31

2017-05-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND

written on the wall at the Preston Castle Foundation in Ione

Something WRITTEN

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso

Something MADE . . . I've tried and tried and tried and just can't seem to replicate how I painted this piece of wood . . . .

Day 8 of 31

2017-05-08T13:54:00.002-07:00

Something FOUND at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park on New Years Day. I'm not really into dream catchers but this one really caught my eye . . .

Something WRITTEN (Courtesy of Reader's Digest)

The food at the sandwich shop  I frequent is good, but any deviation from the norm throws the staff. I once told a clerk that I wanted only half a sandwich. His reply: “What am I going to do with the other half?” A week later, when I told another clerk the same thing, she responded, “Do you want the top or the bottom?”

Carole Holder, Norman, Oklahoma

Something MADE . . . at one of those paint sip events

Day 7 of 31

2017-05-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND . . .

Hmmm, perhaps the person wearing these needs odor-eaters LOL

Surrealistic mixed media sculpture by Jill M. Armstrong, titled "Duet," created in 2004.

Something WRITTEN

"Creative people don't see things for what they are.
They see them for what they can be." Julie Israel

Something MADE . . . from a dishtowel

Day 6 of 31

2017-05-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND . . .

WOW, check out this incredible paper art!!!

Something WRITTEN (I think my husband thinks this a LOT LOL)

Something MADE . . .

Day 5 of 31

2017-05-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND . . .

at Michael's $4.99 each!!

Something WRITTEN . . .

Something MADE . . .

Amidst the ink splatters this fella is emerging WIP

Day 4 of 31

2017-05-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND along the road . . . (isn't he so cute?!?!)

Something WRITTEN . . .

Something MADE . . .

Day 3 of 31

2017-05-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Something FOUND . . .

I found this at Staples back in February, only $2.99!! On difficult days I really have to think about a favorite moment . . . I woke up is a good one!!

Something WRITTEN . . .

A convo between a friend and I at the flea last year.

Me: Oh, I like this, I have to have it!!
Her: Get it!
Me: On our way back, if it's still there, I'll get it!

An hour or so later . . .

Me: Hmmm, where was that thing I just had to have and WHAT was it?!?!?!

Something MADE . . .

Day 2 of 31

2017-05-02T13:49:00.001-07:00

Something FOUND . . .

Found these in my May Art Snacks box. LOVE them!!

Something WRITTEN . . .

Something MADE . . .

Day 1 of 31 Something Found, Something Written, Something Made

2017-05-01T15:51:00.002-07:00

Yes, it's ME!! I'm still kicking. It's been a rough year so far . . . haven't felt much like being "social" but I have been keeping creatively busy!

Today I received Carla Sonheim's May newsletter and it really hit a cord with me! She had mentioned that her blog has been neglected and so she thought she would do 30 days of posting, something found, something written and something made. I know my posts won't be as fun as hers are (I went and read all of them up to today) but I'll give it a go!!

Something found . . . .

A photo of my mother when she was a teenager! She is the one on the right as you're looking at the screen.

Something written . . .

A quote from Lemony Snicket

"The key to good eavesdropping is not getting caught"

Something made (in this case "taken" by me)

"We try to hide our feelings, but we forgot that our eyes speak" Unknown author.

Renewal

2016-11-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well I renewed my domain name for one more year so I guess I'll be keeping my blog through 2017!

Halloween decorations are put away (well, most, I do have some I keep up all year round in my studio) and it's time to go back to some fall decor. The burlap pumpkins ones I made last year.

A miniature vignette leftover from my mini days

Did a little crafting earlier this week and made this banner.

Made my pattern, went through my fabric stash and found some canvas type fabric, jute and stencil. Was thinking of tea staining the fabric but I think for now I'll leave it as it is.

It's been awhile since I've done any journaling but seeing how this is Thanksgiving month I thought I'd jot down each day on the calendar what I'm grateful for, perhaps adding photos and/or drawings. Maybe it'll awaken my creative muse, maybe not; however, it will make me stop and take a moment to acknowledge my many blessings of which you, yes YOU, are one!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my musings!

Linking up with Pieced Pastimes Saturday Sparks Party

Decisions Decisions Decisions

2016-11-02T10:17:00.004-07:00

Been wondering if I should keep my blog . . I seldom post and read others blogs and it's a shame because I made some wonderful friends through the years through blogging. Then Facebook came along and people shifted there. I was a late bloomer to move over to Facebook but lately find myself posting there less and less as well. Although I find social media a wonderful way to share things, especially with those people that I've only met online and those that are not close by, I find that less time is spent communicating personally or getting together and doing things with those that are nearby.

I have also once again entered that creative muse block. I just finished my pieces for the Small Treasures art show at the local art center and I didn't even take a photo of the finished pieces!?! I'm not even sure why. Was it because I didn't like them? I'll snap a photo of them this Saturday at the reception. I did something different this year, maybe I'm anticipating they won't be as well received as last year's (those sold out almost right away).

Fall has arrived . . . maybe, we've had 90 degree temps, rain and today the the fog has crept in. This is my favorite time of the year and another birthday under my belt. I remember people telling me they were in the spring, summer, fall or winter part of their life. I am thinking I have one foot in fall and one foot in winter . . . . I best maintain a good footing, LOL.

LOVE my new rain boots! Got them this past Spring at Tractor Trailer Supply for $13.00!!!! Maybe I'll go look for some puddles to splash in! Whatever you do today, tap into that inner child and do something a child would do, be free, have fun, no worries!

Give Me an A Give Me an R Give Me a T

2016-09-11T16:14:00.002-07:00

Hello my fellow creatives!! I'm a happy camper, my FAVORITE time of the year is upon us!! FALL!!!!

This month's theme is Art & Words. I can tell you I struggle with lettering! I do not like my handwriting and like my lettering in my art projects even less BUT seeing how this month is Art & Words I thought no better time than to practice AGAIN ha ha ha as I do think lettering and doodling do add a lot to a journal page.

I bought this book by Joanne Fink Zenspirations. It's a great little book full of ideas for doodling and patterning and some lettering.

And another fabulous wordsmith is Joanne Sharpe! I've taken a couple of her online courses.

One of the supplies you need of course are PENS! I have accumulated quite a few pens these past couple of years. I used to subscribe to Art Snacks and Smile Create Repeat which was a great way to try out different pens. And of course I have RUINED so many by writing on a medium that they are not compatible with. I find that my Posca and Roller Ball write on pretty much anything!

These tend to be my go-to pens.

So let's give it a try. I decided to try doing a monogram. I'll give myself an A for effort :) sharing it with all my imperfections!! I did do my outline first in pencil and then went over it with pens.

These were fun. I used some artist tiles, watercolors and my Roller Ball and Posca pens.

So are you game?!?! I showed you mine, now it's your turn to show me yours! Post a pic in the comment section on my FB page. Just CLICK ON THE F in the blue square below.

Show me your letter, your word, only has to be one photo, but if you want to post more I say go for it!!!! and on September 23rd I will pick a name and send you a package of Artist Tiles and a White Signo Ball pen! Looking forward to seeing your letter A-R-T!!!!

Altered Book Swap

2016-08-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in an altered book swap with some very talented gals! Each book had a theme and we were to create a page accordingly. This was a really fun art project!!! I don't think any of the participants follow my blog so if you do, STOP, if you haven't received your book back yet!

This is my book. The theme is Steampunk Circus. I did a couple of pages before I sent it off. Once I get the book back I'll share with you the pages that were created by the other participants.

When I was little I wanted to be a trapeze artist so I had to create a page representing that!

Can't wait to see the pages created in my book!!!!

These are the pages I created for the participants.

Steampunk Oceanic w/Music

Higher than the Sky

A Little Prose and Affirmations

Hearts

Finding My Wings (Romantic/Victorian Style)

Wings and Roses

And there was one more BUT I did NOT take a photo!!! I'll see if I can snag a copy once she receives her book!

Tiny Art by Artist Lorraine Loots

2016-08-10T08:02:00.003-07:00

This month over on Gauche Alchemy we're talking about tiny, small art!

In doing some research I came across Artist Lorraine Loots. O-M-G. What I wouldn't give to be able to draw like her AND in miniature!!! Check out her paintings on her website!

365 Paintings for Ants with Lorraine Loots from Gareth Pon on Vimeo.

http://www.fromupnorth.com/paintings-for-ants-by-lorraine-loots/

http://www.top13.net/mini-paintings-by-lorraine-loots/

You can follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lorraineloots

You can follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/lorraineloots

Summer BUCKET List!

2016-07-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Marsha here showing off a few journals I have made. The first one is one of those $1.00 notebooks from the Dollar Store. The second one I made out of canvas fabric and the binding and lock are made from an old leather belt. The third one is made from book covers which I covered with joint compound (or you can use modeling paste) and then stamped a design on it.

This one I made using some supplies from Gauche Alchemy! It's my Summer journal. Small enough to fit inside a cosmetic bag with a few supplies and I can journal on the go!

You will NOT be disappointed with these awesome KITS from GA! I have to admit I got them mixed up but one of them is the Wandering Soul kit which has a book cover in it. HOWEVER, you can purchase many of the supplies independently. My FAVORITE Gauche Alchemy SUPPLIES the PUNCHINELLA and the VELLUM BANNERS!!!

This book cover was in the kit!

I cut it in half and then added some fabric from an old money bag for the spine. There are so many different ways to attach the spine but I opted for a quick and easy way, staple gun!

The kit also included thread and rings. I opted to do this quick and easy binding technique. I've tried all sorts of different ones but this one for me has been the easiest! Are you getting the impression that my creative style is easy peasy and I am not neat about what I create. I like a tattered look. I prefer to tear pages as opposed to using scissors besides the fact that no matter what I do I cannot cut a straight line, take a straight photograph, walk straight ha ha

I used watercolor paper for my pages. Can't wait to cover them with pain!

We normally take lots of weekend road trips and a vacation in July but with Sophie girl being laid up with her TPLO recovery no road trips and/or vacation until August or September so my Bucket List for this summer is pretty sad, ha ha. Here's mine!

So what's on your LIST?!?!?!

Fruit Drying Racks, Splinters and Banana Peels

2016-06-23T14:46:00.002-07:00

I just love these fruit drying racks. I have made some of them into signs but these last ones I purchased I had in mind to display my art/photography pieces on them. One down!!!

I think it looks really nice! I'm a little concerned about the steam from the shower but this is the guest bathroom and doesn't get used all that often and when guests do come over I may just remove the photograph.

Now for the TIP!! Needless to say I ended up with some splinters and there were a couple (or so I thought) that I just couldn't get out so of course I googled it! There are many different ways but I opted to try the banana peel one. I wrapped the banana peel around my pinky, taped it and left it overnight. In the morning I took it off and O-M-G (should have taken a photo but they were so minuscule) I had NUMEROUS teeny tiny slivers in my pinky that were brought to the surface and just washed off!!!!! So next time you get a splinter and you can't get it, give this a try!!!

Linking up with

Tattered Chick

Time for a Change

Musings

What's for Lunch and Update on Sophie the Boxer

Today's Quirky Faces

Color Inspiration

Make A Face

Repeat of Last Year

Found, Written, Made

Day 10 of 31

Day 9 of 31

Day 8 of 31

Day 7 of 31

"Creative people don't see things for what they are. They see them for what they can be." Julie Israel

Day 6 of 31

Day 5 of 31

Day 4 of 31

Day 3 of 31

Day 2 of 31

Day 1 of 31 Something Found, Something Written, Something Made

Renewal

Decisions Decisions Decisions

Give Me an A Give Me an R Give Me a T

Altered Book Swap

Tiny Art by Artist Lorraine Loots

Summer BUCKET List!

Fruit Drying Racks, Splinters and Banana Peels

"Creative people don't see things for what they are.
They see them for what they can be." Julie Israel