Blooming Tuesday: Poppy Dish

No, I haven't disappeared from the face of the earth or from blogging!

I'm trying to put in a certain amount of hours per day making art for the various shops I'm in. I have to equate this with showing up for work, and all things considered I like doing it. And I'm the boss of me!!

This is another little paper clay trinket dish I listed on Etsy. When it was dry the shape reminded me of a poppy the way they flatten out. That's how I determine what to paint inside these little guys. I didn't add any gold leaf to this one so it took a little less time.

And if you have never seen this version of the Wizard of Oz, you must get your hands on a copy! Lisbeth Zwerger is one of my favorite illustrators.

Happy Tuesday!

xo

Lo♥

Paper Clay Therapy

I'm very cranky and grouchy today so I thought I'd channel my miserable mood into something constructive.

This is my first attempt at a paper clay bowl. I used the pinch-pot method because I like how imperfect they turn out. Like Suki, I definately lean towards wabi-sabi things in life.

I love the colors in this because they remind me of Monterey. And that's the reason I chose to paint an abalone shell inside, another thing reminiscent of the place where I spent sixteen glorious years. Well, mostly glorious!

I finished off the dish with gold leaf around the lip and a bit over the inside and outside edges. I'm happy with how it turned out, especially for my first attempt. And it took hours!

Good therapy for one old cranky-pants lady :)

I've listed it on Etsy. We'll see what happens!

The book shown in the Etsy photos is "Monterey Peninsula: A Cypress Shore" with photos by Gary Geiger.

Home to roost

Introducing "Violet Rain."

Yes, I'm a proud mama ;)

I thought perhaps I went a little too heavy-handed with the irridescence, so then I matted her sheen down a bit. I'm not sure she looks better here though.

I'll play with her a bit more tomorrow, but for now we're both calling it a day.

Well, she's cawling it a day!

I hope to be able to make more and get better at it.

What fun this was!!

Marianne, I'm still on that roll! ♥ 

Naked Baby Raven

I'm trying to branch out and play with new mediums and materials.

This was my first time using paper clay. I sat in the studio last night and decided to try to make a baby raven. I didn't look at anything while shaping this guy. I just went from the images in my head from drawing and painting so many of them.

I wanted him to look inquisitive.

Hello there cutie!

Another tip of the head.

I know he doesn't look ravenesque yet...but wait until he dries and I sand him into shape, and paint him in all his glorious irridescent blues and purples.

His eyes are black Swarovski crystals.

Hopefully I can show you the finished results in a few days.

I want to list more things on Etsy that I can make more money from.

I really don't think I can part with my first born though;)

Stay tuned!

xo♥