homemade circus

Ending The Year on a Good Note

2011-12-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well I finally finished the New Orleans piece! I actually completed it a few weeks ago but have been remiss about showing the final product. Here is how it turned out--the person who commissioned it seemed very happy with it and I hope his wife was too as it was an anniversary present. I loved stretching beyond my typical narrative to include a specific place like New Orleans-especially since I have such an affinity for that place. I hope to create more pieces in the future around a specific city or place perhaps. Although I plan on continuing my 3D work, for now I think I'm going to take a break from blogging to concentrate on my upcoming Surtex show in May. I might be starting a new blog under the name "Tammy Smith Design" but not sure yet when that will be but I will be sure to keep you posted! I want to say a huge THANKS for the kind comments and support you have given me since I started this blog--it really helped when I felt like I was working alone to know that someone out there was seeing what I did and it spoke to them. I SO appreciate you for that:) Please keep checking my website for new pieces-I still have at least 15 or so pieces under Artwork-Available. I wish you all very happy holidays and a wonderful new year! xo-Tammy

Creating A New Visual Narrative: Part Deux

2011-11-11T06:18:00.001-08:00

Okay I'm finally back to working on the custom commission piece that I accepted many months ago. I hate to think of how long it's taken me to get started, but in my defense the client said they were in no hurry. Plus I actually have been making other pieces in between...okay, enough excuses!...here's where I'm at now. I'm FINALLY getting a solid, clear vision of what I want this piece to look like. It took me a long time and a lot of mulling over because, as I said before, I've never done a piece that depicts a certain city. Below I've listed the steps I've gone through so far. Next step is to actually roll out the clay and begin sculpting! Oh boy:)

What helped me most was finding the "stage". Many thanks to my friend Eric for bringing this wonderful old barn door over. I just love the thick, chunky bolts in the top! We had to cut it in half and add a small shelf at the bottom for the city to sit on.

Next I researched on the web-the pics I have here are an amalgam of many photos that I pulled from Flickr, real estate websites, etc. I cropped in tightly on these photos to get the detail of the wrought iron that is so specific to the French Quarter.

After looking at the research and building the stage, I started sketching the piece to scale. I don't have tracing paper large enough so I had to tape several together. I wanted to have the words "Vieux Carre" in there somewhere as that really says French Quarter to me in a romantic way. I also didn't want a realistic depiction of the Quarter-instead I wanted to give the flavor of it by focusing on the swirls found in the ironwork and the shapes in the peaks of the roofs, etc. I also wanted to get the large palm leaves in there as they are ubiquitous to that city--I ended up placing them within the context of the buildings, as when you walk by a courtyard gate and see nothing but a proliferation of palm fronds.

This is showing the trapeze couple that will hang in the upper right hand corner. This piece is to celebrate a 25th anniversary so I wanted to have two lovers flying over the city.

In this antique cheese box, I will have 3 sculpted heads, 2 saints and 1 "sinner", as NOLA is called the city of saints and sinners. The buildings will be constructed from a combination of all the mediums I use: clay, painted metal, twisted wire, and found objects.

Do you know what a murmuration is?

2011-11-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

I know I didn't. Watch this wonderful video to find out what it is! This has apparently gone viral and for good reason. It takes place on the River Shannon in Ireland.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

A chance encounter and shared moment with one of natures greatest and most fleeting phenomena.

60s Graphics Love

2011-11-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/groups/georgesbriard/

Okay how come nobody ever told me about Georges Briard? I've been admiring his work for many years but never knew who was responsible for the cool graphic designs on a lot of the vintage bowls, mugs, and towels that I've seen in antique shops and thrift stores for years. These are just a few of his images but if you're as inspired by him as I am, just do a google search under his name and see what pops up!

On the surface design front, just sent in my payment for my booth so I'm officially committed to doing Surtex in 2012! I'm continuing to pull inspiration from lots of different places and am really having fun creating new collections. I'm also trying to research the places/websites that I think might be a good fit for my work. It's always important to consider your customer first (or who you'd like your customer to be.) I'm starting with the stores or sites I love to shop at and trying to target that consumer. Have a fun creative day!

Finding inspiration where you are

2011-10-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

I went out in search of some visual inspiration the other day to help me get started on a Moroccan themed collection. Fortunately I didn't have to go very far because I live just a mile from a very beautiful place-it's called the Country Club Plaza. It's a Spanish/Moorish/Moroccan style shopping area here in KC and although I pass these buildings almost daily, I never stop to take photos of them. I thought you might find them interesting and inspiring as well! Is there somewhere near you that's also inspiring or different? If so I'd love to see it.

On The Other Hand....Something Completely Different

2011-10-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about a new direction I've decided to go in! It's both a departure of sorts and also revisiting my past...I'll explain. When I worked at Hallmark here in KC, I was in the Party and Giftwrap department. We didn't design the cards that Hallmark is most known for--we designed the surface pattern. The decoration that went on everything from wrap to bags to plates, napkins, and cups. I became well versed at creating a repeat in Photoshop (after computers came along-before that we did it by hand with photocopies.)

So I have decided that in addition to continuing to create my 3D pieces (and finishing that commission piece from the last post), I am going to Surtex next May to begin my reintroduction into licensing! I am shooting for having at least 12 collections of 8 coordinating designs each. I started a couple of weeks ago and now have a few card and collection ideas percolating...it's really exciting to work in another dimension for a change. I think it uses a completely different side of my brain than building mixed media pieces, or at least it feels that way. How about you? Heading in any new directions?

Creating A New Visual Narrative: Part One

2011-10-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

I've been commissioned to do a piece for a friend commemorating his wedding anniversary. He has given me free reign to create anything I want (which is a gift but is also somewhat scary to me) but it does need to be about a city-specifically, it should be about New Orleans. This city holds special meaning not only to my friend and his wife, but also to me as I used to live there and still have family there. I've been mulling it over in my mind and I keep getting stuck...how do I create a piece that depicts a city yet is still in my style? I've never done a city before....I mean, what would it look like? I called this post "Creating a new visual narrative" because in a sense that's what you do as an artist when you set out to create something that has your unique look to it--and it's not always easy. I'm showing you my sketchbook here with some beginning twigs of an idea...(now you can see how bad a sketcher I am.) These aren't the first sketches of this piece by any means, but this is the first one that actually has promise-at least to me. To you it probably looks like chicken scratch, but to me I know what to start on now. A title "Saints and Sinners" popped into my head so I've drawn some saints flying overhead and also contained within boxes (Saint in a Box-THAT should be a product:). Now to create the scene: I'm thinking of trying to do a wrought iron gate along the bottom with a 3-dimensional Saint Louis Cathedral behind the gates. Not sure yet how to build the church, possibly out of wire with either fabric or papier mache over. I'll keep posting my progress here in case anyone else is interested in how a piece comes together. This is what I'd call "Part 1-The Struggle". I know something's going to work out, just not sure what yet!

New Word Signs Too!

2011-09-30T12:40:00.001-07:00

Walk The Tightrope

Tame The Beast

TaDa!

Step Right Up

Play With Fire

Flex Your Muscles

I almost forgot to show my new word signs to you also! All are similar to old sideshow signs but with a double meaning. They are handpainted and handlettered on recycled wood, with painted and aged metal, clay, and acrylic paint. All are for sale in my etsy shop or on my website. Click the titles beneath each sign to be taken to the etsy listing for that piece.

New Work-Fall 2011

2011-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Illusionist

The Control Freak

Pacing The Cage

The Tightly Wound Woman

Bed Of Nails 2

The Invisible Woman

The Imposter

I've been AWOL for a long time I know, but I have several new pieces to show for it! I did these pieces in preparation for the Plaza Art Fair, held here in KC Sept.23-25. This time the theme I focused on was sideshow freaks, but not the type you usually think of--instead I wanted to show how we all have idiosyncrasies that make us each freaks in our own way. In fact I feel like I have been each of these people at various times in my life! The show went well for me and I want to thank everyone who came by. I always love doing the PAF because it's one of the few times I get to see old friends who I used to work with and also make some new ones. Below are most of my pieces from the show. I also have smaller pieces that aren't shown here so be sure to visit my etsy shop to see them all. I'll be putting those that didn't sell at the fair on my website and etsy shop later today. Please click on the title of the piece to go to those links.

More New Lighted Pieces

2011-05-17T21:06:00.001-07:00

Lighted lovebird nest-$90.00

Polka Dot lamp with lovebirds-$160.00

Flying Bird lamp-$160.00

Grow Tree lamp-$175.00

Hidden Potential lamp-$275.00

Hippodrome lamp-$250.00

Lighted Circus Cage with bird-$90.00

The Hobbs building show here in KC went really well and many thanks to those who came by and visited my little "light" studio for the night. Here are some pieces that I still have and will now be for sale in my Etsy shop.

New Work for Hobbs Show-Our Lady of The Serpentine

2011-05-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a wonderful show in New Orleans, I had to get busy right when I got home to prepare for my upcoming show tomorrow night and Sat. at the Hobbs Building-a cool old building full of artists here in KC. Pictured below is one of my new pieces. This show will be all about light--I'll have some hanging lamps and small lighted lovebird pieces as well as lighted sculptures like this one. The title so far is Our Lady of The Serpentine. She is made of clay and the piece is constructed of metal, fabric, wire and paint. The bulb in the center is a 7 watt bulb, which I found gives off the subtle glow that I was going for. She will be for sale on my site and in my Etsy shop next week if she doesn't sell at the show.

Well-Being vs. Happiness

2011-04-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

I was running in the rain today with my trusty sidekick Lucky and somehow started thinking about the H word. Everybody seems to be transfixed on being "happy" but I have to say when I check in with myself to see how it's going and I ask myself if I'm happy, I falter a bit. Well sure I'm happy-- I mean I should be-I'm healthy, I have all kinds of great people in my life and I'm doing what I love--but somehow happy isn't the word I'd use. It seems to require a bubbly-ness that takes alot of energy to sustain...I'd say what I feel is more subtle, more enduring...maybe it's well-being...?

One of my favorite writers is Eckhart Tolle and he said once that if you're aware and living in the present moment, you're either in a state of acceptance, enjoyment, or enthusiasm. Sometimes, like when I don't hear back from potential clients or things don't happen the way I think they "should", I'm doing my best to be in that state of acceptance. In fact, I'm kindof struggling to get there. But I'm realizing now that accepting that state is a sort of well-being...a sort of peace. When I was running in the rain today, I accepted the fact that it was raining. And then after accepting it, it started raining harder. I accepted that. My dog and I were soaking wet, but before the end of the run, I was actually enjoying the rain (not sure my dog was:)

I hope you're able to find acceptance and that feeling of well-being in whatever stage you're in right now, in whatever's happening to you at the moment. And if not, well, accept that too. It will change, you'll see.

Getting Taken (Almost)

2011-04-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

I should have known first by the fact that I couldn't find their seller name in Etsy anywhere. But the email came from Etsy and had the seller's name in the message so I thought it was okay, a little odd but okay. They said they wanted to purchase one of my large pieces but that they needed to first make sure I was an "honest and trustworthy" person. Then they said they had their own shipping co. so they would include some extra $$ on the check for shipping and would have the piece picked up from my house. They were sending me a cashier's check that I would need to cash immediately and then pay the excess to their shipper. Fast forward 3 days--the cashier's check arrives at my door via FedEx however the sum on the check is about 4 times what my artwork price is....I should have stopped there I know but I went to my bank, cashed it and was on my way to wire the overage when I thought I'd stop in at a local gallery that carries my work. Started chatting with the girl who works there about my weird sale and she said that had happened to them too---very similar circumstances. After that, I made a beeline back home and called the bank that the check had been drawn from (I did think to scan the check in before I cashed it.) There the woman told me that no account under that name existed and that the check would indeed bounce. Lesson learned!

I feel a bit stupid that I fell for this at all but so glad it didn't go further...I hope this helps any other internet sellers out there. Remember: a cashier's check still takes at least one day to clear and CAN be fraudulent so check it out first.

The "Reveal" Lamps

2011-04-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Had to show you 2 more new lovebird lamps that I've just completed...and as for where the inspiration came for these? I don't really know, all I know is that I wanted these lamps to each have a small "reveal". With the polka dot lamp, when the light is off you just see white dots on black background but when the light turns on, TADA--there are small stars that appear behind some of the dots. With the curly leaf lamp, I made 2 layers of leaves-smaller ones that are made from sheet music and larger light brown ones that cover the others. You can see the outline of the smaller leaves but they really show up when the light is on. Click on this link to see more photos or info on them in my Etsy shop.

Where I Get Inspiration (plus a new lamp)

2011-04-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Striped Lamp with Lovebirds

(in my Etsy shop)

Happy Friday! Thought maybe you'd like to see where I get some of my inspiration for my pieces, other than old carnivals. I live in Kansas really near the state line for Missouri and close to downtown. However, getting out to the country isn't very far away--in fact, scenes like these of old weathered barns are about a 10 minute drive from my house. I never really thought before about how they inspire and inform the way I create because they feel so familiar to me that they've just become a part of me you know? I guess I realized after watching this video from Kaffe Fassett that I'm pulling from all the patterns and textures around me every day. Try to notice at least a few things in your world each day that inform the way you create. What do you find around you that inspires?

(barn photo credit-Renate Smalley)

Aloneness 101

2011-04-13T04:59:00.001-07:00

Hey there all you work-from-homers, how's it going out there? Are you relishing the solitude of your life? Or, like me, do you sometimes feel like you wish there was someone around....someone you could ask an opinion of, like "Should this be blue or red?" or "Was this email I just got a bit passive aggressive or am I being paranoid?"

I'm writing this because I realize that now more than ever there are SO many people who don't leave their homes to go to work--some, like me, might have had a job in the past and were used to seeing people on a regular basis. Others may not know any different but I just wonder: Do you get lonely working from home or do you not?

If you're like me, the answer is yes, you do get lonely occasionally (or more than occasionally). Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and feel so lucky to be able to do it but I do miss that casual back-and-forth synergy that can happen when you work around other creatives.

I can tell you some things that have helped me in case you're feeling this way:

1. Build a community--large or small--of friends who you meet with (in person) on a pretty regular basis. I have a small group of 3 other artists who, like me, used to work at Hallmark so we have that shared experience even though we worked there at different times. Sometimes we'll even plan workdays (I call them WTF days-meaning Working Together is Fun:). Everybody brings whatever they're working on and we each take a room in the house to work independently for awhile but we can come together and ask opinions if we need to. We don't do this nearly enough but it really helps me feel connected to something.

2. When you can't do face-to-face, do email chats. We will send jpegs of whatever projects we're working on to each other to get opinions via email when we can't get together. If the project is really complex, we may need to chat on the phone about it too.

3. Get out once in awhile. For me, when the walls start closing in I get out...literally. Even if the weather is really cold or rainy, I put on the coat and boots and get outside with my dog to remind myself how big this world is and how many other things there are outside my little world. This usually helps me to calm down if I'm upset about anything and also gain a better perspective on things.

4. Be with it. By this I mean, stop fighting the solitude and learn to embrace it. That means that when those voices in your head appear and tell you that what you're working on is awful, instead of trying to quell it you just say "Hmm, there's that voice again...how silly of me" or "Wow, SOMEone's being negative today"-- something that will make light of it and not make you feel worse. We all have those voices when we create-you just have to cajole them into being your pals instead of your enemies. That's the only way they get quiet for me.

5. MOVE. I know that alot of you have kids and can't always work out during the day but any chance you get, and I mean even for 15 minutes-take it. Move in a different way and cadence-whether it's running up and down your stairs in short bursts, doing 20 jumping jacks or going for a quick jog around the block, I am a big proponent of exercise. I think it rearranges the molecules. I work out six days a week and if I ever miss it, I feel different for the day (and not in a good way.)

That's all for now. I hope this little bit of advice has helped if any of you are going through some of the same things that I am. Please let me know how you deal with loneliness if you have different ways than mine--I am always looking to learn! Have a great day.

xo-Tammy

New Black and White Lovebird Lamp

2011-03-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I've been making some new lamps lately with a more graphic yet still romantic feel. I love limited color palettes so I've decided to do a few lamps that are black and white only. The clay lovebirds in the nest made of weathered wire, old sheet music, and torn bits of canvas are pale yellow. The shade is made from layers of black and white tissue paper and it is rimmed with black fringe. The light is 5 watts, which gives a soft subtle glow and is suspended by a 15-foot electric cord with weathered brass chain. This is a OOAK piece. Please click on this link for more info or to purchase in my Etsy shop!

and now for something different: Burlesque Bar Towels

2011-03-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Recently I got to participate in a show with several other artists around the theme of burlesque and body art. It was a blast and the KCSOB(Kansas City Society of Burlesque) performed. In honor of my hometown burlesque troupe, I created this set of bar towels featuring each of the members. I designed a "brand" of liquor for each performer and hand printed them on high quality white cotton towels. The towels are printed with archival inks and can also be printed on archival paper if you wish!

Click on this link to see them in my Etsy shop.

Crescendoh interview

2011-02-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

That Jenny Doh. She amazes me...she never seems to lose her fascination and enthusiasm for artists and bringing people together around creativity. Although I've never met her in person or even talked to her on the phone, I feel her positive presence every time I get an email from her. She must have a life full of good karma and wonderful friends! I was fortunate enough to be interviewed on her wonderful blog Crescendoh. Take a peek here to see the full article:

http://blog.crescendoh.com/crescendo/2011/02/legato-tammy-smith.html

Etsy shop reopened!

2011-02-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well, today we dug out of our deep snowdrifts after the biggest blizzard in years. Sounds like most of us in the U.S. were affected in some way. We were lucky and didn't lose power but I know quite a few did. The snow was sure beautiful though.

I decided to take advantage of this snowed-in time to finally reopen my Etsy shop! Below are some of my new mixed media prints that are in my shop. They come in two sizes: 5"x5" and 12"x12". They'll bring a fun, whimsical look to either your childrens' rooms or your own room. Each of them is made using a multi-step process. First I cut each of the words from a linoleum block, print them and combine them with the rest of my hand drawn illustrations. Then they are printed with archival inks on heavy duty canvas before being mounted on another 2" deep gallery canvas that has been handpainted and distressed. Finally they are finished with tinted wax encaustic for that vintagey circus poster look. Click on the following link to visit my shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/homemadecircus

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Merry Happy Happy to everyone! Thanks so much for all your support, great comments and inspiration this year. More artwork and ideas to come in 2011--stay tuned for some new and different things!

xoxo-Tammy

Inspiring and Practical Advice for Artists

2010-12-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

Last night I heard this incredible speaker and I wrote down some notes from that in hope that what inspired me will inspire you also. I hope I haven't misrepresented anything that he has said. I thought it was very valuable for artists in any discipline. Take a moment and see if it speaks to you.

(And I know this may seem ironic that I'm posting this after my previous post about a holiday sale of my art, but I like to think that some of my pieces are made purely for self-expression. If the piece speaks to someone and is purchased by them, that's icing on the cake.)

Andrew Simonet-TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, NERMAN MUSEUM

Andrew is co-director of Headling Dance Company, Philadelphia, PA

Thanks for doing what you do. This culture needs you. 99% of what is out there today visually in the form of imagery is there to sell something. You are putting out the 1% that is not. The general opinion

out there is that there is the top layer of artists/performers who make scads of money and enjoy great acclaim, to the rest it’s just a hobby. Just because you don’t achieve that overwhelming acclaim or notoriety you wanted doesn’t mean that you failed. You can’t always say what has been accomplished. Andrew thinks his real mission is telling this message, speading these words to other artists.

 Artists’ lives can be burdensome and relentless. Your goal should be to build a life that is balanced, sustainable and productive.

Things that stop artists are 1) workaholism 2)perfectionism/competitiveness and 3)poverty.

1) Workaholism-Plan downtime. You need it. All artists work too hard and are too hard on themselves (i.e. I’d be more successful if I only worked harder.)

2) Perfectionism/Competitiveness-Get used to “good enough”. Why are other things in our lives good enough, but not our work? On competing with other artists, repeat this mantra-“The success of other artists is good for me.” Repeat as necessary until you mean it.

3) Poverty-Figure out the amount of money you need to live on for one year without financial panic. Figure in time/money for vacation, insurance, savings.

Mission- Be rooted in why you’re doing it-people love to connect to your mission. Some may envy that you have a mission as they’re still trying to figure it out or don’t feel connected to theirs. The world really wants you to stay close to that mission.

Represent yourself well. We need to be able to talk about and write about our work well.

Don’t shortchange your skills. Conceiving, planning, putting together and delivering a project on time takes skills that are considered management level skills in the outside world.

Partner with people who get your work. Talk to them, have coffee with them, they can move your work forward.

Placemaking-People need a HERE. Be where you are locally and share, be interested and open to other artistic work outside of your discipline. It’s important to have a local presence as well as getting out globally with your work---what you do globally brings others back to your locality, and what you do locally opens others’ minds to what can be done globally.

Community is important. It’s a loop—give---get---give---get. Figure out something that connects people.

Keep making work that is visionary, dangerous, and interesting.

New Pieces And a Holiday Thank You Sale!

2010-11-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

11"x14"version of The Moving Target w/6v motor

Escape Artist Dog- 6"h x 8"w-customized for your dog

Tattoo Artist Cat- 8"h x 6"w-available as is or customized for your cat

example of custom Circus Dog piece

The holiday season is just around the corner and as a big thank you for your support throughout the year I am offering 10% off (plus free shipping on anything below $600.00) on any pieces on the "Available" page of my website until Dec.19th. As you can see above, I've made a smaller limited edition version of my large "Moving Target" piece plus I'm taking orders for custom "Circus Animal" pieces made to look like your dog or cat.

The Details:

Find something you would like to purchase on my site by clicking on this link- Artwork-Available . Send me an email with the title of the piece and I will send you a revised invoice via Paypal.

Pieces must be purchased by Dec.19th to ensure delivery by Dec.24th. Custom pieces must be ordered by Dec.11. I will also give 10% of the sale price of each piece to a local charity for anything collected up to Dec.22nd.

The Cyclone completed plus 4 new pieces

2010-11-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the completed Cyclone piece from my previous post plus 4 of my new pieces that I'll be showing this starting this Friday, Nov. 5-Nov.30 at the Hilliard Gallery-1820 McGee-KCMO.

The Juggler-She was trying to keep all the balls in the air. This piece is about trying to juggle it all in life. It is a working dexterity game. It contains 5 metal balls which fit into the round holes over the woman's head. This piece is constructed of wood, tissue paper, handprinted fabric, painted metal, and wax encaustic. It measures 8"w x 10"h.

Conundrum-Sometimes I can't keep my mind from wandering. I wanted to make a piece that depicted a person's thoughts shooting around their head and pinging off of one thing or another, winding around Wonder and Imagination, occasionally getting stalled on Doubt or Skepticism but ultimately landing somewhere between a Bad or a Brilliant idea. This piece is a working pinball game with a ball shooter, faucet handles as spinners and curved metal scoops that provide ball stops. It's 16"w x 20"h.

Bed of Nails-He was on pins and needles.This piece is constructed of clay, found wood, nails, handprinted fabric, and acrylic paint. It measures 12"w x 6"h.

World's Tallest Man-He was above it all. This piece is constructed of clay, acrylic paint, found wood, wire, and handprinted fabric. It's 6"w x 12"h.

Evolution of a "Cyclone"

2010-11-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for another gallery show--this time I'm really excited to be doing a duo show around the theme of amusement park rides and games with an amazing oil painter named Peter Cole. I would link here to his blog or site but I don't think he has one so I'll post photos later. I thought I'd try something new and show a bit of the process of making my pieces. This piece is a bit different from some of my previous ones--(as most of them are I guess). This one is a large clay sculpt of a woman who is literally a wreck and I named her The Cyclone after the famous roller coaster at Coney Island. Here she is in transition-the first step of sculpting her took about 2 hours total. The background is on the back of an old plywood and formica tabletop that has been in my basement for years. I drew rough outlines of carnival rides and tents on the background with oil pastels, then melted wax encaustic over the entire thing (the woman included.) I have colored her face with acrylic paints and soft pastel crayons. The roller coaster in her hair is made of wire and she sits on a found wood base. The pics here show the beginning mound of clay to her semi-finished state but I'll have some better photos of the finished piece in the next few days.

You can do anything

2010-09-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this video yet, take a minute and watch.

It'll make you feel like a million!

Leaping To Conclusions vs. Reigning In Your Thoughts-a redux

2010-09-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

This is a redux of the carousel pictured below in the August 2 post. I didn't like the feel of the glass dome (too cake platey) over the carousel so I lost that and tried to build more meaning into the piece. The blue horse has "Leaping To Conclusions" written on his side. He's suspended from a tattered circus tent that is supported by wire trees. The carousel below moves via a 6v motor hidden underneath the round base. The horses in the carousel represent thoughts that have been reigned in and keep churning around and around. Click on the video below to see it in action.

Big ol Chunk of new Work2-The Animals

2010-09-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

More new pieces, continuing on the circus freak train.This time though the freaks are domestic animals-dogs and cats. They are 6 "x 8" in size and are limited editions, signed and numbered. I am thinking of doing more of these later in the year so let me know if you like them! They are made from clay, wire and painted metal on the sides of the frame. They will be priced at $175.00 each.

BOCONW-(big ol chunk of new work)

2010-09-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well I'm almost done with a whole new group of work and I have all the photos on facebook (link to the right) but I'll post a bunch here also since I know everyone doesn't subscribe. I've been doing a series of "circus freaks" except these have their own individual twists. In The Transparent Man and Woman shown below, their tattoos appear from the inside out, revealing their deepest thoughts and feelings (can you imagine?) I've also included The Disappearing Lady, who "always feels as if something is missing" and The Escapologist, who "lives in a prison of his own making." They will be for sale at the upcoming Plaza Art Fair on Sept. 24-26 here in KC or afterwards on my website.

More Pics of New Pieces

2010-08-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 more of my newest pieces, now all packed and ready for Uptown Art Fair next weekend in Minneapolis. Ashley's Gallopers (shown at the top) is another electric piece that contains a moving carousel under a glass cloche. Then there's the Firecracker, a rework of an older roller coaster piece of mine that I've added a 12v light to along with some graphics and a stage. The carousel piece is approx. 10"h x 12"w. The Firecracker piece is approx. 14"h x 10"w.

Rat Race

2010-07-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

This is my first turn crank piece. This piece is constructed of metal with handprinted canvas over it, clay, wood and rubber sheeting. It is called "Rat Race" and it's a take off on old rocket rides that you see at carnivals only this time the rocketships are filled with adults who are racing racing racing in circles to get to their jobs and make more money. Many many thanks to my husband Mike for working out alot of the technical details of the crank on this while I worked on the other pieces. This piece will also be for sale at the Uptown Art Fair Aug.6-8.

more new moving pieces

2010-07-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in quite awhile but for good reason--have been working on more pieces with motors, lights and turn cranks and now I have 3 new pieces that I'm really excited to show.

Here's the first-it's entitled "Her Dream House". It's constructed of clay, wire, cloth, and wood and is built in an old box that I carved on the outside. It runs on a 6v motor and has a 12v light in the center. It's approx. 13"h x 10"square. This piece is about a little girl who goes to a carnival during the day and that night when she goes to sleep, dreams her house has become the carousel she was riding on. I painted a scene of the outside landscape on cloth that lines the walls. The light in the center of the carousel casts the reflection of the carousel horses onto the walls, making them look like they're galloping around the countryside. Around the door are the words "That night she dreamt her house became the carousel." I'm planning on taking this piece with me to the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis next week.

Recent Work 1:Train of Thought

2010-05-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've been home and not hurrying to get ready for a show so I thought I'd start posting some of my newest work. This is one of my two-dimensional mixed media pieces. It consists of handpainted clay tiles over painted metal train cars. The words are made from handprinted fabric. The wheels and chain are made from wire. It's entitled Train of Thought and it's about the thought process that I go through almost every time I start a new project. As you can see, I sometimes start with Fear: even though I know better and I read self-help books, sometimes I can't tame my thoughts that say my ideas aren't good enough. The next step if I start with Fear is Doubt: this is where I edit and cross out many of my sketches before I even give them a chance. Then what I usually do is take a break at this point and either call an artist friend or do something else completely like go for a run to clear my head. When I return to my work after this break, things don't seem so bleak. New ideas have usually popped into my head while I'm running, or my friends and I brainstorm another way of approaching my discarded ideas. Enter Hope: the clouds part, the sun shines and the process seems fun again. And with Hope, I finally approach Courage: I realize that I do this to myself and also realize that it's just a part of the creative process. The finished piece may never have happened if the initial "wrong" ideas didn't come to me first. This piece is 16"h x 42"w. The price is $595.00. Please email me if you have any questions or are interested in purchasing this piece.(Click on the photo to see larger version.)

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2010

2010-05-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

I just got back from doing the New Orleans Jazz Fest art fair. Here's some photos of my son Murphy and I in my demo booth. I demonstrated my wire work for 4 days of the fest and it was a blast. I even won the Best of Show award! The people there are so supportive of the arts. I had a great time, ate some AMAZING food and it's wonderful to know that I'll be back next year.

The MOVING Target

2010-03-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have my first kinetic piece finally complete and ready to show. It will be a part of my first solo show at the Hilliard Gallery at 1820 McGee in KCMO. Stop by if you can between 6-10pm on April 2, 2010. The show will run until April 26. This piece is about trying to avoid being hurt in relationships. She literally keeps moving to avoid the pain she's experienced in the past although her heart is still a target, showing how vulnerable she really is. On her skirt is the word HOPE but it's shrouded as she keeps that part of herself hidden away. This piece is constructed of papier mache, old sheet music, wood, metal, fabric, and a 12v electric motor. It's 30" h x 40" w. Please contact me for more info on this piece if interested in purchasing. Even though the screen may look blank, just click on the arrow below to play the video.

Somerset Studios Article!

2010-03-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

I was so thrilled to get to write an article featuring my circus lamps in the current March-April issue of Somerset Studios magazine. They did an amazing job with the photography and I can't thank Jenny Doh and Pam Garrison for finding and contacting me. I'm extremely grateful to them both! Also be sure to check out Jenny's newest project site here-http://blog.crescendoh.com/crescendoh/

Lee Lou from harem6

2010-02-23T18:58:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this amazing creation. This doll was created by a duo called harem6 from Romania. I just found them tonight and am so glad I did. Each of their pieces is so unique and original! If you have a chance, click here to see more of their incredible work on their blog and in their Etsy shop.

Notes from the BMAC show

2010-02-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well I'm almost back home from the Philadelphia Buyer's Market of American Craft show that ran from Feb. 12-15. Right now I'm stuck in the Milwaukee airport due to a de-icing delay so thought I'd check in to give an update on how it all went. Despite weather delays getting to the show (I had to move my flight from Wed. to Thurs. afternoon), I was able to get to Philly by 5:30 Thurs. night and work til around 11:30 that night to get my booth set up. Alot of the other artists and buyers weren't so lucky and ended up getting to the show on Friday or Saturday. Anyhow we all persevered and the show ended up going really well. One of my dream goals was to get my work in the American Folk Art Museum shop in NYC and I'm happy to say I met that goal as they ordered some of my pieces for their store! All in all, I met some wonderful buyers and artists and got several new gallery accounts as well as maintaining the ones I already had so I'm really glad I didn't cancel when the weather reports were sketchy. Travel is hardly ever without hitches but all in all it's pretty fun to get to hang out for a few days with people who create what they love for a living.

Circus Apron by Dirty Laundry

2010-02-04T04:54:00.001-08:00

My cute friend Jeanee Duval and I did a trade recently--take a look at this awesome reversible apron she made for me to wear at shows! Jeanee not only makes aprons, she makes cupcakes--the kind you drop in warm bath water and they fizz and smell wonderful. Check out her blog here:

http://blog.shopdirtylaundry.com/

Balance, Equilibrium and Juggling

2010-01-29T14:59:00.001-08:00

As I've mentioned previously, it seems I've become even busier than when I had a full-time job and at times I have trouble juggling it all. Thinking about how to balance everything-work, family, time with friends, and time for myself-has been on my mind alot. Part of the issue with being self-employed is that you're always at work and having an unfinished project or order in the next room is hard for me to ignore. I just can't shut it off at 5 or 6:00 in the evening and so spend alot of evenings with wire in my hands while I hang out with the fam. I have a feeling I'm not the only one who does this! When my lovely friend Wendi suggested that I include the word "balance" in one of my trapeze artist pieces because so many of us struggle to find it, I realized that she was right--I've been working on trapeze artists and jugglers without realizing how they were an illustration of my own life. Here are the new pieces-they'll be at the BMAC show in Feb. and at the wonderful Lizzie Lou's in Roundtop, TX in March.

uncommon goods!

2010-01-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

My crate is packed and on it's way to Philadelphia again for the Buyer's Market show....can't believe we have to get it there several weeks in advance. Maybe it's a good thing that it's done though because I've begun to get busy with orders from uncommon goods. They are carrying 3 of my pieces in their current catalog and on their website, and so far it's going really well! Above is a photo of the three pieces plus a link to them here.

Lovebirds On The Wall

2010-01-04T05:09:00.000-08:00

True Lovebirds in Heart Shaped Perch-8x10

In the background are the words "love-adore-devotion-admire"

Lovebirds Under Circus Tent-4x6

On the sheet music are the words "You're the little birds that sing, darling you're my everything"

Bluebirds in Heart-5x5

In the background are the words "angel-darling-sweetheart-sugarplum-honeypie"

Lovebirds in Heart #2-5x5

Lovebirds in Large Heart-8x10

Here are the new 2D mixed media versions of my lovebird cages that I mentioned in the last post. They are constructed with wire, fabric, painted metal, and wax encaustic. They're for sale in my Etsy shop now-just click on this link to take you there!

Happy New Year--and New Work

2010-01-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful time at the holidays...I did and it was great with my family at home but also a challenge to get any work done. With that in mind I did a few pieces around the theme of "balance". These women all have different words beneath them such as "equilibrium, poise and grace". Although you can't see it well here, in the background is a repeat of all those words. The trapeze couple piece is entitled "Faith and Trust". To me, trapeze artists encompass these qualities. In the background are similar words-faith, trust, love. Some will go into my Etsy shop soon and some are destined for the BMAC show in Philadelphia in February. In the next few days I'll have some 2D lovebird pieces to show too.

A Bird In Hand....

2009-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Isn't this bird just delicious looking? My friend Andrea Ring from Amuck design created this piece and we traded just a week ago. Since then I've been wearing it EVERY day as it goes with practically everything I own! It's a definite attention getter. People notice it immediately. For more of her fantastic work, click here!

More Circus People: World's Strongest Man

2009-12-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest circus person in the collection(which right now consists of two but is growing.)

It's hard to get a good pic of this guy as he lives in a 5 x 7 shadowbox frame that is lit by a 12 V replaceable light. It is run by a 9V battery on the top of the frame. The trapeze artist from the previous post is already sold but I will be making more and different trapeze artists and other circus folk! He is made from plus clay and wire. The frame title is made from metal and printed fabric. To see more info or to purchase this guy, click on this link for my Etsy shop.

Now Introducing: Circus People-Trapeze Artist 1

2009-11-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

In the last few days, I got these images in my head of what my circus people could look like so decided to add them to my body of work. The trapeze artist is my first but I have more in the works. Please give me feedback--would like to know if you like this new twist!

Pre-Christmas Sale!

2009-11-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check my website and/or Etsy shop for reduced prices on select items--starting today and continuing through Dec.10.

Small Hanging Cages with Lights for the Holidays

2009-11-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

The entire group of 3 lighted cages hanging together

Lighted Patterned Circus Tent with Nest-This piece contains a new circusy printed fabric of mine that creates the tent top.

Lovebirds on Hanging Plaque with Light-On this variation of one of my earlier pieces, I have added a wire word "Love" near the top of the wood plaque.

Lighted Circus Nest with Lovebirds-In this piece I created a tiny fabric lightshade for the bulb. There is a small rusted metal heart in the bottom center of the cage and a tiny fabric sign that reads "Circus" on the cage front.

This was an entire family project but we have finally succeeded in putting some tiny 12 volt lights in my small hanging circus cages! The lights contain replaceable screw in bulbs and they run on a 9 volt battery that is inset into the back of the piece. There is a small on/off switch at the bottom of each piece. They are now for sale on my website-www.homemadecircus.com or in my Etsy shop.

Ever Distract Yourself ??

2009-11-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Okay today I woke up with alot of plans to get alot of artwork done--I mean, I had taken most of Friday off (to see Men Who Stare At Goats and eat Indian food with my husband) and do a few errands (who else is going to buy the wedding gift and return the jeans), then Saturday was spent trying to figure out a way to add tiny lights to my cages....something that I always thought would take one hour and it took five....more trips to Radio Shack and the hardware store...then today came and I thought--I'm doing it-I'm sitting down at my table and finishing that last gallery order but then--I had to answer emails to friends(that can't wait can it?), go to the grocery store times 2(seems we don't go to just 1 store anymore) so 4:00 comes and what do I do instead of work? The answer is above....and of course I have to blog about it so that takes time. I'd say I feel guilty about it but I have to go put another sheet in the oven...What distracts you?

Cloth Paper Scissors!

2009-10-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hey kids-just wanted to let you know that I received the exciting news that I'm in the upcoming Nov/Dec issue of Cloth Paper Scissors! Here's a pic of the first page below-you can find it in the artist profile section-page 30. Cate Prato wrote the article and I thought she did a great job. It should be out in stores after Nov. 6!

Spiritile Surprise

2009-10-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

I just had to share this beautiful piece that I just received in the mail by Houston Llew of Spiritiles. I met Houston and his fun friends Jeremy and Molly at the Buyer's Market show in Philadelphia. I traded him two of my circus tshirts and was thinking I'd get one of his cool tiles in return. His tiles measure around 5" x 8" so when I got this HUGE package on my doorstep, needless to say I was VERY surprised. This piece measures around 22" square and is made from molten glass on copper, as are all of his wonderful pieces. It's entitled "Circus"....fitting huh?Please be sure to check out his work at the link above and let him know if you love it as I do.

New Stuff in my Etsy Shop

2009-10-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

Lg Lovebird Cage on Hanging Plaque
Sm Rollercoaster Cage on Hanging Plaque

It's been waaaaay too long since I added some new pieces to my Etsy shop but now that I've started, I can't stop...each day I'm trying to add at least one. Here are some photos of some of the new pieces-cages that hang from found wood plaques on the wall. I also have a new ferris wheel with a curtain behind it. A few of my lamps will be listed there soon too!

Plaza Art Fair Photos and News

2009-09-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last weekend's Plaza Art Fair was great-we were so lucky-the weather was fantastic and there were a TON of people there. Also, I was fortunate enough to win a Shared Top Award for 3D Mixed Media!! All in all, it was a great experience and I will definitely be there next year! Here's some shots of the way my booth turned out-so glad we set it up 3 times before the actual event.

New Work for the Plaza Art Fair

2009-09-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

Large Light with Ferris Wheel-3' tall by 18" wide

Hanging Circus Light w/ Striped Curtain-18"tall by 14" wide

Hanging Light w/ Circus Wagon-18" tall by 15" wide

Hanging Light w/ Rollercoaster-16" tall by 15" wide

Large Helter Skelter Hanging Light-32" tall by 16" wide

Large Hanging Light 1-34" tall by 18" wide

Ferris Wheel on Wood Base-16" tall by 9" wide

I've been working long days and quite a few nights getting ready for the upcoming Plaza Art Fair, held here in KC from Sept. 25-27. Here's some of my new pieces for the show-I find I really love making the lamps so I've made some new hanging ones that are larger, three of them are almost 3 feet in height and the smaller ones are about 18 inches tall. I've also made a new, smaller ferris wheel with a curtain backdrop. Can't wait for the show!

Have You Registered Yet?

2009-09-07T06:34:00.001-07:00

Okay you may already know all about this but in case you don't, if you haven't registered a trademark for your individual logo or artwork "look", then now may be a good time. It takes awhile to read through all the legalease but I found it surprisingly user-friendly. It's not inexpensive($275.00 for each individual category that you want to trademark, i.e. tee shirts and wire sculptures) but it could be well worth it to protect yourself from copy artists! Here's the link:http://www.uspto.gov/web/trademarks/workflow/start.htm

new found freedom-volume 1

2009-08-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Lucky, the new boss
the satellite office
the studio

Well, I got laid off from my job this week. I was an art director at a "large Midwestern greeting card company" for the last 3 years but a designer before that for many more. I've worked there off and on for 17 years or and have had a chance to make some wonderful friends and learn more than they teach in any art school but the business has changed and the company is growing smaller to deal with those changes. Although I'm really sad to leave my good friends and coworkers, I know I'll see them again from time to time PLUS I have alot of orders to fill from the Philly show along with 4 shows lined up before the end of the year-so I look at this as a new beginning. Thought you all might like to see where I'll be going to work every day now-the commute is alot shorter (just down some steps), I'll have a satellite office when the weather is beautiful, and my new boss is also my running buddy. I began this first day by sprinting up two of the highest hills I could find with him, then he told me to get back to work. Here's to whatever lies ahead!

Philadelphia Photos

2009-08-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the BMAC show in Philly and it went really really well! I'm going to be busier than ever filling orders now while getting ready to do the Plaza art fair at the same time-but it's a good busy.

Here's some snaps of the city, my booth at the show, a lovely boat that we had a party on one night, and some of the wonderful people I met at the show. They're eating breakfast at the Reading Street Market-what a cool place that is!

My Website is Ready!!!!

2009-07-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Very exciting news here on the Homemade Circus front! I now have a full and working website!!

Here's a screen capture of the homepage below--please be sure to visit and let me know how you like it-click here to go THERE!

anyone know anything about Philly?

2009-07-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Philly tomorrow for the Buyer's Market of American Craft! I am going it alone however due to cost considerations, so if anyone has ANY suggestions of good but cheap restaurants, or places I just have to see, please let me know asap!

I will be taking my laptop with me and will be checking in and posting photos of my booth--thanks for all your kind and thoughtful comments on my work-you have helped up my confidence tremendously. TTFN!!

work wOrk WOrK!

2009-07-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad little blogger lately but only because I've been burning the candle at both ends to get ready for the upcoming Buyer's Market of American Craft in Philadelphia, PA. I'm traveling by myself to this big show for the first time so wish me luck...it scares me a bit but is the most cost-effective way to do an out of town show. I'm excited to be seeing a new city for the first time though and meet some other artists and potential clients! Here's some of the pieces I've been cooking up for the show-the cake toppers will be available in my Etsy shop for custom orders. The small wire tents that hang from found wood are new pieces for me-I'm "branching" out-(ok sorry but I can't resist a good pun...or a bad one) and I'm selling these little guys here in KC at Latteland til late August and again in September at the Plaza Art Fair.

Inventing Weddings Blog highlights Circus Themed Weddings

2009-06-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

I got a nice surprise today when I saw that one of my custom made wedding cake toppers was featured in a new blog called "Inventing Weddings". It features wedding themed items from Etsy sellers-check it out!

see Jane wear my tank top!

2009-06-24T16:24:00.001-07:00

This is a pic my FB friend and Country Living editor-at-large Jane Dagmi took while wearing one of my Clown tank tops--doesn't she look great in it...of course she could look great in just about anything.

Still Life with Gary

2009-06-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

It was such a lovely day last Sunday that I worked outside on the back porch again, this time with my sidekick Gary. He's under alot of stress, as you can tell! He actually spends more time on his back than any other cat I've seen...must be nice huh? Anyway, these are some more new small pieces I'm working on for a show at Latteland here in KC from June 25-Aug 23. The bottom photo shows the finished product. I may be putting them on Etsy soon also.

New Custom Made Circus tees and tanks!

2009-06-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

I thought it'd be fun to offer something in addition to my mixed media pieces and here they are. Choose from any of these titles and I will make your tank top or tshirt to suit just you. Each circus name is printed on 100% cotton and is handstitched with grey thread along the top edges. Homemade Circus logo is sewn vertically near the bottom right front edge.

Click on this link for more info or to buy in my Etsy shop.

Titles to choose from: Circus Freak, Clown, The Big Top, Sword Swallower, Trapeze Artist, World's Largest Man, Liontamer,Ringmaster,Bearded Lady (sizes available-S, M, L, XL) Free shipping to the U.S.

Let There Be....

2009-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lights! I've created two new pieces that are hanging lamps. They are each approximately 16" high by 13" diameter. They are both made from wire, fabric, paperclay birds, and paint. It's easy to change the small light bulbs if needed also. Hope you enjoy these...I'd love feedback if anyone has any opinions! These will be in my booth at Art and Air this weekend in St. Louis, MO.

My First Blog Award

2009-05-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Okay I haven't won much in my life but today I had an award bestowed on me by the lovely and very gifted Mandy at Maygreen Fairies-- It means alot to me as I've not been blogging long and I still can't get over how cool it is to meet someone online from all parts of the world and become pals...if I'd only known Mandy before I went to the UK last year, we could have met in person...maybe next time. Now it's time for me to pass this award on to someone I highly admire-Cheryl Kuhn of Small Stories Studio. She's an inspiration to me and a great person as well. I'm sure you've heard her name or seen her work as she's getting more and more well known, but if not, please check out her blog.

Happy Dance!!!

2009-05-22T14:44:00.001-07:00

I just found out that I was accepted into this year's Plaza Art Fair, which I've had my fingers crossed for for what seems like ages! It's held here in KCMO, it's listed as one of the top 5 Art Fairs in the nation and it's right down the hill from where I live-another big plus.

Great news on a Friday before a holiday weekend--everyone have a safe and blissful holiday!

Still Life with Stripes

2009-05-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been working on lately--some new cages in some new shapes! A before and after view. This time I've painted some found wooden squares as bases for the larger cages. Do you like the addition of the wood? I'm trying a bit more solid and substantial look.

You can click here to purchase or get more info on Etsy.

Oh and also a short story about the found wood--my 13 year old son Murphy and I were in the car one day and drove by a house that had a pile of discarded wood laying by their driveway. I stopped to pick it up (who wouldn't) and as I'm getting the wood Murphy started laying on the horn--he was trying to rattle me, but the people who lived there looked out and saw me and just went back to what they were doing....I told him I don't get embarrassed by picking through other people's trash. He didn't understand. I think we may get embarrassed by different things.

New Orleans

2009-05-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a trip to New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage Festival. New Orleans is such a visually rich and wonderful town-here's some photos I'd like to share of an alligator in the bayou, the Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans homes, a terrific zydeco band, and of course, the French Quarter.

Enjoy!

and the birds bear witness...

2009-04-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of my new large pieces that I just built recently. I've been working on it for a few weeks. It tells the story of a coaster called the Serpentine that was skimmed by a twister in a small Kansas town long ago. The ticket booth and games tent are the only buildings left standing and the coaster has only three cars left, one of which is teetering on the end of the track. It measures 21" wide by 11.5" deep and 21" high. For more info or to purchase click here.

Little Birds are back on Etsy

2009-04-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

I've been focusing on making larger pieces lately but a flock of my small clay birds will be for sale on Etsy again! Click on this link to take you there-I will be adding more tonight.

New Work:Circus/WIld West Stages

2009-04-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday's Art On The Hill show was slower than I wish it had been but I still believe that this economy will turn around sometime(hopefully soon!) Until then I'm going to just keep swimming, and making things that make me happy in hopes it will do the same for somebody else. On that note, here are 3 new pieces on found wood "stages". They can hang on the wall or sit on a flat surface. They're constructed of custom printed fabric, wire, found wood, paperclay, metal and tissue paper. They will also be in my Etsy shop-just click here for more info or to purchase.

Art On The Hill show-coming up soon!

2009-04-19T05:38:00.003-07:00

Hope some of you locals can make it to this show-should be a fantastic time! Just click on the invite to make it larger or to print it out.

Now on Etsy

2009-04-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I now have some of my newest pieces in my Etsy shop.

There are both 2D and 3D wall mixed media pieces and sculptures.

I will be adding more pieces every few days so check back if you don't see what you want!

A new home for my artwork

2009-04-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Alot of my pieces are now in a wonderfully cool shop in Roundtop, TX called Lizzie Lou's. I have a pic of the owner Mary Lou below in an earlier post.

Here are the pieces in their new home--she has surrounded them with lots of her other finds-do you like them in this setting?

Roundtop Photo Album-Day two

2009-04-02T20:46:00.001-07:00

Three prom queens at the Junk Gypsy Prom!

Sundie in her prom dress best!

A lovely little lady at the Junk Gypsy prom

This is a group of....what else--one night stands!

the Junk Gypsies of Gypsyville

a lovely lady from the Rambler's Cafe at the Gypsyville website

Sundie and Brad of Vintage Sculpture

Robin of Magnolia Pearl

The Junk Gypsy prom in Warrenton is the most fun night of this whole weekend--here's some photos of the prom and other shots of some people I met today-some are artists, some are just plain cool folks-and I have added their links/sites below-

a quick list:

Magnolia Pearl

Sundie and Brad Ruppert of Vintage Sculpture

the Junk Gypsies

Roundtop Photo Album-Day one

2009-04-02T05:25:00.001-07:00

Well we finally got here, a bit later than we planned but no matter. The hall we're in is really nice as are all the people. It's no lie about Texas hospitality--everyone here is so accommodating and helpful. Here's two beautiful Texas women that I've had the pleasure to meet so far-the first is Emma Lee Turney, the grande dame of the Roundtop Folk Art Fair and Creative Market for the last....oh about 30 odd years.

The second is Mary Lou Marks, a wonderful woman who owns a funky shop named Lizzie Lou's right on the main drag in Roundtop. Aren't they lovely?

Next to Lizzie's is a fun place called Royer's...it's the local hot spot for all the vendors and some of the visitors too.

Yeehaw! Roundup in Roundtop

2009-03-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Before I leave for Texas, I thought I'd post a few images of various pieces I've made for the show along with one photo of my empty studio...it really feels strange to not have ANY artwork in it at all. I will try to post some photos of the show and the town while we're there if I can...if not, this may be the last post for a week or so...Happy Trails!

Circus Wagon 1 and Cavalcade of Mischief

2009-03-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to the people who commented on the booth shot in my last post, and for those who requested a closer view of my 2D wall pieces, here ya go- the first one is titled "Circus Wagon 1" and it's made from tent canvas with tissue paper, custom printed fabric, wire and acrylic paint. It's around 13"high by 17" wide. In these photos I'm showing both these pieces without the larger canvas and frame.

The second piece is called "Cavalcade of Mischief" and it's also made from tent canvas, acrylic paint, wire, fabric and fringe. It's 25" high by 15" wide.

Booth Shot

2009-03-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Okay I finally got a photographer in to take some better shots of my pieces that I'll use for art fairs, etc. I know it's hard to see the detail in the smaller pieces in this shot but I love the light and think she did a fantastic job. By the way, "she" is LisaRae Turnbull-Oliva and I would love to send some business her way if anyone needs some photos!

Twist of Fate

2009-03-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest and largest piece to date. It has a somewhat personal meaning as it's a piece about Hurricane Katrina and what my sister's family went through during and after it. The tent represents New Orleans, formerly flashy and frivolous, then devastated and wilted after the hurricane. The birds are supposed to convey a somewhat spooky element, like the birds perching on the playground bars in Hitchcock's "The Birds" but they also represent life and eventually, hope for the future.

It stands about 24" high by 20" wide and is constructed of tent canvas, wire, tissue paper, and paperclay.

Roundup #1

2009-03-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Since my next show is in the town of Roundtop, Texas I thought I'd do a few 2D mixed media pieces that harken back to the Wild West Show Roundups that were a part of many circuses and carnivals. This piece is constructed of wire, tent canvas, cut metal, tissue paper, burned wood, and custom printed fabric. It's about 16" tall by 11" wide.

Wheely Whirly

2009-03-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Another new piece-this time a ferris wheel. It stands about 18" high and is 11"wide by 7" deep.

I used wire, paint, found wood, tissue paper and muslin as materials.

It does spin around but is somewhat delicate.

Roller Coaster

2009-03-07T03:20:00.000-08:00

After thinking and mulling and sketching and thinking some more, I finally put together a roller coaster piece. This one car is meant to look rather lonely and the birds perched above are the only witnesses to the possibility of the car careening off the track.

I've been branching out lately into other formats than just birdcage circus tents and will put some more pics of the new pieces up soon.

I will be doing a show in Roundtop, TX on April 1-4 so if you're in the area, stop on by.

Circus Supreme!

2009-02-17T15:23:00.001-08:00

This is my latest cage and this time it's on a pedestal. I wanted to give the look of a stripped down tent with lots of leaves, vines, and birds inhabiting the space.

This is my last in the red, black and white series I think.

Next my focus is something somewhat different but still staying within the circus theme. Check back within a week or two for pics of my new artwork!

Curious Sofa photos

2009-02-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Better late than never right? Unfortunately, my photos of the show turned out a bit blurry but here are Deb's photos from the show on Feb.6-7 at Curious Sofa.

Visit Deb's blog to see all the photos of the other artists' work too.

The show went really well and we had GORGEOUS weather!

Love Potion Number 9!

2009-02-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

This is one of the new pieces that I'll be putting in the Curious Sofa show next weekend.

It's also for sale on Etsy-click on the link here to buy or for more info!

CURIOUS SOFA SHOW ~ FEBRUARY 6-7

2009-01-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready for the Love Hurts show that will be held in nearby Prairie Village, KS at the very wonderful Curious Sofa store from 6-8 PM on Feb.6 and 10-6 on Feb. 7

Click on this link to see photos of all of the artists' work and to get more info.

I made it to the front page!

2009-01-30T17:12:00.000-08:00

I finally made it to the front page of Etsy today!

Thanks to KandiceInWonderland for letting me know!

Red Fringed English Circus Tent

2009-01-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

This is a new piece I just finished. Another in the red/black/ivory color scheme but this time with an old circus poster from England on the floor of the cage. Click on these words to find out more info or to purchase on Etsy.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009! I've tried to make good use of my Cmas vacation-in fact, some people have called me somewhat "overly energetic" and my friends make fun of how little I sleep-(anybody else out there get that from time to time?) I'm also determinedly optimistic about this new year-I think 2009 will exceed all our expectations and the economy will be better than we think.

Another reason I'm excited is because I'm doing a Valentines show on Feb. 6-7 at a wonderful local store here called the Curious Sofa-check out Deb's blog- http://curioussofa.blogspot.com.

and in preparation I've made 14 new cages that are also candy/keepsake boxes as well as some other smaller Valentine ornaments and lovebird cages that will be for sale at Etsy until Feb. 5--click on this link to see them in my Etsy shop.

What's New for the New Year!

2008-12-19T04:54:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas hasn't even arrived yet but I couldn't wait to give a preview of my newest French circus cage that I'm putting in my Etsy shop today!

Other cages in this collection will follow within the next two or three weeks.

There will also be many candy containers, a ring box or two and Valentine gifts!

Click on this link to purchase or for more info on this piece.

Lovebirds Under Red Diamond Tent

2008-12-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

This is my latest in the lovebird series--this little couple of redbirds with black wings are up for sale now in my Etsy shop!

Perfect for a Christmas gift or cake topper!

Click on this link to buy or for more info.

Something Blue!

2008-12-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

Okay, it didn't take me two weeks to get new things up here or on Etsy like I thought it might.

Here's my latest: it's called Lovebirds Under Blue and Brown Circus Tent and it's now for sale on Etsy.

Makes a great cake topper or gift for a much loved one!

Grab it in time for Christmas-I will ship Priority mail if requested.

Working on a Website....

2008-12-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I haven't put up many new items or pics lately but I'm working on a website that will have pics of all my pieces along with links to events I will be at in 2009. I'm busy creating new pieces for wedding cake toppers and Valentines Day gifts also so be sure to check my Etsy shop within the next two weeks or so-I will also post pics of those new items here!

For today though-want to share this image with you from gothicrow-lOvE-Love-LOVE her work-would love to feature ALL her photos if I had the room!

what i'm thankful for...

2008-11-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

Since this is the weekend to give thanks, I'd like to say a special thanks to the wonderful new friends I've made since starting this blog and to the amazingly talented and generous people who have featured me on their blogs:

Beth Leintz (Gathering Dust), Katie Runnels(the Constant Gatherer),Jenn Docherty(jenndocherty),Suzy(georgia peachez), and Kat(aevanarts).

Their links are to the right on this page-check out their awesomeness!

First Annual Ornament/Home Decor Auction!!

2008-11-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to launch my first auction of ornaments

and small decor items on eBay!

There will be only 2-3 of each kind of

item so shop early-

starts Wed. Nov. 26

ends Sun. Nov.30

New Cage!

2008-11-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Although I did have this one in the Crafty Chicks show, it hasn't shown up on my blog or Etsy shop- til now!
This cage is the second largest one I've made so far.
It stands 22.5" tall and is 8.5" in diameter
at the base.
The "tree skeleton" is made by me from twisted, rusted wire and the birds that live in it's branches are made by me from paperclay. The top of the circus tent is made from tea stained muslin and it is trimmed in a black sequin scalloped fabric.
For more info or to purchase this piece, click on the Etsy link to the right.

One a Day

2008-11-19T06:17:00.001-08:00

For the last two weeks or so, I've been adding one or two pieces a day to my Etsy shop.

Here's what I added today!

It's the Antique Green Bird on Silver Tinsel Perch in an Oval Frame.

This little bird swings freely from his perch within this frame.

Click on the Etsy link at right for more info or to purchase.

Under the Big Top!

2008-11-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

This is one of my new creations-it's a "big top" tent complete with curtain made from tea stained muslin with a papier mache tree inside!

It can stand on a flat surface or hang from the rusted, swirly wire hook that comes with it!

Click on the Etsy link on the right for more info or to purchase.