Painting-Packing Light?

So, here it is....all 12 lbs. When I tried walking into the desert last week, I almost lost my balance and landed on a cactus. So, I ordered a lightweight telescopic walking stick that I think will help with my balance.

Ah, this blog is more than a record of creative endeavors. As I read over this and looked at the photos, I thought.....what am I doing? 12 lbs. on my back? Hiking uneven terrain? I just finished with pain management for my back, right hip and right hand. What did I do with that Queen of Denial crown?

Disposable Razors

Beautiful lines, designs and textures created by using the handles of disposable razors!

I was inspired by Tania Zakharchenko's 1001 Art Beads Blogspot (HERE). So clever.

 I love these.

Creating a Portable Easel

We used the tripod from my camera..........

The small wooden easel box from the art store was modified by screwing in two pieces of wood

so it would "sit" on the tripod legs (above). The Stay Wet Palette and waterproof box fit perfectly. I'm filling the waterproof box with Golden Open Acrylics instead of carrying the tubes.

The "easel" is from an old aluminum easel I had. The Tripod quick release plate fit it perfectly, so it easily pops in and out of the tripod. The canvas can be adjusted to almost any angle. The whole thing sets up in less than 2 minutes. We still have to take about 6" off the easel because it is a little to big for the back pack. But that's what we've been working on. I very happy with it and the white knight in the tool belt.

Pleinty of Plein Air Painting

My fellow artists deep in discussion. I was not brave enough to venture that far into the dessert to set up my easel.

I took some photos......

and then settled in with my make-shift outdoor studio about a foot from the main path. The sky was an unbelievable turquoise blue.

The easel I ordered arrived and, much to my disappointment, didn't work for me. I couldn't maneuver some of the openings so I have to return it. In the meantime, my white knight in shining armour (and tool belt) is working on making something lightweight for me.

Tiger Bracelet

We spent the holiday with good friends, so I have just been sitting back and relaxing.....beading, painting, polymer(ing). I didn't have to worry about anything; what a luxury. The beading strings are still attached because I still have not found the closures I am looking for. In the meantime, I am starting on a Zebra bracelet that I hope to finish by Christmas.

Using Up Cane Ends

Cookie cutter shapes are perfect for using up cane ends. I tried to vary the sizes from large to small. The back is just as interesting, so it could be reversible. I love polymer. Now to put it together.

Tiger Cane

Got a chance to use the package of Premo Findings that Michaels Crafts sells and used up some Tiger cane! Yay!

Free Polymer Holiday Tutorials

Here are some free tutorials to celebrate the Thanksiving holiday! The acorn tutorial can be found at Sculpey.com (click HERE).

The tutorials for the turkey and corn napkin ring can be found at Crafts For All Seasons (click HERE). Hope your holiday is a good one! Don't spend too much on Black Friday. Remember.....polymer (art & beading) workshops, conferences, retreats are just around the corner.

Bead Crochet

I embellished one of my beaded crocheted ropes with some vintage beads. This necklace is a party in itself.

Polymer & Sterling

Made a pair of textured polymer earrings on sterling silver wire to go with the textured polymer pendant.

The gun metal grays in the bead crocheted bracelet (on left) complete this little trio. I worked on a couple of bead pieces today too. Movin right along.