tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83903215756014113042024-03-05T04:37:32.592-05:00stacie's jewelryFind out what is going on at Stacie's Jewelry Studio!staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-374694765884508122012-07-14T13:12:00.000-04:002012-07-14T13:12:00.092-04:00Stacie Jewelry has Moved!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16CF2jDf1uSbEFVVmdhQT1z4IXa_ztbxSe7-lphyphenhyphenU_8O0n-QyfUcDp5bNqE4Quctil-Wg7qNdmMSs_wiOXxqJThG5UMtDSG2Bc-aWBplluN4tAZYBDGUQdiNhCCdNLEgx8QTE6PQCEl4/s1600/banner-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16CF2jDf1uSbEFVVmdhQT1z4IXa_ztbxSe7-lphyphenhyphenU_8O0n-QyfUcDp5bNqE4Quctil-Wg7qNdmMSs_wiOXxqJThG5UMtDSG2Bc-aWBplluN4tAZYBDGUQdiNhCCdNLEgx8QTE6PQCEl4/s640/banner-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My blog has moved! Here is the new address:<br />
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<a href="http://www.staciejewelry.net/">www.staciejewelry.net</a><br />
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I'm really excited for my new website! You can now access my Etsy shop and blog in the same spot. I will be adding more details to the site, but wanted to share it with you. See you there!staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-1432315059069749902012-07-07T14:30:00.002-04:002012-07-07T14:30:35.702-04:00Getting Fishy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUNmodjk3gRW7EnAONdzaT5IVBfRhhS-fGfTsuE9ikhr37sJ5CUWIF1VO1fvISvPAPqN5yMYZ0M-wznHy6i5J3WN7t9j11WXQZhpBvweU8qk1uNi-EGuVz4hAF4QSnlKP-C4_MNKeUUg/s1600/dolphin-charm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUNmodjk3gRW7EnAONdzaT5IVBfRhhS-fGfTsuE9ikhr37sJ5CUWIF1VO1fvISvPAPqN5yMYZ0M-wznHy6i5J3WN7t9j11WXQZhpBvweU8qk1uNi-EGuVz4hAF4QSnlKP-C4_MNKeUUg/s640/dolphin-charm-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I just made this adorable little Dolphin charm for a customer. I am definitely going to make more of these to list in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciejewelry?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> and sell at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shopthemuse" target="_blank">The Muse</a>.<br />
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Here are a few more fishy charms that I have in my shop right now:<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/100490347/silver-striped-fish-charm-pmc-fine" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH7GpgZvUQ3sbAGTN9hVuHBmTe4ZP2nLvErtow7AApjbFqJk0GH8QuSHrfsMT6CdidXoiD43AnRA2MydI0JZvlNT5XhcvtdpTGo5Y_PlgNPQQHWcPZntkoHariYdBMIJoNUxpSx9REiM/s640/fish-charm-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91496969/silver-fish-charm-pmc-fine-silver-beach" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFNx7OXjZrHzM4kuY8HxzTTJwRzhhmd8TA5EXF5UplwmYzW2ux6oUOEjn3RkEvKcIBGlv8PUf69AuJt1xwuAFeao1RMtRf3R5rkLAGBfwFExSWk8RPE22H-2r6IdbSJJsL9H0ivFYaPI/s640/fish-charm-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/69109206/silver-fishy-charm-beach-jewelry-pmc" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBFfTEcq8oxs3U1buL983SbF2-IEBOYBvnpxd2tZuZxTnKTrOs0hIo6-u4kAU8j7cUnYp_MhphHJWGyCXYB67QXCQA6rkKRB8cu6ittizwG_MnA8k9HDwXOrCztexpy0l6z-8f1IGIso/s640/fish+charm+1.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/27231709/silver-funny-fish-charm-pmc-fine-silver" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1M0bwskm-upZt82obhC8Q8Mn52vV4LWQ_NtpWT91tqvVZ_XjpSTx1Ui3HLqSXT1TLzEWQv6MtQI7fwCoaQKVkTbxLn20XP16LxrNax_fsUHkO0KRhhHEW-Y6H3kENayRlOfgiek1JBU/s640/funny+fish+charm+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Tonight we are going to continue the Fishy theme by having a family movie night and watching Jaws. It should be fun, my daughter Madi created decorations and carefully planned out the treats...swedish fish, gummy worms, etc. Hope you have a great day!<br />
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"The breeze is a wind of passion." by Madistaciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-84364672470397782042012-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-01T06:00:04.798-04:00Artist of the Month - Robyn Greenhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FTQWVn5qLfOxiPzs7EwmibDnVB3IdGalC8lmXRcIV87RAlIPWRo6laXhI5ot3NYKJZLYPOnRmRNvUGIgUEBpWTLWZwqgpzgBOGPzMG1SD6WLwwUCIl0TEPHzbrb-_2g-gnuKU5w8uoA/s1600/robyn+photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FTQWVn5qLfOxiPzs7EwmibDnVB3IdGalC8lmXRcIV87RAlIPWRo6laXhI5ot3NYKJZLYPOnRmRNvUGIgUEBpWTLWZwqgpzgBOGPzMG1SD6WLwwUCIl0TEPHzbrb-_2g-gnuKU5w8uoA/s640/robyn+photo+4.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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My friend Robyn Greenhouse is starting a new journey in her life and I would like to share it with you for this month's artist post. Robyn is a writer, a photographer, a wife and mother.<br />
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This year she jump started her journey with a wonderful blog called <a href="http://laughwithme45.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adventures in Laughter, Exercise and Eating Well</a>. Robyn has always wanted to be a writer. When I asked Robyn what motivated her to start her new blog, here is what she had to say:<br />
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<i>"When I was a kid I wanted to be a writer. I use to envision a window at a book store filled with my books! The top book would be turned with my photo showing. On my 45th birthday, something inside of me reminded me of that dream and I started writing again and am loving it!" </i><br />
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Robyn's new blog is heartwarming, insightful and funny. She gets a lot of her ideas for her writing from her everyday life with her three active boys, ages 10, 13, and 15. One of the things that I really enjoy about Robyn's blog is the way she looks at the world and then shares her thoughts through her writing. Here is one of her blog posts that will give you an idea of what I'm talking about:<br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What's in a name?
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The day to pick up our puppy was
quickly approaching! Put up the fences! Get dog bowls! Get dog toys! Now
we can bring our puppy home. But wait! What should we call her?</b></div>
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We spent a lot of time thinking
our puppy's name. I believe names can influence our
personalities. For example, with the last name “Greenhouse” my husband and his
Father are both excellent with plants. They know how to arrange them in unique
settings, and more importantly, they also keep the plants alive! If you’re
called Greenhouse everyday of your life, surely it has to sink into your
subconscious and affect you!</b></div>
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At first I wanted to name our dog
“Read”. I thought if I was going to have to call for her throughout the house,
wouldn’t it be good for me to be shouting, “Read. Read. Come Read.” Could you
imagine years of my kids hearing me shout this? I envisioned them suddenly
saying, “ I don’t know why, but I just want to get a book and sit here
quietly reading.” All three boys on the sofa, quietly reading the great
classics.</b></div>
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Then someone pointed out that
during those first few months of puppy training I might be saying things more
along the lines of, “Don’t Read.” “NO Read!” “Bad Read.” Suddenly, that image
of them reading the great classics was shattered. They had become delinquents.
And, why not? Didn’t their own mother run through the house shouting not to
read? This would be the one time they decided to listen right away!</b></div>
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If Read wasn’t going to work out,
then I still wanted something bright and cheery. So when our puppy with the jet black fur
joined our family, we settled on the name Sunshine. You can imagine how many
times we had to explain why we chose that name. Kids were so confused when they
first met her. They just couldn’t understand her name!</b></div>
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And then came our next dog to keep
Sunshine busy and we named her Puddles. We’re not obsessed with the weather
although one might think we were!</b></div>
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Sunshine was like a first born.
When I took them to the dog park, I kept her on the leash so afraid that she
would dart away. Puddles? She got to run off leash! </b></div>
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If they could talk, I’m sure
Sunshine would be saying things like,”It’s so unfair. You let Puddles get away
with everything. She didn’t have to learn to Sit. Lie. Stay. Just to get a
broken piece of a doggie treat. You’ll probably let her sleep on the bed sooner
than I was allowed to also.” </b></div>
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While I’d love to know what they
are thinking, sometimes it’s good to have a few less talkers in the house.</b></div>
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Finally, I had to let Sunshine’s
leash go. It was time. She needed to explore the park and run with the big
dogs.</b></div>
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We’d been cooped up inside for about
5 days because of rain when finally the weather improved. Gathering their
leashes we raced over to the dog park! It was beautiful out! The sun! The
trees! The blue sky! And I couldn’t resist taking off Sunshine’s leash. </b></div>
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She loved it! She chased Puddles
and Puddles chased her! And then, my heart dropped. </b></div>
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Squirrel! </b></div>
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Sunshine was off! She chased that
darn squirrel everywhere, including right out of the park into the neighborhood
next door!</b></div>
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I ran after her! </b></div>
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“Sunshine! Sunshine!” I shouted
over and over!</b></div>
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Finally, she began to tire and I
caught her. With shaking hands, I put
her leash back on her and headed home. </b></div>
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It wasn’t until later that I
thought back over those events and became totally embarrassed!</b></div>
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Imagine ~ you’re sitting in your
house starting your day maybe reading the paper or having that first cup of hot
coffee. Then you hear someone, it sounds like Paul Revere, running through the
streets letting you know that the rain has stopped and today there will be
Sunshine!</b></div>
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They must have thought I had gone
crazy during those days inside!</b></div>
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So be careful the names you pick.
Not only could they possibly influence personalities, you may need to run through
the streets shouting those names someday!</b></div>
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1<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>See what I mean? I love how Robyn can look at everyday situations and see humor in them in a way that most people wouldn't. Robyn is also working on several Children's books and has dreams of getting them published. I have to say, I got a sneak peek of one of her books and I loved it!</div>
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Robyn also loves photography. She just started this group on Flickr called <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1961358@N25/" target="_blank">Love that Photo</a> where you can find a few more of her photos. The group is open for other photographers or want to be photographers as well, so go ahead and join! Robyn would like to incorporate photography more into her life and dreams.</div>
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1 <i> "<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></i><i> I want to carry my camera with me everywhere
and try to capture life, and funny events as they happen. I would like to be
able to take those dramatic black and white photos. Plus, I’d like to learn how
to use something like photoshop to add some finishing touches!"</i></div>
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Robyn also has taught yoga for children and adults and worked in women's retail. When I asked Robyn her dreams for her writing, this is what she had to share:<br />
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<i>"I am working on a children’s book, and some other
children’s book ideas so I would love to have them published. I enjoy writing
my blog, so I hope to keep that growing. It would be fun to have a column
sometime down the road." </i></div>
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You can find more of Robyn's writing and photos on her blog, <a href="http://laughwithme45.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adventures in Laughter, Exercise and Eating Well</a>, her<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-in-Laughter-Exercise-and-Eating-Well/189882871140579" target="_blank"> Facebook Page</a>, and her <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1961358@N25/" target="_blank">Flickr group</a> .</div>
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I hope you enjoyed getting to know Robyn today. Thanks again for joining me for the artist of the month post.<br />
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<i>"An open mind is an open thought." by Madi</i><br />
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</div>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-63443091670409542932012-06-24T16:36:00.001-04:002012-06-24T16:36:17.868-04:00mommy camp day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, so day 3 kind of turned into day 4, 5 and 6! I had to take a break from playing with my art classes to make a bunch of silver charms to restock <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciejewelry?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>.<br />
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I finally finished my project from <a href="http://wyanne.com/" target="_blank">Wyanne's </a>lesson in <a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration" target="_blank">LifeBook</a> today. The finished project is actually an envelope which will be used to store copies of compliments and kind letters that other people have written to me. The written details on the envelope were created using words and sentences from the kind things that other people have shared with me. I really enjoyed going through old cards, emails and notes that other people have written to me.<br />
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One of my favorite notes was from my daughter Madi listing the top 10 reasons why she loves me.<br />
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Wyanne suggested that we look through our letters and pull a few words out to write on the leaves of the tree. Next we were to include positive statements that others wrote about us, change them to the first person and write them on the sides of the envelope. This was such a fun lesson and the envelope will be a great place to keep personal notes. The envelope and it's contents will be a wonderful positive pick me up on a blue day.<br />
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I also finished my first page of the <a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject" target="_blank">2013 Sketchbook project</a>.<br />
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I got the idea of the quote from a journal that Allison and I are working on together. She had a similar quote on her page:<br />
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Since Allison moved to the Boston area we decided to create a round robin type journal together. Here is my first page:<br />
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If you would like to see more of Allison's amazing artwork check out her blog <a href="http://thoughtfulcreations.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Thoughtful Creations</a>.<br />
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This week it's back to jewelry and maybe a little Lifebook too! I am also starting an online blogging class with <a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/texture-tuesday-news-a-bts-give-away-a-new-video.html" target="_blank">Kim Klassen</a> and <a href="http://www.xantheberkeley.com/" target="_blank">Xanthe Berkeley</a> called "Behind the scenes: a creative guide to blogging your passion." The class registration is closed, but Kim is giving away 1 spot on <a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/texture-tuesday-news-a-bts-give-away-a-new-video.html" target="_blank">her blog </a>if you'd like to try to win a spot for this session. <br />
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<i>"Be the light of your world." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-52249780895697402242012-06-19T20:40:00.000-04:002012-06-19T20:40:45.755-04:00mommy camp day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today at Mommy camp I worked on portrait drawing with <a href="http://www.willowing.org/art-classes/" target="_blank">Tamera Laporte's Fabulous Faces class</a>. I won this class at the beginning of the year when I won the Life Book class, but haven't had a chance to even start it until today. I really enjoying the first week's lesson and feel proud about how my first fabulous face turned out.<br />
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Next, I was back to my tree from <a href="http://wyanne.com/" target="_blank">Wyanne's </a>lesson on <a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration" target="_blank">Life Book</a>. First I removed the coffee filters and found that I got different results from each of the three paintings. <br />
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This painting that I did as a redo after spraying my first piece with alcohol ink turned out the best. I like how the watercolors turned out after removing the coffee filters.<br />
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I love the soft variations of color on the leaves and grass. The opps painting came out OK, but the colors weren't as strong.<br />
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The page in my sketchbook didn't work at all. I used gesso on the pages because the paper is so thin, so the watercolor did not take. I decided to use gel medium and collage the painted leaves on. I think this method turned out really interesting as well.<br />
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The next step for this project was to mask the leaves off using a liquid masking fluid. Well, this didn't work too well for me...the liquid masking took off the watercolor paint! It still looks pretty cool though, but a different look that I was thinking of. We were supposed to paint the background with coffee...that didn't work for me either!! The coffee hardly produced any color, so I used watered down watercolors and am happy with the result.<br />
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All in all, I'd say Mommy camp day 2 was a success! For day 3, I'm going to visit my sister in law who just had surgery. I am making her a beef roast with veggies for dinner and bringing her a bunch of magazines. They have a pool, so we are planning on relaxing by the pool and catching up. Sounds like a good day 3! See you back on day 4 for more artwork.<br />
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<i>"Do good things, have more luck." by Madi</i><br />
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<br />staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-17328216314673248292012-06-18T14:03:00.001-04:002012-06-18T14:03:35.212-04:00mommy camp day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week my daughter is attending a dance theater camp. So, I decided to have a Mommy camp week. I cleaned my jewelry studio, set out all of my favorite supplies and jumped back into <a href="http://www.willowing.org/life-book/" target="_blank">Life Book</a>.<br />
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The lesson that I am working on is called "Overcoming the Inner Critic" with <a href="http://wyanne.com/" target="_blank">Wyanne</a>. Our first job was to sketch a simple tree with pencil, then lightly erase it so that just a hint of the drawing remained. The next step was to paint with water over the tree and using acrylic paints, paint over the water. The next step was very interesting...after letting the tree dry for a few minutes (you don't want the painting completely dry it should be wet in spots) you spray the painting with a water bottle. Here is the result:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_PhFN0CWECf2tXvOjJKSc9cSYqxAQ6GmPQb4kI_4j4mCee1vOK8OaDhRFV6lX_fmYTkyqQzUfiOpLE16cZv59zq7mEHQ6_KKl6gbH-TWW_iWiSxkK3zPhyRrrv_gIC9cuU4azRqIc3s/s1600/mommy-camp-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_PhFN0CWECf2tXvOjJKSc9cSYqxAQ6GmPQb4kI_4j4mCee1vOK8OaDhRFV6lX_fmYTkyqQzUfiOpLE16cZv59zq7mEHQ6_KKl6gbH-TWW_iWiSxkK3zPhyRrrv_gIC9cuU4azRqIc3s/s640/mommy-camp-3.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
I love how the water created such cool patterns in the paints. <br />
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For the next step I cut leaf shapes from coffee filters (coffee again,
see why I love this class!). Using clear water I painted the background
of the page around the top of the tree. While the page is still wet, I
laid down the leaves. Using water color paints, I painted the coffee
filter shaped leaves. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9DX8FqRcbFSeVI7f5GwU_VknvO_SMF_hXcaIaKcoG5aY4ZGfN9ihbnzDAq_33bzdxUj5EUN42Cw7aSf6h3miPzzmwiAbYCVM8T8Wp6RdpM1nl3sWawu677RZKlvDqhh7CFLAv51BqSA/s1600/mommy-camp-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9DX8FqRcbFSeVI7f5GwU_VknvO_SMF_hXcaIaKcoG5aY4ZGfN9ihbnzDAq_33bzdxUj5EUN42Cw7aSf6h3miPzzmwiAbYCVM8T8Wp6RdpM1nl3sWawu677RZKlvDqhh7CFLAv51BqSA/s640/mommy-camp-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiS0lllBMLvjU0PGf-JUVnJsjsT2DvRUR8FU8PJnlsagvBEvQkVCXkQEbVwIVDnoGpwS8AgyKm11-Ig34ZXW14X7EnGkEfic9aQsxtZlb7ij6eG89jD-MgedHy-kyy2GoEeoxI6VvHYM/s1600/mommy-camp-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiS0lllBMLvjU0PGf-JUVnJsjsT2DvRUR8FU8PJnlsagvBEvQkVCXkQEbVwIVDnoGpwS8AgyKm11-Ig34ZXW14X7EnGkEfic9aQsxtZlb7ij6eG89jD-MgedHy-kyy2GoEeoxI6VvHYM/s640/mommy-camp-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This painting was my second attempt at the lesson. The first time I tried spraying the painting with water I used a bottle that was filled with alcohol ink! Opps! I did like how my opps turned out, so I am continuing to work on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6vSK45liq_hpmfp4W7rEudU9W1vyR6kzQTFgKNw6ISWuHsJAjz7lSrvtmc6YWp9mz2sycb4NXb5w01kV03NzSB6FZzgwzCG5r3OzLuw5ShS_NU74JslBCugdzH6Z7dSxab4rGp0P_6Q/s1600/mommy-camp-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6vSK45liq_hpmfp4W7rEudU9W1vyR6kzQTFgKNw6ISWuHsJAjz7lSrvtmc6YWp9mz2sycb4NXb5w01kV03NzSB6FZzgwzCG5r3OzLuw5ShS_NU74JslBCugdzH6Z7dSxab4rGp0P_6Q/s640/mommy-camp-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I watched the remaining videos for this lesson last week while I was working on jewelry and did see that we do something really cool with the background and coffee! So I did want to redo my opps so I can continue the lesson.<br />
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I am also working on my sketchbook for <a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject" target="_blank">The Sketchbook Project 2013</a>, so I did a similar page in that journal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gm0Lwv6Cmd-sEyKq5urwZpvX2hxF5ZebR0aou9dbLZIF56B0nAZhQlCca8TU8wMVubzYVNPyqrvc2OXccFVH-KcizCZoH-XXowK6rhBrGwb0GblBZ4_I5htXijV03_l2_VYAUfqVDVw/s1600/mommy-camp-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gm0Lwv6Cmd-sEyKq5urwZpvX2hxF5ZebR0aou9dbLZIF56B0nAZhQlCca8TU8wMVubzYVNPyqrvc2OXccFVH-KcizCZoH-XXowK6rhBrGwb0GblBZ4_I5htXijV03_l2_VYAUfqVDVw/s640/mommy-camp-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The final step for today was to paint the bottom of the page with water. While wet, paint with watercolor paints and then cover with coffee filters. <br />
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Now it's time to let everything dry and pick up my daughter from camp. I hope you'll join me for day 2 of Mommy Camp tomorrow!<br />
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<i>"Dreaming is a vacation in your home." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-68440700128605827112012-06-11T19:20:00.000-04:002012-06-12T09:45:23.017-04:00in the dark of the night a star shines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTI5ODA4NXwyNzIwMzcxOTAx/in-the-dark-of-the-night-a-star-shines" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3B_3EXRMKM6nHdMWNzGxd-HteCntHf10iCX22dEmTtA9D3xyBBFSDYs5sowsxBJ8iJCaQiqAyoIwMUuv5BZ9g0CboQmP4TSW6inp5OhLz-KPC7x4bu_02nHHVvP0qOjPRQnd7szEsIs/s640/in+the+dark+of+the+night.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTI5ODA4NXwyNzIwMzcxOTAx/in-the-dark-of-the-night-a-star-shines" target="_blank">in the dark of the night a star shines</a></td></tr>
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There is always a star shining somewhere, even in the darkest night sky.<br />
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<i>"Shine your star." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-30664834088463735312012-06-06T20:14:00.002-04:002012-06-06T20:15:14.224-04:00Finished Life Book Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRe7nzXIAFrLt8-C111VL0R1_F61AFOdGukKT5UY3fWRWxep0Ta7PYSzHGFp6v-I3ZeVKz4icpYA1U0xNgp_UnpSsFcFpWzRR1EJ7hMqKCihSuRVI7mhsUbeWH7NGMqvma70JCrtPagQ/s1600/finished-calendar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRe7nzXIAFrLt8-C111VL0R1_F61AFOdGukKT5UY3fWRWxep0Ta7PYSzHGFp6v-I3ZeVKz4icpYA1U0xNgp_UnpSsFcFpWzRR1EJ7hMqKCihSuRVI7mhsUbeWH7NGMqvma70JCrtPagQ/s640/finished-calendar-1.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZJg6SnTemW7ieyrjzoLZYP8p2BncCW_0f_zwSbrzU6jgFU5jDn5gYCHlVSQCliXyzypL1bClhjQcMy1mAAIsqDzreEEblBf6-O6293QXN4wgFOVLcU7cyi4D_6oGPJ5o2sN75eU1kKc/s1600/finished-calendar-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZJg6SnTemW7ieyrjzoLZYP8p2BncCW_0f_zwSbrzU6jgFU5jDn5gYCHlVSQCliXyzypL1bClhjQcMy1mAAIsqDzreEEblBf6-O6293QXN4wgFOVLcU7cyi4D_6oGPJ5o2sN75eU1kKc/s640/finished-calendar-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Here's
my finished calendar for Life Book. I have to say I learned a lot doing this
exercise. Even though I feel like I'm always happy, I feel like there
were a lot of days when I was feeling cranky. Made me think to try to
change my attitude. I also really enjoyed using my new watercolor paint pens and Copic markers :)</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /><i>"The most simple things can be magic." by Madi</i></span></span></h6>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-67982743718649350212012-06-04T16:20:00.002-04:002012-06-04T16:21:57.082-04:00Jill K. Berry Awesome Giveaway!<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://jillberrydesign.com/blog/2012/06/04/new-website-goodbye-to-artfest-giveaway/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0PYbX7fIZFE4hKvjQaszR4HINGo5pFFv9AG-K33unKuVwSeBbBpZM3sXeO991RvLN-lu27v88yZQJFZIOf1fXVQ2fsgF8vrwtYnN0Za7gdzc3-vA7hUjJcyB8mHSBEtced1wzTUxwc4/s640/artfest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jillberrydesign.com/blog/2012/06/04/new-website-goodbye-to-artfest-giveaway/">Jill K. Berry Artfest Giveaway!</a></td></tr>
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Head over to <a href="http://jillberrydesign.com/blog/2012/06/04/new-website-goodbye-to-artfest-giveaway/">Jill K. Berry's Blog</a> for a chance to win fun goodies from Artfest in her super giveaway!<br />
Good Luck!<br />
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<i>"Joy is a present you get when you do art." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-30186845565066058722012-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:002012-06-01T06:00:02.086-04:00Artist of the Month - Courtney Prahl<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://www.blogger.com/goog_1006238063" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBVOreOpxgizBNCUiOL8hh6Y9JOx7YR0xoNp5w2U7ztSpcE0CQ12zZuv6Y-HNYMWH7l5BrxUXosb-fqC9rnEUMyiWm-nypwSrwljJ9ObUzelQwG1kX81xZUgcQwdlAkbhDNikFSYBxAQ/s640/courtney+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5388552335/in/photostream">Windy Day</a></td></tr>
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This month's artist of the month is mixed media artist <a href="http://www.courtneyp-findinghome.blogspot.com/">Courtney Prahl</a>. When I began to look for images to include in the post, I found myself falling in love over and over again with Courtney's art. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKx_T-CDRMssMK59YsbXJSgziVTUPC-VlYRDSecN7S49-e5UEJIeaN58EqSNZdvbNR5DjAobdFwjZulAmAjOesHf8Mcbq6DOqXvv8wpJ1atT_K9W0kX3TvQX-YTeBgOXoncRceACs2hg/s1600/courtney+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKx_T-CDRMssMK59YsbXJSgziVTUPC-VlYRDSecN7S49-e5UEJIeaN58EqSNZdvbNR5DjAobdFwjZulAmAjOesHf8Mcbq6DOqXvv8wpJ1atT_K9W0kX3TvQX-YTeBgOXoncRceACs2hg/s640/courtney+4.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5389158360/in/photostream">Hands</a></td></tr>
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Her work just inspires me. Courtney lives in Urbana, Maryland with her husband and two sons. Her boys, the oldest in 5th grade and youngest in 3rd both really love to draw. Courtney grew up in Walkersville, Maryland and studied art in collage with a concentration in sculpture and 3D arts at Marymount University and Clarion University of Pennsylvania.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaL2l1lrcojGowRXGt4FfiiopKVlYAKKLXoSRYfCMzYSHOP2LniPcoR6gcXk8gpGPcy0FCKxwhvxRF3Xumq84MglBC9X3WzdgeptTH_AvpZga1fFt0YFILUzD02tl2QxAsaz_9dHReuQ/s1600/courtney+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaL2l1lrcojGowRXGt4FfiiopKVlYAKKLXoSRYfCMzYSHOP2LniPcoR6gcXk8gpGPcy0FCKxwhvxRF3Xumq84MglBC9X3WzdgeptTH_AvpZga1fFt0YFILUzD02tl2QxAsaz_9dHReuQ/s640/courtney+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5388553481/in/photostream">Unity </a></td></tr>
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There are so many different aspects of Courtney's art that I enjoy. The colors are bright, but somehow subdued. I love the messages that she incorporates into her work. <br />
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Courtney worked at a biotech company before she had her children, then stayed home with them for 7 years until her youngest went to school. She always worked on her art, but really feel in love with mixed media once she had her little one. She currently works as an instructional assistant at Centerville Elementary when she's not being a Mom and an Artist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE68QSq5-OXhRumxOMZNF7VZxiH44qEBDfGFvcb6JVgDYvkcB-tUjflv5Sc7vTFkaYTRJ5u1xvVUqpktOKQegDcCeI_MddZ5TjIOZSa2jA_OfMIJ_jxadpzs1eGWCY_CqpOtW45llfSc/s1600/courtney+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE68QSq5-OXhRumxOMZNF7VZxiH44qEBDfGFvcb6JVgDYvkcB-tUjflv5Sc7vTFkaYTRJ5u1xvVUqpktOKQegDcCeI_MddZ5TjIOZSa2jA_OfMIJ_jxadpzs1eGWCY_CqpOtW45llfSc/s640/courtney+6.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5388553325/in/photostream">Everything she wanted</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I asked Courtney how she goes about her design process, and here is what she had to share:</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"I usually have an idea in mind. I often will lay down background on many pieces before I dive into a specific project." </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought that was an interesting idea. I often find myself stuck when I am working on my art journals and have finally starting allowing myself to just do as much or as little as I choose on each page. In the past, I always felt compelled to finish a page once I started working on it. It's a nice discovery of freedom.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYT7rC7_8hsdHu46cMGyh1qGN7dB2djolDhRM7etZ4C4mjHqdFmnhfnAp5plboECCGBqJPpA_1YJPTyPqwml3lN7vlD5kGVNy8kwC_Vtq2_PpmyHv7TxwcbJQK9T0pF_iwsbypXTsqwI/s1600/courtney+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYT7rC7_8hsdHu46cMGyh1qGN7dB2djolDhRM7etZ4C4mjHqdFmnhfnAp5plboECCGBqJPpA_1YJPTyPqwml3lN7vlD5kGVNy8kwC_Vtq2_PpmyHv7TxwcbJQK9T0pF_iwsbypXTsqwI/s640/courtney+8.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5388552491/in/photostream">Dream II</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Courtney uses a combination of vintage paper, old hardware, tissue, old magazines and junk mail in her artwork. She also loves oil pastels and found objects. I asked Courtney what her favorite part and least favorite part of her artistic process is:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"I love the beginning stages when the unexpected can happen and you can see your vision playing out. My least favorite is the final touches (glazing, finishing edges, hanging hardware and photographing)."</span></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5hl36K2RQ0jhIYI8UBPjja048Y9RoCONuZXj22eIK_8tv9fe6A4Uh2acGmGfXIy5XI7jTpoBszIcBQVmY3MJHcDySUw6-uol7GRFgh7q7sVH30DXUVBhRRFUT4N2IsIJLlfoDhrKVpo/s1600/courtney+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5hl36K2RQ0jhIYI8UBPjja048Y9RoCONuZXj22eIK_8tv9fe6A4Uh2acGmGfXIy5XI7jTpoBszIcBQVmY3MJHcDySUw6-uol7GRFgh7q7sVH30DXUVBhRRFUT4N2IsIJLlfoDhrKVpo/s640/courtney+9.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Courtney also creates beautiful one of a kind sculpture pieces like these.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/6138644270/in/photostream"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZGRUjTq0oGlwpSRQyEuFJDwgThpmDH5EW_-SHXfrrisrPQfBZonSVHBc7MlcRI9W5mtvEPVM-wIgff0hWGD9pYQ_72hHOn9dZWlr43QMVo4ITrTZu8VJRdoIUc9rd7iOo6jYb2PlTJk/s640/courtney+10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5676304616/in/photostream"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XzX880IDRAWEbekBnpJim5XTgfO-zX-bFTVQaht86s7KI0PVo3OGllecDqz4ImyISGV18vNMzxDVWJb3tJ2ENHCnFkzb_EgdhsvnVcUwvvd_mlCXz8STWnWidy8rpkGSuc7AU2ptzck/s640/courtney+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The artists that inspire Courtney include; <a href="http://www.dannyostudio.com/">Danny O</a>,<a href="http://cathynichols.com/"> Cathy Nichols</a>,<a href="http://blogdelanine.blogspot.com/"> Gennine Zlatkis</a> and <a href="http://sarahgreenweeds.blogspot.com/">Sarah Wyman</a>. You may remember I wrote an <a href="http://staciejewelry.blogspot.com/2010/09/artist-of-week-cathy-nichols.html">Artist post about Cathy Nichols</a> a few years back. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Courtney sells her work through The Muse and will actually be there this Saturday, June 2nd for an artist reception from 5 - 9pm. If you live in the area, you should definitely check it out. She will have some of her new art pieces there to share.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.courtneyp-findinghome.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-work_16.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVohld2-fIC4WSkCtwuwldYBkY1jhvW5FLCTTMqPdw93qLQVwC4W63rzGg3QWLOuOoUVnuMg5CMLliDCkAhVVBk0mBvGM8bYtC6ptOVLXgQufmGbJ0MPK_LUQV4oSfTeLVuipdF2qM6sA/s1600/courtney+12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.courtneyp-findinghome.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-work_16.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuXoghyE_3yxNcaBoni-1X2HXfzSedNmujEYcHVuHmXqH_v0VZyXrWLf6FE64IhmSqDPWjfpI4Inz8j8FLBAsU-VEUCnH__os9ndP9FVdVUHDiEOkMGfmLhSsqab9-H_tUgJ6gjiWfu0/s320/courtney+13.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I asked Courtney where she sees her future with her art and this is what she shared with me:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I would love to illustrate children's books. I did just sign a contract with a licensing/graphics company to use some select images for reproduction and products. Who knows where this will lead? I would also love to set up a non-profit/mentoring program for kids to further their pursuits in art." </span></i></span></div>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOIPHZjlfnJ20DMNnFFcG48BTaeAYzOcahuxORXhmp9dTZElglcDXgJ3LH05aR83Z9WMMDdE2O8aSvvK7w3fn52QdfvvzWjsfmz9_TqkvBl7bEn5dCBhzP7GPojydQoINF5385rd5il4/s1600/courtney+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOIPHZjlfnJ20DMNnFFcG48BTaeAYzOcahuxORXhmp9dTZElglcDXgJ3LH05aR83Z9WMMDdE2O8aSvvK7w3fn52QdfvvzWjsfmz9_TqkvBl7bEn5dCBhzP7GPojydQoINF5385rd5il4/s640/courtney+14.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/5388550121/in/photostream">Flower House</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoyed getting to know Courtney and her artwork. To see more of her work visit her blog <a href="http://www.courtneyp-findinghome.blogspot.com/">Finding Home</a>, her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CourtneyP?ref=em">Etsy shop</a>, or her <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1006238205">Flickr</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1006238205"> </a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/courtneyprahl/with/5388550121/">photostream</a>. Thanks again for joining me for the artist of the month post.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Art=Joy" by Madi</span></i></span>
</div>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-72668219782182932092012-05-30T16:43:00.001-04:002012-05-30T16:45:45.327-04:00It's raining Cats & Dogs!<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="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101001902/silver-cat-dog-earrings-pmc-artisan" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-VzqMpWh5-3MAz18wz0fZOxD50vdaBj2vpQDMrUD6ojLpe9auUb-cfSguKZeOJNayFZQaj8Lg8KapSKG4WIo6RDwGyrOrBnEccswfWklGkgTbQpqrBEbsH6Mjh_Zxn6WDsZXuWjDTcs/s640/cat-dog-earrings-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101001902/silver-cat-dog-earrings-pmc-artisan">Silver Cat & Dog Earrings</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/64321748/dog-lover-earrings-pmc-fine-silver-pet" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj89agLFU7wVDYMuylzxUxu2jvjWmk8kTAyxl8x0-_SFOPjvzNGTpXjk803NUv34OPpZ6rA4vKGjqGA8v2u1dBSCZKZ0_WUkQYnep4P2DXEXGEPebsGc7MELCTcLXW8IJaMwLhTRuC9DQ/s640/dog-earrings-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/64321748/dog-lover-earrings-pmc-fine-silver-pet">Silver Dog Earrings</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92221638/silver-kitty-cat-earrings-pmc-fine" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoGq6UbBYmC7jUPWJpJjm3nOxpo-ZTnRyULcyxFQDHtYm6pAzONzvmVVv3JwaGHHrGjOCOI2fTunZ5QuEmDbIVh6O0ZerwwzsOuSEy3ha9YbjhZWrMCG5Bw0mJvgO8WQalxVHPEpQ4kA/s640/cat-earrings-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92221638/silver-kitty-cat-earrings-pmc-fine">Silver Cat Earrings </a></td></tr>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0jmNHyerVJPnhwInPUuWbf5D08MNlTg32X5FhhvJgJGRxJBybXy8JLdZW545Up_u8Dkj5EXHURoeU8VbxdtSgPwJfkD8vLpVGlo44KmS1nkpqj2P47WyzlT7FCoEaHJD7T2_MnC7Pzc/s1600/dog-earrings-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0jmNHyerVJPnhwInPUuWbf5D08MNlTg32X5FhhvJgJGRxJBybXy8JLdZW545Up_u8Dkj5EXHURoeU8VbxdtSgPwJfkD8vLpVGlo44KmS1nkpqj2P47WyzlT7FCoEaHJD7T2_MnC7Pzc/s640/dog-earrings-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of all 3 Earrings</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;"><br /></td></tr>
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So, I think I've covered the dog and cat earring lovers! I did have one special request pair that included extra paw prints.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf7J90VdxCy0RAi_4jXfy24wTSE07PdspPYrOt-LTo98d2X8Uhpk1JWU1BWD0BcIhoPlZUyp8AXqlZU1nixuA6DXV-L7D7jk3TSE9gDwiUWWnWQORs5W74sHDWeajFntTpEX4OqyRElg/s1600/dog-cat-order.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf7J90VdxCy0RAi_4jXfy24wTSE07PdspPYrOt-LTo98d2X8Uhpk1JWU1BWD0BcIhoPlZUyp8AXqlZU1nixuA6DXV-L7D7jk3TSE9gDwiUWWnWQORs5W74sHDWeajFntTpEX4OqyRElg/s640/dog-cat-order.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>"Express your love." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-50632226689289572142012-05-26T13:34:00.000-04:002012-05-26T13:34:00.992-04:00My 2012 Sketchbook is digitized!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/library/9144"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSodLFLIUhEOfUGyrLoUDivIAk5cU6CFk2cfb953L3iPtQ4bCqPC05oPrpMoLffypZ8HfhM-XJRRKriAMphnIJPx5LqCtvMmYji3S9Mqz7oZfcfbB87bgseMvQp_v40pPUR-BtvdA2JdI/s640/sketchbook+2012+cover+page.jpg" width="440" /></a> </div>
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My 2012 Sketchbook from Art House Co-op is available to view digitally! Here is the link: </div>
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<a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/library/9144">"My Artist Path Begins"</a>. It is really fun to look at my sketchbook online. I did sign up for the </div>
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<a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject">2013 Sketchbook project</a>, just haven't started it yet. I decided to try and have an artistic summer this year once the kids get out of school. Looking forward to working on my online art classes and sketchbook.</div>
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<i>"Color in your life." by Madi </i></div>
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<br />staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-20140864080156442942012-05-25T11:10:00.000-04:002012-05-26T13:34:40.715-04:00Friendship Gift Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/100626693/silver-friend-photo-transfer-bracelet"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_cwTKEbvAOOhkFGmGmQb0biehbgjFbuf93hMn-jO7YXWKhY7jgwUesUvT-ag_p3dYFPWDwHitVMNawQ8KhtMT4i5Fte_fY_PhRkbnbLikzaWU3vBuAbvrjoBm49GqbJB-DXaIfHeG_c/s640/friend-bracelet-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I just finished this colorful photo transfer <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/100626693/silver-friend-photo-transfer-bracelet">friendship bracelet</a> and listed it in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciejewelry?ref=si_shop">Etsy shop</a>. I thought I'd share a few other friendship gift ideas with you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/64240367/silver-friends-earrings-pmc-artisan" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX6LaQ2a3B-8fQbrENesCtn_j-025UMKVm3iimST6x_laPwNXb_GCoA4E-HmfAqnQ3cVaQcJLNfEwmpofcALN3jS2FPrxs81aMY9paQL0rqDD6-X5mNT3TA_2276SdL6giQYt2L-5vp4/s640/friend+earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/64240367/silver-friends-earrings-pmc-artisan">Silver Friend Earrings</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62559974/silver-friends-charm-friendship-gift-pmc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonZjD-YCKdqXI2HrrizayeLOEDLvPbj7c0PQcSO18Al1c4V3iH1URzESV_f5Meg2Qcf9eaXOhpXF0iQkck9ZjWJZ9R120iKAfZrGQ2PN7wxqZaIAAV-9im3QqIYX4WVv0ukkFY5rRs6A/s640/friend+charm+1.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62559974/silver-friends-charm-friendship-gift-pmc">Silver Friend Charm</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/70637287/silver-friend-charm-blue-beaded-ankle" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd-7E42c7prHiltl5QScVloiulpwq1Vbip0my2-bnUM_Xpl0iu-qgePg_KMM4rCQEyrZX51NOfRSH0dSYshKbqXe6mtP7M06EGqoV3aZAFOmDH0oji2ubHg_UOEEojFIFXPR64oycAaE/s640/friend+blue+bead+anklet+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/70637287/silver-friend-charm-blue-beaded-ankle">Blue Beaded Friendship Ankle Bracelet</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88906844/silver-telephone-heart-charm-pmc-fine" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTSm4nEUvjAyospSSQAxVGbR0toeDhrdmVuFc3hqOFt4lcAaTbrBm-k2_LuzyYmSwLaUOZ2UPRvOgZQz9q5gUgtS2tP1TvvRayt9n4HrgLYoLXQqRVwDk9FDPdCiuDh8RCpJ26ApY5EI/s640/telephone-charm-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88906844/silver-telephone-heart-charm-pmc-fine">Silver Telephone Heart Charm</a></td></tr>
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<i>"Friends are kisses and hugs from God." by Madi</i></div>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-5809721330119745432012-05-16T16:42:00.003-04:002012-05-16T16:42:28.150-04:00Cool Photos by Madi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJKL_xVDcFVW9cVcuqKqWOdmAOPZ6ZHtexIWgWI3MJk8SnlOkUX2OPrz37ErdS8RjRBj8HlikRj3ia4Ho1kIScRxA7SIBUaKiKFDgvPnXjXBQX84JAo15Vi3g8grgo_IYBYL0iABkOMU/s1600/madi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJKL_xVDcFVW9cVcuqKqWOdmAOPZ6ZHtexIWgWI3MJk8SnlOkUX2OPrz37ErdS8RjRBj8HlikRj3ia4Ho1kIScRxA7SIBUaKiKFDgvPnXjXBQX84JAo15Vi3g8grgo_IYBYL0iABkOMU/s200/madi+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Madi and I went for a walk around the lake by our house this weekend. She brought her Ipod Touch and captured a few beautiful images. We really are lucky to live in such a gorgeous place.<br />
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<i>"Nature is art alive." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-60752411120611574032012-05-13T18:50:00.001-04:002012-05-13T18:51:28.111-04:00Wonderful Mother's Day & Life Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a wonderful Mother's Day! My day started out with a trip to Starbucks with my hubby for a mocha. Then it was great homemade gifts, chocolates, and some of my favorite music recorded on CDs. Perfect and thoughtful gifts from my family.<br />
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After a great walk with my hubby and dog, it was off to the studio with my daughter Madi to have fun with<a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration"> Life Book</a>. I can't say enough about how awesome this class is. Even though it started in January, if you can do it, I would highly recommend joining. It's the kind of class that you can start anytime and do as much or as little as you like.<br />
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The lesson we picked to work on is called "play-full layers" by <a href="http://www.mystele.com/">Mystele</a>. We created layers with paper, writing, paints and gesso. Next, we looked for the design or face in the base of the artwork. It was so cool how when you really look, you could see something! I first saw the wing on the right side of my woman's dress, then I sort of found the rest of her. Madi found her woman's cheekbones first and the rest just kind of showed up.<br />
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The studio was a beautiful mess most of the day and I loved it. It felt so relaxing just playing all day. My wonderful hubby did the grocery shopping, laundry and cooking for the day. I'm one lucky girl.<br />
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This month Tam's lesson included creating a daily calendar to express your thoughts on. Here is mine so far this month:<br />
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I hope all of you Mom's out there had a wonderful day and found some time to just play.<br />
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<i>"Art = Joy" by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-27507952987705279772012-05-12T09:06:00.002-04:002012-05-12T09:14:39.894-04:00Tangled up in Blue<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTI5ODA4NXwyNzIyODA2NzI2/tangled-up-in-blue"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeJs7_GtJ22F-kCZKOxPQE3msz0oFoxDxDLOYp_LFu0X_rHbW4YyEzyConaKDIyx3NNM6TT7jgRGE_AxeuAL4GgwgU6d6uWOYTSFRYNaB7XvfhpLkJ-P3U2WAEkvfiAH85N3dvuK6HXs/s640/tangled+up+in+blue+treasury.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A fun Zentangle theme treasury. Enjoy!</div>
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<i>"Find the pattern of life." by Madi</i></div>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-43500494241070924762012-05-10T16:25:00.000-04:002012-05-10T16:25:02.295-04:00Here is why I've haven't posted lately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this is what I've been up to....lots and lots of jewelry! I finally got shipments out to <a href="http://www.themysticjewel.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=228">The Mystic Jewel </a>at the beach and <a href="http://www.thewaygoose.com/">The Waygoose</a>. Also had a great trunk show at <a href="http://www.shopthemuse.com/index.php?page=home">The Muse </a>.<br />
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Now, I'm hoping to have a bit more time to blog and work on some of my online art classes. Of course, I still am be creating more jewelry. I am working on one more shipment for <a href="http://www.themysticjewel.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=228">The Mystic Jewel</a> and restocking my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciejewelry?ref=si_shop">Etsy shop</a> after my show. Hope you are having a wonderfully creative day.<br />
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<i>"It's not for the money. It's for the fun." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-31898346010666679722012-05-01T10:45:00.002-04:002012-05-01T10:54:17.758-04:00Artist of the Month - Madi Spencer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month's artist is my 10 year old daughter Madi. Madi loves to create, sing, dance and act. Today we are going to view some of her artwork and talk about her creative process. I interviewed Madi last week on take your child to work day.<br />
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When I asked Madi how she knew that she was interested in art, here is what she had to say:<br />
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<i>"First I only used to draw stick figures. Then my school
counselor said not to draw stick figures, but try to draw to more detailed
figures. So, I thought “This is fun.” Of course, the other person who got me
interested in art is my Mom."</i></div>
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Madi began her creating her beautiful and colorful artwork when she was just about 2 years old. She and I would spend hours together in my jewelry studio. She loved to paint with watercolors and would sit for a whole afternoon just painting. As she grew, I introduced her to different techniques and art supplies. Above is a Zentangle that she created over an alcohol ink painting.<br />
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I asked Madi how she comes up with her designs.<br />
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<i>"I honestly don’t think about them too hard. I just draw what
I want to draw. For colors, I pick what
I like and they usually go together. For
example, I like blue, orange and yellow."</i></div>
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These are Madi's favorite art supplies: sparkle spray, alcohol inks, Copic markers and Pitt markers. Madi has joined me in a few lessons from different on line art classes. Here is a piece that she did for <a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration">Life Book</a>:<br />
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Over the years Madi has participated in many different charity events, selling her wonderful artwork and donating the money to charitable organizations such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hopeforlily">Lily's Hope</a>. I'm so proud of her in so many ways. I'm proud that she is so dedicated, creative and generous. I have to say she is the most inspirational person for me personally regarding my own artwork. She always has something positive and motivational to offer.</div>
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Speaking of motivational, some of you may remember Madi's famous quotes. I asked her how she comes up with such amazing and interesting quotes.</div>
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<i>"Well, I take the happy moments in my life and in other
people's lives and put them into quotes. Then I think, why is it a happy moment?
What is happy about it? And I put it into quotes. Sometimes I just lie down in the grass and
look at the sky, feel the breeze and think of quotes that way."</i></div>
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For those of you who may have missed Madi's quotes in previous posts, here they are again.</div>
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<i> </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKTI0Hf_GehteoGhzfQVhQ9pbJ4nplVItlxmGH0tR8J1yn1Mz1L9VSVvN1s8xwBTS1X1iSGbkBR2eE_MpPoxiA71CJa0vKZ_DCZj7kZG0tVAqkFTj4htQMriNyq4mwLQFkMF1EXEm3SM/s1600/2012+quotes+by+madi+page+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKTI0Hf_GehteoGhzfQVhQ9pbJ4nplVItlxmGH0tR8J1yn1Mz1L9VSVvN1s8xwBTS1X1iSGbkBR2eE_MpPoxiA71CJa0vKZ_DCZj7kZG0tVAqkFTj4htQMriNyq4mwLQFkMF1EXEm3SM/s640/2012+quotes+by+madi+page+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF854BCyAGSMjzrp4AFTY3AWpup37jtP761d7szyfxqN5GMELxE4zvTuxsuHaXnug8sanD1Tk2Z2GIeAI7dUdKtrv8JtgUVQWQhxRIrVN6e-3nihaRPSJnCXZj6ryLgQjHsD3kovFdAI/s1600/madi+quotes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF854BCyAGSMjzrp4AFTY3AWpup37jtP761d7szyfxqN5GMELxE4zvTuxsuHaXnug8sanD1Tk2Z2GIeAI7dUdKtrv8JtgUVQWQhxRIrVN6e-3nihaRPSJnCXZj6ryLgQjHsD3kovFdAI/s640/madi+quotes+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPcqv1jw_wSCK_szKzGQGCU3R11X0DQLoKUOihIDciM0jlMNosu9jpIMj_3KxvXT9gmhyphenhyphenVWGm1A_tlbefG7eh50L76_N-m0zH85oQjExIGS2qVe09ON1ejeSTKKU-vGHhD1lj8HUfqeU/s1600/madi+quotes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPcqv1jw_wSCK_szKzGQGCU3R11X0DQLoKUOihIDciM0jlMNosu9jpIMj_3KxvXT9gmhyphenhyphenVWGm1A_tlbefG7eh50L76_N-m0zH85oQjExIGS2qVe09ON1ejeSTKKU-vGHhD1lj8HUfqeU/s640/madi+quotes+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM4E3Ork_a3OJFQC2V3RNUWgxIjzwS_KkyVWmDQtSHO2DQPDp25Z_GdKol0Kh3lyrluqRbS2JPnWcia7U_fum_S2YXQ4Imb7FVP1effwNJSIBJhJ5cIgMrYpbHXzbNUbVS9Q4UUY3_Wk/s1600/madi+quotes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM4E3Ork_a3OJFQC2V3RNUWgxIjzwS_KkyVWmDQtSHO2DQPDp25Z_GdKol0Kh3lyrluqRbS2JPnWcia7U_fum_S2YXQ4Imb7FVP1effwNJSIBJhJ5cIgMrYpbHXzbNUbVS9Q4UUY3_Wk/s640/madi+quotes+3.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
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<i> </i></div>
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So, what does the future hold for this talented girl? </div>
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<i>"I’ve always wanted to be a quadruple threat: actress, singer, dancer and acrobat. I plan to try to get famous by practicing all
of these talents anywhere I can. Right
now I am taking 5 different dance classes and would like to audition for the FX
dance company which is part of my dance studio.
I would like to audition for a commercial when I am older, maybe in 10<sup>th</sup>
or 11<sup>th</sup> grade. I don’t want
to get famous when I’m young, because that’s just a pain in the butt."</i></div>
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<i> </i>
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<i>"If I didn’t want to be a movie star or a pop star, I’d
totally want to be an artist. My Mom
said when I was little, I had so much creativity in me, that I didn’t know how
to express it."</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIODn6WsMWeyT9kyp1H6plVvwEJRjHqv0dINrHPsEam0LtwsbMxgZHVhVXD3FIEcCNbHtOhEE6i06q_3IHY7OFkjDC5DCzNTs6qNhEML3RariFVD6Uekxe_QHlmVFHvAVJubVCr4YJW88/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIODn6WsMWeyT9kyp1H6plVvwEJRjHqv0dINrHPsEam0LtwsbMxgZHVhVXD3FIEcCNbHtOhEE6i06q_3IHY7OFkjDC5DCzNTs6qNhEML3RariFVD6Uekxe_QHlmVFHvAVJubVCr4YJW88/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I asked Madi what advice she would give someone who is interested in art, but afraid to try to learn new things. </div>
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<i>"My teacher for dance says, if you try to do a stunt and you
are afraid, you will fall. If you are out
there and want to create art but are afraid, just create a piece of art. No one
is going to see it, if you want you can even put it in the trash. Don’t let your worries get the best of you."</i></div>
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<i> </i>I hope you enjoyed getting to know Madi and her artwork a little better today. Thanks so much for joining me for the artist of the month post!</div>
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<i>"Sometimes we get so caught up in our art, we forget to enjoy the journey." by Madi</i></div>
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<br /></div>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-80898188827524208612012-04-24T13:43:00.002-04:002012-04-24T13:44:00.363-04:00Classes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a great time at the wire wrapped earrings class that I taught at <a href="http://thewaygoose.com/">The Waygoose Redux</a> last week. Here are a few photos from the class:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3WyxNCZHWK9n4RsvmeuYOBDmFCoAroYtWeQyXMka3QXO-PvQIQE3XXDmatqTOQoRxHnNNk-Vgw0lfVxRj5b8W65V0dj7awTUu8aAcssJCQF6bYvrb3hGP1YTTe_j4SWreQyrZDNgc5k/s1600/earring+class+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3WyxNCZHWK9n4RsvmeuYOBDmFCoAroYtWeQyXMka3QXO-PvQIQE3XXDmatqTOQoRxHnNNk-Vgw0lfVxRj5b8W65V0dj7awTUu8aAcssJCQF6bYvrb3hGP1YTTe_j4SWreQyrZDNgc5k/s1600/earring+class+6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeEtH-nVGRzivZri7QjQcPOV_gCCJjozVO0gyCXwpA06A32B0VSyfiX6StuI7ijLBks0WdvQklJtMWd-hlK_yskOzuqRYfIvdviufW6kQ50uDI9HSe6G4tQ0VHnLWsX9jT89LwzZq0gA/s1600/earring+class+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeEtH-nVGRzivZri7QjQcPOV_gCCJjozVO0gyCXwpA06A32B0VSyfiX6StuI7ijLBks0WdvQklJtMWd-hlK_yskOzuqRYfIvdviufW6kQ50uDI9HSe6G4tQ0VHnLWsX9jT89LwzZq0gA/s1600/earring+class+7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFVJFQyHYNFa-aBF9kG55wbPJ-cZj0ccFHQQCueiP4yi8QX396EHqeCDYMAONIGjPTcF8NtLvwatPbozDcd2pwZ3cTTpViW0LeKId0yKG9uhMVYGvSF0pDNBOJU4_QCWgj1IKSC4Vfo0/s1600/earring+class+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFVJFQyHYNFa-aBF9kG55wbPJ-cZj0ccFHQQCueiP4yi8QX396EHqeCDYMAONIGjPTcF8NtLvwatPbozDcd2pwZ3cTTpViW0LeKId0yKG9uhMVYGvSF0pDNBOJU4_QCWgj1IKSC4Vfo0/s1600/earring+class+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRX8HY6Q-Zl7gRd4RcJORXN_ZiA3wrV7SE9IIiWtoDzGu6My7mzVC4cKnj-WRWgDcaRBrQ_KIBEXZVOvKHmLIjOM3lzkICfkl4mgsQVMcZ_-DiBOBHTmkklT94kKUFmCX_yxoeSPnhIHI/s1600/earring+class+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRX8HY6Q-Zl7gRd4RcJORXN_ZiA3wrV7SE9IIiWtoDzGu6My7mzVC4cKnj-WRWgDcaRBrQ_KIBEXZVOvKHmLIjOM3lzkICfkl4mgsQVMcZ_-DiBOBHTmkklT94kKUFmCX_yxoeSPnhIHI/s1600/earring+class+5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsWnS9HGuQuo96Q4maopu5tYWaIw0E5YcVeCIncVi0IoWkey879N4NNi3kGj5V41_VcIOUYGNFqo5zIflZsGEUtNN12n54it7y_QQOasWuFNojW9JN7OzWhE-wBLi-QSmr5wsewrRzwU/s1600/earring+class+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsWnS9HGuQuo96Q4maopu5tYWaIw0E5YcVeCIncVi0IoWkey879N4NNi3kGj5V41_VcIOUYGNFqo5zIflZsGEUtNN12n54it7y_QQOasWuFNojW9JN7OzWhE-wBLi-QSmr5wsewrRzwU/s1600/earring+class+4.jpg" /></a></div>
And here are a few of the finished earrings. I think everyone did a great job! I'm looking forward to teaching more classes at the <a href="http://thewaygoose.com/">Waygoose Redux</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KyHhcFC8TsTksQJ8t5MNS_aivh7E2W1CPamx-hxpfZ5nQhz1HWW8um8bAHZhyphenhyphenncwB3cgMuW8tS3eCFfBVDcfE4FDn5Cj3w47Ynr3Yf7vLrfIStZmknGhsKxyFkOEhEfyk3jOOF6pe20/s1600/earring+class+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KyHhcFC8TsTksQJ8t5MNS_aivh7E2W1CPamx-hxpfZ5nQhz1HWW8um8bAHZhyphenhyphenncwB3cgMuW8tS3eCFfBVDcfE4FDn5Cj3w47Ynr3Yf7vLrfIStZmknGhsKxyFkOEhEfyk3jOOF6pe20/s1600/earring+class+1.jpg" /></a></div>
This past Sunday, I got to be the student at an Eucaustics Wax class at <a href="http://www.shopthemuse.com/index.php?page=home">The Muse</a>. Margaret Hulch taught "Encaustics - Tissue Paper & Pastels". Encaustic is a method of collaging using hot wax.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBitG5IV7CVCs2K05Fzntg3AneO5Hk7qowG29F653e3RjjOAg2e7p2AakOqp0xmqom1LLGn5BlwnaURRQn2rRYTx1hi6KfE9CDUXHGXI_2-7SLvs80gtloBulL3gsLBv840VVV8gOv6Aw/s1600/encaustics+class.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBitG5IV7CVCs2K05Fzntg3AneO5Hk7qowG29F653e3RjjOAg2e7p2AakOqp0xmqom1LLGn5BlwnaURRQn2rRYTx1hi6KfE9CDUXHGXI_2-7SLvs80gtloBulL3gsLBv840VVV8gOv6Aw/s1600/encaustics+class.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFpxtQ_XZTrs2eJIIgWTZzcbW1NXj7oU9aGquWrnJbet5FObX57_1kL5MT9HLqlZZc6CdHk2D4FsDUWw6GaGzEbfBsDG9CB_lqG1u8_HdBXiwNOV-2gq8YRbAUcmuzEhOY9XrRaLT9xQ/s1600/encaustics+class+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFpxtQ_XZTrs2eJIIgWTZzcbW1NXj7oU9aGquWrnJbet5FObX57_1kL5MT9HLqlZZc6CdHk2D4FsDUWw6GaGzEbfBsDG9CB_lqG1u8_HdBXiwNOV-2gq8YRbAUcmuzEhOY9XrRaLT9xQ/s1600/encaustics+class+2.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sqh5GLoQOqgvEARmZ3qmXDdl6fPLHyvPoHBBbncY-NvQc8p9fA8jBS0CQ9vOSUZbiFQmdZdWIdTGSQ3G1oRB0mKLMlNPfs-oW2KZLsw28_gErqQdQGo-VMxS-215ftpdHlz1d6gohGQ/s1600/encaustics+class+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sqh5GLoQOqgvEARmZ3qmXDdl6fPLHyvPoHBBbncY-NvQc8p9fA8jBS0CQ9vOSUZbiFQmdZdWIdTGSQ3G1oRB0mKLMlNPfs-oW2KZLsw28_gErqQdQGo-VMxS-215ftpdHlz1d6gohGQ/s1600/encaustics+class+3.JPG" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylIWah6SGMP8R5i6hznvvE7kOV0AqVhBzTc3H6FsLax6Q6yyrIl0eTTNnIVpuh3tpR7vLs3jw9o9jOg5d9PTneQcGbvYCjOUj3INlo_Vldn40RSzFFif0byUQaGNbLSYZdzy-YEu2kQM/s1600/encaustics+class+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylIWah6SGMP8R5i6hznvvE7kOV0AqVhBzTc3H6FsLax6Q6yyrIl0eTTNnIVpuh3tpR7vLs3jw9o9jOg5d9PTneQcGbvYCjOUj3INlo_Vldn40RSzFFif0byUQaGNbLSYZdzy-YEu2kQM/s1600/encaustics+class+4.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitney and her Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHYsudmaWgvwbZkpSj3qIJkpU-aAAg9wr662so8VhARMgBZcS6KlxgtAXSlSRe9dk5rsZcl7z_sV4c56XJMEdLT-uf4CASV1Qk-fnDUhgkLyVJATj8G0pMy6ErF4Nz6G29rYOBXeF6aw/s1600/encaustics+class+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHYsudmaWgvwbZkpSj3qIJkpU-aAAg9wr662so8VhARMgBZcS6KlxgtAXSlSRe9dk5rsZcl7z_sV4c56XJMEdLT-uf4CASV1Qk-fnDUhgkLyVJATj8G0pMy6ErF4Nz6G29rYOBXeF6aw/s1600/encaustics+class+5.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my sister</td></tr>
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My sister Renee and I had a wonderful time creating and even had time to head out to dinner at <a href="http://www.isabellas-tavern.com/">Isabella's Tavern</a> after the class. <br />
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Today, I am busy creating jewelry in my studio. I'll post some new photos as soon as I get a chance.<br />
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<i>"Do good things. Have good luck." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-50326305422338486982012-04-16T18:34:00.000-04:002012-04-16T18:34:13.458-04:00Dangle Earrings<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://www.blogger.com/goog_1046656930" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj999ho_2c4RcyZfdWHhOWHbu2vy4XXdjwnsuWywjVuzfYATKRq3zj8QPGFWlnWB9o6mr4j8ExLSF_mbGWhobNaQAULvPsZii5xEtYn5BnQZ1OU2PacLfZ0XMbwK3snS5NI7ribxb_R8ug/s640/sand-dollar-earrings-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1046656930">Sand Dollar Earrings</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97496926/silver-sand-dollar-earrings-pmc-artisan"><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://www.etsy.com/listing/97701695/silver-flip-flop-earrings-pmc-artisan" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvVbvnjgqIapeijuLoo0Y93ZunZD1uNDFF8tZXOAbfnofCvfewDdAvG5qszQA6rVXI4IKOCQgxkAjHZjn3TrtKm5bOFi4lnCr80dDbhZKKrApDSFvPz6E5bJRihWSP1AoWFi_LD7ZuCE/s640/flip-flop-earrings-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97701695/silver-flip-flop-earrings-pmc-artisan">Flip Flop Earrings</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9QF1lSQJrScmCKrRknLj0WgUWN_zFBqaTYlQUykM5YoP53LkLY5C9z5zLlgUCdQhT51uUN0RwKUZGylspwNBoMpKPV30g9LP16EzbVUWfX86rb-lAlTzWRwByPe9MAaf7iCwC-p3igQ/s1600/leaf-earrings-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9QF1lSQJrScmCKrRknLj0WgUWN_zFBqaTYlQUykM5YoP53LkLY5C9z5zLlgUCdQhT51uUN0RwKUZGylspwNBoMpKPV30g9LP16EzbVUWfX86rb-lAlTzWRwByPe9MAaf7iCwC-p3igQ/s640/leaf-earrings-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Leaf Earrings</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Had fun making earrings last week. Dangle seems to be the theme here. Tomorrow I am making a whole new batch of silver pieces. Excited!<br />
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<i>"The breeze is a wind of passion." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-20196664026247626722012-04-13T18:25:00.000-04:002012-04-13T18:25:37.603-04:00Handmadeology Live Auction!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/sales-ahoy-announcing-the-handmadeology-live-auction/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ja9Y-5R6Du6lf69vkAswCOEnJmUdPnIm-QGve2RdYJtrdiJ2a4vLy0s4WRTTTomPpn72tD-jnuzm5S9ZmudxPgFvSmCZAi_uTW5M7H2KrjXdGj9SFXkPlOQDBwVeUf4B84JOnw_WefY/s320/handmadeology_wendell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmadeology is looking for handmade and vintage items for their up coming live auction. Handmadeology has teamed with <a href="http://tophatter.com/sign_up">Tophatter</a> for this event. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Handmadeology’s Live Auction Auction | April 19, 5pm PT</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">To find out more information and submit your products, <a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/sales-ahoy-announcing-the-handmadeology-live-auction/">click here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sounds like a great opportunity! I'm off to submit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciejewelry?ref=si_shop">handcrafted jewelry</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Shine your star." by Madi</i></div>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-74735728650423045852012-04-12T14:26:00.000-04:002012-04-12T14:26:23.737-04:00The big 50!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xpVYUvae3B7_NgvvyXPVR_v31S3qBSr7T9uepAn5NV5Gik-FJsgB1v_m-n84FAu9pAR4ppY8ceIls-cOtGDH0k6nu3ZtKkS-o9oDQSALsfLldrMbC-mKMgSp9M4IlIAWK_X6gU7A_uQ/s1600/basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xpVYUvae3B7_NgvvyXPVR_v31S3qBSr7T9uepAn5NV5Gik-FJsgB1v_m-n84FAu9pAR4ppY8ceIls-cOtGDH0k6nu3ZtKkS-o9oDQSALsfLldrMbC-mKMgSp9M4IlIAWK_X6gU7A_uQ/s640/basket.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>Yep, I just turned the big 50. Yesterday I spent my big birthday with my good friends and family. The day was just perfect. I started the day with a Starbucks Mocha in bed opening gifts from my family while my dog chewed up the wrapping paper. My hubby bought me a new pair of fluffy UGG slippers, my son the Adele 19 CD, and my daughter Zoe chocolate. What could be better?<br />
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Then I went to lunch with my two dear friends, Allison and Kathy. We were missing another dear friend, Rene who was in Pittsburgh with her family. Allison, Kathy and Rene put together this awesome basket full of 50 presents!!! I get to open one present a day for the next 50 days! How fun is that!? Here's today's gift:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe6SJysG08l20a6mQ6clXXKt27pyeV5mUKQJGEGMaQ1C73-wCqbYX5UlGnEx2Q_qVoz8YL2jmXaskxI241_9_1tkIgsqW3TGQvpZ-UqTuaCfw192U-39aSf8tuW3V9coADMa6OuF5_ao/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe6SJysG08l20a6mQ6clXXKt27pyeV5mUKQJGEGMaQ1C73-wCqbYX5UlGnEx2Q_qVoz8YL2jmXaskxI241_9_1tkIgsqW3TGQvpZ-UqTuaCfw192U-39aSf8tuW3V9coADMa6OuF5_ao/s640/coffee.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>I'm sure I'll get great use out of this gift! As a matter of fact, I'm using it right now as I write this post. So those of you that are on your way to the big 50, you will survive!! I'm hoping that my 50's are as good as my 40's and maybe even a little better!<br />
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<i>"Life is like a staircase, go one step at a time." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-31962186026952511892012-04-09T16:39:00.000-04:002012-04-09T16:39:13.030-04:00Little by little<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVpi_r-EUDLyys3QYpg2Zn2Yziugf-icmiE-ttj3SSgglzrUKwTAtoLyP03OLZebN7PayC9BdHNmeqegAoZ1rJ_O0tZvW29QGCzdF2asNwyXziFUMkbx8efeHGd_potYGhJN1rgltS54/s1600/dream-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVpi_r-EUDLyys3QYpg2Zn2Yziugf-icmiE-ttj3SSgglzrUKwTAtoLyP03OLZebN7PayC9BdHNmeqegAoZ1rJ_O0tZvW29QGCzdF2asNwyXziFUMkbx8efeHGd_potYGhJN1rgltS54/s640/dream-house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Up to Week 7 in <a href="http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/">Life Book</a>...only 7 weeks behind the class! Oh well, I'm having a blast so that's all that counts. This lesson was called "Little by Little" and was taught by <a href="http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/">Connie Hozvicka with Dirty Footprints Studio</a>.<br />
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It was a great lesson about creating a home for your dreams. Our instructions were to create a house and fill the back of the house with all of our dreams. Here's the kicker...then we threw the house away! What? Well, Connie's philosophy is that sometimes we hold on to our dreams so tight that they actually get in the way of achieving them. What she suggests is clearly stating your dreams and then letting them go. Connie feels that this way we have the space to enjoy and appreciate the little achievements along the way.<br />
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What do you think of this idea? Any thoughts? Anyone else want to give it a try?<br />
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<i>"Grow everyday." by Madi </i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-74510952338546480282012-04-05T17:21:00.000-04:002012-04-05T17:21:24.996-04:00Finally a day of art!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ94IYSJXjPXNa6-p3lu_Xhti_miuTjyo0WWcNiC35JZWkbxz9PRLi1EbRfCmv710NnZLLp-l6wr83UOgw99FCjsl4FptWXiFhzY2qIkrV0cfcVTDzxMWYd4yYQMbNTQLV7cnsmM7_Yp8/s1600/painted-collage-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ94IYSJXjPXNa6-p3lu_Xhti_miuTjyo0WWcNiC35JZWkbxz9PRLi1EbRfCmv710NnZLLp-l6wr83UOgw99FCjsl4FptWXiFhzY2qIkrV0cfcVTDzxMWYd4yYQMbNTQLV7cnsmM7_Yp8/s640/painted-collage-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I finally had a day to spend in my studio playing! I did week 6 of <a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration">Life Book</a> with Tamara Laporte. This lesson was called "paint over collage". I did a similar lesson with Tam last year in <a href="http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/2011/12/announcing-21-secrets-workshops-for.html">21 Secrets</a>. I really enjoyed the whole process. Here is my before collage:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLx1nLy1VCEz5SLR2-Rfge9pQppCb3zjq8bWa8vX70vl1iVpEK7WLTQqv9wOTPv0AAp4uMhP7YZbbSe-hDrxWfeVF3tpwMCjnK9rFIJ2qjG5Hyi-0ri8f99bKhAY7iAOcrzSXHHS-BBg/s1600/painted-collage-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLx1nLy1VCEz5SLR2-Rfge9pQppCb3zjq8bWa8vX70vl1iVpEK7WLTQqv9wOTPv0AAp4uMhP7YZbbSe-hDrxWfeVF3tpwMCjnK9rFIJ2qjG5Hyi-0ri8f99bKhAY7iAOcrzSXHHS-BBg/s640/painted-collage-1.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>And the after...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwMa5LTIxa0M_OdPaUYStZpruLHi3GIXMp27qbN4Xb2AmguVigvigB2-6UcqQzNlE9HxgF4k3ZyYZdJOGLL0gNXjnNVjGYbv38A-7XzUzP44wJ0fONZkHAsyzgeWHqF2g09bgowyKxs/s1600/painted-collage-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwMa5LTIxa0M_OdPaUYStZpruLHi3GIXMp27qbN4Xb2AmguVigvigB2-6UcqQzNlE9HxgF4k3ZyYZdJOGLL0gNXjnNVjGYbv38A-7XzUzP44wJ0fONZkHAsyzgeWHqF2g09bgowyKxs/s640/painted-collage-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It was a great project, using paints, paint pens, watercolor pencils and other fun art supplies. I used some of Madi's quotes around the circle. This weeks lesson was all about honoring our achievements however big or small.<br />
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I also had the chance to work on my handwritten note for the <a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/noteswap">Note Swap through the Art House Co-op</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekgztpg3Wo86i5_ik8G5TTQJAWAnmS-mpeHPXn5g2Xs-3_uuOWnsW3gaytoRIMW5oYt-JWUA6eXJSrmSLWhMhs9vKas7GQfZNvimeX5LQ3Vo10o1lCXaiswz19-y-oymv3ZyrHdkke4Y/s1600/art-house-note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekgztpg3Wo86i5_ik8G5TTQJAWAnmS-mpeHPXn5g2Xs-3_uuOWnsW3gaytoRIMW5oYt-JWUA6eXJSrmSLWhMhs9vKas7GQfZNvimeX5LQ3Vo10o1lCXaiswz19-y-oymv3ZyrHdkke4Y/s640/art-house-note.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It's a note swap with other artists around the world. Here's the info:<br />
<div class="header_box"> <h1><a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/noteswap"><i>The Note Swap</i></a></h1></div><i><strong>Trade handwritten notes across the globe</strong></i><br />
<i>The Note Swap is a worldwide exchange of handwritten letters, contributed by a thousand creative people just like you. Join our community to swap surprises in the mail and take part in an experiment designed to make a stranger's day. Scribble down a love note, a short story, a recipe, a memory, a joke or a secret — your letter could take any form. Simply mail your note to us along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We'll make the swap and send you another participant's letter in return. Waiting for the mail can be the best part of your day...</i><br />
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The Note Sway is open until April 30th so you still have time to join. Hope you had a creative day!<br />
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<i>"Art is the best medicine." by Madi</i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390321575601411304.post-20990203994068623742012-04-01T06:00:00.007-04:002012-04-01T20:01:13.576-04:00Laurie Jess - Artist of the Month<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://www.lauriejess.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_dEz-nO7YpKunjdY9bjK1pKFo7Dh3n1bHMuzbuTO3Tq9UxzN_1qCTiNiYgiLnNj_0flCS2sCA4l5RMLlCI30jpm8EKEBecdTlFq8W0LIYZpKnWcx1x5w7vNvot-I9dFG5nS15RLY3o0/s640/the+messenger+lg.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/">"The Messenger" by Laurie Jess</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I met this month's artist, <a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/">Laurie Jess</a>, while taking the online art class<a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration"> Life Book</a>. I was immediately drawn to her use of color and whimsical art style. She gratefully agreed to be interviewed for my Artist of the Month post.<br />
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Laurie grew up as the oldest of 5 girls in Oregon and had the exotic experience of living abroad in Thailand and Malaysia as a teen. Laurie's parents were both educators within the International School systems. This exciting experience greatly influenced Laurie's art as well as her personal life. Opportunities to travel to China while living abroad significantly affected Laurie's life as an adult. She and her husband adopted there beautiful little girl from China. You can read more about their journey <a href="http://lauriejess.blogspot.com/2012/03/china-adoption-journey.html">here on her blog</a>. After adopting their daughter, she and her husband made another life style change and moved to Boulder, Colorado.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ONHfhcrTLmmlb9xRtzPVTwjxIPAHT4hLxyiMZBHJ88m2DgMnym9ho5dXUYU8vI5ZmNe0I2fITnyBaWi_82NFjvcHZo2ZmfnytncPOpZs0QLQIxkcpwe-Pz41FRWBjdcEi-VxO0dJYVw/s640/artist+illustrator+lg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Laurie has quite a diverse background in art and a plethora of talents. She began her art career as a High School and Community College Art teacher. I asked Laurie how she felt about teaching and here is what she had to share:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">"The year was 1977, bell bottoms were groovy and my hair was long and straight... oh and I graduated from the University of Oregon with a <span style="color: #151515;">Bachelors of Science Degree in Art Education. I </span>became a High School & Community College Art teacher. This was my path for the next 6 years. I loved being an Art Teacher, it was my dream job. Unfortunately during the 80’s, a new campaign against teaching Art in the public schools began. Art Teaching jobs disappeared and almost became obsolete."</span></i></div><br />
Laurie ended up selling BMW cars to support herself. Although it wasn't her dream job, she was very successful and met her Danish husband when she sold him a car!<br />
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Later Laurie expanded her career to include working for the film and print industry as an artist for DC Comics, Warner Brothers and Disney.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu-rju9fiobqgZTEW9y38DQk4IpfqSUIBfZbzOgQDcsSskIbmF6-FUjM8ljIAUN0uR444R1WOqpmXkdxqbScma7sONvDIAJRyJ0n_ePQmtTyomwWxWFjL-jTW-hy12SYtR3MWdfn8DD4/s1600/girl+lg.png" /></a></div>As I stated earlier in the post, I love Laurie's use of color and the magical quality her artwork has. I asked Laurie what her favorite art mediums and tools are and here is what she shared:<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">"My favorite art mediums & tools are:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Printmaking, Linocut, Batik wax painting, Prismacolor Pencil, pen & ink, Copic Markers, Golden Acrylic Paint and Watercolors. I also enjoy various mixed media, encaustic bees wax & I’m fascinated by Resin. I have also in the past, had my own full jewelry line and also made stain glass windows, selling them is how I paid for my college tuition."</span></i></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">"My first love will always be <b>Batik Wax Painting</b>. Before College, I used to work in a very cool Batik factory in Malaysia and that was really where I got to combine my love for the fine arts & crafting all in one medium. That was a very special time & experience for me. Currently I still enjoy Photoshop & my favorite art software is Corel Painter."</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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://www.lauriejess.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71OtbstknU8H5M-8evRrJ1AwOrBinNVV0TsIvcdPyjRL2V3di5TC5LD6jd6desPlaT9tvtZQi1FrjyO9ivUJ8zCYZlNFfh2jQXhQkIFiThidxGNig2NzQQLCCUFr0R3NSXAIriS8u2Y8/s200/thai+lady+lj.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/">Thai Lady</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div id="meta">I wasn't sure what Batik wax painting was, so I found this great description of the process on Laurie's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauriejess/">flickr photostream</a>. </div><div id="meta"></div><div id="meta"><i>"Batik is a process of painting with hot wax onto cloth & then dipping it into dye baths layer after layer for each color and then the wax is boiled out! The cool effects come from cracked wax & dyes." </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></i>You can see more of Laurie's Batik wax paintings by visiting her<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauriejess/"> flickr photostream</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvrg7vCwcMu7rOlkb7a3N6UqdIDFIyEEYE3RPZAV-a4_GypTYMNSp6n1_Lran9rC55GGH9YkJZIVmZu5bcQawtyP6JcJcRNcTDsos2MXD4QEUPzyIeXx96Ayp2jFdIVz_cSQGvYh7Rj4/s640/comics+lg.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div>I was fascinated by Laurie's career experience with the film and print industry. Here is what she had to share:<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">"After going back to college for a 2nd career update (late 90’s) and taking 2 additional years in digital art programs at the University, I graduated as a </span><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Matte Painter & CGI Artist. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #151515;"></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">What Luck, I took my newly updated Portfolio and I got hired at DC Comics studio. DC Comics is owned by Warner Brothers.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">WOW, suddenly I was working for a world famous art studio. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">That studio position was in the print industry side of the business. I would later go to work for the film side of that business. Initially I worked under the talented & world famous artist Jim Lee. This studio was secretly located in beautiful La Jolla CA (San Diego). My office overlooked the ocean of La Jolla Shores. Once again I had a dream job & dream location. We designed a beautiful full color comic book that got published weekly with the help of a very creative art team. During these years, I worked mainly in Photoshop as a Colorist. Jim Lee did all the original artwork & drawings for Superman & Batman (among many other DC characters) and I would color them.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I later moved to Matte Painting over in the film side of that industry. I mostly altered landscapes using Photoshop, blowing up buildings & cool stuff like that for films. "</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Laurie now works for herself in her art studio called <a href="http://lauriejess.com/">LaurieJess.com</a>. I asked Laurie how she felt about working on her own now and her is what she had to say:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">"As for my art career, I was surprised I actually preferred working for myself in my own little, nothing fancy art studio called “LaurieJess.com”. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><i>For the first time, I get to have full creative freedom, and when I finish an art piece, I actually get to sign it with my own name. Before, everything I did was property of the studios, I was not allowed to sign anything and my name appeared only at the bottom of a proof sheet. Nowadays, the projects I work on are carefully selected and I do each one with love. I might design a fabric print, spot illustrations for a book or magazine, and hopefully this year publish a children’s picture book. These are areas I love, and have done before, but this time my name will be on it!" </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lauriejess.blogspot.com/2012/03/life-book-wk-12.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r1YP32ZLtxiu-LSRdNO_SaJD0RN3f7Ysn6_gmngtCZGMkrd6zMwK6jos0aKHWL0bztcEdJA97opC49iB_NLyG69tjDZV1t2m-SSl4tYHHgFGZm668j6m53DEEH5aQ5-k6tBLlTCPqR8/s640/tree+lg.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">This is one of Laurie's projects from our <a href="http://willowing.ning.com/page/life-book-2012-open-for-registration">Life Book</a> class. It's a special envelope created for her Life Book that will hold compliments and other positive reminders about her artwork. You can read more about this project and how she created it by reading her <a href="http://lauriejess.blogspot.com/2012/03/life-book-wk-12.html">blog post here</a>. I'm way behind the power curve for our class. I am looking forward to this project. I love how she created the tree overlapping the envelope flap and the fantastic colors she incorporated into this piece.</div><br />
In the past, Laurie sold her paintings in several art galleries in Oregon. She recently set up a shop on Etsy, but hasn't started stocking it with her amazing artwork yet because of her busy schedule. She is working on illustrating a new children's book for a musician, song writer and author, Joan Langford.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_65190478" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXkn9KcM9biW11TpB3mOwRwAsvvlj-woyJ1yv2rzk_Sh___D30nmtGdXvUhkOhEiuO1pWqJD_osoh03w1qd59R1QesOg2cgPEOIn_Q4gelbqUZauAsaya6iTqqhbLLpIqQCPNIhZEF64/s640/little+big+britches+lg.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/">Traditional pen and ink with watercolor illustration from "Little Big Britches"</a><a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/"></a></td></tr>
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Laurie and her mother worked on a children's book together called "Where in the World with Little Big Britches". Laurie's mother wrote "a wonderful story about a little boy with magic pockets. He travels the world each time he reads a book. New adventures unfold as he visits and learns about new cultures." So far their book hasn't been published but they are still hoping. I think that the story idea sounds great! And of course I love the illustrations. If you'd like to find out more about Little Big Britches, read her <a href="http://lauriejess.blogspot.com/search?q=little+big+britches">blog post here</a>. <br />
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I asked Laurie what inspired her to start drawing and creating as well as what inspires her now. Here is what she had to say:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">"People often ask me how I found my path. I think it's a common question because we're all searching for our true passion in life.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">My passion is found in exploring art techniques & creating through different art medium, crafts and this includes the digital world too. When I become proficient in any particular art, it’s time for me to try something new. This challenges my artistic needs, and keeps everything fresh. I think this keeps me balanced, healthy & it makes me a happier human being. I can’t really explain it, I just know it‘s like a runner’s high for me, not only do I love it, but I need it. Art is in my soul. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">You asked who inspires me.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">These are some of the artist & illustrators who influences & inspire me: </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Lizbeth Zwerger, Dr Seuss, David Catrow, Warwick Goble, Franklin Booth, & Arthur Rackham. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">My all time favorite Painter is Claude Monet, I love his impressionist style. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Last year, 2011, I took my first ever on-line Mixed Media Art class. I signed up for a full years worth of classes through <u style="text-underline: #182FF0;"><span style="color: #182ff0;">Wyanne.com</span></u>. That experience blew me away, I was so impressed at the impact she has had on me, so that experience is still influencing me currently. She is how I heard about the Life Book Class & why I signed up for another years worth of classes with 14 incredible Mixed Media Teachers. At present, 2012, I have allowed myself to be infused with lots of creative art teachers. I hope some of their creativeness rubs off on me, it a fun way to grow as an artist. I have now taken 16 on-line art classes. This is a whole new exciting effective way to learn. I will never stop taking art classes, I love it. I may even start teaching again over at my local community Art center or maybe even open my own art center, who knows! I really just don't have enough time in the day to do all the things I love to do."</span></i></div><br />
Laurie wrapped up this interview with these wonderful words of wisdom:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">"My thoughts: I plan to “<b>be the person I’m best at being”</b>. My philosophy is to try to <b>“remember to be myself, because everyone else is taken”</b>. Sometimes this can be hard as the internet influences all of our art, it is a subconscious thing. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">It is OK to learn from other artist, I think it is a good thing; many of the old Painting Masters would do that too. They would copy each other as a means to learn. Sometimes I like to copy an old masters Artwork as a means to learn, I think this is OK to do, some will disagree. I actually encourage you to find a favorite art piece that inspires you and copy it. It is a fun way to learn & next time you can make something of your own from what you learned. We all learn from each other as artist and that’s OK! The internet has brought us all together...but I do want to retain a piece of myself too and this is the challenge for all of us! Finding our own special unique self, as we are all created by God. I believe a piece of God lives inside each of us, therefore we must each be magical & powerful creators. Have fun finding yourself through art and discover how empowering it is for your soul!"</span></i><br />
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I hope you enjoyed getting to know Laurie and her remarkable artwork. To find out more about her, visit her website <a href="http://www.lauriejess.com/">Laurie Jess</a>.<br />
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<i>"Find your inner magic. " by Madi </i>staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642052131360255199noreply@blogger.com8