Up all night with the artsy fairies...

I have these nights where I have so many designs and ideas in my head that I can not get a wink of sleep...last night happened to be one of them..so if I am a bit more dingy than normal, it is because of the lack of sleep..anyway, let's get to it and see if you like any of these things I came up with!

one of my fav art journal pages..gelatos and dyes

odd looking bit of blue texture island with sequins, etc...

the large bin of new items I have made lately

a football shaped chip and dip segmented dish (now in art room)

my first chip and dip dish...love it

sorta zetti fairy girl

More fun with dunce caps and collage, plus hand sewn around edges

small tag with collage image

Small tag with collage house and hand sewing

small tag with owls

These are just a few drops in the bucket of all of the things I have been making lately! It's a lot of fun, but I could sure use some good sleep!

Book Review: Creative Embellishments by Sherrill Kahn

I know I don't do this as often as I should, but here is a book review that I am truly excited about...Creative Embellishments by Sherrill Kahn is in a single word - indispensable.  Now, I am the one that loves to order books, loves to look at the pretty pictures for a few minutes, and then puts the book up on the shelf, never to be seen again by human eyes... This is NOT that book.

Although certainly not a new book, it was new to me and it completely changed the way I look at embellishments and what they are made of, as well as what can be done with them, what you can use to make one, and how to use what you have made. I keep this book on my work table, right within reach because the pretty pictures in this book have actually taught me something, and more importantly, opened my mind to the complete world of embellishments. I had always just thought of embellishments as a way to add to my total art piece, but this book taught me that each embellishment is also a work of art within itself. I really love making and using my very own embellies that are unique, that are never going to look like cookie cutter, mass produced embellishments that anyone can go buy. This whole idea is so awesome to me for some reason, probably much more than most people because I get excited about silly things that others take for granted. Anyway, this book has instructions for making the various and widespread types of embellishments, and encourages us to look beyond the page, beyond the pre-cut, and helps us say, "Why not make my own and make them suit me?" Below, you can see what I did in my first endeavors to make my own embellishments using clay, fibers, old jewelry, beads, papers, and a little imagination...I love the way these turned out!

oven baked clay figure and heart, yarn fibers

old earring, fibers, oven baked clay disc with engravings and textural pieces, pearls and beads

clay heart, beads, key, papers, round yellow clay disc

clay "love" element, round clay heart design piece, two metal earrings

stamped out clay disc with heart shape in the center, plastic bead

round clay disc with face

All of the atc's above have handmade clay embellishments, and they really went fast in the open swap I was entered in on "The Art Colony", the only NING site just about, that I am still active at...but these atc's are just the beginning stages of what is probably going to happen....I will be excited and overdo myself, making myself sick, and then, I will suddenly not want to ever make anything like it again! Hopefully, you will love this book as much as I have and still do. I bought my copy at Amazon. I am pretty certain that there are more copies to be found on there. I hope you purchase one, and get as much enjoyment out of it as I have. I literally had an epiphany (lol) about these embellishments, this book, and all of the ideas that came flooding in concerning this style! Enjoy, and Happy Creating!!

Laura

"Laura's Uniques" on Etsy.com

http://laurasuniques.blogspot.com

my other blog at 

My other Blog-Laura Uniques 2

Art From Your Heart: Is a new group on NING that I have just started building. I have a few members already, but would love to have YOU!! I am planning for the site to be a collaborative work between myself and other artists/creatives, and I could really use your input.

I am envisioning classes and instruction, guidance and encouragement, support and sharing, classes and education, great conversation and fantastic company and talent, gathering together with other “like-minded”, talented and eager to learn beginning and experienced artists. I may also have a group for writers and one for poets if there is enough interest in those two areas.Be a part of something from the ground up! We will be diving into art journals, altered books, mail art of all types, mixed media art of all kinds, traditional art, various art mediums and techniques, found poetry and altered text, altered art of all types and anything else “creative” that there is an interest shown. Much of the time, members of the group will get to help decide the structure and content of the web community, from the very beginning (I will have the final say...)

To JOIN - Just click on the link above or click here - Art From Your Heart ! Looking forward to seeing you there and getting to know you! Come join - it’s free and it should be fun!

Laura Thykeson
Art From Your Heart
The Altered Book Nook
Taz's Corner
The Uncommon Artist

Making ATC's and other art talk!

Made my very first atc's yesterday! Worked on them all day and ended up with 5, 4 that I really like. I need to get some more supplies when I can, so I can make more elaborate ones, although, the one I like the best is completely hand-painted.

Here are pics of my cards, in case someone would like to trade! Just shoot me an email, and I will be thrilled to trade with you!Also have a great idea for my next altered book! I am going to cut words or short phrases out of magazines and newspapers, and write short poems using each one. Then I will print out the original poetry, then put it into the book, place it on one side, and paint an illustration on the facing page! love the concept if I can just pull it off! Already started it, with a poem last night. Now, each page of my new altered book will have original poetry and illustrations! I may try to sell that one, although it will be such a personal part of me, it will be hard, lol! I still have plenty of time to think about it.

Well, until next time, here are some ideas for you!

New Blog Direction...All Things ART!!!!

Oil Color Brush KitHere are some great books on oil painting, along with some supplies to get the beginner started. I am making it my personal quest to inspire those who have always wanted to paint but keep putting of!

Since I love to paint, and have been for the last 20 or so years, I decided to turn this into a blog about art! So, without further ado, here we go!

Above you will see the relatively simple painting we are going to work on. To get the full instructions, click on the link below that will take you to Hubpages.com and the article. Grab your brushes, paints and easel, because I have written a "beginner's art lesson" for beginning artists on Hubpages.com. The article lists all the supplies you will need, right down to the color of paints you will use. Use a 16 x 20" canvas for this painting, and if you are truly a beginner, use an inexpensive canvas board to paint on. That way, if you mess it up, you won't be out a lot of money. (I always re-use canvases if I start something and then don't like it...) Above you will see the beginning stages of the painting we will be doing. If you are interested in painting along and doing an art lesson, simply go to http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Start-An-Oil-Painting-A-Landscape-Work-In-Progress . Here you will be able to follow along as we work on this painting. If you decide to paint along with me, please take the time to send me photos of your progress! I would love to see how you are doing.

Well, off to the easel I go. Happy Easter and Happy Painting!!