Go Make Art

There are so many lovely colors in the world's paintbox! While I enjoy a particular few (red, pink, robins egg blue!) as my go-to colors, I really do love them all. I have always had a deep relationship with colors, from my first crayon box to my many dyes. I associate many objects, ideas, feelings in my mind with their own color.

Magnolia and Marmalade

I am constantly running into color inspirations for my many projects. Sources are so varied, so I must keep my mind and eyes tuned to what falls into my path. For instance, Magnolia and Marmalade came from a lovely word association. My sweet daughter Carmen was telling the family a story of her stuffed poodle- Magnolia. Later that day I read about the store Marmalade in Stampington's Where Women Create magazine. Magnolia, Marmalade. Those words just BELONG together. They must be created with, side by side. I am almost feverish when it comes to an idea that needs to be created, sometimes dyeing several lengths of ribbon before I get what I am sure is the look I desire.

Easter Eggs Vintage Swiss Bird's Nests

inspired by the beautiful colors of spring

Magnolia and Marmalade ribbons in a pretty jar.

Hydrangea and Rose ribbons

inspired by watercolorist Marjolein Bastin

I love examining other artist's work- Marjolein Bastin (of Hallmark fame) uses the most beautiful combinations of colors for her works. I also enjoy Cicely Mary Barker (Flower Fairies). Nature itself can be most inspiring. I also love creating colors based on foods (what does cotton candy, circus peanuts, cherry bombs, mint chocolate chip ice cream make you think of?).

Magazines, catalogs, and other photographs are great sources as well. I love the children's catalog "Chasing Fireflys" with their pretty boutique clothing- lovely texture, as well. And check out Wedding Chicks ! Wedding photography is just teeming with gorgeous color combinations just waiting for the artist to lift onto their palette.

What inspires you?

Spring Blooms

I was very fortunate indeed to discover the Garlands and Banners class over at Get It Scrapped. I picked up a few new techniques and supply hints, plus loads of inspiration from class teacher Trish Turay. Our homework included making crepe medallions (I've got those down-pat!) and creating a spring banner. The base is Maya Road chip banner triangles, painted with a hand-tinted paint, collaged with Autumn Leaves "Fresh cut" papers, and layered with glitter (nope, never gonna stop loving that!), lace and other trims, ribbons, pearl stickers, millinery leaves, primas, and lots of crepe! all tied up with beautiful seam binding ribbons and a bit of pink tulle.

My banner will hang in a window (not the best for catching photos) so I shot the photos on the backside of a quilt.

Almost as pretty as the little green buds starting to waken outside the window! Enjoy the pretty fresh spring air!

Garland Swap Spoiler

OK, Kathy, no peeking. I warned you!

One of the best parts of being involved with ArtsyMama's (Kari) A Year of Color blog is being able to participate in swaps with other mixed media artists. I almost skipped this swap, but being as banners are just one of my things, I caved at the last moment. The swap turnaround time was very short, so we had to contact our partner quickly to determine colors and themes. Kathy, of Country Chintz, told me she liked one of Kari's "Nest" banners and a blue-grey, vintage look. I'm not sure if I got the blue-grey color, but it is a nice soft blue. I had saved several boxes from the SweetHearts candies to make these pretty shadow boxes. Each piece is dimentional with lots of vintage texture and a bit of subtle sparkle. The original concept of a SweetHearts shadowbox banner came from Teresa McFayden's Winterbella E-zine. (Love those bellas!)

It will be on it's way to you soon, Kathy! And for anyone else interested in a Year of Color, you can still join us and catch the next swap- May Baskets!

Blog Neglection

Is that a word? I've been off in the "real world" and have stopped here for a bit of respite. I have no great agenda for this post except to share a bit more of myself, and share a few bits of pretties.

Outside of my bird-brained blog and etsy works I am a pharmacist for a Midwest supermarket chain. At the beginning of this month we changed our prescription filling software to a new-to-the-market system created by our medication supplier. The combination of a beta-test system by a company not known for their computer skills and the fact that one of my partners had taken vacation has been the stress-monkey on my back for the past few weeks. Even with my partner back this week, the software is creating a high level of burnout by the myself and the entire company's pharmacists and technicians. (I even had one of my own techs seek medical attention for the anxiety!). It is in all of this I have to remind myself that my God has a plan for me, though I do not know it at this time. His grace is sufficient.
My life in a nutshell, and I am very blessed that my dearest husband and children still see fit to let me come home at night and drop into bed.

Onto the pretties: Peacock feather ribbons

Strawberry fields Sugar kit, already sold.

and the prettiest combination I can't believe fell into place, Lilac and Buttercream Sugar Twist.