lost and found

Found Type Tuesday

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

I almost peed my pants when I read this funny little sign. It's a good thing it was taped to the back of a bathroom door in an artist's studio. You just have to love a little humor mixed in with your negativity.

My Third Adventure Journal

2012-02-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

I finally completed my third adventure journal which chronicles a day trip that I made to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh this past October.

Since this was just a one day adventure, I made a smaller journal than what I used for the two previous adventure journals. This one doesn't contain any flaps or fold-out pages--it's just a very simple 10-page journal made from watercolor paper. I'm all for using whatever supplies are on hand, but I don't really care for the paper that I found in my studio and used on this journal. It has a very soft texture and didn't take watercolor as well as the paper that I used for the other two journals. By the time I realized I didn't like it, I was too far along to quit.

The majority of the journal was created after the trip, but I did do some sketching and writing on the day of the adventure.

This page tells the story of how I got busted sketching a stranger on the bus.

Luckily, the museum was only a short walk from the bus stop. A quick stroll across the bridge and we were there in no time.

The museum is quite large as you can see from this photo which I cut from the museum brochure.

About half of this spread was written or drawn on-site from exhibit text or images.

In addition to the artwork of Warhol, the museum also featured exhibits and work of other artists. I sat on a bench and sketched this giant paper mache elephant by Keith Haring. I only managed to sketch a few of the black and white figures while I was there and had to fill the rest in later. I basically just made it up--but I think you get the idea of the piece.

The final spread is just a few memories from the day written around an iconic Warhol soup can which I cut from an old 365-day calendar of art from the Metropolitan Museum.

Naturally I had to eat tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch in the museum cafe.

I had a lot of fun taking these adventures and then recording them in these little adventure journals. You don't have to go far or do something extravagant to have an adventure. I think adventure is primarily a state of mind.

I probably spent more time journaling about my adventures than actually living them--but now I can re-live them over and over and over. For someone with a rapidly shrinking memory, that's priceless.

So there you have it--my 2011 adventures all neatly tied up with a bow. I don't know yet what adventures 2012 will hold in store for me, but I have a brand new blank journal all ready to go when the times comes.

Happy journaling my friends!

Found Type Tuesday

2012-01-31T00:01:00.002-05:00

There's a lot of found type to love on this bottle cap mosaic that I shot in an artist's studio in an old factory building. The mosaic was done on the windowsill with these simple, yet beautiful, discarded bottle caps.

Maybe the artist was trying to improve upon the oh-so-decrepit windowsill with a funky burst of color. Or maybe this project was just a good excuse to crack open a cold one.

Don't forget to leave a comment with a link if you want to share your own Found Type Tuesday image.

Word Paintings

2012-01-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

I made several little word paintings and gave them away as Christmas gifts.

They were done on stretched canvas that measured six inches square.

I painted the canvas, applied vinyl adhesive letters, painted it some more, and then removed the letters.

I chose short phrases that were designed with each recipient in mind.

This was a fun way to create personalized gifts for a group of special people.

Found Type Tuesday

2012-01-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite subjects to shoot when I'm out and about with my camera is found type. Words, letters, and numbers existing out in the world just naturally capture my attention. Some people are drawn to sunsets and beautiful vistas. Others to architecture. I like type. Maybe it's my urban surroundings or maybe it's just a love of words. I don't know. I just know that my camera finds these things. I recently took an outing to an industrial surplus warehouse where the above photo was taken. (Plus many, many more!) Besides type, I also like anything that is rusty and crusty, dirty and dented, scratched and scarred, or pitted and peeling. How could I not love the "quality" photo above?

Join me here on Tuesdays if you like found type too. Leave a comment with a link to your site and share your own found type photo. I promise I'll come by and check out what catches your eye out there in the world.

Lesson 2 - Take 2

2012-01-21T13:24:00.000-05:00

In my last post I showed you what happened when lesson 2 of the Strathmore online workshop, Doodles Unleashed by Traci Bautista, got ridiculously out of control. When I went back and looked at what I had done in my journal so far, I decided to stop right there and call it finished.

Here is how lesson 2, spontaneous watercolor backgrounds, looks in the journal.

I have to admit, I am having just as much fun taking photos and looking for interesting snippets and compositions in these doodles, as I am creating the doodles themselves.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my doodling and start on lesson 3.

The Runaway Doodle

2012-01-15T22:51:00.000-05:00

Week Two of the online Strathmore Artist Workshop, Doodles Unleashed by Traci Bautista, produced what I call a runaway doodle. The object was to create a watercolor background using a variety of water soluble media such as paint, crayons and pencils. Apparently, my doodle wasn't about to become any one's background and decided to run away and join the doodle circus.

I decided to start with a "warm up" piece on watercolor paper before attempting this lesson in my journal. Step one involved painting with watercolor using various sized brushes.

Next came acyclic ink, and watercolor crayons and/or pencils. In retrospect, I should have stopped somewhere around this stage. But I didn't. I think the hardest part of this method of painting is knowing when to stop.

I decided to add white gouache into the mix. This is when I had my "OH CRAP" moment. Oh crap! What have I done? What was I thinking? Why did I do that? I have this moment during every piece of art I make. Once I feel like I've already ruined a piece, I have no choice but to venture on and see what happens.

As you can see, once I get going it's hard to stop! I continued adding watercolor and gouache until I ended up with this--the runaway doodle. Does this look like a background to you? Me either.

I think the cropped views are better than the whole shebang.

Once again, I'm glad I took photos of the piece in process. It helps me see what I should have done or what I should do next time.

Plus, I have digital files of the stages that I can never get back to again. I like this little view right here a lot. There's enough there to be interesting and it still has the spontaneity that was the goal of the exercise to begin with.

I started working on this lesson in my journal and I'll share that soon. Hopefully this time I'll quit before it gets away from me.

Happy doodling!

A Day in the Life of a Doodle

2012-01-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

I signed up for the free online journaling workshops offered by Strathmore, and the first one up is Doodling Unleashed taught by Traci Bautista. I completed lesson one and thought I would share the steps I took to create the doodle above. I'm working in a 9 x 12 mixed media visual journal from Strathmore.

The first step is to create a background using simple printmaking techniques and whatever objects you have on hand. I used my spray inks with a stencil I cut from a wallpaper sample, a piece of string, and some metal gears. Traci used a large sheet of paper for her demo so she didn't have to work around the binding in the middle.

The next step is to paint over some of the prints created with acrylic paints and a light wash of color to tie things together.

Next comes doodling with oil pastels.

The next step is to use india ink and a liner brush to add details in black. This is where I ran into a little trouble. I had a hard time controlling the brush strokes and the ink didn't adhere very well over the oil pastel. It looked a lot easier when Traci did it on the video! At this point I was pretty unhappy with the results of the ink step and decided that I would most likely rip the pages out of the journal and begin again. I moved on to another project, and was having some fun with a paper stencil and white paint. Since I was planning to start again, I decided to stencil over the parts of the doodle where I was most unhappy with the black ink.

The next day I started a new doodle and hated that one even more. (It happens, right?) I went back to the journal and decided to persevere and just finish it off. It is a learning experience after all.

The final step was to add more doodling with markers and a white out pen. Traci used copics in her demo, but since I don't have any of those, I used color sharpies instead. I also added a little more color with gouache and a water pen.

I like the pages more today than I did yesterday. Sometimes a little distance really helps to improve a journal page. I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.

Even though I'm not thrilled with my results from the first lesson, I think it's pretty cool to see the progression from start to finish. Although you can barely see the original stencils and shapes from the first photo, they did lay the groundwork for the finished doodle. There are three more lessons to go in the first workshop, so hopefully I'll get the hang of this looser method of doodling by then.

It's not too late to join the fun and learn some new journaling techniques. Go herehttp://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html if you want to check it out.

Hello 2012!

2012-01-04T17:24:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all of my friends and followers!

As some of you know, I've been working in an altered book for the past year as part of The Sketchbook Challenge. Although I had hoped to finish it in 2011, I didn't quite get there. I've invested so much time and effort into this book that I want to finish it off properly. I guess it will have to spill over into 2012.

The Sketchbook Challenge is continuing into 2012 and January's theme is Doodling. Since I decided early on that I wanted to keep this book intact without removing any pages, I've kept "bulky" activities like collage, layering, and painting with acrylics to a minimum. That means that it's pretty much filled with doodling. I don't know why, but I really like using the outline of my hands on journal pages. You might recall another page where I traced my hands for last January's theme of Highly Prized. I doodled around these with a light gray marker.

These are some pages that I did last year that weren't necessarily related to any of the themes for 2011. I think they qualify as doodling.

I added some dimensional white paint to this page. I'm not so sure it was a good idea, however, as it makes the pages stick together a bit. On the other hand, I really love the added texture.

Yowza! Doodling to the max.

I used an egg-shaped, hotel coaster to doodle some random shapes on a page. This may or may not be finished.

Working in Pilgrim for an entire year has been both a blast and a challenge. I will admit that I'm ready to close the chapter on this project and move onto some new projects for 2012. I'd like to declare 2012 as the year of the book and try to focus on sketching, journaling, and bookbinding. I hope you'll come along and join me for another year of artful adventures!

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

To all my friends around the globe, I wish you peace and happiness during this Christmas season and for the new year. May 2012 be filled with inspiration, adventure, and creativity galore! I'm grateful for all those who stop by to visit, leave kind words, and generously share their artistic lives. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

You Had Me at Creepy-Ass

2011-12-01T19:35:00.000-05:00

Imagine my surprise and delight when I stumbled upon this hilarious little book by Stacey Leigh Brooks in the new book section at my local library. There it was, squeezed in between larger and more serious books, on the art and craft shelf. I couldn't help but be intrigued by the creepy-ass title.

This book reminds me of the awkward family photo web site where entertainment abounds with nothing more than a simple photo combined with a humorous caption. Instead of actual people, the subject here is toys made to resemble people. And boy are they creepy!

Who among us hasn't been creeped out by one of these so-called playthings at some point in their life? I was reminded of my own creepy-ass doll experience that I blogged about here.

If you want to experience more creepy-ass dolls, check out the creepy-ass dolls Tumblr site.

Who Knew? Seriously.

What's Thanksgiving without a Pilgrim?

2011-11-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

Well, hello Pilgrim! It's been a while since we've seen you here. What would Thanksgiving be without at least one pilgrim at the dinner table? Right? I know, I know. Thanksgiving is over and I'm behind as usual.

In fact, it was time to pause and reflect in Pilgrim about two months ago but I'm just getting to it now. Why? Because, as you can read above, I'm afflicted with 75% syndrome. As soon as any project reaches this point, I run out of steam, inspiration, and interest. I'm ready to move on. I like starting projects so much more than finishing them.

The dilemma I'm reflecting upon is whether I should try to catch up and finish Pilgrim in 2011 as I had originally planned....or if I should forget about my self-imposed deadline and just finish it whenever. Of course, that leads me to wonder if I will ever finish it at all, or if it will end up amongst all the other unfinished projects in my studio. What should I do? Advice? Anyone? Anyone?

This page was the first I did in Pilgrim with my brand new Lamy Safari fountain pen. It arrived in the mail from Germany on Wednesday and I haven't stopped using it since! I bought it for sketching since it's the pen of choice for so many urban sketchers, but it works well for lettering too. It glides across the paper much better than a marker and I'm still getting used to the feel of it. I can refill it with waterproof ink, so no more dried out markers. So far I have to say I LOVE IT!!!

Adventure Journal #2

2011-11-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

A while back, I completed my first adventure journal and blogged about it here. I finally finished up adventure journal #2 which chronicles a weekend visit to DC to visit our son.

The day began with the much anticipated wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I thought it was a big enough event to warrant a mention in the journal. I like the idea of including a bit of history into an adventure journal.

Under the flap I included a list of the essential items needed for a road trip along with a bit of what has become standard road trip dialog.

He drives and I assist with the small, but important, tasks best left to the passenger.

I worked on the journal whenever I could during the weekend, but also made copious notes to help me remember all the details long after the trip.

I incorporated a few photos into the journal that I altered electronically and printed on my home computer.

I also like to incorporate business cards, menus, or napkins from places where we eat. In this case, the restaurant didn't have any of those items available, so I had to find the logo online and draw it myself.

This is what I imagined Lincoln might be thinking about.

That's my son buying train tickets from a very complicated looking vending machine.

This was my husband's reaction upon seeing the Washington monument. Including funny quotes has become a favorite part of these little adventure journals. The memories are priceless.

I got to spend a little time in the Corcoran Art Museum and saw some absolutely fabulous modern art up close and personal.

As it turned out, the weekend began with one historical event and ended with another. Lucky for me I was able to record both of these events along with my own personal memories of these couple of days.

Next up--adventure journal #3 which is still in progress. Stay tuned to find out what I did in Pittsburgh recently.

Let’s Go to the Movies

2011-10-27T19:03:00.001-04:00

I watched a lot of movies this summer. You might even say I went on a bit of a binge. It started innocently enough—as most adventures do—when I bought some old art books at a local used book sale. That purchase made me realize that there are huge gaping holes in my knowledge of art and artists. I took a few art history classes in college but all I remember is a darkened room, poor quality slides, an instructor who spoke in a monotone, and the ridiculous memorization of names, titles, dates and periods.

I got the brilliant idea to create my own learning experience and decided to start at my go-to place for learning—the public library. I checked out a few books on some of my favorite artists and started reading. However, I find reading about art to be a difficult task so next I went to my second go-to place for learning—google. I searched for movies about art and came up with a large list that I then requested from the library.

I thought I would share with you the movies I watched over the summer in case you are looking for some art-related education and/or entertainment. A lot of these are documentaries and I discovered that I absolutely LOVE documentaries. I created this spread in Pilgrim where I recorded all the movies (and a few books too). Here they are in no particular order:

Exit Through the Gift Shop – Documentary or mockumentary? Watch and decide for yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and thought provoking look at street art as seen through the lens of the eccentric Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles.

Pollack - Ed Harris stars as abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock. A great movie!

Basquiat - Jean-Michel Basquiat started as a street artist in NYC and had a meteoric rise to fame as a painter in the 80s. Friend to Andy Warhol, he died tragically of an overdose in 1988.

My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown - A drama starring Daniel Day Lewis as the title character, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy who could only control his left foot. He uses his foot to paint and write and becomes an accomplished artist and author. I liked this movie although I thought it was more about family and perseverance than about art. I wanted to see more art.

Lust for Life - A classic 1956 film starring Kirk Douglas as the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.

Crumb - I never really liked the art of illustrator and comic artist Robert Crumb and now I know why. If you think your family is messed up then you need to watch this film. Holy crap.

Rivers and Tides - Watch as British artist Andy Goldsworthy creates fantastic outdoor sculptures from rocks, twigs, flowers, and icicles. This man has more patience than a saint.

The Cool School - A documentary about the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles which opened in 1957 and launched modern art on the west coast.

Beautiful Losers - This film focuses on the work of a group of artists with a DIY style of street art.

American Splendor – The story of local home boy and quirky comic book creator Harvey Pekar. I think Harvey can only be described as a curmudgeon.

My Kid Could Paint That – Is four-year-old Marla Olmsted a child prodigy of modern art or is it just an elaborate scam? Watch this documentary and decide for yourself. Like Exit Through the Gift Shop, this film will make you question the validity and value of the art market.

How to Draw a Bunny – A documentary about the life and art of Ray Johnson, often considered the father of mail art. It appears that his life was as much a riddle as his art.

Vincent and Theo - Another movie about Van Gogh, but this one looks at the relationship with his brother Theo whose financial support enabled him to focus on painting.

Brush with Genius - Apparently Van Gogh is a popular subject for movie makers. Personally, I would watch every movie ever made about the man.

The Yellow House - An interesting book about the nine weeks that Van Gogh and Gauguin spent living and working together in Arles, France.

Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film - Four solid hours of video that examines the life and work of legendary pop artist Andy Warhol. The first disc focuses on his early life and everything that came before the soup cans that launched him into super stardom. The second disc focuses on life after instantaneous fame. This film inspired a visit to the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh recently.

Herb and Dorothy - The story of the Vogels, a likeable and legendary couple who amassed an enormous collection of contemporary art on a very modest budget and then donated it all to the National Gallery of Art. Philanthropic and adorable at the same time.

The Horse's Mouth - One of the strangest movies I've ever seen in my life. There's nothing else I can say about it.

As you can see from these pages, I also watched a few movies completely unrelated to art and read the "dragon tattoo" trilogy of books. Whew! I told you I went on a binge.

Are there any other good art movies I missed? Let me know if you have any to recommend.

_______________________

Speaking of movies, quite a few have been filmed here locally lately including one where my friend Laura’s house was chosen as a location. Laura completely restored a fabulous arts and crafts bungalow a few years back. At the time, I was doing a lot of mosaic work and she asked if I would like to collaborate with her to mosaic the fireplace in her living room. We worked on it on and off for months and now there is a chance that it might end up in a movie!! The movie won’t be released until next fall but I’m crossing my fingers that the fireplace gets at least a few seconds of glory.

Most of the clutter you see in the room is part of the movie “set” and not Laura’s decorating. The room was made to look retro 70s. I can't believe I have to wait another whole year until the movie is released to see if our fireplace gets its "15 minutes (or seconds) of fame."

So Many Things to Love

2011-10-23T15:32:00.000-04:00

I've been a little MIA lately and I don't really know why. Maybe I've been distracted by a messy house, an upcoming craft show, or too many rainy days in a row. Or maybe I've been distracted by making this list of things you gotta love.

Yeah, let's just go with that.

Big Ideas vs Dumb Crap

2011-10-06T20:29:00.000-04:00

Have you ever found yourself caught between these two worthy opponents? These are the guys that battle it out to see who can win over your time, energy and focus. They dance around your life bobbing and weaving to see who can knock the other one out. In one corner you have BIG IDEAS who fights with pure adrenalin and creative agility. In the other corner you have DUMB CRAP who leads with a wicked left hook and mundane practicality. Lately, DUMB CRAP has been kicking the--well, um crap--out of BIG IDEAS. But BIG IDEAS isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. It's not over until the fat lady sings. Right?

BIG IDEAS did manage to make a few little blank books to sell at the fair.

Books - They're Not Just for Reading

2011-09-18T19:44:00.000-04:00

Libraries are a great place to spend a rainy afternoon--especially if you're looking for a new subject to sketch. While wandering through the stacks, I discovered that the library contains a good share of old and obscure books. Luckily, those make for very some interesting sketching. Kindlers Literatur Lexicon is an encyclopedia of world literature that I'm sure would be very helpful--if you can read German.

The angle is a bit off, but here's how the books looked on the shelf.

I also came across this beauty titled Gleanings for the Curious from the Harvest Fields of Literature by Charles Carroll Bombaugh published in 1875. I count myself among the curious, so this seemed like a book for me. Apparently Bombaugh was enthralled with language so he compiled a book filled with "miscellanea of the omnium-gatherum sort."

What sort of miscellanea might you find in this book? Well, things like odd and uncommon epigrams, facetious drolleries, whimsical mottoes, and merry tales and fables. There are chapter headings such as alphabetical whims, palindromes, macaronic verse, emblematic poetry, paronomesia, and puritan peculiarities.

I don't know what most of these words mean, but they are certainly curious and so much fun to say!

A little online research tells me that this book might not be as obscure as I initially thought. However, C.C. Bombaugh remains a bit of a mystery since I could find very little information about the man who has aroused my curiosity about whims, drolleries and peculiarities. Is there anyone out there familiar with this book or its author?

Quiet Places to Sketch

2011-09-01T19:39:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have been pretty hectic, so it's nice to get away once in a while and find a nice, quiet place to sketch. I'm still working towards my goal of learning urban sketching, so outdoor scenes are especially good practice. This little area is a popular lunch spot at work.

This spot is hidden away in the far corner of an outdoor reading garden. It's another great place to enjoy lunch and sketching.

I sat on my front steps and sketched this one evening while waiting for my husband to come home from work. It's a view of the driveway and neighbor's house and one that I've seen countless times over the nearly 30 years that we've lived in our house. I love the fact that this view is now preserved in my sketchbook forever.

Sometimes you have to find a quiet indoor spot when the weather doesn't allow for outdoor sketching. I think all sketching is good practice no matter the place or subject matter. I hope to enjoy more lunchtime sketching for as long as I can before the weather keeps me indoors for good.

Influence

2011-08-19T22:18:00.000-04:00

I think this quote by Sean Reichle perfectly illustrates the meaning of influence. Think about it and choose your friends carefully.

Chicken Soup for the Pilgrim's Soul

2011-08-17T20:44:00.000-04:00

Pilgrim has been a little neglected lately since I've been sketching a lot in my watercolor Moleskine. I looked around the house for an everyday object to sketch in Pilgrim and came up with the reliable old soup can. It worked for Andy Warhol, right?

I debated between chicken noodle and tomato, and the noodle won out. This sketch was done over a background sprayed with pigment inks in pink and red. The can was painted with gouache, watercolor, and twinkling H2Os. This time I decided to skip the black ink and use only paint to sketch the soup can. I tried to make the can recognizable while using as little detail as possible. I was going more for personality than realism. (Honest, I was.) I kind of like the pinkness of it--so NOT Andy Warhol.

Everyday Objects

2011-08-10T21:31:00.000-04:00

I have a few more sketches of everyday objects to share with you. I'm NOT a germaphobe and rarely use this stuff, but when I sketch at lunch I'm limited to "office" items. I just like the gooey green goopiness of it. You can tell from the bottle that other people in the office are far more concerned about germs than I am.

Like many of you, we've been having quite a heat wave during the past few weeks. I can't even tell you how many of these I've consumed lately.

This cactus looks like it was probably pretty easy to sketch, right? WRONG! It was harder and took longer than the first two sketches combined. The problem was that after a while I couldn't figure out what part of the sketch was cactus leaves and what part was the space between cactus leaves. It was like one of those optical illusions that make your eyes go buggy. I kind of gave up somewhere in the middle, and since I was already an hour into the sketch, decided to just call it finished.

Sketching is a funny thing. At first it's downright frightening. Then, once you start having some fun with it, it becomes addicting. You start to look at everything around you and think about sketching it in your mind. I am thoroughly enjoying this "everyday" diversion.

Hello.....Moley.

2011-08-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

I recently became re-acquainted with my watercolor Moleskine and went on a little sketching spree. It all started quite innocently--as most of my art adventures do. I was working on my second adventure journal, and although I think these little journals are a great way to record the events, memories, details, and ephemera from a trip, the one thing they lack is a sense of "place." Since I envision these adventure journals as baby steps to real travel journals, I realized that I need to learn how to sketch.

I'm not talking about sketches like these. I'm talking about the kind of sketches featured on the urban sketchers blog. Holy moley! I want to be an urban sketcher when I grow up! I've been on a few sketch crawls in the past and found them to be incredibly challenging events resulting in mediocre sketches. Instead of feeling inspired and motivated to make progress, I felt like it was just another art form I would probably never be able to master. I've spent my entire life thinking I can't draw worth a darn. (I think that's why I find abstract art so appealing.)

But I also spent a lot of time hating my attempts at hand lettering and never thought I would be good at that either. A lot of practice turned that around and I'm now quite happy to write to my heart's content. I have to believe that I can also improve at sketching--or anything else I set my mind to--if I'm willing to work at at without giving up. My friend Cathy and I are now on a mission to become urban sketchers. We're dedicating a few lunch hours a week to get outside and sketch.

This is one of my first attempts. It's a building that is being demolished. At this point the windows had been removed and they were starting to demo the interior. The day after I sketched this the whole section with the doors was gone. My main objective here was to practice perspective since that's always been a struggle for me. It's not too bad but it feels pretty lifeless to me. After this sketch I tried to concentrate on a looser, more spontaneous and colorful style. Cathy went on vacation and the weather was crappy, so I had to resort to sketching at my desk where I did the salt water taffy and my paint palette.

We got together after work one day and decided to see what we could accomplish in 30 minutes. We set a timer and stopped sketching when it went off. (I added the text later.) That night I did the travel watercolor set and the wine bucket. It was so hard for me to stop at the end of 30 minutes because I have a tendency to want to add "just a little bit more." But I'm happy I forced myself to stop because the sketches are definitely looser than they would be otherwise. I wrote the name of the wine we drank on the sketch. It's good stuff and you can find it at Whole Foods.

Imagine my delight when I discovered that The Sketchbook Challenge theme for August is EVERYDAY OBJECTS and I just so happen to have a group of them right here. What a lucky coincidence, eh?

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to go about sketching and have been experimenting with different tools and techniques. I'm viewing this as a true challenge and learning experience. I know I won't be happy with every sketch, but hopefully it will get me closer to becoming the awesome urban sketcher I'm hoping to be.

The Pulse

2011-07-31T01:56:00.000-04:00

Today is Sunday, so that means it's time for another edition of The Pulse. The Pulse is a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community organized and presented by the talented Seth Apter over at The Altered Page. This is the 5th edition of The Pulse and my first time as a contributing artist. Each Sunday I look forward to a big dose of inspiration along with my morning coffee as I meet new artists or get to know my favorites a little better. Check it out for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Junk Journals from a Journal Junkie

2011-07-24T14:03:00.001-04:00

What do you do when you're a paper ~~hoarder~~ lover who can't bear to throw out a single scrap of paper that is visually interesting? You sew those scraps together and make junk journals out of them, what else? Can anyone ever have too many journals? I think not.

Larger scraps and other fun paper become the journal pages. How many junk mail envelopes do you throw away in any given day? Put those suckers to good use.

My scrap paper bin holds endless amounts of paper: book pages, wrapping paper, wallpaper samples, candy wrappers, brown paper bags, envelopes, maps, paper projects gone awry, and anything else that I can recycle and reuse. It's endless because I throw paper in there faster than I can possibly use it up.

There are days when I sit at my sewing machine for hours randomly grabbing paper out of the bin and sewing it together crazy quilt style. It's just another way I like to relax. (When I'm not sewing little felt hearts or making marks with gouache.) It's almost hypnotic in a way.

Sorry, Mom. I'm sure you never intended for your sewing machine to be used in this barbaric way.

Yesterday's output. OK, it was really, really hot and the basement is so much cooler than the rest of the house.

Pretty little snips of thread.

So pretty that I like to keep them in a jar. (Hmmm. I'm beginning to think I may need help.)

After many months plus hours of trial and error, I've figured out a way to turn the sewn scraps into journal covers that I'm happy with. I've also used this method to make postcards and now I'm experimenting with little junk boxes.

I even made a few bitty junk journals with signature scraps left over from a few coptic journal projects. Even a take-out Chipotle bag found its way in there. I'm telling you--nothing is off limits when it comes to junk journals.

The Halfway Point

2011-07-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late in posting my halfway reflection in Pilgrim. It's hard to believe that 2011 is already half over. It's even harder to believe that I've managed to stick with this project for six months!

Once again, I dedicated a page to my reflections on participating in The Sketchbook Challenge. This time I thought about what has changed since my last reflection at the quarter mark. I think the biggest change has been in accepting that this book is a place for experimentation and I care less than I did before about whether or not I like every page. I also am not as bothered by drips, smudges, and overspray. I'm not as protective as I was in the beginning and now those imperfections just feel like part of the process.

Here is a page that went "unfinished" for quite a while. I've recently been very inspired by street art and graffiti and used that inspiration to add more to this page.

This page started out with inspiration from another one of my book sale finds--a book about Paul Klee--but then it took on a life of its own.

It's done with pencil and gouache over a sprayed background.

I think I would classify this as geometric doodling with gouache.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you're having an inspiring, art-filled summer.

Holiday Play Day

2011-07-03T19:04:00.000-04:00

For me, holidays usually mean long, uninterrupted studio time, also known as a play day. This weekend I decided to work on something that I've been wanting to do for a while...something messy involving paint and paper. I have a big stash of paper that's been hanging around for, I don't know, maybe 20 years? It goes back to the days when I worked at a design firm and paper samples were plentiful and free. I've been slowly using it up over the years and most of what's left is dark with a linen or textured finish. It's too dark and rough to use for journals so I thought I could use it to make paper for collage or for artist books.

I also have a bunch of craft paint that I'd like to use up so I can trade up to Golden fluid acrylics. I need big girl paints!

I started off by using wax paper to make Rorschach monoprints. You simply blob some paint on the wax paper, fold it in half to make the design, then place your paper to be printed on top of the wax paper, and roll the back with a brayer. It's fun. It's random. It's instant gratification.

Check out this cool tool I found at the thrift store last week. It has a wooden brayer at each end and a handle in the middle. I have no idea what this tool is for, but I knew as soon as I saw it that it would make a handy studio tool.

I sometimes repeated the monoprint in different colors once the paper was dry. After that there was a lot of spraying, splattering, dripping, and stamping that went into each sheet of paper. It was a virtual free-for-all of good, clean (I mean messy) fun.

One technique that I really enjoyed is something that I read about somewhere--maybe in Cloth, Paper, Scissors--maybe not. I applied glue from a glue gun to the wooden roller above in random squiggles. Then, I inked it up with paint and rolled it over the monoprints. You can also do this with an old rolling pin. The best part is that the glue can be pulled off when you're done and you're ready to go with a brand new design or to use the original brayer. I really like the way it came out looking like some kind of a secret language.

The wax paper is good for a number of prints. You simply add more paint and start again. Afterward, it's pretty enough to be used in another project.

You can still see some of the original dark green paper that I started with. On this piece, I used black fabric paint to draw circles, then made a monoprint onto another piece of paper. I put the second sheet on top of the first and used the brayer to flatten and transfer the image. I added the white and red circles by stamping with ordinary objects like plastic caps.

As usual, I'm not sure if any of these are finished or if I'll go back and work on them more. I still have a big stack "in process" that I'll most likely work on tonight and tomorrow while the studio is still a big huge mess. The results remind me of graffiti and I'm happy with the way they turned out. I hope you're having a fun-filled weekend wherever you are!

My First Adventure Journal

2011-06-25T12:32:00.001-04:00

I’ve long admired the travel journals of my fellow bloggers and have always wanted to create one myself. Who wouldn’t want to record everything about a fabulous trip to London, Italy, or Paris? The only problem is that trips like that are just not happening for me right now. When my friend Cathy went on a weekend excursion to Philly and came back with a wonderful little adventure journal, I thought that was a great idea. Even if I’m not taking a major trip, I can still journal about my little adventures, right?

Cathy made hers by following these directions from Teesha Moore. She changed the size to make it a bit smaller and filled it with ephemera, stories, quotes, and sketches. Cathy was kind enough to make a journal for each of us when several friends and I went to the Artiscape retreat in April.

I spent every spare minute of the weekend working in my journal and then spent the next two months finishing it up and adding color and ephemera. I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a wannabe journaler but I have trouble sticking with it and being spontaneous and consistent about it. I do think if I practice enough I may eventually become the journaler I’d like to be.

I used sticky notes to make lists of what I did each day or things I wanted to remember and stuck those throughout the journal. Those notes were invaluable to me when it came time to finish up the pages. Having a faulty memory is a huge reason for journaling in the first place.

I filled my journal primarily with lettering and doodling about what we did or funny things that were said, and then included ephemera I picked up along the way.

I glued in bits and pieces from retreat literature, business cards from instructors and vendors, samples of class projects, logos from stores or restaurants visited, and even my retreat ID badge.

Afterward, I used watercolors to add a splash of color. When we started out I worried about being able to fill all the pages in the book. But in the end, there were things I had to leave out because I just didn’t have room for everything.

A few weeks after Artiscape, my husband and I went to visit our son in DC and I’m still in the process of finishing up that adventure journal. I’d eventually like to get to where I’m so good at this that I can finish them off much sooner. (Although taking a while to finish up does make the adventure last a little longer) I like the idea of being able to pull them all out some day and fondly remember all the adventures I’ve had. And when senility really sets in, I’ll know that I must have led an exciting life even if I can’t remember a thing about it!

More Pathways

2011-06-19T13:08:00.000-04:00

I've been pretty inspired by this month's theme of PATHWAYS for The Sketchbook Challenge. I think it's partly because anything with lines reminds me of pathways and I guess I like to use lines a lot. The page above doesn't use lines, but was instead inspired by a quote. (Another thing I like to use a lot.) I had so much fun with my experiments to paint with gouache that I wanted to try more of that. I also wanted to try lettering with gouache instead of a marker.

That's the nice thing about a sketchbook...having a place to experiment.

It's also a place to just let loose and have a little fun.

In the last post, I mentioned some little art books that I picked up at a local book sale. One was a book about Ernst Nay, a German abstract painter who I was not familiar with. You can read a little bit about him here. I can't read the book since it's written in German but I can admire the pictures. I really like his abstract paintings that use intersecting black lines and round shapes between the lines. (If you scroll down to the photos of the books in the last post you can see an example on the cover of the book about him.) Since lines remind me of pathways, I thought I would attempt my own abstract painting inspired by Nay in my sketchbook.

Of course he probably used oil paint on canvas and I'm using gouache in my sketchbook. I couldn't resist adding my favorite stripes and dots here and there. I especially enjoyed making the gray stripes.

What I really about abstracts is that you can crop in and create a new composition using a smaller piece of the whole.

I'd like to point out that before creating the pages above, I had never even opened the tube of black gouache that came in my starter set of five colors. Everything black in the sketchbook was done with markers and everything painted with gouache was done by mixing three primary colors and white.

See the lonely unused tube of black there? I took a painting class once and the instructor told us we should NEVER use black paint. He said it was better to mix your own black and gray by combining other colors. (Then why the heck do they make black paint???) I don't think that's the reason why I didn't use the black gouache. I think it's more about liking bright colors and not being very sophisticated at color mixing. I don't really consider what I do with paint as "painting" most of the time anyway. I think of it as just adding color to something. I don't believe there are any rules in art and I don't like when people say you should NEVER do something this way or you should ALWAYS do something that way.

Boy did it feel good to use that black gouache straight out of the tube! Another first in Pilgrim and another first for me on my little artistic pilgrimage.

Pilgrim - Pathways

2011-06-05T17:48:00.000-04:00

The Sketchbook Challenge theme for June is Pathways and this is my first interpretation of the theme. I've been working on mounting my map series (still!) so I had maps on my mind when I started this page--specifically road maps.

As you can see, I'm still not tired of making marks with gouache. I find it so relaxing and enjoyable. Now I'm even venturing into (ack!) painting with gouache.

A few weeks ago, one of the local universities held their annual used book sale. I've always wanted to attend but it usually falls on a weekend when I have other plans or I happen to hear about it after the fact. This was the year I finally went. Imagine an entire gymnasium filled with table after table of used books all neatly organized by subject matter.

I was torn between buying books for reference and buying books to cut up for collage. I guess I comprised because I bought some of both. The books above were from the art section and most are older than me and written in German. They are compact and lovely, filled with beautiful watercolor paintings. They were around $1 each. Except for the one in the top right corner which was 50 cents and contains the religious frescoes of an artist named Giotto. I thought I would cut this one since it was cheap and I have no idea who Giotto is, but then was inspired by the picture below.

The image on the right is a close up of the image on the left. I thought it would be fun to try to paint it with gouache. (Don't you just love the age on the paper? So pretty!)

I didn't get the angle of the face quite right, and it probably needs more work...but I don't HATE it so that's something, right? The best part is that I really liked painting with the gouache. It definitely behaves differently that either watercolor or acrylic and warrants more exploration.

The art books will go into my growing art library, and I was lucky enough to fine four huge atlases for 50 cents each that I can cut up for collage. All in all, it was a fun and productive outing that I'll make sure I don't miss next year!

Paper and Paint

2011-05-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

I'm kind of a paper junkie. I just can't stop accumulating the stuff. And I'm not just talking about pretty paper. I'm talking about all kinds of paper. Notes. Tickets. Envelopes. Wrapping paper. Napkins. I guess that's why I love collage so much--it's one way to use up some of that paper.

I've purposely refrained from doing collage in Pilgrim. I decided in the beginning that I wanted to keep the entire book intact and not rip out any pages. Collage tends to bulk up an altered book rather quickly, so I've resorted to mostly using pens and paint in Pilgrim. It's been a great way for me to focus more on those techniques but I really miss playing with my paper!

I decided to sneak in a little bit of collage on this page and incorporated some paper in with the gouache. I think that when I get back to collage, I just may incorporate some gouache in with the paper. I think the two look lovely together.

The Serenity Prayer

2011-05-24T18:24:00.000-04:00

I made this for my friend who just earned her master's degree in counseling. It seems like an appropriate sentiment for someone about to begin her career helping and counseling others. Congratulations Casey!

Great Googley Moogley

2011-05-17T20:51:00.000-04:00

If you know me at all, then you know what I sucker I am for googley eyes. Nothing can compare to these little critters for a cheap thrill. I find them wildly hilarious and completely entertaining.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to include a little googley-eyed humor in Pilgrim--especially with the May theme of Can't Resist This. I actually had the idea last month when a photo of a group of monks just screamed out for googley eyes.

Honestly. How could I resist this?

Can't Resist Playing in Pilgrim

2011-05-14T17:20:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed the crayon resist that I did for the May theme of The Sketchbook Challenge so much that I decided to try another. Putting white crayon down on white paper is not an easy task, so I had to keep it really simple. I painted over the crayon with watercolor and then added some marks with gouache.

You can really see the resist in this close up.

Working on a page of house shapes and then having a conversation with a friend about using tea bags in art led to this page. I guess you could call it a little tea house. The background was done with very loose watercolor and a large brush. I used some watered down white acrylic paint over that and then used a coffee stir stick to blow around more watercolor. I don't care how old you are...blowing paint around through a straw is FUN!

Here is another page in progress where I had fun with stencils.

Then I had fun with some fake writing.

Sometimes working in Pilgrim feels painfully slow. And other times, several pages will fill rather quickly...much to my surprise and delight. I like those times.

I hope you're having an enjoyable and productive weekend wherever you are!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:32:00.000-04:00

Wishing all the moms a happy mother's day! Enjoy!

Can't Resist This

2011-05-06T19:17:00.000-04:00

Can't Resist This is the May theme over at The Sketchbook Challenge. Both the blog and the Flickr group have some interesting examples of sketchbook pages that use various resist techniques. I started this page last month and got as far as drawing the circles and lines in pencil with no clue where to take it next.

Inspired by what others were doing with the theme, I thought I would join in and use a white crayon to create a resist around the circles and lines. I don't think I've used this simple technique since my grade school days! It brought back some very fond memories of childhood art classes. After putting down the crayon marks, I used my brand new Niji water brush and twinkling H2O watercolors to quickly add some color. It felt really good to splash the color on without worrying about keeping it contained in the shapes--the crayon did that job for me.

I also couldn't resist adding some simple marks with gouache over the watercolor. In case you haven't noticed, I am completely smitten lately with using gouache to make the most basic lines, dots and marks. I find the process to be relaxing and meditative, and I really love the visual effect of the gradated color.

I'm not sure if this page is finished yet or not. I'll have to dwell on it for a bit. In the meantime, I may try a few more resist techniques because there is something really fun and magical about the process.

Time to Pause and Reflect

2011-04-28T18:15:00.000-04:00

I've been journaling in Pilgrim on a regular basis since the beginning of the year. When April started I realized that the year and the project are one quarter finished. It seemed like a good time to pause and think about what the project has meant to me so far and what I've learned from the experience.

I'll probably take time to reflect again at the 50% mark and the 75% mark. It will be interesting to see if my feelings change or what else I learn along the way.

Branching Out

2011-04-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

Branching Out is the The Sketchbook Challenge theme for April and I added some type to the image I posted earlier.

In the spirit of branching out, I thought I would try to letter in a different way than usual. Rather than lettering with a pen first and then adding color, I wanted to try lettering directly with gouache. My tubes of watercolor and gouache look ridiculously similar, and I accidentally used watercolor instead of gouache! I guess I was branching out even more than planned. I used a brush to letter the words "some thoughts on." I have less control with a brush than with a pen, so it does have a different look to it. I also decided to go out on a limb and not pencil the words in first. That explains the rather strange letter placement. I did go back and use a pen to outline the letters afterward just because I like the definition of outlined letters.

I'm adding some close up shots just so you can read the thoughts on branching out.

The next time you're working in your journal or sketchbook, try branching out by doing just one thing a little differently than usual. Who knows what might happen?

A Peaceful Day

2011-04-22T12:48:00.000-04:00

I'm finally getting caught up after a couple of hectic weeks. Finishing up my projects for class and getting ready for and attending my first art retreat have kept me away from the blogosphere. (More on that soon!) With a couple days off for Easter, it feels good to slow down and restore order to chaos.

I spent some time returning massive amounts of art supplies to the downstairs studio, then putting them away so I could clear off some working space. I think the lack of work space is what caused the entire upstairs to become a temporary studio.

Here is a yet-to-be-finished page in Pilgrim. It seemed fitting to include a Buddha image since most of the book revolves around Tibet and Buddhism.

And here is my yet-to-be-finished page for the April theme of branching out. I can't believe the month is nearly over and I haven't even completed a page for the monthly theme.

Of course, I only have myself to blame. With my newly cleared off studio space, I decided to get to work on another new project--using up art supplies to make things to sell at a holiday craft show I'm hoping to participate in with some friends.

I'm trying to thin out my fabric stash so here is my first attempt at putting some of it to good use. Of course I barely made a dent in it. I'd have to make about a zillion more of these just to empty out one drawer in my fabric dresser.

These two were made from fabric that a friend gave to me recently. Actually, she gave me an old duvet cover for the fabric on the front ans this was the lining fabric on the back. I just can't say no to anything that looks like an art project waiting to happen. I guess that's why I really need to clear out!

Wishing you a peaceful and happy Easter!

Peace Pilgrim

2011-04-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Here is the page about Peace Pilgrim with color added from the book I'm altering for The Sketchbook Challenge.

I used a photo that I found online to sketch her image.

This a quote from Peace Pilgrim describing the way of peace.

During the 28 years she spent crossing the country, Peace Pilgrim never asked for food or shelter. She waited until it was offered to her through the kindness of strangers.

Thinking Inside the Box - The Preview

2011-04-04T20:54:00.000-04:00

A while back I mentioned the class I'm taking called Thinking Inside the Box. I've been busy learning to use power tools and building a hinged box with a lid and a shadow box with a glass front. My little pine box is now sporting hinges and a couple coats of paint. After this photo was taken I added the mail art collage that I hope will give it a real fluxus vibe.

I find it really difficult to cut up and collage with my favorite paper--like these brain cell posters from mail artist Ryosuke Cohen. But now that it's done, I'm thrilled to see them on the box rather than stored in the drawer where they've been for years. I cut up two of the five posters in my collection and covered both the inside and the outside of the box. I'll post close-ups of some of my favorite parts soon.

Here are a few peaks at my Joseph Cornell inspired shadow box which is just about ready to be assembled. It's a simple design made from found objects--maps, wood, and brass. For now you'll just have to imagine how these parts will go together.

The final class meets this week, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the finished projects...including mine. I'm off to touch up some paint, find some screws, and finish these works of art!

Pilgrim Progress

2011-03-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

As March zips along, the pages of Pilgrim are filling up. I don't really consider any page to be finished--there always seems to be room for improvement.

Sometimes what I journal relates to the photography on the page and the story that goes with it, and other times it's completely unrelated.

This page is sparse compared to most.

Here is how a page looks before I have fun with color and paint.

I love reading about Peace Pilgrim. Her story is so inspiring. I seem to have a peace theme going on these few pages.

I Miss Mail Art!

2011-03-14T20:41:00.001-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to look through my rather sizable collection of mail art, in search of a few pieces to use in a current project. It's been a while since I was an active participant in the mail art community and seeing all that postal goodness again really made me miss the good old days.

The days when the most fabulous, fun, creative, odd, and intriguing items would randomly show up from parts unknown.

The days when the simple act of opening the mailbox was the highlight of my day. Nowadays--not so much.

This piece made me smile. I created a series of postcards called "operation lost and found" and asked artists to send me items that they found wherever they happened to be. I guess it's not surprising that years later I would name my blog Lost and Found.

So what prompted this little trip down memory lane? The new class that I'm taking called "Thinking Inside the Box." We are examining the box as an art form and building our own boxes from the ground up as part of the process! I've never built anything before in my life, so this has been a totally new experience for me. Our first project is a box with a hinged lid.

I'm not sure if I should feel extreme pride or embarrassment posting this photo of my little pine box in progress. I have a whole new appreciation for woodworkers and I'm beginning to understand why people feel so attached to the pitiful birdhouses, shelves, and benches they made in high school wood shop.

I'm planning to fashion my box after the fluxus fluxkits of George Maciunas and fill it inside and out with mail art from my collection. This week we're going to start building our second box which will be a glass-fronted shadow box similar to those of Joseph Cornell. For the next few weeks I'll probably be working on both projects simultaneously. Maybe after that I can find the time to work on a little mail art.

Featured Artist of the Month

2011-03-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

I'd like to give a big thank you to Billie, the creative force over at Billie's Craft Room for inviting me to be the Featured Artist of the Month for March. Head on over to Billie's blog and plan to stay awhile--it's chock full of information and inspiration covering a wide range of topics and includes loads of tutorials, links, and reviews.

Happy reading and happy March! Thanks Billie!

The Sketchbook Challenge - Two Done and Ten to Go

2011-03-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

The Sketchbook Challenge has now completed its second month and I've been working in my altered book, Pilgrim, pretty steadily. This page was inspired by the paint we used to paint a hallway. The color was called serenity and prompted some thought on the topic.

Spring must be in the air--my color palette is shifting in anticipation of warmer, brighter days. This spread was done over several weeks and the hearts refer to valentine's day which fell in there somewhere. The paper collage in the middle was sent to me by my friend, Deborah. The colors went perfectly with the rest of the page and I want to include items in the journal that help chronicle the year and having meaning to me.

I've been playing around with gouache more and totally loving it!

This was the last page I did with the February theme of opposites in mind--circles and squares, horizontal and vertical lines, and complimentary (opposite) colors on the color wheel. I might go back and do a bit of journaling in some of the squares.

As you can see on the right, I figured out how to link to my Flickr Photostream. Now I can post to the group site and be eligible for the awesome monthly prize drawing. The theme for March is "spilling over" and I'm really looking forward to exploring that one. I've remained dedicated to Pilgrim for two months now and am really having fun with this year-long challenge and the sharing taking place on The Sketchbook Challenge blog and Flickr group. Take a peak and join in if you feel inclined. There's still a full ten months left to the year.

Finishing Up the Post Cards--Or Not

2011-02-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

Remember these paper/fabric collage post cards I made recently? I decided to spend a little time this weekend finishing them up--in an effort to reduce the number of unfinished projects hanging around. I thought I would just sew them onto some watercolor paper and be done with it. Of course, it wasn't quite that easy.

Starting with the card in the lower right corner and working backwards:

1. First I fused the card to watercolor paper and used a zig zag stitch around the card twice. Yuck...HATE IT!

2. I changed the stitch and liked it only slightly better but hated the way it looked on the reverse side of the post card.

3. I changed the stitch again and sewed around the card first before fusing it to the watercolor paper leaving a small white border. I liked this a little better but thought it would be more interesting if the stitch attached the post card to the background.

4. I stitched this card to a gold wallpaper sample and was just about to trim it out and then attach it to watercolor paper...

...when I remembered some black mattes that I found ridiculously cheap at the close-out store about six months ago. So ridiculous in fact that I bought up every package they had. There were a few other colors, but black is classic, right?

I took the cards where I didn't like the stitching I had done and put them behind the black mattes. Problem solved! Now I can call them mixed media collage ready for framing.

The Sketchbook Challenge - Opposites

2011-02-25T21:49:00.000-05:00

This is my second page for The Sketchbook Challenge February theme of OPPOSITES. It includes horizontal and vertical lines that highlight words with opposite meanings. It also utilizes positive and negative space.

I couldn't help throwing in one of my favorite pairs of opposites.

I finally uploaded some photos to my Flickr account. Now I just have to figure out how to link to that from here. You van visit The Sketchbook Challenge group pool here.

A Little of This and a Bit of That

2011-02-19T18:03:00.000-05:00

I spent the week hopping around from project to project and working on a little of this and a bit of that. Here are a few more pages from Pilgrim, the altered book that I'm working in for The Sketchbook Challenge.

I recently went to see the musical, South Pacific, and couldn't help but feel the irony in going during what feels like one of the longest winters in history. This tied right in with the February theme of Opposites.

It also tied into the Illustration Friday theme of SWEATER, so I was able to achieve a trifecta of journaling! I used gouache on this page and really like how it looks--not quite like acrylic paint and not quite like watercolor. It's opaque and translucent at the same time. I think I'll have to play around with it a bit more.

I couldn't stop myself from making another batch of hearts from felt and sweaters. Sometimes my fingers just itch to sew. I think this has become a warm up exercise to other sewing projects.

I started making mini monsters from the same materials.

You gotta love a monster!

I also decided to experiment with paper and fabric collage post cards inspired by an article in the last issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors. Just before Christmas, I splurged and bought myself a free motion attachment for my sewing machine, something I've been wanting for years. I'm still trying to get the hang of it, but I just love what it adds to a collage like this.

I also love the way a project like this uses up some of the small bits of paper and fabric that have been hanging around. I just can't let either of those things go to waste. These aren't finished yet. I plan to use a zig zag stitch to attach them to watercolor paper.

And last but not least, I started a new class this week! Here are a few supplies I needed to buy. I'll give you a hint about the class...power tools will be involved! Stay tuned to find out more.

IF - Sweater

2011-02-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

When you live in Ohio you wear a lot of sweaters. A lot of sweaters.

The Sketchbook Challenge - One Done and Eleven To Go

2011-02-04T20:26:00.002-05:00

The Sketchbook Challenge has completed its first month and the second is now underway. This feels like a good time to pause and contemplate my progress so far and give you a glimpse of how Pilgrim is taking shape.

The point of the challenge is to encourage the habit of keeping a sketchbook and using it for experimentation and practice. One advantage to a long, cold winter is spending plenty of time indoors playing around in a sketchbook.

The Dalai Lama in stitches.

I don't think a single day has gone by since the first of the year that I haven't opened up Pilgrim and added to her in some way. That's kind of big for me since I've never been a faithful journaler. I'm normally semi-sporadic at best.

Now I look forward to the time I spend noodling, doodling, and filling pages with color and text. The process is slower and more deliberate than what I'm used to. In the past, I've used a lot more paint and collage in journals and altered books. Flinging paint and gobs of matte medium is my usual technique. But since it's hard to work messy on a daily basis, I've had to change things up a bit.

Spraying rather than painting on pigment ink is just one way I've experimented with new techniques in Pilgrim. I've also played around with writing with ink and a dip pen, stamping, and stitching.

There are a few aspects to The Sketchbook Challenge where I don't feel I've been very successful. I didn't do much with the January theme of HIGHLY PRIZED. This page is probably the only one done specifically for the theme.

I also haven't posted any photos to The Sketchbook Challenge Flickr pool--although I DID finally set up a Flickr account. So, I missed out on the chance to win fabulous prizes in January.

The theme for February is OPPOSITES and this page is going to be about serenity and chaos. (For the record--I prefer serenity.)

Here you can see the altered pages next to the ones I haven't touched yet. I love the way they ripple and wave and seem so much more alive with color and art added to them.

So...one done and eleven to go. I hope I can keep up and have a completely filled book by the end of 2011. You can join The Sketchbook Challenge at any time--just grab a book and get started. Happy sketching!

A Juicy New Year

2011-01-23T17:57:00.001-05:00

Isn't this a great word? I have high hopes for 2011 even though it's off to a pretty slow start. There's nothing juicy going on around here. We're basically in winter hibernation mode. Freezing our butts off. Trudging through rain, sleet, and snow. Shoveling. Scraping. Dreaming of brighter, warmer, longer days.

This is a little bit of doodling that I did in Pilgrim today as I was playing around with a dip pen and ink. I've never quite gotten the hang of using a dip pen properly but I like the scratchy messiness of it. I think I'll leave it out and keep practicing.

I hope your year is off to a juicy good start!

The Sketchbook Challenge - Pilgrim Progress

2011-01-17T19:14:00.000-05:00

Pilgrim and I have been spending a lot of time together. We had lunch almost every day last week; not to mention a few quiet evenings at home. I feel like I'm making progress--and at the same time, I don't. Maybe it's because she's just so darn big. Each spread measures roughly 13 x 24 inches. Or maybe it's because I've spent a lot of time thinking, planning, and experimenting along the way. The first 7-8 spreads are in the works, meaning I've done something on each page. But I keep going back and adding a bit more color, a bit more stamping, a bit more layering. I added more to the pages above after I took the photo.

I wanted to have large areas of color and try some simple stenciling that would allow me to keep the text and photos intact. I played around with making my own "spray paint" using pigment ink refills that I've had around forever. I mixed the ink with water in small plastic spray bottles. The results are a little unpredictable--drippy and splotchy--but I don't mind.

I recently bought a white "glaze" gel pen and decided to use it to write the title, place, and year on each photo. That pen is fabulous! It writes like a dream, is completely opaque, and raises up on the paper when dry. I like it so much I went back to the store and bought an entire set of colored ones which are transparent.

I've also added a few paper collage elements.

I still haven't done a whole lot with the January theme of "highly prized" although I've added a bit more to this spread since I showed it last. But I think that once I finish the beginning of the book where I'm working around the text, and have relatively empty pages (like this) to work with, I'll be able to focus more on the theme each month.

The best part about spending so much time together is that Pilgrim and I are really starting to bond. We're not quite in the "baring our souls" phase but we're definitely moving past the polite conversation phase. I feel pretty invested in this pilgrimage and really hope I can see it through to the end.

List It Tuesday - These Pretzels are Making Me Thirsty

2011-01-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

About ten years ago I gave up holiday baking and opted to make chocolate covered pretzels as gifts for family and friends. It took about three years to perfect my technique and experiment with different chocolate and topping combinations. Pretzel making has now become an anticipated holiday tradition, and I make some kick-ass chocolate covered pretzels! The problem is, I've never kept track of the ingredients that I use from one year to the next. Inevitably, I either have too little or too much. This year I finally decided to inventory my ingredients so next year I'll be prepared.

Head over to artsyville for more list love. Happy Tuesday!

The Sketchbook Challenge - A Beginning

2011-01-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

It's been about a week since I bought Pilgrim, the giant book I decided to alter for The Sketchbook Challenge. I haven't gotten very far in the altering, but I have spent a lot of time thinking about what I'd like to work on during this year-long challenge--one that I'm thinking of as my own personal pilgrimage.

At first I thought I would gesso or paint over the text in the book and leave only the photos to incorporate into my sketchbook. Then I actually started to read the copy and realized how little I know about Tibet, the place where most of the photographs were shot by Richard Gere. Since the amount of text is pretty minimal, I decided to leave it intact and alter around it. This way, the final sketchbook will actually be two books in one.

Each time I page through this book, I find myself flipping to the list of photographs and comments at the very end of the book. I want to find meaning in the photos. I want to understand them. My next decision was to re-write the comments from the back of the book onto each photo page. You can just barely see where I've done that on the right-hand page in the picture above. I decided to do this for a few reasons. First, I think it will help to integrate the original book with the sketchbook. Second, it will automatically fill up at least half the pages. After all, it's a BIG book!!! Third, I'll be able to work in the sketchbook during those times when my hands want to be busy but my mind wants to rest. (Pretty much every evening after work) I like to have tasks on hand that can be done even when the creative energy isn't flowing freely.

The Sketchbook Challenge theme for January is "highly prized" and I've just barely started sketching to the theme. So many things come to mind--it's hard to choose what to illustrate first. I plan to do more writing on this page about why my hands are important to me. Writing is one area I'd like to work on more this year as part of my pilgrimage.

I've never been a successful journaler because I've always had a problem committing words to paper in any kind of a journal. At first it was a matter of hating how my writing looked. I would almost immediately cover it up with paint or collage. I started to work on that phobia about two years ago in a journal that I called my Rejectamenta journal. It was much easier to write in a journal filled with garbage and to learn to live with it than in a pretty place . That exercise was the first step toward getting comfortable with my own handwriting. After that came the Aussie slang and Good Advice series of postcards that I made and mailed to my daughter at college. It was easy to practice lettering when it became a labor of love for someone special. And that's the key to getting better at anything...practice, practice, practice.

I can happily say that not only am I over my handwriting phobia, I now LOVE LOVE LOVE to play around with lettering. But not with my own words. I love other people's words and thoughts and ideas. That's why I enjoy lettering favorite quotes. So my goal this year will be to fill Pilgrim with my own words along with sketches and doodles. I've kicked my fears to the curb before, so I know I can do it again.

I'll probably add more color and doodles to these pages, but it's a start. Let the pilgrimage begin.

Meet My New Sidekick

2011-01-07T19:11:00.000-05:00

Some of you may recall the recent dilemma I faced trying to pick out a new point and shoot camera. The technical mumbo jumbo was making my head spin. I even asked readers for their input in this List It Tuesday post. (Thank you to everyone who responded!) After much deliberation, I finally settled on the camera seen here--a Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS.

My decision was based on a combination of internet research, solicited advice, the help of a patient salesperson, a good sale price, and of course...sheer adorability! When I held this little pink beauty in my hands, it just felt right. It felt like the two of us could explore the world together and have fun doing it. You can read specifications and reviews until your brain explodes...in the end, you have to go with your gut and make the choice that simply feels right.

So far, I'm loving my little sidekick! The picture quality is much better than my old camera and she's just so darn cute! I can't wait to see what kind of adventure we get ourselves into!

The Question of the Day

2011-01-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

The Sketchbook Challenge

2011-01-01T14:02:00.001-05:00

The dictionary definition of "pilgrim" is a person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.

I wasn't originally planning to participate in The Sketchbook Challenge which you can read about here. But while browsing the bargain section at Half Price Books yesterday, I came across this prize--a giant volume of photographs taken by actor Richard Gere during his travels throughout India, Nepal, and Tibet.

The book is huge--a whopping 12 x 13 inches--with a cloth cover and wonderful, thick, creamy paper inside. But what I really love about it is that, with the exception of a few pages in the front and back, there is virtually no text, only pictures. One photo per page and glorious amounts of blank paper. The minute I saw it I thought it would make a great journal. That's when I decided I would participate in The Sketchbook Challenge after all.

$2.00. Seriously??? This volume has been hanging around the bookstore since 2008 just waiting for someone to take it home and love it. I guess that person is me. I will become a pilgrim and The Sketchbook Challenge will be my long journey to a sacred place as an act of devotion. It's all very fitting, don't you think?

I have no idea what I will create on these pages, but I've done the math and filling 2.75 pages per week will lead to completely filling the book by the end of 2011. I'm not planning to keep myself on that deadline. Rather, I'm using that as my guide, or perhaps my goal.

The artists involved in The Sketchbook Challenge will provide a monthly theme to those who want to participate, and the theme for January is "Highly Prized." I need to go off and think about this. I hope you will join me on my pilgrimage and consider making one of your own by joining in on this challenge. There's no cost to participate and the commitment is as much or little as you care to make. A number of artists will be sharing their sketchbooks on the official blog, and you can link in or upload your photos to a dedicated Flickr site.

Happy trails, pilgrim!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T18:20:00.000-05:00

To all of you who stop by and visit my little corner of the web, I wish you a happy and creative new year! I hope that 2011 is the year that you paint, doodle, collage, or sew your way to bliss...perfect your skills...take a class...try something completely new...find an art buddy...get published...start your own business...exhibit in a gallery...rev up...slow down...whatever it is that makes your soul sing and your heart happy.

I don't know what 2011 will bring, but my hope is that

Thank you for all of your comments, kind words, and bloggy friendship throughout the past year. Your presence here means so much and inspires me to keep on creating and sharing. I sincerely hope that 2011 brings the best of everything for you!

IF - Mail

2010-12-17T19:34:00.000-05:00

For this week's Illustration Friday theme of MAIL, I thought I would re-post a little collage that I did a while back for this sketchbook swap. I filled an entire moleskine sketchbook with mail-related words and images since the theme of the swap was "my favorite."

List It Tuesday - Fun With Snow

2010-12-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

I could have made a list of all the weather phrases we've been hearing lately--winter storm warning, lake effect snow showers, heavy squalls, blowing and drifting, blah blah blah. But instead, I made a list of some fun things to do with snow. Here's hoping for a snow day!

Skate on over to artsyville and check out the rest of the lists on this List It Tuesday.

IF - Phenomenon

2010-12-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

A crackling, light-up-the-sky, ear-splitting thunder storm is my favorite weather phenomenon. Of course, only when I'm on the inside looking out. I find the sound of rain and thunder somehow very comforting.

List It Tuesday - Camera Mumbo Jumbo

2010-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

I can't seem to shoot a decent photo to save my life. So, either--I'm the world's worst photographer or my crappy old camera is just not cutting it. I'm hoping it's the camera, so I've asked Santa to bring me a new one for Christmas. I just want a nice point and shoot camera that will take decent pictures I can post here of finished art or work in process. But all this camera mumbo jumbo is making my head spin! There are so many choices. Even if I narrow it down to one brand and a specific price range there are still too many options to sift through.

So I'm asking you--my fellow bloggers--for a little help. Which camera do you have? Do you love it? Do you hate it? Why? What features are a must have? I'm looking for something under $200 that is easy to use and can fit in my purse. Help me please!

And then hop on over to artsyville for another week of list love.

List It Tuesday - Map Inspiration

2010-11-30T00:01:00.003-05:00

While working on my map series, I discovered a number of artists who use maps in their art, are inspired by map imagery, or both. I've listed a number of my favorites here, and for your convenience, I've included links to their web sites below. Take a minute or two and check out some of the amazing artwork from these artists. You may never look at a map the same way again! And don't forget to head over to artsyville and peruse this week's lists.

Lordy Rodriguez - I couldn't find a direct site, but google image to see his work

PS I will share my map series once all the pieces are finished and mounted.

Reality Beckons

2010-11-28T20:42:00.001-05:00

My Thanksgiving week was one of busy * happy * bliss. I welcomed a few days off from the daily grind and had a week of freedom to do and play as I wished. I used the time to finish up some projects, continue working on others, and start a few brand new ones. I sewed. I painted. I collaged. I made progress. I made mistakes. I made discoveries. It was wonderful! But now reality beckons, and another work weeks begins all over again. I hope to share with you soon...but right now I need to squeeze out a few more hours of fun. Hoping everyone had a spectacular holiday complete with a little bit of busy * happy * bliss!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

List It Tuesday - Lunch with the Seinfeld Gang

2010-11-23T09:51:00.000-05:00

As a long-time Seinfeld fan, I have a lot of favorite quotes. For List It Tuesday I thought I would compile a list of some of my favorite food-related quotes. When I was done I realized that I messed up and one of the quotes is erroneous. I considered trying to fix it then decided to just leave it so the true blue Seinfeld fans can pick out which one it is.

I've posted Seinfeld quotes before---here and here if you want to check them out. Don't forget to visit artsyville for more lists!

heART Therapy

2010-11-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

I must be in need of some serious heART therapy. Ever since I stitched up that first little wool and felt heart a few weeks ago, I haven't been able to stop. They just keep coming! My couch looks like an explosion of felt, sweaters, floss, and beads. I know it's therapy because I have no purpose for stitching them. Nada. Zilch. I just thoroughly enjoy the act of pulling a needle through fabric again and again and again.

But as the pile of hearts grows, ideas for other projects has grown along with it. (Not that I'm in need of more ideas--far from it!) I suppose I'll have to let the hearts run their course and wait until they tell me what they want to be. Or maybe they don't want to be anything. Maybe they're just a little pause in the creative process. The calm before the storm. I do feel a torrent brewing somewhere close by. What creative thing do you do when you need a little therapy?

IF - Burning

2010-11-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

What is your burning desire? Have you focused all your power on achieving that thing?

List It Tuesday - Groovin' in the 70's

2010-11-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

I was at an art show this weekend and one of the booths had the most fabulous handbags made from old record albums. The artist used both the covers and the vinyl to fashion some of the coolest bags I've ever seen. You can check them out here. I spotted a few familiar covers which made me think about my own album collection and inspired my list for List It Tuesday.

I consider the 70s to be my decade. Those ten years took me from an awkward seventh grader through high school and to college graduate. I could fill ten lists with my favorite songs, artists, or albums of the decade so I limited myself to artists whose albums I owned. As you can see, my taste in music runs more to singer/songwriters than bands and is pretty tame. My husband was the own who owned The Rolling Stones, Kiss, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Who among others.

Here are a few random musical memories:

- My eighth grade teacher was young, bearded, and fresh out of college. He sat cross legged on his desk and played Simon and Garfunkel on the record player when we worked quietly. I thought listening to "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" in the classroom of a Catholic school seemed pretty scandalous.

- My first date with my husband was to a stadium concert headlined by The Beach Boys and Chicago in 1975.

- The Best of Bread was my go-to album whenever I felt depressed in high school. Boy are those songs depressing!

- My college roommate and I couldn't go out unless we'd listened to Frampton Comes Alive, Bat Out of Hell and Linda Ronstadt's Greatest Hits. It's no wonder I know every word to "Paradise by the Dashboard Light."

- Our favorite "new" album is the soundtrack to The Jersey Boys.

I loved this music in the 70s and I still love it today. Heck, I even like disco!

Don't forget to hop over to artsyville and check out even more lists.

I Heart The World

2010-11-07T12:15:00.000-05:00

It's the time of year when just about every weekend you can find a place where artists gather to present and sell their work to the public just in time for holiday gift giving. I have a whole list of local shows I plan to attend and yesterday marked the first. There's just something about seeing so much creativity and hand made goodness in one place that makes me happy and gives me hope. It happens whenever I visit a gallery, museum, art show, or inspirational blog. I feel energized. I feel alive. I feel like I heart the whole dang world!

I saw some adorable little hand sewn felted heart pins that totally rekindled my desire to do more hand sewing. I've been itching to get out my needles and floss and do something with all those thrift stores sweaters I felted a while back. So last night, (when I should have been finishing up my map art for the last class this week) I gathered up a few supplies, found a cozy spot on the couch, and sewed to my heart's content. Sometimes you just have to create when inspiration strikes.

IF - Afterwards

2010-11-05T19:18:00.000-04:00

I would always cast a vote to sleep on things--or just sleep in general.

List It Tuesday - I Love Spuds

2010-11-02T00:01:00.009-04:00

As a self-proclaimed spud lover, I didn't have to look far for inspiration for another edition of List It Tuesday. While dining on a reheated dish of spudlicious leftovers, I found myself musing over the versatility of this unassuming little tuber. It might not look like much, but boy can it cook up a storm! Spuds can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can become an entree, side dish, soup, bread, salad, or snack. You can dress them up with butter, cheese, gravy, sour cream, or onion dip. I'm proud to admit that I've eaten every potato dish on this list. Yep, I love spuds! Just don't ask me to choose a favorite.

Don't forget to visit artsyville and check out a whole new crop of lists.

List It Tuesday

2010-10-26T13:16:00.003-04:00

It's another edition of List It Tuesday. Head over to artsyville to check out more lists.

A few weeks ago I went to see Blue Man Group and the show ended with a huge, blow-out dance party. Amid strobe lights, streamers, and the biggest beach balls I've ever seen, the audience was encouraged to "get off your ass" and participate in a communal booty shake. An anonymous voice listed every word imaginable for a certain body part while the words flashed on a giant screen. After a few dozen words the names started to get pretty ridiculous and funny, but it made me realize that there are a ridiculous number of slang words for the good old buttocks. Here is my list of some of the most common nicknames for the part of the anatomy that you sit on. These were right off the top of my head and all that I could fit on a page of my Moleskine. I probably use the term "butt" most often, but I remember my mother was rather fond of calling it a "fanny." Do you have a favorite nickname that I missed?

List It Tuesday

2010-10-19T18:26:00.002-04:00

The wonderfully talented Aimee over at artsyville has declared today as the first "list it Tuesday." I love lists! I couldn't survive without my lists! While scanning a stack of Good Advice postcards, I realized that I had a list in there somewhere. I think I would call this the three most important accomplishments of my day...or any day for that matter. Hop on over to this artsyville post and read the comments section to check out even more lists. Then start planning your contribution for next Tuesday.

IF - Spooky

2010-10-16T19:16:00.001-04:00

There's nothing spookier than the unknown. When our eyes can't see what's out there, our minds conjure up the most terrifying things imaginable lurking in every dark corner. Hideous monsters. Ferocious bears. Ax murderers. Most of the time our imaginations are far scarier than any reality. When we shine a light in the direction of our fears, we usually find out there's nothing there. The same is true for anything unknown to us. The future. The economy. The security of our retirement savings. Don't you wish you had a flashlight that you could shine into the future and be reassured that it's not as spooky as you think? Well, you do. It's called faith.

“When you come to the edge of all the light that you have and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: either there will be something solid for you to stand on or you will be taught how to fly.”

Take that, spooky!

IF - Transportation

2010-10-08T23:09:00.002-04:00

I’ve been thinking a LOT about maps lately. I’m taking a class that focuses on creating artwork in a series and I’ve chosen maps as the theme for my series. I’ve spent the last few weeks fully immersed in maps—poring over maps, scanning maps, sketching maps, abstracting maps. I think my two favorite kinds of maps are topographic maps and street maps. With so many maps on my mind, a street map seemed appropriate for the Illustration Friday theme of transportation.

And The Winners Are.....

2010-10-02T21:10:00.002-04:00

Everyone! Yep, I'm having an Oprah moment. You get art! And you get art! And you get art! It was really hard to choose just two of you so I think everyone deserves to be a winner.

Of course, only two people can receive the framed art offered in the blogiversary giveaway...but I will send everyone else who left a comment an original watercolor post card. Just send me an email and let me know your address and I will create something just for you. If you have a favorite quote or saying then send that along too. Or just say "surprise me!" and I will.

Here's where the framed quotes will be heading...

I've chosen Shenais to receive Oh Happy Day because she articulated so well the deeper message that those three little words represent. Even though I said it was just a happy little doodle in my post, she "got" it so now she gets it. Congratulations Shenais!

I've chosen Gianna to receive the Howard Thurman quote because of her sheer enthusiasm for quotes in general and this one in particular. She seems like someone who will "come alive" and inspire others to do the same. Congratulations Gianna!

Thank you again to everyone for visiting and for taking part in my giveaway! Please accept my offer to thank you personally with a little bit of mail art happiness. You can find my email address on my profile. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Lost and Found: Second Blogiversary Giveaway!

2010-09-26T12:11:00.003-04:00

Oh Happy Day!!!

October 1^st marks the two year blogiversary of Lost and Found and I’m celebrating with a great big giveaway! This is my way of letting you know how much I appreciate all of you who stop here to visit and inspire me with your comments, good humor, and positive energy. It doesn’t matter if you just clicked here by accident, googled your way over, visit regularly, or fall somewhere in between—I’m so happy you’re here!

Now--on to the giveaway! I’ll be the first to admit that my giveaway last year was pretty lame. What can I say? I was new and unprepared and offering up a yet-to-be-created original piece of art might not have been the best idea I’ve ever had. I had 8 participants for the giveaway and I’m grateful to each of them for taking a chance on my mystery prize. This year I’m much better prepared and I hope I can double the number of participants for the giveaway. Of course, I’ll need your help to reach that goal.

Since this is the second blogiversary of Lost and Found, I decided to give away TWO original hand-lettered watercolor pieces to TWO lucky readers. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and tell me which piece you would like and why. I'll make my choices based on your comment--so make it a good one! Be sure I have a way to contact you if you are the winner.

First up is this illustrated quote by Howard Thurman. I love this message! This inspirational quote gives us permission to do what we love because doing so is in the best interest of the entire world. What could be better than that? Seriously.

The second piece is a happy little doodle of a favorite phrase of mine. No deep thoughts here. This one is just for fun.

Both pieces were done with permanent black marker and watercolor and the images measure approximately 6.5 x 8.5 inches which is a bit larger than I usually work. Each one will arrive in a black frame ready to hang on the wall or to display on a flat surface. Here's a peek at how the first one looks framed and hanging on my newly-painted green kitchen wall.

Don’t be shy! Jump right in let me know if either of these pieces would brighten up your life, your home, your studio, or your workplace. Leave your comment by midnight on October 1^st and I will announce the winners on October 2^nd.

Good luck and thanks for visiting!

IF - Old-Fashioned and Good Advice

2010-09-24T20:49:00.001-04:00

Here's a little good old-fashioned advice for you on this fine Friday. You just can't go wrong with old-fashioned advice. I guess that's why it's still around generation after generation.

Collage Book Experiment

2010-09-15T19:48:00.003-04:00

Recently, Cloth Paper Scissors magazine hosted a reader challenge to create a mixed media mini-book. The only stipulation was that the size couldn't exceed 6x6x1 inch. Other than that, it was anything goes. I've been having so much fun playing around with the stitched collage post cards that I've been making, that I was inspired to see if I could transfer the technique to a small book.

I created this 24-page book mini-book using manila folders, paper scraps, watercolor, gouache, embroidery floss, beads, and my sewing machine. I finished it and emailed in my photos on the very last day possible. My book wasn't selected as a finalist to be mailed to the magazine and possibly included in a future issue, but I'm happy with my effort just the same for several reasons:

1. I actually finished something! Yep, I took the project from start to finish without getting distracted, bored, or disillusioned with it. It's a radical new concept I'm trying out.

2. I used up a bunch of my scrap paper stash. Not enough to make a dent in the humongous collection, but still....

3. I taught myself how to bind a book using the long stitch binding method.

4. I'm inspired to make more books! I already have a few ideas floating around in my head on how to expand on the collage/stitch process and try out a few more techniques.

This book doesn't really tell a story in the traditional sense, but I like the texture and feel of it. Plus, for me it tells a personal story through my memories of the paper that passes through my life. I may not remember what I ate for lunch today (or even if I ate lunch at all!) but I can remember where almost every scrap in the book came from. I guess you could say this is my version of a crazy quilt in paper/book form.

IF - Proverb

2010-09-10T20:10:00.002-04:00

The Illustration Friday prompt this week is Proverb which I could probably illustrate until the cows come home. I like to get the majority of a drawing done on my lunch hour so that I can paint, scan and post when I get home from work. I started off with the proverb "it's no use crying over spilt milk" but couldn't get the glass right so quickly scrapped that in favor of something simple and a bit more upbeat. Don't worry--I'm not crying over that failure. The scan doesn't really show the metallic silver paint inside the cloud, but it looks quite nice in person. Have you experienced any silver linings lately?

IF - Dessert

2010-09-03T21:35:00.001-04:00

Today's Illustration Friday word is one of my favorite ever! Probably because I'm a sucker for dessert. I can be tempted by anything ooey, gooey, fruity, chewy, flaky, or chocolately. But my absolute favorite dessert is a slab of good old-fashioned cake. I freaking LOVE cake!!!!

This illustration has the honor of being the first in my brand new watercolor Moleskine. I recently filled up my first Moleskine (after about 3 1/2 years) and had to buy another. Now, every time I open it, I'll be reminded of just how much I love cake. :)

IF - Immovable

2010-08-27T18:53:00.001-04:00

I know a few people who have mastered this bit of good advice. You can call them stubborn, relentless, tenacious, determined, or unyielding. But one thing is for sure--until they get what they want they are IMMOVABLE!

IF - Atmosphere

2010-08-20T20:51:00.001-04:00

I know that for me, the atmosphere of a blog has a lot to do with how often I visit. My favorite places on the web are written with a sense of humor and are lighthearted, fun, inspirational, uplifting or all of the above. I hope you enjoy some of those things when you visit here!

Time for a Change

2010-08-18T23:02:00.001-04:00

Today I'm taking my own advice and making a few changes here at Lost and Found. I decided it was time for a new look. Something a little lighter and brighter. I switched to a wider template and changed the background color to white. I'll probably continue to tweak things a bit until it feels right. Your feedback is welcome!

IF - Star gazing

2010-08-13T22:27:00.004-04:00

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
--Vincent van Gogh

It was by sheer coincidence that I decided to read up on the life of Vincent van Gogh while waiting for the Illustration Friday prompt to be posted online today. I'm not sure what inspired me to re-acquaint myself with his life story, but when I saw that the word this week was "star gazer" I knew that an homage to Vincent was in order. Starry Night is van Gogh's most famous painting and one of the most well-known images in modern culture.

When I was in high school, I read a biography of Vincent van Gogh that included many of the letters that he wrote to his brother Theo. There's no doubt that I was motivated to read the book because of Don McLean's song "Starry, Starry Night." At the time, I was struck by the tragedy of van Gogh's life and felt overwhelming sadness that he never got to experience the artistic success during his lifetime that came after his death.

But today, after reading about his life here, I felt something very different. I felt hope. Here was a man with no artistic training or obvious talent who became one of the greatest artists in history. At the urging of his brother, Theo, van Gogh taught himself to draw and then to paint. And he continued to paint through dark and difficult times when others--himself included--doubted his ability.

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
--Vincent van Gogh

IF - Caged

2010-08-06T20:15:00.007-04:00

This little doodle is my submission for the Illustration Friday prompt of CAGED. I illustrated a quote by Jacques Deval that says a lot about two very different kinds of love.