Friday, January 27, 2012

In Production Mode

Tower of Tens

I've got a lot to do to get ready for the 21st Annual Society of Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference in April. I thought I'd start with the easy stuff, in this case, printing and cutting 240 business cards.

Friday, January 06, 2012

A Tribute to Mr. Seahorse

My late grandfather was a crafty sort and made many of these resin seahorses in different sizes and colors. Unfortunately, I had given away all of mine over the years. When my grandmother passed away a couple years ago, I was eager to acquire the last seahorse he'd made. A very nostalgic piece and one I'm happy to share with my children.

Retro Seahorse
Artist: The Late James J. White

The seahorse has found a new home in my "new" bathroom. I had fixed drywall, painted, and installed new hardware before the holidays. The scowling mermaid picture keeps Mr. Seahorse company, but I felt like one more tie-in would do the trick.

"Bidin' My Time"
Traditional Collage

I found a 5 x 7" white shadow box frame in my stash of junk and decided to use it for an underwater themed piece. Using my grandpa's creature as my inspiration, I created another orange seahorse. I added the text, "I keep busy bidin' my time. Something's bound to happen." It seemed rather fitting since the seahorse is just sitting in the box...waiting, waiting, waiting.

Maybe another poke at my muse?

Recycled: cardboard, paper, sandpaper, and seashells

Thursday, January 05, 2012

I Wonder Why

I Wonder Why

These birds have been trying to speak to me for months. They began life in November while at the Western Washington Scrapbooking Retreat and have been sitting in wait while the right words percolated forth. I needed some "chatter" between the two of them since there was an obvious conversation (looking somewhat one sided) taking place. I couldn't hear that conversation for the life of me, but while feeling uninspired, the light bulb suddenly glimmered.

At first, I was wondering if the birds were lovers? Friends having a spat? One friend retelling an unpleasant story? None of these seemed to resonate. Finally, while perusing a book about old song lyrics (from my piano music stash) I found the words that made the most sense to me. An artist berating it's muse! Of course! I wonder why you make me wait!??!?!?

The lyrics offering inspiration were from the song Charmaine, by Lew Pollack and Erno Rapee, 1926.