A Brush with Angels

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T05:51:00.001-08:00

Fairy God Mum Extraordinaire!

2011-12-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a few edited photos from the Steampunk photo shoot on Saturday!
It was a magical day! Photos by KerryLinn Terrace and Chris Marsala

100th Blog and Giveaway!

2011-12-10T15:27:00.001-08:00

The first person to comment on today's blog gets a prize mailed to them (US only, thanks)!

Today ~ I had the awesome responsibility to play dress up as a real live Fairy God Mum for a photo shoot! I can't wait to share the photos with my blog followers!

Wishes really DO come true! Have a great day everyone! Photos to follow soon!

Je T'aime Paris

2011-12-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

My latest Altered Domino Collage has a Steampunk Vintage vibe and will be on display this month at The Firehouse Steampunk Gallery in Phoenix!

Grungy Monday Challenge

2011-07-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Linda Ledbetter invited me to be a guest designer for a challenge on her Studio L3 blog. My task was to create something using a technique designed by Tim Holtz. His design is from the 12 Tags of Christmas 2009. You can visit his blog here: www.timholtz.typepad.com. If you are not familiar with Tim Holtz, you should be, he's an amazing artist/designer/writer/businessman with some of the best craft products on the planet. I'm in a group of over 2,500 artists called All Things Tim. Here's the link: groups.yahoo.com/group/allthingstim

Here is my design ~ A little book of Butterflies using layered papers, collage techniques, metals, embossing powders, stamping, ribbons, and a dash of inspiration. I chose Butterflies, red, black and brass.

Please visit Inge Bekaert's awesome blog. Inge is also a guest designer this week. http://web.me.com/pinkepinke/pinkepinke/Blog/Blog.html

Linda Ledbetter hosts the most amazing challenges, you can visit her blog here: www.studioL3.com

The best part about some of the challenges I've been participating in, is cost effectiveness. If you don't have the exact supplies, it's okay to make substitutions. You are not required to use the exact stamps or papers or bling suggested by the challenge coordinators or designers. Use the supplies you have, try to achieve the same look. Put your own 'spin' on it, think out of the box! Be yourself! Be creative!

Thank you for stopping by ~ have a creative day!

Collages

2011-06-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

These are some collages I've been working on over the last 2-3 years. My son recently visited Europe and I'm pleased to say I use his photo of Stonehenge in one of the collages. Other images include Venice (a hand watercolored photo from my college days), Naples (an old greeting card), and the Alps (an old old postcard in mint condition I found at a lovely little antique store in Gilbert, AZ. Comments and feedback welcome.
Collage sizes range from 16x20 to 20x20

Altered Domino Collage Instructions

2011-06-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

A lot of people are making altered dominoes, but as a mixed media and collage artist, I’ve been turning my dominoes into collages.
I use plastic dominoes and always decorate the back, never the side with the dots. Sometimes the idea for a collage would come from having a few cute dominoes left from another project, but now, I like to plan a theme (often Paris or Fairies) or color scheme, I love brown with green or brown with blue). Anything goes! Trust your instincts!
A few months ago my husband gave me a BIG box of 91 dominoes, so I could experiment to my little heart’s desire. I’ve used almost all of those to date, and I’m excited that I’ll be shopping for another big set of dominoes soon.
Okay let’s get right to it!
I’m not big on power tools (in fact while taking a wood class at ASU, I was asked to allow the TA to use the BIG machines for cutting my materials, a bit accident prone I guess, but not as bad as the young woman in the short shorts who spilled hot glue all the way down her leg!). So I don’t drill the dominoes to make bracelets or necklaces, there are plenty of metal findings to use if that is your goal or if you like power tools, go for it! Just be careful!
I start with an image, often ephemera or a piece of paper that I like and cut it to the approximate size of the domino. I used to cut round corners but found a short cut. Use a thin glue to attach the paper to the domino, let dry. Use an old emery board to round the corners! (That’s brilliant, yes?). One of my favorite domino collages is a sepia toned landscape of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the image. If you have a photo or image you want to use, just make note of where the parts of the image lie so you can get them in order once you’re ready to glue. You can layer your papers but let the glue dry between images. With fairies I often add wings, giving the domino a little more interest and dimension. Don’t be afraid to overlap shapes.
Once dry, I use chalky inks around the edges. I prefer a vintage look, I don’t really want people to notice at first that it’s a domino. You can use one color or two (blue on the top, brown on the bottom for landscapes, etc. you get the idea).
Do this for several dominoes and things really begin to take shape!
I like to use Ranger: Rock Candy over a few dominoes (only takes a few minutes to dry) or colored Ranger: Stickles for outlining, accenting, etc. Sometimes it is those small details that are hardly noticeable that catches someone’s attention.
For the collage, it helps to see a few dominoes side by side, to see what colors and themes fit your end result. I don’t like to put all the dominoes in the same direction, I like a few ‘horizontal’ and a few ‘vertical’ in each area of the collage. However, for the Paris landscape, I did put all the dominoes in a row, and it worked.
Once you have them laid out in order, you can begin adding metals, gems, coins, old stamps, flowers, beads, buttons, keys, old jewelry, metal corners, more inks, etc. Keep in mind, If you’re adding 3D embellishments, you need to make sure your dominoes still fit together tightly!
I don’t like to rush the background for the collage. I often use a frame (take out the glass) or a wooden ‘canvas’. I add paper, shimmer powers, metallic pens, a little stamping and/or embossing powders. The background is as important as the dominoes because it becomes a ‘frame’ to show off your hard work.
Once you’re done with the background, you can start gluing your dominoes together. This is FUN! Just like gluing popsicle sticks together (you all remember making boxes with popsicle sticks in grade school, right?). I glue the dominoes together by the sides first, and only two at a time, as the glue dries I’ll glue two to the section to make four, etc. I like Aleene’s Tacky Glue. It’s strong and trustworthy. It gets a little tricky the bigger your collage is, so be patient and try using a ruler or something sturdy to keep everything aligned. Once you have ALL your dominoes glued together, let them dry for at least an hour. Once they feel sturdy add plenty of glue to the back of your dominoes and set firmly in place, I often use a paper weight to keep things from moving around.
A few more embellishments to tie it all together and you’re done!
Feel free to ask questions or post pictures! ENJOY!

Greeting Cards

2011-05-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

I've been making custom greeting cards for 25+ years, such a delight! I enjoy sending little sets of greeting cards to friends and family as gifts, then the cards go out to people I've never met. It's like my little gift to the world. Here are a few of the latest cards.

Steampunk Fairy

2011-04-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Evermore Nevermore invited me to design another outfit for a Sci Fi ~ Steampunk Fashion show held last night at the Nile Theatre in historic downtown Mesa. Here's my little grand daughter Clarah in her first fashion show. She was amazing! She waved, she smiled, she blew bubbles, she even busted a (hip hop) move at the end of her run. Everyone cheered! What a great night!

Altered Domino Collages

2011-04-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the latest altered domino collages. I would love your feedback!

Southwest Altered Dominoes

2011-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Following our East Valley Reading Series Southwest Poetry reading at the Elvis Chapel Saturday, I decided to alter some dominoes featuring some of my recent photos of the area. Here is the project. (Available for sale now at The Angel Store and More on 5th Avenue in downtown Scottsdale Arizona) ENJOY!

"Waiting"

2011-03-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is the last of 35 challenges hosted by Studio L3. This has been quite an adventure through Tim Holtz book ~ Compendium of Curiosities. I found this greeting card a while back and never knew exactly what to do with it, so today, I decided to turn it into a new piece of art, simply titled "Waiting". I'm 'waiting' to see what Linda has in store for us on the next round of challenges.

Thanks Linda, Tim, Gloria, and Ranger for pushing us to new heights! And thanks to anyone who took a moment to view or comment on my blog!

Cheery Cherry Challenge

2011-03-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd do a little give away this weekend. Be the first to comment on this blog and I'll send this little "Cheery Cherry" tag your way.

Shhh...

2011-03-03T14:44:00.001-08:00

I can't really tell you what I'm up to right now, but I can tell you it's gonna be good!

It's almost Saint Patrick's Day!

2011-02-26T13:48:00.001-08:00

How quickly we breeze through the calendar each year. While altering dozens of tiny treasure boxes for Valentine's day, I noticed the boxes were arranged in the shape of a four leave clover. Clever?!? Here's this week's challenge! Titled simply Clover.

Paris Tag

2011-02-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge "Rusted Enamel" had me wondering about theme. My son is traveling in Europe this month and will be in France soon, so I decided on The Eiffel Tower as my main image. Je T'aime Paris!

Antique Box Challenge #30

2011-02-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my husband and I took a drive north to the Carefree/Cave Creek area. I found a few treasures at my favorite antique store. My 'best' find yesterday was this simple box with a little stamp on the back that read "Made in Italy". Here is my altered antique box using this week's challenge.

Challenge ~ Weathered Wood Grunge

2011-01-30T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here's my take on "Weathered Wood Grunge". Don't you just love an old picket fence?!? Brings back fond memories of childhood...

Boxes and Bags

2011-01-27T04:43:00.000-08:00

These little 'tiny treasure boxes' and matching bags are available at The Angel Store on 5th Avenue, in time for all your Valentine's purchases... I love making boxes!

Challenge #28

2011-01-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

fragments...

Challenge #27

2011-01-16T06:04:00.001-08:00

A greeting card for an ATT friend... Get well soon my friend...

Rusted Grunge ~ Challenge #26

2011-01-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

Here's another greeting card, rusted grunge. Great technique!

Challenge #25

2010-12-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

Here's the tag I made for this week's challenge, I'm sending it out with a treasure box I made for my friend's birthday.

Challenge #24

2010-12-14T07:46:00.001-08:00

Rock Candy is yummy! If you haven't purchased this awesome product it's time to dash out and get some at your local craft store!

Poetry "The Gila River Review"

2010-12-14T05:48:00.000-08:00

David and I both had poems published this week in "The Gila River Review". Here's a link. As always, I would love to hear your feedback.

http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/academic-affairs/humanities/GilaRiverReview/Pages/Enter.aspx

Masquerade ~ Shadow Box

2010-12-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Today's shadow box has a Steampunk theme. I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Fairy Watch ~ Shadow Box

2010-12-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Poem by David Wood:

a spark of insight
shining bright
the fairies dance
to bannish night
their wings ablaze with morning light
a gossimer and silk delight

shimmers in a blinking eye
a wish, a whim,
a fleeting sigh
a lighted path, a way to see
to each and every,
blessed be

Challenge

2010-11-30T17:09:00.001-08:00

Here's my latest tag CCC #23. Decided on an Egyptian motif. ENJOY!

Waiting...

2010-11-27T12:19:00.001-08:00

waiting
with stone talons
gripping his precarious perch
the gargoyle observes
the strange creatures
below

Poem by Judy Wood
Fall 2010

Challenge

2010-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

Well, this week I realized the alcohol inks might be causing my headaches, so I asked for permission to use the papers and techniques with watercolor instead of alcohol inks. Here are the results. I'll be sure to use my ceiling fans if I try the inks again.

Challenge

2010-11-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Wow, how time flies! Studio L3 is hosting a lovely challenge to complete all the techniques in the Tim Holtz "A Compendium of Curiosities". We are finally feeling a little fall weather here in sunny Arizona! Thought I'd use some fall colors in my tag challenge today! ENJOY!

I'm going to add something else I made using Distress Ink and Perfect Pearls. Just for fun... Takes a little 'drawing' talent as well *wink*

Wish Bag

2010-11-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here's the lastest in a series of Compendium of Curiosities Challenges using "Industrial Grunge" on the little oval on the gift bag... Make a wish!

Poetry by Judy Wood

2010-11-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

My self published book of poetry is now available for purchase. A signed copy of my poetry book is $5 (including shipping). Please send me your email address and I'll send you a PayPal invoice! Thank you for your order.

Amazed...

2010-11-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how quickly a dream can become a reality... I am attending an Artist and Writer show at Superstition Mountain Museum on Saturday (November 6) . I am self publishing a book of poetry with photos and illustrations. A few months ago this was only a dream...

Colors of Fall

2010-10-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

I love fall colors. I really enjoyed our challenge this week: Extreme Masking. Here are the results. I think I'd like to use this technique on a series of greeting cards...

Challenge

2010-10-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

WOW! Week 18 already, time flies. I've been busy with various artshows this month, I've never submitted a challenge so late in the week! Here's my attempt at Compendium of Curiosities page 37.

Challenge

2010-10-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

So, I've been making and selling little one of a kind gift bags, I thought why not make one for this week's challenge! I found Tim Holtz Charms at a local store and the package had been ripped open so I reached around behind it and bought the next package in the row. I found out this morning that it's not the charms, it's circle and oval fragments! Thought I'd use the fragments on my little gift bag, ENJOY! Wizard of Oz style...

The Angel Store and More

2010-10-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be at The Angel Store & More from 5 pm ~ 8 pm ~ Southwest Contemporary Landscapes. This show is part of the Scottsdale Thursday Night Art Walk.

The Angel Store and More has invited me to do a 'trunk show' Saturday Oct 23rd, you might find a bargain or two.

Warrior Women Blog Hop ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month I've created a simple greeting card to honor my friend Sherry Goodloe who is winning the battle against breast cancer!

If this is your first visit to my blog, stay a while, read my poetry, look at my paintings, tags, jewelry, greeting cards, photos, and collages. Leave a comment if you'd like.

If you have a friend who's a breast cancer survivor, reach out to them this month.

We're celebrating the healing journey of our dear friend, Sherry Goodloe (please link to http://gotart4u.blogspot.com ), who's recovering from her recent surgery, and has just learned that she won't have to endure chemo or radiation! Sherry is our official Warrior Woman Muse for this hop, and is someone we all love and admire. Of course, so many of our friends and loved ones-- if not we ourselves-- have faced breast cancer, and our art is intended to honor each and every woman who has, is, or ever will fight this battle.

Please join in by visiting our blogs and finding some inspiration for your own art. In many cases, there's blog candy to be had for those who leave comments!

The Pink Ribbon Warrior Women Blog Team is:

Ellen Vargo - http://1036art.blogspot.com

Hels Sheridan - http://pinkleart.blogspot.com

Jennie: The Artistic Stamper - http://theartisticstamper.blogspot.com

Linda Ledbetter http://www.studioL3.blogspot.com

Nancy Crissinger - http://whatsnextnancy.blogspot.com

Sharon Sutton - seraph1959.blogspot.com

Tracy Jacobs - nosparemoments.blogspot.com

Judy Wood - http://creativearts-jwood.blogspot.com

And our fabulous sponsor is eclectic Paperie! www.eclecticpaperie.com

After visiting each blog on the hop, please create your own work of art in celebration of the Pink Ribbon Warriors, and upload your masterpiece at the Warrior Women Blog Hop Flickr Gallery: http://www.flickr.com/groups/warriorwomen

SunDust Gallery Opening Tonight!

2010-10-08T07:28:00.001-07:00

My photo and original poem was accepted in the show "Urban Motifs". I'll be at the gallery this evening. Look for "If you blink you'll miss Nothing".

Here's a sneak peek...

Coffee Tag

2010-10-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

Our latest challenge was to create a Wrinkle Free Distress tag.

The lighter side of grunge

2010-09-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Another collage, will be available for sale at The Angel Store and More in October! This technique was quite challenging!

Wish!

2010-09-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest in the Studio L3 Challenge! My hope is to sew this on an art tote. Just need to learn to sew first!

Day Old Cookies

2010-09-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

I traveled alone
from Scottsdale, Arizona to Portland, Oregon.
I can still see the smiles of aunts and uncles greeting me at the airport.
All the hugs and “oh look how she’s grown“. All but one are gone now.
I walked up those four cement steps in front of the gray house with white shutters.
The grass was so green, the trees so tall. The neighborhood so quaint.
The counter tops in the kitchen were very short.
Grandpa’s typewriter, worn with years of use, sits in the corner of the tiny living room.
I was only 12.
I took bubble baths in an old style tub with four ornate feet.
For two weeks I stayed.
I slept in a big double bed with lots of soft pillows.
When I thought I could drift off to sleep, I pulled the chain over my bed to turn off the light.
I remember hearing the soft footsteps of my Grandpa’s slippers
walking down the wood floored hall.
Every night he would open the door ever so slightly to make sure I was resting.
I heard the house creak in the night.
I felt the rumble of trains in the distance.
I awoke to birds singing softly in the trees.
I explored the old house and found an old washer in the half basement.
There were carved trails in the dirt in the old basement.
My uncle drove cars on those tiny cliffs long ago.
I found the attic. It was small and warm.
There was something familiar about this place.
Something in my memory, just out of reach.
We drove to see the ocean cliffs
We ate ham and cheese sandwiches on salt rising bread.
We had broken cookies and a pear for dessert..
I can almost feel the delicious crunch of those day old cookies.
I wish I could remember the smell of dinner cooking on the stove at my Grandpa’s house.
I long to feel the damp gray sidewalks on my bare feet again.
I wish I could remember when it felt like home…

Poem by Judy Wood
Spring 2010

Grunge

2010-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

For the latest challenge, I decided on grunge paper butterflies instead of flowers... Made another little 'treasure box' as a gift. ENJOY!

White Rose

2010-09-02T10:36:00.001-07:00

Creativity Quote

2010-09-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

A man is a fool not to put everything he has, at any given moment, into what he is creating. You're there now doing the thing on paper. You're not killing the goose, you're just producing an egg. So I don't worry about inspiration, or anything like that. It's a matter of just sitting down and working. I have never had the problem of a writing block. I've heard about it. I've felt reluctant to write on some days, for whole weeks, or sometimes even longer. I'd much rather go fishing, for example, or go sharpen pencils, or go swimming, or what not. But, later, coming back and reading what I have produced, I am unable to detect the difference between what came easily and when I had to sit down and say, "Well, now it's writing time and now I'll write." There's no difference on paper between the two. Frank Herbert Author of Dune

Love Notes

2010-09-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest in the series of challenges. I must admit, I like my distress powder undisturbed. ENJOY!

Local Interest

2010-08-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a second blog to discuss some of my favorite hot spots in Arizona! I'm also doing a series of Trompe l'oeil (French for "fool the eye") paintings for local restaurants. Here are a few of my Trompe l'oeil paintings. The third painting is my bulletin board from my college days. To continue the series, the first and second paintings are of napkins I picked up a few weeks ago. ENJOY!

Check out my new blog at http://aztreasures.blogspot.com/

Compendium of Curiosities Continues

2010-08-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Pirate tag...

New Collage

2010-08-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

I lost a nephew about a year ago, he was so young. His sister (my niece) asked me to make a collage for her to remember him. This is the result of that request.

Remember, EVERY DAY is precious, hold on to those you love...

Dragonfly

2010-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is a page layout from the latest Compendium of Curiosities Challenge. The original poem was written by David Wood.

A painting is a poem without words...

2010-08-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

I found this quote today on Facebook, and I started thinking... Why do we create? I'd love YOUR thoughts on the subject, and I may add a few of my own...

Forest

2010-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes... I wonder if I like the idea of forests in my artwork because I live in a desert, longing for cooler weather, the wind in the trees. I must write a poem about the trees...

Here is one of my favorite forest drawings...

Inspired by a photo by D. Sharon Pruitt

Challenge

2010-08-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

A beach themed card...

Things with Wings

2010-08-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite mixed media collages titled: Wings of Love.

Surf's Up!

2010-08-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Surf's Up! I am also including pictures of the Compendium of Curiosities Journal I started the first week of the challenge. Every week I include the image (if it doesn't fit I print a photo), week number, and page number. When the challenge is over and every page is filled, I'll use some of the new techniques to decorate the cover. ENJOY!

1909 Family Photo

2010-07-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of my grandfather, his sister and brother taken in 1909. Amazing to think this photo is over 100 years old.

Altered Box

2010-07-22T08:29:00.001-07:00

I've had these little boxes for a few years now and never really did much with them. Well that changed yesterday when I was looking for something to alter with paper per the challenge. First altered box titled "Travel". Second altered box titled "Treasure".

Mysty

2010-07-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Two more forests done... Here's a sneak peek! You can purchase (for a resonable rate) at Evermore Nevermore: the COOLEST store in Mesa!

1912 German Postcard

2010-07-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

I was antique shopping in Carefree/Cavecreek a week ago and found this lovely postcard dated 1912! Thought I'd make a precious collage or a set of greeting cards using this image. So sweet, so pretty... There's a canceled one cent stamp and a lovely birthday greeting on the back, one cent? Can you believe it?

Challenge

2010-07-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Future Journal Cover ~ and CCC Challenge #5

Vintage Tag

2010-07-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest challenge tag. Some very old vintage lace on one layer of the collaged piece. ENJOY!

Star Dust ~ Poem by Judy Wood

2010-07-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Shooting stars are simply grit from space colliding with air molecules high up in the sky.

Tonight the air is cool. The night is still.
The scent of night blooming jasmine tickles my nose.
The blanket around my shoulders feels soft and warm.

As I gaze into the starlit sky, lost in thoughts of the coming day
I hear the door creak open.
I feel his breath on my cheek as he moves in close to comfort me.
Together, we fought through the grit of life.

We’ve overcome many trials, others give up, we go on…
I see a shooting star and make my wish…

Poem by Judy Wood
Winter 2010

Colorful Tag

2010-06-28T20:05:00.001-07:00

Experimented a bit with some alcohol inks and distress inks. Here are the results.

Travel Journals

2010-06-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've created two journals, one places I've visited, one for places I'd like to visit someday...

Photo Journaling

2010-06-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

I love to just grab my camera (Cool Pics) and go! Sometimes I take pics of mundane things. Thought you might like to see some of the latest. Now that I'm uploading the pictures, I feel a theme coming on! Hungry yet? ENJOY!

Challenge and Challenging...

2010-06-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

I recently joined an on line group of artists, this is a waterstamp challenge, this technique is very challenging, but with practice, I hope to find great results. I've already tried many papers and both chunky and delicate stamps...

Collaboration

2010-06-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. We've both been drawing, painting and writing for years. We've decided to collaborate on our writing and drawing endeavors. This is an experimental piece we just finished. Using 12x12 board, distress inks, paint, matte medium, charcoal, and Prismacolor pencils. Any thoughts for a title?

Torn

2010-06-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I made a collage for a friend, color scheme was red and black.

Travel

2010-06-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

I've been asked about a few locations lately, so I'll post my favorite places to shop/eat in two of my favorite hot spots: San Diego and Sedona.

San Diego
Dining
World Famous Surfside Costal Cuisine
Shopping
Sea Port Village
Sight Seeing
Sea World
San Diego Zoo
Mission Beach
Pacific Beach
Balboa Park Museums and Galleries

Sedona
Dining
Canyon Breeze
Oaxaca
L'Auberge de Sedona
Pago's Pizzeria
Secret Garden
Junepine Resort
Shopping
Uptown Sedona
Tlaquepaque
Rene's
Sight Seeing
Red Rock State Park
Exposures International
Red Rock Loop
Hotel
Wildflower Inn

Evermore Nevermore ~ Steam Punk Art

2010-05-27T06:12:00.001-07:00

I dropped off two new pieces yesterday at Evermore Nevermore. Here's a photo!

Collage

2010-04-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

My friend in Tucson ordered a custom Marie Antionette collage. I love the image.

Collages

2010-03-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

When I traveled to Oregon last November my cousin and I went through some old photos. We discovered some lovely vintage photos including images of two of my great, great aunts that were dancers... One of the latest collages features my great, great aunt Angie.

I finished a painting this week. I love twilight, I love the dark blues in the sky. I've wanted to do some forest paintings for a year now, I have two more started... ENJOY!

happy new year!

2010-01-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

the weather is perfect... the family is healthy... lots of creative ideas... it's a new year! looking forward to new adventures and possibilities! happy new year!

Featured Artist at The Angel Store and More

2009-11-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

I will be the Featured Artist at the Angel Store and More on 5th Avenue in Scottsdale next Thursday ~ November 12 ~ 7-9 pm. I'll be busy the next few days creating, collaging, painting... Hope to see YOU there!

Lately...

2009-10-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have discovered it is more important for me to CREATE than to write about creating... But I still need to keep up with my once a month quota of blog posts... I've been creating collages and paintings for a specific store in Scottsdale. My theme is vintage angel, fairy, dragonfly, and butterfly collages and paintings. I am having a BLAST! The store will be on the Scottsdale "Art Walk" soon, so please stop in The Angel Store and More on 5th Avenue when you get a chance. Wishing everyone a cool fall ~ I've heard it should drop 20-30 degrees by mid week!!!

Fall...

2009-09-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

WOW! I turned around and it was fall already! The leaves aren't changing by my art is! I realized I've never posted pictures of my latest artwork. Took a class with Carol Wingert, she turned me on to "betwinchies (tm)" and I'm really enjoying creating some collages! ENJOY! If you're so inclined, see the movie "Bright Star", love story, but so much more...

Summer Time...

2009-08-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still creating collages, and now teaching my grand daughters to collage too. One grand daughter decided on a fairy image (apologizing for not capturing this collage in a photo), one chose "The Wizard of Oz" theme. I would LOVE some ideas for a title for what may be the last in an angel series. Any ideas?!? Thanks for visiting my blog...

Mornings...

2009-06-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Morning is my time to reflect, decide what I might create... Today I'm working on some "Artist Choice" ATC's for Mystic Paper...

I also wanted to post a few links here... My oldest son is an artist, his website is amazing: www.bigchrisart.com Check it out! My youngest son is a musician. He is writing music with people all over the valley and posting his songs on line. His link is here: http://www.myspace.com/100memberband Enjoy!

My husband and I are taking a drawing class, nice to spend some quality artistic time together...

Life is good...

Princess

2009-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

I often have a house full of adorable girls, maybe that's why I'm always thinking about images... Here's my latest collage, mailing to a friend today...

Spring Musical

2009-04-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Last year, a few of you might remember I did make up for the "beast" in Beauty and the Beast at a local high school... Tonight, I did make up for the witch and the wolf for the musical "Into the Woods", it opens at Mt. View tomorrow night at 7 pm! It's a delightful play that combings many of the popular fairy tales, you don't want to miss this! Doors open at 6:30 pm, be there early to get in line, opening night really packs them in!

Artists Gathering

2009-03-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

March 17, 2009 was the first of many casual Artists Gatherings. We met at Harper's Nursery on McKellips and Gilbert Road, it was so peaceful and relaxing... If you would like to join us for the next casual Artist Gathering, please email me... judy@abrushwithangels.com

No agenda, just come, draw, paint, take photos, relax, meet new people... There was an early bird special for the first few through the gate... See you soon!

Fairy Photos

2009-03-22T12:22:00.001-07:00

A wonderful Fairy visited me this weekend, she's looking after the butterfly garden... Here are some of my favorite pictures... *giggle* Isn't she magical?

Collages

2009-03-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying these collages, I'm doing a few a week now. I have been taking each collage to a different location for photo shoots, local garden nursery, Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Mesa Art Center. I wonder where the next one will take me?

I am going to teach a class on the collages soon... Check back for more information!

ENJOY!

Healing...

2009-03-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

I'm sad to report I lost my oldest niece a week ago, I've planted a butterfly garden in her honor... The seedlings started to sprout this week. The garden needs to be nurtured as do the people we care about in our lives. I was also inspired to do some new artwork. A new image for another niece's new home. We all need time to heal... Plant a garden this spring and hold near those close to you...

Angel Art

2009-01-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a 12 x 12 collage I did for a friend over the holidays. One of the images looks a bit blurry in the photo, but I'm sure you'll get an idea of how it looks... Then while photographing the image at MAC, I saw an angel cloud, snapped that picture right up! Have a wonderful week!

January 2009

2009-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Sadly my only sister ended up in ICU during the holidays so I wasn't able to blog much, then started subbing EVERY DAY when the spring semester started. Happy to report my sister is doing much better and I have a day off!

As promised, I am posting pictures of some of the pendants I've created over the last few months. Enjoy! Sorry I didn't get pics of the Audry Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe pendants...

My 'goal' for 2009 is to get and stay ORGANIZED! Wish me LUCK!

December!

2008-12-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is December, in the midst of the holiday cheer *some people don't looks so cheery, they look anything BUT cheery*...

I am working on some delightful projects for gifts, I might even sneak in a photo or two...

Random thought for the day... No person, regardless of age, education, race, sex, financial situation, etc. NO PERSON should EVER be taken for granted... Tell someone you love them today!

WOW!

2008-10-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

Time flies... when you're extra busy! I'm a bit sad to write that I haven't had much time to create lately, I have been busy between subbing high school, volunteering with our local fire department, and visiting with my oldest son and his lovely wife, they just moved back from Austin, TX! Not to mention teaching on Saturdays at CCSA and hanging out with many of my grandchildren...

No excuses, I do have a painting I want to do and some small artwork for a few shops that carry my work : ) The next time I write (I promise it won't be months and months) I'll have some new pics and a couple of art projects done, in fact, one is due in just two weeks, I'd better get started!

Thanks for checking back... *smiles*

Photography Friend

2008-06-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

I do some of my 'angel' collage work in collaboration with the most amazing photographer: D. Sharon Pruitt. You can visit her gallery at www.pinksherbet.com. I've used her angel images in greeting cards, tins, "waxies", boxes, and now as the photographer for the header on my blog.

It's about time!!!

2008-06-07T19:13:00.001-07:00

I finally found a suitable camera, the Nikon Coolpix! I have to say Ashton Kutcher is doing a great job advertising this camera! I was sold!

The first picture I took was of my first 'waxies'. I just love making beeswax collages, so much fun! I've also been creating "waxies" using pin ups, and a variety of other images. I've started a travel series, including Paris, New York, and Venice.

Just for fun, I thought I'd also add a picture of one my favorite corners of the house, somewhere I like to work with small groups of artists. A cozy table near the fireplace and window seat where my plants seem to thrive! A week or two ago, I had the great pleasure of working with one of my daughters-in-law and ALL three of my grandaughters, we each made a 'fairy girl' book, something they could take with them to remember while one was away this summer, a picture of just the three girls, we added wings of course.

Thank you for visiting my blog...

Beauty and the Beast

2008-04-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well, sometimes my art experiences take me other places, this weekend is the fun filled musical, "Beauty and the Beast" at Mt. View High School in Mesa. I've always enjoyed volunteering my time at this school, everyone is so pleasant to work with, I've been helping with tickets, etc. and last week, the director asked if I could help with the "Beast's" make up! I've been advising the other make up artist, and tonight and tomorrow night, I'm the make up artist! It's always exciting to work with such talented actors and musicians! If anyone's up for an exciting performance, be at Mt. View when the doors open at 6:30 tonight or tomorrow night for "Beauty and the Beast"!

My advice to other artists today is to keep an open mind, use ALL your lifetime skills, get involved, don't be afraid to step out of your box a bit to do something different and exciting!

Hey All!

2008-04-04T08:25:00.001-07:00

Been busy creating, but not finding much time to take pics, but my goal is to do that in the next two weeks! Whew! If you get bored, you can check out my website at www.abrushwithangels.com

Have a great weekend! Spend some time with your friends and family, after all, YOU are the center of their world!!!

Shout Out!!!

2008-02-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

My son is getting married in Vegas tomorrow night! A bunch of us are attending the "Little White Chapel" wedding! My son was a ROCK STAR for 13+ years, his adorable fiance is 'rockin out' her wedding dress with black glitter and guitar picks! Kim, Jennifer, and Ellen have been helpful finding the right tools to punch holes in the picks! THANKS GIRLS! Pictures to follow after the event! Thanks again!

Uh Oh!

2008-01-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

I JUST realized, it's already January and I haven't posted in '08! Been busy, getting healthy, doing artwork, and catching up with friends! Happy New Year everyone! Keep blogging...

WOW!

2007-12-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

A salon/boutique in Scottsdale wanted ALL my wax creations! Including one I didn't think was finished yet (I made it for my gallery at home), and they want more more more! FUN! I've got some work to do! Check them out! Le Diva on 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ! The clothes and accessories are adorable! Lots and lots of BLING!

Whew...

2007-12-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

What a great start to the holiday season, we are FINALLY getting some cooler weather, I find it really difficult to Christmas shop when it's over 90 degrees, finally in the 60's now! Whew!

The art shows all went well, at CCSA (meeting at ASU on Saturdays) we had wind, cold, rain, and lots of people coming to see their childrens' art work, very nice.

By the time I made it to Mystic Paper, everyone who planned to attend had already been there, but met some very nice people, and even entertained a few kids : )

The show at Bak'd was GREAT! People stopping by all evening! Mike and Leslie, thanks so much for finding your way across the street! Fighting the bitter cold, heh... The show will be up until Jan. 31. The food presentation was pretty amazing, stop by for dinner if you get a chance, reservations only!

Now, onto the topic of shopping! OH MY LOOK AT THE TIME! Kohl's has been open for TWO HOURS and I'm STILL not ready to hit the doors there! Actually, I'm almost done, getting ready to plan an intimate dinner for six Christmas eve...

Thought for the day, friends are GREAT! Family is wonderful! Keep in touch with yours!

Art Shows!!!

2007-11-20T03:54:00.000-08:00

BUSY November! I have several art shows lined up. Here's a mini list if you're following along:
1. Dec. 1st 10-1 at ASU, this is an art show of my CCSA student work, titled "Monet to Mondrian". The students have done some great work!
2. Dec. 1st at Mystic Paper! Boxes, small wall plaques, greeting cards. See all of you there!
3. Dec. 14th (time tbd) at Bak'd in downtown Mesa. There will be two artists showing new artwork there for one month! I have some abstract paintings and some contemporary landscapes scheduled, don't miss it!
That's it for now, gotta go make some more cards...

Fall!

2007-11-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

Wow... Even in AZ the seasons change so quickly! If you have time to venture out before dawn, you'll finally feel the change of seasons...

The last class I took with Mike at Mystic Paper was amazing, inspiring! I've collaborated with an angels artist in Maine and I'm using the new techniques I've learned to make boxes and boards! SO MUCH FUN!

Here it is, already the middle of November... If you're reading this, don't let THIS time pass you by, look forward to the holidays of course, but don't get caught up in it all, take time out for yourself, keep creating!