Altered by the Sea

Swap Meet Score

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

Went to the swap meet over the weekend and feel in love with the marble booth! I don't play marbles (back in the '50's at my grade school girls had to play jacks - the boys got to play marbles - too bad women's lib had hit yet!) but I was fascinated by all the boxes and trays of beautiful specimens.

The seller was enamored with his subject, so excited to talk about the different types and their history. He was surrounded by dads and their sons - I guess all the girls (except me) were over at the "jacks booth"!

Big ones,

Small ones

gorgeous blue ones with the photographer captured in every marble!

I also did a bit of shopping and scored a type drawer (can never have too many), a vintage suitcase (ditto), a fragile, lacy shawl, a decoupaged 3 drawer CD cabinet (get for stash storage), a small chest (assemblage-worthy) and a tiny wooden dutch figure (just for fun!).

12 Angry Men

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

12 Angry Men 18x36"

Spent the weekend putting the finishing touches on 12 Angry Men which will be entered in a juried show sponsored by Cambria's Allied Arts.

I had one of those "Ah-ha!" moments when I started thinking about what to do for this show. My mind went from 'juried" to "courtroom" to "12 Angry Men" to Da Vinci - well, you get the idea. And so did I!

I gessoed the canvas and added texture with cheesecloth and garnet gel. I chose a palette of titanium buff, red iron oxide and a mix of black and phthalocyanine blue. The acrylics were painted, splashed and spattered on. Xerox copies of Da Vinci's "Screaming Man" in different sizes were coloured in with Portfolio water soluble oil pastels and adhered with matte medium.

The large central face was backed with fun foam to give dimension. Sequin scrim was used as stencils for cream dots in two sizes. A vintage legal document was xeroxed, torn in strips and also adhered with the matte medium.

What could be more perfect for a juried show
than 12 Angry Men?

Suitcase Saturday

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is another vintage reproduction suitcase from Ross. Small, but just the right size to hold my collection of sewing notions from the '40s, '50's and '60s.

Some of this is from the sewing baskets and cabinets of my mom and her older sister. Some came by way of eBay and swap meets. A couple of the retro needle packs were found at a quilt show in Sonora, California and the rows of white buttons on the blue card a prize find at a Paris flea market on our honeymoon.

I keep my eyes open for other wonderful little things to add to this stash - garage sales are good hunting grounds and thrift stores also.

A few years ago I raided the stash to make this assemblage (in a vintage sewing machine drawer) for my favourite seamstress, my lovely and talented wife Margot.

3- Years - 3

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Three years ago today I posted the first entry here on Altered by the Sea. Cigar Box Wednesday, Atomic Lemon, Cemetery Saturday, Life on the Coast, From the Bookshelf, and all my trips and art adventures. What a time it's been receiving all your wonderful comments.

I want to once again thank the fabulous Lisa Hoffman who urged me over and over again to start a blog. Boy can that girl nag! But after 1076 posts - I gotta admit she was right. Thanks Leese - it wouldn't have happened without you.

And without all the support and encouragement of all of you who visit me here at my little studio by the sea. Let's raise a latte to another year!

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

On our recent trip to New Hampshire there was something quite wonderful about bundling up, taking a brisk walk in the snow and then coming back to the cozy fireside and working in my journal.

Before we left, I prepped several of the pages with a beautiful blue glaze from Golden and others with a cream craft acrylic. With my stencil knowledge from Mary Ann Moss, I did a few of the pages and the back cover, using paper and lace doilies (which look very snow-like) and a Michelle Ward stencil from Mary Beth Shaw's Stencil Girl.

I spent some time last fall seeking out snow stuff - paper, ribbon, brads, rusty (!) snowflakes, and vintage postcards from long ago New Hampshire winters. It all got packed up in a cigar box (what else?!) and taken along. I went with a general colour scheme of blue, cream and rust, so dug through the stash finding bits and bobs that would work. All this went into the box as well.

I loved the way this vintage doily looked like a giant snowflake that landed on the journal page.

As usual by the time it was finished it was so full it almost made a circle when I stood it upright. But that's the way I love my journals and altered books - stuffed, crammed - completely replete with memories of the journey.

Life on the Coast

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

A snowy, frozen lake in mid New Hamsphire

Here's the water we were by last Sunday -

Off the coast of Hwy 1, southern Big Sur

And here's the water we're by this Sunday.
Photographic proof that we live in a varied and beautiful land.
(The snow was a wonderful experience, but as Dorothy says
"There's no place like home!")

From the Bookshelf

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is lots of fun - don't we all love to peek into other artists' studios? Well here's your chance. Lots of eye candy, studio dimensions, lighting tips, how to organize just about anything. Every size is covered - from closets to huge attics. Put out by the people that bring you the quarterly Cloth Paper Scissors Studio magazine. If you have followed CPS Studios since its inception you will recognize many of the studios in the book as they are taken from the magazine articles. I still found it valuable as it does present several of my faourites all in one place. If you're not familiar with the magazine this is a great introduction.

Over the River and Through the Woods

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not to grandmother's house, but to the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Built in 1902 and completely restored a few years ago - it's a vivid and impressive reminder of the glory and grandeur of times past.

It was a lovely drive past silent birch woods,
and frozen ice sculptures along the roadside.

I even spotted this wonderfully weathered silo.

We fly out today at noon, back to California. We'll pack away the big coats and snow boots, but the memories will be as fresh as the new fallen snow. Next week I'll have pix of the finished journal.

Baby it's Cold Outside!

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's the deck that hangs out over the lake -
the lake that is now frozen solid !

And in case you've ever wondered -
apparently I can walk on water.

View of Lower Kimball Pond from Franny's cabin -
Toto - I don't think we're in California anymore!

Suitcase Saturday

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

For our first Suitcase Saturday I picked one of the smallest ones I have. It's a reproduction (I got it at Ross!) of a vintage ladies' accessory travel box. But I use it to hold my collection of cabinet cards - those wonderful 4x6" photos from the late 1800's, early 1900's.

They are wonderful in journals, collage, and assemblage.

I've found mine at swap meets, flea markets, antique fairs and malls, and always available on Etsy or eBay.

Buttons & Bows - 11x14"

When I did my Shabby Chic Collection in 2010 I used them quite a bit.

Hello Boston!

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy karissamarie

We landed at Logan Airport last night. We've come to spend time in a wonderful cabin on a lake in New Hampshire and see some snow. First a day in Boston, see some sights and take a drive through Cambridge.

Next post from Lower Kimbell Pond, New Hampshire.
Brrrrrrr!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

We'll be flying out early tomorrow morning for New England - and a chance for this native Southern Californian to have lots of snow. When I was a kid, we'd go "visit" the snow at Mt. Baldy for an afternoon. In my thirties I lived in eastern San Luis Obispo County (where it does get cold in the winter) and we'd have very light snow every other year or so - 2" or so and it would melt in a day or so. And three years ago when I went to a Lynne Perrella/Anne Bagby workshop in Taos there was snow - but I've never since BIG snow like they have back east. We'll be staying with our dear friend Franny at her cabin onLower Kimball Pond in New Hampshire.

So of course this is a chance for a wonderful new travel journal - theme? Snow of course!

I've been gathering supplies. paper, ephemera and pix.

Prepping some pages, finding the
perfect embellishment for the cover

and getting very excited about getting started.

Life on the Coast

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Early morning walk on Moonstone boardwalk in Cambria,
the sea glimpsed through the pines.

From the Bookshelf

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is just plain fun! The author draws on a huge collection of ephemera - hers and her friends - to create Frankie's scrapbook. We follow this plucky flapper from her high school graduation to Vassar, Greenwich Village, Paris and finally back home again to New Hampshire. With limited text (cleverly done in old typewriter font) the story carries us along, keeping up the intrigue until the last few pages. If you're a scrapbook fan, a lover of ephemera, a devotee of the 1920's or just enjoy a rousing tale of young womanhood - settle down with The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt, you'll have a blast.

From Page to Screen

2012-01-11T06:00:00.001-08:00

Hugo what can I say?! After reading and loving the book, being spellbound by its story and the unique way that the action is carried through the story by the illustrations, I was excited and cautious when I heard there was to be a movie.

For those who love a book, there is always a worry that a film will not only not measure up, but often overlay faces and personalities on our favourite characters, different from the way we have seen them in our mind's eye.

But no worries here! It's beautifully done, the few liberties taken by Scorsese take nothing away from the story. Brilliant performances by Ben Kingsley, Helen McCory, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Asa Butterfield as Hugo, the young boy who lives in the clock workings of a 1930's Paris train station, restores an old man's faded dreams and finds a family.

If you haven't read the book - do so. If you haven't seen the movie, do that also. An over worked word - magical - but in both these cases, very true.

Book of the Year

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

For the last several years at the beginning of the year I've picked out a book that divides itself easily ( by 12, by 50, etc.), that I then read a portion of on a weekend morning every week, with a nice cup of coffee before I get up for the day. Past volumes have included Simple Abundance, You Are your Choices, Romancing the Ordinary, The Creative Habit, The Crafter's Devotional. When the book is divided into days, I read 7 at once on the weekend morning, when it's divided into months I divide the chapter into four and read that much. I read ahead a bit, or, catch up if I'm out of town for a weekend. It's a nice way to start my time off each week and gives me plenty of food for creative thought during the following days.

It's delightful to pick out the book for each new year and to divide it in such a way that I find myself finishing the last few pages when the final weekend of the year rolls around. (I know that's sorta geeky, but hey, it keeps me happy!)

The Daily Book of Art is this year's choice - 365 essays on all aspects of art - techniques, famous artists, famous paintings, the philosophy of art and more. What better way to start the weekend?

Suitcase Saturday

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

As a new year begins we bid farewell to Cemetery Saturday (for awhile). And to keep in the alliterative vein, Altered by the Sea now offers Suitcase Saturday! These are just a few shots around the house of some of the luggage we'll be investigating in the coming weeks.

We'll delve into my vintage suitcases
and see what's stashed away.

Art supplies, ephemera, bits and bobs and scraps and sops.

Basin Street Blues

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Basin Street Blues 20x25"

Cambria's Allied Arts first exhibition for the new year is titled January Blues. My entry is Basin Street Blues. I started with an old desk drawer that I picked up off the roadside in Pescadero several years ago. Like so much of our stash - just waiting for the right time.

I covered it in gesso, tinted with Naples Yellow. I found vintage images of New Orleans jazz bands and sheet music online, gave them a digital blue wash and printed out on parchment paper. I collaged these and bits of vintage sheet music to the inside of the drawer then sealed with gel medium. I then used Claudine Hellmuth's peeling paint technique - spreading Vaseline here and there, then over painting with blue and rubbing off the Vaseline to show the light paint and collage underneath.

The final step, drilling holes and wiring on an old trumpet (with a Staz-On blue mouthpiece) and pieces of clarinet. Both of these were found at the local swap meet - and were quite cheap as they were beat up and non-playable (but perfect for art!) The exhibit opens tomorrow night and runs through January.

Word of the Year

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Instead of resolutions - for the last several years I've picked a word of the year. Last year's was "Breathe" and I actually did pretty well this time. I practiced using my breathing to bring calm and peace. I didn't always do as well as I would have liked, but I know I'm now much more aware of taking that slow breath and then reacting to a situation.

This year I've chosen the word "Listen" - to listen when others speak, to listen when I speak, to listen to my body speak to me. As I did last year I have strung letter press circles from Wendy Addison's Theatre of Dreams across one of the windows of my studio. As I see them everyday, I will be reminded to "Listen".

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Warm wishes for a year that will be smooth and comforting!

After three years of blogging every day here at Altered by the Sea, I've decided to scale back a bit and try every other day for awhile. Some of the regular features will be retiring - Cigar Box Wednesday and Cemetery Saturday, but others will remain - Life on the Coast and From the Bookshelf. A new series - Suitcase Saturday - will premier this coming weekend. Big thanks to all my readers for the last three years- here's to many more!

Cemetery Saturday

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is Halcyon cemetery in Arroyo Grande. We drive past it everytime we visit our friends in Oceano and the last time Margot pulled over and said "Would you like to get some pictures?"

It was a warm Sunday afternoon and very peaceful walking around and taking shots of the headstones.

There seemed to be a plethora of very diminutive markers,

including some where the engraving had almost worn away with the years.

On this last Saturday of 2011, we'll bid a fond farewell to Cemetery Saturday. I hope you've enjoyed our graveyard visits.

From the Bookshelf

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love this book! Sibella Court has gathered from Italy, Japan, India, Mexico and Syria to create a global tour of colour, ephemera and ideas. Published by Chronicle, so you know you're in for a treat. Beautiful photography, occasional vellum pages, typewriter font used throughout - what's not to like. It's not just an interior design book, but a wonderful tome to keep handy for eye candy and endless inspiration. Highly recommended!

Theatre of Dreams

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

The sparkle,

The vintage feel,

the joy!

What would the holidays be without a trip to
Wendy Addison's Theatre of Dreams?

Stopped by last week on my way
to Sebastopol, to see the magic,

and pick up some lovely letter press
letters on circle cardstock.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a decorative book box and a Whitman's chocolate box holding journal supplies for our up-coming trip to New Hampshire at the end of January.

Our dear friend Franny has a cabin on Upper Kimbel Pond there and I am going to get to see lots and lots of snow!!

And when I get too cold, I plan to come
inside by the fire and journal about it.

BLING!!

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Shots from the Swarovski salon on San Francisco's Union Square.

Can we say sparkly?

Under the Tree

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was so tickled yesterday to find this waiting for me under the tree. I have long wished for a santo of my own, when seeing them in shops, churches or friends' houses. Margot found this one at The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe in Big Sur, and knew it wanted to live with us here in Morro Bay.

Daughter Bronwyn hand wove the beautiful blue and white scarf

and daughter Jenny gave me a handful of Tim Holtz Ideology bits and bobs and the exhibition book from Isabella de Borchgrave's show that we saw in San Francisco last spring.

And what girl doesn't want fish skeleton earrings and ginormous vintage keys? Margot found both of these (and the gorgeous green lace scarf) at the Dickens Fair earlier this month.

Gotta love the holidays!!

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

A Jolly Old Elf 11x14"

"And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight
"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!'"

The best of the season to all of you from Altered by the Sea!

Cemetery Saturday

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Trinity Church Cemetery Manhatten NY, the resting place of Clement C Moore, whose most famous work will be read and recited this evening by hundreds of thousands.

"T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

From the Holiday Bookshelf

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. It is impossible to read it without laughing out loud. The story of how the horrible Herdmans bring the true meaning of Christmas to the annual pageant. It has become a modern Christmas classic. For years, my younger daughter Jenny would read it to us as we decorated the tree. She has a keen ear for picking out just the right voices and inflections for each character and I never read it now without hearing it all in her voice. A double reason why this is one of my favourites. Give yourself a holiday treat - curl up with a glass of eggnog, a plate of Christmas cookies and spend sometime with this delightful story.

Dickens Steampunk

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

One of our favourites at the Dickens Fair was the Jules Verne/ H G Wells-esque explorer-scientist room. Enough steampunk for everyone - even me!

My fingers were itching to get a hold of some of the wonderful old ephemera.

Giant gears,

Giant bugs,

And all with the Victorian touch.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a Christmas chocolate box that holds a small collection of Santas.

At one time I had a huge collection of St. Nicks, that I have gradually, over the years, pared down, gifted and given away.

These are the smaller ones I have left and

the large ones grace the mantel this year
(because that's one place the cat's can't get to!)

The Circus Comes to Town!

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Louis Vuitton's wonderful windows this holiday season -

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of all ages...

Elephants and zebras that seem to disappear into the pattern of the big top,

And, of course, beautiful luggage to
travel to the next performance!

Bay Area Score

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

On our recent trip to the Bay Area I scored big! My lovely loot, gathered from Dick Blick, Castle in the Air, The Builder's Book Source, and the Dickens Fair included;

Mica, pewter twigs, skull necklace and bracelet (a girl can never have too many skulls!), a cool rubber stamp that prints a file drawer label,

Golden products, mini canvases, bird stencils, a Dover Steampunk book & CD and 101 Things to Learn in Art School. Christmas - a little bit early!

Life on a Different Coast - Venice

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy Reuters

No sleigh and reindeer here, but boats and oars for
Santas to traverse the Grand Canal!

Cemetery Saturday

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

The final resting place of Charles Dickens in Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey, London.

Probably the most loved Christmas story of all time A Christmas Carol was penned by Dickens in 1843. Hundreds of editions and dozens of dramatizations have followed that first slim volume that was printed and sold just a few days before the holiday that year. The story was credited (along with Prince Albert's enthusiasm for the Christmas tree) with bringing back the seasonal spirit to the British Isles which had been somewhat lacking since the days of Cromwell.

From the Holiday Bookshelf

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

This lovely tale of the 8 nights of Hanukkah and a brother and sister's love for a lost kitten and puppy is heartwarming and charming. Beautifully illustrated by Robin Spowart, it's a wonderful addition to your holiday collection.

Putting on the Glitz

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Talk about glitterati! Check out the beauty gowns on these lovely ladies.

They're strutting their stuff in the holiday windows

at I Magnin on San Francsico's Union Square.

I wonder - naughty or nice!?

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a decorative "book" box from Michael's. This one holds a grouping of some of my favourite Christmas ornaments.

They include Wendy Addison (Theatre of Dreams), Patricia Griffin, and a lot of misc. bits and bobs including some fun wire and metal tendrils.

We have a copper vase full of curly willow on our mantel and every December these rustic beauties grace the branches and brighten our season.

PS - If you played the give-away game in yesterday's blog, send me your address so I can get your book to you! My e-mail is on the right hand sidebar near the top.

Holiday Give Away

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's the season of giving, so this week Altered by the Sea is getting into the spirit by having a mixed media book blow-out of a give-away!

These are all wonderful books, in new or nearly new condition and they can be winging their way to you as soon as you give me the word.

Leave a comment, let me know which book(s) you'd like, I'll contact you and send it on it's merry way.

For you or maybe as a gift for one of your artsy friends.

Just a way to spread the joy!!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

I found this lovely Guadalupe in a Taos shop across from the San Francisco de Asis Mission. It was made by Lydia Garcia.

From the CHAC gallery site: Lydia Garcia, known to the community and her collectors as Lydia, was born in Taos to a Hispanic family and as the eldest of five daughters was trained in the craft of the Saint makers. As a young girl Lydia worked alongside her father while he created Santos (saints) and wonderful objects in his wood working shop. Her hunger for art brought her to the studios of Taos’ artists, Ward Lockwood and Andrew Dasburg. In their studios, Lydia sat without saying a word, so that they would permit her to watch them work. In this manner Lydia initiated her own training, Lydia still paints anything she can get her hands on, recycled wood, old tin cans, old furniture, and treasures left outside her home by neighbors and friends.

December 12 is the feast day of our Lady of Guadalupe and celebrated in Mexico and the American southwest.

Life on the Coast

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season - for lighted boat parades!
This beauty sailing by Morro Bay .

Cemetery Saturday

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.
Resting place of beloved composer Irving Berlin.

Mr. Berlin penned the most recorded Christmas song of all time - "White Christmas". First featured in 1942's Holiday Inn and then the title song of 1954's White Christmas, both times sung by Bing Crosby.

From the Holiday Bookshelf

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

This story returns us to Capote's childhood and the well loved characters of Buddy and Miss Sook. It opens in late fall one morning when it's "fruitcake weather" and the holiday traditions can begin. Their adventures in gathering and purchasing the ingredients, making the cakes and then delivering them are told with a loving hand and keen eye for detail and character.
Poignant and full of gentle humour, this timeless tale will delight readers of all ages.

Tis the Season

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous gold and radiant red

Giant Christmas ornaments and bobbles

Grace the Macy windows in San Francisco

To celebrate the season.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

On this 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor it seemed appropriate to show the contents of this decorative tin, and to extend a thank you to all WWII vets.

Photos, medals, booklets, postcards and other ephemera left over from my The Pity of War exhibition early this year.

All waiting until a future time when I visit this subject again.

More Dickens Fun!

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Dickens Fair was a riot of holiday food and drink,

merry music,

Morris dancing,

and delightful shopping!

Christmas is the Dickens!

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sights from this year's Dickens Fair in San Francisco.

Bustling shoppers, famous literary characters,
and a touch of steampunk

The fair continues weekends right up through Christmas.

Life on the Coast - San Francisco

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not right on the water - but fairly close.
Spending the weekend in San Francisco -
seeing the holiday sights!

Cemetery Saturday

2011-12-03T06:00:00.001-08:00

Above is the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, formerly Myra, (in present day Turkey) which was built in the 6th century to accommodate the many pilgrims who came to visit St. Nicholas' tomb. Invaders destroyed the town and the church in the 7th and again in the 9th centuries. Restored during the 11th century, the church was gradually buried by sand and silt as the riverbed shifted. Russian Tsar Nikola sponsored restoration in the mid-to-late 1800s, but the church was nearly buried again by 1903. Restoration began again in 1989 by the Antalya Museum and Ankara University. The church is in particular peril for water damage as it is a number of feet below the current ground level. The church, which for years held a Greek Orthodox Mass every December 6 to celebrate the Saint's day, is now a museum.

However, Irish historians claim that St. Nicholas's remains were looted by the early crusaders and brought back to Ireland and buried at Jerpoint Abbey. The grave is in this green burial yard.

Wherever his corporeal remains are, his spirit and love still encompass the whole world and many countries honour him every December 6.

From the Holiday Bookshelf

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my daughter Bronwyn's birthday and this was her favourite Christmas book growing up. It tells the story of Becky, a 10 year old girl growing up in the New England countryside in the early 20th century. All the lovely events that lead up to a wonderful holiday are chronicled and we share Becky's anticipation and joy. It's out of print, but you can still find it used on Amazon and your local library may have a well worn and well loved copy.

I love that, in the story, Becky weaves a rug for her parents' present on a big floor loom, and Bronwyn is a weaver herself. Happy Birthday darling girl!

Steampunk Ornaments

2011-12-01T06:00:00.001-08:00

These were fun and easy.I had the little cardboard squares sitting on my art table for months now and a week or so ago I had an "Ah!" moment and Steampunk Ornaments were born.

I painted them with beige acrylic and then used Mary Beth Shaw's gear stencil in red iron oxide. Metal and wooden gears (Tim Holtz and Small Studios) were adhered with matte medium. Then two squares were attached back-to-back with heavy gel medium with a length of orange twine between for a hanger.

A fun project for a holiday afternoon!

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

This one's full of transparencies. Some purchased, some found in magazines or old books. Some from scrapbook stores, some from flea markets.

And as we all know the perfect thing when
we want just one more layer!

Autumn Draws In

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Down a leaf strewn lane as autumn begins
to give way to the coming winter.

A couple of shots from Sebastopol.

Present - Before

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

My daughter asked for an interesting Christmas present this year. She wants a sheep skull. Since she's the one who's into spinning and weaving and dreams of having a small sheep farm someday, this makes sense.

But the cool thing is, she wants me to "steampunk" it. Add gears and goggles and such. It arrived from the on-line skull store (yes there are such places!) a few days ago and these are the before pix. After the holiday I'll show you what I will have done to it. (And let you know what she thinks of it too.)

Life on a Different Coast - Massachusetts

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Resting boats, on a lazy Sunday morning, at the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown,Massachusetts. This is where the pilgrims first landed, before they sailed on to Plymouth.

Cemetery Saturday

2011-11-26T06:00:00.001-08:00

I thought this Thanksgiving Saturday
would be the perfect time to visit Burial Hill,
the Pilgrim Cemetery in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Famous graves include William Bradford,
governor of the Plymouth Colony,

John Howland, Mayflower passenger.

This rise is the site of the first fort built by the pilgrims.

photos courtesy of Wikipedia

From the Holiday Bookshelf

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Every year I either read or listen (a truly wonderful audiobook read by Celeste Holm) to this charming and poignant story of Truman Capote's childhood. The writing is masterful, the story will warm your heart, make you laugh, and bring a tear to your eye. It is much more than a tale of a young boy, growing up during the harsh years of the depression in the deep south. A deeper thread of friendship and trust is present, that stays with the reader long after the final bite of stuffing is gone and the fragrance of gravy has blown away on the last winds of autumn.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

An early 1900's postcard from my grandmother.

Wishing a day of comfort and thankfulness for all.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not cigar boxes this week, but cigar labels.
Tiny, beautiful works of art.

From Winston Churchill to U.S. Grant to a bit of cheesecake,
these masterpieces of lithography have it all.

A search of eBay, Etsy or just Google and
you'll find more than you can imagine.

photos courtesy of 1.) about.com.cigars 2.) artfire.com 3.) papiervalise.com

Turkish Delight

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Franny ( she and Margot have known each other since Kindergarten!) is a world traveler extraordinaire - her latest trip took her to Istanbul. When I found out she was going I was struck by the ever present force of synchronicity - I've been planning for awhile now to do a vicarious travel journal of Istanbul and have been reading travel books and novels set there as a prelim to actually starting work on the journal.

I asked Franny if she'd mind picking up a bit of ephemera while there and she jumped at the chance, even getting her travel companions to help her out.

Old coins, bottle caps, museum and ferry tickets, newspapers, postcards, stamps - a feast of delicious Turkish ephemera. Thanks Franny - I can't wait to start recording my "arm-chair" travel in this new journal!

Me and Mouse

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've never considered myself a pet person, even though I've had pets almost all my life. And homesteading for 18 years in east San Luis Obispo county, raising our own food, animals were a fact of life, rather than pampered pets. But now, at almost 60, I've fallen in love with my kitty. His name is Mouse (he was much smaller when we got him!) and he's a gigantic ball of fluffy black fur, with a darling bob-tail and liquid green eyes and I am totally smitten. I promise this won't turn into a blog about my cat - but just this once I had to share him with you.

Life on a Different Coast - Washington

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

The beach at Fort Warden,
Port Townsend, Washington.
Cold water, snowy mountains.

Cemetery Saturday

2011-11-19T06:00:00.001-08:00

More shots from Springfield National Cemetery in Missouri,

taken by my daughter Bronwyn.

Gorgeous fall colour against the green grass,

white sentinels marching eternally forward.

From the Bookshelf

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another winner from Rice Freeman-Zachary, this one takes us around the country to visit a variety of art retreats. From Port Townsend, Washington to Hampton, Virginia, from Art Fest to Art 'n' Soul, big to small - this is the place to look if you want the low-down on what's out there. Rice chronicles a year of attending different retreats and tells how they change not only your art but your life as well. In the same smaller square format as her first two books, this one is a delightful addition to any mixed media library.

221 B Baker St.

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

221 B Baker Street 8x10"

My daughter has a good friend who is crazy about the new Sherlock Holmes series on BBC. She asked if I could do a steampunk piece using the actors from the series, so she could surprise her friend with it at Christmas.

Here's the result - I used a shot of Sherlock and Watson in front of their door with that famous address. The photo was coloured but I turned it sepia and printed it out on parchment paper. Copper acrylic is stenciled on top. Various steampunk elements are attached with wire and heavy gel medium and include gears, a pen nib, rusty paper clips, a magnifying glass, a violin bridge and a wall of HO bricks along the bottom.

If you haven't seen the series - check it out. A very ingenious mix of Victorian and modern Technology, and you can't get more steampunk than that!

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a decorative tin. This one holds watch faces and watches.

Gathered from flea markets, Etsy, eBay, thrift stores,
garage sales and enabling friends.

Nothing seems to say Steampunk quite as well!

It's Time for Mahjong!

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mahjong Time 8x8"

A holiday show is coming up at Cambria Allied Arts in December. They've asked us to do 8x8" pieces, so they can load up the gallery walls. The one above features vintage Baklite tiles, various sized Asian coins and vintage ivory Mahjong counters. These are wired on and/or adhered with heavy gel medium. The surface of the canvas is covered with fabric that was run through the printer and sports a collage of Mahjong cards.

Mahjong Melange 8x8"

The other two are 6x6" pieces that I have converted to 8x8". Concerto now rests on an 8x8" canvas that has been collaged with sheet music, and Mahjong Melange sits atop printed fabric that shows Mahjong tiles.

Concerto for Viola & Bassoon 8x8"

I used tacks, screw fasteners, and heavy gel medium to attach the smaller canvases to the new 8x8" surfaces. These will all be available at Cambria Center for the Arts Gallery starting Dec. 1.

Art Girlz in the Country

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

After taking a couple of months off (busy, busy, busy!) the Art Girlz are ready to sip some lattes and gab up a storm. We're meeting today at Debra's house, off the beaten track in the Templeton Hills. She and her husband Mark designed and built the house when they moved to San Luis Obispo County over 20 years ago. It's beautiful, high on a hill and surrounded with fields of lavender.

We have a lot to talk about today, our various shows and workshops from October and our marketing plans for the coming year.

Life on the Coast

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Carmel Beach, late fall, early evening.

Cemetery Saturday

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

My daughter Bronwyn sent these shots

from the Springfield National Cemetery
in Springfield Missouri.

Her old apartment looked out over the graveyard

and she often went walking there.

The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nearly a hundred years have passed
since this "war to end all wars".
Armistice Day, now Veterans' Day, for
remembrance and to thank those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.

A Box of Leftovers

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

There is a box that sits next to my art table.
I throw stuff into it when I'm through with a project,

or things that have somehow ended up on the table,

or those wonderful scraps that are too cool to file away.

I love to go through it now and then
and pull out inspirational bits and bobs.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a small decorative box that holds beautiful wide satin ribbon.

These are from various fabric stores and an exquisite paper store in the Pearl Arts District in Portland.

Fun to use in journals and collage and glorious
just to run through your fingers!

Surprise Box from Nina

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Those of you who follow Nina Bagley's Ornamental know that she's been doing a massive studio clean-up and creating "grab bag" priority mail boxes of goodies and then offering them to her readers.

Mine came over a week ago, and I must admit, anticipation-geek that I am, I didn't open it for several days, savouring the unknown and building the excitement.

I was one of those kids who wanted to put off opening the Christmas presents as long as possible because it was so much fun to guess and wonder what they could be.

My sister, on the other hand, would have opened them all the minute they appeared under the tree and sometimes probably did just that, when no one was looking!

Anyway, I finally opened the box and these are all the goodies I found inside. I'm tickled to death and can't wait to incorporate all this lovely stash into my assemblages.

Stencil Love

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since I took Mary Ann Moss's Stencilry class I have been enamored with stencils (haven't we all?), but even though I've watched her videos (which are wonderful) about cutting them over and over I think this might be one of those talents, like sewing and down-hill skiing, that I just don't have. Luckily for me there are a myriad of wonderful stencils out there. And here are a few of my favourites.

Mary Beth Shaw

Coffee Break Designs

Artist's Cellar

So if you have two left hands (or right, as the case may be) when it comes to cutting your own stencils, never fear. Just give some of these a try.

Life on the Coast

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

A walk along the Morro Bay boardwalk. Enjoy your weekend!

Cemetery Saturday

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Back to Iron City Cemetery in Colorado,

As always in these old graveyards,
so many young children laid to eternal rest

This, a double tragedy, two sisters
dying a day apart of diphtheria.
One a newborn, the other only two or three.

From the Bookshelf

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Brian Selznick's second pictorial novel - this one is as fascinating as The Adventures of Hugo Cabret. These are massive volumes - 600+ pages where the story progresses through sections of illustrations. Not just pictures that illustrate the story, but that actually move the action along. If you skip over the illustrations, you miss part of the story. Wonderstruck flips between 1927 New York and 1977 Minnesota and then comes together with a heartwarming and amazing conclusion. These are cataloged in the children's section, but don't let that deter you - they are wonderful and cracking good reads.

1,000th Post

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

1,000! A post a day since February of 2009.
What a ride! Such a joy to share with all of you,

my art adventures,

my life on the coast,

the contents of my cigar boxes,

wandering through cemeteries,

and reporting on my road trips.
Let's get started on the next 1,000!

What to Wear

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Margot had this shirt made up for me featuring a colourful skull I made a few years for a Lynne Perrella workshop. I'll be wearing it today as we celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Along with these earrings which we concocted using sugar skull Christmas ornaments. Check in with Stephanie Helvitz's Dia de Bloglandia.

Dia de Bloglandia

2011-11-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

Time to remember those who have left us.

Time to celebrate their lives and love.

Poignant happiness and melancholy joy.

Visit Dia del Bloglandia.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you carved your pumpkin yet?

Life on a Different Coast - New Jersey

2011-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cape May, New Jersey - crowds gone,
autumn winds and blowing sands.

Cemetery Saturday

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

My sister sent these wonderful shots of Iron City Cemetery near Collegiate Peaks in Colorado.

She said that maybe people were getting tired of all the mossy, foggy atmospheric graveyards

and would like to see one under "the clear blue Colorado skies."

So for the next couple of weeks we'll wander through Iron City.

From the Bookshelf

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

My father was a wonderful chef, and when he sat to down to relax he loved to read cookbooks. While I didn't inherit his cooking abilities, I do love to peruse cookbooks - especially when they have marvelous illustrations. Susan Branch has been drawing beautiful books for decades, and while they are full of delicious recipes and lovely holiday ideas, they are also fun to just sit down and read. This one is the latest in my collection of Susan's books which I started back in the 1980's. She divides her time between Martha's Vineyard and San Luis Obispo county where she grew up (which makes her a home-town girl for those of us here on the central coast). Beautiful drawings, delightfully handwritten text, yummy recipes, and heart-warming stories of happy homey traditions - what could be a better read for a cozy autumn evening in front of the fire?

A Brilliant Workshop in Engalnd

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lynne Perrella spent a three day weekend in England a couple of weeks ago and has been e-mailing all of us and raving about the work her students produced. Go to this link and see why.

Lots of lovely pictures like these and a beautiful video that makes you want to quit whatever you're doing and get thyself into the studio NOW!

I know that every time I've studied with Lynne I've gone so far beyond what I thought I was capable of and my art takes gigantic leaps. Sounds like her English students feel the same way.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another tiny cigar tin, this one home to piano key ivory. These are the ivory tops and sides of old piano keys. Margot found these for me on Etsy and I find them fascinating.

I've used them in some of my steampunk assemblages and check here to see some lovely Nina Bagley creations including piano ivory.

Getting Ready

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just a week away - getting ready for Dia de Bloglandia's celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Gathering flowers and skulls to put into a shrine. And have to dig out my sugar skull earrings and tee-shirt!

Take a Breath and Relax

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hop - art-wise - since April of 2010 when I started preparing for last year's Open Studio Tour. When that was over I jumped right in and began working on all the pieces for my solo show The Pity of War. And then, when that went up last spring, I began working on pieces for this year's Open Studios which wound up yesterday.

And now, I'm going sit back, take a long breath and maybe even spend a weekend or two away from the studio and relax. But, in reality, I'll probably get a fantastic idea and won't be able to wait to get started!

Life on the Coast - Open Studios

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from our first day of
Open Studios yesterday.

Lots of people, lots of art, lots of fun.

Some of Debra's gorgeous jewelry creations.

A few of my collage pieces.

One more day, come join us, 10-5
Altered by the Sea Studios in Morro Bay.

Cemetery Saturday

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

A last visit to Oakland's Mountain View Cemetery.

This area was in hounour of those who had
served in the American Civil War.

A cannon stands guard,

And rows of cannon balls provide a border for the plot.

Open Studios Tour 2011

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

San Luis Obispo County's 13th annual Open Studios Tour continues this weekend with the North County, including Morro Bay. Saturday and Sunday 10-5. Catalogs are available on line here.
My colleague, jeweler-extraordinaire Debra Jurey, will be joining me for two days of art, fun and friendship here at the Altered by the Sea Studio in Morro Bay.

Come and see what we've been up to!

Mahjong Time

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Asian Winds 6x6"

Ok girls, it's Mahjong time! Both of these pieces created on the reverse side of a 6x6" canvas painted in black acrylic. Asian Winds features vintage Bakelite Mahjong tiles on each corner and Mahjong cards showing the four winds along the sides and top and bottom.

Inside, painted with Golden's Quindriconene Crimson is a stack of Asian coins topped with a vintage ivory mahjong counter.

Mahjong Melange 6x6"

Mahjong Melange has three bamboo bookmarks and an Asian coin surrounding a shadowbox lined with handmade paper with a kanji. Enclosed within are a vintage ivory and bamboo Mahjong tile and ivory counter.

The last two items to be completed for
Open Studios this weekend.

Cigar Box Wednesday

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a holiday tin that holds all the picture hanging material. And I will be using it over and over again this week as I prepare pieces for this weekend's Open Studios.

I suppose there are those of you out there that are smart enough to add your hangers and wire as soon as you finish a piece - and how I wish I was too. But invariably I find myself in the last week before a show screwing in eye bolts and twisting wire in the wee hours of the night before the next day's opening!

A Haunting in Highgate

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Haunting in Highgate 8x10"

Just in time for Halloween (and Open Studios) we have A Haunting in Highgate, another reverse canvas assemblage. I painted the wooden edges with Tim Holtz Distress Crackle Paint and the back and sides with brown acrylic.

A Xerox copy of a photo of Highgate Cemetery provides the background for the tombstone and a pile of skulls- all from Michael's. The edges are draped in dyed and paint-swiped cheesecloth. Skeletons and the hand (Rite-Aid) are nailed and gel mediumed on.

A far cry from my Shabby Chic assemblages,
but rather spook-tacular!

Gotta Love the Shoes

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Place de l'Opera 8x10"

These two pieces were a lot of fun. Our house is always awash in shoes from my darling wife Margot's company Sassy Feet. But this time the shoe was on the other foot - mine! Both of these were created on the reverse side of the canvas. The first is bordered with wide satin ribbon (a luscious find on our Portland trip last spring) held down with upholstery tacks and stamped with Cavallini & Co. Paris and fleur di lys stamps. Two vintage postcards of the Paris Opera House form the background for the shoe and a frozen Charlotte both held on with copper wire. A brass stamping, affixed with heavy gel medium tops the piece.

What a stunning boot to wear while strolling the streets of Paris.

Stepping Out 6x6"

This smaller piece is framed with distressed copper fastened with upholstery tacks. A xerox of the London Illustrated News backs the canvas and the fashionable shoe, adhered with heavy gel medium, steps right out of the frame towards you. An old jewelry piece (thrift store find), rubbed with black Staz-On and affixed with gel medium provides the finishing touch.

Ready for this weekend's Open Studios Tour.

Life on the Coast

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Driving down Highway 1 through Big Sur.

Cemetery Saturday

2011-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Interesting bits of headstones in
Oakland's Mountain View Cemetery,

Shields and anchors, scrolls and acanthus leaves,

and an urn so covered in lichen that from the back,

it looks like monk with a golden shroud.

From the Bookshelf

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Time for a little bragging! My wonderful wife Margot and our friend Destiny have just published the second edition of Sassy Feet. If you've ever found the perfect pair of shoes in the wrong color, this book is for you! If you have to wear a certain style that only comes in black, white or taupe, this book is for you! If you just want to have the sassiest shoes (and purses) on the block, this book is for you. The authors have presented a volume that is full of fun, has loads of eye candy, and includes full instructions and how-tos on turning those boring, blah shoes into works of wearable art.
This team has presented dozens of workshops across California and their excellent teaching skills are evident on every page. The photography is gorgeous and the "little shoe" rating system for each project is not only inspired, but very helpful. How could you not love a book that tells you how to make your shoes so fantastic?! And I'd say that even if the authors weren't my wife and friend! Click on the Sassy Feet link above for purchase information

Copper Clad Steampunk

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Rose's Fan 6x6"

Two more 6x6" reverse canvas with copper cladding. I painted the sides and back of the canvas in dark brown acrylic, then attached distressed copper around the opening with upholstery tacks. I made xerox copies of the back page of the London Illustrated News for Feb. 18, 1860 and fitted them into the openings.

Charlotte's Time 6x6"

Embellishments were affixed with heavy gel medium and wire and include Staz-On distressed brass stampings and a cameo, a metal fan, a frozen Charlotte, a sewing bobbin, a fabric button and a Tim Holtz watch face.

Two more for Open Studios, coming up in just a week.