skip to main |
skip to sidebar
My butterfly is finished after much fretting over the wings. I finally achieved the look I wanted using tee shirt transfers on tissue paper. I coated one side with white glue to add a little stiffness and attached a wire using super glue. I then drilled holes in the butterfly's body and glued the wires supporting the wings in place. The original technique using liquid polymer came out more like the texture of a bat wing and the resulting wings were too heavy to stand up under their own weight. These are much more delicate and still a little translucent.
I’m a collector of unfinished projects. I have everything from a tri-fold room divider I’ve been “painting” for about 10 years to an unfinished car restoration I embarked on 6 years ago. Working to squelch my tendency to procrastinate and start a new uncluttered life, with fresh eyes I’m beginning to sort out what still fits and conclude everything that doesn’t. The Spitfire is a prime example of a project that no longer fits my life. It only serves to remind me of the past and money wasted. Even if it were magically finished, it is an unwanted weight on my shoulders. That project goes in the discard category. A few of my unfinished projects I’d still like to see completed. One obvious reminder of often started projects I’ve failed to follow through is the painted screen standing quietly unfinished and forlorn in my living room. Completing this visible reminder will be a huge victory in overcoming procrastination and a symbol of accomplishment. My friend Charlisa, who is a very talented painter, has volunteered to provide motivation and lend me a hand in finishing the project. After this emotionally difficult week, I’m really looking forward to some carefree time spent doing “art therapy” and sharing lots of laughs. Even if we don’t finish, I will make real progress toward a goal—and get a chance to catch up with Charlisa.
Well, I'm nearing completion of my creation for Eggshibition. The only remaining element is the wings. I'm excited about trying a new technique to make nearly translucent wings but a little nervous, too. If they don't turn out right, then what? Here's a picture of the wingless version.
The marabou really adds movement to the piece--and a mess floating around my studio.
My South African friend, Juline, sent me a couple of e-mails this week. It was so nice to hear that she received and enjoyed the package I sent her for Christmas. I've been watching Supernatural season II on DVD, which was a Christmas gift to myself. Juline introduced me to the show and I must say that whenever I'm watching, I am also thinking about Jules and remembering hanging out on Thursday nights. I'm so grateful that even though Juline is a world away instead of across the street now, we still have ways to connect and continue our friendship.
Just before Juline returned home to South Africa we had the thought to start a project idea book as a way to teach each other craft techniques. So across the ocean using e-mail and recently videos, we are beginning to build our books. I’m taking part in Kimberly’s Creative Card Challenge 2008; I'm sure to have many exciting new things to send Juline this year. If the other projects are as fun as smackin' acetate, she's sure to love them. My project book is also going to be a repository for my collection of scraps of paper--ideas from magazines, photos, and such. These things will be a visual reference library of sorts. Getting my book together in a usable format is another of my many organizational resolutions for the year.
Why does vacation always fly by? Even though it is fast slipping away, this has been a wonderful holiday. We celebrated the second annual Taco Eve at my house and had a wonderful Christmas dinner at Carol's house on Sunday. Carol and I managed to get Chloe's loft bed "built" and I've come really close to having my office/studio completely organized. Thanks Carol for the new shelves in the closet! That is a big help. I'm ready to tackle my egg for Youth Home and have made progress on my "Project Book" Juline and I started. I finally mailed her the package I've been putting together including the recipe for salt dough and some ornaments I made for her. I read Denise's blog today and am so happy she got the best gift ever. She does indeed have two beautiful daughters. I hope all my Ya Ya sisters had a gift equally special this year!
I've been enjoying Denise and Annie's blogs so much that I've taken their advice and started my own. I procrastinate so much I often wonder how I get anything done; we'll see how my blog progresses over the coming year. The Art Ya Yas are such an inspiring bunch that I feel like I can do anything! Maybe my blog will inspire me to create more, dig for information about my interests, and help someone else be inspired. That's my hope. Now I'll add some work to the mix and see what happens.
