Alisha Fredrickson, Mixed Media Artist

She sings a song

2011-10-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Thought that I would try a black and white on wood.

Alternative photo processes and transfers

2011-10-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that the weather is starting to change to cooler temperatures. It means that I can start the darkroom up again. I love just going in there and closing the door and turning the red light on. I took stock today of what needed to be ordered for developing and processing. Can't wait.

So, a while ago my mom gave me some really nice wood blocks to play with as I wished. They sat in my studio for a long time because, I was just not sure what direction to go in with them. Well, I finally broke them out today. I have used a photo of an old Ford pickup that is in a storage unit right by our house. I loved all of the rust on it so, I took several photos from different directions. I have put it onto the wood block and played around with it after it was onto the wood - blending and oil paint. I am considering giving it to a family member whose name is Ford!

The end of the ugly fabric

2011-10-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Glenda Bailey's blogHere is my process and the end results. I was hoping for something a little more spectacular but in the end I have to remember that the fabric is not the end work. This was just a way to change the fabric so I could use it in something else.

So first I took some random rubber stamps and stamped white acrylic paint onto the fabric to try to add some base cohesion.

Next, I used watercolor crayons, a screen and a texture plate that I created using cardboard and a hot glue gun. I rubbed the texture onto the screen usingthe crayon. Then I screen printing the image onto the fabric using acrylic medium.

The fabric on the left is the fabric before I screen printed some red dye over the top. The fabric to the right is my finished "transformed" fabric.

This is my finished fabric. I think that I got stuck on the idea that I wanted to be able to still see the original fabric in one way or another. I think if I did this over again, I would not have that mind set. But, this was still a fun experiment and a way of thinking about altering fabric instead of throwing it out. If you would like to check out my mother's finished fabric check out her blog at Glenda Bailey's blog

Tranforming "Ugly" fabric for your mixed media project

2011-09-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

It is time for a new challenge! When I go to the fabric store and dig through the remnant bin, I often come home with fabric and wonder what was I thinking??? And while I believe that the term ugly is very subjective, I do think that some fabric is more apealing than others. So, for this challenge mom and I are both taking a fabric that we might not be crazy about and altering it to make it something perfect. Since screenprinting is one of my favorite things, I think that I will be using some form of it or maybe not. Sometimes I don't know what direction I will go in.

So here is my "ugly" fabric... It is white with red and black stripes. Can't wait to see how it ends up in the end!

Screenprinting using watercolor crayons and acrylic medium

2011-08-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get a request from one of my kiddos I get excited. Alexis has been watching and playing around with me and screenprinting. She asked me to make her a picture for her room. Lately, we have been using watercolor crayons and coloring directly onto the screen which has been fun and forgiving. You can get more than one pull out of the screen but every one is different and unique.
For this little picture, we used a stencil made from contact paper which we placed onto the screen. Then we took a few different colors and drew directly onto the open area of the stencil. Then we laid the screen onto our fabric and pulled the print with acrylic medium. This first picture is what it looked like after it was dry.

Then I added some free motion quilting and dye ink to bring out the stitching. The little flower top was made using a ruffler foot and then twisting it up to look like a flower. It ended up pretty cute for a little girl's room.

The Finished Bookcover

2011-08-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am a day behind getting this posted. We had company this weekend and in a frenzy to get ready for school which starts tomorrow. The summer has gone by so fast. I think as the kids get older, time seems to go faster.

I want to go over the last steps that I did for my bookcover. First I couched two fibers together. The first fiber was a plain black cotton and the second was a more decorative multicolor fiber. I used a brown thread to couch them together. I was nervous about doing this process but found it to be quite easy. I had to put my feed dogs down, set the machine to a wide zig zag stitch and leave my foot in the up position. Then I had to hold the fibers from the front and the back to pull it through. Here is a pic of the two fibers together and then couched together.

This cord will be glued to the inside book pocket and then wrapped around the book to create a closure.
Next, I was so wanting to try one of the techniques that was in the book ( Edges and Finishes in Machine Embroidery - this is the book I was using for this challenge ) for tassels. The author explains how to take distorted embroidery designs to create interesting tassel tops. I thought this would be a great experiment because I have both an embroidery machine and software. I chose a damask design that was about 4 by 4 inches. I took a pic of it on the computer so you can see it.

Next, I tried to distort it and mess with the stitch count and while I wish I would have been more brave about distorting it, I am happy with my outcome. My machine is very tempermental about stitching through very dense designs and, I was nervous about this. So Iwent safe this time. I will be playing around with this a little more in the future. Here is the finished designed stitched. Like I said, not very much different than the original but still a little different. It is also only about an inch and a half in size.

In making a tassel I scrounged up this tassel maker. I am sure it would be easy to make your own. I really only wrapped the fibers around until I was happy with the density, tied it at the top and then cut the bottom. Then I glued my embroidered design and a piece of felt to the back to finish it off. Oh, and I stuck the end of the couched cord into the tassel before I glued it together. I also added a little brass piece to the tassel for decoration.
So, here is my finished bookcover. I am happy with the way it turned out and will definitely be incorporating some of these techniques in the future. I have greatly enjoyed going through this book.

Mom has finished her bookcover as well. You can view it at her blog Glenda Bailey's blog.

Personalized Nook cover

2011-08-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

I know that I am supposed to be working on my bookcover challenge but, I could not resist making a personalized cover for my very new toy. I was so excited to see this come in the mail today and could not resist making it "mine". It was pretty easy to make the flourish and name out of vinyl which I can change or take off at any time. I love doing these fun little projects and in the process using some of the tool that I have.

Finishing up my bookcover background

2011-08-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am having a lot of fun making this bookcover and all of the techniques that are in the book that we are working out of. I think that when I get a book I dig through it too fast and don't catch all the goodies that can be found inside. I think that is why this challenge is so great because it is encouraging me to go through the book slower.

Here is my progress so far...
I have decided to lay ribbon and cording over the top of my bookcover to bring all of the colors together. I am stitching over the top using some metallic copper thread in a zig-zag stitch.

So, here is my zig-zag work. I know, my stitches are not very straight which is highly annoying but, I have decided to leave it because my next step will cover some of this. I have a couching foot which I will DEFINITELY use next time I use this technique.
Here is my next technique which I have fallen in absolute love...

I have used acrylic, black felt purchased from my local craft store. In my embroidery software, I have created a border using one of the decorative buttonhole stitches on a repeat design. I had never thought of doing this until I saw it in this book. Love it. Oh, and I stitched it in that same metallic copper thread that I used earlier. Then I used my heat gun and melted some of the felt down to create this lacy looking border. Then stitched it onto my bookcover.

My next goal is to make some cording to wrap around and create some kinda closure. Maybe add a tassel. Don't know yet.

You can head on over to mom's blog at Glenda Bailey's Blog to check out her progress. She is about as far along as I am which is funny because I have a tendency to work a lot faster than her. She is making a beautiful lacy bookcover. It will be awesome to see how different ours are in the end.

Step 1- Making my background

2011-08-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

So here is the start of my journal cover. I have having a really fun time with this challenge. I have adhered acrylic black felt to duck cloth for a really sturdy, stiff background. Then I dug through my stash of monoprinted papers, decorative fabrics, monoprinted fabrics, dyed scrim and cheesecloth and layed it all down on my base. I then layed a piece of gold tulle over the top and pinned it down and sewed the lines over the top using black thread. Over the top of this I have used a washed down gesso and painted over the top.

It is time for a Challenge!

2011-08-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

So for a while now, mom and I have been talking about doing little challenges with each other. We thought that with all the books and magazines that we both have, it would be fun to pick a resource and make a project in it. It would be motivation to try new things and to see what directions we both seem to go.

We decided to choose this book about edges and finishes in machine embroidery. It is a really fantastic book with lots of eye candy. I am excited to get started. I am going to post pics of my progress and hope to finish within the two weeks that we have set as a deadline.

Mom is going to do the same so if you are interested in checking out her progress, you can visit her blog at Glenda Bailey's Blog

A horse

2010-12-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

I have been able to play around with encaustics a little. I decided to take this vintage pic of a horse and overlay it using some darkroom techniques. I created the background, poured encaustic wax over that and then created the horse image on top. It makes for a soft vintage feeling on the background.

2010-09-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

This is a little whimsical for me but I totally enjoyed working with the bird image, the stitching and the colors on fabric.

Image transfer on muslin

2010-09-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is an inkjet photo image transfer onto mulsin. I then added a stamped image over the top and distressed the edges with ink. It was then wrapped in scrim and framed. I love image transfers.

Going abstract

2010-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try my hand at abstract art for a while but have been extremely intimidated by it for some reason. So, I finally decided to try it out and found it to be extremely liberating. This is just my first. I know that I have a ton of improvement but that will come with time.

2010-06-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the first couple of days of summer break have been a blast. I have made up a schedule for me and the kids and it is really working out well. They know exactly what we are doing for the day and around what time we will do it. I don't know why I did not do this years ago. I don't know how much creative time I will get for the next couple of months but, I know that lasting memories are on there way!

Just finished this canvas last week. I have been working on it for a while. The cross is made of clay and is similar to the technique that I did on HGTV. I am really pleased with the way it turned out. I am most definitely going to have to play around more with paper clay. I usually use the clay that you bake but, it is nice to use airdry clay since it is summer and my studio can get pretty warm. This is a 15" by 30" canvas.

My little stars

2010-05-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

It is getting hot in Texas already and school has one more week to go before summer break is official. The kiddos and I are so excited to get a break from homework. And after the teacher's meeting yesterday where she told me that homework is going to be heavier next year, we are ready for a break. I am setting up a weekly schedule this summer for my own sanity. I think if I make a plan for every day, they won't feel like they have to "pester" me with the "can we do....... today?" questions. It will also be fun to get them to participate in the planning and rewards system.

This is my little stars canvas. Lots of layers and I used a photo that I actually developed in the darkroom from my own film. I am loving the beginning to end process. The three stars represent my babies. One for the pregnancy that I lost many years ago but never forgotten.

2010-05-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy the last few months. I have not found much time to do anything but play around in the darkroom some. I have a lot to learn but it is going to be a fun process of learning. I am finding myself needing a journal to write in while out and about. This is my answer. Fun to make and quick and fits in a little purse.

It's the Unknowing

2010-03-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

I finished this piece this week after having the idea for a while. The photo was taken in Italy on the trip we took a couple of years ago. I already want to go back. It was awesome. My hubby made fun of me for taking pics of doors and buildings but, now I am glad that I did.

My inspiration, I am feeling like it is difficult for me to open the new doors in my life because I am never certain what lies on the other side. It is always the unknowing that makes me linger outside.

Playing with paints

2010-02-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been in the darkroom a lot lately trying to learn my way around. It has truly been some of the most fun that I have had in a long while. I have been experimenting with fabric and some other fun things. I still have not perfected anything that I can show but hopefully I can work out the kinks and share before too long.

So in the meantime, I have been playing around with paints. This is a 12" by 12" hard board canvas that I finished this week. Looks great on my studio wall.

My goal now is to finish a clay boardered mirror before it gets too hot to turn the clay oven on. Living in Texas, sometimes, I have to chose the project according to he weather. It gets stinkin hot around here and the oven is not something that you want adding heat to an already hot upstairs studio room.

Better later than never

2010-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I seem to have forgotten that when you work with contracters, nothing seems to go according to schedule. But I am happy to say that my house is now quiet and my new darkroom "skeleton" is now in place. To keep costs down, I negotiated to lay the floor, install my own sink, and mud and paint the walls. Fortunately for me, I have a father who knows how to do all of these things and has offered to come over and teach and help me do this stuff. So while it is not totally finished it is so awesome to finally have everyting in place.

I can hardly wait to start working in here.

Their Coming Tomorrow!!!!!

2010-01-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

I know that this photo might appear to be an odd addition to my little blog but by tomorrow, this will be the beginnings of my new darkroom. This is actually on the other side of my "room" in the attic. We have a really great contractor coming to move wires, air ducts and beams and build a very basic room. I have been saving like crazy for this little room since he came a year and a half ago and built our porch. I asked him then if he could build a darkroom which he thought was a strange request but was very open to the idea.

It will be such a luxury to not have to tear down and build a make shift darkroom in the bathroom. Dealing with the leaking light, dog and cat hair and the kiddos coming in and out when they pleased made the bathroom extremely difficult which is why I have been putting off all of my film explorations.

I am so excited I can barely contain myself. I will post pictures later with some of their progress.

Embroidering onto Fabric Paper

2010-01-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to take supplies that I already have and use them together in a new way. Several years ago I scrimped and saved to purchase an embroidery machine. One of the best purchases that I have made ever!

I have these very skinny walls in between the windows in my "room". I found some canvases that fit perfectly just had to decided what to put on them.
So, I made some paper fabric, embroidered the letters onto it and mounted it onto the canvases. Turned out really nice. And I was really surprised how easy the embroidery machine worked on the paper fabric. I "babysat" the machine the whole time it ran worrying that it might get mad about stitching on such a foreign thing, but it worked out fine. I am going to have to explore this a little more.

Fun with Aluminum Foil

2010-01-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

So this is something that I have been working on for a little while. I know that we are all encouraging everyone to be more green and reuse things that we have for repurposing. Well, I love jewelry of all kinds especially the pieces that I make myself. So, I was in the kitchen one day cleaning up after dinner and noticed the aluminum foil sitting on the counter. I took it to my "room" and out came this really great necklace. I am crazy about it. Just had to add a washer to the back for some weight. I will probably be making this in every possible color, maybe a ring, or earrings.

Time to play with wax!

2010-01-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

I have decided after watching my mom use wax for a while to try it out. And I gotta tell ya, it is so fun. It is a great way to add texture on the top of something and still be translucent for the image underneath. The way it smells is nice too. This is definitely going to be something that I will play around with some more.

New Year's Resolutions!

2010-01-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

So I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but this year I have decided to jump in with a couple that I think will help along my creative process which has been in a little bit of a slump due to other duties in my life that have come up lately.
I am excited about what this year is going to bring. So what are my new resolutions????

First, I am going to start keeping a more serious art journal. I have been keeping one for a while now but always have the expectation that it should look like a finished piece of art instead of what it is meant for and that is an idea book. It is really only meant for my own personal "jumping off" anyway. And I want to jump back in on my blogging which I consider an extension of an art journal.

Second, I have been fortunate enough to inherit a wonderful Pentax ME Super from my late grandfather. It is a fantastic 35mm with a few great lenses. I have had in interest in photography but this is the year that I intend to learn how to take the manual off my cameras and explore the creative process through the lens. I also want to process my own prints.

That's it. I think those will be good starting points for me for right now. Some times it is difficult to keep my life straight with two kiddos, homework, housework, church stuff, animals, a husband, etc, and also make time for my creative side. I am hoping this will all help.

Oh, this pick is of my and my "little artist" an New Year's Eve. Just a few days ago.

Mind Wide Open Challenge - All Dressed Up

2008-10-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have found a new site through my mother called Mind Wide Open. Go over and take a look if you have never been there. It is a great group of people and artists. I decided to take a chance and enter. I just absolutely loved the photo that we were supposed to use. These two little ones are adorable. This is a 8" by 10" gallery wrapped canvas that is 1 1/2" in depth.

My kiddos!

2008-10-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is a 10" by 10" canvas that I created using a pic of my kiddos. It was difficult to get them to sit so close to each other but, I finally got a pretty good one. I have the perfect place for it in a little nook in a hallway. Love it.

Well, things are finally starting to slow down for me and get regulated. I am completely thrilled that I am finally getting some time to sit down and be creative. I am planning on getting some things listed on etsy this week. I am excited to jump back in. It is about time. I am anxious to start particpating in Mixed Media Mondays and some other sites again!

Gallery exhibit

2008-09-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am posting some photos and the newspaper article about the gallery exhibit that both mom and I are having this month in Texas.

Mixed Media Mondays - Sunshine Dance Girls

2008-06-30T15:07:00.001-07:00

This is my submission for MMM. The theme is dance and I ran across this picture of these little girls who look like they are about to perform a dance routine.

We are headed to visit my hubby's sister in Colorado for the holiday. So, I will be gone for a while. Hopefully, I can get some really good pics while we are there. I have only been once and that was way back in college. I just remember that it smelled good there.

Finally finished something

2008-06-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I finally got a canvas done today. I am so tickled to finally get something finished. Lately, I have started several things and just not finished them. I ordered some new paints and was eager to get them open and used. I think sometimes it is easy to get bogged down with a rut. This is a 6" by 6" cradled canvas. I will be listing it on my etsy site.

Anyway, the summer is going pretty good. I did start a schedule for the kids which has been great for them and more of a challenge for me. I am just not a schedule girl. But to see how well the kids do on a schedule helps me. It is starting to get REALLY hot here in Texas which means no time outside which I don't like. And time is starting to count down to the Italy trip. I am so excited and almost ready to go. I plan on taking a ton of pics.

Needle felted cell phone case

2008-06-10T10:02:00.001-07:00

I have decided to explore some different mediums until I find my muse again. I always forget that when I do this blah thing, it is good for me to just dive in and start playing with different stuff until I find what directions I want to do in.

For this cute little cell phone case I pulled out all of my roving and my needle felting machine. It was so fun to make. As you can imagine it is only about 2 1-2" by approximately 4 1-2". I think it will look dandy hanging on my purse. It is so my colors!

Banner for my little one

2008-06-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

I have found myself increasingly uncreative lately. I am not sure why. At first I contributed it to being gone for a week and out of my rountine. Now, I am not so sure. So, I have decided to switch gears and do something different. Two years ago I saved up and got an embroidery machine. I use it extensively during the holiday season for teacher's gift and such. I have had so many ideas running around in my head. Stuff to do for the kid's rooms and clothing. So, this is my first change in course. I created a banner for Alexis' room using some scrap fabric that I had laying around. Then I streamed it over her window valance. She was so excited about it. I think I need to center it a little better but, I was just too excited to see it up and take a pic. I am anxiously awaiting the final name for our new little neighbor so, I can make one for him too (hint, hint Dambers).

Mixed Media Mondays - Bingo

2008-06-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought that I would be crazy busy with the kids home and I was right. But among the chaos though , I have had the chance to host Mixed Media Mondays. I have chosen the theme Bingo. I figured it was pretty open for interpretation. I can't wait to see what everyone does. And thanks Diane. You are a sweetie and a pleasure to talk to!

News from Sew Somerset!

2008-05-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we are finally back from our trip to Cabo San Lucas. The weather was very pretty but I must admit it is so nice to be home. I know that getting back into a routine is going to have to take a few days but, I look forward to it. I missed the kiddos terribly. I know it was only a week but, I think they both grew a ton while we were gone.

I did have a nice surprise in the mail for me upon arriving last night. A few months back Sew Somerset contacted me about some work that mom and I had submitted and wanted an article. So I got to see it for the first time last night. It was a great treat after being gone. I have included pics. The magazine itself is filled with wonderfully inspiring work from many artists. One of those magazines that will be added to my library of inspiration. I am not sure it is on the stands yet but be sure to check it out!

Me, I have a ton of laundry to catch up on but am dying to sit in my studio and start working. It is hard to not be creative for a long period of time so, I can't wait to get started.

Mixed Media Mondays - Hats

2008-04-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my little piece for hats. I love this picture. This little thing looks like she is shopping for her new Sunday hat. Too cute.

I am back but things are still pretty hectic. The kids had a great time staying with the neighbors but now are settling down into our weekly routine. But, we have to start gearing up for the next trip which is in two weeks. It will be Cody's business trip. So, more work less play.

Baby in Bathtub

2008-04-15T12:47:00.001-07:00

I finished this little piece today. It is only 4" by 4" but it is adorable. I just love this picture of the baby in the bathtub. Too cute. I have this listed in my etsy store.

Things are starting to get busy here at our house. We have a few trips planned over the next few weeks so I am probably going to be quiet for a while. I also got a new camera that is going to be a challenge to learn to use. I am going to have to study the book for a while.

Mixed Media Mondays - Girls and Dolls

2008-04-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty busy lately with kiddo stuff ie... soccer and school testing. We are going outta town this weekend to Cody's alumni reunion. That should be a lot of fun but more traveling. In a few weeks we have his anual business trip. It is my chance to be the good business wife ( which I stink at ).

But, I did get to participate in the MMM challenge. My mom got the honor of hosting and picking the theme. Girls and dolls. So this is the little piece that I did. It is a 6" by 6" cradled canvas . The glue is not quite dry but I was anxious to put it up.

One more for the day

2008-03-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

One more for the day. I could not resist this. I wanted to take advantage of the daisy before it wilted! And then I caught my little photographer with his newly given camera.

Pink Lady

2008-03-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

Here is another TTV. I decided to incorporate into a mixed media project. The original photo is on the far right. The other two are photos of a 4" by 4" gallery wrapped canvas. I made a gel transfer of the flower image onto it. I then painted the sides black to match the black border that is always on the TTV photos. The transfer not only softens up the pic but also adds character with the white spots. As with most transfer processes you never get a completely perfect image. I guess if you did why do it at all. I will be doing more of these. Love them. I just have to round up some more canvas.

Yellow and Pink

2008-03-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Playing around again today. I just love this technique. The way it is a little blurry and dirty.

Exploring Photography

2008-03-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered that I have an interest in photography. I think that it might be a natural progression for someone who uses photos in their artwork to eventually be interested in using their own photos. This is a really cool technique called Through the Viewfinder. This is one of my very first tries and I can see that I have a lot of improving but I am having a blast trying. This is of a bloom on a neighbors tree. It has been so windy lately that I have not gotten out too much to take any more.

Back into a schedule

2008-03-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

It is always so hard to get back into a regular schedule after going on a vacation. We had such a good time at Sea World. It always seems to go by so fast. The kiddos are already wanting to talk about when we are going back. But for now, we are getting into the routine of school and soccer games. I was hoping to have time to do the MMM challenge but don't think I will be able to jump in until next week. I gotta unpack the RV and do laundry like a mad woman in order to catch up.

Off to Sea World

2008-03-18T12:01:00.001-07:00

We are off to Sea World tomorrow morning so things will be pretty quiet around here this week. I am hoping to be all charged up and ready to jump back in next week. Hope everyone has a great Spring Break!

My baby loves to take pics!

2008-03-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

So just recently Bailey (my soon to be 7 year old ) has asked for a camera. And I gotta tell ya, he takes the best pictures. I don't know if it is because he just randomly takes them or because he has a natural nack. This picture is more of the silly random ones but I thought it was pretty cute. I am thinking that maybe I should go ahead and give the little guy a "real" camera and let him go for it.

Crackle?

2008-03-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Surprise, another angel. I know....not a big shocker! I am trying to find a good crackle medium and don't seem to be having much luck. This is that Tim Holtz stuff. I don't know if it was intended for this or not. I think it is too shiny and raised. But, I still like the piece. It is a 9" by 9" gallery wrapped canvas that is 1 1/2" deep.

Probably won't be on much in the next few days. Next week is Spring Break and, we are gearing up for Sea World. The kids ask every day ( few times a day ) if it is time to go because they want to feed the dolphins. If you have ever been there they have this huge tank and if you buy a little tray of fish you can actually feed the dolphins. They get super close too. It is amazing. I am usually a nervous wreck. Trying to keep the kids from falling in. I don't know if that has ever happened to anyone.

Mixing it up

2008-03-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

I decided to mix it up a little today and pull out my fabric stash. This is one of my favorite techniques to do using an embellishing machine and punching the little fabric squares down. Then stitch over the top using a decorative stitch. I then added fibers to the side. I thought it would be fun to make it a hanging quiltie. I have listed it in my http://alishafredrickson.etsy.com/ store.

Mixed Media Mondays - Purple and Gold

2008-03-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

It was a crazy weekend. I have barely had a minute to sit down to do anything let alone make anything. I was happy to steal some time today.
The theme for MMM is gold and purple. I thought it would be tough for me but it actually was not. I started with some metallic paper and added some soft purple paint, water and then some walnut ink crystals. Oh, and it is on one of those wood canvases. LOVE THEM!!!!!! It is 6" by 6".

It happened again!

2008-03-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

It snowed again yesterday! We did not get alot but, the kids were sooooo happy. As soon as we got enought to start throwing snowballs, making snow angels and making a snowman, we headed outside. So Alexis did finally get to make her snowman after all. And even if he was kinda pathetic looking, they were both so proud. You can tell that they are Texas kids. They got pretty cold pretty fast. So as soon as all the fun stuff was over they were in the bath warming up. It was great fun. And look in the background.

Theme Thursday Challenge - Paris

2008-03-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed MMM so much that I have decided to jump in and participate with Theme Thursday. The theme this week is Paris which is always a good one to work with. This is a 5" by 7" gallery wrapped canvas that I have collaged onto, added a gold leaf and then made a transfer over the top. I will be listing this on my http://alishafredrickson.etsy.com/ site later. I was anxious to get it up and it is not quite dry yet. And I am getting ready to run out the door to collect both kids at their different schools. Good ole Texas weather again has decided to bring us an ice storm. Maybe we will get enough snow for my baby girl to finally get to make her snowman.

Big Trip Coming

2008-03-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

I think that I have totally fallen in love with the 5" by 5" canvases. This is another little one that I finished today. I absolutely Love this picture. Sweet!

Well, it is now official and I can't back out. My hubby and are are going to go to Venice and Vienna for our 10 year anniversary. I figure we will probably never go again. I am looking forward to it now but, it took me some time to warm up to the idea. About seven years ago I swore to myself that I would never leave the country again. This was only after a trip to the Bahamas where I unfortunately had a very bad miscarriage. And believe me, you don't want to visit the hospital there. At least not on the island that we were on.

But it is a new day. And I think that it would be an incredible situation at this point in my life when I can look through eyes of an artist.

We had snow last night!!!!

2008-03-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. We actually had snow last night. I let the kids stay up a little late because they were predicting snow. I was not really sure it would happen. I mean, I have not seen snow in a few years. So, we were reading and I decided to look out the back door. Low and behold, it was coming down fast and furious. I have never heard the kids giggle so much about the weather. We opened up the door and gathered some up to make little balls to throw. And after a little time and very cold hands, I put them to bed. Unfortunately, I woke up this morning to absolutely NO SNOW. It melted that fast. Crazy. It was super sad was Alexis jumped outta bed and to the back door only to begin crying. When I asked her what was wrong she said that she wanted to build a snowman. Adorable. Bailey only asked if school was canceled.

This is a piece that I just finished. I am enjoying layering up on canvases and canvas board. Kinda like a frame. This is a transfer of a great statue. I also added some paper flourishes to the base canvas board

Mixed Media Mondays - Music

2008-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

I did this little wooden window for the challenge on Mixed Media Mondays. These cute little windows were found on the isle at the craft store with all of the doll houses. I think that is an art form that seems to have died down some. It is a shame since I am sure it was costly and very time consuming but well worth it all.

I stained the wood, added a background with papers and sheet music, stamped and added the photo and other embellishments. I love the way the girl looks like she is looking out the window. The quote says "She sings the song in her heart".

Bishop's Key

2008-02-29T11:30:00.001-08:00

I had fun making this cute little thing. I covered a 5" by 5" gallery wrapped canvas with clay, stamped into it and then dyed it with walnut ink to make it look like wood. I then added the panel covered in ledger paper. The name on the top says Bishop. The key is I believe a clock key. It is really old and rusty. Love it! I finished it off by adding a little wire hanger. I am going to be listing it on my new etsy site today if you would like to take a look.

Hey, did everyone see the etsy founder on Martha Stewart show today. It is always fun to see etsy in the news but this is great. If you have not visited http://etsy.com before, go and check it out. I love looking to see what other people across the globe are creating!!!!

My New Etsy Store!!!!

2008-02-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have excited news! I am opening my very own http://www.alishafredrickson.etsy.com/ store. I am venturing out on my own after selling along side of my mother with http://www.twocooltexans.etsy store. I know that it might be difficult to start out with a clean sheet but I think I am up for the challenge. It will be good for me to be more consistent in my creative production anyway. I will still be listing on twocooltexans.

So be sure to go check out both stores for upcoming artwork and creativity!!!

Back again today!

2008-02-26T16:17:00.001-08:00

I was a lucky girl today and got to fit in a little extra creative time. Both kiddos were at school today and my hubby called and said we were headed out to dinner with the neighbors. So I stole some extra time that would have been done doing something else. Yeah! I am glad because I want to switch gears tomorrow and work on some other things.

And thanks to all of the very lovely and friendly gals at the mixed media mondays group. You are all very talented and fun to share with. Lots of inspiration!!!!

Mixed media Mondays - School

2008-02-26T10:51:00.001-08:00

So Mixed Media Monday's challenge was school. I was not sure what I wanted to do until I saw this picture of this little girl giving what I would say is "the what for" to this very patient looking dog. That is why I am calling this Obedience School. I created the background using lined school paper and paper that I painted using acrylics. This is a 5" by 5" gallery wrapped canvas. I have also wrapped it in black ribbon that has letters on it.

I hope everyone is enjoying beautiful weather like we are. We will see how long it decides to stick around!

I think I am ready for spring!

2008-02-25T13:56:00.000-08:00

It is actually warm here in good ole' Texas today. It is like in the 80's. I can't believe it. And I think that it has put me in the mood for spring. I am ready to start taking more flower pictures and getting ready for our spring break trip.

We have decided to head to San Antonio again for Sea World. We had the BEST time a couple of years ago. We, of course, take the RV down loaded up with all of the crew ( kids and dogs ). I know the kids will enjoy it more just because they are older. I will make a confession, everytime we watch the orca whale show, I cry. There is just something about their size and their beauty that seems to get me all weepy. Sad, I know.

So, with my spring fever today I decided to do some flower pieces. I am sure there will be more in the near future until I decide to move on to something else. This piece is 5" by 5" gallery wrapped canvas. I have made a really light and airy flower transfer onto old ledger paper. I then distressed it with some slash marks and added texture. I will be listing this piece on etsy.

Wings

2008-02-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

So for the most part, I don't have the attention span to work and practice to learn something for months. But, I have worked so hard on learning to do large transfers. I think that I might actually have it down. It has taken many, many wrongs and throw aways. This is a 12" by 12" gallery wrapped canvas. It has already found a home on my walls. I will be selling some soon at our etsy store but, I just have to celebrate with keeping the first one for myself.

Christmas Mustache!

2008-02-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

Here is one of my latest layouts. I am a whole year behind and am going to try really, really hard to catch up. These pics were taken Christmas morning. I had purchased these cute little cups that froth milk. I made both kids hot chocolate and made them all frothie. Bailey was not overly interested seeing as how it was Christmas morning but, Alexis loved it. She was so cute I had to capture the moment. She did not even realize that her mustache was what we were laughing at. She just thought that the drink was the best she had ever had.

2008-02-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I loved the piece I made yesterday so much that I decided to make another one. This one is the same style and technique. The only difference is that I used a gallery wrapped canvas for the base instead of a canvas board. This allowed me to wrap the clay around the canvas. I just love it. The threes were transfered onto an old hymnal page. The song on the page is A Spring Morning. It was perfect for this image of the two trees.
I just had one of those moments where your heart stops beating and you realize what could have happened. I came home after picking up both kids from school and running to the store to get something for dinner. When we walked in I heard the sound of my cat screaming. It was muffled but very loud considering I heard it over the kids talking and running around. It was not hard to find her. She was outside!!!!!!! Actually, she was at the back window looking in the house. She had to have sneaked out when I had the door open for the dogs earlier. She has NEVER ever gone outside with the door open before. She is of course, an only inside girl. And I must admit, I baby her quite a bit. Mostly because she really only loves me out of everyone and because of her terrible past.
We got her when she was only 8 weeks old. But when she was 6 weeks old, she was found bound by her back legs tied to the ceiling of a basement being used as bait for a dog fight. Terrible, I know. She is a happy girl for the most part. Sometimes her back legs don't work very well and give out when she runs. And unlike other cats, she cannot jump very high. She can jump on the bed to snuggle at night but can't jump on things that are high like countertops. I also have to have a very unusual set up with the cat box. Often times she thinks that she is in it but in reality her little back side is hanging out of the box. So you can imagine the mess and smell that I often deal with on a daily basis.
But besides all of the bad things, she is a really happy go lucky girl. She is tolerant of the kids and the dogs. So, my heart would be broken if she would have run off. I guess she knows to stay close to home. Thank you Lord for taking care of her when I was careless!

Mixed media Mondays - Texture

2008-02-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is my offering for Mixed Media Mondays. The theme is texture which is always a fun thing to incorporate into artwork. So, I decided to do two of my all-time favorite things together, angels and clay. I have gotten to a point where I would like to frame some of the pieces tha I make but cannot find an appropriate frame. So, I decided to make my own. This is only the first one that I have done like this but, I would like to explore this a little more. I love how rich it looks. I am so glad that mom talked me into doing these challenges!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy this week with Valentine's Day. I had 32 Valentines to make with two very helpful little helpers which ultimately ended up being more work. But it was a blast to do it with them. I also had two parties to attend and help out with. So, my creative work has been at a stand still for this week. At least so far.
I have also committed to do at least one scrapbook layout a week. I am ashamed to say that I have gotten a whole year behind. Now, scrapbooking is not my favorite thing to do but, everytime my kiddos pull those books out to look at, their eyes light up and they talk about each picture and the story follows. The books are such a treasure and I need to get myself in gear and catch up before it becomes hopeless. I will try to upload some for show and tell. Just a warning, they are likely to be cutsey.
So, I am off to make the hubby a card.

Mixed Media Mondays

2008-02-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

Well, it is like 80 degrees here in Texas. Now, I love it here but, I am not crazy about the drastic weather changes. It is well known that you never put away your shorts or your sweaters because the weather will change that quickly. The past few weeks have been proof of that.

Here is my offering for the Mixed Media Monday Challenge which was Flourishes. This was easy for me to do just because I have been pretty stoked by flourishes lately. I designed and cut out this white one. This picture has been sitting on my table for a while. I really like her. Probably because of the long red hair.

My little bro

2008-01-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

My father took this with his cell phone when we went out to celebrate Alexis' birthday. This is of course, me and my little brother. It gave me such a giggle. I don't think that I have ever taken a serious photo with him. Love ya JAX!

Nature is the art of God

2008-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Mom has encouraged me to work with beeswax again. I played with it when Claudine Hellmuth's book first came out. I have all the stuff. I just have not touched it for a while. So mom told me to join a group called Step Outside Your Box Saturdays. I messed up though because we are not supposed to have any flourishes on our piece. I will have to start over tomorrow with a different piece. My bad. I should have looked closer at the instructions.

For this piece I made an inkjet transfer onto ledger paper. It is a beautiful flower that is truly an artwork of God. I added two flourishes that I designed and cut. I then added the saying "Nature is the art of God". I love the way this turned out. It is only 4"by 6". I have yet to decide whether I am going to mount it onto a canvas. We will see.

Look who turned 3

2008-01-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pics from my baby's 3rd birthday. I told her she is not a baby anymore and that it made me kinda sad. So, now every day she has to tell me that I am sad cause she not a baby any more. Too cute!

Mom and Dad got her a big girl bike. Truthfully, it is way too big but, she could care less. She is just excited that her bike is as big as her brothers now.

Still freezing in Texas

2008-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

It is soooooo cold here in Texas. So, we are spending a lot of time indoors. I know the kids are ready for it to warm up. My 6 year old has already asked me when he can start wearing short sleeves and shorts again. This is the kid that runs upstairs to change into summer clothes everytime he comes home from school. And every morning I have to explain to him that he must wear appropriate clothing for the temperature outside.

I have been having so much fun making and designing little scroll die cuts. For this piece I made a inkjet transfer onto ledger paper. It is a 5" by 7" canvas with a wooden dowel added to the side with some beautiful fibers. I love this girl.

Little Clay Bird with Flourishes

2008-01-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

I just absolutely love these little birdies. I did one like this not too long ago and everytime I looked at it, it gave me a little smile. It is just one of those feel good pieces. So, when it sold, I just had to made another one. This one has some white die cut flourishes that I designed and cut out. They add a nice touch to the piece. Anyway, this little guy is going to be put on etsy tonight.

It is 4" by 4" gallery wrapped. The bird is made out of polymer clay and then dyed with inks and paints and assembled onto the canvas. I should have taken a side shot of it because it is dimensional.

Another little felted piece

2008-01-18T11:40:00.000-08:00

It is super cold today in Texas. I was beginning to think that we were not going to really have a winter. Everyone was wearing shorts at Christmas. So, it is kinda fun to still be working with the wool roving.

This one I decided to use some blue roving to make the flowers. It is a little bigger than the one from yesterday. I am going to just make this one into a quiltie. It could be displayed as a wall hanging. I am enjoying all of the textures and colors. I will be listing this on etsy soon.

Gotta love the felting!

2008-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

I am back on the felting trail. There is still a lot of experimentation for me with these techniques. So for this piece, I started with wet felting the background, stitching over the top and then adding embellishments with needle felting. I have to admit that I bought an embellishing machine last year and did not touch it much. Now I am so glad that I did. It really helps with making sure that everything is down and in place securely ( and quickly ). So, mark that off as one of the things that I purchased that was not a total and complete waist.

I have mounted it onto a 5" by 7" gallery wrapped canvas that has been covered in green wool felt.

This piece will be listed on our etsy site.

Experimenting!

2008-01-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

It is so like me to jump around from doing one thing to another. Keeps me from getting bored I guess. And it makes me happy. So this piece I did using a completely new technique. It has taken a lot of time and experimentation to get it down but, I think that it is finally all coming together.
I love the softness of the cross image. At first when I did the cross I was unhappy with it because I did not think it was dark enough so, I put it to the side for a little while. When I looked at it again I was inspired to put the quote on it. Sometimes in our walk we have to look a little harder. The answers are not always completely clear and easy to find. The good news is if we will just seek God, we will find what we are looking for.
I love the way this turned out!

Felting Fun!

2008-01-07T11:06:00.001-08:00

Well, I broke out the felting. I decided to make something more functional. I saw a little notepad holder than mom had purchased. It was made of fabric but basically the same concept as this little one. I needle felted the branches and two little blue birds on there and then added a lining that has two pockets. One for a notepad and another for notes. It also has a little spot for a pen. It is just two cute. I have already started on some more with flowers. This will be listed on our etsy site.

I am still here!

2008-01-05T09:20:00.001-08:00

Things have been crazy these past few months. I know I have disappeared from my blog. It always seems to go that way around the holidays for me. I am anxious to start the new year with some new directions. I have been experimenting with a new technique and hope to get some samples up very soon. It is a longer process than I am used to but worth all the time.
I am also excited to get working on needle felting again. I experimented a little last year and even bought a machine. I am sooooo eager to start that again. Felting is so big right now and I am so glad about that.
I wish everyone a very creative and healthy year!!!!!

Clay bird on Canvas

2007-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

I had fun doing this yesterday. Of course, one of my all time favorites is clay. This will be listed in our etsy site.

Sale!

2007-09-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Mom and I have decided that it is time for a sale!!!!! Go to our etsy site and mention that you saw a sale on my blog, you can save 20% on all of the items in our Etsy store starting today and ending September 15th. We have to buy lots more canvases and paints for some committments, so we decided that a sale might be in order. Be sure to mention my blog sale and wait for an adjusted invoice to be sent to you reflecting the sale.

August 27

2007-08-27T15:14:00.001-07:00

I have been working on some gallery pieces lately. This was going to be one of them but, now it has found its way onto my living room wall. I love the deep colors. This is still me playing around though. I love experimenting to see what happens. This was a transfer onto muslin.

2007-08-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this little canvas laying on my table today and thought that I would give it a new look. We have been dealing with some kinda icky sickness at my house for the past two weeks and needless to say, I have not done much creating. I took advantage of Cody being around and stole some time in my room. I have been playing around with a few new technique and experimenting. Much like the canvas I did with the two kiddos, this little one uses the same techniques just different style. Less scrapbook. I love the way it turned out. I could not even wait for everything to dry before taking this photo. I used a 4" by 6" canvas board. It is sitting on my mantle. I don't know if that is it's permanent home yet. We will see.

2007-08-06T20:28:00.001-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
twocooltexans

August 6, I am still alive!

2007-08-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have been so quiet lately. I know it is because there just has not been a lot of time to create the past couple of months with all the summer activities going on and the kids being home. I finally told them today that it was Mommy's turn to sit and do something in her room. It was still difficult but I did get some experimenting done. Then worked on a piece for Cody to take to work. I used an Easter picture because I was feeling the blue and green. It was good to sit down and get gel medium and gesso all over my fingers. School is starting soon and I am looking forward to getting back into a routine!

Finally Back!!! July 9

2007-07-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, we are finally back from vacation. I can honestly say that I could not be happier. I am such a home body. It was fun but hard to be away that long. I think eight days might be too long to be away. This is a cute pic that Cody took of me and the kids in St. Louis. I am anxious to start creating. I took some great pics of unusual trees while I was gone and added to my Queen's Ann Lace collection. The people we visited thought it was hilarious that I was out on the gravel road with a phone book collecting weeds and taking pictures of their trees. It was funny.

Sale at the twocooltexans etsy site!!!!

2007-06-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining in Texas. We are so darn excited that we wanted to celebrate in some way. Soooooo........TwoCoolTexans Etsy site is having a sale. 20% off all store items. You can find us at www.twocooltexans.etsy.com. Just put in the comments section when you check out "Yes, I want 20% off" and we will send a corrected invoice. Sale ends July 8th.

New Classes

2007-06-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Mom and I have decided to teach some new classes at Stamp Asylum in Plano. Mom is going to teach a class---collage onto postcards. She will teach different styles and techniques and will use this smaller palette which is not so intimidating. She is still the master of collage. I am going to teach a class on my clay collage. We always try to make the class fun so if you are in the area, swing by and take a class. We are not going to be on the schedule till this fall but make sure that you call the store to reserve your spot!

June , Finished commission piece

2007-06-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

I finished up this commission piece. I needed to get it done before we leave. This is an anniversary gift to a couple from their grandson. It was their wedding photo. I just love the feel of it with all the vintage papers.

We miss you Daddy!

2007-06-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

Daddy, come home soon!!!!!!!!

Pretty quiet lately!

2007-06-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty busy lately getting ready to go on vacation. Hopefully, I will come back with lots of ideas.

June 13, Playing around with the kids!

2007-06-13T13:07:00.001-07:00

Anytime I pull out the paints, the kids ask me if they can play too. So, I figured that it would be fun to color some paper towels with watercolors. They had so much fun. Alexis used up almost two whole bottles of color. The best was how bad their hands got. I took this pic before it got really bad. I am so pleased to see them get so excited about color and experimenting. I need to take some lessons from Bailey about color. He seems to have a natural eye for them. When we were done, I told him that it was his TV time. He said that he wanted to paint more because it was more fun. My baby! Gotta love him.

June 11, Summer is definitely here!

2007-06-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

It has finally started to heat up here in Texas. We have been lucky for the past few weeks but now it has caught up with us. I am trying to take advantage of sending the kids outside as much as possible but, it is hard to see them enjoy it when they come inside all red in the face and sweaty. The sand from the sandbox sticks to every part of their little sweaty bodies. Needless to say, I have to do more vacuuming as of late.
I am having a hard time finding "play time". So I try really hard to sneak it in whenever possible. I am still having a blast playing with this felting machine. There is so much possibility with it. This is a little piece that I did today using the punched fabric and then cut it into a house shape and embellished. It is so cute. I am going to have to learn to stay up later when everyone is asleep.

Back again!!!

2007-06-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

I am having so much fun making these mini art quilts. There is just something liberating about punching the fabric down randomly. I got this little quilty done today. I really like it. This piece will be listed on etsy.

June 9

2007-06-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I decided to finally go ahead and purchase a felting machine. Mom loves her so much and I figured I would like it too. I played around with it using fabric scraps that I had from a class. It was so much fun to just sit there and punch all of these little pieces. I love how rich all of the textures and colors look. I then stipple stitched on top of it to secure it all down. Then, I decided to make an art quilt out of it. I will be listing this piece on etsy.

June 6

2007-06-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Lookie, mom got a beautiful layout in Somerset Gallery! It is so gorgeous with all of the rich colors. And I love what they called it Messages of Hope.

June 5, Art-e-zine feature

2007-06-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

I contacted Gillian at art-e-zine and she was kind enough to feature my clay technique on her website. It is really cool to see so many pieces up and together like that. I am honored that she gave me the opportunity. Thanks again Gillian!!!!
Go visit the site at http://art-e-zine.co.uk/aliclay.html

May 31

2007-05-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous to see myself on TV. I know that I am all shaky and nervous and goofy. I have been working really hard on getting some stuff ready for the etsy store. I uploaded several of my canvases and then called mom. She is so funny, she told me to take one of them down because she wanted it. It is the one in the photo. I actually considered keeping it myself just because the woman look redheaded. I love all stuff that have redheads. So, it is really funny that this is the one that she liked the most because it is the one that I loved the most.

May 30

2007-05-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

School is over and, summer has begun. I am thankful. These past couple of weeks have been non-stop running. The last day of school was hard for me. Bailey and Alexis did not seem to even know that anything was going on. For me, it is amazing to think that my first baby is now going to start first grade. Time has gone by so fast.

I have been working with clay a lot lately. I have made several canvases for etsy using this clay technique. This was a fun one that I did using a vintage pic and a clay staircase. It looks like they are posing for Easter pictures in the family home. I added some brass buttons and a brass corner. Look for this piece on etsy.

2007-05-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is cool. Mom just showed me how to add pics of our etsy shop to my blog. I love it. Mom is such a clever girl!!! Thanks, Mom!!

May 18

2007-05-18T16:45:00.001-07:00

We have still been pretty busy around here. Feels a little crazy. One thing that is over is soccer. I have to admit that I am a little sad that we don't have a game to go to tomorrow. Bailey has already started asking when the next season will start. He is going to miss it this summer.

I have uploaded pics of a canvas that I just finished today. And I actually took these before the glue was completely dry. I used the clay technique that I discovered. I really love the way that this has turned out. The saying is, "Sometimes it is not enough to just walk forward, you must open a door." This inspires me as a mom, artist and Christian. So many times I walk along day to day feeling like I accomplished everything that needed to be done and it feels finished. But then I have days where everything was done but I see missed opportunities that I wish that I would have taken. I should have opened the door. This canvas expresses that for me. I have added a key to the wooden dowel, "we have been given the keys of the kingdom"

May 16

2007-05-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Things have been pretty busy ( hectic ) around here in the past couple of weeks. With the end of the school year and all of the activites associated with that and other committments. I have not had a lot of time to create and when I do, I am working on several pieces that I have been commissioned to make for a gallery. We did make time to go to the lake for a picnic this weekend. The ducks came running to see if we would feed them. Alexis loved them. In the pic, I am trying to tell her not to be too couragous and throw the bread. She wanted to hand it to them. The other two pics are of the school program we went to last night. Both kiddos go to a Spanish immersion school. Bailey's class performed the Mariachi Loco. It was hilarious. I made all of the embellishments for their pants. Took me three days to make 140 of them. I don't want to see mariachi pants again for a very long time. Bailey was excited to get to introduce his class. He kept winking at me. It was so funny. I can't believe that my baby is graduating kindergarten.

May 7

2007-05-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been pretty quiet lately. I have such a hard time getting over whatever illness this is. I am finally feeling better and so is the whole family. It is a busy time of year with all of the end of the school year activities. Not to mention that Bailey's birthday is coming up. There is absolutely no way he would let me forget. Too cute.

This little canvas was fun to make. I was playing around with some watercolor crayons. Instead of using water to smooth them out I used gesso. I like the effect. And, I am proud of myself that it has pink in it. Inside joke, mom always makes fun of me that my stuff is always in earthtones. I think it has to do with being redheaded. I am so attracted to earthtones. Even my closet is indicative of that.

April 25

2007-04-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

After getting really sick last night and all of the major storms that we had, I felt the need to sit down in my room and create something. I am starting to get a very small glimpse of how hard it would be to have to raise two small children without any help. I am telling Cody when he gets back from his trip that he is not allowed to leave again for a very LONG time. I created this on a 8" by 10" canvas panel. Of course, a photo of a cemetary angel. Love her very somber look but she is still so beautiful.

Unexpected Visitors Today

2007-04-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

We are getting some pretty serious thunderstorms today. We needed it but there is standing water all over. So, when I looked out the window to see the rain, I was shocked to see that we had two visitors. I quickly grabbed the kids and the camera along with some bread. They both came pretty close to us. They must be used to people. I just thought they were so cute together. They must be husband and wife. Adorable. I hope that they come back.

April 24

2007-04-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

It has been kinda hectic around here lately with Cody being gone on a business trip. I am out of my routine. But I have had some time to create after the kids go to bed. I was digging in my supply closet and ran across these really sturdy magnets that I forgot that I had. They are actually ATC sized. So I made a little collage and applied it directly to the magnet. I just love the way it turned out. I am going to have to make more. The other piece I made from a wood panel and the clay technique that looks like wood. The key hole is a mold that I have had forever and barely broken in. I am really trying to dig out the stuff that I have not used in a while. It is kind of like rediscovering things all over again.