Thursday, July 19, 2007

Lots of randomness....

...and a bit of art, too.

Gee. It's been a long time since I have psted anything. Sorry 'bout that.
So here's a huge post of some stuff I've been working on.

First, these are three pieces I did in an Expressive Visual Journal exercise by Juliana Coles found in Kaleidoscope. In this exercise, you are timed and aren't allowed to "think" about what you are creating. Working on all three pieces at once and just going quickly through the process. Ripping images and cutting out words randomly and applying them willy nilly. Totally not my style, since I seem to overthink everything. LOL!



I really disliked the process, it was so frustrating for me and felt like a complete waste of time. She actually says that's how she wants it to feel. Umm, yeah, sure, whatever! I totally didn't get it and I did not like the outcome at all...

...at first. Now, when I look at them, I see little things that tie together to form a story of sorts. Interesting how that works. Maybe she's on to something after all.

By the way, If you haven't read Kaleidoscope, it is an awesome book. Written like a zine by Suzanne Simanaitis. Lots of inspiration in there. Go get a copy. Seriously.

Participated in an ATC color swap over at ebbcreations Mine was pink. I made 12 of these for the swap. I made an extra to have on hand for trade as well.


Been spending a lot of time reorganizing my studio space. No pics yet of the entire space, but I'll share some soon, OK. Using lots of stuff I got at an auction and stuff I tore out of a house slated for demolition. That was NOT fun. 120 degrees in the upstairs - I think I sweated off 10 pounds. Easily. But, it was worth it, 'cuz I got some old woodwork, some drawers out of a built-in that I used for this make-shift bookcase, some oak flooring and a newel post from the staircase.


Oooh! I scored big time at the auction in the old books category! And almost all of them were free. Left behind after the sale to go to the dumpster. Oh, yeah! I snatched them babies right up. People thought I was nuts wanting all this discraded "junk." Didn't really care, though. This "junk" is fabulous!
Look closely - although it is in very rough shape, there's an extremely old version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Can anyone say "EXCITED!" The suitcase also came from the auction. Bought a whole pallet of stuff for $2 just to get the suitcase.

Some more of the books - can't wait to use these!

Here's some of the goodies I snagged for FREE after the auction. A whole box of old trims and lace and fabrics. Yum! Some vintage wooden clothes hangers. One is from a business that was here way back in the dirt road days. So fun. And some misc. paper ephemera the vintage picture was found at the thrift store for $2.


Got this shelf and a corner kitchen cabinet for only $5! (Haven't found a use for the corner cabinet yet.) I just knew the white shelf would work perfectly in my studio. So Happy!!! And the shelves are removable, too. Yay!

Here are some close-ups of some sweet spots in the studio. See those awesome red corbals on the white shelf? Yep, you guessed it! More freebies I snatched up after the auction.



The old sewing drawers were found at a booth in the street vendor fair for only $1 each.

Lots more work to do and lots more stuff to sort out, but I am happy with how it is turning out so far. Maybe it just might be possible to have a spot for everything in here.

9 comments:

  1. oh MAN! I am in total heaven over that pallet full of delights you got! Wish they had good auctions where I am!! :-( And...I woulda been dumpster diving right there next to you for THOSE books! WOWOZA!

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  2. Those books are AWESOME!!!!! I am very jealous! LOL! I would have not felt comfortable during that collage exercise either. I tend to have to have everything planned out before I start. I love the way you have done your studio. I can't believe the deal you got on those wonderful shelves! Awesome finds! Love, Jamie

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  3. Hello!! First, thank you for your sweet comments that you left on my blog. I am not really sure about my art yet, and it feels really good for someone to notice!

    Second--OH MY GOD--YOU ARE MY SOULMATE--lol--Your blog is fabulous, and as soon as I get through with this comment, I am going to go to the beginning, and read the whole thing. I am soooooooooooooo jealous of all the goodies that you have gotten!!! I love them all (especially the anatomy book with the cool pages!!!!!)

    Congrats to your daughter for her win!!That is quite amazing and such a wonderful thing for her!!!

    I loveeeeee cheap (inexpensive) things!!! I like everything on your blog, and your list of blog favorites is LONGER THAN MINE!!! I LOVE IT.

    I just got Kaleidascope last week, and haven't done the excercises yet. I liked the way that yours turned out though--but I imagine they are going to be hard for me too!! I am not a slap and glue person--though I am seriously trying to loosen up. Your 3 collages turned out kinda cool!!

    well, I will stop rambling--I have to go pack up my house, so that I can move up there where you live--because your finds are better than mine!!!!lol...

    Suzan
    thriftycollageartist

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  4. what a fabulous haul of goodies!!! wow!!! kaleidoscope is on my wish list at amazon, i have heard a lot of good things about it :) thanks for visiting me and did you get any wallpaper yet?

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  5. oohhhh, excuse me...i meant to say VINTAGE wallpaper... :)

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  6. Wow! What a wonderful blog you have! I'm going to be camped here for quite a while, you have zillions and gazillions of fabulous links! I love your art, especially your roses ATC (s..)! Thanks for coming out for Kari's Artful Blogger Party! I'll be back!
    Heidi (http://journals.aol.com/hwoodred/everyday-cookies/)

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  7. I am totally drooling over your studio and your ATC! How completely darling. :)

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  8. I am so jeaous your studio is awesome, I love how you incorporated the vintage sewing drawers! Super cool. Also the pinnk ATC card you made just fabulous!

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  9. Love your studio and all your fabulous finds! Great blog!
    Laurie

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