The Big Crafty

So as if I haven’t whined and complained enough about having so much to do before Bele Chere, my wife and I decided we would just add more to our plate by deciding to do The Big Crafty this weekend. It’s in Asheville as well (Oh Joy! 2 trips in 2 weeks, in a car, across the state, with a 3 month old!); I suppose we’re gluttons for punishment. Truthfully though, there is nothing I’d rather be doing than making art full-time while spending my days with my wife and son.

Anyway, if you are in the area this weekend, it’s a great show so maybe we’ll see you there!

-M

My Kingdom for a Canvas

Well actually, I’m stretching a large canvas for a friend as we speak, but more about that later. In the meantime, I’m beginning to think that the panels in my studio are multiplying on their own.

what I’m wondering is- why can’t all the art that goes on them be already finished as well? I figure I have about 16 days until I have to begin packing for Bele Chere, and I’ve come to the realization that with 350,000 people expected to attend, there is probably no way to make enough art.

Luckily I don’t get to stressed about these things, especially not now that Jeremia is here…

I mean seriously, who could be stressed when you have this cute mug to look at all day long-

and I am making progress- I just hope that I’m able to get to all the jewelry pieces I want to do.

If not I suppose I’ll survive, there is always the next show.

-M

Liberty

As we celebrate our Nation’s birthday, I thought I would share some wonderfully patriotic images from the past. Both of these date from 1910-20.

Happy 4th!

-M

Watermarks and Illuminations

I was fortunate enough to pick up some beautiful early 19th century receipts recently, and I was thinking of using them as pieces in my jewelry.

The details and penmanship are truly something to behold.

However, the paper is wonderfully thin, and I think my favorite part of these may actually be the watermarks.

I think I’ll scan them instead of sacrificing them for art, or perhaps I’ll use them in a lightbox.

What is a lightbox you say? Lightboxes are hand-built illuminated pieces of art that I have been making for about 15 years. What I love about them is the depth and layering the pieces have, something that isn’t quite the same on a piece on canvas or panel.

You can see a number of pieces I have created over the years here.

One other random thing-

this crow sat out on our windowsill yesterday for about 15 minutes, discussing the world situation with any other birds who would listen… then again, maybe he just liked having his picture taken.

-M

Mud Slinging

Literally. Went to the NC mountains this past weekend to visit with family, and ended up down at the river with my niece and nephew. We couldn’t go swimming because they didn’t have their bathing suits, but it’s not like that kept them from having fun.

The river is so nice this time of year even if the water is still really cold.

On the way home, I found a nice antique mall with a few necessities I thought I should pick up.

-a great ambrotype from the late 1850’s

-a nice antique bone brooch (this one will probably end up in my Etsy shop)

-a great old rouge to be transformed into a neckpiece

-and a nice petite tin which will be transformed as well

All in all, it was a great weekend, but now its back to it, Bele Chere is coming up in a little more than 3 weeks!

-M