Here are some very cool antique and flea market finds I picked up over this weekend. It occurred to me, as I rummaged through the leavings of lives gone by, and while I browsed through isles of memories and memorabilia, that, stuff is just stuff. Until you see the possibilities. That's when "stuff" has the potential for becoming art.

Bargaining with shop keepers was easy as long as I didn't let on that I cared a shred for what I had in my hands. The look of excitement must be suppressed when shopping for antiquities! The slightest scent of a thrill over the "find" drives the price up, up, up! So, all in all, I did pretty well. I only twitched slightly when I found a box full of light switch covers and a rusty rail-road nail.

I'll post my projects as soon as I get them completed.

Texture...I love texture in art. I think it's because texture brings physical qualities to an art piece which can effectively substitute for the silky feel of a rose petal, the gritty sensation of sand rubbed between the fingertips, the liquidity of raindrops falling from the clouds.

I am so fortunate to be able to play with these sensations. To experiment as a child would in a sandbox, lost in the bliss of making mud pies and castles. Play is the mind at peace. And, when the mind is at peace, creativity flows.

Through practice, I've come to learn that my creative voice is playful, delicate, as old as an oak tree, as wispy as a willow, and as flighty as a butterfly.

To tell you the truth, I am very serious about playtime! I was the kid on the playground who always wanted to challenge everybody at everything because I loved the process of finding inside of me that unique thrill of discovery. I liked repeating things over and over again, improving(or not), and finding the boundries of my abilities.

This is probably why I enjoy testing different art media. It isn't a competitive spirit that motivates me. It's the process of expanding my base, learning what's over that next hillside, it's the adventure!

Come see what I made!

Here is a sleepy little girl. Doesn't she look sweet!





She is not the only one at rest. These little souls at sleep are basking in the peaceful bliss of creativity! I'd like to think so anyway!





Certainly this little one is especially shy today, but she has come out to say hello!






I hope you will find time to play today, and that your sandbox brings you many happy adventures!

The bottle is finsihed. I added some shells, beads, more images, and color. This is exactly why I love altered art. It allows for a second chance, a new life, a different story, a clean slate. It is creativity reborn. I love it. I hope you have a wonderfully creative day, and above all else, have fun!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE making altered bottles. I think the reason why is because bottles are so romantic. They encase perfume, wine, bubble bath, oils, elixirs, and potions. There is always a mystery related to any bottle, and it cries to have that secret revealed. Well, at least that is my take on it.

This bottle was an olive oil bottle that I rescued from the store. One of the fancy ones that had a silver pour spout on it. It just didn't feel like an ordinary bottle to me. I felt that this bottle was not "born" to be an olive oil bottle. Heavens no, it's fate held much more in store. (I think that may have been a pun on words).

Though still unfinished, this bottle screamed out a color palette right away.
I am still working on bringing the blue in, and I've got some wonderful ideas for embellishments that are still to come. But, I wanted to share my process by showing you how I start with the colors, and then I bring in the textures and pictures I like.




This is the face of the bottle. Obviously, violets are the theme here!






The back has the most beautiful poem on it...I just had to include it since it is a lesson in humility. Violets have a lot to teach us human folk.






The sides are a clean slate. But a very textured slate. I can't wait to get at those panels! Sheer joy.






Oh, and I had a blast with the wire art. I will finish this bottle and take a photo of it when it's done.

It was very exciting to go shopping yesterday. I didn't buy shoes, or handbags, or jewelry, or clothes. Something far more exciting! Tools! I love new tools. Every new tool is an opportunity to create something new, or to put a different spin on something old. Forget the directions! Well, sometimes. Aside from safety goggles, gloves, or good ventilation, I am not a rule follower. I like to experiment, and then I go to the directions if I find myself lost in failure or frustration. This way if the tool isn't broken by then, I know it will last me for years!

So, what did I make with my tools? I made another spirit doll, but her body feels completely different because I was able to stiffen her and create some new touches....see what you think.

I did some needle felting here, and I was able to create a charm of sea glass. And, yes, it was DELIGHTFULLY fun!