This young lady "dazzled" me! She was beautiful, and had quite a flair for fashion. The texture of her skirt....the obvious texture of her personality (as I imagined it)....the texture of the art. Layers of interest...layers of history...layers of a story...layers....
My daughter has had the good fortune of experiencing many forms and textures of art through her school art class. She has tapped into many different mediums and created some of the most wonderful art. Texture plays a huge role in developing your inner artist....
Even the simplest of items can provide such a visual slide of texture. Old bobbins dumped in a jar....texture!
I recently joined a very cool year long artful color journey through ArtsyMama's blog . "A Year of Color" is now my favorite place to check in and see the great photos, wonderful projects and the link to other artists with creativity bubbling over! In just my few days of checking in to see the latest and greatest color photos...I have found myself categorizing many things by color and adding my own visual layer of "texture". I thought it would be fun to join in a creative, artful way but, featuring texture for a few days.
The definition of "Texture": 1. the characteristic physical structure given to a material, an object, etc., by the size, shape, arrangement, and proportions of its parts 2. the characteristic visual and tactile quality of the surface of a work of art resulting from the way in which the materials are used.
Texture is such a great visual...but, you have to start looking for it. Can't wait to start adding layers of texture to my art! Stop and notice the texture!
We Have A Winner For The Valentine Card!
Made of all kinds of vintage goodies and perfect for hanging! 
It should arrive at your home in time to hang for the the infamous holiday of love!
Happy Pre-Valentine's Day!
I have a huge fascination with typewriters...even the toy "cub reporter" variety. I'm still trying to figure out how the page was actually typed. Plus, every one of these has a sign on it reading "DO NOT TOUCH". My curiosity is going to get me some day and I'm going to whip out a sheet of paper roll it into the machine and begin the type written word.
Collecting typewriters has always been a "want"...but, where do you put them? Thus, the collection of photos. It's really the only way to do it. Typewriter trivia is fascinating to read. Found these fun little tid bits...thought my fellow blogger/typers would enjoy!
1. one of the longest common words that alternates the typing hands: antiskepticism
2. one of the longest common words just using the top typewriter row: typewriter
3. the average person's left hand does 56% of the typing
4. "stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your
right
Just a few cool nuggets from http://nimblefingers.com/
My embroidery used to be only on cloth...now it's showing up on everything...clothing, paper, canvas, photos and book covers. My former embroidery life consisted of following others patterns....this has changed significantly. I start sewing and that is what is created. It's freestyle sewing! Lots of artists incorporate this into their art and it is outstanding! I hope I can figure out how to do the same....the jury is still out.
It's an art day! Absolutely LOVE this young damsel in the photo. She has a great pair of legs.
The flower is made from cigar wrappers and the sizing tape I found last summer. Just found a bag of old skeleton keys at my parents home...so they will be showing up on everything.
I have been sitting proudly on the throne of creativity....every day has been filled with glue...needles....junk...buttons...thread...paper...and pure heaven. There is nothing better than immersing yourself in a room to attempt creativity. Many times the outcome is interesting...sometimes attractive....and there is no doubt often things scream failure!
Not to be cliche', but its not the destination, which equals the things you make...but, the journey it takes to make the creation. My year is going to be full of journey!
Could not resist photographing this piece of unique home decor. Yes, this is a white, life size resin hand...ornamented with decorative oranges and miscellaneous miniaturized kitchen containers, pitchers and cups...that delicately house a very medicinal type of clock, complete with red minute hand. This piece of kitchen garnish is certainly one that makes a statement. Although I'm not sure my interpretation of its statement is clear.
I would like to have lunch with the creative brain trust that assembled all these elements into a retailers nightmare. Just give this a thought....decorative resin has only been around in the past decade or so (give or take a few years) and molded decorative resin with mechanical capabilities has been less. Yet, a simple little antique mall in 2009, has somehow found four cases of this timepiece appendage and are offering it for a mere $3....and if you buy four or more...the price quickly plummets to $2. Wow...all this visual and useful stimulation slammed into one ornamental doo-dad that seems to be devaluing quicker than the real estate market of 2008. What is the future of our antique malls? I guess you should...'talk to the hand'.
"Every rose has its thorns...
"A genius is a man who can re wrap a new shirt
Do you ever have a fixation on perhaps a "tool of the trade"...but, not necessarily a fondness for the trade? I have never been a seamstress....probably never will...but, I love one of the most important instruments of the trade of sewing you might say....PIN CUSHIONS! Yes, these little havens of history that house the infamous straight pin is one of my favorite little pieces of creative history.
Did you know....
Pincushions were first recorded in history during the Tudor reign in 15th century England. Metal pins were a very costly and precious items in those early days and before the 15th century were kept in small cases made of bone, ivory, or silver. During the Tudor era, simple stuffed shapes started to be used instead of the cases. They began by being made of colorful and elaborately decorated silks and linens, replete with tassels and laces. According to "The Haven For Quilts, Baskets and Patterns".
I think it's just really cool that a tool has basically survived the technology era. It has somehow managed to escape the engineers of advancement. There have been no ports...docking stations...or electricity integrated into the housing capabilities of a straight pin. As far as I know...there has been little enhancement from the initial pin cushion to now...and I don't see it changing too much in the near future. It still is a container or pillow stuffed with soft material, so straight pins can be stored easily. Simple.
This fascination has brought me to the ongoing pin cushion parade. For the past few days my creative juices have been making pin cushions in every possible way....see what you think...
Pretty...is only a reflection of what you define as appealing...find the good...it's bound to be there!
My year started out in the antique mall...YIPPEE!! I experienced my first "mom and daughter" day of 2009. Upon asking her, "what would you like to do today?", she simply said, "go junking". My first 2009 "I'm so excited she wants to do this" shiver ran up my spine! We hopped in the car and took out to a nearby small town with two large antique malls. We seldom visit Sweetwater because of distance and time constraints, so today was the perfect time.
On the third floor we saw this beautiful open antique mall waiting for many new vendors. The magnitude of the room...the light...the glass block windows...the old hardwood floors...the smell (you'll have to imagine this one)...and the simple oak chairs and table made beautiful, simple artistic sophistication. Just loved it!
I generally am a proponent of "more is better...then add three more"...but, complete simplicity can certainly find its place. Since this is the start of the year...it's always nice to begin with a clean slate...this was mine. Can't wait to begin the embellishing for 2009!
