My mother-in-law decided to clean out her sewing/craft room, and (I think luckily for me) she decided to give her stash to me. Although there's a lot of "junque" in there, I think there might be some definite possibilities. I wish I was one of those folks who is so creative they can think of Somerset Studio-worthy things to do with a piece of rick-rack, a bobbin, and two pipe cleaners. I'm not that person, but it should be interesting just figuring out what to do with the new bounty. Or where to keep it, for that matter. I'm sure I'll probably give a lot of it away to art/craft minded friends. Let's hope, because I can't close the closet door in here as it is.
Meanwhile, I'm working on a submission for Somerset Studio's black and white challenge - I got some great work done on it today and I think it's close to being ready. Very exciting! Even if they don't like it, I do, and in about 8 - 9 months, they'll send it back I think, one way or the other. I don't want to post a picture here just yet, but the piece involves travel, history, and one of my Dachshunds. I'm also recycling an old piece of art in it (thanks Michael for inspiring me) and one of the paper castings from Michelle's challenge last month (see previous posts.) I'm on a big "use what you already have" kick at the moment. Probably due to putting myself on a financial diet with regards to art and craft supplies. Some of it is because, well, I need to in order to do bigger and better art things, and part of it is to prove to myself that I'm not a shop-aholic. I don't necessarily have an addictive personality, but I'm a little too hooked on the fix of buying yet another supply and/or book of inspiration. I LOVE the excitement of new ideas being presented, but it gets expensive, and I haven't made one 20th of the stuff I have magazines and books of inspiration on. So, make what you've got is the new mantra around here.
I'm also thinking about starting an Altered Art group here in Central Florida - big step, as I'm actually kind of shy (I have learned to fake extroversion quite well, but still...) The potential group currently has two corporeal members (me, my friend Cindy), one possible member who doesn't know about it yet, and several honorary members (Claudine, Michael de Meng, Michelle Ward, Lynne Perella, Traci Bautista) who also don't know about it, and probably don't get to this part of the world too often....ha ha. Well, a girl can dream! Anyway, will keep you posted if I do decide to act on the idea. There isn't a lot of altered art activity in this corner of the world, but maybe there's more than I know about?
5 comments:
Hi Jane! Good luck with your submission to the black and white challenge. I submitted for the holiday themed challenge. And lucky you to receive a bunch of craft supplies! Now you have lots of material with which to use what you have on hand.
Maybe you aren't a shopaholic but I think I am. I find it hard to not go to the big box stores when they keep handing out these coupons. I don't know what I need in advance but I will when I go through the aisles!!! It is tough to pass up a rack that says "Sale" or "Discount". I guess that's because my Mom was a depression era kid and passed that down to me. I'd love to have some of my Moms stuff but she still won't part with it yet. She's got a neat collection of old buttons.
Really looking forward to seeing your Somerset submission. I certainly don't think you are a shopaholic (and I know one personally), but I think your "use what you have" kick is a good thing. I feel like I too often use shopping for art supplies as a substitute for actually making art. Devoting your energy to creation instead of collection makes your muse happy!
While I don't have any "altered art" of my own, I would very much like to help with the group organization. I could be your "Token Extrovert", so-to-speak...
And this idea makes me proud. Perhaps a tiny bit of my social tendencies has rubbed off from my cube to yours...
:)
Hi Jane
count me in as an honorary member of the Altered Art Group.
cheers,
Michael
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