FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!

I'm having issues. There are too many things I want to do, and too little time. A common problem of mine. As my children work to devise their summer 'to do' lists, I am feverishly wrapping up projects so that I can focus my energy and attention on the two people who matter most to me. So what have I been doing you ask?

Well first, and what I enjoy thoroughly, I finished up a commission piece. Getting it packaged and posted has taken me longer than it needed to, not really sure WHY. The Universe intervened for SOME reason I suppose...

I also wanted to finish up some 'Swapping' goodness. I love art swaps. I have no other vices, a statement I use to justify my excessively high rate of swap participation. I have been running an on-going 'Art Tag' swap on Milliande Art Community for Women (love that group). I had received a lovely set of tag books and was wanting to reciprocate with something special for this new, and very dear, friend. I decided to try my hand at creating a paper-bag book to house the tags I made her...I think I'll make a tutorial on this at some point...like I need another project!!

I finished up another set of tags and have one more set to go before I officially close that particular swap. On top of this I am finishing some journal pages for an on-going journal page swap I run, and have also started another art doll swap (also on Milliande's). This time the theme is 'Nature Goddess', which should yield some very interesting and beautiful results. I'm still trying to track down some participants from the previous swap, and fingers are tightly crossed that all dolls have been shipped.

Many other swap ideas are circling around my head...like water around the plug hole I'm afraid, as often I am so easily sidetracked by MORE fabulous ideas that I need to constantly remind myself to stay focused!

This all said, I hope you enjoy what I've been working on.

Art Doll Tutorial

I am attempting to upload a short video showing how I recently made my papier mache art doll to swap on Milliande Art Community for Women. For some reason taking ages, but eventually I hope you enjoy it! Question? Leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

I ran this particular swap, and set few limitations for the participants. I just requested the dolls be approximately 3-6" in height- but could be made of any material(s). The swap had 18 participants and has produced some amazing art dolls.

I wanted to do something I hadn't in a long time, papier mache. I love working with papier mache, but had never made something like this before (hinged doll). I definately learned a lot from the process, things to consider next time, etc. I like to work with what I have around me rather than going out and buying project specific items (though sometimes projects DO require a 'certain something'). I find it challenging to do this and enjoy having to stretch my imagination.

I'm already planning another doll swap...if you'd like to participate, please consider joining Milliande Art Community for Women. You'll find me in the 'Swaps' Sub-group! ;)

5 Layer Canvas Swap

Last month I participated in a swap on Milliande's Art Community for Women that was being run by a lovely lady in Australia. The challenge was to work with a 5x7" canvas board and at least 5 layers of medium to create a piece with a "Garden" theme.

This was a lot harder than I initially thought it would be. I started a few canvas before getting this one going. I eventually wrote a poem to use as inspiration. I used layers of paper, gesso, watercolour, acrylic paints, gel pens, beading, sparkles, ink and letter transfers. On the back I included the poem that I wrote:

My Garden
In my garden late at night,
As the world drifts gently to sleep,
The moon she keeps a watchful eye
As the animals silently creep.

This is when the flowers grow,
As strange as this may be;
A secret to be kept between
The flowers, Me, and Thee.

On the far side of my garden,
In the softly swaying trees,
Two little birds nestle closely
Sending 'tweets' upon the breeze.

The sweet smell fills my chamber,
I heave a heavy sigh
And listen as the little birds
Sing me a lullaby.


The grateful recipient was another lovely lady living in Florida.

My Art Doll Swap in Progress...

So I decided to run an art doll swap on Milliande's Art Community for Women. There was a wonderful response, with 18 participating. All dolls are due to be posted by June 5th. I thought I would document my process.

After much consideration and trial, I decided to create a paper mache doll to swap. I had set the criteria as having to measure between 3-6".

Remembering a small wooden ballerina that used to sit atop my great grandmother's music box (that forever sat on my mother's dresser- now in pieces I think), I sculpted the body parts using a paper mache mixture that was fine enough to use almost like modelling clay. (I will post a tutorial in a few days- but here are some still shots).

I'm still working on the finishing touches, and have realised that my initial thought to make her a doll on a stand is actually a good idea- but I made her without a hole for a post, so am still figuring the best way to go about adding one now....stay tuned....