Obsessed with Origami

I got curious about making origami butterflies last week. I looked up instructions on line and after making about 5 in a row, I had the instructions committed to memory. Then I couldn't stop. I kept making origami butterflies. My son made the comment to me that there were 
butterflies everywhere. That's when I decided to make them fly. I strung them on fishing line and hung them from the ceiling. I love them!

Quintessential Snow Day

We've been getting a lot of snow today. Last check on my deck was close to 7". It truly is the quintessential snow day. It's not too cold, it's peaceful, beautiful, and you just want to absorb everything about it.

There is a reason why my blog is titled "Life is Art". It's because art 
is everywhere you look. In the bark of a tree, a rock, the way the snow falls, the branch blowing in the wind, the way a child smiles, get the idea? If you do not already do so, take a minute to find the art around you. You will enrich your soul.  

Fly Free...

My favorite thing in spring and summer, besides the warm air, sun, trees, flowers, warm breeze, and sweet smell is the butterfly.  I am always fascinated by beauty of nature and the butterfly is no exception.
This is my latest journal.  With tattered pages and original artwork of leaf-winged butterflies. After accidentally sewing  the middle signature in upside down, I finally completed this journal, my favorite so far. 
I used Thai handmade double-sided paper for the cover and leather wrap to tie the journal closed.  I alternated the signatures inside with the "tattered" edge sections and plain paper sections.  The cover piece was originally a bronze color, I took a heavy grit sand paper to it to reveal the silver-tone underneath and added some black paint.  I tied another butterfly to the filigree just because.

Front Cover

First Page

Middle Section

Third Section

           

#Linus

I am not a fan of winter. I do admit the snow is pretty, on the trees, in the sunlight and peaceful to watch. We really haven't had a lot of snow this winter, compared to last, but I do believe this is the first "named" winter storm we have had come through Ohio. It's name is Linus.I made a "snow gauge" for fun yesterday. Here are the pictures so far. Wherever you are, stay safe, warm and happy. And...don't forget to create something. 

Yesterday

5:30am Feb 1, 2015 

8:30 am Feb 1, 2015

10:30 am Feb 1, 2015

My pine trees

Wrap it up...I'll take it...

Just finished making this wrap book. I re-purposed a handmade-paper gift bag by making the wrap around cover from it. 

I have always been able to look at something and see it as something else. Love how this turned out...

I braided a tie from hemp cord and added a couple of ceramic beads.       All this book needs now is some sketches, poetry, dreams or 

thoughts...

Little Black Book

I completed another journal book. Feels like a record for me. If only I could dedicate every day, all day to art and creating...

Gears are Turning

Just finished making my first book of the new year.  Painted the paper with metallic copper, black and brown acrylic paint. Hand-bound with 9 signatures,  Finishing touch...gears on the cover.

Happy 2015!!

I hope every one has a very happy, safe and creative new year!

Holiday Art

Now that Christmas is over, I can post the gifts I made for family and friends. I love nothing more than creating. 

 Shoes I designed and created using a waterproof fine tip pen and Derwent Inktense. Finished them off with a waterproofing treatment. 

 Tote bag I found at Hobby Lobby, used a paint pen to draw the giraffe.

This elephant I drew for a co-worker. She loves elephants. 

Once Upon A Time

When you have an imagination that you can't turn off, this is what happens... I honestly can't say that I always believe in happy endings, but I do believe in imagination.  
This is made from a wire plant hanger. It's upside down. Jesse picked it up at store and the chain fell through the bottom. He held it up and I thought, 
hmmm, looks like a chandelier. I gathered all of these fairy tale charms to create a piece that will spark an imaginary story in your mind. Each time you look at it, you can get lost in a new fairy tale..

Be-Leaf It

One afternoon this week when I got home from work, I collected leaves in the rain. It was quite serene actually, it wasn't a cold rain, it smelled like fall and it was...peaceful somehow. I did this because I was inspired by a book shared with me by a couple colleagues, Leaf Man. I had to create. Below are my creations...

Turtle

Duck

Butterfly

Fish

  

Keep creating....until next time..

Mason Jar Masterpiece

Glowing in the summer evening... When I made this solar light jar, it reminded me of catching lightning bugs as a kid. I remember punching holes in the lid of an empty pickle jar to keep them in. I, however, always managed to make the holes too big, out flew my lightning bugs, all over my room!!  

Summer.....don't go!!!!

I know...I have been bad...again.  I have been so busy this summer with work and summer projects.  I am sad that the summertime is fading so fast.  I did accomplish a lot of summer projects, I still have some to do.
I did manage to do a little creating.  I made some bracelets!
Here are a few pictures.  I would love to sell them and if you are interested, just let me know.
I would like to know what you think of them, so your feedback is welcome too!