Drawing Challenge Returns - Fern

The Drawing Challenge took a brief summer hiatus.  I rather missed our little get-togethers!  Thank you to Norma for graciously offering the theme as we commence anew.

Ferns are very prolific in Southeast Alaska.

The underside of the leaves has seed-thingies.

pigma pen in 8x6 gamma sketchbook, daily drawing

Please do yourself a kindness and drop by our friend, the Fairy Yellow Bug Queen to wander amongst a forest of ferns brought to you by many talented artists.

Making Books

All over Blogland these days I see books being made.  Inspired by the work of Norma, Connie Rose, Kim and other artists, I took a recent Saturday and made a couple of books myself. 

 

A modest beginning, my books

I used stuff laying around the studio such as prints from the ginormous stack of gelatin monoprints I have accumulated while learning that process, and didn't document my efforts - this time.  It was VERY satisfying!

I cut my covers too small by a quarter inch and had to do some trimming of the frontspiece, but really don't mind - I am learning.

One thing I really enjoy about book making is the blend of stitching and gluing that goes into the fun.

And of course, I wanted an integral book mark.  I am using this little volume for my current 'day runner' list of things to do book.

The other book is larger and comprised of monoprints on standard copy paper, folded in half.

I plan to use this book as a drawing journal.

Hope your week is a creative one.  I am so glad today is my Friday at the Mighty Mighty Day Job, and tomorrow I start my studio week!

Process/Product

Sometimes I feel like I am just spinning my creative wheels, not able to really get started because I don’t know what I want to say.  The past couple of weeks have been like that, drifty and discouraging.  

detail, work in progress, textile paint monoprint on cotton, machine stitching

A couple of helpful posts by artists whose work I admire have given me renewed enthusiasm.  Jane Dunnewold is a guest artist this month over at And Then We Set It On Fire.  Her essay on using the right tools lifted my spirits as she reminded me that the work I have been doing recently – sketching, making new stencils and masks, thinking – is by no means wasted time but indeed, critical to creative success.  

masks coated with gel medium drying on waxed paper

detail, textile paint monoprint on hand dyed cotton

Yesterday’s post at The Fairy Yellow Bug Queen also cheered me.  Norma writes: ‘Nothing is perfect, in life, or in art. I am ignoring the imperfect bits and won't bore you by pointing them out. My complete purpose in doing these pieces is to learn. I am having so much fun…’.

detail, textile paint monoprint with hand and machine stitching

detail, textile paint monoprint with beads and machine stitching

I am off to the studio today with an attitude of gratitude for the creative PROCESS rather than a demand of myself for a steady stream of PRODUCT.  Thanks to all of you in Blogland for your contagious enthusiasm for art and life with all its beauty and magic.  I appreciate you!

Beads, A Love Affair

Beads have been a part of my life since I was old enough to make things.  Plastic Pop-It beads were the first, a gift from my Mother's Uncle Hans and his wife, Aunt Gladys. 

Eventually I began collecting glittering glass beads from everywhere I traveled.  I love using my beads in the art I make.

Seeds and bugles...

...lustrous iridescence...

...matte and shiny...

...all shapes and sizes.

Some seem to glow from within.  This one reminds me of candy.

You really can't have too many

or ever decide the best way to store them!

 My Mother and I have had many happy hours together making beads and sewing with them.

I love beads!  

Have a visit with The Fairy Yellow Bug Queen and check out some other interpretations of this week's drawing challenge, Beads.