Laura Shelton, Artist - Mixed Media and Collage Art

Altered Book Class Coming! Especially for Beginners and Intermediates!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:36:00 +0000

New Beginner/Intermediate Altered Book Class for New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 18:10:00 +0000

getting fancy on me!

Please click on the link below for a short video..

A small peek at the class business

Hello all! I am not going to go into a huge amount of Detail, heaven knows I could write a large novel about altered books if I ever really got going...The deal is this-

I am wanting to do a class for beginners, newcomers to altered books, and intermediate levels that just need a refresher course in an inexpensive (ridiculously cheap) format!

The class would not start until after the first of the year, most likely around the end of January if not the first part of February. I am going to pre-record all of the lessons just in case I get sick and have to go to the hospital with my heart...But you will be able to work at your own pace...I am going to make a special FB page just for the peeps in this class where we will explore questions and tips and techniques in detail

I think it will be a fun class to take, it is going to include very basic lettering, making and covering your book with your own fabric/paper...unique handmade embellishments, and found poetry of course! Found poetry is one of my favorite things to do! Also, I will most likely give out some of my famous tips and techniques, tried and true things that have worked great for me, and that no one else will tell you! So come join us, I will send out more reminders, AND I sincerely hope you join us and help me make this a special experience for all who have chosen to join!

handpainted and applied cover

handpainted and handcovered cover

my first fabric collage in a book

Add caption

A Dash of This, A Sprinkle of That.....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 23:59:00 +0000

This is most likely my last post for 2016, and just to be honest, I am damn glad of it! This has been a challenging year to me, both personally and in my art world...maybe not bad, per se, but it has kept me on my toes, and really, isn't that what a good life does for you? Keeps you on your toes so that you always remain just a bit off balance, and therefore very aware and very Thankful for your actions at all times, just to keep yourself from falling in the abyss of just not giving a crap...I can't say that I have reached the mindset of not really caring...I care about my art when nothing else phases me...people can disappoint, jobs can bore and dismay, but my art will live forever in this alternate reality of my own creation, where even the leaves on the trees are any color but normal...

I have made some amazing changes during the last 12 months, several of which no one thought I could pull off...no smoking, no drinking, those are the two that no one thought I could quit, but quit I did, and cold turkey at that! Certainly no regrets to those choices, and if I can do it, so can any of you that are struggling with the same habits...it can be done!

Ok, on about my art life...I have never seen a year such as this past one for absolute quantity of production! I start out about 8am, and don't leave the studio until around 8pm, ever day! I have made some beautiful things, and other creations I am not so sure of...maybe an acquired taste...lol...Learned to make Folio Books (WIP)

I have made more tags this year than ever in my life, and have no place to go with them....they just keep stacking up!

Butterfly People

All of the tags i chose to include are at the top of this blog posting..I couldn't get them to come down here where they belonged! Anyway, you can see from this little taste of artwork that this year has been a banner year in the way of production for me...I am so thankful that I have been allowed one more year to create and enjoy those that I love in my life!

2017 may be great, or it may be not so great, but whatever it turns out to be, I am going to be right in the midst of it all, doing the best I can and learning to be better at my art, as a person, and as a family member...love to all of my children and grandchildren, and special love for my Tony, He is the answer to so many prayers down through the years...God bless you all, and Happy Creating!

Laura Shelton

Up all night with the artsy fairies...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 12:44:00 +0000

I have these nights where I have so many designs and ideas in my head that I can not get a wink of sleep...last night happened to be one of them..so if I am a bit more dingy than normal, it is because of the lack of sleep..anyway, let's get to it and see if you like any of these things I came up with!

one of my fav art journal pages..gelatos and dyes

odd looking bit of blue texture island with sequins, etc...

the large bin of new items I have made lately

a football shaped chip and dip segmented dish (now in art room)

my first chip and dip dish...love it

sorta zetti fairy girl

More fun with dunce caps and collage, plus hand sewn around edges

small tag with collage image

Small tag with collage house and hand sewing

small tag with owls

These are just a few drops in the bucket of all of the things I have been making lately! It's a lot of fun, but I could sure use some good sleep!

You Aren't Gonna Believe Your Eyes....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 03:08:00 +0000

art journal page

atc size card

XL art journal page


small journaling card w collage

balloons on small tag

secret garden 4 x 4 inch


pink journal card w embellie

You know it's bad when you have to make yourself stop creating long enough to blog about it all, complete with pics, descriptions and some tips and techniques thrown in...This may get kinda long, but i am trying to make sure i add things that you would really like to know about...so, without further ado, let's get this going...
1. I have been making a ton of paper and misc. embellishments to use in my art journal, on cards, as little swap gifties, etc...here is a few of them...

small butterfly card, smaller than an atc

small tag

small tags and cards w mixed media/collage


small tag with secret garden collage and butterfly

These are just a slight drop in the bucket from all I have been making..I am also making small journals, and other types of embellies, plus I have made some pretty awesome stamps as well! I used fun foam for the stamps and embossed them or used my heating craft tool to do the design in a burned out way...worked great, smelled awful, but did work well!

misc. flower embellies


small paper embellies

I have made all kinds of small journals, "bitty books", artist books, mini books, accordion books, and altered books here and there...


small card embellie, smaller than an atc

And even with showing you all of these, they still aren't a drop in the bucket...I am having to slow down now, had blood work done and it turned out not so good...so I am going to have to ease up for just a while...

xl art journal page

large tag and chipboard wip butterfly embellies


bird, abstract flowers, handmade leaves embellie card

Ok, well, I have shown you enough for one evening...If you have any questions, please just drop me a line in my comments section...I will be glad to answer anything for you! More later, and have a blessed and creative day!!

Happy Creating,

Laura

"Back in the day..."

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 01:34:00 +0000

I used to know someone who was always referring to "Back in the day...", which is fine, unless you do it about 27 times a day, at which point everyone begins to think you live more in your "Glorious Past" where you were a legend in your own mind and everything was 100 times better than now, and that you might be trying to avoid the reality of the "Here and Now", where you actually still live with your parents, have a part time job, and a none of the time love life....remind you of anyone?? Yeah...those people...

The reason I bring up the past is not to persecute a few old boyfriends and maybe an ex or two, but I wanted to let you know that I am going to be listing some artsy videos that I made, "Back in the day..." which goes all the way back to around 2012 or so... I think today I am going to list the very first video I ever made...It isn't huge on techniques, but is more just AN INFormative, let's get to know each other kind of video...You will get to have a quickie course on how I usually do my altered Books, explained sweetly in my ridiculous sounding Texas drawl...I'm sure you will get a kick out of it...I never realized just how TEXAn I sounded until I started doing videos! Try to ignore the voice, and just take in the sights...It shouldn't be too painful....I would love to have some feedback from you about the video if you don't mind...Just post it in the comments section...

Have you recovered from the video yet?? Ok, good...moving right along, I just wanted to do a little bit of a tutorial for you, mostly just tips and things to make your life easier if you decide to make a book or two like the little books I have been making that range in size from 2x2 inches and up to 4x4 inches...2x2 inch Art Book

and the 4x4 inch Art book...


4x4 inch art book

These are made using the thick, watercolor Coaster tiles that you can get from Amazon, etc...and they look like this

and then, after you get through with them, you might have backgrounds that are sorta like these...I used dyes, watercolors, inks, collage, washi tape, markers, stencils, acrylic paints, stamps, my homemade permanent watercolors/spray mists (secret recipe...) and metallic and glitter paints...whew!! I may have forgotten a few, even now!! anyway, the backgrounds can be really awesome with such a small surface to work on, and the size and shape is really great to work with...after you get the watercolor tiles/coasters embellished like you want, give the entire thing a heavy coat of some type of sealer or varnish..I love the glossy acrylic varnish by Liquitex, or the really cheap but fantastic in my opinion, the acrylic gloss medium or varnish, made by Sargent. Cheap is fantastic in this case. I love it because it is a really super glossy, almost wet look even when it has dried.You may want a more matte look, in which case you can find it in either of the brands I mentioned, or use Golden's, etc......but any type of sealer/varnish will be fine, just make sure to get a good thick coat on your page...it will last forever then, and your kids can give the books to your grandkids when they get old enough for such valuable family heirlooms...yeah...ok, moving right along...

anyway. after you have a few pages (tiles) done by both front and back, assemble the pages into book form by first deciding which way your pages need to go and in what order, then punch a couple of holes in the left hand side of each page, and put the pages together using book rings, ribbon, leather strips, etc...Be sure to do a really nice page to be used for the front page of your new book, give it a title either by hand or by using sticky letters, etc...


front page of new book "Freedom"

Back side of the front page, which means it is the first page of the inside...

Be careful when punching your holes in the pages, and make sure you have them in the order you want them to stay in....once the holes are punched, they are not going to go away...I have accidentally punched the wrong side of the page 2 times since making these, and I was sorta able to cover it up with some embellishments that I glued in over the holes....Back in the day, I wouldn't have made that mistake.....uh huh...

Ok, I have probably worn you out by now, so I am going to stop...If you have any questions, leave them below in the comments, and I will address them in the next blog...Have a great week, and remember.....

Happy Creating!!

Laura

Laura's Uniques I
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurasUniques

Laura Uniques II
https://laurasuniques.patternbyetsy.com/

Artist Books and Other Cool Stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:48:00 +0000

How many times have you wanted really bad to make something, but it seemed like you had already "Done it all"??? I find myself feeling that way pretty often...and when I do, I hit the Googler Machine, and start looking for something different...I go to the google search and put in what i DO have in stock, and then do a search and see what projects come up... I have found many a wonderful project to work on by doing this practice, and it takes the guesswork out of trying to come up with something on your own! Try it sometime!! Besides..one good project can spawn many other side projects that you never even thought about..,give it a try and let me know how it works out for you!

"Laura's Uniques" - etsy shop news:

I am pleased to tell you that I got some awesome things in my etsy shop the last few days...come by "laura's uniques" and you will be able to see all of the new goodies listed, along with several things that haven't been listed yet...Here is a sampling of what is new in the shop:

angel skin coral, red coral and turquoise


red and yellow faceted stones, prong set

silver chain bib necklace with beautiful stones-like new

pink ice pendant on yellow gold chain - exc. condition

Faux pearl and rhinestone pendant - signed on reverse

silver tone lisner clip earrings

sterling silver and deep blue color stone ring

awesome silver tone bracelet, lightweight

beautiful, vintage bracelet, faux pearls, gold chains, starfish clasp

Okay! i hope you have seen something you might want to check out....hope to see you soon!

Book Review: Creative Embellishments by Sherrill Kahn

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:14:00 +0000

I know I don't do this as often as I should, but here is a book review that I am truly excited about...Creative Embellishments by Sherrill Kahn is in a single word - indispensable. Now, I am the one that loves to order books, loves to look at the pretty pictures for a few minutes, and then puts the book up on the shelf, never to be seen again by human eyes... This is NOT that book.

Although certainly not a new book, it was new to me and it completely changed the way I look at embellishments and what they are made of, as well as what can be done with them, what you can use to make one, and how to use what you have made. I keep this book on my work table, right within reach because the pretty pictures in this book have actually taught me something, and more importantly, opened my mind to the complete world of embellishments. I had always just thought of embellishments as a way to add to my total art piece, but this book taught me that each embellishment is also a work of art within itself. I really love making and using my very own embellies that are unique, that are never going to look like cookie cutter, mass produced embellishments that anyone can go buy. This whole idea is so awesome to me for some reason, probably much more than most people because I get excited about silly things that others take for granted. Anyway, this book has instructions for making the various and widespread types of embellishments, and encourages us to look beyond the page, beyond the pre-cut, and helps us say, "Why not make my own and make them suit me?" Below, you can see what I did in my first endeavors to make my own embellishments using clay, fibers, old jewelry, beads, papers, and a little imagination...I love the way these turned out!

oven baked clay figure and heart, yarn fibers

old earring, fibers, oven baked clay disc with engravings and textural pieces, pearls and beads

clay heart, beads, key, papers, round yellow clay disc

clay "love" element, round clay heart design piece, two metal earrings

stamped out clay disc with heart shape in the center, plastic bead

round clay disc with face

All of the atc's above have handmade clay embellishments, and they really went fast in the open swap I was entered in on "The Art Colony", the only NING site just about, that I am still active at...but these atc's are just the beginning stages of what is probably going to happen....I will be excited and overdo myself, making myself sick, and then, I will suddenly not want to ever make anything like it again! Hopefully, you will love this book as much as I have and still do. I bought my copy at Amazon. I am pretty certain that there are more copies to be found on there. I hope you purchase one, and get as much enjoyment out of it as I have. I literally had an epiphany (lol) about these embellishments, this book, and all of the ideas that came flooding in concerning this style! Enjoy, and Happy Creating!!

Laura

"Laura's Uniques" on Etsy.com

http://laurasuniques.blogspot.com

my other blog at

My other Blog-Laura Uniques 2

Mini Albums and Mixed Media/Collage Collections

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:25:00 +0000

I was aimlessly hanging out in cyberspace the other day, and found myself at one of my fav NING spots, "The Art Colony" (it's where all of the cool kids hang out...) and I was discussing sizes with a couple of my female friends, and we decided that size certainly does make a difference...we all agreed to try making some smaller art than what we were accustomed to making, most notably the 3x3 inch size (known as threebies) and the 4x4 inch size (known as fourbies). This idea between us happened just a couple of weeks ago, and now, we are all hooked on making the smaller size art. It seems to help us grow in our craft, and make use of space that we weren't used to doing in the larger sizes....so, I want to challenge you to try the smaller sized art yourself...email it to me at sheltonlaura28@yahoo.com, and I will add it to my blog and you will become famous overnight...well, maybe not, but some people will enjoy looking at it, I do know that! Besides, I would love to see it myself! So, it is only fair that if you are going to show me yours, I need to show you mine..so without further ado....

here is a sampling of the supplies that I used in making mine. I used rhinestones of various colors, washi tape, sequins and markers of all types...these had to be permanent markers because if not, they would run and mess up when it came time to varnish and seal them. So-please use permanent markers, dyes and inks when you can or it will become a mess...

I also used all kinds of tiny embellishments of all types, plastic, fabric laces, die cuts, stencils

and-YES that is hairspray...it works beautifully as a fixative to keep pastel chalks and other smearable things from smearing too much...On side note...use your own art in your projects like this...go through your old art books, sketchbooks, etc and recycle your own beautiful mess into a new and more beautiful mess! It is amazing what you can come up with from something you thought was horrible to even look at...Now..about adhesives...lightweight paper to paper-Elmers Glue-All or something equal to it, and for heavier pieces and things-E6000...nothing beats E6000 in my books...I have tried so many others, and just keep coming back to it. It's cheap, and easy...who can turn that down??

ok, we have all of that down...next I had my pieces cut up to the size I needed, then out came the stencils and the dyes, acrylic paints, stencils, Extreme Glitter, and black and white permanent markers. I use the UNI Posca brand markers and just love them, after a rocky start to the relationship, I can say that we are becoming almost inseparable...

OK without any more talking..here is what I did..

All held together with binder rings, it is a 3x3 inch book of mixed media/collage on corrugated cardstock. I used cardstock, embellishments made of paper, metal and plastic, laces and fibers, brads and a leather strap for the closure. and I LOVE the front with the colorful bird! This would make a great gift for your BFF or someone like that!

Also, I made a larger one...4x4 inches or a fourbie book..Here is how it turned out.:

this is the back cover

The front reads "Sunshine, Rain, Everything"

__________________________________________________________________________________

I think it turned out gorgeous, especially after adding some of the laces that I have gotten from Pamela Joy and the scraps of things I have around here. I had several colors of the paper ribbon which I turned into "curliques" using scissors...There is also a "bead tail" attached, along with a silver tone, metal butterfly charm to top it all off!

back page of the 4x4 inch "Fourbie" album

I know this has been a long blog post, but I wanted to show you all of the pretty pages that have become a part of these books...If you have any questions about the process or techniques, please contact me through the comments section, and I will be with you asap! In the meantime, "Happy Creating"!

Happy Creating,

Laura Shelton

Visit and Shop at

Laura's Uniques

Seeing Signs of Spring...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:13:00 +0000

I know most of us are still in the colder part of the year, but lately I have been obsessively seeking out signs of spring, maybe to keep me from going stir crazy from staying in out of the cold! My man (aka TP) have been cooped up with each other 24/7 most of the winter and we haven't turned in the Donner Party yet, so I guess we have braved the winter pretty well! That poor groundhog that they drag out of his hole every February has seen his shadow, so we all know what that means, but don't you feel sorry for the poor thing?? He's been asleep for HOW LONG and suddenly he is pulled out of his bed and thrust right into the spotlight and a crowd of people...I bet he suffers from PTSD, don't you? Anyway, enough about the groundhog..let's talk Spring!

Hester - The Court Jester

Breathe in and Relax, Steampunk Style

Birdy and gear Pendant on brass filigree back

LISTEN to the JOY in your HEART

As you can see, I have been busy with an old/new media...I used to make jewelry, but it was more traditional. Lately I have become obsessed with making "Art Jewelry". Art Jewelry is a bit more elaborate and unusual than the more traditional jewelry, but the only thing is you have gotta be BRAVE to wear my stuff, lol! The butterflies are over 3 inches wide, and "Hester" is a brooch..large but lightweight. I have developed a process that makes for a very sturdy substrate for the jewelry, and keeps the piece from being so heavy.

Butterfly #1


Butterfly #2 I love these butterflies, even though they are larger than what most may be used to. Remember, this is ART Jewelry and is supposed to be over the top... The pieces at the very top of my page are smaller and less "in your face"...They are a bit more mainstream, but still have that "Art Jewelry" look. If you want to see the rest of my work as well as vintage jewelry and more, just click on the links below. I would love to be able to help you choose something new and Unique for yourself, or that special someone!							© 2016 Laura Shelton, Artist/Owner of: Laura's Uniques" http://etsy.com/your/shops/LaurasUniques and "Court Jester Designs" https://www.etsy.com/shop/CourtJesterDesign Come by and check my shops out! If I can make up something special for you, please let me know! Laura Shelton

Easy Last Minute Christmas Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 06:42:00 +0000

Hello and Happy Holidays to you all...I am just about ready for Christmas, which is a good thing, since it is going to happen whether I am ready or not! I have 4 beautiful grandchildren, 2 boys and 2 girls, and they are at the age where they all like MONEY ($$$) as much or more than if I had searched for months for that perfect gift!! So this year, I am leaning toward just a dollar amount and I am NOT going to fall for any gift cards..just cold hard CASH!!

But-if you have someone to buy for, either young or old, here are a few last minute gifts that the recipient will love and possibly cherish that don't take a lot or time or money...all you will need for this first one is some coordinating scraps of cardstock and scrapbook paper..plus go to the local Dollar Store for a few more items...

This is a paperback Bible from the local dollar store that I have recovered using scrapbook paper, cardstock, washi tape, lots of glue, chipboard embellishments and other odds and ends...the Bible cost a dollar, and I already had all of the other things in my stash...took me maybe an hour and change to make this, from start to finish...Behold:

Bible Front

Bible Back

I really like how this turned out...It is a nice sized book, and with the new covering on it, it should last the recipient for a long time...not to mention the memories and warm feelings it will invoke when they think of who made it for them! Handmade gifts are always a big hit, and the fact that they are a "one of a kind" makes them even mire special...Next up...the Bible and Scripture Journal that is an altered composition notebook, again from the dollar store, and using bits and pieces, scraps and whatnots from your stash...Great for studying scriptures and journaling about how they make you feel, or your thoughts on them...

Bible and Scripture Journal Front

Bible and Scripture Journal Back

Altered hardback blank Journal for Bible Study
FRONT

Altered hardback blank Journal for Bible Study
BACK

These two were super easy to make, it helps that they each have rather hard covers, because when you are recovering these, it seems to go a bit faster...I use hot glue on mine, and E6000 glue on the outside embellishments to make them really hang on there...the hardback blank journal came from Walmart in the art section and cost less than $10.00 (I think that's right)...they just started carrying these books about maybe a year ago...Anyway, covering these two journals took me maybe an hour and a half, or two hours each at the most...still using scraps and embellishments from my stash...You can also make a Bible and a Journal to match or coordinate. You can give someone both and they are set up for "Bible Journaling"!! Okay...next on my list...

Blank Journal recovered and embellished

Last of all, I bought one of the blank, lined journals at the dollar store, and as you can see, recovered and embellished using scrapbook and cardstock pieces, lace, rhinestones, and black squishy letters spelling out JOURNAL...The journal cost way less than $5.00, and all of the rest is of course, pieces and scraps from my stash...I have a granddaughter who loves the color pink...This may end up being a little part of her Christmas...along with the cash they are going to get!!!

I hope that this has inspired you to make up a couple of these, even after the holidays...I just love the altering part of the process, and I almost always have something on hand for a gift when something pops up... takes a lot of the pressure off, and helps you get in some artsy time for therapy reasons, lol!!!

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!

Happy Creating!!

Laura

Laura's Uniques on Etsy

I'm Back....With a Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 21:47:00 +0000


Journal Page / Scripture and Journal

Journal Page / Scripture and Journal

All pages are Scripture pages I have done using my Scripture and Prayer cards.

A contest!!! If you will send me an email (a clear one please, with "Contest" put in the WHO Section") of your newest, handmade mandela, not a copy of one, I will put your name in the hat for a drawing for some artsy goodies!! I'm thinking maybe .....stencils, colored pencils maybe, some chalks, maybe some papers I have made and cut shapes from, maybe even old pieces of costume jewelry for shapes...who knows?? If you have done one of my contests in the past, you know I will do you up, good and proper!!

(She is my enforcer, makes sure my artsy gifty's get sent out!)


One of my first Mandelas..


Maybe an addition to the prize pot!

The one on the bottom here is from my Etsy shop "https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurasUniques" Laura's Uniques and I just have the feeling that someone might like to have it! If it has already been spoken for (I must have been asleep!!!) Then I will pick another pretty bauble for my lucky winner! Anyway...has anyone noticed the "Bible Study and Journaling" going on lately?? And how long has it been that I HAVE BEEN DOING THE SAME THING?? When I started, I didn't notice anyone doing it...now everyone is doing it!!! But to be a good sport, I am all geared up to go along with the others....I may use a bit different items for my scripture studies, but they all serve the same purpose...to get to know our Lord God and the words he spoke...I will also be using my Bible verse cards I was using on my other pages as well...you can order them from Amazon...check it out...they have scripture on one side, and prayers on the other side...they are what the two card shapes on each side of the pages below are....I make a large part of my own cards, designs and figurals, etc...If there is any interest, I could post mine, and you guys could print them out....We will see...

Journal Page / Scripture and Journal


Possible little addition to the pot for the Contest winner!


mixed media and foiled ATC's.


Journal Page / Scripture and Journal

Well, that is about it for today..Don't forget to enter my little contest...it may end up not being so little!! Be sure to leave your name and address in the comment section when you sign up!!!

Happy Creating!!!

Laura Shelton..
(used to be Thykeson...
no longer...)

Getting Behind and Catching up!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:05:00 +0000

Oh my!!! Has it really been so long since I did a new post for my blog??? Ahhh well, life dows have a way of interfering with the best laid plans...so, I am going to do something just a bit different. I am going to post about changes around my home, in my life and coming soon! So, lets get started, shall we???

1. I got my new dining room table assembled finally...Tony put it together for me, and I love it! It is actually called a "breakfast nook", but in my apartment, it is large enough to be called the "dining room table"! Below is a pic of it...

I know it is white against white, but I am seriously considering doing some stenciling or maybe even some freehand designs on the table and seating, just to spice it up a bit. I still need place mats, etc, but that is coming soon...

2. Started working on a new painting, measures 16 x 20", and I am doing it with collage using hand dyed papers, acrylics, dyes, no telling what all I am going to be using...I will post it when it is finished. I am also getting ready to start another painting using 3D masks attached to the canvas on top of a cool background...but background is still being decided upon, lol. I will show a pic of it when I have actually started it.


Painting with hand dyed papers, etc.

And, last but not least, I also had to get a new printer...pic below, lol This is big news around my house, because I hate changing anything in my art studio, and new contraptions take me a while to adjust...

It works fantastic, and hopefully can take a bit of abuse because I seem to be rough on things like printers and paper shredders, lol!!!

Ok, that seems to be the top stories lately since I posted last...next time I am going back to my art and product reviews blogs, and I know you will be relieved, lol!!! Until then, I hope that you have a joyous life, full of hope, happiness, faith and love (don't forget the creativity!!!)

Here;s to having a great life, full of creative energy and all good things!!!

Happy creating!!!

Laura Shelton (Thykeson)

New articles to read!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 04:06:00 +0000

article for Making Mixed Media Mini Books on mixedmediaart.net

New Articles on Mixedmediaart.net! Making Mini Books and Healing Art Journaling

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 22:25:00 +0000

http://www.mixedmediaart.net/handmade-books/making-mixed-media-mini-books

http://www.mixedmediaart.net/mixed-media-inspiration-2/artistic-healing-anyone-can

"Crescent Moons and Crosses" in the Midnite Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 May 2014 17:19:00 +0000

I am not really sure why, because I love to write and usually do a lot of it, but lately I have had a hard time getting around to doing my blog postings. Maybe that is a good thing because the posts may have been mind-numbingly boring anyway....I really haven't had much to say about anything. It is like I have been in a holding pattern, waiting for something, but not at all sure what...maybe waiting for the beginning of the next Chapter in this thing called LIFE, or trying to break the habit of waiting for the next catastrophe to happen! It is amazing how we can live a certain way for so long that it begins to feel normal! Chaos, conundrums, catastrophes, begin to seem the norm, and then-when all of that suddenly stops, we are left in the aftermath, with our hair blown all around, our possessions and emotions in shattered tatters on the ground or stuck up in trees where we can't ever reach them so we just learn to walk on without them and move on...one foot in front of the other, until we finally begin to try to live again. Maybe that is what has been going on with me-learning to live again. Not just surviving, not just hanging on, but actually LIVING life and in a semi-normal fashion, certainly so compared to how things used to be. It feels kinda nice now that the feeling is coming back and I'm not waking up in the middle of the night afraid that it is only a temporary respite. I can revel in it and enjoy it and relax in it and now, I am finally beginning to believe in it. So much for introspection, This is my life now, and that is how I feel and I am liking it.

Anyway-on to what you came here for! ART! I have been making art in fits and spurts and starts and stops and mostly doing a lot of small things, but I did finish this mixed media painting that I like called "Cross and Crescent Moon". Here is how it began

and how it progressed through sprays and dribbles

and layers of collage and blobs of paints

and papers and paints and more sprays and more paints, until finally........

It ended up looking like this and is now hanging on my dining room wall. It comforts me for some reason, not quite sure why yet but I will figure it out! I believe it measures 12 x 16" on gallery wrap canvas. It is the first actual canvas mixed media painting I have done in a while and it felt really good to do! Hope you enjoyed seeing it!


"Cross and Crescent Moon" Mixed Media Painting by Laura Shelton Thykeson

Until later,

Happy Creating!

Link to Mixed Media Art Article

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 22:42:00 +0000

Here is a link to my latest article for mixedmediaart.net! Hope you enjoy it.

Check it out....

http://www.mixedmediaart.net/mixed-media-inspiration-2/dare-to-share-giving-the-gift-of-creativity-to-others

Molding Paste, Atc's, Foils and Watercolors...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 01:32:00 +0000

I just finished working on a couple of ATC's for a swap, and since this was a new (experimental) technique for me, I thought I might share with others who are curious about using these mediums together. I love the texture the modeling (or molding) paste gives to your art, and they accept opaque watercolor much better than I thought they would once they are dry. I will give steps on how I made these layered ATC's below the photo. The color in reality is so much more beautiful than the photo shows, of course....


Click on pic to enlarge

Okay, first off, I started out with ATC blanks that were precut. I had already made the molding paste stenciled designs on two whole 9 x 12 pages in my art journal while just playing around, so I cut two to ATC size, and then glued them to the ATC substrates. After drying the glue, I used Designer Foils in both blue and gold to highlight areas of the petals, centers, etc...this step also has to dry because you use an adhesive to adhere the foil to the ATC. Once dry (24 hours for me), I went over the designs with Opaque pan watercolors (Lukas brand-love them!!! I also use Pelikan brand!). After getting the color blending and shades like I wanted with the watercolors and they were dry, I highlighted various dry, wc painted parts of the design with Extreme Glitter and/or GlamourDust in complimentary colors. Once again, let dry, then finally I gave them a coating of Krylon Satin Finish spray-on varnish to seal everything. When sprayed with the Krylon, it really brought out the depth and texture of the ATC, giving it a nice, pulled together look! I think a Gloss spray would ;look good also, but didn't have any spray on hand to try, only had brush on and didn't want to chance smearing anything. Although these took awhile letting the layer dry, this was an experiment in mediums and techniques for me, and I am happy with the results! It is definitely a technique I will be using again in my art in many mixed media ways!!! Hope you enjoyed this post and maybe even learned something new to try!!!

Happy Creating!!
Laura Shelton Thykeson

Midnite Artists on FB - Join us for late nite art and fun!
Laura Shelton Thykeson on FB - like my page!

Where has the time gone!??? Update on Life, Faith Journal, etc..

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 02:02:00 +0000

I had no idea it had been so long since I have written a blog post! Since August!!! Crazy how time just gets away from you...so many things have changed in my life since the last post-my life is almost completely different now, and that is NOT a bad thing at all!! As a matter of fact, I would say I am just about the happiest and most peaceful I that can think of ever being...I will give you a brief update without all of the drama that was woven throughout all of the changes...

First of all, I now live totally alone...no kids, no pets, no spouse...just me and my art supplies, lol! For the first time EVER, I am totally on my own and I am loving every minute of it. I left home at 17, and never moved back, but the whole time I have been married, married with kids, a single mom, etc...this time it is just ME. A "no drama" divorce is in the works in case you are wondering, and I think it has to be the most peaceful marital split in history! We agreed to disagree, and then agreed on everything else, no messy legal wrangling, and we both are walking away with no hard feelings and so far still friends...amazing..

I have moved into the most adorable, large and roomy, 2 bedroom, 2 full bath apartment, with a fireplace and great big closets, and I don't have to share with anyone...I have become a spoiled child just since the move and I settled in here much faster than I ever thought I would. There is a pool, a fitness room and a computer room/library available for the tenants here. It is generally quiet, no problem neighbors or crazy weekend brawls, just people like me living from day to day, doing their own thing. I absolutely love it here. My son found this place for me, and then engineered my move up THREE flights of stairs, lol! He is outstanding, both my sons are and both pitched in to get me relocated. I have moved to a new town, one about 30 miles from where I used to live, a town I know well, and funny, have always liked the idea of living here. And now I do. So funny how life works out within only 10 days. That's all it took-TEN DAYS, and my life changed completely. I am now closer to my kids and grandkids, but not too close to be a pain, lol.

But, that is enough about me. Suffice it to say, I spend nearly every waking moment creating or writing or thinking about one or the other. I keep my own crazy schedule (up a lot at night) and have begun to eat more healthy, even cut out red meat from my diet for the most part which is a major deal for a "steak eating Texan"! My health is better because the stress level dropped. No constant hospital visits, at least not lately. So, that is where I have been, and what I have been experiencing in life. Miraculous, unbelievable at times, but true and secure and happy and it is just what I needed. Thanks to all responsible-you know who you are.

Now! On to the fun stuff! I have a few new pages from my Faith and Scripture journal that I want to share with you. They are all mixed media, some with some collage, many using inks and acrylics together, still others playing with PanPastels, which have become my newest obsession...if you ever buy a small set of them, you will be hooked and start collecting them like I practically have! They are just fabulous and much more versatile than I thought they would be. So-there is my product review for the day, and now, I will post a few pages from my journal. It is almost full, and I have already decided I am going to start another one and keep one going at all times as a "background project" while working on other things...

I hope you have enjoyed looking at these new pages from my Faith journal! Enjoy your day and Happy Creating!!!

Faith and Scripture Art Journal- Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 16:12:00 +0000

Hello all!!!

I am up this fine Saturday since about 7 am, had my coffee and been busy ever since, with emails, and catching up on art projects I have going all at once...I have been working in my new Faith and Scripture art journal in the evenings, that I made from a composition notebook and scripture cards (read about it here...http://tazscorner1.blogspot.com/2013/06/faith-and-scripture-art-journal-page-day.html ) I have all kinds of journals and sketchbooks, and I just still am obsessed with using these comp notebooks for things like this project...go figure, lol!!! I have a few random pages to show you my laid back, relaxed approach to this whole project.

When I started to do this journal, I thought a bit about the "theme" and what did I really want to do with this particular journal....well, I wanted to use the time to really concentrate on and take in the meaning of the Scriptures and the Word and it's meaning to me, and still make some pretty pictures at the same time. But the art wasn't the focal point to me this time...the Scriptures were the focal point to me, so I decided to use a more laid back, relaxed, Expressive Art type of approach on the pages. This allows me the time to relax, enjoy it, meditate on the meanings and what it all means to me, and not worry about making a perfect page each time. I am really enjoying being able to unwind each evening, in bed even, while I work on my journal pages. They are simple and straightforward, and that is just the way I like them to be in this themed art journal! I thought I would share a few spreads with you to show you how it is coming along....If you click on them, they should enlarge so you can see the details better...

See how fun and easy these pages are! I think I am even sleeping better at night by doing this in the evenings before I go to sleep...! I am just going with whatever technique or colors hit me or are convenient...not a lot of writing on my part because in THIS journal, it's not MY words that really count-it's the Scriptures on the cards that count each page.

So, that is part of what I have been up to, and hope you all have a safe and happy weekend!

Happy creating!!

Laura

Humility and Mixed Media Art

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 14:44:00 +0000

Hello all!

It's Friday and I am thrilled to pieces about it! I can't wait for the weekend, because I may get to see my grandbabies...what fun!

Lately I have been working on a series of women done in mixed media using paint, paper, collage, inks, dyes, and chalks to achieve some nice facial coloring...I thought I would share the with you!


"Humility"

"Woman of Shadows"

"Prayer and Flowers"

I love all three of these, and plan on doing some more along the same style...Thanks for looking, and above all....

Happy Creating!!!!

Laura

Faith and Scripture Art Journal - A Page A Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 20:06:00 +0000

Today is the first official day of Summer...It is hot and windy this Sunday afternoon, and I have been sitting in my studio, trying to decide what kind of project to do that would really give me some inspiration, some positive feedback and feelings, not just another "arty", meaningless play in color and paper and paint...

As I sat and pondered what to do, I thought of Daisy Yellow's ICAD project, and what a great project that is...one index card a day, easy enough, but just enough to get you going and keep you going, even on those days and weeks when inspiration is hard to find. I have done the ICAD project before and loved it, but I was still searching for something just a bit more meaningful for myself...then I remembered these little scripture cards I have been saving for about 5 years now! They are the size of business cards, and are the product of Ruth Graham, the great Rev. Billy Graham's wife. They are her favorite scriptures, taken from the King James version of the Holy Bible, and there are "180 verses covering 30 topics vital to the Christian life". I knew I had hit upon my next long term project, something to keep me going during the heat filled, sweaty Texas summer, something to uplift me and inspire me in more ways than one...I would love it if some of you would play along with me! You can find the Scripture cards on Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.com/Ruths-Scripture-Treasures/dp/159328179X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372016078&sr=8-1&keywords=ruth%27s+scripture+treasures

I have altered a composition notebook, which I got for probably 25 Cents last year during the back to school sales. I covered the outside of my Scripture Art Journal with a pretty, summery looking cardstock, made a label for the front cover from an index card, and also glued on the Title Card from the stack of Scripture Cards. It has made a really cute little journal, and these are so great to work in, because you can relax and not worry about messing up a really expensive journal, or anything other silly reason your "inner critic" might want to throw your way to stop you from making some art...

I am planning to just do at least one card/page/Scripture a day, unless I want to do more than one, and just kind of wing it through this project. There really are no hard and fast rules for this one. Now, I just noticed that each card has Scripture on both the front AND the back of the cards...This means that I will just have to choose which side I want to use for that day, because I am planning on gluing a new card to each page as I work through them. I wish they were only printed on one side, but Oh well, I will make it work like it is...

I would love if you would join me in this-it is not expensive, it is a good warm up exercise before doing other arty endeavors and good for the Soul! Let me know if you decide to join in....Please leave your name and a comment...there just might be a free giveaway of something arty and fun for one of the lucky players! Come play along with me! It will be fun, I promise!

Happy Creating!

Mixed Media Asian Themed Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:42:00 +0000

Here is a mixed media canvas I made recently using acrylics, fabric pieces, Paint Pens , and lots of bling and rhinestones from Want2Scrap. I have really come to love the Want2Scrap website for their great assortment of things that I like to use when doing some of my pieces...If you click on the pic you can see more details of the piece, with the individual rhinestones in the pink flowers and the pearls on the crane and the women's clothing...as I look at this piece, I see some things I will do differently next time, but it was a good piece to practice on and I had a great time making it!

The second piece is something I have been working on that is a new technique for me that I am trying to perfect. It is hard to explain what I am trying to do, but it is sort of a collage "paint over", fabric and paper collage combination...it is evolving into more of a 3D effect than I had planned, but I am kinda liking it...I will post more details about this piece as I work through it...it is kind of an experiment. Other news?? Well, I have a special Warning for any of you with COPD or breathing problems...DO NOT USE SPRAY VARNISHES, unless you have a VERY ventilated area or are outside...I was unwise, andI have been down for a week, but beginning to feel much better! Happy Creating!!!

Mixed Media Angel Fairy....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 04 May 2013 05:35:00 +0000

Today I made a mixed media angel/fairy, using wallpaper scraps, tissue paper, chipboard wings, paint, chalk, and embellishments of different kinds. I am going to post the pictures of my process so you can see her as she is developed.

The last picture is a little bright with a reflection, but you can see the final outcome. I used a regular canvas board for the substrate and the wallpaper scraps made a nice dress for her....Of course I had to add flowers and hearts, like always, and some Extreme Glitter on the wings and the butterflies made them stand out a bit more...The wings are from Want 2 Scrap, and they come in 3 sizes I believe, with these being the largest. I painted these an aqua color and added a touch of Extreme Glitter in Turquoise.

The canvas board measures 9 x 12". The three large flowers are by Prima Flowers (I LOVE their selection of flowers and embellies!!) The fabric flowers are attached with one of my "secret glue" mixtures, but you could use Mod Podge or whatever fabric adhesive you prefer. The tiny butterflies are made by Prima Flowers as well, and the halo on her head is done with a Viva Pearl Pen in Gold.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at this, and maybe it will inspire you to make something great!

Happy Creating,

Laura

Victorian Style Altered Book Cover, Lace, Ribbon, Flowers...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:50:00 +0000

Hello!
I have been having a blast...! I have been sewing and painting and gluing and all kinds of things the last couple of days. My BFF Pamela Joy got me started and out of a rut, and I have been really having a lot of fun. One thing she did to help me, was to get me started working with fabric more in my mixed media art. I now LOVE fabric and trims, and all of the textures and designs! I decided to use some of the fabric that I have accumulated recently to cover a Victorian book that I have started altering. Here are some of the book covers that were on the book originally, but I decided to recover the book in a style more suitable to the inside of the book...

http://tazscorner1.blogspot.com/2013/01/altered-book-covers.html

Now, here is what it looks like, although the scan is a bit blurry you can get the idea...

I used a more subdued floral print (drapery material from Goodwill!) for the inside panels of the book cover, then added laces, ribbons, jewels and bead embellishments to the entire cover, along with some lovely 3D flowers held together with a butterfly brad and secured with a strong adhesive. I am really pleased with how this turned out! On the spine of the book, there is a ribbon made of white fabric roses and it just really sets the whole thing off. I covered the back as well, and it looks just the same as the front, minus the 3D embellishments such as the flowers, ribbon and jewels. So, I hemmed the edges of the inner floral panels on my sewing machine, and then glued all of the components on using E6000 and Fabri-Tac made by Beacon. Fabri-Tac seems to be a really sturdy glue and you can find it at Walmart, and Michaels I believe among other places, and E6000 (can even be found in the Dollar Store!) should be in every mixed media artists toolbox, in my opinion!

Here is another fabric altered book cover I made a while back, using fabric scraps and a few 3d embellishments, ribbon roses, a tag, and a few Prima flowers, all held together with a brad and securely glued down to the front cover. E6000 strikes again! I really enjoyed making these covers, they are a bit more "frilly" than my usual mixed media art style, but still very fun to create...

What have YOU been working on??? Made any hand painted or fabric covers for your art journals/altered books? I would love to see a link in your comment post, linking to your most recent mixed media art piece you are doing or just finished!

Happy Creating!
Laura Shelton Thykeson

Laura Shelton Thykeson's Mixed Media Art Page on FB
Laura Shelton Thykeson on FB
Midnite Artist Group on FB