Tuesday, October 29, 2013

I'm Coming Back!!! WOYWW 230

October was a tough month, and so I took a break from our weekly gathering, and I missed it. But things are starting to settle down, so I am sticking my toe back in the water and joining Julia and the gang for WOYWW - or What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

A mess! That hasn't changed. lol.


Front and center is a journal page in ocean-y colors (we just decided to save our pennies and go to Hawaii in about six months!) ...based on a great video that France Papillon did in her Journal on Monday's series. I am an unbashed fan of hers! I have done some paper weaving before, but never thought to try in my journal.


The coolest thing I did in October, by FAR, was attend the Art & Soul Retreat in Portland, Oregon. Portland is about 1,600 miles from where I live, but it's  the closest art retreat tome. I took four wonderful classes, from for great teachers. It was a great experience!

One of the classes I took was Faux Metal on Wood. 


This started out as a 12 x 12 x 1 piece of wood. We used plaster through a stencil, and then used a series of washes...one to neutralize the paint, one to rust, one to lay down copper, and the last to start the patina reaction.


Everyone's reaction was a little different, but I like all the variations that happened on mine. I think this will eventually end up in my kitchen.

That's it for now. I want to make sure I have time to start with the visiting!!! 

14 comments:

  1. Very creative space and great projects going on there. :)
    Have a nice day!
    Susan

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  2. Yay, you're back! I'm sorry to hear that it's been a tough time..I read your comment on someone else's blog that you'd lost your cast..I'm sorry about that :-(. Hope the new kitten brings back some happy times :-)
    I like your sea green journal pages....ooh Hawaii, it sounds so exotic and a million miles away from damp, stormy Britain!! So glad you enjoyed your art course too..it's good to have time away like that.
    Btw, did a small package arrive for you? I posted it ages ago but didn't realise that you were going to be away. I hope it didn't go adrift.....
    Hugs, LLJ 35 xx
    Ps the gorgeous fabric you sent me was made into bandanna scarves for dogs and they went to be sold for animal rescue charities... I hope you like that :-)

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  3. Wow, everything you have done is so gorgeous. The paper weaving is great and your desk is so arty and cluttered. I love it! Thanks for sharing. And as for Hawaii...I am very envious lol.
    Karen no. 51 x

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  4. OMG you have done something that I have wanted to do for years, that's to go to the Art and Soul Retreat, how amazing was it? Unfortunately it is so far away for me, Australia to Portland Oregon is a tad too far, maybe one day. Even 1600 miles is a bit far, I would so love to hear more about your retreat.

    Happy WOYWW
    Eliza & Yoda 17

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  5. Lots of inky fun there today! Love your journal pages with the weaving and distress/dylusions! I spot a lot of TH stamps under your desk! I love them too! That retreat sounds like a dream! Your piece is amazing. Love the colors and the texture and I definately would hang it. So striking. Winnie#55

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  6. That paperweaving in your art journal is fascinating! Thank you for sharing her blog. I pulled it up right away and can't wait to check it out! I'm going to follow her on Pinterest too. (Love my Pinterest) Your desk is my kinda place with gorgeous artwork going on and lots of fun supplies. Thank you for a sweet visit to my worktable too. Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #10

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  7. Your Journal weaving looks pretty wild love the blues and greens. Love the painting you've created at your retreat the faux metal patina is so kewl to look at and to not know how it would turn out till it reacted must have been fun to watch the process have a happy WOYWW hugs Nikki 1

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  8. Both your art journal and desk look wonderful. Love your busy desk =)
    The faux flower is beautiful and it sound like you had a lot of fun.
    Happy WOYWW
    xx Monique #75

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  9. Beautiful pages and faux work! And I love the desk, so full of good things.

    :)trisha
    #79 this week with
    a mess, bunting, and
    tiny book

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  10. Hi Sara, happy WOYWW! I am thinking ME TOO! I have been missing for a few weeks too, my desk is messy too, I am back today too!
    I love the colours of your paper weaving, great idea for the journal, and the faux metal is stunning!

    Cazzy x #99

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  11. Wow, stunning faux metal piece, bet you really enjoyed that. Nd so nice to see you..if October was horrid for you! I'm glad it's over!

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  12. Sorry to hear October was rough, Sara ~ hoping all good will come in November! Love seeing your work desk and tha gorgeous France Papillon inspiration in-the-works. I want to do some weaving, too!

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  13. Hi Sara!
    I was told i might like to see what you've been up to: i'm very thankful i've been shown the way back to you!
    Your weaving turned out awesome, love the colors accentuating the pattern!! Will you show it me when your spread is done? Pretty please?
    Your faux metal on wood has a gorgeous texture, might inspire me for a next art journaling!

    I hope life gets back to being kind with you, sending you good vibes.
    Much love
    france

    ps: thank you for such sweet words on my behalf :)

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  14. What fab things going on on your desk - the ocean-coloured paper-weaving looks glorious in the journal, and what a fantastic technique the faux metal is. Sounds like you had an amazing time at the retreat - what a wonderful thing. I keep meaning to try and join in again - months since I last WOYWWed... soon, soon!
    Alison x

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Thanks so much for leaving a few words...it's so much fun to get feedback! Here's wishing you sunny skies (at least proverbially!)