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.

Plein Air Painting

This was my first attempt at plein air painting in acrylics.

That's me (above photo) with my little make shift plein air studio.  The water mirrored everything; the trees and bushes at its bank, the sky and clouds.  The play of light on the water was amazing.  Birds singing, leaves rustling in the breeze and the warmth of the sun.....oh it was glorious.

November Art Fair 2010

Our local art fair was Nov. 6 and I'm just getting around to posting. I'm behind on things because I am having such a good time.

I considered it a success. I talked, laughed, met new people and made a little money. How great is that?

The fair wasn't open yet and we were all in the process of setting up when we were taking these photos. I displayed some sculptured beadwork on some blouses.......I could have sold those blouses 20 times. I kept hearing, "Oh yeah, the beadwork is beautiful, but how much for the blouse?" So much for that display.

Polymer Cane Mask

I think I've posted this mask before, but thought I would include it with the other mask posts. I created this one a while ago. A good use for all those basic canes; or at least I thought so at the time. I added mirrors behind her eyes so when you really look in her eyes, you see yours.

Paperclay Mask with Beaded Head Piece

I am going to paint patterns over the white base. Again, I thought I would like the basic look of the mask, but the white outweighs everything else.

I sculpted the PaperClay over an aluminum foil armature and when the PaperClay was dry, I removed it.

And, yes, she has a big schnozzolla. She loves her nose-it defines her.

The beads are a combination of vintage beads and buttons, gemstones, freshwater pearls, lampwork, seed beads and Czech glass. The beading stitches are peyote and fringe. It is mounted on a painted plywood oval.

Plein Air Painting Trip

I went to Sedona, Arizona yesterday with my Art club on a plein air painting trip. What a great time we had.

Everywhere I looked it was picture perfect-deep blue sky, the fall trees against the evergreens, red rocks, majestic mountains and the sound of the crystal clear water on the rocks-wow.

On the way back to the car, I stopped to take this artist's picture because I was fascinated with his painting system. I also want to find that easel on the Internet. I need to finish my painting before I post it. It looked great out in the bright sunlight. I was proud of myself. When I got home, all I could say was, "What was I thinking?"

Mask with Beaded Head Piece

This was another effort in working with the DAS clay; the result of which I was not happy with.

I was aiming for a "clay-like" structure; a basic "pottery" look. I thought the turquoise would compliment it nicely. But the volume of clay color overpowers the turquoise.

I'm going to paint on the clay to balance it out and hope I am happy with it.

The beads are seed beads, Czech glass beads, gemstones, freshwater pearls, lampwork, vintage beads and buttons. The beading stitches are peyote and fringe. It is mounted on a painted plywood oval.

Skeleton Cane Mask

I finished the mask. I covered a paper mache' skeleton mask I bought at Michaels Craft Store with several sizes of my skeleton cane.

It is very light weight and I'm really happy with it.

I wanted the "third eye" effect in there - seeing things that others don't.

Painted the backside with artist grade black acrylic gesso. I think I am going to take this a couple steps further....when I don't know, but the seed of inspiration is growing.

Polymer Lipstick Pens

I covered the bottom of these lipstick pens with slices of polymer clay canes I made.  The red cap comes off to reveal the writing pen.  So cute.