On hiatus

I am currently on hiatus while awaiting the purchase of a new computer. My old one is just no longer capable of handling the new technology. Gotta give credit to Apple computers for building a machine that can last beyond the technology applications it was built for. Of course, I am getting a new Apple but it won't be until April. I should be up and running afterwards.

Favorite places to Scrounge for Loot

Here is a couple of pictures of one my favorite places to rummage for found objects, Hope Junction Antiques in the very pretty town of Hope, NJ. Inside you will find the lovely owner and hostess, Linda. There is always something yummy to eat, some hot coffee and browsing is encouraged. I hate antique stores where I feel I have someone looking over my shoulder. This is not one of those places. So stop on in and say "Hi" to Linda.

I am still here

My artwork has been taking on a more serious note and therefore has been being posted on my more "adult content" website, Syanne Bleu. I originally created this blog as a follow-up for the tutorials I gave to some middle schoolers regarding Artist Trading Cards. But the times have change tremendously and so has this blog. I realize I need to change the banner a bit more to look like my daughter's closet, which is so full of stuff that it is about to burst. That's more in line of where my head is these days. I've been experimenting with textures, getting my fingers into the paint, becoming more tactile. I am adding some more content oriented sites to the side of causes that I feel are important. I will update the artist links at a later date.

Some more updates

If you noticed, I've added a list of blogs to check out on my blog. There are people creating art all over the world and now you it all one mouse click away. In addition, I will be adding other blogs you should check out not because they are necessary "art blogs" but because they contain important issues - at least to me.

Think Monday, Think ATC - Handwriting

I used a vintage bill that I purchased on ebay a year ago. There was someone selling a bunch of old attorney's files that were over 100 years old. The handwriting was pretty cool - as were the notes. Most of it seems to be with debt repayment.

I used some Distress Inks, Tattered Angels Mist Spray and some Pearlescent Blue Pigment ink to give the background it's odd color. I got the picture of the little boy from Lisa's Altered Arts and the crown is from Victorian Scrapworks.

Mixed Media Monday - Famous People

Here is my submission for Mixed Media Monday. It is Albert Einstein. He is very famous in Princeton and now his home is a museum (despite his wishes.) He lived a pretty down to earth life for someone who was always thinking about life beyond our earthly confines. But one of the things I like about him the most is that he extolled the virtures of creativity and imagination as being more important than intellect. The quote on the small plaque reads, "True art is characterized by an irrestible urge in the creative artist."

Four by Four Friday - Grungeboard

If you haven't had a chance to try the new Grungeboard by Ranger, do it! This stuff is great. It bends, distresses, cuts, and glues like paper or chipboard without the rolling or pilling or sagging that is common to many types of paper. I created this piece using grungeboard elements. The hinges, keyhole, and peephole cover are all Grungeboard, embossed with two coats of copper embossing powder. Then brads were added. I hammered the whole lot with a small hammer that I use for setting eyelets to give it a more distressed look. I then glued the elements in place using Crafter's Choice glue - one of my favorites. I call this piece of work "Speak Easy" after the bars that went underground during Prohibition in the United States.