The Paper Button Studios

Estate Sale Craving

2012-01-25T22:48:00.000-06:00

Okay so it's the end of January. I'm dying for garage sale signs to start popping up around town. I really can't wait for those nicer signs that create an intense feeling of excitement and opportunity = "ESTATE SALE". Why is it that I love digging through people's crap? (At some points I feel a little intrusive, knowing that most reasons for an estate sale is that the house's owner had recently passed away.) I know these road side signs will not really pop up until around May. Those Flea Markets can't come fast enough either!

If you know of any local estate sales or auctions coming up in these dreary months, PLEASE let me know. The craving is overwhelming and can't be satisfied by looking at items in the vintage section of Etsy.

~Thanks!

2012 Checklist

2012-01-17T13:08:00.000-06:00

Well I've never really made a New Year's Resolution before, but I've given it a bit of thought this time. I am always making lists of things that I need to do. So this year I made a list of things I need to finish this year. I've called it "The Year to Tie Up Loose Ends".

Already, I've made a pretty decent sized list:
* Finish knitting a sweater I started, what?, 5 years ago?!
* Finish knitting a friend's scarf I promised her last March - oops!
* Tackle that big basket of clothes that need fixing
* Use a new bookkeeping system for my business (check!)
* Fill up the other half of the cemented hole in the basement floor
* Paint and Fix basement windows and add some curtains
* Test out my amazing light-exposing unit my Dad made for me, which means getting a mini-fridge for the photo emulsion and making more drawings for new prints (this is an all year project)
* Remodel the bathroom
* Clean up the garage
* Finish Collage Project
* Find a venue and date for Collage Project
* Have 10 Couples over for a meal
* Fix my husband's car/or get a new one
* Make a budget and stick to it!
* Clean out my two flat files at NIU - oops! I still have crap in there from when I graduated at the end of 2010

With all that said, I hope I can get it all accomplished in this year! Along with the list of things to finish, I don't want to add on any other big projects during the year so I can focus. Luckily, I finished one already! Below is a pic of the new bookkeeping program I'm using now. I still have a few more things to add to it, but I'm all setup for using it now. Thanks Handmadeology and Timothy Adam!

A Nice Winter...

2012-01-11T14:58:00.003-06:00

Usually at this time of the year, Rockford, Illinois experiences at least 2 big snowstorms. But so far we've only received about an inch of snow since December. Last year at the beginning of December, my husband and I almost died trying to get to my graduation ceremony at Northern Illinois University due to an intense blizzard. The snow was unbearable and we could not see 5 feet in front of our car. It was the worst.... but this year has been completely opposite. It has been in the 30s and 40s for most of the winter but currently on January 11th it is 55 degrees outside! Normally it gets below zero a lot and doesn't peak above 30 degrees. Actually, I sat on my porch in the warm sunshine reading a book today. I love it and I wish it would stay like this for the rest of winter. Unfortunately, I can't always get what I want... 6 inches of snow tomorrow. But there's still hope... 40s again on Monday! =]

Be safe in that snow Midwesterners... we've been spoiled

Collage Day 173

2012-01-03T11:12:00.000-06:00

"G is for Gerenuk" - 8/7/11 - Day 173

(GER-uh-nook) I love the look of these deer-like animals. They have such long necks with elegant skinny legs. The coloring on them is very elegant. The Gerenuk is also often called a "giraffe gazelle" - their name is actually African, which means "giraffe-necked". This collaged Gerenuk seems to have an attitude...

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 172

2011-12-29T20:40:00.000-06:00

"F is for Flying Lemur" - 8/6/11 - Day 172

This is not a flying squirrel, but a flying lemur... not to be confused with the Lemur. These are crazy creatures as they have massive folds of skin and hang upside-down from branches. The back side looks soft and fuzzy and then when they leap off one tree to glide to another, the underside is bare pink and naked looking (I took creative license not have a naked animal on this collage). A very strange animal that I never knew about!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 171

2011-12-28T18:49:00.000-06:00

"E is for Echidna" - 8/5/11 - Day 171

(ih-KID-nuh) These animals are also known as "spiny anteaters." When frightened they burrow straight down until their spiking backs protrude up from the ground, protecting themselves. They are similar to platypuses because they lay eggs that later hatch and stay in a little pouch - that is until they grow their own spikes. They kinda look like porcupines, too. These critters eat worms and their tongues have little notches to grab them up from the ground.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 170

2011-12-27T21:24:00.000-06:00

"D is for Dugong" - 8/4/11 - Day 170

(DOO-gong) The Dugong is very similar to the Manatee, but is different. Physically, one difference is the shape of the tail. It is notched like the fin of a whale rather than the rounded tail of the manatee. Also, Dugongs live in different regions in the world's waters than the Manatee - Dugongs live in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, whereas Manatees live in the coastal regions of southeastern United States down to central South America and western tropical Africa. An interesting under water mammal!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 169

2011-12-26T21:17:00.000-06:00

"C is for Coati" - 8/3/11 - Day 169

(kuh-WAH-tee) I think these are cute little critters. They hunt for food in the fields in packs, mumbling and grunting. They are members of the raccoon family and is very social. I like that they stick their tails in the air while they walk around like cats.

Okay, I'm struggling with painting these ones. I'm going back to a more collaged approach to the animals. Gouache is a fun medium though so I still use it here and there.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 168

2011-12-24T14:28:00.001-06:00

"B is for Babirusa" - 8/2/11 - Day 168

(bobby-ROO-suh) The myth with this pig with very strange horns curling out of the top of his snout, is that it uses its horns to hang from trees while it sleeps to keep it from danger. This myth is not true, but I like to think pigs are light enough to do this.

I'm finding that I'm not quite enjoying "painting" these animals. It just doesn't feel right to paint them. I might just switch to totally collaged images.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 167

2011-12-22T10:35:00.000-06:00

"A is for Aardvark" - 8/1/11 - Day 167

Here is my next challenge for the month of August... I decided to do an alphabet related series. I've always wanted to do one for printmaking but just haven't gotten around to it yet. So this will be my "sketchbook" of some animals I may do for prints. Each animal has been picked from an old National Geographic Mammal Encyclopedia collection. I wanted to pick some animals that aren't well known and aren't over-done in an alphabet series. Unfortunately, this may get confusing as there are many similar looking animals but with different names, so make sure you check out what it's name is before you think I spelled the animal's name wrong =]

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 166

2011-12-21T21:13:00.000-06:00

"Bird Window" - 7/31/11 - Day 166

What is it about birds that they are everywhere in our culture? They are definitely over used in artwork so it was difficult to get myself to do a bird themed piece. Can someone explain the bird obsession to me? I mean, I am starting to grow fond of owls but I still don't really know why I think they're cool (besides the Harry Potter factor).

This is the final piece for July and the final piece in the window series... I was getting so sick of the window idea! On to something new...

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 165

2011-12-19T18:11:00.000-06:00

"Winged Window to the Past" - 7/30/11 - Day 165

I loved putting the Egyptian Pyramids with the Cicada bugs. There's just that strange relationship that I can't quite put my finger on, but I find it interesting still. These bugs weird me out but I also find them quite cool. I remember collecting bags of their skins from the trees on the playground when I was a kid... (strange kid!)

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 164

2011-12-18T08:54:00.000-06:00

"Fruit Window" - 7/29/11 - Day 164

Really, I think I'm just afraid of them so that leads to my hatred of them. The fear of vegetables is called: lachanophobia. Some of the more unfamiliar ones really get to me. I just like eating fruit better.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 163

2011-12-17T10:23:00.001-06:00

"Jen's Coffee Window" - 7/28/11 - Day 163

This collage is dedicated to friend and fellow artist Jennifer Mullin Johansson. She has some amazing collages and a lot of them have comfy chairs and fun flowers made with clippings and her own drawings. Check her work out on Etsy!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 162

2011-12-17T07:20:00.003-06:00

"Wheat Window" - 7/27/11 - Day 162

I think this is one of my new favorites! I loved finding the image of the human body with the nervous system. It was in an old Biology book copyrighted in 1924. The stance is just so dynamic compared to the boring figures of today's biology books.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 161

2011-12-15T15:43:00.005-06:00

"Creeper Window" - 7/26/11 - Day 161

You know who you are, don't you?

I always think of this when I hear the word Creeper... SNL

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 160

2011-12-14T15:57:00.001-06:00

"Anxious Window" - 7/25/11 - Day 160

"Time was what he needed but all he had was a few short days"

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 159

2011-12-13T15:17:00.001-06:00

"Framework Window" - 7/24/11 - Day 159

I found this old kids book from the 50s that was all about teaching kids about the human body. Such a great find for using in my collages. The old, faded colors of these books really add a nice flavor to my collages. This one also features a piece of paper ephemera from the back of an old post card from 1910.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 158

2011-12-12T16:54:00.001-06:00

"Rabbit Window" - 7/23/11 - Day 158

A great collage for that Rabbit Lover. A little quirky, a little nostalgic, very vintage feeling. It might be kind of difficult to see what is happening in the photo, but I used a transparent material that felt quite like cotton - almost like a tissue paper. There was a tan print on this material and add such a nice movement and texture over the images. I love the little image of a table in the window on the left lower side.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Thank You!

2011-12-11T09:23:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to thank all my supporters for a wonderful 2011!

It was a very full and successful year. In all, I survived heat indices of 110 degrees F, a monsoon, dust storms, and 38 shows! In 2012, I will be focusing on larger shows in the area and may even attempt a Chicago show or two. I took my time in 2011 to find the shows that have the people that appreciate and purchase my items. You have to go where your people are at in this business - which can be a tough task knowing your market. So, thank you all very much for participating in my shows and supporting your local economy. Rockford and I really do appreciate it!

To see a list of shows I plan on participating in, see my Shows Page

Have a great Christmas everyone!

Collage Day 157

2011-10-24T16:18:00.001-05:00

"Cabin Window" - 7/22/11 - Day 157

A nice relaxing vacation is what a lot of us need. I get too wrapped up in my business and just need that time alone in nature. I really wish I could afford a cabin up in the woods in Wisconsin. For now my front porch will give me that window to calmness.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 156

2011-10-20T12:32:00.002-05:00

"Aged Window" - 7/21/11 - Day 156

Antiques are fun. There is a special quality in the age of them. A character quality that can not be replicated in anything new. Nostalgia runs deep within the veins of the antiquers and pickers... well and the hopes of selling the same item they just bought with a large profit margin.

Can you see the skull? Can you see the children laughing in party hats while eating cake?

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 155

2011-10-19T17:09:00.001-05:00

"Hydrated Window" - 7/20/11 - Day 155

All I can say is that this would be a good one to display in your bathroom. I guess that's all I kept thinking when I was making this one. That's because of that stand with the soap - as soon as I saw that, all I could think of was putting this one in a bathroom. O well!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE and on Flickr

Collage Day 154

2011-10-18T09:29:00.001-05:00

"Ballet Window" - 7/19/11 - Day 154

There is great elegance in dance, especially in ballet. I never danced, but my husband did! His mother was a ballet teacher so naturally all of her children learned from her. The art of ballet is intriguing, soft, and subtle, but I know in the process of creating it, there is a lot of pain. Kudos to those of you who have pulled it off and put your body through torture to create such a beautiful piece of art.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 153

2011-10-17T09:52:00.002-05:00

"Coyote Window" - 7/18/11 - Day 153

I've enjoyed using black and white images the most in this project. I like how they blend in with the background of the page they sit on. Again I used the backside of cut out images, so the unusual or recognizable shapes can be seen - but might be difficult to see in the picture.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 152

2011-10-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

"Ghost Window" - 7/17/11 - Day 152

Alright! I'm getting back into making collages again. I've had a bunch just lying around but haven't had time to post them online. So sorry for the delays. I promise to be a bit better about this. Thanks for hanging in there for me and maybe the next few ones will fulfill the suspense of waiting for more.

With this collage, I discovered some interesting tactics of finding some interesting imagery from using the back side of something cut out of magazines. I was getting so tired of all the images I had cut out and I didn't want to use any of them and none were as inspiring. I flipped some of them over and found a whole new world of images! I love how through this whole project I'm learning new ways to do things while not giving myself too many freedoms. It helps to limit yourself a little so you can focus. I encourage you to try it in your own work. See my original post for this project HERE for more info on how I limited my project.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

DIY Light Box for Photography

2011-10-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

I'm stepping up my seriousness on my photography for my Etsy shops. I've been doing the Holiday Boot Camp series with Etsy Success and this week has been all about photography . There were tons of blogs and articles on how to improve. I'm glad I finally dug into this exercise as it has helped me a ton already. I found an article on how to make your own light box with stuff lying around the house. SO I actually made one and it seems to work great!

I took this photo in my light box at 9pm. I'm normally having to wait until 11am or 4pm if I want that bright light with soft shadows reflecting through my window off the neighbors white house. These are much better quality than what I was taking before. I just need to keep working on the props aspect.

Here's the setup! All I used was a clear plastic tub, white poster board, that weird foamy shipping wrap that I never use but always get in the mail, and packaging tape to keep it on the tub. (The article suggests using fabric interfacing, but the foamy wrap has about the same transparency). It was great to already have a table set up with two lights attached to it. This is my button table in my basement studio, which is off to the side without much light so I've attached two clamp lights and that's how I work on my button items. Now all I have to do is move projects out of the way (see my salt cellar ring boxes in progress?) and add this box and adjust the lights. Easy-peasy.

Here's the article that I got the idea from: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/07/diy-light-box.html

I also read my camera's manual and learned a ton about it even though I've had it for about 4 years now, so I'd recommend reading that, too.

Delays

2011-09-27T10:33:00.001-05:00

Well, it is true. I am having a very difficult time keeping up with the Collage project I've been working on since February. The summer proved to be a very busy time for The Paper Button. I took a few weeks off from shows to get some rest and make more work. But now it is the fall season all of a sudden and now I'm working on fall shows and getting inventory ready for all of them. Busy, Busy, Busy.

I apologize in the delays for the collage project. I intend on finishing it, but I'll be honest: it may not be completed perfectly on time. It is a lot to accomplish, I'm sure you can imagine. Doing a piece of art every day for a year is a huge commitment and a TON of work.

Thanks for all of you who have encouraged me and commented on my work. I still plan on having a show with all 365 pieces - which will be super exciting to see. So keep checking back on this blog for more information on that show in the future.

Thanks!
Kari

Collage Day 151

2011-09-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

"Bird Fence Window" - 7/16/11 - Day 151

Well, this one I tried doing the same "formula" and it isn't as successful. Proves that trying to put art in a formula doesn't always work. I really like how the bird with the flower image correlated perfectly with my color scheme, though.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 150

2011-09-05T12:04:00.000-05:00

"Root Window" - 7/15/11 - Day 150

This one was really fun to make. I told myself to just make a collage and do it spontaneously and just let it flow. This is what happened! I knew I wanted to use strips and to try and get away from the typical shape of the dictionary page, but still have it present. I needed something larger to add to the composition, so I found this tree. I didn't realize that the four trunks on the tree really tied the piece together because of the four strips going across the page behind it. Plus, adding the direct lines to the hole at the bottom left really helped your eyes move across the page. I love it when pieces make themselves!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 149

2011-09-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

"Cavern Window" - 7/14/11 - Day 149

"Take a glance out of your cave... you've been inside way too long working on things that don't really matter. Clutter surrounds you and you need to be free! Get outside and enjoy the weather!"

-- Me to Myself

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

My New Obsession

2011-09-02T17:53:00.000-05:00

Chip Bowls!

This is the very first bowl that I've found after deciding that I wanted to start collecting them. I don't want that many, just about six or so in coordinating blues, browns, whites, and tan (maybe some light greens) to store in the vintage wood and enamel Baker's Cabinet we're getting from some relatives. These little 1.5 pint bowls are perfect snacking bowls - too perfect for my favorite Ole Salty's Potato chips, made right here in Rockford by some dear old friends!

Collage Day 148

2011-08-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

"Fix That Window" - 7/13/11 - Day 148

Abstract representation of a baseball breaking a house window. That's too tough to fix cheaply! This used lots of other pieces of the old dictionary pages plus some neutrals from magazines. Has a fun effect.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 147

2011-08-27T23:45:00.007-05:00

"Invisible Window" - 7/12/11 - Day 147

By using cutouts from previous collages in the window series, I was able to create an "invisible" window since the page color would blend into itself. I really like how this one creates a double-take by the viewer. You can tell something just isn't quite right for being a book page. This draws you in closer to examine... always a good thing.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 146

2011-08-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

"Bubble Window" - 7/11/11 - Day 146

Another day in the life of windows... well an imaginary one. These windows float and occasionally will run into each other and POP! But sometimes they just stick to each other and lazily dance around in the wind. I wonder what can be seen through these small windows?

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 145

2011-08-25T23:45:00.000-05:00

"Workshop Window" - 7/10/11 - Day 145

An organized workshop does wonders to the mind. However, "organized" is really just neat messiness. O the joys of being an artist and wanting to do too much in so little time...

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 144

2011-08-24T14:53:00.000-05:00

"Cold Window" - 7/9/11 - Day 144

Another abstract window with cool colors to emit colder feelings... It seems to be cooling off outside, but the humidity is still so bad. I'm hoping for cold weather at this point, yes, even snow! And Yes, that is silver tin foil.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 143

2011-08-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

"Warm Window" - 7/8/11 - Day 143

An abstract window to emit warm intellect... A nice breezy day and a warm sun. Enjoy it while it lasts. Yes, that is gold foil.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 142

2011-08-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

"Working Window" - 7/7/11 - Day 142

Here's another addition to the Window series within my 365 Collage project. This one is more abstract and has to do with more of the dream side of the series. Strange doors that won't quite fit into the window, but they just might, hand drawn elements, and a real abstract look = fun, interesting, and keeps you looking for more details. I've really enjoyed cutting through the dictionary pages and making the added elements show through these tiny windows. Thanks for looking!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 141

2011-08-20T15:26:00.001-05:00

"Morning Window Checklist" - 7/6/11 - Day 141

I LOVE writing lists! It is a strange thing about me, but it helps me get things out of my head and to visualize what needs to be done. Sometimes, it actually becomes too much and crazy that I can't handle it anymore and have to make a new list of the basics. It's a weird, never-ending circle of lists!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 140

2011-07-20T10:25:00.014-05:00

"Breathing Window" - 7/5/11 - Day 140

Breathe in. Breathe out. You are alive. Oxygen is your friend. It is interesting to me how this collage depicts veins as branches for the birds... oxygen is given to us by plants and they need the carbon dioxide. An interesting play on this cycle in this image. It's fun to think about.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 139

2011-07-19T19:03:00.003-05:00

"Second Stomach Window" - 7/4/11 - Day 139

I love desserts! I really love cookies and ice cream the most. When I was little, well and still I do this, I used to tell my parents that I had a second stomach just for desserts even when I was completely full from my meal. Usually, I would say I was stuffed and not finish dinner and then go straight for dessert and finish the whole thing. I love chocolate!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 138

2011-07-18T11:06:00.010-05:00

"Monster Window" - 7/3/11 - Day 138

This time I cut the page into a window and worked from the under side. This was fun and a different approach for me. It feels great to stretch my boundaries a little after being confined for a while. I'm looking forward to implementing a few of my other ideas further into this project! ...still a little over half way to go!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 137

2011-07-17T17:13:00.000-05:00

"Lion in My Window" - 7/2/11 - Day 137

2nd in my Window Mini-Series

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 136

2011-07-16T23:45:00.001-05:00

"Buffalo Window" - 7/1/11 = Day 136

This is the beginning of a new mini-series within the project. For a while now I will create the collages to appear to be in the middle of a window. Some may be more straight forward than others. I'm shooting for a dream state, different perspective, or just fun imagery. I also want to play with filling in as much of the dictionary page as possible. Before this I was strictly within the boundaries of the page and then I began letting the imagery go off the page. So it felt only natural to start filling it up completely, or nearly.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 135

2011-07-15T14:12:00.000-05:00

"The Things Dreams Are Made Of"-6/30/11-Day 135

A fun day dream of desserts and swings. A lovely spring day with no humidity is what I'm dreaming of. So nice of a day that my desserts don't melt at all.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 134

2011-07-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

"Spectrum Control" - 6/29/11 - Day 134

There is a certain way that colors work. It is a mad science. Intricate and delicate. Fussy and whiny. True and bold. Subtle and sneaky. What fun are the colors if you can control them properly.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 133

2011-07-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

"Chocolate Helps" - 6/28/11 - Day 133

Too hot to even get outside to get that Vitamin D? Trust me, if you're depressed, sad, sleepy, just eat some chocolate. You'll feel better. Dark chocolate with 70% cocao is recommended.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 132

2011-07-12T14:00:00.003-05:00

"Box 3" - 6/27/11 - Day 132

Leftover scraps on my table made into a collage - part 3.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 131

2011-07-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

"Box 2" - 6/26/11 - Day 131

Using scraps from the left overs on my table part 2.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 130

2011-07-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

"Box 1" - 6/25/11 - Day 130

Creating an image with what's left on my table part 1.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 129

2011-07-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 129 - 6/24/11 - "Kindness Still"

In rich clothes or dirty rags, kindness goes a long way. Being kind to strangers can be easy since they don't know your fake smile. But being kind to those who are closest to you can be pretty tough since they know your body language. It is the non-verbal and para-verbal hints that really give you away.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 128

2011-07-08T11:25:00.000-05:00

"When It Rains, It Pours"-6/23/11-Day 128

After I made this one, my husband asked me if this was in reference to not getting our eggs from the farmers in our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). It must have been subconscious. Apparently, the chickens were too stressed out with the heat that they didn't lay eggs, so no one got their eggs for that week. It was probably good that we didn't get them because wee still had the full carton from the previous week - we would have had way too many!

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 127

2011-07-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

"Start Cooking With a Golden Spoon" - 6/22/11 - Day 127

It is tough to keep good meals on the table. Times are tough and no one ever has enough time for anything anymore. But realize that setting the standard to eat as a family together makes everyone's lives a bit healthier, even if the food may not be. Even if you eat in a tent together - that's all fine and dandy, just eat together.

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Collage Day 126

2011-07-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

"Feel Exhilarated" - 6/21/11 - Day 126

Babies will eat anything! Put it in front of them and they may just shove it in their own faces. Desserts are their favorite, of course. Eating habits are hard to change as you grow up - desserts are still the favorite, aren't they?

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Collage Day 125

2011-07-05T12:27:00.023-05:00

"Airport Love Story" - 6/20/11 - Day 125

Although this title reminds me of something The Postal Service would name one of their songs as, the content doesn't remind me of them at all. But there is still this intriguing clash between the bird and the plane, the natural and the man-made, the living and the lifeless, metal and feathers. Man is capable of creating things that are similar to the natural. There will always be a fondness for the natural though, there is just too much mystery to forgo it.

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Collage Day 124

2011-07-04T15:55:00.000-05:00

"The Salt and Pepper Wife" - 6/19/11 - Day 124

This woman can cook! (Which is to say that I cannot)

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Collage Day 123

2011-07-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

DAY 123 - 6/18/11 - "Owl Post"

Yet again, another Harry Potter reference. This one is my favorite of all the ones related to the book series. In about 11 days, the last movie installment will be released. I wonder what will happen to the franchise and what the fans will look forward to the most? Will Pottermore suffice? Here's to a great book series and a big "thank you" to J.K. Rowling.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 122

2011-07-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

"Home For A Dog" - 6/17/11 - Day 122

Dogs belong outside. They're animals and are not very well potty trained. Leave them in the house too long and they'll eat and stink everything up. Not to mention their shedding hair! Of course it is fine to bring them in for a little bit and when it is storming or super cold, but don't let them sleep in your bed with you!

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Wind Ridge Herb Farm: Garden and Wellness Faire

2011-07-02T08:05:00.001-05:00

This show was the most beautiful show I've been a part of. The weather was excellent and the farm was beautiful. The vendors involved were diverse and the patrons could tell. Coordinating a show like this is rare, but the producer of this show found excellent vendors to accommodate artists, gardeners, and handmade enthusiasts. There was even a cute little petting zoo with the largest rabbit I've ever seen, some strange looking chickens with feathers covering their feet, a big turkey, some tiny ponies, and two awesome alpacas. I couldn't get over these guys! I wanted to take one home with me. They kept making these funny noises like they were complaining too.

Overall, this was an excellent show. 50 or so vendors and a great turnout of people showing up. The hosts even invited us to stay after we all tore down for a little drink and relaxation in their backyard. It was great! Thanks very much Vickie and Tony of Wind Ridge Herb Farm!

Collage Day 121

2011-07-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

"The Rare Pear Snake" - 6/16/11 - Day 121

The rare Pear Snake has antennas like a bee but still responds to the sound of music like any other charmed snake. However, this one is charmed by a clarinet! (or is that an oboe? I can't tell the difference).

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 120

2011-06-30T18:01:00.000-05:00

"The Real Temptress" - 6/15/11 - Day 120

O! Delicious Desserts! How I can't get enough of them. They really are tempting. Even when I'm stuffed as can be when I'm done with dinner, I can still manage to fit a few cookies and a bowl of ice cream in there. I grew up doing the same thing - I called it my second stomach just for desserts.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 119

2011-06-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

"Going Nowhere Slowly" - 6/14/11 - Day 119

I think this guy has had a little too much to drink. Thinks he'll get to the next bar faster on the back of a dog than walking. That poor dog.

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Collage Day 118

2011-06-28T18:00:00.011-05:00

"Enslaved Like A Squirrel" - 6/13/11 - Day 118

Squirrels work hard to find their food - and to hide it. They're obsessed with finding them and when they do find them, they hide them again. They're addicted to the process. It's like a chain smoker who can't seem to get away from buying their 10 packs of cigarettes everyday. Nicotine!

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Collage Day 117

2011-06-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

"Feed the Real Thing" - 6/12/11 - Day 117

Don't feed your kids crap food from McDonald's or Burger King. That is all I have to say.

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Collage Day 116

2011-06-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

"Potus Lime Imperialis" - 6/11/11 - Day 116

This was a fun one to make. Images were taken from a 1960s Woman's Day magazine. The couple from Salem Cigarettes ad and limes from a Jello ad. It was quite exciting getting this one put together. Real retro and fun. The only definition I could find online for potus was President of the United States, but on this medical dictionary page, it said it was a drink concoction.

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Collage Day 115

2011-06-26T07:55:00.000-05:00

"Refreshed from the Sky" - 6/10/11 - Day 115

The rain adds an extra flavor to summer. Storms, hail, lightning, tornadoes are all exciting, but can be damaging. Rain by itself is peaceful and renewing. There is something exciting about the first smell of a summer rain, too.

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Collage Day 114

2011-06-25T22:19:00.000-05:00

"Misunderstood Love Song" - 6/9/11 - Day 114

Either a break-up song is sung as a love song or a love song is sung as a break-up song. I'm definitely guilty of not really listening to lyrics of music. There is a point for those words! Listen

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Collage Day 113

2011-06-24T11:00:00.001-05:00

"All You Need is Underwear" - 6/8/11 - Day 113

If you didn't have 'em, you'd be in trouble. Don't ever leave the house without them, please.

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Collage Day 112

2011-06-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

"Why is the Heaviest Question" - 6/7/11 - Day 112

Why? There is no one on earth who can explain the deepest questions of our humanity. Kids usually ask why, a lot, and we can't really give a full answer. Life is tough and full of rough situations. If we knew all the answers, there would be no mystery to life, nor the excitement and anticipation that we have now.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 111

2011-06-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

"Nurture's Home" - 6/6/11 - Day 111

Another piece devoted to motherhood. Seeing my sister take care of her one-year old just shows me how much work, love, stress, joy, and did I say a lot of work? Also, I've seen and understood a lot of taking care of children and family from my parents and I am continually amazed. Parenthood is a huge undertaking. I also met a high school friend the other day who is single-handedly taking care of her daughter. This one I dedicate to all the single parents out there - you are doing a lot for your kids!

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Collage Day 110

2011-06-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

"Turn Me Up" - 6/5/11 - Day 110

Check. Check. Check. 1 - 2 - 3. Checkie onie twoie. I need more in my monitors, please.

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Collage Day 109

2011-06-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

"Angle Area" - 6/4/11 - Day 109

This was an exercise in taking a brain break. So I thought it would be pretty simple just to do a collage with just triangles and certain colors. For some reason it was frustrating me more than many of the collages I've done. It was so strange. I kept arranging the pieces and then totally starting over. Maybe it was too simple and I know the text in the background made it difficult to make this one look good. I'm okay with how it turned out. I guess I've moved on from the shapes/design oriented pieces.

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Collage Day 108

2011-06-19T13:48:00.000-05:00

"On the Wrong Path" - 6/3/11 - Day 108

I don't know how, but I rode my bike into the sea. It was pretty at first, but when I got deep enough, the deepest, darkest secrets of the sea quietly followed. I realized I was on the wrong path and definitely make a U-turn in front of the creepiest angler fish I'd ever seen.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 107

2011-06-18T21:00:00.000-05:00

"Natural Treasures" - 6/2/11 - Day 107

Naturally grown and raised food tastes so much happier. Stop living the fast food life! You'll be so much happier and healthier. Go organic.

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Collage Day 106

2011-06-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

"Freedom Release" - 6/1/11 - Day 106

What a great release it is to be accomplished in your work, to be free from restraint with nothing to stop you. It is a rare feeling in art and I am hoping this is in development for me.

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Collage Day 105

2011-06-17T08:42:00.000-05:00

"Mandragora" - 5/31/11 - Day 105

Yes, another exciting find in my medical dictionary. The mandrake plant, or mandragora, has a role in my favorite book/movie series. Of course, the doe has nothing to do with it, or does it?

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Collage Day 104

2011-06-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

"Joint Juxtaposition" - 5/30/11 - Day 104

I always feel like I need more hands just so I can get accomplished what I've set out to do. When I am doing art shows all by myself, it is so difficult to set up on my own. Why didn't God give me an extra arm with extendable bones and muscles in it?

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 103

2011-06-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

"Discuss Disengagement" - 5/29/11 - Day 103

Say you're done. You quit! move on and stop the disguise. You're just too friendly.

See my all my collages in one place HERE

Collage Day 102

2011-06-14T14:00:00.001-05:00

"Hydrated Hydrogen" - 5/28/11 - Day 102

Those little tiny particles and atoms are amazing. How they change forms just on a single elemental change. Incredible and worth thinking about.

Click to enlarge image. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 101

2011-06-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

"Camera Cancer" - 5/27/11 - Day 101

Professional photographers must be annoyed with how many "photographers" are out there now. Since digital cameras became accessible to everyone, there are so many self-proclaimed professionals out there. This phenomenon has spread like wild fire. I give great credit to those who are still working with film. It is such a long process and VERY time consuming. Just know that if you own a camera, it doesn't make you a Photographer.

See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 100

2011-06-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

"Precipitate Preparation" - 5/26/11 - Day 100

A storm is coming. Are you ready?

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Collage Day 99

2011-06-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

"Dental Deplete" - 5/25/11 - Day 99

If only our teeth turned these colors when we didn't take care of them. I can hear my dental hygienist, "You can't get away with not flossing much longer". Get flossing!

See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 98

2011-06-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

"Woman Mystery" - 5/24/11 - Day 98

Do I even have to explain this one? I think it is pretty obvious that women are a mystery... sometimes even to themselves. Scary.

See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 97

2011-06-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

"Fracture Frangula" - 5/23/11 - Day 97

Something hides in the plants. It is unknown to most of us. It wears an eye-patch and likes to snatch a head for its own. Watch out during those picnics!

See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 96

2011-06-09T14:00:00.003-05:00

"Hectic Helminthiasis" - 5/22/11 - Day 96

Parasitic worms would not be fun. They can be in you and you wouldn't even know it, eating your food and taking all your nutrients. You're freaking out now, aren't you? yuck

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place HERE

Collage Day 95

2011-06-08T15:00:00.001-05:00

"Jaw-Winking Phenomenon" - 5/21/11 - Day 95

Whispers. Secrets. Cherubs listen. Bird-headed children scribble. Jaws have eyes now.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 94

2011-06-07T21:00:00.014-05:00

"Mole Monomania" - 5/20/11 - Day 94

Skin cancer is a huge deal nowadays. For some reason whenever we see a mole that just looks a tad bit weird, we have to make an appointment with the dermatologist. With my experience, they're usually just overpriced doctors who don't really tell you anything. So don't freak out too much, it may just be nothing and something normal.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 93

2011-06-07T14:40:00.001-05:00

"Pix Plague" - 5/19/11 - Day 93

Strangers down the street need to stop peering into our personal property. One of our neighbors wants to get a night camera to catch the crime in action. I like to think he is a secret spy rather than just paranoid.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 92

2011-06-06T15:00:00.001-05:00

"Mother's Mark Moxa" - 5/18/11 - Day 92

O the day we left our mothers
To tread the ground under their feet
We never knew the pain in others
Until we too do birth and greet

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Collage Day 91

2011-06-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

"Spondylitis Spot" - 5/17/11 - Day 91

Spondylitis is the inflammation of the joints of the backbone. It doesn't sound real fun at all. Sharp pains and cramps in the back would make me sick at both ends. I can imagine this would leave anyone out of commission for a while. This is back pain gone way wrong.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 90

2011-06-04T19:24:00.000-05:00

"Nervus" - 5/16/11 - Day 90

Women get all anxious about the craziest things. I'm definitely guilty of it. Why do we do that? I have a hunch that we just have super sensitive perception on how the world works and how people interact. It's like we actually have extra nerves for this that are constantly picking up on hints and clues. I can come up with no other explanation.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 89

2011-06-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

"Radical" - 5/15/11 - Day 89

I love how creepy this one is. Pink eyes on the deer, the tiny pink dressed girls hopping around, the large baby about to stand, the large sketch of an atom. So fun and strange. Radical.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 88

2011-06-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

"Apoplexy Appetizer" - 5/14/11 - Day 88

It is fascinating to me that flashing lights can cause seizures. The brain is pretty incredible. "Apoplexy" has more to do with the incapacity to do anything after having a stroke. All the colors in this collage have an intense overwhelming feeling and is painful on the eyes and makes you want to look away at nothingness, a white, blank wall for a rest in order to do nothing. O how it would be energizing to actually switch off for a few days just to relax and think and do nothing. If only I didn't have to make a meal every single day. If only I didn't have to constantly race against time to get things done. If only...

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 87

2011-06-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

"Rosin Rubus" - 5/13/11 - Day 87

This collage was inspired by another collage artist/illustrator by the name of Julien Pacaud. He was featured in Elephant Magazine with an interview and a few of his digital collages. I love them! The magazine called them "photographs from imaginary movies". The collage that I was inspired by was titled "When You Sleep" and it also has people lying down in the ground. I wanted to see how difficult it would be to find people in those specific positions in magazines. It is quite difficult. I must say he found much better people than I did. I added a crazy looking bird - whale headed stork - that I had seen on You Tube of talking animals and in the same day found him in one of my National Geographics by accident. This bird freaks me out. When you are a sleep, there is always something else watching. This just makes this collage a bit more creepier, at least for me.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details.

See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 86

2011-05-31T21:00:00.000-05:00

"Sleeping-Sickness Snuffles" - 5/12/11 - Day 86

This is how I feel when I do not get enough sleep! I'm sure you can relate. Insomniacs can truly relate, I'm sure. Sleep tight!

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 85

2011-05-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

"Damp" - 5/11/11 - Day 85

I would love to go snorkeling. The ocean is kinda freaky though. My husband is especially freaked out by all those weird monsters in there. So, this may never happen. Turtles are pretty cool. Obviously, I don't have anything to say about this one.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE

Collage Day 84

2011-05-30T14:43:00.000-05:00

"Proof-Spirit Protein" - 5/10/11 - Day 84

Where there's a deer, there's a way. Where there are mushrooms, you'll only find them with a pig. I'm not quite sure how both a deer and a pig would taste together, but you never know. I was really tired when I made this collage and wrote this blog post, so none of this makes sense, just like the collage.

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Collage Day 83

2011-05-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

"Crescentic Crista" - 5/9/11 - Day 83

Crescents. Moons. Mountains.

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Collage Day 82

2011-05-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

"Alcohol Alexia" - 5/8/11 - Day 82

I feel bad for those who get so drunk they can't speak, they can't read, and they just can't function as they should. For those of you who drink to get drunk, learn a bit more self-control so you don't make a fool out of yourself anymore. Live more simply and enjoy the taste rather than the loss of control.

Click to enlarge image and zoom for details. See my entire collage collection all in one place on Flickr HERE