So - I Like Color

OK, this blog always seems to be a work in progress (just like me!) and after I changed the header image to this new one, I ran it by my graphic designer son.  I'm sure he said some complimentary things, and other things all taken as the constructive criticism that I was asking for. . . . but one word is still haunting me.  He thought the header colors a bit "Garish".  I blame my inexperience with Photoshop elements in perfecting a less than perfect image.  (can you see why I'm excited about my new book that I mention below :)  Anyway.

(Update 6/17/10 I removed the banner I was mentioning in this post.  I've posted it below.  I still like it, especially in this smaller version.  The one I have now is temporary - too simple.  I will play around with this one or the idea as soon as I have a bit more time.  If you'd like to leave comments, please do.


Something I should have done from the beginning is to take print screens of each design change I've made.  Oh well, too late for all past ones, but it's a good idea now!)

I already took away the two tiny purple sidebars and now I'm looking at how to make my header less garish.  I just took a class from Jane Davilla and one of her suggestions was to be consistent in branding.  I just don't know how I'm going to do that because I love to come up with new ideas.  Now I have to either simplify or change "Garish" or redesign something entirely different.  Now was certainly not the time to go back to work, even part time.  I simply have less time to play and that's no fun.

I Bought The Book!

Just wanted to say that I bought the book yesterday "Digital Expressions" by Susan Tuttle!  Borders had a 40% off coupon that I used otherwise it wasn't on my "need" list.  But I've had a rough week, so it was a little reward for having endured that.  Now I just need to get myself to feeling better, (in order to thoroughly absorb it) while working my way through some of the exercises and attempting to use an older version (3.0) of Photoshop Elements.  But I am excited!!!!

Book Give Away! Late But Probably Not Last

I've just found this amazing Photographer and Digital Artist Susan Tuttle, who has a new book out!  I WANT IT . . . and I will have it one day, but I hope sooner than later.  I just popped on over to her blog for the second time (yes, I just found her) and discovered that she is doing a book giveaway right now, and it's almost over so my fingers are typing madly so that I can get my entry in.  Who cares about spelling and correct fonts right now . . . .

But do check it out on Amazon.com 

. . . . and watch for my new creations after I totally absorb this book!!!
Did I mention that I love the colors and design of this cover page.  Oh my!

Some Fun News

Even though I've been down with a nasty cold the last two days, I just got a burst of excitement energy by checking my email. . . . 

Hello Shannon, Kathleen, Angela and Chris!

I just wanted to let you know that the following pieces you created on our new Ultra-Light Lutradur® were selected to be printed on the packaging (close-up detail shots). Soon you'll get an email with the link to your images in the Troupe Flickr gallery, where the specific shot we used will be identified.

- Front cover:  Angela - Magpie quilt

- Back cover:  Kathleen - lampshade and butterfly card ; Shannon - Beauty collage; Chris - Excuses quilt 

This product will be released worldwide in July - in another month or so, we will be able to email you the full package image - and we will arrange to mail you a complimentary package as soon as our inventory arrives.

Feel free to share this news on your blogs, etc. and thanks again for being a member of the Creative Troupe!

Lisa Fulmer, Marketing Manager

C&T Publishing — www.ctpub.com

Here's the piece I created for C&T Publishing.  It's called "Hiding Behind Excuses"

Here's one close up

It's using a new lighter weight of Lutradur.  This stuff is great since you can paint on it, print on it and even burn it.  Which I did and it was fun.  I found it an especially useful application when wanting to show what's under it - sort of like a hidden image or message, but just enough peeking through for the observer to be curious enough to take a closer look.

Other news. . . . I've been taking Jane Davila's e-class called "Jump Start Your Art Career" and the next e-class that I'm taking is from Kelly Rae Roberts called "FLYING LESSONS: Tips + Tricks To Help Your Creative Business Soar"


  All of this just as I go back into the workforce!!!  But maybe, just maybe. . . this will make me work harder to escape once again ; ))

I Love Tutorials

Just a quick post about a great tutorial I stumbled upon.  And it's affordable!  Only $10.   One thing I've loved for some time now, is transfering images and text to fabric.  But I'm also looking to do more mixed media as well as exploring other methods of doing artwork.  Painting with watercolor and acrylics, encaustic, color enhancement on black and white photography, etc.  I especially like images of old barns, old trucks, windows and doorways.  Don't know why.  I just do.

So here's the information about this latest tutorial that I'm excited about.

http://www.grittyjane.com/blog/

And if you're like me. . . you'll be digging in your change purse to be able to view this treasure!  Oh, and her art is great besides!!!  Enjoy.

Thinking About Creativity

Here's a video that's message is timeless!  It's about being creative and that's all I'm going to say.  You just need to watch it (without distraction) and then please leave a comment and tell me what you thought!

To my friends and with love,  chris

Much to our surprise it snowed this morning.  Mike and I were reflecting back to an April 1st snow storm that dumped a couple of feet on us and we were without power for 4 days.  It's not a fun time since we don't have a wood stove or a fireplace in this rental.


See that long line of fir trees along our driveway. . . well at the end of that driveway is the new house that we've been building for almost 7 years.  The super good news is that yesterday we got our final inspection, passed and signed off with the county building dept.  Woo-Who!!!  So now we'll be able to pursue refinancing - Finally.  It took lots of little and not so little loans to get this thing close to completed.

Next step is laying the wood floor downstairs so the finisher can come in and make it beautiful.  Then we pick carpet, have it installed and move in.  Last step * * * P A R T Y  O N!!!

Back to reality - we'll need to rent out this MH and that's something we don't look forward to at all.  I can tell you we've have more "bad" (or let's just say "interesting" renters than we've had "wonderful" renters.  Then there's the big idea I have rattling around in this mental maze of a brain, to turn the space into a workshop / small retreat type spot, all set up with work tables, etc. with room to sleep up to 8, full kitchen, two baths and a washer and dryer.  I can see quilters, painters, scrapbookers, mixed media artists, and girlfriend gatherings utilizing this space.  Most importantly it would be a place to escape to. . . away from the tv, the phone, the kids, the to-do lists.  A place to indulge ones-self in creative exploration or simply to finish a project.  And that's part of my vision for "Alsea Art Farm".                                                                              

I Love This Quote!

But a word of caution (to me!) I read a post called "Highs and Lows of Being an Artist" on Lesley Riley's  blog today and it reminded me that sometimes what we wish for ends up being more than we wish for - if not monitored and occasionally assessed.  She has achieved success in my mind.  I admire her so much and I love her work!  Not only is she a talented artist but she has the most generous spirit.  I've followed her from nearly the beginning and I even have one of her "Fragments".   It's one of my favorite treasures!  I love everything about it.

We all need to make sure life doesn't overwhelm us and clutter our spirits!

We need to play often!!!

Art Quilts and Wearable Art

A post I'll be working on soon - more art quilts and art-to-wear that I've done in the past and hope to pick up again.     Here's a sample of what's to come. . . .