Curio

ATC's & ornament swap

2011-12-12T13:43:00.001-05:00

Ornaments for exchange

Finished my "ladies" for the ornament swap...
All felt and about 4" tall from a pattern here. I made little tags on them too for the date.
Also had a great day from the postal service: 3 ATC's from my Downtown ATC group:

Fashion from Vicki A.

Orange from Jessica N.

O' Tannenbaum from Dena J.

2011-12-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

Got a wonderful penguin ATC from Darlene S. in our winter swaps:

PWB Tree

2011-12-05T08:51:00.001-05:00

I participated in a box exchange for Christmas: advent match boxes, each with a little surprise in each! 24 other artists participated, organized by Kathy M. Here are all the little boxes on my feather tree!

Clip Art - Teethy Toothpaste

2011-12-02T15:42:00.001-05:00

Here's a bit of fun old advertising form a 1929 scrapbook.... enjoy!

Wintertime ATC

2011-12-01T12:26:00.001-05:00

Got this wonderful sumi ATC from Jilian...

Fab-o-ulous Starter blocks from Vintage Vogue

2011-11-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

Just found a blog called Vintage Vogue with a ton-over 300-starter blocks for crazy quilting! Now I have to find the printable fabric... its here somewhere!

Halloween Box from Joanne!

2011-10-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

Got this fabulous, beaded box in the large Halloween box swap form Joanne. Inside was awesome Halloween button bracelet with many of Joanne's handmade buttons!
And a fun pic seen at work while visiting a store to shoot pictures:

Old Media ATC

2011-09-27T09:26:00.002-05:00

Frann B. sent me this great WWII themed ATC.

Let Your Muse IN!

2011-09-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

~Sophia Loren

ALtered Sisters Art Retreat

2011-09-14T07:24:00.000-05:00

Had a great time this weekend with one of my art groups! It was good for the soul! Played with button bracelets and other good things!

Downtown ATC swaps - AUGUST

2011-09-01T16:45:00.002-05:00

Here's my feather ATC from Vanne P. Love it!

Theatrical Taxidermy

2011-08-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

Hold on to your hats, this might be a bit macabre for some, interesting for others... theatrical taxidermy. I personally love the old Victorian displays as they show a little snapshot of life at that time, even if displayed by dead rabbits. I think that one rabbit is copying!

Awesome Blog, Awesome Idea

2011-08-30T07:39:00.000-05:00

So I've been into bracelets lately - easy to work on while traveling, fun to wear, fun to customize.... Check out the rhinestones added to the traditional woven ones at honestlydiy! And a great tutorial to boot!

1934 McCalls Magazine Scans

2011-08-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

Enjoy!

Downtown ATC swaps - AUGUST

2011-08-23T08:25:00.002-05:00

Just A Note from Dena Jardin

St. Therese from Jessica Lynn

Old Photos

2011-08-02T13:19:00.000-05:00

Just a teaser from some old photos I got a few weekends back... I love the photography studio art as much as the photos!

I'll try to add some more photos later!

WEB STUFF I want to make

2011-07-31T12:11:00.000-05:00

Another great shrinky-dink idea...I'm so making this today!!

My obsession with feathers continues.

Really beautiful "batik" clay.

The most beautiful polymer clay flowers! (Not in English)

Fantastic Bead Designs

2011-07-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

Been surfing the bead mag's sites: Beadandbutton.com & beadwork.com since both magazines came at the same time this week! My beady brain just is in heaven! Also found lots of project ideas at Caravan Beads blog including this cool bracelet.
I'm way behind in my second Soul Restoration class, so I want to catch up on that & design a little beer logo for my bro. So off to create!

Pennsylvania

2011-07-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

As I was in Pennsylvania last week, I haven't finished much except Joanne's 4th of July box and some jewelry which I haven't photographed yet.

Got my 4th of July box!

2011-06-29T21:22:00.004-05:00

Got a wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday - Kathy's 4th of July box ! Thank you, Kathy!!! All sorts of goodies! Joanne-you'll get yours soon, I promise!

Rest to Create!

2011-06-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

After a very crazy busy week - but wildly fun & successful - at work, I'm resting & aiming to create a little tonight - whoo hoo! I haven't journalled or anything since last weekend and I still need to plant my tomatoes.

This scan is from an old scrapbook from my friend Rhea. Feel free to create something marvelous with it! It's art with JELLO... there's always room for art with Jello!

Another happy little find is this great idea to use a wine rack to hold yarn! LOVE the colors! What if you filled it with vodka and kittens?! That would be awesome!

Hey - back to pens... Sharpie has 80's glam colors out!! OMG like gag me with a pen! I'm like so getting those. OMG ...sorry, just goin' back to my middle schol days. The colors: Argyle Green, Leg Warmer Orange, Jellie Pink, Banana Clip Yellow and Valley Girl Violet

Necklace Exchange

2011-06-07T09:26:00.003-05:00

This is my necklace in the necklace exchange organized by Joanne with my other extremely crafty friends: Beth, Kathy, & Sue. We each created 5 inches on each of our necklaces. My theme was Victorian Mourning/Red/Gun Metal kind of goodies... Thanks to all of you for making my necklace so gorgeous!

Spring Garden

2011-06-07T09:20:00.003-05:00

Got a ton of great plants and I'm slowly getting them planted. Too hot, not enough soil, hot again... lots of excuses, but the plants don't agree! They're growing like crazy! The irises are blooming more than I've ever seen them bloom and the lilac is just covered(pics coming soon)! All three roses are blooming too!

Intention Words Photo Project

2011-05-11T08:50:00.002-05:00

Impatient awaiting a collaborative book to arrive in the mail... it's Intention Words that I participated in with Catherine Anderson's great photo group. Can't wait! She always does a beautiful job organizing and assembling our books. My word is "Restore," which seems to be a reoccurring theme this year.

New Pen Addiction

2011-05-04T12:23:00.002-05:00

The Uniball Signo White Gel Pen UM 153.
This pen is awesome. I must order MORE!!!
And yet doesn't have enough ink in it... mine is almost gone. I'm finding on the internets that the ink is made of angels. I understand why. I'm thinking of doing my reports at work on colored paper so the ink will show. THe pink at the top is my addition - so I can tell it apart from the impostors in my pen case.

Old Pins

2011-04-27T08:57:00.002-05:00

I used to collect old pins, but I kinda of lost track of them over the years. While cleaning my office, I found one- one of my faves!

Mom's new friend

2011-04-22T14:55:00.002-05:00

These pics are from my mom, from her porch... such a perfect little nest!

Back from Expo

2011-03-11T13:07:00.001-05:00

After a successful work trip I should be able to post new stuff soon... :)

Mushy Update

2011-02-15T20:52:00.002-05:00

Just cause this pic turned out so cuddly... makes me want to nap.

Playin' with Paste

2011-02-15T20:34:00.005-05:00

The online class I'm taking has been having great demos with various techniques.

The latest I've tried is with fiber paste (I used Golden's I got as a sample-yeah!).

The star design is made with a plastic paper plate holder.

I had some floral stencils that really worked with this technique.

I've also started some canvases with some wallpaper samples-thanks, Joanne!

Truth Cards

2011-02-13T13:32:00.008-05:00

These are my truth cards from my on-line class from Brave Girls... highly recommended class!

A List from the Library

2011-02-01T10:27:00.003-05:00

The local public library records all the items one checks out and makes a list of "favorites." I just cam across my list and thought it to be an interesting snapshot of my life. Here are my top 50:

My Favorite Subjects
• Rock music.
• Polymer clay craft.
• Alternative rock music.
• Audiobooks.
• Popular music.
• Video recordings for the hearing impaired
• Feature films
• Comedy films.
• Wire craft.
• Celtic music.
• Crystals.
• Folk-rock music.
• Humorous stories.
• Imaginary places--Drama.
• Live sound recordings.
• Paper work.
• Salvage (Waste, etc.)
• Self-actualization (Psychology)
• Textile jewelry.
• Acquisitiveness.
• Alice (Fictitious character : Carroll)--Drama.
• Animals--Fiction.
• Astrology.
• Beadwork--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
• Compulsive behavior.
• Compulsive hoarding.
• Depression, Mental.
• Diary fiction.
• Electronic music.
• England--Fiction.
• Essays.
• Fantasy films.
• Fantasy in art.
• Folk music.
• Happiness.
• Italy--Guidebooks.
• Magic.
• New Age music.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Refuse as art material.
• Rhythm and blues music.
• Self-help techniques.
• Soul music.
• Spirit photography.
• Trees--Michigan--Identification.
• Wit and humor, Pictorial.
• Addams, Charles, 1912-1988.
• Adultery--Drama.
• Aesthetics, Japanese--Fiction.

I like how "beadwork" is next to "complusive hoarding," there's a subject for "Imaginary places--Drama" & "Happiness." I'm not hearing impaired, nor do I commit adultery. I do think the list is quite witty!

Some other good topics that didn't make the top 50:
• Animals--War use.
• Cats--Therapeutic use.
• Mad scientist films.

Drama topics....
• Optical storage devices--Drama. (not so much)
• Queens--Drama. (of course!)
• Rabbits--Drama. (not really, unless they chew through the electric cord)
• Weddings--Drama. (always)

Cross Stitch

2011-01-31T22:39:00.002-05:00

One of my first crafts: Cross stitching... now made modern! Need to make a forshizzle sampler....

Soul Restoration Update

2011-01-20T13:02:00.004-05:00

My pages from last week & my book cover... love those plastic flowers from Ornamentea. This week, we're making our personal time line, so I post that once I've made some progress on it.

Along with the clip art we're given with the Soul Restoration class, I've been getting more great clip art from the Graphics Fairy blog. She rocks!

I came up with a journal technique that works for me: I print out prompts on sticky-backed paper and stick them down when I need to jump start my writing. We're given prompts with each week of this class, so I've got plenty to work with.

Everyone needs a pair of these

2011-01-19T15:30:00.000-05:00

Chuck Norris jeans for getting the job done!

Crafty Cats

2011-01-19T14:28:00.003-05:00

This is my little journal assistant... . See that smile? No photoshop here!

Prep, Assemble, Create!

2011-01-14T15:31:00.005-05:00

Got my class stuff printed and cut out,
got my classes playing on the computer, good music playing, candle burning...

hopefully will get some creating in tonight!

Soul Restoration @ Brave Girls

2011-01-13T21:09:00.004-05:00

I haven't cried this much in a long time. Just started the online class at Brave Girls' Soul Restoration on-line class... 6 weeks of art, journaling and self-exploration. I'll be posting my stuff here. With the first class, we're examining our soul house. Mine's a mess! That's the reason for the tears, I guess. more soon!

Felt Leave Garland with help...

2009-11-06T09:03:00.002-05:00

My craft "help" eagerly awaits the thread part of the project...

2009-10-18T19:27:00.002-05:00

I'm a little obsessed with Pam Garrison's blog... I am making a computer bag inspired by her style & want to make the leaf garland too!

2009-10-04T02:25:00.000-05:00

Some little late night knitting....

Catching Up...

2009-10-03T22:22:00.008-05:00

A bag I made for a dear friend's birthday in July...those are her toes.

Trunk MOnkey...the Taurus needs this

2009-10-03T11:48:00.000-05:00

Back in the day

2009-05-09T21:45:00.003-05:00

Just found this book on Ebay: Ed Emberly's book on Drawing Animals. I had this book from Scholastic back in elementary school and drew every animal in it at least once (the bat scared me, but I felt I had to draw them all). For each animals, he had a fun variation, like a hat or sweater. I wonder how much this has influenced my creative career!

Vintage Cameras

2009-05-06T20:44:00.003-05:00

Just thinking about my fave vintage camera-my Diana...I hope to shoot some cool shots this weekend! Have to get the film out of the frig and let it warm up! I use black gaffer's tape to seal the seams to limit light leaks.

Another great Diana camera link.

Support Judy Blume

2009-05-06T20:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Judy Blume — a beloved writer and icon to generations of women — graciously wrote a letter about Mother's Day for Planned Parenthood. Now, anti-choice extremists are inundating her with hate mail and phone calls. We rarely respond to these outrageous attacks, but when it comes to Judy Blume ... well, I can't stand by and do nothing. I just can't.

Please show your support!

Crazy Bag! It's FINISHED!

2009-05-05T08:53:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Joanne's creative insight, the bag is finally finished. It holds a ton and the straps seem to be the perfect length!

Looky

2009-05-03T10:07:00.001-05:00

http://www.ellenrogers.co.uk/

Crazy Bag

2009-04-08T20:10:00.002-05:00

This is what I have so far of the "crazy bag." More to come!

Christmas Trees in March...

2009-03-22T11:03:00.003-05:00

I'll tease you with this as I don't have the finished project photographed yet....

Those Shoes...

2009-03-09T21:11:00.002-05:00

Due to popular demand, are those shoes...though not completed. I'll repost once finished. :)

House Number site...

2009-03-08T08:28:00.001-05:00

Great site showing a different house number in Budapest every day.

Spring preview

2009-03-06T16:54:00.002-05:00

Starting to feel like spring and its got me going in creative directions! I have just primed a pair of shoes to cover in painted flowers...I'll post when finished. I also have the beaded Christmas tree made, but the decorations aren't on it yet. Also decorating a bracelet for the Maven group...not done with that either! Fun fun!

Art 4 Art Swap

2008-10-09T11:02:00.002-05:00

I got a great package in the art for art swap from Lou Mc Cullock! Thanks Lou!!!

Art-in-a-carton

2008-09-23T20:25:00.003-05:00

I got wonderful art IN a CARTon!

Great art from Susan in Germany...now to finish my 3 cartons in process!

Thank you SUSAN!

Rain

2008-09-13T07:41:00.001-05:00

Its been raining for 2 days here, but I feel bad for enjoying it with Ike hitting down south.

FInished things...finally!

2008-09-07T16:30:00.002-05:00

Art-In-A-Carton

2008-07-05T07:20:00.003-05:00

I did join Art-in-a-carton a few weeks back...more about it here. I need one more carton to prep and have tons of ideas to fill them with!
As of today, there was still room to join.

Happy July 5th

2008-07-05T07:00:00.003-05:00

I slept through the 4th...is that ok? Not very patriotic of me, but now I seem to feel better. More soon!
Good Link:
Virtual Shoe Museum

Uncomfortably Numb

2008-06-17T17:18:00.002-05:00

I just got back from the dentist after a filling and my face is sliding off my skull numb. He gave me extra shots this time because last time I felt it & this was a redo filling (it cracked from jaw grinding). I always think of Bill Cosby's dentist routine at this point... numba, my lipa is numba...i smell smoke-ub....
Nothing real creative this weekend...more soon!

Tall Latte

2008-06-12T18:09:00.002-05:00

At the local Starbucks getting jiggy with the latte.
So I'm in GR trying to find someone to babysit me while I do ear candles and don't burn my hair...but I have an idea! I'm gonna wrap my head in tin foil! I can't hear out of my left ear and my right ear is starting to congest up. If I keep a tub full of water nearby...yeah!
Wish me luck!

Some Goodies...

2008-06-10T22:49:00.005-05:00

My normal working surface is this awesome vintage cat tray with velox over it...gee, you can't see the awesome cat! I finally finished that bracelet that's on the tray (ran out of beads, the bead store sold out of them too..)

This necklace is an idea I've had for a LONG time. Sterling chain, wire with a faceted smoky quartz bead. It doesn't hang as well as I'd like, but it still makes me smile.
The drawing is in one of my previous posts...

whipped

2008-06-08T06:54:00.002-05:00

this week was the company shoot out/golf outing/charity event. it wore me out. i haven't been on line, beaded, exercised or anything. i'm trying to recover. i logged 16hrs on thursday as i was taking pictures of everything. hopefully i'll post something soon...

Mastering Beadwork

2008-06-01T06:53:00.003-05:00

Got this book & I LOVE IT!! Lot's of future projects!! Organized my collection this weekend as I'll be getting a Firemountain order tomorrow. Need to prepare for a crazy week coming up...shootout, 2 photoshoots, golf outing, AUGH! Would rather make stuff.

Purr for humans

2008-05-26T18:42:00.002-05:00

A fabulous weekend! Got to see friends, family and played lots! Even hit a flea market this morning! I just showered and am lounging with Merlin the cat. purr.

Flame Workin'

2008-05-25T23:33:00.002-05:00

Finally got the flame started this weekend...trying to make more "sets" and not just single orphan beads. Unfortunately the picture doesn't show the yumminess of the colors.

COUPON

2008-05-22T21:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=whatsnew

Where I is.

2008-05-22T20:40:00.001-05:00

JUST ONE MORE DAY

2008-05-22T20:27:00.002-05:00

And I can go home. Yeah, I'm home sick. I miss my hubby, my cats, my kazoo people, etc.
OK enough whinin'! I have drawings of my next creations...

Allergies

2008-05-22T05:53:00.001-05:00

...are getting me down. I'm eagerly waiting for the holiday weekend to sleep and make some lamp work beads...we'll see! Oh, also have to learn about kayaking for a photo shoot on Tuesday. I don't want it to look like dorks in boats.

Beading Outta Control!

2008-05-18T09:46:00.004-05:00

I found this wonderful pattern for free at this site
and now I'm making one in every color....pictures coming soon.
These beading projects really work for me since I live in 2 homes, but I'm hoping on etching metal this afternoon with muriatic acid at my "real" home. My master plan is to incorporate these etched pieces into bead designs. Etching instructions here (awesome site for other weird stuff too!) This method seems a touch more environmentally friendly than the PCB etchant, but still scary.
Also got my cameras ready for shooting...2 Diana's, 4 polaroids, couple 35mm...hope to get some images this week in Grand Rapids. Hoping to get some images suitable for resin casting. Another tangent!
I've gotta pack the car...its full of work stuff (full day photoshoot from Friday)but I need to play "car tetris" and fit all my stuff for the next week in there too.

Helvetica

2008-02-17T16:42:00.001-05:00

New Obession

2008-02-03T15:45:00.001-05:00

Another year older...

2007-08-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

Well, in the last couple weeks, I had a birthday, married off the step-daughter, and worked a ton. So feeling tired and accomplished. Trying to recover now. Cleaning the house, laundry-mundane stuff. Haven't had much time for my art. Did win a Diana-clone on ebay and can't wait to get it! Got it for a steal at $22 since they've been going at least $40 lately. Off to do more chores...

Some Tests

2007-07-24T20:50:00.001-05:00

Your Inner Muse is Terpsichore

You are most like this muse of dancing.
You have a natural rhythm that makes you an incredible dancer.
And you're always inventing the coolest dance moves.
Off the dance floor, you carry yourself with grace.

What Muse Are You?

Your Power Element is Fire

Your power color: red

Your energy: hot

Your season: spring

Like a fire, you are full of power and light.

A born leader, you easily draw people toward you.

You are full of courage and usually up for anything dangerous.

You have a huge ego and love to be the center of attention.

What's Your Power Element?

We will Catch that Train

2007-07-22T20:53:00.001-05:00

We will Catch that Train, originally uploaded by Mattijn.

Mattjin is AMAZING! He makes the most fabulous images. And all with Pino...he's the tabby that is in most of Mattjin's work.

Packing My Studio

2007-07-22T13:39:00.001-05:00

I started backing the studio today, as the realtor is coming Tuesday. (PANIC!) I found my slide printer with two power adapters (YEAH!) and lots of other cool stuff the room had accumulated over the last 4 years since I moved my stuff up here. I have so much shit! Dang. Trying very hard to pack by interest: fabric, stamping, jewelry, etc but a lot of it over laps for me. I have no idea what kind of space(s) I'l be moving into, so I want to be flexible with the boxes.

Dream house: air conditioning, 2 car garage, studio space for both my husband & I, shop space, and a place where he can have massage clients. Cat windows, appliances included. Vinyl sided, newish roof and such. I'm tired of fixin' up!

2007-07-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Got a job last August. A great job where I travel, design and organize. Heaven.
Why can't I add a title to this blog? Interesting...
I'm currently packing my stuff to move, taking polaroid pictures to do emulsion prints with (see my new id pic) and workin'. Been feeling the compulsion to journal again, so I'll add more here.
b.

Illustration Friday - Under the Sea

2006-04-28T08:23:00.000-05:00

I did this oil painting last Sunday, and its so perfect for this week's topic!
Its about 20" tall in "real life."
-Brittney

Am I Forgetting Something?

2006-03-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Am I supposed to be doing something? I have this feeling of like I am forgetting something...and I go through EVERYTHING in my head over and over and nothing...

Free as the Wind Blows

2006-02-20T22:28:00.000-05:00

That storm hit and I'm outta there...now unemployed. Freedom and fear. Over fifteen resumes out there now for a bunch of weird jobs and normal graphic/illustrator posistions and 2 agencies have called me. I have an interview with a place near Lansing on Thursday. I file for unemployment for the first time tomorrow at 2Pm. Hopefully it will go through or I'm going to have to take anything for work, like bagging groceries. I've done it before, but I just want to stay true to my skills and passion.
Time will tell...its up to the angels now.
b.

What flower am I? VERY FITTING!!!

2006-01-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

You Are An Iris

You are a unique woman who needs a lot of novelty in her life.
An inspiration seeker, you often have to change scenery to recharge.
You don't deal well with structure or rules. You need to do it your own way.
Your ideal relationships are free and flowing. No one can tie you down.

What Flower Are You?

What city do I belong in test...!

2006-01-03T09:38:00.000-05:00

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris.
The art, the fashion, the wine, the men!
Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park...
You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

I still think Florenzia is fine.

Tattoos and other thoughts

2005-09-14T12:37:00.000-05:00

undefined
Here's my drawing of how I want my new tattoo. I want the fish to be coming over my right shoulder. I've lost 15 lbs so far at the Y and am swimming at least 3 times a week. I love it! Also doing www.myfooddiary.com & its working.
Things here haven't changed yet...still waiting for the "storm."
Trying to be positive and upbeat.

Crow's Feather

2005-07-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

Found a crow's feather while walking into work on Monday-very symbolic for all the things that are going on around here. I joined the Y and have changed my eating too. I hope the change here is positive.

On the Road

2005-07-14T07:23:00.000-05:00

I'm in Chicago in a posh hotel with high speed access waiting for room service. How grand. I'm here with my part-time job people for a craft buying show. SHould be great fun.

Work has been a tad frustrating lately. I'm so busy I can do the creative stuff. It's zappin my oomph. So I turn the logos and don't get to do yummy layouts...I'll take this weeknd off and then hit it hard on Monday...

Wrote new bio for work...

2005-04-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

I like kittens and welding and texture. I also am learning how to breathe with my nose. I collect fonts. I kern road signs. I’m obsessed with type. Pantone colors make me happy-happy! Mac Junky, fabric hoarder, & rubber stamp maker. A jpeg in eps is NOT vector. (subliminal message) I take pictures of walls, textures and empty spaces for fun. Oil painter, gardener, avid reader of non-fiction. Listen to just about all types of music besides country. Watched dust in the sunlight as a child.
My husband makes robots and rubber skin.

Umm...this is my old one...

Brittney graduated from Western Michigan University with a double major in Art & Anthropology. She started with XXXX in 1998 in the engraving department and, since 2000, currently is the graphic designer on staff at XXXX. She also has experience in metal work, embroidery, and other imprinting processes in order to design your artwork to look its best on any of our items. We also offer custom brochures, service award program literature and company store art. Please contact one of our sales executives for more information!
Brittney is a member of the Graphic Arts Guild & National Association of Photoshop Professionals. She also is a Certified Michigan Master Gardener, as are other XXX staff members.

Tao of Design

2005-03-31T13:26:00.000-05:00

http://www.westciv.com/style_master/house/good_oil/dao/index.html

Yep, got the new computer. Love it but, I put the new 80GB hard drive in & it was a dud. Took it apart and put the original 30GB back in. Aweek later, its almost full. ack.

Above is a great article about the different challenge of the new web media compared with hard copy media.

As observing detail is clarity,
So maintaining flexibility is strength;
Use the light but shed no light,
So that you do yourself no harm,
But embrace clarity.
Tao Te Ching; 52 Clarity

I'm trying to learn CSS. I keep thiinking to myself "this was just like learning illustrator from Corel...my resistance will pass." My resistance is still here... I uploaded a free trial of Freeway Express, but it keeps crashing when I open it.

Got a great new mouse-so good I bought 3! Optical mouse, high arch for the hand and a controllable fan in it! It's grand! "For Power Users" hmm, AM I A POWER-USER?? sounds high & mighty! Got it at Tiger Direct
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1161914&CatId=0

American Mutt Barks in the Yard

2005-03-11T11:45:00.000-05:00

http://www.emigre.com/EMag.php?issue=68
http://www.davidbarringer.com/books___writing/American_Mutt/american_mutt.html

I am currently reading “An American Mutt Barks in the Yard” by David Barringer. He has so summed up my feelings on graphic arts and my passion about it. I’m only half way through his essay, so things could take a turn, but its nice to know there’s like minds out there. This is the second time I try to type my post, as when going to spell check on the blog spot page within Camino, my entire post was deleted.
The “graphics invasion” of my life has been a long journey. My mother won a small local hospital’s logo contest with my design when I was 10 (entrants had to be at least 18). I made tons of signs, announcements and newsletters. Every career councilor and kind aunt suggested it. A cousin is a graphic artist and the family thought I should follow in her footsteps. So when I went to college I generally stated a study in ART. It made them happy and myself, as it was not limiting. A dear college drawing teacher recommended a graphic art career. So when the tire met the road, I studied jewelry. And anthropology. My jewelry designs were often linear creations in metal with symbols. Anthropology gave me a chance to study the culture that I never felt like I fit into. Once out of college, I met my life-partner at a local foundry and was eventually laid-off due to lack of work. After six plus years of floundering from job to job, a need was present in my current employ for a graphic artist so I moved into the void while keeping my duties as engraver where I had been using Corel.
This was a homecoming. To use the irritating Americanism, “DUH!” I had found my niche. Fonts, computers, paper, art, culture, contrast, rules with freedom – all wrapped into one! I self taught myself all the Adobe programs, took a few local seminars, and have immersed myself ever since.
Now I wait, as my ibook shipment has been delayed another week by Apple. I float between the meager PC and imac at home and the fabulous G5 or work. I need to land. My planner is full of CDs with programs, fonts, fave clipart, and ideas. Augh.

Post Secret...

2005-02-28T19:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/

Part of an art exhibit where postcards of secrets are displayed. I love the art, the humanity of it. Each postcard is a small window to someone out there.

sorrow (illustrationfriday.com)

2005-02-25T16:27:00.000-05:00

Carole Maso's Essay

2005-02-24T23:05:00.000-05:00

"Market me. Promote me. Sanitize me. Co-opt me. Plagiarize me. Market me harder."
-carole maso at http://www.barcelonareview.com/20/e_cm.htm
Once again she has put the words to the flurry in my head...the above essay could just as easily fit a graphic artist as it does Carole Maso, a writer.
Why do we do what we do? Is it in vain? Does it "make a difference?" Does it have to?
Why don't the beautiful people in my life get more-they deserve more!

"Wish list: that the homogeneity end. That the mainstream come to acknowledge, for starters, the thousand refracted, disparate beauties out there."
So true, and to paint them all-acknowledging the glorious rainbow of humanity.

"Electronic writing shall inspire magic. Print writing shall inspire magic. Ways to heal."
Amen.

Why blog, darling?

2005-02-24T22:22:00.000-05:00

Cause I want to express my deep feelings about one of my favorite topics-GGGRAPHIC design, darling! Do others feel this way? Am I floating alone on a sea of fonts? THis will be my place to show my illustrations too... I adore illustrationfriday.com and wish to show my work, which I haven't before. Thank you, darling!