Tuesday, August 20, 2013

It's Wednesday Somewhere in the World # 220

There was probably ten days when I didn't even go into the Fun Room - gasp! Every once in while life just takes precedence. But finally Sunday I got to play and spent the day doing just that in my art journals. Large, contented sigh. In reading back over some past entries I found several which said I was consumed by art, which is probably true .... if I let it. It's all about BALANCE. So my new idea is to spend some time in the Fun Room each night after work (providing I don't have to work) and then some time with my family - who ever happens to be home at the time. Always searching for that BALANCE. 

Here's what my desk looked like when I left tonight.


I'm playing with another canvas card. My last one, I made for my daughter was well received and FUN to make, so I'm having another go at one for a friend going into surgery on Thursday.


Because I'm still very much a beginner, I have LOTS of layers. Mostly from covering up stuff I'm not so keen about -- thank heavens for my brayer. But this time I was determined to be lighter so you could see some of the cool papers I used. Japanese text, dictionary pages, music sheets etc. So please do notice one can actually see some notes in the bottom right hand corner! Tomorrow night I'll work on my girl.


I thought I would actually give you a close-up tour of the desk. On the left side is a bucket of Dylusions sprays in each and ever yummy color they come in. Above them are photos of one of Finnabair's latest creations. I think she looks like a spiritual Queen and I just love looking at her and all the details. Such an inspiring artist. I would love to take a class with her, but it seems so unlikely she would come to Alaska. I might have to settle for the West Coast.

But I digress. You see lots of things I use to create texture, a Christy Tomlinson stencil, some punchanela, and a texture rub that works just like a stamp. In the upper left hand corner is an empty Country Time Lemonade container from two Christmases ago when I attempted to make Russian Tea which I use to clean brushes. I've apparently just dumped the water and have it sitting, ready for the next session.


This is all pretty self explanatory. Someone asked me two weeks ago if I use those pens. Yep. Sure do. Love color.  The only thing that might look weird is the rubbing block in the upper right corner. I think they are made to use with paint sticks on fabric, but they work great with ink and paint on paper too.


Again, pretty obvious stuffs. I do love my big girl squirt bottle though. I filled it up on Sunday and have been able to fill my water container twice to clean brushes, without having to get up. How's that for the height of laziness?

And that concludes my tour around my work space. Why? So I can go look at everyone else's work desks for WOYWW, over at Julia Dunnit's blog the Stamping Ground.  She hosts us every week, and I missed last week so I'm happy to be back. Join us. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

WOYWW 218 & Mea Culpa

I am so sorry I was unable to get to everyone from WOYWW who commented about the Fun Room last week. By a total fluke I ended up in the top ten which I'm sure is what drove the comments. And it's just so damn busy. I know -- whine, whine, whine. All of a sudden it was Monday night and I was falling asleep. I pledge to do better this week. HONEST!

Wondering what WOYWW is? Please proceed to Ms. Julia Dunnit's blog to see.

My work desk is a mess as I scurry to finish my daughter's birthday card. She announced that she wanted a BIG card this year, since she is turning 21. Okay. Sure. I've been wanting to try some Christy Tomlinson type things, so I just made a canvas which I'm in the midst of and will attach a giant piece of paper to it, so it becomes the front of the card. This was way we both get what we want.


Here's a tricky side view of the desk....
And the canvas, in peacock colors - her favorites,  a bit closer....


As in most of my first attempts I totally blew some stuff - like the girl's proportion but I like some stuff too, so I'm okay with that. It's all a learning experience.

I'm off to visit, because as I read last week: "It's Wednesday somewhere in the world!" Enjoy.