tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51538581255371193892024-03-13T19:16:02.448-07:00The Matchbookcreativity and inspiration
from the inside outBridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-6976331956420555842014-07-24T14:52:00.000-07:002014-07-24T14:54:41.252-07:00Making Marbled Paper & Fabric - With Shaving Cream!<span style="font-size: large;">I came across this idea when I was researching Golden's new High Flow Acrylics, and immediately had to try it! As I experimented, I found that it worked on paper and fabric, AND that you could get the same effects with High Flow Acrylics, Fluid Acrylics, and even Jaquard's Dye-Na-Flow fluid fabric paints. Awesome! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9KEx8z9pdM/U9Fd2IkM-kI/AAAAAAAADPM/iCG0G5vHdqQ/s1600/marble_hifloblack_feature_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9KEx8z9pdM/U9Fd2IkM-kI/AAAAAAAADPM/iCG0G5vHdqQ/s1600/marble_hifloblack_feature_web.jpg" height="298" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaving Cream Marbling on Rice Paper with Golden High Flow Acrylics - Yummy!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>What You Need:</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxteFnvdtAA/U9FceSH9ZXI/AAAAAAAADNo/dJbaZpEa95c/s1600/marbling_web_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxteFnvdtAA/U9FceSH9ZXI/AAAAAAAADNo/dJbaZpEa95c/s1600/marbling_web_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Shallow Tray</b> - anything like a baking sheet or shallow plastic tub will work.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shaving Cream!</b> The cheaper and foamier the better (the gel stuff is harder to work with).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Few Toothpicks or Skewer Sticks</b> - anything with a fine tip will work, and you can even use a popcicle stick. You can also use a marbling comb like the pink one pictured above, but it's not necessary at all - I didn't use it any of the examples.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Few Old Giftcards</b> - or another kind of spreader/scraper. Even an old piece of coated cardboard or chipboard will work (though it will soggy and won't last!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.goldenpaints.com/products/color/highflow/" target="_blank">High Flow Acrylics</a>, <a href="http://www.goldenpaints.com/products/color/fluid/" target="_blank">Fluid Acrylics</a>, <a href="http://www.jacquardproducts.com/dye-na-flow.html" target="_blank">Dye-Na-Flow</a></b>, or other inks or fluid paints - experiment! I'm using Golden High Flow Acrylics in the first example, and they were VERY easy to use! They behave like inks, which makes them ideal for marbling. Dye-Na-Flow also worked well (I applied it with a dropper) and is good for use on both fabric and paper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paper or Fabric</b> - I used a sturdy Japanese Sumi-e paper and bleached muslin in my experiments, but just about any smooth paper should work.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paper Towels, Baby Wipes or Rags</b> - these can be helpful to clean paint-infused shaving cream off your tools as you work, though the whole thing is easy water cleanup!</span></li>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>You're Ready to Start!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaZJc4VMTI8/U9FcfJMHASI/AAAAAAAADOM/Am1MVGDZkno/s1600/marbling_web_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaZJc4VMTI8/U9FcfJMHASI/AAAAAAAADOM/Am1MVGDZkno/s1600/marbling_web_2.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Begin by spraying shaving cream into your tray.</b> You'll want a pretty thick layer (mine ended up about 1/2" thick)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm-3IoiNWUY/U9Fcfs41A3I/AAAAAAAADOI/gOOkCn_UHPo/s1600/marbling_web_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm-3IoiNWUY/U9Fcfs41A3I/AAAAAAAADOI/gOOkCn_UHPo/s1600/marbling_web_3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>2.</b> Using your hand or your spreader, <b>blend and smooth the shaving cream so you have a relatively flat surface</b>. It spreads like fluffy icing! It's handy if your spread shaving cream is roughly the same size as your paper. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l6sa3vFCXY/U9FcgM-xQWI/AAAAAAAADOY/WHuRp7rqqeE/s1600/marbling_web_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l6sa3vFCXY/U9FcgM-xQWI/AAAAAAAADOY/WHuRp7rqqeE/s1600/marbling_web_4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Drop paint onto the surface of the shaving cream. </b>I found I got the best results when I started with three colors and spaced the drops of paint out over the whole surface of the shaving cream. I did mine in a very random pattern. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13p0Pksrvho/U9FcgcFHdgI/AAAAAAAADOc/S8rj0tQclkI/s1600/marbling_web_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13p0Pksrvho/U9FcgcFHdgI/AAAAAAAADOc/S8rj0tQclkI/s1600/marbling_web_5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>4.</b> <b>Next, take your toothpick or skewer and drag it through the shaving cream, blending the dots.</b> You can do it all in one direction.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQM6r01C97c/U9Fcgu2r5jI/AAAAAAAADOk/wNbCvd6WS6Y/s1600/marbling_web_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQM6r01C97c/U9Fcgu2r5jI/AAAAAAAADOk/wNbCvd6WS6Y/s1600/marbling_web_6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or, you can shake it up and create swirls. You could even get a book of marbling patterns from your local library and go for complex patterns! (yup, I've got one on hold right now)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rW43awa98pg/U9FchYJdloI/AAAAAAAADO8/rFzhosK8s_8/s1600/marbling_web_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rW43awa98pg/U9FchYJdloI/AAAAAAAADO8/rFzhosK8s_8/s1600/marbling_web_7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what my shaving cream looked like before I put the paper down.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0eeTh5QW_0/U9FchiYIfpI/AAAAAAAADOs/dD6R4HnUjwc/s1600/marbling_web_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0eeTh5QW_0/U9FchiYIfpI/AAAAAAAADOs/dD6R4HnUjwc/s1600/marbling_web_8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Put the paper down onto the shaving cream. </b>Gently press to ensure that every part of the paper is in contact with the surface of the shaving cream.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp8F9ANxCIk/U9FcirEZLMI/AAAAAAAADPE/K2UA75rYb9A/s1600/marbling_web_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp8F9ANxCIk/U9FcirEZLMI/AAAAAAAADPE/K2UA75rYb9A/s1600/marbling_web_9.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>6. Pull the paper up - and don't be scared! </b>It will look like all you got was a big hot mess, but it will get better! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DoWawKiEfo/U9Fce1FmM0I/AAAAAAAADOE/nJtP-bhAzUc/s1600/marbling_web_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DoWawKiEfo/U9Fce1FmM0I/AAAAAAAADOE/nJtP-bhAzUc/s1600/marbling_web_10.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Put you paper down and gently scrape away the shaving cream. </b> The gorgeous marbled pattern will be revealed! Be careful - the paper will be damp, and if it's thin, it may tear. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUsl_1iUA7I/U9Fcc94pdrI/AAAAAAAADO0/hfAZZoKSJ6E/s1600/marble_hiflo_green_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUsl_1iUA7I/U9Fcc94pdrI/AAAAAAAADO0/hfAZZoKSJ6E/s1600/marble_hiflo_green_1_web.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how the paper looked after it was scraped and dried!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--76hXpqgBns/U9FcdgSOSjI/AAAAAAAADOw/CPSWcmlj0n0/s1600/marbling_composite_dirtyshavingcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--76hXpqgBns/U9FcdgSOSjI/AAAAAAAADOw/CPSWcmlj0n0/s1600/marbling_composite_dirtyshavingcream.jpg" height="168" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>8.</b> <b>Keep going!</b> You may think that after that first piece of paper you have to clean your tray off and start all over again with fresh shaving cream! Not so! It may look like the pattern is destroyed, but you can keep swirling, laying down paper, pulling and scraping. The colors blend more and become more subtle, but that's part of the beauty! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oA0lfaBnHk/U9FccjQtLgI/AAAAAAAADNY/BQhagE4xo1s/s1600/marble_hiflogreen_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oA0lfaBnHk/U9FccjQtLgI/AAAAAAAADNY/BQhagE4xo1s/s1600/marble_hiflogreen_2_web.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's what the second pull from that batch of paint and shaving cream looked like.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcqjvWExA4E/U9FcdfK33VI/AAAAAAAADNg/N9S6Lxda-e4/s1600/marble_hiflogreen_3_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcqjvWExA4E/U9FcdfK33VI/AAAAAAAADNg/N9S6Lxda-e4/s1600/marble_hiflogreen_3_web.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the third pull - here, I just used my spreader to blend the remaining color. At this point, I could add more drops of paint and keep going! This soft green would make a wonderful background color!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>More Options!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZM2w09E_ME/U9Fcd1w2SlI/AAAAAAAADNs/QflWMw3XWyI/s1600/marbling_fluid_acrylic_web_samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZM2w09E_ME/U9Fcd1w2SlI/AAAAAAAADNs/QflWMw3XWyI/s1600/marbling_fluid_acrylic_web_samples.jpg" height="178" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here, I used Golden Fluid Acrylics. I found that the drops of paint were harder to control, but the color was brilliant. I used a skewer for the first pull, then used a popsicle stick to create the larger, looser swirls for the second pull. Then, I was back to the skewer for the final pull.<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZLGmmA5LbY/U9FcdPlDiLI/AAAAAAAADPI/sKBUEoeMOiM/s1600/marble_dyenaflo_purple_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZLGmmA5LbY/U9FcdPlDiLI/AAAAAAAADPI/sKBUEoeMOiM/s1600/marble_dyenaflo_purple_web.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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And here is a sample using the Dye-Na-Flo on bleached muslin. </div>
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I've also been thinking these marbled papers (especially the lighter ones) would be great as backgrounds for art journal pages. I've pinned a few other art journal ideas on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/eyesaflame/mixed-media-madness/" target="_blank">Pinterest!</a> </div>
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Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-80881680443645396382014-07-21T22:47:00.003-07:002014-07-21T22:47:53.739-07:00An Easy Birdbath <span style="font-size: large;">I love birds, and I've been wanting a birdbath for a long time. However, a recent trip to my local garden store showed me that pedestal birdbaths are pretty darn expensive! Try $70-$180 - for a short one. And I wanted a fairly tall birdbath - I really want to make it hard for the neighborhood cats to hunt in my yard!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I with a little internet research, I figured out how to make one for about $25. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v433NzNOjg8/U83zYKBQNKI/AAAAAAAADMI/yjwoTgN9v6w/s1600/birdbath_close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v433NzNOjg8/U83zYKBQNKI/AAAAAAAADMI/yjwoTgN9v6w/s1600/birdbath_close-up.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. A shallow dish - I found this one at a second-hand shop for about $10</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A three-foot piece of 1/2" or 3/4" galvanized pipe </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. A galvanized floor flange that the pipe can screw into (see photo below)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05V9bShDSKY/U834NL8BApI/AAAAAAAADM8/qHRiGW0OrHI/s1600/Galvanized_Floor_Flange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05V9bShDSKY/U834NL8BApI/AAAAAAAADM8/qHRiGW0OrHI/s1600/Galvanized_Floor_Flange.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Heavy-duty adhesive - I used a caulk-like adhesive called StrongStik</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNWwRWZUUsQ/U830vi5lSPI/AAAAAAAADMU/w4_Uxe3cfLg/s1600/birdbath_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNWwRWZUUsQ/U830vi5lSPI/AAAAAAAADMU/w4_Uxe3cfLg/s1600/birdbath_1_web.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's How You Put it Together:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rVCfM0OL8g/U830vgGl7XI/AAAAAAAADMc/U7QdMLh32Co/s1600/birdbath_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rVCfM0OL8g/U830vgGl7XI/AAAAAAAADMc/U7QdMLh32Co/s1600/birdbath_2_web.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clean both surfaces, and then glue the floor flange to the bottom of the dish, being careful to center it. Let dry per the adhesive's instructions. You can sand the bottom of the dish first for better adhesion, but it didn't really seem necessary here.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MmXNHWB0DA/U830vms3qnI/AAAAAAAADMk/KHTs2Gt__w8/s1600/birdbath_3_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MmXNHWB0DA/U830vms3qnI/AAAAAAAADMk/KHTs2Gt__w8/s1600/birdbath_3_web.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once the glue is dry, screw your length of pipe into the floor flange.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7NQXOvAE9M/U830yZQPn1I/AAAAAAAADMs/eQ3UCx0WTMI/s1600/birdbath_overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7NQXOvAE9M/U830yZQPn1I/AAAAAAAADMs/eQ3UCx0WTMI/s1600/birdbath_overview.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Push your pipe into the ground like a stake, fill your dish with water, and you're done! Mine was positioned near my deck, and the ground was kind of rocky, so - since I couldn't get the pipe very deep into the ground - I screwed a galvanized pipe strap to the edge of my deck to help hold the pipe upright. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEygItqaH08/U833bMVcieI/AAAAAAAADM0/Ga0Vl30D26Y/s1600/pipestrap184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEygItqaH08/U833bMVcieI/AAAAAAAADM0/Ga0Vl30D26Y/s1600/pipestrap184.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want to see some other DIY Bird Bath ideas? Check out my "Outdoor DIY" board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/eyesaflame/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</span></div>
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-35216750320053311822014-06-11T17:38:00.003-07:002014-06-11T17:42:19.171-07:00Working Big!<span style="font-size: large;">I used to work big all the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was in college, I regularly did acrylic and collage pieces that were 4 feet by 4 feet. When I started doing process painting with tempera on paper, the paintings frequently grew to six feet in height! That's so big I had to stand on a chair to paint them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But since I started working in encaustic in 2006, I've been working smaller. Encaustic is expensive, and there are technical considerations to working large that aren't as prevalent in other media. For example, it's generally easier to work an encaustic painting while it's flat rather than propped on an easel. I'm effectively limited by the length of my arms and the size of my table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But in January, I exhibited a piece that once again hit the four foot mark - it's made up of four panels, and is four feet wide.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqUe2RQSORc/U5jw9j7-WCI/AAAAAAAADKY/FiG0uEROrJE/s1600/pollen_selfportraitgardenofknowledge_FINAL_WEB+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqUe2RQSORc/U5jw9j7-WCI/AAAAAAAADKY/FiG0uEROrJE/s1600/pollen_selfportraitgardenofknowledge_FINAL_WEB+copy.jpg" height="308" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because I was working on it modularly - generally one or two panels at a time - I was able to move the panels around as I painted. So, the painting can be hung different configurations.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZquJTeMiqI/U5jxlU_ToiI/AAAAAAAADKg/0yQnd7ZVIdU/s1600/PollenGardenofKnowledge_ViewB_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZquJTeMiqI/U5jxlU_ToiI/AAAAAAAADKg/0yQnd7ZVIdU/s1600/PollenGardenofKnowledge_ViewB_web.jpg" height="314" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago, I re-configured my studio so that it would be easier to paint on large panels. Now, my palettes (er, griddles) sit to my right and the paintings sit on a six foot "island." It's all at counter-height, so that I can stand and walk around the pieces, working on them from multiple angles. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3sRS5kemxg/U5jyWd6-7VI/AAAAAAAADKo/fNHlp_QQz34/s1600/studio_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3sRS5kemxg/U5jyWd6-7VI/AAAAAAAADKo/fNHlp_QQz34/s1600/studio_web.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The diptych that's on the table in the above photo is composed of two square panels, each of which measures two feet by two feet. The piece went through multiple evolutions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At first, I wasn't even sure the two panels were related, one just areas of color, the other incorporating image transfers of cactus. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p5u9wZ0xAE/U5j0qmTFOYI/AAAAAAAADK0/ZhnhB6X3JGY/s1600/pollen_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p5u9wZ0xAE/U5j0qmTFOYI/AAAAAAAADK0/ZhnhB6X3JGY/s1600/pollen_1_web.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But then I connected them. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--swwpixHpMs/U5j0q7xEcQI/AAAAAAAADK4/5MyOScoU5T8/s1600/pollen_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--swwpixHpMs/U5j0q7xEcQI/AAAAAAAADK4/5MyOScoU5T8/s1600/pollen_2_web.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then it takes a huge, undocumented leap! It got largely painted over, octopus tentacles were added and removed, pollen was added, and then . . . I decided to focus on the pollen. Interestingly, even though the panels were flipped, you can see that the underpinnings of the composition remained . . . </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CdyInnRE8k/U5j0q1rOhoI/AAAAAAAADK8/xM3XDeTQuJU/s1600/pollen_3_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CdyInnRE8k/U5j0q1rOhoI/AAAAAAAADK8/xM3XDeTQuJU/s1600/pollen_3_web.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's the final piece - installed at <a href="http://inboccaallupofineart.com/" target="_blank">In Bocca Al Lupo Fine Art</a> as part of their "Pollen Count" show, up through the end of June, 2014. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRWiOB8Xz2M/U5j0rkMwqNI/AAAAAAAADLE/MJgxa8sfJQo/s1600/pollen_orbit_final_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRWiOB8Xz2M/U5j0rkMwqNI/AAAAAAAADLE/MJgxa8sfJQo/s1600/pollen_orbit_final_web.jpg" height="640" width="326" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Working on these bigger pieces lets me be looser, more experimental. </span>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-55727941240381988332014-05-21T18:28:00.000-07:002014-05-21T18:28:17.170-07:00Getting Creatively Unstuck<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Creativity often involves trying new things. Taking risks. Even possibly looking like a fool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, here I go! My first video!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I share ways of getting unstuck when you don't know what to do next in a painting, as well as how to fold a paper fortune teller (or "cootie catcher" for those of you who remember middle school).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why the heck do I share how to fold a "cootie catcher" in a video about getting unstuck? Because I've created my own paper fortune teller, dubbed the Creativity Catcher, full of prompts to help you get unstuck! (Yup, all the same tricks I use when I get stuck!) So feel free to scroll down, then download and print your own Creativity Catcher, and fold right along with me!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vAJPnvvJDP0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7saBeuhMOQtSk4wWFNKdHpIbmc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">link</a> to the Creativity Catcher - it'll take you to Google docs, and you should be able to click the arrow in the upper left-hand corner to download after you follow the link. If you have problems, just email me at sparky@eyesaflame.com and I'll be happy to send you the .pdf!</span><br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-75126771776104751702014-04-14T20:54:00.001-07:002014-04-14T20:54:24.461-07:00Washi Tape Easter EggsSometimes, I get really excited about a new art material.<br />
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This time, it was washi tape - printed translucent tape originating in Japan. It's not exactly new - but it was new to me when local art store <a href="http://collagepdx.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">collage</a> started carrying it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y61E3VzMSj8/U0tpCat4XqI/AAAAAAAADIA/LlaKFvsfYzk/s1600/WashiTape_atCollage_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y61E3VzMSj8/U0tpCat4XqI/AAAAAAAADIA/LlaKFvsfYzk/s1600/WashiTape_atCollage_web.jpg" height="320" width="308" /></a></div>
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I've been looking at it and drooling every time I go to collage to teach a class - so I finally developed a class to actually use it! Easter eggs with their bold stripes of festive color seemed like the perfect opportunity.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuB36S4zJaM/U0yriYxo-cI/AAAAAAAADJg/koayWOcjYjs/s1600/eggs_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuB36S4zJaM/U0yriYxo-cI/AAAAAAAADJg/koayWOcjYjs/s1600/eggs_final.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What You Need:</b></span><br />
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Papier Mache egg shapes<br />
Old egg carton to hold eggs while you work<br />
Gesso<br />
Craft paints <br />
Washi tapes<br />
Mod Podge <br />
Scissors, xactoor craft knife<br />
Brushes, water, rags<br />
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<b>Optional: </b><br />
Tiny screw eyes<br />
Thick craft glue<br />
Narrow ribbon <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You're Ready to Start:</b></span><br />
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The egg shapes I used were brown, so I started by painting them with two coats of gesso. Since the tape is relatively translucent, the white background helps the color show more brilliantly. Here's the egg after one coat:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSsb7ulJfFo/U0tuXGAN3tI/AAAAAAAADIQ/KG5rz4kt5S0/s1600/washi_egg_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSsb7ulJfFo/U0tuXGAN3tI/AAAAAAAADIQ/KG5rz4kt5S0/s1600/washi_egg_1_web.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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The tape doesn't work well to cover the steep curves of the very ends of the eggs, so I painted the bottom and top 1/4 of the egg, leaving the center of the egg free for washi tape.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x1VhHc2oIM/U0tvBbqOOAI/AAAAAAAADIY/-fPCs-mdEIA/s1600/washi_egg_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x1VhHc2oIM/U0tvBbqOOAI/AAAAAAAADIY/-fPCs-mdEIA/s1600/washi_egg_2_web.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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Measure the circumference of the egg at the widest point - mine were 6" around. That helps you determine how much tape to pull off the roll.<br />
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Start by wrapping tape around the very center of the egg.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx9lVhL7s5I/U0t1gZU6CzI/AAAAAAAADIo/kozlM-3wvHg/s1600/washi_egg_3_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx9lVhL7s5I/U0t1gZU6CzI/AAAAAAAADIo/kozlM-3wvHg/s1600/washi_egg_3_web.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because of the curve of the egg, the tape won't lay completely flat. It will probably be lifting up along the top edge. Use your xacto knife to cut tiny slits in the tape every 1/4" to 1/2" along the top edge. This will create what are essentially darts, and will enable you to press the tape flat. The edges of the cuts will overlap slightly.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEnxQhcEdU0/U0t2OsvJnrI/AAAAAAAADIw/-t1c3OdrCO8/s1600/washi_egg_4_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEnxQhcEdU0/U0t2OsvJnrI/AAAAAAAADIw/-t1c3OdrCO8/s1600/washi_egg_4_web.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, you can repeat the process by adding tape on either side of the center stripe, cutting the little darts, and pressing the tape down.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv3jKbNURhY/U0t2Sw5q7LI/AAAAAAAADJE/qWjo9AQwmoA/s1600/washi_egg_5_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv3jKbNURhY/U0t2Sw5q7LI/AAAAAAAADJE/qWjo9AQwmoA/s1600/washi_egg_5_web.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
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Awesome! You've got stripes!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcxHA1JjyoI/U0t2S7DFmpI/AAAAAAAADJI/cWS2rBIxbvk/s1600/washi_egg_6_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcxHA1JjyoI/U0t2S7DFmpI/AAAAAAAADJI/cWS2rBIxbvk/s1600/washi_egg_6_web.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
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At this point, you can seal the egg with Mod Podge and call it good - or, you can prepare the eggs for hanging. Take a small screw eye and dip the end in thick craft glue. Screw it into the top of the egg and make sure there's a little extra craft glue sealing the hole.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ZbBpFDgIU/U0t2Sz8bkSI/AAAAAAAADJM/NpoyefPb6uA/s1600/washi_egg_7_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ZbBpFDgIU/U0t2Sz8bkSI/AAAAAAAADJM/NpoyefPb6uA/s1600/washi_egg_7_web.jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
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Once the glue has dried, cut 6"-12" worth of narrow ribbon and tie it through the screw eye for hanging.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZMk6PTstkg/U0yrZfuFP5I/AAAAAAAADJc/04qIw2ARPZ4/s1600/washi_egg_8_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZMk6PTstkg/U0yrZfuFP5I/AAAAAAAADJc/04qIw2ARPZ4/s1600/washi_egg_8_web.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a few of the ones my students did during the <a href="http://collagepdx.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">collage</a> workshop last week:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-hLUkZSc5Q/U0ys54QfXAI/AAAAAAAADJs/EZau4PelATs/s1600/student_egg_cherrydot_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-hLUkZSc5Q/U0ys54QfXAI/AAAAAAAADJs/EZau4PelATs/s1600/student_egg_cherrydot_web.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHrLxZVbDH4/U0ys8IZ5jSI/AAAAAAAADJ0/sZaJFJuXxBA/s1600/student_egg_skulls_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHrLxZVbDH4/U0ys8IZ5jSI/AAAAAAAADJ0/sZaJFJuXxBA/s1600/student_egg_skulls_web.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
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Love the skulls! The possibilities are endless!<br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-2114934233385243762014-04-03T00:30:00.000-07:002014-04-03T00:30:00.943-07:00Taking a Second Look at Art You Don't LikeA while back, I did this collage.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkcSWIuNIhM/Uzzl2BSuzLI/AAAAAAAADG8/5oOiUdAFyoI/s1600/layercollage_tools_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkcSWIuNIhM/Uzzl2BSuzLI/AAAAAAAADG8/5oOiUdAFyoI/s1600/layercollage_tools_4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was made as part of a class I was running, using one of the exercises in my book, <a href="http://www.eyesaflame.com/CreativeConversationBook.html" target="_blank"><i>The Creative Conversation: ArtMaking as Playful Prayer</i></a>.<br />
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The Artful Explorations in that book are all about exploring - not necessarily making an amazing product. In fact, this exercise is called the "What's Next? Art Jar" and it's all about working within constraints and ultimately, LETTING GO OF THE OUTCOME. <br />
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I had fun doing the exercise. I finished the collage, and felt, well, complete. <br />
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And I didn't particularly like the result.<br />
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This happens. And it's ok. To paraphrase drawing instructor <a href="http://www.philandjoanworld.com/index.php/drawing_studio/" target="_blank">Phil Sylvester</a>, "Everyone's got a lot of bad drawings stuck in their arms. You've got to make a lot of bad drawings to get to the good ones." <br />
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Fortunately, I wasn't attached to whether the piece was any good or not: I had a good time, learned some interesting things with negative space, and that was enough for me.<br />
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But there's always the question: what do you do with something you're not crazy about it when you're done? Poets and musicians might keep a line or a phrase from an unsuccessful piece, use it, turn it into something else. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFF8fO6EPTc/Uzzmz8btn9I/AAAAAAAADHE/hZqwakZppOQ/s1600/Finding_ATC_layercollage_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFF8fO6EPTc/Uzzmz8btn9I/AAAAAAAADHE/hZqwakZppOQ/s1600/Finding_ATC_layercollage_2_web.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even a piece we're not happy with will have interesting moments - bits that shine when you put them in a different context. To help me find those moment in my own artwork, I use a piece of cardboard with a rectangular shape cut out of the middle. Like a camera, the cardboard helps me to "frame" a small piece of the total picture, and notice it as its own composition.<br />
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I have one the size of an artist's trading card (what better way to use those pieces than to find the good "moments" and share them?) and another that's a small square. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfoGeWnG754/UzzwqzW-QAI/AAAAAAAADHU/BUUF1Hh2804/s1600/finding_image_square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfoGeWnG754/UzzwqzW-QAI/AAAAAAAADHU/BUUF1Hh2804/s1600/finding_image_square.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, I use the cardboard frame(s) to mark the selected areas with a pencil . . . .<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQsRTDt7aaA/UzzwtQz2HtI/AAAAAAAADHg/BK3rZbFgSR4/s1600/cutting+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQsRTDt7aaA/UzzwtQz2HtI/AAAAAAAADHg/BK3rZbFgSR4/s1600/cutting+image.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I cut out the pieces I want to keep!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dg7pAPBr7jc/UzzwtXUSyCI/AAAAAAAADHc/f8J8QzxoapI/s1600/cutting_images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dg7pAPBr7jc/UzzwtXUSyCI/AAAAAAAADHc/f8J8QzxoapI/s1600/cutting_images.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's fun to play with the pieces, rearranging them, considering them alone and together. It gets the creative juices flowing! I'm really enjoying how these three pieces fit together!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w0I3tI8pp4/UzzwwGnkwtI/AAAAAAAADHs/aKzSxt6zAHo/s1600/newcompostion150web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w0I3tI8pp4/UzzwwGnkwtI/AAAAAAAADHs/aKzSxt6zAHo/s1600/newcompostion150web.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, do you have any pieces of art that could use a fresh look?<br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-79136026876529314522014-04-02T17:07:00.002-07:002014-04-02T17:09:17.475-07:00Quick and Easy Vegetable Printing!I've always loved printmaking - especially using found materials to make impressions and patterns. Several years ago, I was introduced to nature printing through <a href="http://www.natureprintingsociety.org/" target="_blank">The Nature Printing Society</a>, and I've been printing with plants, vegetables and other natural found objects ever since!<br />
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Usually, when printing from nature, I roll out water soluble printmaking inks, and use a brayer or dauber to apply ink to whatever I'm going to print. Recently, however, I saw a great shape in a bunch of celery <a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/2013/04/demo-green-juice-green-cup.html" target="_blank">I was getting ready to juice</a>, and wanted a quicker printing option.<br />
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<b>Here's What You'll Need:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>The end of one bunch celery </li>
<li>A paper towel or rag</li>
<li>A rubber stamp pad - I used Staz-On, a solvent ink pad, but any dye or pigment stamp pad will work</li>
<li>Paper to print on - try copy paper, cardstock, or even tissue paper</li>
</ul>
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<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sOaEj59_H8/UzyjeMhRGBI/AAAAAAAADGM/vgybGwdBOR4/s1600/celeryprint_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sOaEj59_H8/UzyjeMhRGBI/AAAAAAAADGM/vgybGwdBOR4/s1600/celeryprint_1_web.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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<b>You're Ready to Get Started! </b><br />
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1. Blot your celery end with a paper towel or a rag to get up the extra juices - if the celery is too "juicy," it'll cause your print to blur.<br />
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2. Ink up your celery! Don't just push the celery into the stamp pad - be a bit more gentle and dab the celery with the ink pad.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OHjARsmCs4/UzyjeCK4W0I/AAAAAAAADGg/mWgVBBZz3LY/s1600/celeryprint_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OHjARsmCs4/UzyjeCK4W0I/AAAAAAAADGg/mWgVBBZz3LY/s1600/celeryprint_2_web.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. When the celery looks like this, you'll get a light print. Keep gently adding ink!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdVqM0gy7gY/UzyjeXCvxbI/AAAAAAAADGY/MG5kMhO9w7E/s1600/celeryprint_3_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdVqM0gy7gY/UzyjeXCvxbI/AAAAAAAADGY/MG5kMhO9w7E/s1600/celeryprint_3_web.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Press the celery onto your paper with even pressure. Voila! See how inky the celery is?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEN6eMHs55Y/Uzyje7mVauI/AAAAAAAADGw/SjKu3K8z2vI/s1600/celeryprint_4_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEN6eMHs55Y/Uzyje7mVauI/AAAAAAAADGw/SjKu3K8z2vI/s1600/celeryprint_4_web.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Every celery bunch has a different pattern - and each celery end can be used multiple times! I've had good luck getting up to 30 impressions from a single celery end, but haven't had much luck with storing them overnight for reuse. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UsiCwKuBjM/UzyjfD-QECI/AAAAAAAADGs/ZFZepJe75ho/s1600/celeryprint_5_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UsiCwKuBjM/UzyjfD-QECI/AAAAAAAADGs/ZFZepJe75ho/s1600/celeryprint_5_web.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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The paper can be used as gift wrap, collaged into encaustic paintings, used for greeting cards - use it anywhere you'd use patterned paper! I used a celery end, but I'm thinking you could use the carved end of a potato, a cross-section of onion, or even a sliced apple!Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-63932388557792700432014-02-07T16:49:00.006-08:002014-02-07T16:58:52.570-08:00Loving - and FEEDING - Your Inner Artist<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Valentine's Day is a week away. It's the one day each year that we are reminded to let our sweethearts know that we care, usually with big boxes of candy, flowers, stuffed animals, greeting cards, romantic dinners . . . well, you get the idea. We have a lot of days like that in the United States: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Veteran's Day.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHPRnrWD56g/UvV8q10_qBI/AAAAAAAADDw/3muoYNrIr4I/s1600/spring_patch_quilt_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHPRnrWD56g/UvV8q10_qBI/AAAAAAAADDw/3muoYNrIr4I/s1600/spring_patch_quilt_web.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>But for the people who matter to us, we need to show our love <i>more</i> than just once a year. </b> Chocolate's great (truly - don't get me wrong on that one) but a relationship also needs really nutritious things on a regular basis. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYeGDMkL-uY/UvV8vBQ50yI/AAAAAAAADD8/94PyRfZ3C6Q/s1600/square_collage_environment_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYeGDMkL-uY/UvV8vBQ50yI/AAAAAAAADD8/94PyRfZ3C6Q/s1600/square_collage_environment_web.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>And the same holds true for your relationship with your inner artist.</b> New art supplies that you don't know how to use - yet? Yummy like candy. That week-long art retreat? That's like a once-a-year candlelight dinner extravaganza. But <b>what does your inner artist really need to be cared for on a regular basis?</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmIDJInfGdM/UvV8yEHj-WI/AAAAAAAADEE/jhhj7xzVR-Y/s1600/square_collage_in_blacknwhite_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmIDJInfGdM/UvV8yEHj-WI/AAAAAAAADEE/jhhj7xzVR-Y/s1600/square_collage_in_blacknwhite_web.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Probably what most of us need to feel loved. Time. Attention. Affirmation. Encouragement. Support. We need to do things with our inner artist, spend a little quality time. Make sure the artist feels like a priority. Engage with it, do projects with it, listen to it. <b>Sure, gifts are awesome, but the artist needs that hands-on time with us.</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlPVAtk3NCo/UvV80muT67I/AAAAAAAADEM/g4is6Z9tQ_s/s1600/square_collage_helvetica_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlPVAtk3NCo/UvV80muT67I/AAAAAAAADEM/g4is6Z9tQ_s/s1600/square_collage_helvetica_web.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So how do we go about doing that?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Over the years, I've tried a lot of different things:</b></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sketching almost every day</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Making collages a few times a week (the square collages in this post are an example)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Spending 5 minutes a day in my studio</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Committing to spend at least 15 hours a week in the studio</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Journaling or freewriting almost every morning</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Taking a photograph almost every day</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sharing an image of my art on facebook almost every day </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Learning a new technique every month</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Joining in a postcard or ornament swap</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Making three artist trading cards a week</span></span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTMudwRImv0/UvV835VBNbI/AAAAAAAADEU/1Rmp-DNpV8k/s1600/square_collage_juice_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTMudwRImv0/UvV835VBNbI/AAAAAAAADEU/1Rmp-DNpV8k/s1600/square_collage_juice_web.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some worked better than others, and some have just become part of my regular routine. Of course, my inner artist loves exploring, figuring stuff out, and learning new things, so I switch it up a lot. I have a hard time doing something every day, so I give myself a break here and there, and I've found I can successfully do something <i>almost</i> every day. Or, I can commit to doing something every week or for a certain amount of time every week. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4pmDfc7vSQ/UvV8-_tdAdI/AAAAAAAADEc/rraxl4vk2AM/s1600/squares_bldgcode_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4pmDfc7vSQ/UvV8-_tdAdI/AAAAAAAADEc/rraxl4vk2AM/s1600/squares_bldgcode_web.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here are a few keys for finding and doing those things that will feed your inner artist:</span></span></b><br />
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Find a way to be consistent </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be realistic about your schedule and what you can fit it in, but find a way to do something on a <i>regular</i> basis.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Keep it short and simple to start </b>Make it easy to succeed. Begin with something you can do in 5 minutes, and then build up from there. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Go for action not perfection</b> You just have to do something - it doesn't have to be a great something.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Make it a priority </b>put it in your calendar and make it as important as putting out the trash or picking your kids up from school<b> </b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Have accountability</b> tell someone your plan, have a buddy doing the same thing, or post your results on social media. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Do something that meets a need or fulfills a desire </b>this is key: whatever you decide to do, it needs to be something you actually WANT to do. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw3XVYga1uk/UvV9Z69yfXI/AAAAAAAADEk/xT2Aj9NonVo/s1600/square_Elle_hair_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw3XVYga1uk/UvV9Z69yfXI/AAAAAAAADEk/xT2Aj9NonVo/s1600/square_Elle_hair_web.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And what happens when you feed your inner artist? It grows.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-FUClMelRs/UvV9vPsskqI/AAAAAAAADEs/QW5y5yDxVZM/s1600/accepting_handcupmatches_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-FUClMelRs/UvV9vPsskqI/AAAAAAAADEs/QW5y5yDxVZM/s1600/accepting_handcupmatches_web.jpg" height="640" width="531" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you're interested in getting regular tasty ideas and exercises to nourish your inner artist delivered to your inbox, try my 8-week online class "<a href="http://www.eyesaflame.com/findingyourvoice.html" target="_blank">The Creative Conversation: Finding Your Voice</a>" that opens February 10, 2014.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-8733942084536271332014-01-28T01:04:00.001-08:002014-01-28T01:06:48.945-08:00Welcome to the Chinese New Year: Resolutions vs. Mantras<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">January is almost over, and for many of us, that means <b>our New
Year's Resolutions have already cracked or broken under the pressure of
everyday life. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I'm taking solace in two things</b>: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>First</b>, Chinese New Year is January 31st, which means an opportunity to start fresh! Hurray for the year of the <a href="http://westernschooloffengshui.com/2014/01/2014woodhorse/" target="_blank">yang wood horse</a>!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Second</b>, I didn't make any New Year's Resolutions. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHDPwueWQUQ/UudwfPkj40I/AAAAAAAADBE/V4s4o4BMknw/s1600/Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHDPwueWQUQ/UudwfPkj40I/AAAAAAAADBE/V4s4o4BMknw/s1600/Pink.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Instead of a list of resolutions, what I have for the new year is a mantra.</b> I did this in 2013 and it worked. Really well. According to Wikipedia, a mantra is a "group of words believed . . .to have psychological and spiritual power. . . The spiritual value of mantra comes when it is audible, visible or present in thought." I think of it as one step more powerful than an intention.</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My 2013 mantra? "I am enough. I have enough." </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I wanted to shift that feeling that I needed to do <i>more</i> in order to be good enough.</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span>I would say it to myself when I was falling asleep, standing in line, driving, or restless. And I would say it anytime I realized I was about to do (or had done) something out of insecurity. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I never said it out loud, though you certainly could. </span></span>Eventually, my thinking started to shift. Those words would just pop into my head when I hit an awkward situation: I started to believe the words at a deeper level and they began to impact my actions. That mantra was a great tool not only for change.</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cY-XqvmR0RE/UudwrLrcx4I/AAAAAAAADBM/XrrwKIBF2mo/s1600/worsethanapagan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cY-XqvmR0RE/UudwrLrcx4I/AAAAAAAADBM/XrrwKIBF2mo/s1600/worsethanapagan.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>This year, as I looked at things in my life that I wanted to shift, I thought about how much I let myself get distracted from what I'm actually good at</b> - making stuff and helping other people make stuff. Over the past few years, I've spent a lot of time on non-profit administration and advising entrepreneurs, among other things. They were worthwhile tasks, and I was ok at doing them, but I wasn't great. I was doing them to make money, or to gain approval, or because I thought people needed me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The thing is, they weren't really mine to do. I'm happiest, most productive, most energetic, most excited, when I'm doing what I'm really meant to do. Making art, teaching art, facilitating creativity, exploring creativity and sharing those explorations with others. I know what work is mine to do, and I have solid skills that enable to do that work <i>well</i>. And if I focus on it, all the other things I want come into line. I've just had a really hard time trusting that, believing it on a gut level.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YE4Rz_MPDIA/Uudw4lR-PBI/AAAAAAAADBU/y2cxxruDIBs/s1600/accomplishments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YE4Rz_MPDIA/Uudw4lR-PBI/AAAAAAAADBU/y2cxxruDIBs/s1600/accomplishments.jpg" height="320" title="" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So the new mantra? "I know my work. I own my skill." It's my reminder to stay true to my own creative path. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>If you've made a creative commitment to yourself for 2014</b> - be it to make more art, spend more time in the studio, learn a new technique, let go of perfectionism -<b> having a mantra can help. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>What makes a good mantra? </b></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It's short. No more than 8 syllables. </b>Cut out all the non-essentials. <b><br /></b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It's easy to remember, maybe even a bit poetic or rhythmic. </b>This is the hard part - I'm still tweaking my current mantra a bit. <b> </b></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b></b></span></span><br />
<ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZM7IHcdXiU/UudxGAt3EsI/AAAAAAAADBc/aOB_-3-Bwgc/s1600/elephant_peeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZM7IHcdXiU/UudxGAt3EsI/AAAAAAAADBc/aOB_-3-Bwgc/s1600/elephant_peeks.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>You can say it during or around a single deep breath</b>. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It's in the first person, or is a directive.</b> In other words, you're either saying what you are or you're telling yourself to do something. "Be Bold" and "I'm never in a rush" are both mantras that I've seen other people use successfully.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It's a simple action or an attitude.</b> In other words, reminds you of a way that you can be <i>in the moment</i>. It's not dependent on anyone else. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It's something you're very close to believing or doing</b>. Maybe something you accept intellectually, but are having a hard time getting it at an emotional level or following through on in real life. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It's a reminder at decision time.</b> Thinking about whether or not to fit in one last email before you rush out the door to get to that appointment? "I'm never in a rush." Trying to decide whether or not to apply to that art show? "Be Bold." </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvyTg8YQhGs/Uudxcbtu_KI/AAAAAAAADBo/OImsKFtkDXs/s1600/elephant_obsessed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvyTg8YQhGs/Uudxcbtu_KI/AAAAAAAADBo/OImsKFtkDXs/s1600/elephant_obsessed.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orcPwFwMakU/UudxlTPdHnI/AAAAAAAADB0/aW908HOu6xs/s1600/makeyourmark_classimage_full_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orcPwFwMakU/UudxlTPdHnI/AAAAAAAADB0/aW908HOu6xs/s1600/makeyourmark_classimage_full_web.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Curious about the images? They were all taken as I worked on the sample for "Make Your Mark!" a full-day workshop that's coming up right after the Chinese New Year. If you're interested in jump-starting your creative 2014, and in exploring personal imagery and your creative mantra, join me for "<a href="http://www.eyesaflame.com/Make_Your_Mark.html" target="_blank">Make Your Mark!</a>" February 2nd in Milwaukie, OR. <b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-17917400695689630572013-10-16T16:35:00.005-07:002013-10-16T16:35:55.718-07:00Comparison, Criticism, and the Work We are Here to Do
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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how easy it is to get
distracted from our work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I can get
distracted walking from one room to another, but what I’m talking about runs
deeper: I’m talking about getting distracted from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who we are</i>. </div>
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We’re all here to do our own unique work, to contribute our
individual gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be hard to pin
down exactly what that gift is and we might find the way it is expressed
shifting as we move through time and our lives change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, our purpose is like a skeleton, giving
us shape and supporting our every action. Even the word “backbone” has become
synonymous with courage or will – the determination to do what we need to do. </div>
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As artists, we can get distracted from what is really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ours</i> to do when we fall prey to
comparison or criticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn’t
mean that we never allow ourselves to be influenced by the work of others, nor
does it mean that we never listen to honest feedback; both of these things can help
us learn, grow, and become more skilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It means we need to stand solidly in who we are, and use that to help us
decide what to take in and what to release.</div>
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When we compare our work to the work of others, there is an
opportunity and a risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We risk
dismissing the other person’s work as worthless and we risk idolizing the
other’s work. By dismissing the other person and their work, we minimize what
it is that they are here to do. We risk invalidating their perspective because
it doesn’t match ours, because we are afraid that what they do might invalidate
what we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By idolizing the other
person’s work, we risk hiding our own gift as we try to make ourselves over
in another’s image. We risk invalidating our own work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, we get
distracted from what is ours to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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"Comparison is an act of violence against the self." - Iyanla Vanzant</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The opportunity of comparison lies more in simply looking at the work of other artists. We might discover something
that we want to integrate into our own work or, we might discover the thing
that makes our work uniquely ours. </div>
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Criticism can be another kind of comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When done poorly, criticism can tear us down
and judge us based on criteria and standards we never aspired to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can distract you from what is really yours
to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When done well, it can lead us to
ask new questions, build skills, and clarify our purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The artists of the Impressionist movement
were criticized for painting common subjects and using bold color; but the
Impressionists were concerned with capturing a moment in time and studying the
effects of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Impressionists had
completely different goals than the established art community. After being
rejected by juried salons, they staged their own showings of their work and
stayed true to their intentions. Yet, even among them, there was disagreement
about what made a “good” painting.</div>
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The more afraid we are, the more unsure of what we want our
own art to say, the easier it is for us to be distracted by comparison or
criticism. <span class="usercontent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Life is an exercise in discovering the
work we are here to do, and then sticking to it. Comparing ourselves to others
- who are here to do different work - is a distraction; learning from them is a
gift.</span></span> </div>
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Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-79909630344003728742013-09-27T23:19:00.002-07:002013-09-27T23:19:30.353-07:00DEMO! Blueprints on Fabric<span style="font-size: large;">I have always been a sucker for fabric. And lately, I've been a big sucker for nature printing - making impressions from natural materials. Earlier in September at the annual <a href="http://www.natureprintingsociety.org/" target="_blank">Nature Printing Society </a>workshop, I learned about a kind of fabric that makes it easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's called Blueprints on Fabric, and you can get it in <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/transfers/blueprints-on-fabric-85-inch-cotton-cyanotype-squares.html" target="_blank">squares</a> or <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/transfers/blueprints-cotton-cyanotype-fabric.html" target="_blank">yardage</a> from <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/" target="_blank">Dharma Trading</a>. It's a cotton fabric that's been treated with a light sensitive emulsion, and it comes in several colorways: dark green/light green, blue/white, blue/turquoise, dark green/golden yellow, and blue/magenta. It's easy to use, and I'm going to give you a quick tutorial right here - and show you samples of all the different colorways!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLtgHHU5ec4/UkZecJztTkI/AAAAAAAAC8c/TAzKn8xRjkU/s1600/ginko_greens_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLtgHHU5ec4/UkZecJztTkI/AAAAAAAAC8c/TAzKn8xRjkU/s400/ginko_greens_web.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Select your fabric and your objects. </b>The fabric looks weirdly gray when you pull it out of the package; don't worry. The color will shift when it's exposed to light. The areas that are covered will be the lighter, brighter color; the areas that are exposed to light will be the darker color. What you get are silhouettes, so objects with interesting shapes work best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can also use objects with semi-translucent areas - it's not predictable, but you can get some shading or color variations. Objects that lie flat against the fabric work best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pressed leaves, cut shells, feathers and lace all work well. Prepare a board slightly larger than the fabric you're working with. One made from thick foam core works well - you can easily move it and you can stick pins in it if you need to secure lightweight leaves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Experiment with your design</b>. You'll want to have it figured out before you open up the fabric. Unless you have a darkroom, you'll need to work fast. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLSaSMJXFBQ/UkZgyDZL28I/AAAAAAAAC8o/q3qXC1Q8Iz8/s1600/sunprint_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLSaSMJXFBQ/UkZgyDZL28I/AAAAAAAAC8o/q3qXC1Q8Iz8/s400/sunprint_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Arrange your materials on your fabric.</b> Any time you have the material out of its package, you need to be careful about light exposure. UV light is what develops the emulsion in the fabric, so you'll want to work with it as dark a room as possible. When I can't get the room really dark, I work under heavy black trash bags.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZxDCWNozPE/UkZkvzjr7DI/AAAAAAAAC80/ehQugLqvbcI/s1600/sunprint_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZxDCWNozPE/UkZkvzjr7DI/AAAAAAAAC80/ehQugLqvbcI/s400/sunprint_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Make sure the objects aren't going to shift as you move them. </b> Heavier things like cut shells should be ok. Leaves and feathers can be secured with straight pins (as can the corners of the fabrics), or can be secured under a piece of glass or acrylic. Just make sure that the acrylic isn't treated to resist UV.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5zecqPZByo/UkZmIVnF2eI/AAAAAAAAC88/kvS2YweoVnA/s1600/sunprint_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5zecqPZByo/UkZmIVnF2eI/AAAAAAAAC88/kvS2YweoVnA/s400/sunprint_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Now take it outside and expose it to sunlight for 10 minutes. </b>High, direct sun works best. If it's overcast (or if you live in the Pacific Northwest, like I do), then leave it out for a bit longer. If sun is in short supply, you can also expose the fabric under a grow light. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI-gyC5hRkA/UkZn2w5Oh7I/AAAAAAAAC9I/9H-tYVwb4vc/s1600/sunprint_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI-gyC5hRkA/UkZn2w5Oh7I/AAAAAAAAC9I/9H-tYVwb4vc/s400/sunprint_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. After the time's up, move the board inside and move the objects off quickly.</b> You'll know it's done because you'll have crisp lines where the objects were. </span><b><br /></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goCczrX-UEM/UkZqRuXWnKI/AAAAAAAAC9U/ZJg_NNkZZF8/s1600/sunprint_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goCczrX-UEM/UkZqRuXWnKI/AAAAAAAAC9U/ZJg_NNkZZF8/s400/sunprint_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Rinse out the emulsion.</b> This stops the developing. Keep running it under the water until the colors look true. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCs__EqxggE/UkZsUYrPIuI/AAAAAAAAC9g/2qiATBvSUDM/s1600/sunprint_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCs__EqxggE/UkZsUYrPIuI/AAAAAAAAC9g/2qiATBvSUDM/s400/sunprint_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. Dry the fabric - ironing works well.</b> Just don't let the iron rest too long in any one spot; you can end up with iron marks on the fabric. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFDrA7UdJy0/UkZuQPEaobI/AAAAAAAAC9s/AhTJv68WPHw/s1600/sunprint_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFDrA7UdJy0/UkZuQPEaobI/AAAAAAAAC9s/AhTJv68WPHw/s400/sunprint_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And you're done! You can see the faint line where the acrylic was - if it covers the entire cloth, you won't get that line. This fabric also spent a fair bit of time in a well-lit room during the photo shoot. Because of this, it developed slightly in process, so the colors aren't as bright as they would be otherwise. Even so, it still gives you an idea of what the blue/purple colorway looks like.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyTa6gRH4lA/UkZuexspO8I/AAAAAAAAC90/ubyizlTTu64/s1600/sunprint_feathershell_magenta_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyTa6gRH4lA/UkZuexspO8I/AAAAAAAAC90/ubyizlTTu64/s400/sunprint_feathershell_magenta_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a sample of the green/gold with ferns.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWRNMZIid1M/UkZwYcgFEkI/AAAAAAAAC-A/RRPjSgMKZlA/s1600/photofabric_ferns_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWRNMZIid1M/UkZwYcgFEkI/AAAAAAAAC-A/RRPjSgMKZlA/s400/photofabric_ferns_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the blue/white with feathers. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzX3AQ3axzQ/UkZwg5Y5-3I/AAAAAAAAC-I/av67hoAaK2Y/s1600/photofabric_feathers_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzX3AQ3axzQ/UkZwg5Y5-3I/AAAAAAAAC-I/av67hoAaK2Y/s400/photofabric_feathers_web.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you start playing with the fabric, the possibilities are endless. This is made using an image I printed on acetate.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NBKdiDAo6s/UkZwj7TCLII/AAAAAAAAC-Q/OrlwadueUnA/s1600/photofabric_tentacles_blueonturq_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NBKdiDAo6s/UkZwj7TCLII/AAAAAAAAC-Q/OrlwadueUnA/s400/photofabric_tentacles_blueonturq_web.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-88934097928492552812013-09-04T15:04:00.002-07:002013-09-04T15:05:28.230-07:00A Little Sunshine in a Grumpy DayI've been having a grumpy few days. It's a long story, but much of the grump-inducing had to do with people doing things with my credit cards that I didn't like, followed by doing a very strict paleo program called the "<a href="http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/" target="_blank">Whole30</a>." No sugar. No artificial sweeteners. No alcohol. No canola or safflower oil. No foods I binge on. And that means no more <a href="http://coconutbliss.com/" target="_blank">Coconut Bliss Mint Galactica</a> or <a href="http://www.terrachips.com/our-chips/terra-exotic-vegetable-chips/72822978922" target="_blank">Terra Taro Chips</a> for awhile, folks. <br />
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So, I went into the kitchen this afternoon to work it off and deal with some of the produce that's been accumulating. And I decided to try a recipe from the cookbook <a href="http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/wellfed/" target="_blank">Well Fed</a> via the Whole30 folks for a peanut-free, soy-free, sugar-free kind-of-but-not peanut sauce. <br />
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It's called Sunshine Sauce, and it's amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMkZpRJSl98/UieuaaugjCI/AAAAAAAAC8M/dnIB0R3LM8I/s1600/sunshinesauce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMkZpRJSl98/UieuaaugjCI/AAAAAAAAC8M/dnIB0R3LM8I/s320/sunshinesauce.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Brightened up my whole freakin' day. I am smiling and dipping red bell pepper strips in the stuff as I write. You can find the original recipe here, on the <a href="http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/07/21/sunshine-sauce/" target="_blank">Clothes Make the Girl</a> blog, or follow the modified one that I used here:<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2 TBLS organic Sunbutter (made from sunflower seeds)<br />
2 TBLS lime juice<br />
1/2 clove garlic, crushed<br />
1/2 TSP chili-garlic sauce<br />
1 TSP coconut aminos<br />
2 TSP coconut milk<br />
Fresh grated ginger to taste<br />
Water as needed<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
Blend it all up, except for the water. If it's too thick, add some water and blend some more. Then, drizzle over steamed spinach or broccoli or chicken breasts or heck, just eat it with a spoon.<br />
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And be happy.Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-90959398707228243012013-08-23T09:30:00.000-07:002013-08-23T14:14:29.024-07:00ArtMaking on the Road<span style="font-size: large;">When you're trying to keep up a regular artmaking practice, travel can really put a crimp in your style! I do a lot of my work in encaustic, and it's a big challenge to try and take a griddle, torch, and wax if you're traveling - especially if you're flying.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But I want to make sure that I keep my artmaking muscles flexing, even when I'm on the road. Here's the kit I usually take with me when I fly: It includes pencils, eraser, sharpie pens, brushes with built-in water
reservoirs, portable watercolors and a sketchbook. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLy2Yhq1eKM/UhbpXUxZ26I/AAAAAAAAC7s/7wDrZcMeyuE/s1600/plane_travel_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLy2Yhq1eKM/UhbpXUxZ26I/AAAAAAAAC7s/7wDrZcMeyuE/s320/plane_travel_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I only take scissors
and an exacto knife if I have checked baggage (which is most of the
time). If I'm driving, I'll add gesso and encaustics, along with a collapsible water container and a wider selection of brushes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a collage I made in New York last year - one of the fun challenges I set myself is to only collage with things I can find for free. In New York, I was attending a book conference and visiting museums, so the freebies were amazing!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DEwN-rg3s8/UhbpCJ5VTtI/AAAAAAAAC7k/q0LLQvyW5H4/s1600/Collage_NewYorkBEA_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DEwN-rg3s8/UhbpCJ5VTtI/AAAAAAAAC7k/q0LLQvyW5H4/s640/Collage_NewYorkBEA_web.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And here's one from an International Encaustic Artists' Conference in San Antonio last year. All the collage materials were found for free, and I picked up some gesso along the way.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsBSVRMkqz0/Uhbm1lR2yLI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/QOycdvcHBoQ/s1600/collage_SA_IEA_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsBSVRMkqz0/Uhbm1lR2yLI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/QOycdvcHBoQ/s640/collage_SA_IEA_web.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a collage from my road trip through California earlier this summer -all made with stuff found in the Bay Area.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVWAGOsYgkg/UhbmsEEjE5I/AAAAAAAAC64/9qDbnK_dn7k/s1600/bay_area_collage_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVWAGOsYgkg/UhbmsEEjE5I/AAAAAAAAC64/9qDbnK_dn7k/s640/bay_area_collage_web.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Later on during the trip, I copied it and reworked it with some paint.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFtC3plHAJA/UhbmupmG-HI/AAAAAAAAC7A/sxc-UyC4FwY/s1600/bay_area_painted_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFtC3plHAJA/UhbmupmG-HI/AAAAAAAAC7A/sxc-UyC4FwY/s640/bay_area_painted_web.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, even if you forget everything, you can still make really fun stuff. I recently flew to the East Coast to see a friend and realized I had left all my art supplies at home! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I picked up a glue stick and some copy paper (even grocery stores will have these basic supplies), and found an old fashion magazine in the laundry room of the place I was staying. Even without scissors, I was able to piece some things together. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tz1Z2rhpUdA/Uhbn3VXdJfI/AAAAAAAAC7U/QExypiV5CzU/s1600/collage_Philly_simple_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tz1Z2rhpUdA/Uhbn3VXdJfI/AAAAAAAAC7U/QExypiV5CzU/s400/collage_Philly_simple_web.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So hey, no excuses! Go make stuff - even on the go.</span><br />
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-71318664697666487252013-04-16T07:30:00.000-07:002013-04-16T07:30:02.274-07:00DEMO: Green Juice, Green Cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-re1hwEWtBGQ/UWuvaCPVOOI/AAAAAAAAC5A/3mjD-8wedMo/s1600/sippy_cup_greenjuice_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-re1hwEWtBGQ/UWuvaCPVOOI/AAAAAAAAC5A/3mjD-8wedMo/s320/sippy_cup_greenjuice_web.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've recently gotten a juicer, and have been making and drinking a lot fresh green juices! I take the juice with me in these mason jar sippy cups I made - and everyone has been asking where I got them. (It's<span style="font-size: small;"> not a new idea - there are other tutorials on-line, but I can't find the ones that initially gave me the idea - otherwise, I'd link to them!) </span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Folks have been suggesting I sell them, but the great <span style="font-size: small;">crew</span> over at <a href="http://cuppow.myshopify.com/products/cuppow-regular" target="_blank">Cuppow</a> have already got something similar going. So, instead, I decided to share how to make them yourself! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCrjM_hdEm8/UWuvcmrQ1JI/AAAAAAAAC5I/gg-Caq2wd_E/s1600/sippy_cup_1_ingredients_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCrjM_hdEm8/UWuvcmrQ1JI/AAAAAAAAC5I/gg-Caq2wd_E/s320/sippy_cup_1_ingredients_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I start with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Wide-Mouth-Pint-Bands/dp/B008586UJO/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1366012256&sr=1-3&keywords=pint+mason+jars" target="_blank">pint (16 oz) wide-mouth mason jars</a> with bands and lids, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-GHG-1525-4-Inch-Grommets/dp/B000BO9DSA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366012146&sr=8-2&keywords=1%2F4%22+rubber+grommets" target="_blank">1/4" rubber grommets</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Straws-Stainless-NON-TOXIC-non-plastic/dp/B00AFQ5HXY/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1366012205&sr=1-6&keywords=metal+straws" target="_blank">metal straws</a>. (Follow links to find the items on Amazon). I like the wide-mouth jars because they're easier to clean. The pint jars will also fit into a standard car cup holder, which is a bonus for me!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNomwpsc8R0/UWuve-NG7KI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/oqCwnUUbgGQ/s1600/sippy_cup_2_punching_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNomwpsc8R0/UWuve-NG7KI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/oqCwnUUbgGQ/s320/sippy_cup_2_punching_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, I punch a 3/8" hole in the lid. I use a metal punch, but you could also use a 3/8" drill bit. Don't worry if the edge is sharp: the grommet will cover that. I punch the hole close to the edge because I find it makes it easier to use the straw to get the last bits of juice out, but you can certainly punch your hole in the middle!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfXvrVdJmSI/UWuvgIQEajI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/24ZnpSQeUuw/s1600/sippy_cup_3_grommet_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfXvrVdJmSI/UWuvgIQEajI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/24ZnpSQeUuw/s320/sippy_cup_3_grommet_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-GHG-1525-4-Inch-Grommets/dp/B000BO9DSA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366012146&sr=8-2&keywords=1%2F4%22+rubber+grommets" target="_blank">rubber grommets</a> that I use. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YenWkzCr8dw/UWuvixtbWwI/AAAAAAAAC5g/K3NM-MGtgS4/s1600/sippy_cup_4_grommetinsert_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YenWkzCr8dw/UWuvixtbWwI/AAAAAAAAC5g/K3NM-MGtgS4/s320/sippy_cup_4_grommetinsert_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just push <span style="font-size: small;">the rubber grommet</span> into the hole. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ye9lv3cnjPk/UWuvlJBF5bI/AAAAAAAAC5o/95Pop1W3dWI/s1600/sippy_cup_5_lids_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ye9lv3cnjPk/UWuvlJBF5bI/AAAAAAAAC5o/95Pop1W3dWI/s320/sippy_cup_5_lids_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once I do that, the back, the front, and the cut edge of the hole are covered by the rubber grommet. The straw will still fit through, with just a little gap, but won't make an annoying rattling sound. (This is an especially good thing if you are using the sippy cup in your car cup holder!)</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJycjKjvajs/UWuvoGkenyI/AAAAAAAAC5w/0IWG4TIJT88/s1600/sippy_cup_6_straw_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJycjKjvajs/UWuvoGkenyI/AAAAAAAAC5w/0IWG4TIJT88/s320/sippy_cup_6_straw_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And you are ready to go! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V7cScX_yKXs/UWuvq_1FLgI/AAAAAAAAC54/RHxitR-5gis/s1600/sippy_cup_7_24oz_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V7cScX_yKXs/UWuvq_1FLgI/AAAAAAAAC54/RHxitR-5gis/s320/sippy_cup_7_24oz_web.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you need a larger container, say for water, the 24 oz jars that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bionaturae-Tomatoes-Strained-24-Ounce-Pack/dp/B001HTI24E/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1366012852&sr=1-2&keywords=strained+tomatoes" target="_blank">Bionature brand organic strained tomatoes</a> come in work well. You need longer straws, though, like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/STAINLESS-DRINKING-COCKTAIL-STRAWS-CURVED/dp/B002UEV7AQ/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1366013092&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=long+stainless+steel+straws" target="_blank">these</a>. But, they still fit in a car cup holder! Either way, the sippy cups are grown-up and green, and the whole thing (even the straw!) can be washed in the dishwasher. Nothing gets t<span style="font-size: small;">hr<span style="font-size: small;">own away! </span></span>And the only plastic in the whole thing is the rubber grommet and the lining on the seal of the jar.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And it's so easy! You could even do <a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/2009/10/demo-easy-glass-etching.html" target="_blank">some glass etching</a> to personalize the jars. <span style="font-size: small;">O</span>r, paint the glass and/or metal bands with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pebeo-Vitrea-Glossy-45-Milliliter-Turquoise/dp/B00201SNY2/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1366013742&sr=1-3&keywords=glass+paint" target="_blank">Pebeo Vitrea paints</a><span style="font-size: small;"> -</span> after baking, the paints can even go in the dishwasher!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what's in my green juice? It varies, but I always juice these things:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bunch of kale (yes, a full bunch)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4-8 stalks of celery</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 large cucumber </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 lemon</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1" piece of ginger (I like ginger!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 granny smith apples </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, I'll add spinach, romaine, parsley, or even a little filtered water to the mix. And, I use organic produce whenever possible! The granny smith apples take away the bitterness of the juice without jacking up the sugar content too much. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me know if you make one! And if you decorate it, <span style="font-size: small;">I wanna see it!</span> </span></span><br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-37212440180805127742013-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:002014-01-28T01:04:37.833-08:00The Sacral Chakra<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dR6d5xHIRtE/UWuWS4-on_I/AAAAAAAAC4c/az-V5veanY8/s1600/sacral_chakra_2013_a_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dR6d5xHIRtE/UWuWS4-on_I/AAAAAAAAC4c/az-V5veanY8/s400/sacral_chakra_2013_a_web.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last month, I was working with the sacral chakra. (You can read a bit more about chakras in my February post on the <a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-root-chakra.html" target="_blank">root chakra</a>, and get a summary of the chakras <a href="http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/introduction.php" target="_blank">here</a>). This energy center is all about feeling, creative generation, balance, flow, and enthusiasm. The color is orange . . . I did the collage above last month - the ripe vegetables, the orange rock with the cleft, the boat, the pencils, the jumping figure, the sensuous reclining <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amedeo_Modigliani" target="_blank">Mondigliani figure</a> . . . all of these say creativity and flow and passion to me.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuNBQqoCzac/UWuWWGRnCpI/AAAAAAAAC4o/dA-OY_Mf_Xs/s1600/sacral_hendricks_owl_house_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuNBQqoCzac/UWuWWGRnCpI/AAAAAAAAC4o/dA-OY_Mf_Xs/s640/sacral_hendricks_owl_house_web.jpg" height="640" width="612" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I did this one last month, too - somehow <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0376716/" target="_blank">Christina Hendricks</a> just embodies everything sensuous! The matches are symbolic of creative inspiration for me. I was also really playing with the idea of balance in this one - the way I try to balance my desire for contradictory things: nesting and flying, achieving and rebelling, ritual and experimentation, structure and newness, control and flexibility, busyness and calm. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EIgm-d9FBI/UWuWQROxF4I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/qnrk6M4PBQM/s1600/sacral_altar_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EIgm-d9FBI/UWuWQROxF4I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/qnrk6M4PBQM/s320/sacral_altar_web.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also updated the altar in my studio, filling it with water symbols and images of ripe fruit.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ_WlgLzyr4/UWuWYeoJA2I/AAAAAAAAC4w/4SD97i2iiKQ/s1600/sacralchakra_2009_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ_WlgLzyr4/UWuWYeoJA2I/AAAAAAAAC4w/4SD97i2iiKQ/s320/sacralchakra_2009_web.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a collage I did for the sacral chakra back in 2009, featuring a bit of an image by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egon_Schiele" target="_blank">Egon Shiele</a>. I like how simple it is, but how all the sensuous qualities of the chakra still come through.</span></span><br />
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Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-81493709105703442912013-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:002013-04-12T08:30:02.519-07:00Photo Safari: Bosky Dell<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZzKZnAM_bM/UWfJCI2bO5I/AAAAAAAAC3U/JFLkLH6PID8/s1600/birdhouse_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZzKZnAM_bM/UWfJCI2bO5I/AAAAAAAAC3U/JFLkLH6PID8/s640/birdhouse_web.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last month, I went on a field trip to <a href="http://www.boskydellnatives.com/" target="_blank">Bosky Dell Natives</a> - it's a native plant nursery in West Linn, Oregon. I went with the owner of <a href="http://www.independencegardenspdx.com/" target="_blank">Independence Gardens</a>,
the folks who are helping me put raised beds for a vegetable garden in
my front yard. We were shopping for some shade-loving native plants, including edibles to
put in the back yard. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CchTUMI2x7g/UWfJGKvIHYI/AAAAAAAAC3c/waY9p7of93U/s1600/outdoor_stove_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CchTUMI2x7g/UWfJGKvIHYI/AAAAAAAAC3c/waY9p7of93U/s400/outdoor_stove_web.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is not an ordinary plant nursery - it's more like a crazy fairyland garden full of amazingness. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FL-cU1xXUfg/UWfJKCOALJI/AAAAAAAAC3k/xSITJHkn4Bs/s1600/plant_babies_rust_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FL-cU1xXUfg/UWfJKCOALJI/AAAAAAAAC3k/xSITJHkn4Bs/s640/plant_babies_rust_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We did <span style="font-size: large;">end u<span style="font-size: large;">p buying plants for the garden, but I also had a wonderful time taking pictures. </span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOYRBhFOlGU/UWfJOqEeZvI/AAAAAAAAC3s/feL3HHlSMpM/s1600/shopping_cart_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOYRBhFOlGU/UWfJOqEeZvI/AAAAAAAAC3s/feL3HHlSMpM/s400/shopping_cart_1_web.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And thus, a household errand turned into a full-on artist's date. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsyOPT3elP8/UWfJREgKSAI/AAAAAAAAC30/kse9o_FJuko/s1600/vulcan_stove_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsyOPT3elP8/UWfJREgKSAI/AAAAAAAAC30/kse9o_FJuko/s640/vulcan_stove_web.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were there over an hour . . . and I found these sheets of corrugated metal that are in the process of oxidizing - it looks like the metal is being rusted or patinated on purpose, to be used for siding. I was struck by the colors. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwX3S8KLP00/UWfJUDfAQMI/AAAAAAAAC38/fOircTjtMGE/s1600/rusted_siding_1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwX3S8KLP00/UWfJUDfAQMI/AAAAAAAAC38/fOircTjtMGE/s400/rusted_siding_1_web.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the amazing textures. I love these warm yellows, oranges, and reds mingling with the cool grays and turquoise and minty blue-green. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqQ6e5l8wJg/UWfJWWY2GtI/AAAAAAAAC4E/jTmCPlyPAt0/s1600/rusty_siding_2_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqQ6e5l8wJg/UWfJWWY2GtI/AAAAAAAAC4E/jTmCPlyPAt0/s400/rusty_siding_2_web.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think this is likely to turn up in some encaustic work sometime soon!</span></span><br />
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-50829590460865397512013-04-01T09:30:00.000-07:002013-04-01T09:30:02.593-07:00No Octopus was Harmed in the Making of this Cardigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8_2Yi_11zA/UVkNOzpTl4I/AAAAAAAAC18/Cff4NC5Dk04/s1600/octopus_sweater_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cBxo4z4Z6E/UVkR-_dCBKI/AAAAAAAAC28/MasVKsexxS0/s1600/in+sweater_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cBxo4z4Z6E/UVkR-_dCBKI/AAAAAAAAC28/MasVKsexxS0/s320/in+sweater_web.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell I'm wearing an oct<span style="font-size: large;">opus?</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A while back, I saw<span style="font-size: large;"> a black and turquoise</span> octopus sweater at <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/f14d/" target="_blank">Think Geek</a> - and I wanted it (along with a bunch of cool Doctor Who gadgetry!). But I really didn't want to pay for it. And then they sold out. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7vSe0e-47w/UVkNS_n5-UI/AAAAAAAAC2E/CF-8-t6cBgM/s1600/octopus_sweater_1drawing_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7vSe0e-47w/UVkNS_n5-UI/AAAAAAAAC2E/CF-8-t6cBgM/s320/octopus_sweater_1drawing_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">All hope seemed lost until</span> I remembered that I had an old black cardigan, lightweight and tightly <span style="font-size: large;">knit, along with a love of applique and massive fabric stash . . . a plan started to come together.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I put a piece of butcher paper over <span style="font-size: large;">my</span> old sweater and<span style="font-size: large;"> started s<span style="font-size: large;">ketching out an octopus. I was inspired by the cardigan I saw on<span style="font-size: large;">line (which you can see in the picture above), but mine <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">quickly</span> t<span style="font-size: large;">ook</span> <span style="font-size: large;">off in a different direction . . .in part<span style="font-size: large;"> because I wanted the mantle to <span style="font-size: large;">look a<span style="font-size: large;">t least somewhat reali<span style="font-size: large;">stic. I based my dr<span style="font-size: large;">awing on images of the Gia<span style="font-size: large;">nt Pacific Octopus<span style="font-size: large;">, lik<span style="font-size: large;">e the ones <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=giant+pacific+octopus&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=1Rt&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=JBxZUe2RI8KRiQKbjIGwAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1234&bih=579" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fv393sUQOQo/UVkNXqJnFiI/AAAAAAAAC2M/krnAiBlVENc/s1600/octopus_sweater_2b_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fv393sUQOQo/UVkNXqJnFiI/AAAAAAAAC2M/krnAiBlVENc/s320/octopus_sweater_2b_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I labeled and cut out the pieces of the sketch to create a pattern. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I raided</span> my sta<span style="font-size: large;">sh for <span style="font-size: large;">some<span style="font-size: large;"> old t-shirts and</span> stretchy fabrics</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and used the pattern to cut<span style="font-size: large;"> pieces of fabric out.</span></span> I used a lot of fabrics with dots as a way of referenc<span style="font-size: large;">ing suckers.</span> </span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3_jFBt-2Xc/UVkNaljSMrI/AAAAAAAAC2U/Z9W_l0m3ps4/s1600/octopus_sweater_3ironing_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3_jFBt-2Xc/UVkNaljSMrI/AAAAAAAAC2U/Z9W_l0m3ps4/s320/octopus_sweater_3ironing_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warm-Company-Steam-A-Seam-Double-Fusible/dp/B00114R66A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364793009&sr=8-2&keywords=steam+a+seam+lite" target="_blank">Lite Steam-a-Seam 2</a> (a fusible webbing with a light tack) and my iron to attach the fabric pieces to the old cardigan. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JgZdwX4f_0/UVkNetyWAjI/AAAAAAAAC2c/YEoYgXp3uHs/s1600/octopus_sweater_5final_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JgZdwX4f_0/UVkNetyWAjI/AAAAAAAAC2c/YEoYgXp3uHs/s320/octopus_sweater_5final_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the way that it came out almost as though the octopus is camouflaged, and a little tough to see, since that's part of how octopus hunt and survive in the wild.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fz_uKd8qhJ0/UVkZGt0dmlI/AAAAAAAAC3E/sfoPcVN__p0/s1600/octopus_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fz_uKd8qhJ0/UVkZGt0dmlI/AAAAAAAAC3E/sfoPcVN__p0/s640/octopus_detail.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I stitched around the edges, just to secure it, and to outline the mantle and the curling of the tentacles. One of the tentacles wraps around the arm, and a few more curl around to the back.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8_2Yi_11zA/UVkNOzpTl4I/AAAAAAAAC18/Cff4NC5Dk04/s1600/octopus_sweater_preview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8_2Yi_11zA/UVkNOzpTl4I/AAAAAAAAC18/Cff4NC5Dk04/s640/octopus_sweater_preview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, of course, I'm wondering if anything else needs an appliqued octopus on it . . .</span></span>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-87050021320693787652013-03-11T14:00:00.000-07:002013-03-11T14:00:01.402-07:00Creating With Limits: Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAlBOIZXiao/UTky5FrNTDI/AAAAAAAAC1U/6P77Sutukns/s1600/limits_quote_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAlBOIZXiao/UTky5FrNTDI/AAAAAAAAC1U/6P77Sutukns/s400/limits_quote_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I blogged <span style="font-size: large;">a few days ago about <a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/2013/03/creating-with-limits-part-one.html" target="_blank">how awe</a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/2013/03/creating-with-limits-part-one.html" target="_blank">some self-imposed limits can be</a> when it comes to creativity. </span></span></span>So what happens when the limits aren't self-imposed? It's one thing to choose to work with 1" square pieces of paper; it's another thing entirely to be forced to work with 1" squares because it's all we've got.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The limit can be money, or time, or space, or materials. No money to buy any good brushes. Only ten minutes a day to make stuff. My "studio" is a folding table my bedroom. Can't find the shade of blue I always use.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last year, to deal with chronic health problems, I was given some limits regarding what I could eat:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No gluten.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No grains - yeah, no corn, no oats.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No dairy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No soy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No processed sugar and minimal natural sugars.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No legumes, no beans, no peanuts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No oils from processed grains or grasses - canola, safflower, out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Minimal alcohol and caffeine. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra_vaGAmH5g/UTky7mNa3UI/AAAAAAAAC1c/h7GRSrEKUzA/s1600/cucumber_elixer_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra_vaGAmH5g/UTky7mNa3UI/AAAAAAAAC1c/h7GRSrEKUzA/s400/cucumber_elixer_web.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What did that leave?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nuts and seeds.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fruits and vegetables.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oils from fruits and nuts (olive oil, coconut oil)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lean, unprocessed meat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Eggs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Water.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Herbal tea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh yeah. I put up a fuss. And then . . . something shifted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It started to be fun. I was exploring books on eating Paleo, searching grain-free recipes on line, finding ways to eat more vegetables, adapting recipes, using my food processor like a madwoman, discovering new Portland restaurants with me-friendly menus . . . in short, <b>I took on cooking and eating as a creative challenge</b>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81Of4BvqDmk/UTkzJjRQapI/AAAAAAAAC1k/CQxcqpTMtcw/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81Of4BvqDmk/UTkzJjRQapI/AAAAAAAAC1k/CQxcqpTMtcw/s400/IMG_1351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most of my creative energy last year went into learning how to cook - and eat - all over again. And yeah, my health is better now. I still have chronic challenges with fatigue, but the symptoms are way more manageable now and I've identified and cut out a lot of the things that triggered the problems in the first place.<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Generally, I'<span style="font-size: large;">ve even been able to stick with it.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't share this because I'm looking for dietary solutions and health fixes (there are plenty of other folks blogging about that!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I share this story because it proved to me that it really is possible to re-frame the limits not as excuses, but as questions, questions that lead to creative thinking. The limits - whether they're self-imposed or thrust upon us by necessity - can serve as a starting point rather than a stop sign.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqJDbhscGs0/UTkz3UapFhI/AAAAAAAAC1s/Rmwbx3km10k/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqJDbhscGs0/UTkz3UapFhI/AAAAAAAAC1s/Rmwbx3km10k/s400/IMG_1359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Consider <span style="font-size: large;">any of the limits that keep you from creating o<span style="font-size: large;">r making <span style="font-size: large;">art - how might you change those limits into a question that challenges your creativity instead?</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-4658481479387226472013-03-07T13:30:00.000-08:002013-03-07T14:09:24.726-08:00Creating With Limits: Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcJZ8fEGCs0/UTj2JvN916I/AAAAAAAAC0s/UVvC6S0ItOo/s1600/square_collage_environment_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcJZ8fEGCs0/UTj2JvN916I/AAAAAAAAC0s/UVvC6S0ItOo/s320/square_collage_environment_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I taught a collage class on February 24th, and I was really struck by one thing: Unlimited options can be utterly overwhelming. When you can do anything, what do you do? When you can go anywhere, what direction do you start moving in?</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9yjhfq5JXg/UTj27hzA7vI/AAAAAAAAC00/8_-8He4ZOzU/s1600/studio_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9yjhfq5JXg/UTj27hzA7vI/AAAAAAAAC00/8_-8He4ZOzU/s320/studio_web.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, stepping into my own studio is overwhelming. I have tools and materials to do jewelry-making, found-object sculpture, acrylic painting, encaustic painting, printmaking, sewing and more. In many ways, my studio is a mixed media artist's fairytale wonderland, full of options. I have had plenty of times in my life when I felt restricted by external limitations, and my current studio certainly reflects that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But having a studio like this doesn't mean it's always easier to make things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, I sit out here and surf Facebook on my phone. Because there are just too many possibilities.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DadWip4rd_c/UTj3ZrgswtI/AAAAAAAAC08/hiBzeur8c6U/s1600/square_collage_helvetica_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DadWip4rd_c/UTj3ZrgswtI/AAAAAAAAC08/hiBzeur8c6U/s320/square_collage_helvetica_web.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they give unlimited resources."</b> <b> -Twyla Tharp </b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Artmaking is all about making decisions, hundreds of tiny decisions that add up to a solution to one of the world's most vague and poorly defined problems: "In what ways might I meaningfully fill this empty space?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, I need limits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need a structure. I need a place to start, something to narrow down the problem a bit and knock it down to a manageable size. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYXQDQSGMLo/UTj3j9Uo8sI/AAAAAAAAC1E/foR9wq4j03w/s1600/square_collage_marilyn_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYXQDQSGMLo/UTj3j9Uo8sI/AAAAAAAAC1E/foR9wq4j03w/s400/square_collage_marilyn_web.jpg" width="272" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Putting limits on an artist usually sounds like a bad thing. And yet history is full of artists using self-imposed limits to push their creativity: The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku" target="_blank">haiku</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet_Mondrian" target="_blank">Mondrian's</a> use of a limited palette and straight lines during the 20's and 30's. Even <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_Rodin" target="_blank">Rodin's</a> focus on the human form in sculpture and Shakespeare's endless sonnets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I rebuild my own creative practice, one of the things I've been doing is giving myself some limits. A favorite? The square paper punch. I punch squares out of scrap paper, out of junk mail, out of magazines and catalogs and the bits of paper that my students toss in the recycling bin. And then I arrange the squares and glue them down, almost like paper quilts.<a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/2012/02/paperquilts-practice-of-artmaking.html" target="_blank"> I've been doing it for about a year</a>, and I find it to be amazingly creatively satisfying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm the one deciding whether or not to accept the limitations, and that makes all the difference. </span><br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-38942365986908969562013-02-20T14:00:00.000-08:002013-02-20T14:00:00.398-08:00The Root Chakra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Bov4ezpOQ/USMS6R3O28I/AAAAAAAAC0Y/RgFBsATYOeE/s1600/root_chakra_collage_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Bov4ezpOQ/USMS6R3O28I/AAAAAAAAC0Y/RgFBsATYOeE/s640/root_chakra_collage_web.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I<span style="font-size: large;"> starting taking an 8-month</span> Creativity and the Chakras workshop with my friend, <a href="http://www.jillkellyeditor.com/jillkellyauthor.com/" target="_blank">Jill Kelly</a>. We take on a project during the 8 months - mine is build a sustainable creative <span style="font-size: large;">practice. </span>As part of the workshop (sor<span style="font-size: large;">t of an assignment for myself)</span>, I'm doing a collage or p<span style="font-size: large;">iece of artwork</span> for each chakra. That's <span style="font-size: large;">the root chakra collage I did last month - f<span style="font-size: large;">ull of food and nourishment, roots and bones, earth and family, h<span style="font-size: large;">eritage and home.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(If you're wondering what the heck a "chakra" is, it's essentially an energy center in the body which is associated with various emotional, physical, and spiritual attributes. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra" target="_blank">wikipedia</a> article is a bit overwhelming, but gives you a bit of an idea of what we're talking about here.)</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The root chakra is located at the base of the spine or perineum, and is <span style="font-size: large;">your connection to the material world and the physical body you inha<span style="font-size: large;">bit. It is associated with </span>the color red, survival, security, courage, family, her<span style="font-size: large;">itage, fight or flight instincts, roots, bones, self-preservation<span style="font-size: large;"> and earth. You get the idea. </span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's the first root c<span style="font-size: large;">hakra collage I did, <span style="font-size: large;">back in 2009</span>, as part of preparing for a <a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/search/label/Chakras" target="_blank">cha</a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com/search/label/Chakras" target="_blank">kra collage</a> class I taught. <span style="font-size: large;">It's a lot more food and <span style="font-size: large;">nourishment and gr<span style="font-size: large;">ounding energy (see the shoes??) than the other one. </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1sNsfjlLP4/USMS3HRkjGI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/Kpp9U9g8BcQ/s1600/chakrared_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1sNsfjlLP4/USMS3HRkjGI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/Kpp9U9g8BcQ/s400/chakrared_web.jpg" width="346" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You<span style="font-size: large;"> might</span> think that after doing one collage for each chakra I'd be done. But I'm not. You can see the similarities, the differences . . . each time I explore <span style="font-size: large;">the theme, I get so<span style="font-size: large;">mething different out of it. The 2013 collage has more roots, more <span style="font-size: large;">bones, and more of my own pai<span style="font-size: large;">nting and dr<span style="font-size: large;">awing. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Though apparently, no matter <span style="font-size: large;">wh<span style="font-size: large;">ere I go, there's a bird.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-34992694675621283682013-02-18T21:19:00.001-08:002013-02-18T22:28:26.028-08:00Collage and other "Not Really Creative" Creative Practices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gOszFXJzJnw/USMDJfGV5AI/AAAAAAAACzU/PEDb6HwQPZ0/s1600/restingwaking_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gOszFXJzJnw/USMDJfGV5AI/AAAAAAAACzU/PEDb6HwQPZ0/s640/restingwaking_web.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm slowly trying to find my way back into a creative practice. There's been some drawing, there's been some encaustic work, but most consistently, there's been morning journaling and there's been collage. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hSiippIXSk/USMDMHFHL6I/AAAAAAAACzc/S-1wlndSY_o/s1600/greenfirecollage2_cropped_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hSiippIXSk/USMDMHFHL6I/AAAAAAAACzc/S-1wlndSY_o/s400/greenfirecollage2_cropped_web.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've been adding drawing, adding paint, but collage - cutting and gluing bits of found imagery - is an easy place for me to start. I can do it in front of the TV in a total no-pressure way. I can move pieces of cut up paper around first thing in the morning before I'm really awake. I can take two minutes and glue something down as I walk by. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I realize<span style="font-size: large;">, too, that for the last t<span style="font-size: large;">wenty</span> years or more, collage has been my default. <span style="font-size: large;">When in doubt, I piece things together. I<span style="font-size: large;"> find con<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">n</span>ections between disparate things. I cut and glue<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePbUvznzKUw/USMIIQxOInI/AAAAAAAACzs/4PYnG0Un7G4/s1600/stampsandsmiles_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePbUvznzKUw/USMIIQxOInI/AAAAAAAACzs/4PYnG0Un7G4/s400/stampsandsmiles_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I haven't given <span style="font-size: large;">collage a lot of credit.* I've tend<span style="font-size: large;">ed to dismiss it as "not really creative." After all, I'm just taking someone else<span style="font-size: large;">'s</span> image<span style="font-size: large;">s and rearranging them.</span> But <span style="font-size: large;">seeing those connections is</span> actually an essential creative act for me. <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just like journaling, which is som<span style="font-size: large;">ething I've done since I was a teen but never really considered valuable. Or even cooking. After all, the final products are rarely impressive or - wait for it - saleable. </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I'm curious: Are there any essential creative acts - things that sustain you, that have the potential to form the basis of a creative practice - that you tend to di</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">smiss as "not really creative" simply because the product isn't "impressive"? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm rem<span style="font-size: large;">ind<span style="font-size: large;">ing you - just like I'm reminding myself - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a</span></span> satisfying creative practice is bu<span style="font-size: large;">ilt </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">on a foundation of consistent creati<span style="font-size: large;">ve action, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">not<span style="font-size: large;"> on a foundation</span> of impressive</span> final products. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">*<i>(<span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who are wondering about this</span>, yes, I have written a whole book a<span style="font-size: large;">bout how <span style="font-size: large;">creative and valuable things like collage and <span style="font-size: large;">journaling are - but that doesn't me<span style="font-size: large;">an I don't <span style="font-size: large;">need reminding<span style="font-size: large;">, that I don't still struggle with <span style="font-size: large;">seeing them as valuable</span>. I do. I still fight those inner voices.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span><i> </i> <br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-3499045152969521792013-01-24T21:21:00.003-08:002013-01-24T21:23:40.573-08:00Working with Bones<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQtoxGNGefk/UQIU59ss3XI/AAAAAAAACyo/sxGXJwVYd9s/s1600/bone_field_inprocess_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQtoxGNGefk/UQIU59ss3XI/AAAAAAAACyo/sxGXJwVYd9s/s400/bone_field_inprocess_web.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was in the studio today, actually working. Amazing to get my hands in the wax again! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been working with bones, making molds of different bones I have in my collection, then casting them in paperclay. These are embedded in encaustic with bits of collage. I'm sure where it's going, or if it's done yet. It's just good to be moving!</span><br />
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-84359753856937973322013-01-18T18:01:00.001-08:002013-01-18T18:01:23.480-08:00In the Studio<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPz1bDjSZtw/UPn78Gg70dI/AAAAAAAACyQ/ih7C2e5gxlY/s1600/bumble_bees_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPz1bDjSZtw/UPn78Gg70dI/AAAAAAAACyQ/ih7C2e5gxlY/s400/bumble_bees_web.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent the day in the studio today. Cleaning up. Sorting. Unpacking boxes from my last traveling teaching gig - in October of 2012. Things had gotten so out of control in there that I've been scared to go in - it's felt really overwhelming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've done some collage over the past few weeks - but I've done it in the living room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And no, I didn't paint today - I've got to find all my tools and make space to actually work in there first! These are just some old pieces that I found and photographed today.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-0UwEWEiAY/UPn8cBb7oLI/AAAAAAAACyY/Sobng7ij3uY/s1600/girl_in_a_jar_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-0UwEWEiAY/UPn8cBb7oLI/AAAAAAAACyY/Sobng7ij3uY/s400/girl_in_a_jar_web.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">For whatever reason, I find them totally amusing. And inspiring. They're fun process painting pieces that I did years ago. It makes me curious what else is in me, waiting to come out!</span></span><br />
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<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-45229320758701769942013-01-14T10:58:00.000-08:002013-01-14T10:58:14.850-08:00Small Steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MoVwupGLE4g/UPRTw7KxE0I/AAAAAAAACxw/FXkNfVMNkSY/s1600/elephant_seated_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MoVwupGLE4g/UPRTw7KxE0I/AAAAAAAACxw/FXkNfVMNkSY/s400/elephant_seated_web.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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I'm beginning to draw again. <br />
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The past year has been tough - I won't go into a lot of detail, but there really hasn't been much artmaking in it. <br />
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Last night, though, I drew an elephant.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy8EV3G84xE/UPRURmjw01I/AAAAAAAACyA/z4wyZQEeZko/s1600/elephant_butt_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy8EV3G84xE/UPRURmjw01I/AAAAAAAACyA/z4wyZQEeZko/s400/elephant_butt_web.jpg" width="260" /> </a></div>
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From several angles.<br />
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And I've been doing some morning pages. I'm beginning to find my way back in, and it feels good. <br />
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There are no huge resolutions, just small steps. <br />
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153858125537119389.post-47180893230987775432012-12-13T21:11:00.002-08:002012-12-13T21:11:33.146-08:00Saying NO to Make Room for YES
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I recently saw an article on the Spirituality and Health website
that was titled “Just Say Yes" by Jamie Stringfellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My first thought was, “Are you kidding me??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i>
to do is learn how to say no more often!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Saying yes all the time has gotten me into this mess!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“This mess” is the state I’ve been in the last year –
exhausted, anxious, over-committed, and dealing with stress-related health
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But then I read the article. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in reading the article, I realized what
they meant by saying “yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes” is an
attitude that is open to possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes”
is an attitude of creativity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
attitude of “yes” is also about turning your attention to the things that are
most important to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about responding
from a place of positivity and love, rather than a place of negativity and
fear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Often, when I say “yes” to another commitment, to another
activity, to another event, I am acting out of fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not really open to possibility. I’m
thinking, “They’ll be mad if I don’t do this” or “I really need this on my
resume because I need to prove myself” or even “No one else can do this the
right way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid of failing, of
doing something imperfect, of letting someone down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I’ve been saying “yes” to is my fear; what I’ve been
saying “no” to is the idea that I am loveable, that I am enough, and that other
people are incredibly capable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We do this all the time in our artmaking as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say “yes” to subject matter that we think
will make other people happy, color combinations that we’ve been told are good,
a medium that we know we can control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But by saying “yes” to those things, are we missing the opportunity to
say “yes” to artmaking that feeds our soul, that speaks with our own authentic
voice, that pushes us to grow?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKSL_06POvI/UMq04C9fX4I/AAAAAAAACxM/7VB7lIdb-1o/s1600/birdnest_inhands_onblack_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKSL_06POvI/UMq04C9fX4I/AAAAAAAACxM/7VB7lIdb-1o/s320/birdnest_inhands_onblack_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What we practice in our art translates into habits that
shape our day-to-day lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In my case,
it’s been slow, but it is happening!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that’s the gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we try
saying “yes” to what we most love in our artmaking, regardless of the risk, we
also end up saying “no” to the fear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Want to read the original article that inspired me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/just-say-yes" target="_blank">Here it is.</a></span></div>
Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274259856710507938noreply@blogger.com4