My Time Out of the World

Soldering and bookbinding

2012-01-28T23:02:00.000+08:00

It's been busy here since my last post. The most important is that I have set up a little workshop in my garden and it's been pleasure playing without thinking about the mess around me. Even the high temperatures (40 +) haven't hindered me in enjoying extra space. Not to mention that I have spare room finally cleared from clutter and eventually labeled all draws and boxes with my little treasures. How good is it not loosing time and mind searching for things.

Finally I'm catching up with lots od projects I started but never finished. Here are some little soldered book covers I learned in Stephie Lee's on-line class. I hope you like them as I do.

I'm still around

2011-11-23T10:21:00.001+08:00

Yes, I am around but it's been very busy time. Painting the house proved to be too big job when combined with commitments at work. Not that I painted myself, there are professionals to do the job, but still moving the furniture, cleaning was big enough. The most difficult part was clearing the stuff from my studio but the outcome was more than satisfactory: I finally know what I really have!!!! Almost everything has been sorted and labeled so I don't loose too much time looking for things in the middle of inspiration. I have set up a little workshop in my garden for all the dirty work and the furniture for my indoor studio has been designed (even though it is going to take few months to have it installed).
So last evening I finally managed to finish some projects I started long, long time ago. There are still many of them awaiting to have the final touches but summer and longer days are coming and it is going to be easier to create.

Paper Stacks

2011-09-21T00:04:00.003+08:00

Once again it's been a while since my last post. The computer problems turned into disaster so I was left without it for nearly 2 months (unbelievable that it takes so long to reinstall some programs. If I did know what was a problem I would've done it myself but...)
In mean time I have been creating and most of my creations were given away to friends and family members. I have been shopping lots of beautiful things from all around the world. I was away for a week attending the conference and having some relaxing time beside work. I also enrolled into two new on-line classes but they will wait for a while because I'm facing some home improvements. Seth Apter's call for collaboration on "Paper Stacks" came just in right moment: I'm moving my little studio into the shed for short period while the painters finish their part. In few months time I will repeat this proces again because my studio will have some very cool storage solutions and hopefully be more "user friendly".

So here is my entry for the collaboration.

Very soon I will post some of the projects I have finished and also update my progress on the book "Gathered".

New page

2011-07-30T06:03:00.000+08:00

I'm waiting for few bits to arrive from USA and the book "Gathered" will be finished.

I'm a thinker

2011-07-22T13:37:00.000+08:00

Since return from the retreat I have been trying to finish the book before returning to work (once I start working there is not going to be much time left for creating). I admire people who manage to get all their ideas and material together during 2-3 day-retreat. I simply can't because I'm a thinker. Each new page I start, each layout, choice of colours and embellishments, everything I touch takes time until I manage to satisfy myself with a finished detail. Therefore I came to the conclusion: NO RETREATS anymore. I function much better in own environment.
In my last post there are pictures of the pages I finished on the retreat but I wasn't happy with lots of things. Therefore I have made some changes.

A bit closer...

Gathered

2011-07-18T23:52:00.000+08:00

I finally managed to download some programs on my old lap top. It took me half a day for all of this mainly because I needed to download all updates before I could even think of anything else. My "new" computer has gone for repair and will be back in 4-6 weeks. Nothing I can do about this but to be patient.

Last week I spent 4 days in Dwellingup (Western Australia) where 14 of us attended workshop with Nina Bagley and created altered book "Gatherings".

Here are some details (photos are not the best but better will come latter).

Major computer problems

2011-07-17T15:52:00.001+08:00

It's been nearly 4 months since my last post mainly due to the problems with my computer. There are several reasons but I haven't stopped creating in mean time. As soon as I recover my little friend I will be posting more frequently.

Collectors Edition

2011-03-20T21:46:00.009+08:00

I have been following Seth Apter's "Collectors Edition" for months and it's been interesting to see what kind of stuff people collect.

My collections are versatile and it would be impossible to display them all simply because it would take days to photograph or scan them. All my life I have been gathering stuff because of personal sentiments. Since I discovered altered art my collections took another direction: rusty metal, worn our books, old bits and pieces.

here is the small display of many things I collect, all scattered throughout my home and awaiting the moment to be used in my art...

1. Book covers

2. Metal tins

3. Bits and pieces (as older and dirtier as better)

4. Rubber stamps (everyone's astonishing about my investment)

Leather Binding

2011-03-11T22:47:00.007+08:00

This was fun!

Before giving away

2011-02-14T08:00:00.006+08:00

I bought big piece of green watercolour paper years ago with good intention to make Christmas cards for my friends. Since I don't like making cards (meaning my friends have never received any of handmade cards) this paper has been lying around and moved from one spot to another so many times.
Being in mood of recycling and clearing all the corners at home I decided to try to alter it (you can always throw things away if you don't like it).
Eventually I did like what became from scattering acrylic inks around.

Suddenly new book cover started emerging... Perfect for a birthday present for a friend.

Bookbinding and Altered recycled paper

2011-02-04T18:02:00.007+08:00

Firstly they were miniature...

... than bigger ...

...and bigger...

...until finally all displayed...

Altering recycled paper

2011-01-25T23:16:00.007+08:00

Since I've been busting US economy too frequently lately I made decision to spend at least less money on paper. Well, paper is essential in my art so I had to look for the alternative. Recycled paper appeared to be good idea. Adding texture and painting the large pieces of paper is a messy and time consuming job but I'm happy with the results.

Texture and bookbinding

2011-01-22T20:39:00.010+08:00

Combination of different techniques, materials, texture and bookbinding.

Bookbinding

2011-01-13T20:03:00.012+08:00

Bookbinding is itching me for a long time and finally I got the time to try different ways of binding.

Most of the time I spent practicing Coptic stitch (just because I kept messing up - lesson learned: don't try to watch tennis at the same time). For the cover pages I used different materials and techniques:

1. Soldering

2. Etching

3. Painting:

Some books are bigger...

...some smaller...

Raven's Foot Binding

...but this is my favourite:

Piano Hinge Binding

Effects of the heat

2011-01-03T22:50:00.009+08:00

"Salvaged Ornament"

Canvas 27.5" x 19.5"

"Burned Bark"
Canvas 23"x 11.5"

Adding new texture

2010-12-30T07:28:00.007+08:00

Learning new techniques from Jacqueline Sullivan. Her DVD ACRYLICS: Textures, Layers and Metallics is full of easy to follow instructions. Although I intended to make this painting a bit brighter I ended up with the same colours and shades that are typical for me. The next attempt is definitively going to be mixed with lighter and summery colours.

"Emotional Swirl"

Canvas 40 x 50 cm

For a Friend

2010-12-28T06:23:00.006+08:00

'You say I want to be happy'
Canvas 30.5" x 8"

In memoriam

2010-12-22T06:11:00.007+08:00

For a colleague who left us too early

Painting

2010-12-15T06:37:00.012+08:00

I have been painting a lot since my last post. The texture is what fascinates me at the moment. I have been exploring Golden mediums and pastes on different surfaces (ordering big quantities since Aussie $$$ is so good).
I'm conscious that all of my work so far are simple techniques but I'm learning more and more from Julie and Chris over at the Texture Town Would you like to join me on the journey just click at the badge here on my blog and you will be taken to the "Land of Lost Luggage".

Along the West Coast Highway
Canvas 16"x20"

Untitled
Canvas 12"x12"

Remember the School Days?
Canvas 12"x16"

There are still many canvases either drying or waiting for the final-touch-idea to arise.

Gel Journaling

2010-11-16T17:02:00.005+08:00

Journal Cover: 'LONGING'

Canvas panel 10" x 12"

Rusty Finds

2010-11-08T19:37:00.000+08:00

Exploring new colours and texture.

Worn out spine

2010-11-04T17:10:00.003+08:00

The "Texture Town" classes are more fun than I anticipated. New canvas panel (10"x12")is finished: 'Worn out spine' .

And the closer look of the texture and colours (but really this camera can't justify true colours and shades = conclusion: NEED NEW CAMERA!!!!!!!!):

A bit of collage

2010-11-02T10:01:00.003+08:00

Canvas panel 10"x12":

"I Didn't Want To Do It"

Playing with texture

2010-10-31T09:24:00.012+08:00

It's been a while since I had a brush in my hands and while I'm waiting for paints and mediums to arrive from USA I've been trying to get the feel for layers and texture again.

Few exercises on 4x4 canvases:

'Numbers and letters', 12x12 canvas (a gift a for a 10 years old boy):

'Beneath the texture', 10"x12" canvas board:

I'm a little drunk....

2010-10-30T21:58:00.005+08:00

No comment..........

Online classes

2010-10-24T19:03:00.006+08:00

It has been a while since my last post but the thing is that beside hectic at work I have been creating. I have completed another altered book, started altering few thins, made some book covers which are awaiting to be bound, have enrolled into jewelery class...

Well I decided not to post it in chronological order. I will start with my latest project.

Last week I got an e-mail from a friend of mine, Martina Hart to join her on the journey through "Texture Town" by Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen . The class started 2 weeks ago and some catching up was required. Lucky I already had mediums and paints required for the class but this didn't stop me ordering more.

The first lesson was Implied texture and I made Journal covers:

The second lesson was Choose your colour (you may have only one guess about my first choice):

The second and third colour choice are waiting for canvases to dry...

Drops of a sporting career retrieved from ashes

2010-08-14T10:18:00.049+08:00

John Buchan:

As we age, the mystery of Time more and more dominates the mind. We live less in the present, which no longer has the solidity that it had in youth; less in the future, for the future every day narrows its span. The abiding things lie in the past...

After more than 4 months I finally finished Mum's book (just in time as she is leaving in 5 days). Initially I wanted to tell the story about this book but now... It is still very painful to dig into past and I don't want to go there anymore. Years have passed and we all have moved forward with our lives. This book is a tribute to my mother, her sporting career and life she had once. Many photos, press articles, diplomas and medals were lost in war time but we are grateful that we survived.
The post is very long and there are still many details I wanted to share but all of them will be available on the Slide Show very soon.

Front cover
Spine
Closure

Page by pageIvo Andric:

Steps are such a usual, everyday sound which sometimes can awake different memories…

Birth record
Family Ilic

Mum
Details from the press

Nostalgia

Diplomas

Drops of a sporting career

G-book

Beck cover:

Few more details

2010-07-22T10:48:00.007+08:00

First of all I would like to thank to all of you for the lovely comments on my work especially on this book. Finally the book has all what a book needs to be a book: the front page, back page, spine, binding... The only missing details are the last page (still one to go) and the photos of the finished work (for which I need more time).

New attempt in bookbinding

2010-07-19T22:18:00.009+08:00

There are so many skills I would like to gain (but not enough time). Bookbinding fascinates me lately and I decided to give a shot without attending any classes (again - NO TIME). Anyway here is what I came up with and you guess what kind of stitch it is (BTW it was supposed to be Coptic stitch).

Buried Treasure 2010

2010-07-15T17:40:00.006+08:00

I have been following Seth Apter's blog for a while and I don't have to tell you how much I admire his work. But what Seth does from time to time is bringing the collaborations and artists from around the world sign up and you get so many links to blogs and beautiful world of art. You know what amazes me most? Not the number of people signing up but the number of professional artist that join these collaborations. When the announcement for the Buried Treasures 2010 came up I was waiting for more links that I could follow. At the same time I got the comment from Seth for my latest project "Retrieved from ashes". Oh gosh, I couldn't believe that someone with his arty reputation would even bother visiting my blog.

Anyway, I must've got wings from his compliment and decided to join this collaboration without knowing what I'm letting myself into.

The first homework is to post one or more favourite posts that ever appeared on the blog. Gee, that's very tough call for someone who doesn't have years of experience not only in blogging but in art world all together. After long thinking (today is the D-day but lucky I live in Australia and even though our Thursday is just about to become Friday the rest of the world is just having morning tea or lunch). I decided to go with two posts:

"Eternity"...

... and "Art Vision"

What is coming now I'm not sure but Seth will let us know soon.

Title: "Retrieved from Ashes"

2010-07-07T09:21:00.019+08:00

This book is taking ages but time is running out now. Mum is going home next month and the book has to come to an end. Finally I worked out the title for Mum's book: "RETRIEVED FROM ASHES". While I'm waiting for the new idea to arise here are few more details...

1. "DIPLOMAS" is made by using the old book covers as a background which are resting on layers of leather and gauze:

2. "NOSTALGIA" is another page symbolizing the country that disappeared in early 90's.

Beeswax! One of my favourite techniques for aging the pages... No other technique would make such an aged look. I'm so happy how this booklet turned out. I have billion ideas for the future projects but Mum's book is the priority.

I have been fascinated with bookbinding for a while and after studying several books (which did cost me quite a bit but lucky the exchange rate was very good -what a way to justify spending!!!!!).

I managed to learn one technique: Slip Knot Binding and gaining a new skill is priceless isn't it?

3. 1960: the frame was made from the pages of an old book which I glued together, burned and sealed with beeswax (once again nothing is better than BEESWAX!!!):

... and changes to previous details (typical for me: to critical for everything I do)... Looking the previous design I had feeling that something was missing but it takes a lot to find that "perfect" detail. I still think that this page is not quite finished yet and I'm continuing to think about what is it.

But one thing I can promise: the following two pages won't be changed any more.

Stealing out of necessity

2010-06-13T23:23:00.008+08:00

Gently said life has been hectic lately. The sad thing is that it doesn't seem to be slowing down. Weeks have gone in working, working and only working… I did hit the low point when I simply couldn’t think, eat, sleep... I new I needed break but than I also new that there wasn’t time to do so. Frustration, frustration, lots of frustration. And than I did it: I stole it. I stole not a bit. I stole a big deal: a day only for myself! My soul. This is stealing out of necessity in order to be able to function again.

I decided to step out of my comfort zone and took a new path: metal, etching, drilling, wiring… Oh, how it felt good. I'm still not comfortable with new tools but it is the beginning of something new. I know Jen (Crossley) is going to laugh because I told her not long time ago that I will never make a jeweller. And I probably won’t but I want to become a bit more comfortable with metal and wire. Long ago I learnt that any skill is a good skill and may come handy at some stage. So here we are: the first attempts.

"On Sunday's"

"Secrets of G Book"

Etched book cover...

...and closer look to beautiful colours...

Few more details...

2010-05-04T17:17:00.010+08:00

This is only one page but divided in three parts.

Front of the page:

Inside page 1:

Inside page 2:

...and combined:

To be continued....

More details

2010-05-03T18:28:00.006+08:00

Here are some more details for mum's book. The little sample booklet I bought in a Melbourne's antique shop came handy to stick all the press reports.

There are many pages of the reports but I think one is enough for this post.

To be continued...

New Page for Mum's Book

2010-04-29T19:43:00.011+08:00

Well, I finally have got into this book . It took me 10 months of thinking and now I'm drowning in so many ideas (not to mention that I'm a bit under the pressure to finish before Mum goes back home). Here is the layout:

I have to make a confession: addicted to the crackle paste...

...rusty things, waxed linen...

...and gauze.

To be continued...

New Project - Book for my Mum

2010-04-28T09:34:00.016+08:00

I know some of you are waiting for the "Just in Case" book I was making in Judy Wilkenfeld's class at Creative Soul Retreat. The truth is: it doesn't exist any more simply because I wasn't happy what I made. Instead I started my new project which still doesn't have a title but it is dedicated to my Mum. She is leaving in August and I have to finish it by than.

One of the pages I managed to finish...

Closer look to some details:

To be continued...

60th birthday book

2010-04-21T08:06:00.013+08:00

After 5 weeks holidays my first week back at work couldn't start busier:

routine work on the ward (BTW I'm a clinical nurse on an acute surgical ward - orthopaedics)
giving two in-services to the night staff
preparing the meeting for the Orthopaedic Nurses Association of Western Australia (ONA WA) - where I was elected as a president while I was enjoying my life at the Creative Soul Retreat in Melbourne)
preparing the ONA WA study day with which we are already running late
and on the very first day the girls on the ward told me that "the team has decided" that I will be making a birthday card for our manager’s 60th birthday.

Oh dear... They don't understand that creativity, in my case, requires "a bit" of thinking time before I lay my hand on any projects. But people who know me (and the girls on the ward know me very well) know that I have a big problem with saying NO. So I added another job to my list "things to do" which had to be done within few days.

Back cover:

One of the book pages (guess whose):

Details:

Last page - Pocket for the gift voucher:

Front cover detail:

Finally finished but still drying...

Ready to go...

And the reward? The expression on my manager's face says it all...

Happy 60th Ronnie!!!

CSR 2010 - Part 4 (Leonardo da Twinchie Swap)

2010-04-12T08:20:00.004+08:00

Prior to going to the retreat I signed up for the Leonardo da Twinchie swap. It took me ages to make the decision what I wanted to do. I was playing with different ideas and finally submitted the Vitruvian Man. I hope the other girls in this swap were happy with my choice.

Even though 25 people signed up we ended up with 18 twinchies. Sorry I haven't had time to make anything yet (but I will); I just placed them randomly onto piece of paper for photo shoot.

And before I forget: Big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this swap.

CSR 2010 - Part 3 (Laurie Mika - Wearable Reliquaries)

2010-04-10T09:30:00.014+08:00

The class with Laurie Mika was on the very last day which was a bit messy as we had to leave our rooms by 10 o'clock. This resulted in packing before the class and taking just the necessary: clay. Without my embellishments I felt a bit lost because I don't like working with limited material. I managed to make 2 reliquaries:

Escape

Nr. 2

...and I wasn't happy at all with a final result.

Since I had to overcome the feeling of disappointment I decided to make the most of the class and ended up with a kind of ATC (size is not exactly as it should be - my ruler was already in suitcase).

Scars

The next and the last was pure play in order to kill the time until the end of the class. The next piece managed to be backed and I finished it this morning.

Fragment

Dear Laurie has made name badges for each students attending her classes (imagine the number of badges she made considering that she was teaching all 4 days).

All in all I'm much happier with the stuff now.

And Laurie... she is such a fun and inspiration. It was pleasure to spend some quality time with Laurie and her sister Lesley outside the workshops. Cheers Laurie, I hope we will see each other some time again.

CSR 2010 - Part 2 (Secret Garden Journal with Jan Harris)

2010-04-08T06:35:00.014+08:00

Even though Jan Harris came as a "replacement" for Judy Wise I have to say that she won my heart in a tick of the moment. It's not only her art but her quite and delightful personality are what has placed her not only in my but in many hearts forever. What an honour to gain such a friend! I hope that our pathways will cross soon again.

Everyone who knows me know that I never finish anything in class but guess what: I managed to finish not only one but three and a half pages of the journal and few more backgrounds. What an effort!!!

CSR 2010 - Part 1 (shopping)

2010-04-07T20:56:00.022+08:00

After 4 weeks of holidaying here I am again. I have to admit I have great difficulty to concentrate on reality and every day tasks. The time of travelling, sleeping in, fun and relaxation is nearly over. I have been away for 4 weeks and have seen and done so much: shopping and sightseeing in Melbourne, than 4 days at the Creative Soul Retreat in the Dandenong in Victoria, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast and again back to Melbourne for more shopping (what a dangerous city for the Credit Card!!!).

The highlight of the trip has been Creative Soul Retreat at the Country Place Retreat in the Dandenong Rangers, Victoria. The big THANK YOU goes to Bevlea, Lucy and Eva who have done such a wonderful job in organising 4 memorable days for all of us who love art and creativity.

I have attended classes with Judy Wilknfeld, Jan Harris, Lauri Mika, Ro Bruhn and Jen Crossley's. I know it looks pretty suicidal to attend all those classes within 4 days but I took it easy and made sure that I had good social life as well. And I certainly had it. Poor Brenda, my room mate, she had to put up with late nights and early wake ups. I hope she is going to forgive me.

I know many of you would like to see what I have done over there. Because it's getting late I will start with shopping part first.

The day before the Retreat I went with Brenda to Abrakadabra, an antique shop which rather looks overcrowded and dusty room with a lot but really A LOT of great goodies. I got few bits and pieces but the biggest score was...

1. Antique Photo Album

Looking the photos this photo album is probably dating from the beginning of the 20th century. Take a closer look to the closure, pages and photos:

I love the closure...

...and the photos are stunning...

Shopping continued at the retreat.

2. Two necklaces from lovely Jen Crossley:

- altered old perfume bottle

- bird house: Time shall unfold

- book covers

3. Tinny booklet necklace from Judy Wilkenfeld

4. Two necklaces from Susan Lenart Kazmer

5. Embellishments

(unbelievable how they look tempting and dollar by dollar you end up few hundred dollars lighter)

This is the end of the shopping part but more is to come from CSR 2010 in next edition...

I'm back and going away again

2010-02-20T06:24:00.017+08:00

I'm back on in blogger world. Wonder what I've been doing lately? My holiday was coloured with a shade of dark as my mother fell and fractured her right wrist. So she ended up having surgery and now we're having so many appointments to attend, I have taken cooking over (not my area of enjoyment,) housework and I'm back at work again. There is not enough time for creativity.
With this NO TIME I managed to make several cards and tags:

And than… I took a “little” job to make a card for of my nursing colleagues who retired recently. “Little and simple” is not in my vocabulary at all. From the Power point presentation I adopted photos and here is the “Farewell Card” I made between two shifts and you judge for yourself:

Cover Page

Page 2 - didn't have time to scan

Page 3 - has ID tag inside the cigar tin that I placed 5 minutes before giving the book away

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7 - inside slide mailer there are some photos from various functions she attended

Page 8 - Poem written by my colleagues which once again I didn't have time to scan

Page 9 - book with farewell wishes attached last minute on the ward

Back Cover

Binding - no time for taking picks (pity)

Unfortunately I didn't have time to take the photo of the book after binding as I was running late for work but the book caused a lot of oh's and wow's at the presentation. At the end of the day I know that the book has gone into good hands and that’s what makes the time and effort worthwhile.

Well it's time to start packing for the Creative Soul Retreat. There won't be any posts until some time in April but expect unexpected things on my blog.

Some changes & back cover

2010-01-16T21:23:00.006+08:00

Thanks to all of you for kind comments but it wouldn't be me if I wouldn't fiddle and change the projects. I found this rusty ring while cleaning my room and thought it would be perfect to enhance the torsos on the cover page. At the same time I finished the back cover as well.

Next week I'll be busy here at home with some renovations and than I'm on well deserved HOLIDAYS!!!!

Eternity

2010-01-14T22:15:00.006+08:00

I have started working on Technique Book 3. This one is going to be a bit different than the previous books. I will be doing the same classes but instead of making ATC's I will apply the same techniques on the larger surfaces. The reason? Many!!! Chronic lack of time (no need to think about 3 projects for the same page); exploring bigger surface; consolidating and expending skills combining different products and techniques; using existing products which I keep buying, storing and eventually forgetting that I ever bought them; and more importantly finding my way of self expression.

This is the cover page for the book although I think it would be better to display it on it's own. Who knows what the final project is going to look like. Just keep in mind that no camera or scanner can justify the colours and texture(I have tried every single angle to get the true colours and texture but...).

Binding

2009-12-24T19:29:00.010+08:00

As promised here is the finished book.

All in One = Finished

2009-12-23T13:25:00.006+08:00

The Technique Book 2 is finished. The last two pages are the combination of different techniques where I used leftovers and bits and pieces. I have done binding as well but the battery for my camera needs recharging so the picks will be posted a bit later. All in all I'm very happy with this book and hope you will like it as well. Thank you all for lovely comments and encouragement on the way. I wish you all great Christmas and Happy, healthy and safe New 2010.

Inkjet Transfer

2009-12-16T11:42:00.010+08:00

Wondering if I slept last night? The answer is yes but it's been one of those mornings when everything fits into place. The last page for the ATC Tech Book 2.

I also managed to finish few more ATC's on Inkjet transfers...

And few more that have been laying for a while...

Heartbroken

2009-12-15T15:34:00.003+08:00

Hick ups with computer resolved and I have it back again. I felt really embarrassed when the technician told me that it was full of dust. Anyway it is clean, working and all my data is saved. That’s all that counts, isn’t it?

Well the time without the computer made my Mum very happy so she decided it was great opportunity to do some make over’s in and around the house which involved hips of money and my labour. Don’t misunderstand this statement; I’m glad she made me do all those things. The only problem is my chronically limited spare time so I ended up without Christmas preparation. This year there won’t be any Christmas cards, presents etc. as I didn’t do any shopping but I ended up with the best present for myself: beautiful garden and new floors.

Of course I struggled even with finishing the page for the Tech book 2 using smoosh technique and magic stamp for ATC’s. "Heartbroken" but happy it's over.

I have to print some images for tonight's class so no time (again) for any writing.

Faux Tin Tech

2009-11-30T08:54:00.003+08:00

Not much to say:the scanner is letting me down once again. This technique is just not meant to be for my scanner. Also I think my computer is dying slowly and it is time to back up all my work and connect the lap top.

Back to Tech Book 2

2009-11-24T10:19:00.004+08:00

Finally some time to continue on the ATC Technique Book 2. Below is my page: Peeled Paper Background for the ATC's and the collage for the page background. Have I ever told you how much I love the Golden mediums, pastes and paints? If you haven't tried them I would say you don't know what you missing on.

And one more ATC just in case...

What I'm up to

2009-11-04T08:54:00.008+08:00

For all of you who have been wondering what's going on with me the answer is simple: NEW PROJECT. Here are some picks of it...

To be continued...

Play day

2009-10-26T19:31:00.005+08:00

I had a "play day" with my arty friends Davinia and Carmen. While Davinia and I were learning new techniques form the "Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists: Experimental Techniques for Composition, Layering, Texture, Imagery, and Encaustic" by Ann Baldwin (see my Shelfary for further references) Carmen was our third hand. She fed us, made cups and cups of coffees, dried our canvases while we were enjoying our fags on the pation... Dear Carmen - what a value!!!
After 4 hours and a bit I finally finished my "master piece" and left Davinia to clean the mess. Here is my still untitled collage (would you have any appropriate title please let me know).

First attempt

2009-10-25T08:48:00.004+08:00

Do you have moments when you have a vision of the finished project but get stuck with lack of knowledge and skill when facing certain technique challenges? Well, I started this 6x6 canvas few months ago and have tried several products but was not quite happy with any of them. Last night I combined Golden's Crackle and Molding paste and this is what I ended up with.

Finishing off

2009-10-24T21:08:00.007+08:00

Just finished few more ATC's that have been laying around (who knows how many are still waiting to undergo the same process).

Personal Taste

2009-10-19T06:47:00.004+08:00

Ups... I did it again! I finished the page before the Dominoes class. This page is dedicated to Salvador Dali.

Dali is a Spanish painter, best known for the striking and bizarre images in his work. He was versatile artist employing the extensive symbolism in his work and that is what drows me to his art expression.

Cherry Pie art stamps has a good range of Dali's images (thanks Marina!!!) and they are great to use on dominoes.

Every life has a story

2009-10-09T11:55:00.006+08:00

Just a quick post before going to work: Crackle background for the Technique Book 2 and an ATC.

MUSIC is an outburst of the SOUL

2009-09-28T12:44:00.003+08:00

The last class was all about Perfect Pearls and different ways of using them. Unfortunately not everything would fit on the page but few was is enough to make an interesting background. The rubber stamps I used here are great "Chorus" plate from Darkroom door and "Face Curtain" from Cherry Pie.

Now I'm off to lovely Busselton for well deserved break.

Leftovers

2009-09-20T17:42:00.009+08:00

I have this thing about the messy desk. I am able to create for days under the mess around me until I reach certain point when it makes me nervous and I can't stand it. Usually it takes days until I finish with clearing, storing and cleaning. Than I usually end up with many unfinished "great ideas" that I keep in box for better days when they will finished. Well today I had one of those days when the mess got me. I decided to finish off some of the ATC's by using all the embellishments, paper leftovers and anything that I had laying on my desk for weeks. At the end of the day I ended up with 11 new ATC's clean desk ready for new projects.

Foil tape technique, some cards and award

2009-09-18T21:43:00.007+08:00

This is my page for the Foil Tape Technique (Tech book 2) which had to wait for 2 weeks because as usually I've been too busy with some other important things in my life: my FAMILY!!! My Mum arrived nearly 3 weeks ago and I've been spending a lot of time showing her around, catching up with my cousins, enjoying Mum's cooking and feeling like a little girl again.

I don't know why I always wait until the last minute to make cards for certain occasions but I stress on a regular basis and finish them while putting on the make up for the party. The cards below are birthday cards for my cousin's 50th and two of his kids (I still wonder how he managed to have one kid born the day before his birthday and one the day after).

My first award which I received from lovely Sam Marshall.

Thank you so much, Sam!!!

Beeswax Technique

2009-09-03T10:54:00.003+08:00

I finally caught up with my Technique book 2. It's not only the time factor that interferes with my creativity but the thinking process. I can't help it: I'm a "thinker" and most of the time it takes ages until the theme, layout, technique and my satisfaction meet on the page. Here we are:

DREAMS, MOMENTS, TEMPTATION...

Faded Memories

2009-08-31T13:50:00.003+08:00

Here is the page for the Technique Book 2 - Soot technique:

FADED MEMORIES

Soot Technique

2009-08-31T10:32:00.005+08:00

Just catching up on Technique Book 2.

More spothlight technique

2009-08-27T00:46:00.004+08:00

Was it me that said "spotlight technique was not my favourite technique"? Well...

Spotlight Technique

2009-08-26T09:39:00.004+08:00

Last page

2009-08-22T17:25:00.006+08:00

The last page for the Swallow Book is finally finished. As usually scanner is letting me down but there is nothing I can do about it.

I'm still making ATC's

2009-08-15T11:15:00.006+08:00

It's been a while since I made ATC's. Even though I'm two pages behind for my Technique book 2, I played a bit with the Perfect Pearls this morning.

I'll be back onto Technique book 2 soon.

Back to Swallow Book

2009-08-14T20:14:00.008+08:00

This week I've been working on few projects one of which is the Swallow book. I wasn't happy with my back cover I made in class so I decided to rip off the original and start again. And this is the end result...

But the book is not finished yet. The last bit is still drying and hopefully the book will be completed sometime next week.

Window to her soul

2009-08-12T15:58:00.002+08:00

One more to go

2009-08-07T14:28:00.006+08:00

My left ear has been aching since yesterday. The painkiller I took yesterday made me feel even worse so that beside ear ache I'm suffering from nausea and dizziness as well. How good is that? So I've been wandering around the place and trying to put the finishing touches on the Swallow Book hopeful that would help healing process. Well... there is no help for the above problems but I'm at least satisfied that this book is coming to its end.

To be continued...

Her Scars

2009-08-07T09:30:00.003+08:00

Old project finished!

Etched Necklace and Swallow Book

2009-08-05T09:32:00.009+08:00

Here is my etched necklace I did last Saturday. I have to admit that I enjoyed the class until the jewellery part. I never did something similar and was totally lost holding all the tools, wire and so on… This is definitively not for me. I enjoyed etching big deal and will definitively try to explore more but jewellery…big NO!

All the girls in class made beautiful stuff although my favourite is Brenda’s necklace. Brenda is a friend of mine and it is pity that she doesn’t have a blog yet but her art is great and definitively needs to be shown.

I’m advancing with the Swallow Book as well. Altered cigar box:

To be continued...

"Swallowed" few more

2009-08-03T21:41:00.013+08:00

Although I attended another class today, Jen's "Etched necklace", I haven't finished it yet simply because it's too dark to fiddle with the miniature book. Therefore while dinner was in the oven and my house underwent self cleaning process I decided to finish few more pages for the Swallow Book.

Even though I still have to finish few more pages I couldn't resist the cover page. It is pity that the scanner doesn't show the true colours and effects.

To be continued...

Page by page

2009-08-02T22:29:00.009+08:00

Managed to finish few more pages before going to work.

To be continued...

What a day!!!

2009-08-01T22:28:00.007+08:00

My head is still spinning...Today's class with Jen Crossley has been such an overwhelming experience. We made "Altered Swallow Book", something very different from all the stuff I've done so far. And Jen? She is such an inspiration! Great teacher and "down to earth" lady (the way we usually describe people we like from the first moment). Big credit goes to Kelsey who managed to get Jan to come to Western Australia.

Even though the day was "full on" most of us manged to finish the book, although, as usually, mine will undergo adding millions of details before I bind it toghether. Here is just a pick of the first page:

What a privilage to be thought by two great artists: Kelsey O'Mullane and Jenny Crossley!

Industia or Not

2009-07-24T22:00:00.006+08:00

Since I missed (forgot) the last class I had to do this page following Kelsey's instructions. People who know me well know that I'm not exactly the one who would blindly follow without exploring the world and possibilities around. That's probably the reason I always get into trouble, but I can't help it. Since I can remember my poor parents have tried to correct this imperfection of my character and didn't succeed so I guess I’ll be imperfect forever!!!
While making this page I tried to follow instructions which funny enough kept disappearing in all the mess on my desk (imagine the mess when I couldn't find any of TWO that Kelsey gave me).Therefore I'm not sure if I got the Industria Technique but here is the end result.

Industria or not this is my cover page for the TECHNIQUE BOOK 2.

Look at this

2009-07-21T19:44:00.012+08:00

Dee, arty friend of mine, came along with some new stuff yesterday. She brought OPALS (embossing powders) and when I saw the screaming pink, green and orange my first thought was: "Oh my god, they just not mine piece of cake." I think she secretly read my thoughts when I brought my jar of bronze - thick embossing powder. We started with "safe" colours and made some lovely female torsos in black and bronze using flexible art moulds. I know they are a bit imperfect but... EMBRACE IMPERFECTION!!!

Next was clear thick embossing powder. We melted it in a melting pot, placed the frame over the rubber stamp in order to get some texture and pored melted powder over. The good thing about those powders is that they set very quickly (perfect for impatient). Than we painted them with Perfect Pearls and few medallions were done in a tick of a moment.

Well Dee left me to come to a "bright" idea to mix the colours using all the already disgraced screamers: orange and green which we mixed with black.

As we ran out of the frames we had to run to the Sraptivate and get some more and this time we made a lovely bracelet. It is such a shame that neither scanner or camera get the colours right.

At the end of the day I made another "MUST HAVE LIST" which includes believe it or not all the screamers and flexible art moulds. Well this order is going to wait for a while as I already ordered some new rubber from De Stempelwinkel, a Dutch company with some wicked rubber stamps.

I hope we will find some more time to get together again and do more exciting stuff. THANK YOU Dee for introducing me to a totally new world of possibilities.

Now I should start working on my last class page since I missed the class (read: forgot).

Nearly there

2009-07-02T21:38:00.009+08:00

Well I completed all pages for this book but I'm not relieved yet. There are still some finishing extras to be added before I can call it: DONE! Once again I used Cherry Pie stamps (by the way this plate came on my must have list and the order is already on the way from Florida).

The Faux leather is one of my favourite techniques so I decided to make the back cover in this technique.

Since I don't have too much time to spare on writing (I try to use it for creating) I better publish this post and start binding the book.

At last

2009-07-01T10:17:00.011+08:00

July came to fast and I struggled to find the time to do anything else than meeting the deadlines at work. Last night, just before the next class, I finally finished the page on Credit Card Technique. Once again I used Cherry Pie stamps (I can't help myself but I love them) for the ATC's and the Stampers Anonymous' lines for the background. I have to admit that I didn't put too much thought into this page but I'm happy with a result.

The page on Faux Leather is also on the way(for the first time I managed to finish 2 ATC's in class and surprisingly they match so I have the topic for my next page: Dark Boundaries).

Time passing by

2009-06-19T22:57:00.008+08:00

It's been crazy lately: hick ups with computer, work, work and more work. What's going on? All WOULD and SHOULD got so conflicted in the past two weeks. I had to choose between the two and once again SHOULD came before the WOULD. Sometimes I wish I could take time just for all the WOULD and discard the SHOULD but... I don't know if the life is becoming faster or I'm getting slower. Probably the combination of both.
Last Tuesday night we did Credit Card Technique in the class and I was exploring different colours so that I ended up having 24 backgrounds and no samples for the book. Well that's not bed, the thing that's bothering me is that I don't have a clue how to compose the new page. I was playing a bit today and finally manged to put up something together: Leonardo's Vitruvian man stamped on shrink plastic and stuck on the fly screen.

I'm too tiered to think whose stamps I used, may be Hero arts for the "Vitruvian man" and Paper Forest Design "Wrought Iron" plate 1 and "Comfort Zone".
Tomorrow is another day and my head may be more clear. For now all I need is good sleep.

Done

2009-06-02T21:48:00.011+08:00

After spending entire day doing nothing else than playing with this page now is the time to start thinking about working a bit around the home (ah you know – the boring stuff: cleaning, washing, ironing, cooking... For all of you who wonder: Yes , I do such things as well!!!).

As soon as I finished this post I realised that the contrast was to big for a tiny detail in the middle. So I had to do painting, scanning, changing all slides and republish the post (typical me - Miss Perfection). Judge for yourself if it was worth doing it but I'm happier with the result.

Leonardo's women

2009-06-02T12:32:00.007+08:00

Addicted to shrink plastic? Possibly! Tissue paper background and Cherry Pie stamps worked well together although the scanner is letting me down (it just doesn't pick up all the colours that well).

Frida

2009-06-01T10:58:00.010+08:00

I've been playing with shrink plastic for tomorrow's class (sorry Kelsey couldn't help myself) and this is the result:

I love "Frida Kahlo" stamp by Lost Coast Designs which with help of the "Ink spray" stamp by Cherry Pie was perfect combination.

The background for the new page is also ready so... only one ATC to go. I bet I will have the page finished before the class.

Coptic Stitch Binding:

Leonardo's Page

2009-05-31T08:51:00.006+08:00

Last class we did Tissue paper background and I have to admit I got a bit addicted to this technique. I've been playing with all possible shades of my acrylic paints so that I ended up with thousands of samples. I nearly forgot that I was supposed to finish the page for the Technique book.

As a finishing touch I stamped Leonardo's script and signature (Cherry Pie).

Next Tuesday is another highly addictive technique (Shrink Plastic) and I can't wait to start playing.

There is a world outside your window

2009-05-25T12:04:00.004+08:00

I just found this little picture I made long time ago. Sadly I never scanned so many of similar before I gave them away.

Another page

2009-05-23T11:11:00.005+08:00

Finally finished this page for my technique book (Sheer Heaven Transfer).

Nostalgia

2009-05-22T17:04:00.015+08:00

There are days like today when I'm wrapped in memories and emotions. I spent hours browsing YouTube and found so many things that took me years and years back. I had to save them on my blog. Everything has a meaning and relates to specific time/person.
I know that not many people would understand what all of this is about but as I said this is just for me. If you don't understand than simply skip it.

When did I start doing all of this?

2009-05-21T22:39:00.013+08:00

For all of you who have been asking me "When did you start doing all of this?" here is the answer:

This card is responsible for spending less on designer clothes, shoes and bags. If you think that's a great thing than I have to disappoint you. I'm actually spending more money on the art material than I did on designer stuff.
I made this card two years ago for my surgeon. That was my way of saying thank you for digging and drilling through my shoulders. Well he did great job and I would trust him to do my hips and knees provided I would have surgery fully dressed (I hate just the thought of the ugly hospital gowns which you tightly wrap around your waste naively thinking that you're safe from the other people's eyes. I remember before both my surgeries I couldn't stop thinking about the EXPOSURE fact so that I forgot about all the risks that surgery itself might involve - probably it was a good thing at the end). Anyway I'm grateful forever to Greg for my still functional upper extremities.

So that's the story behind the card and my "discovery" of something I enjoy so much. I am passionate, and when I have passion for something I throw myself into it fully. Well I know that there are hypocrites who would call it obsession. I call it DEDICATION. Either way I am committed to whatever I do. Art has always been a big part of my life either admiring the other people’s work or attempting to express entire range of emotions. It is a reflection of what I feel. Over the years there have been hard times in my life. Times of big disappointments, emotional and physical struggle; times when everything inside and around me was breaking. But looking back all the difficult times have been often accompanied by the people who touched my life and affected it in a profound way. I have realized that even though some things have been horrible, painful and unfair, overcoming these obstacles I got to know my true potential, strength, willpower and heart. I'm sure that people who know me well will understand my art.

2009-05-18T22:18:00.010+08:00

Today I got few new stamps from Marina (Cherry Pie Art Stamps) and couldn't resist to use them. The tissue paper background on a canvas I made yesterday came pretty handy and here is the final result:

Since I'm too short on time to keep up with this blog I decided to dedicate at least an hour a week to update the blog with all the stuff I have done before and will be doing in the future.

2009-05-08T21:00:00.000+08:00

Finally found time to set up the basics. The layout is not exactly what I have in mind but will need to correct as I go. For the time being that’s it.

2009-05-03T23:19:00.000+08:00

My website. Sounds strange! I can’t stop thinking: why do I need all of this? Do I really want the world to know what’s going on in my life? Well I still have the choice what to say and show, don’t I?
On the other hand there are so many people who are close to my heart but scattered around the world. It’s getting more and more difficult to keep in touch. It’s not only the distance and different time zones that separate us. It is the time factor, we‘re busier more than ever before. So having the website may be the way to keep in touch; just a mouse click and you walk into someone’s life without thinking what the time down under is? We’ll see…