Rainy Sunday

Our wonderful Indian Summer seems to have come to an end. The rain started this afternoon and the temperature is dropping. It was nice though to be able to have the windows and doors open while we were painting. Now comes the fun part of painting a mural on one wall in the bedroom...I'll work on designing it while catching up on other things this next week.

The studio is ready to move back into - but where do I put all the stuff I took out? I want to keep it organized and uncluttered so I can find what I have when I want to use it. It's wonderful always having just that little item you need, but it's often buried under a stack of other little items waiting to be used. I started with fabric, several bins have gone to the attic and books were next. Three boxes to "go", not sure if I want to sell them or just donate them someplace. Another two boxes I'm not ready to get rid of yet that will stay in the garage. Those that I want to keep available on a daily basis have gone back onto the bookshelves, just in another room. My fingers are itching to get back to work, I'm so glad we got everything painted and cleaned but now I want to do something a little more creative.

My sculpting group has thinned out, several moved on to other pursuits. I miss our get-togethers, seeing what everyone is working on and feeling the vibes that come with a group of artists. I have several things scheduled that won't put as much pressure on my right hand, after many years of working in the clay arthritis has become a problem. To give it rest I have other outlets ready, a mosaic to finish, some needlework to frame and some will be made into pillows for gifts. A painting I promised last year, a scrapbook to finish for my granddaughter -- more than enough to keep me busy when it's too cold to be outside. Potted the last of my starts that I'll overwinter in the house so now it's just the cleanup before winter is here.

And, yes, I'm still working on the book (s).

Halloween

I don't have any little ones anymore but still enjoy Halloween and all that goes with it. Here's some pictures of my favorite little goblins and big ones too!

Fall is here

We've had rain, cold and sunshine again, very strange weather this entire year but the sun is shining today. We're still working on the house - sorting as we go along. We move everything out, paint and then before we move it back we go through everything, choosing what to keep, what to give away and wondering why we ever kept "that"? It's such a good feeling but takes so long and seems like we're never going to finish.

I'm doing well, taking the winter off from teaching any classes to get things here in order and make it easier on my family. It's been a year now and I've gotten into the routine and it's become a normal way of life for me. Thanks for all your good thoughts.

The new website has been delayed but I am taking time to enjoy doing some things just for fun and will have new items to show once everything is back to normal. Hope everyone is sculpting, sewing, collaging or whatever make you happy!!

August Already

No matter how good my intentions I can't seem to keep up with more posts. This has been a busy summer, strange weather kept us on our toes. Storm damage the first of the year didn't seem that bad but took forever to get everything repaired -- mainly as there were so many homes in the area that needed work done. The final repairs in the house were done just recently and it's a good feeling to get all the construction & paint out of the house. Now I want to start the redecorating, it's been postponed so many times but most should be done before Christmas. We finally chose a wallpaper for the dining room but had trouble matching paint -- then found out the paper is backordered :) I'll keep the sheer drapes but make new swags and valances for just about every room.

The front part of the house will be completed first - and possibly my studio done while everything is still packed up. At least get it painted a lighter color. The kitchen is next on the list but that's a big job due to all the wallpaper that will have to come down and I don't want to have several rooms torn up at once. I love an elegant, formal look - this is a pretty traditional home - but ended up with more of a formal cottage look. Lots of greenery and colors to bring the outside in....we don't have good natural light in the living room so decided on a lighter version of the original sage color we had settled on. I planned to do the entry in the darker color but there isn't a good stopping place and don't want it in the hallway so not decided yet what I'll do. Thinking I'll use some of the darker elegant papers and fabrics in our bedroom and maybe the den...there are a couple I may just order to use for art projects :)

No classes scheduled -- too much going on in the house this year. My first grandson will be getting married in September. In NY, where he moved to be closer to his girlfriend. It doesn't look like we'll be able to go, it's one of those ... can't get there from here...things. Never thought I'd miss his wedding but then never thought about any of them moving so far away from the rest of the family :) That means rental cars, hotels etc.

Last day of sun for awhile

The daffodils and forsythia look so springtime, yet the Ozarks are famous for strange weather patterns. The snow got the daffodils and we've had several freezes that have bit quite a few of the plants that were up. Beautiful yesterday and today but by tonight the storms will move back in for a week.

Spring is Here!

They are predicting snow again on Saturday but the plants and trees know it's spring. Daffodils, Forsythia and Bradford Pear tree.

New exhibit on Facial Reconstruction

Here is some exciting news for those of you who are interested in Forensic Facial Reconstruction. Below is the information on the exhibit, and a link to a short video.

The Art and Science of Forensic Facial Reconstruction is the new exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio. It investigates the in-depth process of forensic facial reconstruction. You can watch a short video, courtesy of WKYC TV, that will give you a good idea of what you will be learning in this class.


http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?
maven_playerId=articleplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=1061388157

Almost There

When I get the busiest it seems like life has a way of keeping me in line. After spending the summer in web design classes, August in CA visiting our kids and grandkids, numerous flight delays, cancellations and way too much time spent waiting in airports we finally got back home. September and October I thought maybe I'd picked up a virus travelling but in November was diagnosed with kidney disease. Spent the holidays learning how to take care of myself and was feeling pretty good only to come down with some type of flu the end of January.

Now that I'm back on my feet, I'm ready for spring! We've had record warm weather and record cold, typical Missouri. A few snows, which I love and not much ice so all in all not a bad winter. Even though we had a light snow this morning the sun is shining and the plants know it's almost spring. The daffodils are up several inches, many herbs are also up and my hanging garden bells, which started as a 4" pot a couple of years ago have spread to cover and entire area this year. They will be beautiful when in bloom! Is it the times we live in or my age that keep me one step behind all the projects I have started? I'm hoping to get one completed each week this year and get caught up!

Our first real snow!

While the worst part of the storm hit a few miles south of us, closer to Branson and below, we did get our share of ice and snow along with some thunder snow the first night. I love this, I watched it as long as there was light and then took a picture after dark.

February 3rd

The days go by so fast and suddenly I remember I haven't posted recently and I see it's already been a few months since I've put up any information.

If you're waiting for the new classes I'll have the information up as soon as I can. A routine checkup in November found a medical problem that needs attention. I'm very pleased with the progress but I want to wait a few more weeks till I post final dates. Always, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me, I'm on-line most every day.

Fall Color

In a matter of days this tree in the front yard has turned colors and shows the beautiful fall colors the Ozarks are famous for.

The flowers are all gone but our Indian Summer means the lawns still need to be mowed. Still picking fresh herbs but they know it's time to slow down and get ready for winter.

Photo Coasters - Tutorial

Photo Coasters
Tutorial

Supplies:
Color copy of photographs (toner copies from a copy center)
Acrylic Gel Medium (I use Golden Gel Medium)
4x4” tumbled tiles (You can find these at Lowes, Home Depot etc)
Foam brush
Sealer
Antiquing glaze if desired
Brayer
Cork backing (packages of 6 cork squares a can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc)

Instructions:

Arrange your photos on a sheet of 8.5x11” paper; leaving enough room to cut them out while making use of all the space. Do any cropping and/or color correction before making your original working copy. The pictures will be reversed so use your software program (or the copy menu) to reverse your original. You can also soften the edges of the photos so they blend into the tiles better. Take this to your copy center and make a color copy (toner copy). Each copy can be used only once so you may need to make several copies. Cut around each picture to remove any white space and anything else you don’t want transferred.

Use the foam brush to apply a generous coat of the gel medium to the tile – I brush it on in one direction, then in the opposite direction - immediately place the picture face down on the tile. Use the brayer to smooth out the photo. Press firm enough to completely adhere the photo to the gel with no air bubbles but don’t press hard enough to squish all the medium out. Set it aside to dry overnight.

When completely dry, use a damp sponge to wet the back of the copy and keeping your fingers wet gently start rubbing the paper off the back. Work from the center out, wetting as necessary to keep peeling the outer layer of paper. As you being to see the image appear it will be very fragile, take care not to tear it at this point. This is a delicate process; too much pressure will rub holes in the photo. If it gets too wet or you’re having problems, set it aside to dry again and repeat the process. Do this as often as needed. Once you do a couple you’ll find the rhythm and pressure needed. If you do end up messing it up, scrub the tile clean and start over with a fresh photo copy. When you can see the entire image but there are still some “fuzzies” of paper you can use a damp sponge to get the rest of the paper fibers off.
Let dry and coat with a clear finish. I often do some antiquing at this point, rubbing it into the irregular edges of the tiles and then use a soft cloth to remove it from the face of the picture. You can also use this technique to disguise any places that didn’t come through perfect. You will occasionally find you’ve rubbed too hard in an area and removed some of the picture – depending on your picture this can be an advantage as it gives an antique, worn appearance to the photo. When you are satisfied, apply a second coat of finish and let dry.

Glue a cork square to the back and you have a finished coaster. If you can’t find the cork squares, you can use the foam craft sheets and cut them slightly smaller than your tile.
The same process can be used to make 6x6” decorative tiles. Simply buy the larger tumbled tiles, make a larger copy of your picture or a montage of pictures and proceed the same way. You can find 12x12 cork squares and cut these to the size needed for backing of larger tiles.

TIPS: You can scan your pictures into the computer and arrange them to fill the page and print it out or tape the original photos to the paper and take that to the copy shop. You’ll get better results if all the photos are of similar contrast. If you have a photo that is too dark or too light, make the corrections on your computer first or use the machine at the copy center.

If you want to enhance the colors or add a touch of color to a black and white photo, use thinned acrylic paint sparingly before using the sealer.

October Already!

Fall is always a busy season in the garden but the warm weather and rain are keeping theplants going. This Pineapple Sage is in full bloom it actually looks like the front, bright red, the sun is on the back. Always a beautiful sight here in late summer when things start winding down.

One of the small pocket gardens off the patio in the area I call the Forest Garden :) It's a fairly small area off the patio enclosed by a privacy fence. Impatiens, Angelina are still blooming andthe vine at the back. I'll have to look up the name again. It was just a little plant but has grown so big and the leaves are varigated colors of green, cream and a dark pink. I tried to start it in water this summer with no luck so want to cut it back hard and pot it up - try and overwinter it inside along with the Island Spice Rosemary.

The Toad Lilies have really spread this year and were in full bloom a little earlier. Still have quite a few blooms...I like to see these little blooms in and around all the greenery.

New Class

Just in time for Christmas, a new class that is different from my usual sculpting classes.

Shattered Glass Hearts

Make them any size, any shape, any color; these sparkling creations make great gifts or keep them to enjoy in your own home. Add a word or line of verse to personalize them for family and friends. You can find more information and register here: http://classheaven.com/jan_floods_site.htm

For questions contact Jan at http://www.janfloodstudios@yahoo.com

Fabric paper

I really like this piece of fabric paper and want to embellish it with fibers, bead and shells. It actually looks better turned up the other way :) The back is a great look too, oceany water-color feel to it. I may do another with just the paints to get the back.

Interesting "bugs"

This has been an unusual year weather-wise and we're seeing more and different insects. My husband brought in the yellow caterpillar, found him on a leaf eating holes in it. I don't think I've ever seen one like this.

The lower picture is an unusual cocoon. I saw it yesterday on the screen in the dining room. My first thought was a cocoon but then decided it was a twig from the evergreen outside the window. This morning the "twig" was at the top of the screen and walking sideways. The "barbs" are pointing down and at the head it has "pinchers" that open and 4 tiny legs. The pincher moves left, then the little legs scramble after it and the second pincher follows. Again, I don't remember ever seeing one like this nor do I know what either will become.

Prayer Pouches

Prayer Pouches I made for an exchange in Belle Papier. I wasn't sure when I started exactly what they were or how they were made so there are a few different techniques. Prayer Pouches are small pouches that hold a prayer for the individual. They are sealed and were worn as amulets to protect the wearer. I enjoyed making these so much I made extras to give to friends who are having a difficult time for some reason. My husband and granddaughter both wanted their own so made them one and put special prayers inside for each of them. Along with the prayers, I add some Lavender from my garden and Rosemary, for rememberence.

July

A couple of the flowers from my yard. Everything has started blooming since the rain has decreased and it's warmed up.