Snow Blind and a break

Hey to all of you from winter wonderland. We still have piles of snow here, deposited last Friday to Saturday and here we go again. We're expecting another 18" (some of it ice). Eeeks! I did get to make my journal (above and below) via Comfortable Shoes (at Ning) on line class and it was a great experience. I'm not a beginner bookbinder but there was enough content here to keep me interested. I'll be making another in the Snow Time. I'm working on a project right now that I'll share with you shortly. But for the moment, I'll  take a few days off, dig out and settle into my studio and get some artwork started! I started working in my new journal ....

Comment Conversation

Oh man! I love reading your comments. You all are so great: honest, real and funny! Here are some responses. Do you read the comments? There is some great stuff in there.

For you folks who are worrying that Stewie will get the upper hand in my time organization project, don't. I'm progressing slowly. I made a list of things I do each week such as blog, paint, sew, class prep, paint ;).

I've made up an index card for each task. In some cases, I've made up more than one card - as many cards as I want/need to do that task in a week. I'm not sure what to do next, though. A big board? A really big board? As to my lending Stewie out ... embrace your own inner Stewie (he's the guy with the pocket protector).

To Anon. in Pittsburgh. No plans to teach in your 'hood this year but would be happy to travel your way! I've got some great classes and venues coming up (more info to follow on VA, CA, CT and WA)

To Mary and others who are have trouble getting started lately: Yeah, me too. Do you have any ways that get you moving? I like to do simple rhythmic crafts. Right now, handsewing is very good. Papercutting is very good. Anything to keep me moving forward. Still making little felt hearts. Best of all? Just painting papers. Splashing around some watercolors, drawing designs on them with pencil.

What do you do? Share it with us.

Random Art Journal Video

Trying to escape into my imaginary world. Real world keeps barging in these days.

Flag Books for Art & Soul, Hampton

My Journal Spilling Watercolor workshop is full :(
BUT!
there are spaces available in my Flag Books Workshop. This class is a romp into the world of messy colorful paper. I don't limit spilling to my journal classes!

Innards (we're makin' paste paper!)

Outside, yep, the spine gets some treatment too!

Studio Redo, part 2

In my new (PapaSan from Pier I) chair. I feel very happy.

Here is an idea I wanted to share with you. I had a stack of cigar boxes not being used. I glued a sawtooth hook on the back and voila! a display case. I did the same with a Clementine crate.

(more) Small Books and Flip Books

I wish you could all come over for an art night. Do you have any organizing ideas from your studio?

Studio Redo

Welcome to my new studio.

Below is a shot from the classroom into the hallway with a little glimpse of my studio side.

What an amazing difference a coat of paint makes! Of course, it was hard to get to the walls in my studio there was so much trash in the way.

I'm extremely lucky to have great studio space on my third floor: a classroom, a studio and a bathroom. In a massive effort over the summer, a load of trash got cleared and I've been picking away at it since then. With my daughter home for a couple of months, I've put her to work with a paint brush. The entry is now a cheery periwinkle with fresh pear-green trim. The classroom is the inside of a juicy apricot. My studio space is still sorta white. Which I thought I'd like but am not diggin' at all. I think I need to be cocooned in color.

What did I clear?

Stuff that was given to me (awfully hard to refuse free stuff) that I'd never properly sorted.
Odd assortment of found objects that I loved and saw great potential in but just am not using.
Some things were donated, some are taking up space in the landfill.

The curtains on the landing were recycled straight out of my fabric stash. The skeletons were made ages ago by my kids and I for Halloween. The little chest was brought home from my husband and sitting atop it is a very funny fabric bird made by my friend, Susan. It is so good to be able to see and enjoy these things.

Alisa Burke video

Painter, Alisa Burke, has a video up at her blog that you really must go watch. First of all, watching someone painting always mesmerizes me, and then ... well I won't spoil it for you. Take a look.

2 from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.