Some times a painting can take years

All you artists and creative souls know what it's like to look at a blank canvas or bag of supplies and think "oh crap, I can't do it"  Whether we are having a moment of doubt, a creative block, a case of the "not in the mood" or "I don't have the space to work" issues, it can be intimidating.  What can be worse is when you DO start and nothing seems to go as planned or not as you envisioned.

That's what happened in this case.  The greatest of intentions, but once I got to a certain point nothing was working out right and I was so frustrated I finally just painted gesso over the entire painting except the gold leaf. (If you've laid gold leaf you'll know what a pain in the butt it can be, not to mention expensive,  so no way was I going to let that work go to waste).

  I put the painting up and away where it sat for over 2 years. Every time I ran across it it challenged me and every time I'd use one of the excuses above ~ my most used one is "I'm not in the mood", when really deep inside I know it's "doubt" that plagues me. I pulled her down this year suddenly sure of what she was supposed to be. Not what I originally intended, but that doesn't matter.

The early stages  ~ coming back to life

slowly starting to come together

                                                                            

Finished and framed in an antique dresser mirror frame

Eloa ~ an angel born from a tear that God shed 

 The point of this story is:   Don't give up ~ Forge ahead ~ You go girl!

GG ~ Peggy ~ Goodgosh



Don't forget to enter our Fall giveaway contest!
http://acollectivejournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-giveaway.html

The Wooden Santa Egg

Okay, I have a thing for Santas….and over the years I have come up with different ways for making them.

Several years ago I started decorating and painting wooden eggs.  I started with the largest one which is about 2” tall down to the smallest which is about 1” tall.

 I use dimensional fabric paint for the texture of the beards and for some of the other embellishments. The designs and patterns on their coats are all painted on. For the fur I used snow paint.  

Once again I get ideas and colors from old vintage postcards and illustrations of all different kinds of Santas.

I don’t remember how I started painting on the eggs, it was just one of those things I picked up and started doing. From there I started painting on all kinds of small wooden shapes.  I have painted small boxes, sleds, little wooden spoons, and even clothespins. Some of these have more detail, some have less. I tried some wood burning and liked the results of that with a little bit of color added.

One day I got my hands on some unpainted nesting dolls and tried them out.  They took a while to do, as they were bigger than the eggs, but I had just as much fun creating them as the eggs. They would never compete with the Russian nesting dolls, but they were my own style and I was happy enough with them.

I haven’t painted any of these eggs or nesting dolls in a few years, as I moved on to other projects. But, I am thinking it may be time to go back…if my reading glasses will let me see to paint so tiny these days.

(jj)
Remember to enter our giveaway for a chance to win some cool prizes!!!

Fall Giveaway!

We are pleased that we have reached 100 followers to our blog!  In appreciation, we are having a giveaway.

Rules, please read carefully!

1.  Guess how many loose Pez candies are encased in this bowl without going over!

2.  Email your guess along with your name and how you can be contacted (if you are the winner) to ArtistandPickers@aol.com

3.  Please do NOT write your guess in the comments of the blog, all entries must be emailed to the above address.

4.  In the event of a tie, the first guess emailed will be declared the winner.

Contest runs from Tuesday, Oct. 19th. to Monday, Oct. 25th at Midnight EST.

Dimensions of the bowl are 12 1/4" wide by 5 3/4" high, if that's any help!

Now for the prizes!  We have gone with a Fall theme and they are as follows.

1.  Needle felted pumpkin from VintageEmbellishment

2.  An original handpainted work of art ACEO from Peppercorns2

3.  Vintage pair of bear salt and pepper shakers from MySeriousSide

4.  Vintage pin and handmade tags from DoodleVintagePlus

5.  10 handmade Moravian stars from JustJanesThings

6.  Hand stitched primitive pumpkin picture from VintageStation

Prizes valued over $70!!!

Thank you so much to those shops that have donated prizes! 

Have fun!

RWS

Crocheted Dishcloth or Washcloth For Yourself or a Gift

Crocheted Dishcloth or Washcloth

Materials:
Size H crochet hook
Crochet cotton

Gauge: Not important for this project

Stitches & Terms: chain (ch), repeat (rep), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), stitch (st)

Chain 33, single crochet in second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (33 sc)
Row 1: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in first single crochet and in each single crochet across (33 sc)
Repeat Row 1 until 33 rows have been completed but do not fasten off.

Edging: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each single crochet across top of mat, work 3 single crochet in last stitch of row (to turn the corner), single crochet evenly along side of piece (in every row or every other row as required to keep edging flat), working 3 single crochet in next corner, single crochet in each free loop on opposite side of beginning chain, working 3 single crochet in next corner, single crochet evenly across other side, working 3 single crochet in last corner. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet of edging (where you began).

If you want a hanging loop at corner: When you have completed the slip stitch join on last round, chain 12, slip stitch back into corner point where you began, fasten off and weave in ends securely using crochet hook or tapestry needle.

Helpful video….

http://video.about.com/crochet/Single-Crochet.htm

Have fun with this!

VE

More Treasuries of Undiscovered Shops

This week's treasuries of undiscovered shops!

Monday:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cb30ccbb3b06d91e83719af/undiscovered-shops-of-etsy

Wednesday:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cb5b61ec3a68eefb20a22db/more-undiscovered-shops-of-etsy

Friday:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cb8663f0a848eef2448c3c3/even-more-undiscovered-shop

Stop by and give them some love!

Another Cross Stitch Lesson - Perforated Paper

I love stitching and love finding new ways of doing it!  When I found perforated paper or punch paper, I was hooked.

 

Perforated paper is a thick paper with holes evenly punched on it.  It is the same as using 14 count fabric but you can only use it for whole stitches, you cannot poke holes in it for half stitches.  So, anything you can do with fabric with only whole stitches, you can do on perforated paper, as long as it's not too big!

 

Mill Hill uses it for their beaded ornament kits and their pin kits, it's so easy to work with and things work up quickly with it, plus you don't need a hoop!

 

It's available in all kinds of colors and now even available with patterns on it for backgrounds.  I'll provide links later!

 

If you would like to see some old works done on this paper, there's a wonderful article here:  http://www.victoriana.com/Embroidery/perforatedpaper.html  Shows many examples of work done in the Victorian Era.

Now, for some of my works!  I have done plenty of ornaments and pins, but don't have any photos of them.  But here is a small pair of earrings I made:

 These work up in a matter of minutes!

 

You do the stitching and then carefully cut the paper about one hole away from the stitching.

 

I found this frame and just had to have it!  I worked up a watermelon for it to use in my bathroom that is decorated with watermelons and primitives.

Next is one of my favorite items!  I used handmade blocks that my hubby made for me and he carved out a section on one side, I make up the tiny paper squares and push them into the front section.  I can change them easily for different occasions.

I purchased an inexpensive shaker box that I stained and set the blocks on top of that with the extra unused squares inside it for storage.

Even Gladys loves it on top of them and is right at home there.

This next item is a doorknob hanger.  I made this one using one sheet of paper and doing all the stitching on that, then I used a second sheet that I just stitched to the first to cover the back and the stitches don't show!

And another one of my all time favorites, these are the same blocks I used before but I stitched up a Christmas tree including the presents on the bottom.  Then, just stack the blocks to make the tree!

A close up view:

The last one I wanted to show is another Christmas item:

So simple but it makes quite the impact!

 

It's recommended you use 2 or 3 strands, I've found I like using 3 strands for better coverage.  If you are just starting out, I suggest you purchase a kit, they have everything you need and have wonderful instructions.  I'd start out with doing either Christmas ornaments or bookmarks.  When you feel more comfortable, try some Mill Hill pins!  Here's the link for pins:

 

Holiday pin kits 

Everyday pin kits  

 and while there, look at how many colors of perforated papers they have!   

Perforated Papers 

(I love the sky blue and olive green!)

 

RWS

"A Day in the Life" with Valerie”

I love my blog job.  Getting to know some really cool people, and sharing that info with you, our readers, is a blast.  This week, I met someone that I didn't know before.

And after visiting her shop and sharing emails back and forth, I just know you'll like her too.

So grab your snack, get comfy, and let's take a journey to:

"A Day in the Life with Valerie, owner of

Valerie's Gallery"

(click banner to enter her shop)

Duuuuuude:  How long have you been creating handmade products?  I see you are a fiber "junky" (and I mean that with the utmost respect as I can't do a thing in that arena).  Is that your passion

Seafoam Green Cowl (click)

Valerie:  I have been creating handmade just about all my life, but only recently (three years ago) decided to open a business.  My passion is fiber arts and I have always worked with fabric, fiber and yarns.  I don't think there is any other medium that gives the warm, fuzzy and cozy feeling that working with fiber provides. Whether it be quilting, sewing, knitting or felting, the end result is not only beautiful, but practical as well.

I remember my very first hand-knit gift was a very crooked headband for my best friend in 6th grade.  Looking back it was pretty pathetic, but I was ever-so-proud!

Duuuuuude:  What inspired you get into this area of crafting?

Valerie:  I have always been a knitter, but it wasn't until one of my daughters went to college and started a fiber arts club, did I learn about felting.  My Mom taught me to knit and my daughter taught me to felt.  I love the fact that I am combining old and new and coming up with something original and fresh.  I also like to take ideas from nature, such as colors, shapes and textures. 

Duuuuuude:  Tell us a little bit about your process for creating.  

Felted Nesting Bowls (click)

Valerie:  I absolutely love felting.  For me, it is very exciting because once I make the item I close my eyes and throw it in the washing machine to do its magic.  I never know how it will turn out and it is always a surprise.   Because of the differences in yarn content, weight and color dyes, everything takes on its own life during the felting process. 

I basically start the process sitting in the living room chair watching movies or as a passenger in the car.  Once the item is done, I use an old washing machine that I bought second-hand.  (Agitation is the key to felting and the new models just don't agitate enough!) Then I shape them and let them dry.  The process to make one bowl can take up to a week to complete from beginning to end. 

I will say that not everything comes out as anticipated.  As I mentioned above, each piece is a surprise no matter how much I try to calculate. I have discarded a few failures, but I have also had a few positive surprises as well!

Duuuuuude:  Where do you typically get your supplies? (handmade, online, craft shops, etc.

Fingerless Gloves (click)

   

Valerie:  Right now, I use commercial wools that I purchase from yarn shops or order on-line.  I just ordered a spinning wheel after having a few lessons and I can't wait to start spinning my own yarn. My daughter raises sheep and Angora bunnies, so I hope I can have a direct supplier soon.  Think I should get a discount?  (Duuuuuude:  absolutely!) 

Duuuuuude:  Where do you get your ideas for your items? 

Lavender Felted Pansy 

Valerie:  My ideas come to me from nature for the most part.  I am lucky enough to live in the country in Upstate NY where we are surrounded by colorful beauty.  I look at something and say, can I felt that?  Recently I have been picking up interesting pebbles while going for walks and felting them.  How crazy is that?  Good thing I have a used washer!  Anyway ... I love playing with color combinations for felted items and I love mixing up textures in my knitted work. 

Duuuuuude:  Where do you sell your items?

Valerie:  Currently, I have two on-line shops - http://valeriesgallery.etsy.com and http://valeriesgallery.artfire.com.  I also do several fairs and festivals each year.  This year I went to 8 and I have 3 more planned for the remainder of the year.  I really love being a vendor at the festivals because I get to meet and talk to people about the process.  It is incredible to meet others that really 'get' your work.

Duuuuuude:  Anything else you'd like us to know?

Valerie:  My husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and although we are now empty-nesters (we have 4 grown children), we keep busy renovating and old farm house that we bought 6 years ago.  It seem that this is a never-ending project, but we are finally seeing some of the results of our labor.  I love decorating our home with handmade, whether the items are some cherished wood pieces made by my father, a doily or two made by my grandmother, a table scarf hand knit by my mother, or something I pick up at the festivals I attend.  I don't think I would be so committed to working on such a large project without the handmade treasures to decorate with   (Duuuuuude:  Congrats on that)

Duuuuuude:  Do you have a blog or any other sites that you are involved in that you would like to share with us, and we can link in our article?

Valerie:  My blog: http://feltedtreasures.blogspot.com where I have a Sunday Morning Knit Wit article each week.  I try to feature a different knitting stitch or just talk about knitting.

FaceBook Business Page: http://www.facebook.com/ValeriesGallery

I want to thank Valerie for taking the time to share her passion with us and for sharing some cool shots of her renovation.  Now go visit her shop, show some ACJ love.  J

Until next week ... "duuuuuude"