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In this section
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Paintings | Jewelry | Scarves | Misc. Décor | Notecards & Envelopes | Bookmarks | Gift Tags | Writing
My art allows me to play. There are no boundaries, so I put together pieces as I am so moved. Many times what is in my head is not what appears on canvas, or in a bookmark, or a piece of jewelry. But that isn't important -- the act of creation is the way. My work often uses recycled items -- scraps of paper, beads, dried flowers, twigs and other found objects.
Each piece I create is one of a kind. You won’t find prints here, or knock-offs, or something made by an assistant. I hand make everything myself, with love, creativity and care.
Read on to learn a little bit about my process.
Paintings
I can't draw, and have never been able to, but I've always loved colors. I've learned to trust my instincts when painting, and not to worry about the finished product. I know if I don't like it, I can add more paint later, and keep adding it until I'm satisfied!
I use acrylic paints in a variety of grades, from student to super heavy body. I love acrylics because of their bright colors, ease of mixing and quick drying time. They are also very easy to clean, which is a huge deal for me -- I tend to finish a session covered in paint, and it's nice to be able to just wash it off with soap and water.
When I start a painting, I've been inspired to do so, but usually have no idea as to what I'm going to paint. I pick out colors with no real rhyme or reason and put them on my palette. Then, I mix the colors with my brush on the canvas -- it creates very interesting shades, typically ones I couldn't mix if I tried! I use broad strokes, and like to glob lots of paint on the canvas -- the more paint, the better! I want you to be able to feel all the texture.
When I think a painting is done -- again, I trust my instinct on that -- I sometimes add flowers I picked and dried myself, beads, ribbons, wire, painted Styrofoam -- whatever strikes my fancy. I've also been known to paint on top with sparkly nail polish, or pastel crayons.
Jewelry
My jewelry is created in much the same way as my paintings -- on instinct and inspiration. Sometimes I see a piece that I like and try to emulate it. Other times I find a neat bead or charm, and build a necklace around that. Or, I may decide I want something to look a certain way or to match an outfit, so I make it for myself. I also get inspired by bracelets and necklaces I am given or buy -- some of which I just take apart and make into something (well, several somethings!) new.
I use only high quality findings and wire. About half of my pieces use semi-precious stones, and the other half use glass or synthetic beads -- and some use both. I try to make elegant, simple jewelry that you will want to wear all the time.
Scarves
I learned to crochet when I was five years old, and since then I've made afghans, doilies, scarves and ornaments.
Like I do with my other work, I consider color when creating a scarf. When making a patchwork scarf, I try to combine unexpected yet complementary colors and different textures of yarn. I realize that not everyone likes to have a lot of color in their accessories, so I also make what I call "plain" scarves -- though all that means is they are only one color. Half the time I use a pattern out of a book, and the rest of the time I make up my own pattern or modify a pattern so the scarf will look the way I want. I sometimes used "recycled" yarn - bits and pieces given to me from other people. Sometimes I will add beads on the ends -- a little "bling" never hurt anyone! Above all, my scarves are meant to be worn, to keep you warm, and for you to enjoy.
Misc. Décor
More crocheted items! I recently started making pretty butterflies. My stock-in-trade used to be snowflakes, which are quite intensive to make. Click here to see step-by-step how I create a snowflake.
Notecards & Envelopes
Notecards typically feature my photography. I am certainly not a professional, but learned in college how to frame and crop a shot. I try to look for interesting colors and framing choices -- for instance, a tree to the side of a shot rather than in the middle, or a house shot through some nearby fencing. I also take lots of shots of the ocean, which I love. Of course, I use recycled paper collected from all over to make the notecards themselves. Envelopes are made the same way or with ads torn out of magazines. They're fun, and another way to recycle!
Bookmarks
Bookmarks combine recycled paper, photos from old stock photography books, gift wrap, etc., garnished with ribbons and beads or buttons. I use a very thin cardboard to make the bookmark sturdy.
My current line of bookmarks started life as a wallpaper sample book from the 1950s. Each one is a different size and color. I never know how one will turn out!
Gift Tags
My gift tags are another recycling project -- I take used greeting cards (I can't bear to just throw them away!), then cut them into interesting shapes and punch neat holes in them. No two are ever alike!
Writing
Writing is my first love. I've been writing since I could pick up a pen. When I entered grad school, I had to let my writing go for a bit, and when I graduated, I was afraid my muse had moved out. Lucky for us all, she moved back in, and is currently inspiring me at my other creative endeavors.
When I write, I often have no idea where I'm going or how what I'm writing will turn out. Sometimes (not very often anymore!) a poem will come to me whole, and I'll write it down. Other times, a line will strike me, and I'll have to play with it and see how the whole poem turns out. Short stories usually begin with the germ of an idea. For instance, "Being Super-Mom" was inspired by my friend Diane.
On my novel, I have a vague idea of where it's going, and a basic plot, but no real clue as to everything that's going to happen. I got the idea so long ago, I have no idea how it really started! Now, when I hear a funny story, it usually ends up in the book. Jesus on cherry-picker was really viewed by someone I know, and one of my best friends really worked as an "egg" inspector.
But writing is hard work. Bottom line, someone else said it best: "There's nothing to writing: all you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein."
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