Thursday, November 5, 2009

Flashback Friday

I haven't done a Flashback Friday in a loooooooong time, so I thought I would share these pictures with you.

One night, during my senior year of high school, I came home early from being out with my friends and wanted to paint. I went out into the garage and grabbed a ladder and started painting on one of my bedroom walls. The next morning my parents came into my room and said, "Oh cool, you're painting your wall. I like it!"
At the time it didn't seem like such a big deal, but looking back now, they gave me a lot of artistic freedom. There is a lot of underlying support in that kind of attitude. I have never been afraid to try new things in my art, and I think a lot of that has to do with times like that.
Anyway...here it is, circa 1992-1993?This is the only close-up I have. I must have worked on it off and on for a few months, but when I graduated and went away to college, my parents sold this house. They took these pictures before they moved out. I guess you could say I was really into quotes and color!:) I didn't finish it either. I wonder what the people who bought it thought! LOL It probably took a couple coats of KILZ to cover that mural up!
It's hard to believe that was 17 years ago!
Looking at it tonite, I pray that I will be able to always support my children's dreams and adventures in a special way.
Thanks for looking back with me.:)
Have a happy weekend.
xo,
Chrissie

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Good Art

“Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.”
-Roy Adzak
I've been cutting and snipping and snipping and gluing.

Lots and lots of tiny pieces of stained glass.
Two down, before grouting...They will be grouted black. They will be a 3D part of a pretty huge mirror.
Ava said, "Mama, take a picture of my painted nails...":)
This is the biggest flower...(don't know why blogger won't let me turn it the right way...?)
I love the close-ups. The iridescent glass is so pretty.
I love the juxtaposition of working with fabric one hour, and stained glass the next...
I love the quote at the top. It is so much about creating for me. The whole creative process, it is such a large part of who I am.
xo,
Chrissie

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Red and Aqua





After this post, I learned from you guys that aqua is a lighter version of turquoise.
I love this color combo, and I made my deadline! This is my first online quilting bee, and after sending out 100 blocks, I will soon receive 100 back. I can't wait to see what they look, and assemble the quilt top.
After spending so much time on my machine, I have to say I can't believe people actually handstitch some quilts. It would probably take me two years to finish one!
This is the second quilt I'm making for Christmas presents. I actually almost finished another one today. I'll be back soon to show you...:)
Till then~
xoxo

Monday, November 2, 2009

Instant Gratification

Back in August I showed you some pictures of our Master Bedroom, which is a work in progress. It is one of the only spaces in our house that I keep very clean and clutter free (the children are not allowed to play in there, they have the rest of the house for that!)
But I am slowing making small changes in there, working on a quilt, waiting to be inspired to paint two new pieces for the walls, and waiting for a thrift store or garage sale to magically have my dream bed one day.
So here is a very quick project I did today:
I just used a waterproof finetip permanent black marker to write around the lampshades.
It just says words that mean something to my husband and/or I.

I originally saw this idea a few years ago in a Mary Engelbreit Home Companion magazine and filed the idea away. I would like to buy some clear crystal trim to line the bottoms. Add a little classy whimsy...:)
I love ideas that can be implemented in a very short time...now I'll be on the search for that crystal trim!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Make Some Art Monday (Week 2)

Welcome to week 2 of Make Some Art Monday. I hope you took a little time this week to make some art. Whether you followed the prompt (inspiration) I gave you, or did your own thing, I hope you will show us all! Here is what I made:

As you remember, these are the pictures I posted for inspiration. I found them at a Starbucks in the Charlotte airport.
I was inspired by the color palette of blues, aquas and turquoise, and the use of the gold. I used some gold in the girl's hair. You can see I was also inspired by the bird.

I had no plan going into this project. I drew it a few nights ago, and after gluing the scrapbook paper pieces down on the dress, I immediately wrote these words down.
My favorite part of the piece are her legs. I used old dress patterns.
Since I was painting on wood, I played a lot with some textures too. I don't know if you can tell from the first picture, but it's pretty tall. Almost 2 feet high!

Okay, now if you are linking up, please remember these rules:
1. Link to your Make Some Art blog post, not just your blog.
2. Please mention and link back to my post, so we can get traffic flowing both ways!:)
3. Please try to leave some comments for the others participating.Thanks ladies!

Next weeks assignment: If you like having a prompt, here's one for you. Who is your favorite artist? They could be living or deceased. Pick a piece that really inspires you. Show us the piece by your favorite artist, and then show us the piece you created. Or as always, just show us something you made!!
Ok, now link up. I can't wait to see what you made this week!!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Memories by Jamie

This is a piece that my mother made this week. It is about memories with her mother and sister.
I like that she set up a little vignette for her whole piece. I love that everyone's mind thinks differently...
I hope you had fun creating!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Punkin' Patch










We are really enjoying the Fall season around here! (I won't complain about it being 90 degrees...)
But we are enjoying all the pumpkins and Halloween parties.
Have a safe and fun Halloween, and I'll be back here on Sunday night for Make Some Art Monday!
xo,
Chrissie