On My Desk Wednesday

More like, On My Plate Wednesday! I'm starting a new mural at the local dance studio. The mural will be of Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. How in the world am I going to get a 3D image on to a 2D wall?? I'm not too sure, but I have a plan! I'm pretty sure everything will work out! Gotta have faith, right?

Birthday Party Highlights

I hired a local culinary student to make the Link cake. It was super-adorable and everyone loved it. It was sad when we had to cut it.

We played Pin the Mustache on Mario...which EVERYONE won! I think the kids to see through the ribbon. 

I'm a Pokemon Trainer! Thumbs up!

And the hubby was Dr. Mario. 

I commissioned The Bunny Cafe on Etsy to make a Link costume for Mazzy. It turned out extremely amazing! The Link Shield was a hit, too!

Cousin John was Solid Snake. We took advantage of this white wall and acted out some Smash Bros. scenes. 

All in all, a wonderful, fun, nerdy time!

Creative Space Thursday

I've been trying to clean my studio, lately, and it's quite the task. When I say "clean", I really mean, "put things into really neat piles". Here's a small pile of two projects. I need to start on my Sketchbook project, and I need to finish this heart painting.

I painted this heart a few months ago, just to get my hands warmed up for other projects. I always felt like it needed something more, but I wasn't sure what that was. Then someone suggested that I add bandages to it. Awesome! The idea worked!

Dressing Up, Part 2

Link's shield is complete! After a minor setback yesterday, it's finally done. I had lots of fun making it, but I'm very glad to mark this one off my to-do list.

Here's a link to the progress shots: http://momentofstars.blogspot.com/2011/08/dressing-up.html

While finishing the backside, a small area of paint stuck to my work surface and pulled off some paint. After pouting for a few minutes, I patched it up. Not before almost accidentally destroying the whole piece. Remember kiddos, spray paint EATS FOAM! Always have a protective layer of primer over your foamcore.

The back is all Duck Tape. That stuff is handy, no doubt!

The gem is a piece of origami paper.

Duck Tape handles!

The sides are taped also, and spraypainted. 

I can't wait until the birthday party! Mazzy is going to look wonderful! 

Another Blast from the Past

While visiting my parents yesterday afternoon, I asked my dad if he remembered the little seed bead weavings I did as a little girl. He searched his bedroom for a moment and came out with these two gems.



How cool are those? I can't imagine the amount of patience I had to work with such small thread and beads! As a young child, no less! I'm pretty sure I was about 10 or 11 when I made these, close to the age that my daughter is now. Remember my figures from 1994? Dad says I am not allowed to take these weavings home either. Maybe I can find some of my more vintage artwork stashed away in his house?

Dressing Up

For my daughter's 9th birthday party, we're throwing a video game themed shin-dig where everyone dresses up as a video game character. Mazzy has decided on being Link from the Zelda series. We've got the costume ordered, as well as a sword. The only thing missing is a shield, and I thought I could make it.

It's made out of two sheets of pink foam insulation. I always use this stuff whenever I'm working on props for plays and recitals. It definitely comes in handy!

It was the perfect material to use to make the shield look like it was carved from wood.

The  front is almost done! I just need to add a little silver, and paint the triangle gold. I finished the back, but you can't see it in the photo.

I can't wait to show off the finished piece, along with the entire outfit! The birthday party is next Sunday and I hope we'll be ready! 

Creative Space Thursday

I spent most of last week in front of the computer working on volunteer stuff.

Flapjack wants attention.

This is how I keep track of what I need to do. My sketchbook for drawing ideas, a notebook for list-making, and my red Moleskine agenda to daily to-do stuff.

My newest painting. I call it "Big Love". Oils on artists panel.

I like seeing my newest paintings together like this. It makes me feel productive.

On My Desk Wednesday

I've been thinking about painting more animals, with simple shapes and colors, perhaps to hang in kids' rooms.  And this morning, while brushing my teeth, I had a thought: Dumbo! Elephant! Feather! Funny how ideas just pop into your head while you're doing the most routine of things. So after dropping the kiddo off at school, I headed down to the studio and painted, painted, painted. Since it is painted with oils it'll take a few days to dry. Then I'll paint sides black and attach picture wire to the back. Soon after that it'll be listed on the Etsy shop. I might just do a series of circus animals...hmmmmmmm.

Latest Watercolor Painting

Small previews of my latest watercolor painting. I can't show off the whole thing because it'll totally ruin the surprise for a buddy. Hopefully, I can finish it tonight. Here's hoping!

It's a Jungle Out There!

Have I mentioned how I'm an awful procrastinator? Well, I'm sure I have. This project was put off for weeks, even though I had grand intentions of starting and getting everything painted early and that's all I talked about for a few days but, old habits die hard...and I painted a set just days before opening night. Here's some progress shots:







A backdrop for The Jungle Book Kids production opening on Friday. All in all, about 8 hours of painting. I kept the jungle simple and bold since it's a fun and cute play. I can't wait to see it under stage lights!