Praierie Papier Ponderer

Girls Artistically Together - New Etsy Shop!

2010-06-27T11:05:35-06:00

Okay, so our Etsy shop isn't "brand new" but it's still under a month old...and I'd love to show you some of the new pieces I've added! Just click on the picture to be taken to our Etsy shop and for product descriptions!

whimsical pin cushion

miniature art quilt

fabric art journal

This coming week should be a lot of fun! My two granddaughters are visiting, and we plan to work on some art projects...I started knitting Kristen a purse/tote to hold some of her beading supplies and WIP, and just need to sew the lining in and finish the strap...she's very excited about that! Brianna wants to work on knitting, and yesterday she spent the day in my studio learning how to do quilling...I think she's working on a Marie Antoinette paper doll...they both brought huge totes of art and crafting supplies, so I think we'll be quite busy and I'm sure the time will pass far too quickly (it always does).

I hope you have a wonderfully creative week, and thanks for stopping by!

Toodles!

Anita

Where Bloggers Create II

2010-06-20T18:00:22-06:00

I know I'm forgetful, but seriously...I totally forgot about the second annual blog hop, "Where Bloggers Create!"

So, without further ado, I thought I'd better share at least a couple photos from my studio...bear in mind I did not clean it up, nor did I stage it "magazine pretty." This is literally where I create...

You'll notice that I have an affinity for pink and green...and white...and other pretty colors...most of my shelves and storage units are white...I love checking out dollar stores and the dollar section at Target for little pretties to store my supplies in. I find that for most items, I do better with storage that is open and visible otherwise I forget what I have...this is some of my 6 x 6 paper pads...the little pink tins are actually for storing Quickutz dies, but I just love the little shelves and tins for storing small bits and bobs...

Some of my ink pad storage...the angel was a birthday gift two years ago from my two granddaughters...I also like displaying some of my favorite stamps...these are my collection of Flower Fairy stamps...

A small portion of my ribbon collection...I started winding the ribbon on old-fashioned looking wood clothespins...I have a ways to go...sigh...

I have three of these shelf units by Making Memories...two smaller and one large unit...I store things I try to use more often in them...paint, buttons, fibers...the buckets were a Target purchase....I love the bright summery colors, and the black polka dot bucket is one of my favorites...there was only one...another deep sigh...I keep some of my pens in them...

This is the larger Making Memories storage shelf unit...perched on top are pink enamelware canisters (the labels are facing the wall)...perched up there are a couple of dolls that were gifted to me by my best artist bud, Mish at "The Studio at Crow Haven Farm." They keep me inspired!

Cropper Hopper shelving units and paper holders...at least something is organized and labeled!!

This is the first doll that Mish gave me...my birthday gift from last year...plus more ribbon storage (for the spools), and the "start" of an inspiration wall...I do have a page from a coloring book that my youngest granddaughter, Kristen, colored for me about six years ago posted there just out of view...

A portion of my button collection and other art supplies that didn't make it to their "real" home...also have some metal Tim Holtz tins that house paint and Stickles...

Where I "really" create? Anywhere I'm able! This is my daughter's kitchen, and I'm teaching Kristen how to sew with a sewing machine...this was taken just a couple weeks ago...Kristen choose to make a blanket for her first project...she sat on my lap for the first long row of stitches, but caught on quickly, and soon didn't need "Grandma's lap." Her blanket turned out really cute, and she was quite proud of herself!

She chose black "minky" fabric for the top and very 70's fabric with a rainbow of peace signs for the bottom!

Brianna, my oldest granddaughter designed her own knitting needle case and executed that without a problem...she's been sewing for several years now, and is very artistic! She loves sewing, embroidery, quilting, knitting, painting and drawing...we were about to leave for home and I realized I'd forgotten to take a picture of her and her project, so I made her get out of bed...she chose beautiful fabric for her knitting needle case! We had a blast at Hobby Lobby where we stocked up on things we needed and things we didn't! When we visit "our girls" we try to get in at least one shopping trip to our favorite stores...Hobby Lobby is a must on our list!

Great job, Brianna! Hope you make one for me!

And now, since it's Father's Day, I thought I'd show you my work in progress...I had intended this to be a Christmas gift for my mom and dad, then their anniversary gift, and then a Mother's Day gift, and then the Father's Day gift...uuummm, only about three and four months until their birthdays...anyway, I'm almost done with this and NEED to get it mailed!

and now, for the finale...this is where this blogger really creates...most of the time...instead of watching television, but still in the living room...I want to be with my dear husband when he's home and not down in my studio, so I usually have a project or two I can work on when he's home...this is my coffee table right now...OMG...

Yes, I read, sketch, edit video and photos, embroider and quilt, read, knock over my "piles", do my homework, read, knock over more stuff, stack stuff, knock over still more stuff, read, drink my coffee...has anyone seen my cell phone?

Thank you SO much for stopping by today! Hope you enjoyed part of the space I create in...and really...it doesn't matter what your space looks like! Just create!!! And then blog about it!!!

Toodles!

Anita

Living the Creative Life - embarking on a new adventure!

2010-05-17T21:30:09-06:00

The beginning of a new year often means we're looking to make changes...losing weight, spending more time with our families, etc. Sometimes it brings changes that we least expect.

Last year I was contemplating working full-time as an artist again, however I was reluctant to give up my "day job" because it allowed me to work at home, it was easy, and I truly enjoyed it. Sometimes decisions are made for us.

Last week Wednesday I was permanently laid off from my job. Over 200 of us lost our work-at-home jobs as the company closed. Now, while I search for another job it would seem that I "get to" live that creative life I only dreamed of last year. I knew the layoff was coming...we were notified in March, so it wasn't a complete surprise (well, in March it was).

One of my best friends, Michelle (of the Studio at Crow Haven Farm), and I had been talking last year about how wonderful it would be to create art full-time, and how cool would it be to do it together. We met online a year ago...we were both in many of the same online art classes and quickly became friends. I'm continually astounded how much we have in common, sharing so many likes and dislikes. Michelle was laid off from her job just before Christmas. Coincidence? I think not...

Michelle is SO talented, and earlier this year she taught herself how to knit...no sooner had she learned and she was emailing me, telling me I just HAD to learn. She sent a couple of You Tube links...I watched them and began telling myself, "yes, I CAN do this." That began another flurry of emails...we both addicted (years ago I tried to teach myself, and couldn't get the hang of it). Not only that, but over Easter vacation I taught six young boys and girls how to knit as well. Michelle is my art buddy.

Michelle would have me believe that I can do anything. She's just that kind of person. She's generous with her praises and compliments, and with helping me to figure something out when it's not working. She is so talented, and she's not afraid to try something new. She is an extraordinary doll artist, and creates the most wonderful character dolls.

This is one of them; her name is Cotton Candie:

She got me to start drawing...seriously...we took drawing and painting classes together. We've taken clay sculpting classes together. And now she taught herself to crochet...I'm ready...I have my crochet hooks! Michelle is my encourager.

Michelle knows that I have physical limitations. She knows that I've had a chronic headache for over 5 1/2 years. Michelle also believes in me, and she encourages me to work past the pain...to create...she knows that if I can just pick something up and begin, that soon the pain is pushed to the back of my mind, and before I know it, I'm enjoying myself...no, the pain doesn't go away, but when I'm being creative, I'm not focusing on it either. Michelle is my therapist!

So, we've been busy readying our joint Etsy shop for our grand opening on June 1. Collectively we're called, "Girls Artistically Together." Michelle lives in Pennsylvania; I live in ND...we've never met in person, but talk frequently on the phone (thank God we have the same cell phone provider), and every day we're busy with a flurry of emails talking about new projects, planning, creating, teaching each other. I love her dearly, and my life is definitely richer because of her friendship. Michelle is my business partner.

"Hopefully" over the next two weeks I'll be sharing more info on our shop, and offering a few more "sneak peeks." Guess what these are...

As always, thank you so much for stopping by today...I always appreciate visitors, and love your comments. Until next time...

Toodles!

Anita

I'm a Prim and Whimsy Girl - Join the PWGL Little Tokens of Love Valentine Swap!

2010-01-14T17:20:26-07:00

Two weeks ago, on the dawn of the New Year (I cannot believe January is half over already), I promised to share some good news...well, part of it I can, and the rest will have to wait for a bit...

First of all, before I forget, again, there is still time to join the Prim and Whimsy Girls "Little Token of Love Valentine Swap!

Here are the details….

Anyone can join in! This Swap is open to all Artists and Crafters.

You’ll be creating a heart shaped Valentine item - using any medium, any art style - as long as the finished piece is no larger than 5 x 5 inches.

Deadline to sign-up is January 15, 2010. You’ll receive your partners info on January 17th.

All Valentine’s MUST be mailed out by February 8, 2010

So, there you have it...one day to sign up...the PWGL swaps are wonderful and you don't want to miss out!

Okay, on to some more good stuff...for the past few months I've been busy in my studio...I decided to get back into designing and making my own line of folk dolls again...after 20 years...I can't believe it's been SO long...way back in the day we were wholesaling the dolls to over 100 gift shops all over the US, including Disney World in Florida...we also sold dolls to the ND State Heritage Center (our state museum), and Japan. We sold some dolls to a Hollywood prop company to be used in a movie...I never did hear (or see for that matter) what movie it was...and no, it wasn't Chuckie!

This is what some of my dolls looked like:

These were part of a line called "meadowlake folke tales." Pictured are Goldilocks, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, Little Red Riding Hood, and Little Bo-beep...you probably guessed that they were based on fairytales and nursery rhymes...well, my new creations will look nothing like this...

Right now, a kazillion ideas are running through my head...there is so much I want to do, but trying to focus on an idea or two has proved difficult...plus...I'm going to be putting some of the new skills I've learned over the past year to use, and that's a bit scary since I totally stepped outside of my comfort zone! However, I will not be deterred, and I continue to press ahead! I'm getting closer to completing a few pieces...

I will let you in on a little secret...they are going to be mixed media art dolls...and that's all I'm going to say (for now!)...they will be for sale in either/or my Etsy shop or my own selling blog...details later!

I've also been busy with some new classes, and some new projects...a couple involve doing more art journaling.

I have a new doll class that starts this coming Monday (making Izannah Walker-inspired dolls (totally cool antique-looking dolls!). The class is taught by Dixie Redmond, and this is one of the dolls that she made. Awesome, huh?

...and of course, my school studies in graphic design...I'm learning more about Photoshop (and right now I am NOT having much fun with it...OMG!)...but I know that I'll enjoy the new skills I'm learning with more practice. It's just that right now it's a bit overwhelming...

So, that's what I've been up to...

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to sign up for the swap! And, hopefully before long I'll have some new art to show you!

Toodles!

Anita

Art Journaling - People and Animals

2009-12-31T00:01:00-07:00

Just thought I'd share a couple pages I did for a round robin journal swap...the theme for this journal was "People and Animals," and I'll admit I was stumped...and over Thanksgiving vacation I was discussing this with one of my nieces and she had a brainstorm...a circus! So, my very talented niece, Danielle, helped me do some pages...I showed her some techniques and she painted the background and pasted on the elements...I finished it up...and hooked her on art journaling! Mission accomplished! Plus, later that evening I showed Danielle's two younger sisters, Hannah and Bella, some art journaling techniques using some Vogue magazines and scrapbook paper, and they created some pages as well...again...mission accomplished! Inspiring someone else to be creative and believe in herself is what it's really all about!

Also, I just wanted to share with you a couple pictures from our Christmas celebration at my daughter Missy's...

Here are the "needle crafters" - from left to right are my granddaughters Kristen, Brianna, and my mother...Kristen was weaving, Brianna is learning to knit (with Mom's help), and Mom is crocheting a hotpad for Missy...

Here Mom is teaching Kristen how to make sugar cookies from scratch...Mom was impressed that Kristen did such a great job and is very much into baking...they both had a great afternoon (Mom is never happier than having flour all over...she LOVES baking!)...

Remember a couple days ago I mentioned that Kristen made cookies and had her color theory down pat? Well, here are her cookies...never saw purple and orange Christmas cookies before...

And yes, that's a turtle...she decorated that one for her sister...great job Kristen! You are VERY creative! Hope making sugar cookies with your great-grandmother will be a memory you cherish forever!

Thanks for stopping by today and...

Toodles and hugs...

Anita

The Crafter's Devotional - Do Something Creative Every Day!

2009-12-30T00:01:00-07:00

It's no secret that I love books. One of my new intentions for 2010 is to share more about myself, and what I like. I purchased this book a couple months ago and was ready to dive right into it, but because I'm ADD/OCD I had to wait until January 1. Far be it for me to start any time during the year...perhaps that's why my intentions (goals) seem to fall flat after a few days...I have so many that I get burned out within the first week of the New Year!

There is something elemental shared among artists and crafters, regardless of chosen medium: creative energy. Crafters dabble, collaborate, muse, and make, all in their own way and on their own timeline. For all crafts, there are established techniques to follow but wild, innumerable ways to experiment, using the basics to launch crafters to new heights. Crafter’s Devotional can aid that launch. Each day of the year is given its own focus, on which the reader will find a daily dose of craft content that inspires, instructs, and illuminates. And, there's still time to order your copy! Just click the link here:

Amazon.com Widgets

This New Year I'm not setting myself up to fail, at least I hope not...I'm going to try really hard not to do that but rather challenge myself to spend some time doing something creative every day whether I'm actually creating something OR reading something that has to do with creating OR sketching...I'm still working on my "studio time" intentions...it's hard to think today...the headache is piercing...but I'll share when I have more definite plans...

And to get warmed up, I'm designing a new line of folk dolls...today I worked on the pattern...OMG...why didn't I pay more attention in geometry? Seriously...I had to look up the formulas on the internet...I knew pi was in there someplace...you would not believe my paper mess...drawing circles with my compass (it's pink)...cutting out circles...making smaller circles...cutting them out...making bigger circles...cutting them out...saying the heck with circles...that's not what I need...I need to know how to make a cone...now, in my brain, a cone spread out is a circle...well, it's not...what the heck! Do I even know what I'm doing? It's just a doll...I'm not building a space shuttle...eventually I got it...I don't know what to call the shape but it's not a circle and it's not a cone...I have no idea how to replicate it, but for now I have what I need. And that is how I create...barely able to hold two thoughts together to call it an idea, but I'm getting there...

Thanks a bunch for stopping by today! I so appreciate it! Until next time...

Toodles and hugs!

Anita

Inspiration Tuesday - 500 Colored Pencils!

2009-12-29T09:55:56-07:00

One of the things that truly inspires me is color! Maybe that's a misnomer because it's rare that only ONE color inspires...but 500!!! OMG! That about puts me in inspiration overload!

My intentions for 2010 include doing something creative everyday...and to do that I need some inspiration...and what better way to get it than by owning the coolest set of color pencils EVER!

What would one color be without 499 others?

Introducing 500 Colored Pencils: the only set in the world that matches the span and wonder of human creativity.

Express whatever you dream, with beautiful visual precision.

Each pencil is its own story. A unique hue with an inventive name to inspire the far corners of your creativity.

Together, the colors suggest infinite possibilities.

It's human to have favorites. To be drawn to certain colors, to have others surprise you. The greatest beauty of 500 Pencils is that you don't receive all of them at once, but over the course of 20 months. It gives you new focus as an artist, working with color families and feeling the precious nature of each pencil. You'll receive 25 pencils a month, crafted to order. As you build to 500, the pencils become your story and experience. It's about enjoying an unhurried creative process, and the artist - that over time - you become.

WOW someone you love with color.

There’s no gift in the world quite like 500 Colored Pencils. Encourage a young artist, surprise a child, thank a mentor or inspire a creative soul with a gift they can hold in their hands, and heart.

Each month when the pencils arrive, they become a new gift to unwrap a new present every month for 20 months reminding someone special that he or she is in your thoughts: a dramatic gift any one would remember for life.

Check out the web site (click on the badge in the right sidebar) for more information about this amazing collection that's been featured in many publications as well as on Martha Stewart's program...and then subscribe! Unleash YOUR creativity!