Rainy, Dark and Dreary

 And, that has been what today is all about!  So, you ask, what have you been doing all day?

Well, of course, I started the day the way I always do -- checking my stuff on Etsy and playing Castleville on Facebook!

I stuck my head outside and decided that Barney & I would not be going for a walk, so I got to keep my PJ's on all morning!

Poor Penny wanted to go out all day -- but the rain just kept on coming!

 So, I spent most of the morning curled up on the sofa, watching HGTV and Lifetime Movies, and working on my crocheted scarf.

Then, I had my usual lunch, and caught up on some magazine and book reading!

Unfortunately, I never made it to the sewing machine or the studio!

WOW!  Interesting stuff, huh?  That's what a rainy day will do to you!

Yesterday was a Good Day!

So, the first good thing that happened was I went to the mailbox, and found a package from my good friend, Gretchen (who lives in Houston).  She had collected these wonderful papers for me from a friend of hers who does origami.  How cool is this!

Then, last night, I went to another Friday Night Painting Party put on by Carlynne and Kelli (aka Hershberger/Huff).  We learned how to make  altered books!  For this book, I decided to do a theme based on my journey of living in 6 different states - the first one being Kansas, where I was raised, got married and gave birth twice.

This book was a children's board book, but there are many other ways to use other kinds of books.  So, when I get this one finished, I just might do another one with more texture, and not so much collage.  We'll see.

Just Dance

8" x 10" Collage on Multi-Media Art Board



This is the piece I was demonstrating yesterday in class.  And, of course, I'm not too happy with it, but it was fun to continue the little series that I have going on with birds and words.

I'm thinking of collaging on all the multi-media boards that I have - on both sides - and then making a little book of them.  Just punch some holes in the sides and add some rings.

Another Collage Class

Today was another great day for a collage class!  I taught this class at The Florida Artists' Gallery in Floral City, Fl.  They've moved into a historic home - so it was a blast!

 Here are my students:

(L to R) Amy, Lyn & Cathi

 (L to R):  Linda, Beth & Judy

Also, a photo of our very messy table!

And now, here are their wonderful collages!

Cathi

Lyn

 Amy

Beth

Judy

Linda

I gotta tell you, these gals were the greatest!  We had such a great time!  They also finished a second piece, but I didn't have time to take the photos. 

Little Yellow Felted Bowl

I am a container hound!  I love anything that holds anything else.  And, since I have a lot of stuff, it's always good to have a lot of container things!  So, when I was surfing around Etsy the other day, I found this absolutely darling little bowl  , and knew I just had to try to make one!  I found a pattern, but it didn't turn out as cute.  Oh well, I think I know what to try next, so we'll see.

Garden Bliss

This is my latest 6" square collage that I'm offering on Etsy.  I really like these little gems, so I think I'll make some more.  But, I think I'm going to come up with a different theme for the next 3.  Hmmm - maybe hearts?  Maybe houses?  What do you think?

Family

This is my latest little 6" square collage.  For some reason, it looks better in person than on my screen.  Usually, it's just the other way around!  Go figure!

Anyway, the subject of "Family" is good today, because in just a few hours, Bill & I will be driving over to Orlando to meet my son and his family for lunch!  Eric won a 5-day cruise for his family at work (I'm so proud of him) - and they will be in Orlando, getting ready to go back to Kansas City later today.  I'm anxious to hear all about their trip and see some photos. 

20% OFF on ETSY!

I just figured out how to offer coupon codes!  YAY!  Now, everyone who reads my blog can receive 20% OFF everything in my Etsy shop during the month of February!  And, I'm also offering Free Shipping to the US!  I believe that you will be asked for the coupon code during checkout: BLOGFEB12

And, of course, you can offer this code to all of your friends!

Thanks for all your support!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NancysArtToGo

Special Bird

 Yesterday, I went to Michael's and purchased some little 6" square canvases. While I was there, I found these amazing little die-cut images from K & Company.  So, I just had to collage a little piece!
I also painted some gauze that I had from my watercolor days, and I love the texture that it adds.  I think I'll make a few more in this style for my Etsy shop!