Artist Books and Other Cool Stuff!

How many times have you wanted really bad to make something, but it seemed like you had already "Done it all"??? I find myself feeling that way pretty often...and when I do, I hit the Googler Machine, and start looking for something different...I go to the google search and put in what i DO have in stock, and then do a search and see what projects come up... I have found many a wonderful project to work on by doing this practice, and it takes the guesswork out of trying to come up with something on your own! Try it sometime!! Besides..one good project can spawn many other side projects that you never even thought about..,give it a try and let me know how it works out for you!

"Laura's Uniques" - etsy shop news:

I am pleased to tell you that I got some awesome things in my etsy shop the last few days...come by "laura's uniques" and you will be able to see all of the new goodies listed, along with several things that haven't been listed yet...Here is a sampling of what is new in the shop:

angel skin coral, red coral and turquoise

red and yellow faceted stones, prong set

silver chain bib necklace with beautiful stones-like new

pink ice pendant on yellow gold chain - exc. condition

Faux pearl and rhinestone pendant - signed on reverse

silver tone lisner clip earrings

sterling silver and deep blue color stone ring

awesome silver tone bracelet, lightweight

beautiful, vintage bracelet, faux pearls, gold chains, starfish clasp

Okay! i hope you have seen something you might want to check out....hope to see you soon!

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!

Progress on my Altered Book and Other Art Ideas

Although it's not as elaborate as some of the altered books I have seen on the internet, I am coming along nicely on my altered book. Since this is my first steps into this artistic area, I feel pretty good about the fact that I am still very excited about this form of art. It seems that mixed media is my passion! I have usually calmed down about an art form by now, but it's been 2 months and I am still going strong in my obsession!

I am starting to look at other surfaces to work with, such as canvas board, Crystal Light canisters (would make great makeup brush  or paint brush holders, among other things...)a cardboard container that is made similar to a hatbox but much smaller, and basically anything that will adapt well to paint and/or the "decoupage" , or altered art technique. I think the Crystal Light canisters will be very useful around the house, and it's a great way to recycle them! Who knows, I might even sell one or two, depending on how well they turn out!

I have also started writing some short poetry or prose to add to my book. This is working well with the "emotions" theme I have going with this one. I have a feeling that the majority of my work on these will deal with emotions, sort of like art therapy or a diary type book. I write them in "notepad", and then print them out on either colored or white cardstock. Some of it I mount on cardboard and then glue into the book, to add a 3D aspect.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome, so feel free to leave comments, good or bad and I will explaore any ideas you have for me and post the results here. Until later, here is my email to contact me-lthykeson@yahoo.com.

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!!