The Art Mill

Closing-A new beginning

2010-12-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well if you saw on the website, we are going out of business on January 31st. Sometimes things evolve and just don't work out as planned. We gave it a go and did the best we could with what we had. I have learned more than I expected and met so many great people so I would never take back the experience.

Every ending creates a new beginning and although I don't know exactly what I will do, it will be a fresh start. I'm not taking any baggage with me into my new path so no need to be down or sad. Speaking of baggage, stop by the shop between now and January 31st for great deals on art, boutique gifts, supplies and furniture.

I also want to thank all of my great customers. Without your positive response and continued support we might not have made it this long. I will be sure to let you all know what the next step is and if I will have classes, art shows or other things you might be interested in.

Now... on to the next adventure!

The dog with no color

2010-11-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

So, I finally got my pig, bear, dog all done up and lookin' good. He finally spoke up and told me what he wanted to look like. I know I haven't posted in a while - soul searching and figuring out what new direction I want the blog to take. Plus crazy busy with art fairs, classes, store rearranging and the usual marketing, bookkeeping and floor mopping.

But back to the dog... here he is in all his encaustic glory. His new name is Indigo.

Another winner

2010-11-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Heather E for winning the October drawing. Encaustics is such a great class to explore when you are looking for new mediums and techniques to take your art even further!

Be sure to enter for this months drawing for $25 worth of boutique items to give as gifts for the holidays. Enter at www.omahaartmill.com.

And the winner is...

2010-10-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth R. is our on-line painting class giveaway winner. October's give away is another encaustic bar session as many of you registered to win. Its oh so much fun and great in the fall to warm your hands by.

Be sure to register to win free stuff at www.omahaartmill.com!

Sale Time

2010-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

We are having a dot sale on almost everything in the store. The dots will correspond with a percentage off each item from 20% up to 50%. Some stuff is already reduced and will have that beloved Red dot of 50% off.

Come get your holiday gifts now and then you don't have to freak out about the crowds and traffic in November!

Sale starts Friday, Sept. 24 through October 7th.
(get in soon for the great deals on one-of-a-kind gifts before they are gone)

Visual Fusion Project

2010-07-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

We have a new project for The Art Mill. We want to get creative people involved in projects and art openings. Supporting emerging artists and beginners is our main goal and these projects are our way to get more people involved.

You purchase a "kit", follow the instructions (they are few), submit your creative work by the deadline and have your work on display (and for sale) for an art opening and exhibit. Each project will have different challenges, surprises and ideas for you to try out. To get involved in these events you buy the kit which includes...
• your canvas, board, paper or other required surface
• fun papers and/or ephemera
• two hours of free studio time at The Art Mill to be used on specified dates (which gives you access to all of our supplies and goodies)
• the theme or challenge for the artwork submitted

The fee for the kit also covers marketing and promotion for the opening and exhibition to get your art sold. There is more information about all the commission fees, deadlines and the like on the website. (on its way on-line soon)

Our first project is a "Visual Fusion" project. Included in your kit are words that you will visually interpret in your own unique way. You may choose to use all of the words or just one. The rest is up to your imagination.

The kits will go on sale on August 1st so be sure to pick one up and get involved in what should be a fun project and exhibition.
The deadline for buying a kit is August 21st.
Submit your artwork by Sept.15
Exhibition Sept. 24 - 30
Art opening on Sept. 24th.
Cost: $16.95

Focus in a Can!

2010-07-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I guess I've been slackering on the blog posting. I did take a wonderful vacation to Austin, TX. Love that city. I played on the lake until muscles I didn't even know I had were sore. Since I've been back I think I've been going through PVD (post vacation depression).

So I've decided to re-energize and focus. I resort to caffeine to stay energized but then I get distracted by shiny things, dust bunnies, the internet.... I thought that focus should come canned so that I quit wandering around hopped up on caffeine jumping from one idea to the next and accomplishing nothing. Above is my Andy Warhol-esque poster for this wonderful product that is bound to be a international success if only someone can invent the ingredients. Obviously it will first need to be bottled so that it can be oh so exciting when it comes in a can!

Since I am tooting around the internet I thought I'd share one thing I came across that I loved. It's this hilarious illustration. Then back to work I promise. Just 5 more minutes...

Free stuff

2010-06-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Amy S on winning the May drawing for a free painting class. Be sure to register for June's drawing for Free clay! Whenever I write these entries I always want to talk like a radio announcer that is super excited. Can you hear it in my tone of type?

Check the website every month to see what we are giving away. Plus when you do you are put on our mailing list for coupons and such. I haven't started that just yet but its coming. We also have a coupon in the Spartan so be sure to look for that as well.

Clay Dog/pig/bear

2010-05-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well... The dog is still drying. I struggled with this little guy. Although the paper ball head looked like a dog head, once I wrapped it in clay it looked like a pig. I had to do his face three times before I was even partially ok with him. So as promised, here he is. The last photo is how I was looking at him while I made him, so its my favorite view. Now he just has to make it through the firing without exploding! We shall see...

Oh and funny story, my Mom commented on liking his "circles". I explained that they were his SPOTS. But now I think there will be a little story about Jane and her dog Circle. See Jane. See Circle. See Jane talk to her silly Mom.

Shop dogs

2010-05-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is a new project I'm working on. I've been seeing adorable sculptures in clay and paper mache of dogs and I wanted to make one. Depending on how long it takes I might make more "pets" for myself and the shop. I somehow managed to get a wad of paper to look like a dogs head. He looks a bit like the dog from "There's Something about Mary" after he flies out the window and has a full body cast.

I can't wait to make and show the finished product. I had to do a little photo shoot with my actual dogs since they were in the shop with me yesterday. They hated every second of it as they don't tend to get along with other dogs. I may have chased them with it, making barking sounds, before these photos were taken. They are practicing avoidance.

I am a little sad I can't have actual shop dogs. My two love to bark at everyone. With this new addition to my dog pack I can have a quiet and loyal pet at work.

Explosion Proof

2010-05-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

So Brit-iferd (imagine a man with a smoking jacket, monocle and British accent ) and I were having a deeply intellectual conversation about my vent over my kiln. Just so you know Brit-iferd is my Mr. B, my hubster, my -insert code name used by prolific bloggers who refer to their husbands-. I had noticed a sticker on the vent that says "not explosion proof" which sparked (pardon the pun) a hilarious conversation about how things can read differently to others than originally intended.

I read "not explosion proof" to mean that at some point I may be working away in my kiln room and... kaploowey! My vent will randomly explode. The end.

Brit-iferd read it to mean that if I cause an explosion in my building or kiln room through misuse of art supplies that the vent will not survive the blast. That I will be going through all my junk in the kiln room crying over burnt scraps of wood and melted Christmas elves only to discover that while my kiln has survived the blast my vent is beyond repair. Oh the horror!

So, I've been tempted to call the manufacturer and sort out the meaning of their label. It's a little vague and really if it is as I read it... I'd like to know how not to have a vent explosion. Is there a way to prevent it? Then again with all the law suits in the world against businesses for silly things I wonder if they just slap a label like that on anything.

I'm thinking of putting that label on all my art. You decide if I mean it will explode or if there is an explosion that it was not in-fact "explosion proof".

Encaustic boy

2010-05-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite encaustic pieces I've done to date. I worked and worked on the painting underneath him trying to figure out what to make. Then this boy came out. I love how the texture underneath made the ground look like sand (what I was trying to achieve in color).

He has a good home now, living with a local artist that visits the Art Mill now and again. I'm looking forward to the next encaustic open bar in June. Its so hard to explain the joy of painting with wax but once you try it you will want to try it again and again.

If you didn't know already... we carry R&F encaustic supplies here at the store if you are ever looking for a local source for an amazing product line.

Here is another one of my encaustic creations where I played with blowing it around with the heat gun.

Porcelain experiments

2010-05-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

So I've been playing with porcelain and glass and these are my creations so far. I'm a little disappointed in how gray the clay turns out. After the bisque fire (the low firing that you do before glazing) they were bright white but once I fired to temp they were all gray. Ok for the little cups but the glass items were suppose to be for pendants but I don't love them. Guess I have to buy more clay to play with. I was experimenting with a cone 6 clay since I don't want to wear out my kiln trying to fire to cone 10.

If that all seems like gibberish talk to you that's ok. Its gibberish to me too but its like speaking the same language as your dishwasher. I want to wash my dishes on pots and pans with a steam dry and jet dry sparkle wash. See... same thing. All that really matters is how they look when you open the lid.

The bird cup is inspired by this artist on etsy. Love her stuff. I couldn't help but do a bird. I think I might be kindred spirits with this woman as she uses bikes and birds in her work also. Now if only she did silverware on the cups. But then where would that leave me and my work.

Where does the time go!

2010-05-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our April winner for the reusable Envirosax bags is Barbara. All our winners are chosen by using random.org. Don't forget to check out what we will be giving away in May at www.omahaartmill.com.

Creative bumps

2010-04-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite images that I love to use in my ads. Great colors and its an old image of when they used to do head bump mapping. The bump in my creative sector has been growing! I'm going through a bit of a philosophical research phase and its sparked a lot of ideas for my art. Not to mention my trips to the book stores to peruse art magazines and decor mags and a recent visit to the Joslyn Art Museum.

I promise that I am working on my art that I will share here. I've just got to get my June class samples all ready to go and then I can focus. Ok...along with a million other things but isn't that the story for so many of us.

Here is a hint about what I am working on... I just went and bought some glass frit to play with in my pottery. Ooooh, what could I be doing?! If you don't get to see it in two weeks - give me a comment about my procrastination.

Just keep swimming

2010-04-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

I've been happily busy trying to make the changes to the business that I've been promising for months. (Whether to myself or to customers) I finally got my brochure done now that I think I know what direction I want the store to take. Still plenty of options but much more simplified for people to understand. I've rearranged the store a few times in the last month as well as ordered in tons of art supplies for upcoming projects and classes. I'm still working on class samples and will continue to create new ones each month. I can't complain though, nothing I would rather be doing than painting, creating with clay and sharing what I learn and do with others.

I keep coming up with ideas for my own art that I want to pursue and promising myself that I will get to it next month. I think I might have to set aside a morning here and there to do my own art - things that I won't teach in a class, things that I will submit to galleries. I plan to share my process here so look for that in the coming months.

Until then you get to see the back page of my new tiny brochure packed full of information. If you want to see the whole thing stop into the store and pick one up.

April giveaway

2010-04-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day, The Art Mill is giving away two Envirosax. The bird design and one surprise bag. Keep for yourself or give them away as handy gifts. They roll up into small balls great for throwing in your purse (we all know its enormous and can fit one or two). No more forgetting that "green" bag in your car and being too lazy to go get it. Be sure to go to www.omahaartmill.com to enter for the drawing.

The birds are flying home

2010-04-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Brett B. you won these mini birds. They are so excited to come live with you they have been chirping my ear off. They love spring and don't hardly poo at all. And just to clarify it is not my husband Brit that won these.

Too cute to wait

2010-03-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to post these tomorrow so I have something new a few days a week but... well I'm actually blogging and they are just so stinking cute I want to share real quick. I'll think of something really good to post about later in the week. Hmmm.... maybe something on missing your "muchness" (Alice in wonderland reference as I just saw that tonight).

These are tiny birdhouses for sale handmade by a couple in KS. They even crinkle the tin roofs themselves. I want a giant bushel of them not because I have tiny birds that live in my yard, but because I like the looks of piles of cuteness. My yard has giant birds that the neighbor feeds and then they poop all over the fence and deck. There is also a hawk family that I'm afraid might carry off Watson one day. I digress yet again onto the topic of birds...

Putting on a Show

2010-03-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

I know I've blogged before about being an ADD (attention deficit disorder) artist that loves to skip from one project to the next with no cohesive flow or "body of work". I always hemmed and hawed at the fact that galleries want a cohesive body of work that focuses on one topic, concept or at the least in medium. I would explain "I just don't work that way". I still don't work that way because my brain would revolt from such organization and constraints to make one piece tie to the next even in concept. However, and here comes the admission of something, it makes hanging for an art show soooooo much easier when the pieces flow with each other. They just seem to hang themselves and look beautiful without any effort on the "hanger's" part. Plus then there is the argument that it makes for better art when you really explore a concept in as many ways as possible before moving on so that you push your art and discover new and better ways to express the same idea. I do this in a way but I sprinkle in randomness. (for example I work on "memory paintings" in between working on my concept of exploring a way to express my intrigue in the "lost lives" of the photographs of people discarded and sold at antique markets, while working on funky pottery - but that's another long blog entry)

So I have a new admiration for museum and gallery curators. To make connections between artists work and have them all fit into a concentric theme is an art in and of itself. Then to take the artwork and hang it so the viewer 1. understands the artists intention and 2. so they move about the space letting their minds flow from one artist to the next without a jarring break (although I think they do that on purpose sometimes).

With my unusual set up at The Art Mill I have to hang things in an almost "retail" way and still make the individual art pieces hold their own. Sometimes when art is crammed together they lose their power. Needless to say I wrestled with that as I do on an ongoing basis. Is it a retail space? Is it a gallery? Is it a studio? It's all of the above and must all work together.

I could go on and on... if you want to know more just stay tuned. I'm sure I'll post again on this topic as I hope to do more art openings featuring new artists. I'm thinking of doing the next show with a whimsy theme or maybe one that is centered on each artist creating a piece that fits an "assignment". I'll let you know in about a week. Until then enjoy the photos of the space and be sure to stop in a see these pieces in person as these photos don't do them justice.

Hop into spring

2010-03-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

We created these little paperclay bunnies last Saturday (just now getting to posting photos) I am not showing mine as it is not nearly as cute. The featured bunny is by Barb S. Way to go Barb it turned out so cute.

We have another bunny class on Saturday March 27th at 1:00 p.m. Kids are welcome and its only $35 with all the supplies included. Be sure to sign up in advance so we have all the supplies and bunny parts ready to go.

I can't believe Easter and spring is just around the corner. At least the calendar says it is. Looking outside at our snow storm we are having convinces me otherwise. I'm keeping on my positive pants and am just enjoying my comfy and warm snow boots. Might be the last time I get to wear them for a while.

Here a few more angles on the bunny that I shall henceforth refer to as... Sammy.

Winner winner chicken dinner

2010-03-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Donna our February art winner. Check out what our give away is for March. I'll bet you never guess...

ok its birds! Tee hee. But they are mini birds and cute as a bugs ear.

Hilarity for the masses

2010-02-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

So... I came across a blog Dooce® two years ago or so that is funny while being bluntly honest. She has a bazillion followers and I think they said 1.6 million twitter readers. I am not one as I just don't care about twitter. If I care what you are doing I'll call you, but otherwise its just stalking.

If you need some internetting diversion its a great place to lose track of an hour of your life. I just wanted to share that little nugget along with this one... I too (like Heather of Dooce) have a crazy Australian Shepherd. I put things on his head and take photos of him. Who knew people wanted to see these things and buy calendars of the photos. My photos are not nearly has fab. I'm just reaching for a way to be as cool as her. I have two Aussies so that makes me twice as cool or twice as crazy. Read her blog and you'll understand.

Watson a.k.a. Wat sporting Mrs. Potato Head glasses. Fashionable? Yes.

Today is ours and today alone.

2010-02-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Working with both children and adults that are learning art gives me quite the perspective on how people feel about the art they make. Children freely jump into their projects without needing samples or detailed instruction to make it their own. Sometime I barely am able to finish my instructions before they start with reckless abandon. I try to talk about my samples to explain bits and pieces of art history - why the artist did what they did and what it says about the artist. But they look at me wide-eyed waiting for me to give them the go ahead to draw or paint or dig into their clay. They don't care what came before them they just want to make what they have in their heads and hearts. When they are finished you can see the pride on their faces as they talk about what the made and why.

Adults are another story. Not that they don't jump in whole hog, but they make wincing and contorted faces as they glace at others and back at their own piece. When I ask about the piece they just made I rarely hear pride in the voice or even praises for themselves. I know that as adults we think people will judge us as cocky if we like what we create. I think its time for a change. Embrace your "mistakes" and differences and celebrate the fact that you are creating. You are learning and improving every time you pick up your brush or ball of clay.

I chose the piece featured at the top, a painting I have hanging by the front counter, to express the need for embracing our present. Our present level of perceived skill at an art form, our present era of art and available mediums. We may not be where we want to be but if we don't love where we are today how are we to move forward tomorrow?

What did you create today? Did you look at it and say "hello art, I like you."? No?! Well you should.

The Fear in Art

2010-02-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

Hello all... I bet you think I'm going to talk about the birds again. Haha I am not! I just like to have pictures to entertain and amuse.

Instead, I'll talk about a book I found at a cute little book store and coffee shop in the Haymarket in Lincoln over the weekend - not overwhelming full of books. I felt like I could actually find something without finding 18 of the same type of book and wondering which one to get because they were all about the same. I purchased the new Dr. Seuss book "My Many Colored Days" that he wrote back in 1973 but was illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher after Dr. Seuss' death. Although that was a great find (didn't know it existed) my favorite find of the day was "Art/fear - An Artist's Survival Guide" by authors David Bayles and Ted Orland. I've read maybe a third and everything thing they say about creating art is everything I've ever thought and questioned put into eloquent words.

I wish I could assign the book to everyone and have a little book club meeting to talk about all the things they bring up line by line. But, since that isn't going to happen I'll just share little treasures from the book along with a few of my ramblings and jumbled up sentences to go with it. Let me also just state that this isn't just a book for painters or ceramicists but for writers, designers, quilters, crafters, and anyone who ever thought "why did I stop making ____? or How do I do this art thing like all those successful artists?"

For those of you out there that do make art I'm sure like me you have wondered if you are doing it right. What if when you pick up your brush you take the potential the supplies offer and mess it up? What if you start something and it goes nowhere or if you finish it and its horrible (even if only to you) Sometimes you blame the paint or the weather or the sunlight (or lack thereof) and of course your "talent" as the reason your art just isn't good enough. In the book I'm reading they talk about this uncertainty in creating art and they say...

"Its always like that. Art is like beginning a sentence before you know its ending. The risks are obvious: you may never get to the end of the sentence at all – or having gotten there, you may not have said anything. ... In making art you need to give yourself room to respond authentically, both to your subject matter and to your materials."

I'm encouraged, inspired and intrigued everytime I pick up this book. Its like a special understanding hug just for artists and artists at heart.

Color me ready for spring

2010-02-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

Before my trip to Austin I finished up a painting that was requested to go with a previous painting of a little girl with a baloon. I spent three days working on this watercolor creation. I teach watercolor and obviously paint with watercolors occasionally, but I prefer the quick drying, easy to paint over my mistakes acrylic. I find that I happily spend time on the details of a person and thier clothes but when it comes to the background I'm all about getting it over with. I should do more with watercolor and see if there is a way to paint with it that I actually love.

I'm working on a large watercolor painting of a hillside in Greece. I'll have to post it when I get all those Greek houses painted. I'm going for outrageous colors and lots of details. Stay posted...

House vases... getting closer

2010-02-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking on my blogging for a bit. I'm back and plan to share so much in the next few weeks. I took a lovely little vacation to see family in Texas. Saw Austin for the first time and loved it. It was so nice to escape snow and below freezing temps to see grass and the sun! Any whooooo....

I wanted to show some of the houses that are completed for the Houses for Haiti. My glazing volunteers disappeared into the snowey night and I haven't seen them since. I hope to get the rest glazed this week so I can share the whole little village. For now you will have to oooh and aaaah over the four that are ready to go.

It takes a village to make a village

2010-02-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

We had our Houses for Haiti event last Friday. It was so much fun to see what people made and how they took it in their own direction. They are in the drying process and will be fired tomorrow and Thursday so they can be glazed in gorgeous colors and sold. I can not wait to see them all done and colorful. I'm adding this project to my list of party options since it was hoot and so easy to do. (I think)

They were slab built and Roberta of Artists for Hope even created a detailed little rooster sculpture to add to her "entrance". Clay is such a versatile medium and you can get wonderful results at almost any skill level. If you haven't tried creating in clay you really should. Its therapeutic to get your hands dirty while creating objects of beauty. Just be aware you will need a tub of moisturizer when you are done - especially in the winter.

Here are a few more pictures to enjoy in the mean time. We had 12 houses/vases all together. They look like a funky little village of mud houses right now. My husband even made a huge vase that looks like a church.

January Winner

2010-01-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Michelle from Kansas! She entered and won the random drawing for the January art piece. Check out what the piece will be for February on the website (I'll have it up in a day or two) For now I'll just say it is from my "Van Fruit" collection. I am keeping the entry short today as I have a ton of work to do for the Houses for Haiti event tonight. I'll post pictures tomorrow hopefully of all the fun creations.

Houses for Haiti

2010-01-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

Help Haiti rebuild with creativity. (Build the house pictured here)

Artists for Hope is teaming up with The Art Mill to help the disaster victims in Haiti through art. While we can't all physically go and help or even donate our own much needed money, we can volunteer our time and creativity.

Each participant in this event will learn how to make clay houses that also serve as vases. You will create a house at no charge to you. Your time and art is the much needed donation. The vases will then be donated to Artists for Hope. If you wish to keep your own house, you just buy it that night from the organization at the retail price of $55.

Artists for Hope uses creativity to change the world. Donated artwork is sold online and information about the artist is shared with art lovers everywhere. You can share your talent while making a difference! All proceeds from artwork sold goes to a Rescue Center for severely malnourished and injured children in Cazale, Haiti. Visit the Artists for Hope blog here.

Join us Friday, January 29, 2010, 6-9 p.m.
Register by calling or emailing The Art Mill - get the phone number here.

Limited spaces available.

For the birds

2010-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you familiar with The Art Mill, you know I've been making these ceramic birds for a while now. They came about for a class and exploded from there thanks to designer Julia Russell. I was making another "batch" of birds and started thinking about why I make birds in my art. They show up in my paintings, graphic design and pottery. I know they are trendy but that isn't what draws me to them. Ironically real birds freak me out. My dad had one that he let fly around the house and the fluttering of its wings when it chased me to land on my shoulders will always haunt me. (it only happened once) I blame Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. I watched that movie way to young.

The reason I came up with is that they are so versitile. They represent so many things and can be seen in such different ways depending on their depiction. They can represent life, freedom and religion (think dove) they can also represent horror and death (crows or vultures). I think for me they offer a focal point that can be taken in new directions depending on the viewer. What may be for me chance and uncertainty (the painting I did of birds outside of a cage) could be about freedom and choice for someone else.

Are there things that you are drawn to and don't know why? How about recurring themes that you use sometimes almost subconsciously?

His and Her Vase

2010-01-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

Vases, vases everywhere. Here is the finished image of the vase I showed earlier. All shiny and white. Its actually quite large - 10.5" tall by 7.75" wide. Sign up for the Date Night on January 30th to make your very own. Bring anyone you like and do a friends version or make a smaller one for each of you.

I'm a vase you're a vase.

2010-01-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

Why should the flowers get all the fun of showing off their beauty? Why does the vase just sit there being ignored? Why does no one stop to sniff a vase? Ok, that one is obvious but maybe you could just stop and appreciate a vase. I say the vase should be able to sit on display in any season, regardless of a flowers presence. Behold the vase that doesn't need flowers to feel relevant.

I think there is a rule in writing that you should not use a word in every sentence in a paragraph so I am retiring the word vase for the rest of this entry as I have abused it in the intro. It shall now be referred to as a multitude of things - thank you thesaurus.

In a round about way this vessel has me thinking about myself. Why should I wait around for awards, recognition or compliments to allow myself to shine? I am going to grab every opportunity to be proud of myself and my skills without waiting for a flower to be placed upon my accomplishments by someone else. I am in a sense an urn without flowers. I can be appreciated for what I do have to offer. Just as this flower holder I am showing you today can be appreciated for its whimsy and texture; we all should stand tall for who and what we are at this moment.

It may be a little out there in concept, but I think we could all use little metaphors now and then to remind ourselves to love who we are and the stage in life that we are currently. On that note, I'll show you some other angles of this funky little vessel full of life, love and possibilities.

(I did put flowers in it just to say "hey, I like what you have to offer, so shine a little brighter today.")

Bring on the Love

2009-12-31T14:46:00.000-08:00

I've been busy today making a sample for a Date Night vase. Saturday January 30 you can sign up to create a vase like the one below (or your own design) with your loved one. You will each decorate/carve/stamp/etc. your side that is devoted to the other person. It will be fired, glazed, refired and filled with flowers and ready to pick up on Feb. 13th!

You could also put names of your children, your anniversary date, a limerick or anything you like.

The Heart of Art

2009-12-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

I am sitting upon my hard stool (bum numbing) avoiding updating my quickbooks while reading about my favorite topic - art. The articles that struck me today were the "keep on trucking" themes. My truck has been parked filling up with ideas but no gas. I've fallen prey a few times to negative thoughts and frustration but with the new year fast approaching and Valentine's quick on its heels, I need to get my truck moving. What does my truck need to be packed with? A vacation. Art supplies. Positivity. Cute shoes and last but not least a well formed plan.

The articles I read talked about prioritizing, however, each item on my list is equally important to me. Mopping my dirty floors ranks right up there with creating a clever vase for an upcoming class. I did get motivated by the article when it mentioned determination. If you get started and you are determined to reach your goals, sidetracks and dead ends accepted, you will reach them. So with renewed determination ( found it packed in the truck with some caffeine and chocolate) I am excited to begin the steps needed to reach my goals. I've already started my marketing workbook and some art project samples. No need for a resolution this New Year - I will just keep on trucking next year and the year after that.

The Heart of Art is Determination.

The Process (sometimes)

2009-12-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

I was working on a painting for a donation last week and photographed my process in order to share. I don't always work this way but I thought it might inspire some of you (fingers crossed someone is reading this :). I started by looking through my boxes of inspiration I have here in the store. Mind you I don't look through things looking for images to copy or recreate. Sometimes I use an image of an animal or person as reference - when left to my own imagination they end up looking like fat cartoon people. Here is what struck my fancy that particular frigid snow covered day...

A clip art bicycle (one of the images I'm always drawn to - others include silverware, chairs and wagons) I blew it up on the copier and tiled it together with careful trimming and tape on the back.

The top picture here was the back of a swirly I had cut out a long time ago, I liked the colors and that little bit of red. I painted my whole canvas the cream color and let it dry. The second image is from an illustration in a graphic design magazine (sorry I don't have the artist name). I liked the scribbles and dotted lines and the area around her left eye. Here is where I went with it...

I decided it was blah with the original color choices so I added some yellow ochre. Then spent some time with the image transfer of the bike.

Still wasn't feeling finished. It felt two sided, as if I could cut off the bike and make it its own painting and the other 2/3rd a different painting. So, after a little more time standing back and staring at it, answering the phone and paying bills I came back and did this...

Just a little yellow ochre to tie in and some text that I can read but no one else can. That was my point though. It has meaning but since it is a donation piece I didn't want it to be so personal that someone might not connect with the piece. Essentially it is about passing moments in time and the fleeting nature of life and the mundane things in life (ie the bike) and how they might change shape over time but the original is always an influence in our lives. Or something like that.

I hope you enjoyed that little glimpse into my brain waves. I'd love to see or hear how other people find inspiration or work through a creative project so I might share it with others.. Here is another request for people to send images or links that I can share. Calling all artists!!!!!

Oh that reminds me, I am trying to put together an art show. Please visit this part of the Art Mill website for more information on what I am looking for.

Kids Crafty Santa

2009-12-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy kids project to do before Santa gets here. I invented this guy today in preparation for a kids class tomorrow. Here is what you need:

Ping pong ball

flesh color acrylic paint

googly eyes (2)

3 cotton balls (regular size)

1 5"x6" piece of paper ( I used a scrapbooking paper but you can use red craft paper or anything else)

4 small pom poms (1 white - 3 any color you like)

Glue

Hole punch

Awl or sharp poking device

Red and Tan Felt

1 chenille pipe cleaner (white used here)

Instructions: 1. Cut paper to size and roll into a tube, Glue overlapping ends or staple. I stapled here because I didn't want to take the time to hold the paper until the glue dried. You can also glue and hold it in place with paper clips until dried. Glue or staple top side of tube so the edges are flat together.

2. Paint ping pong ball with flesh colored paint. Once paint is dry punch two small holes with your awl. They should be exactly opposite each other. Take your pipe cleaner and insert into your ball and push it through the other side. Pull enough through to bend and push back into the hole a good inch or so. Doesn't need to come back out the other side but make sure you leave about an inch on the side opposite your loop you just made.

3. Punch a small hole in the top center of the paper tube you made in step 1. Put the pipe cleaner through this hole (not the loop side) and wrap it around itself until your "head" is on good. You should be able to hold the loop and they should hang together without slipping.

NOW THE FUN PART!!!

For those of you with little ones I would do these first few steps yourself (except maybe the head painting step)

4. Glue on your cotton ball beard and create a red felt hat out of a half circle shape. Glue this on leaving a gap for your hanging loop. Fold the top of the hat over and tack with glue (mine didn't hold)

5. Glue pom poms on the end of the hat and down the front of his body.

6. Cut hand or mitten shapes out of the tan felt and glue on the paper on the sides.

7. Glue googly eyes on (or paint if you prefer)

8. Create a message or drawing on a separate piece of paper and place inside paper tube. You could also put a gift card in here too. Glue or staple the open end pinching it together in the opposite direction, creating a sort of triangle shape.

Give as a gift from your little creator.

I hope I didn't forget any steps.... Enjoy!

B'Claus I Love you.

2009-12-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

These lovelies were created by a couple other lovelies a few Saturday's ago during our Paperclay Elves (santas or snowmen) class. They are cute and hilarious just like their creators. I don't know how they will split them up. They were made by sisters so maybe they will have joint custody. Once they leave the Art Mill they are no longer protected by the "system".

I've had a few people tearful after missing out on the class so I think I might have an Easter Bunny version of them coming round the bend. There is always next year. I'll get them out early so people have a heads up on the class schedule.

I plan to have photos of future projects so you won't have to come into the store to see all the samples. Hopefully this will help. But for now feel free to call and say "tell me more about this class" and I will do my best to describe them. Check the online schedule for more classes left in December.

You've already missed out on a few good ones. Like last night's batik stockings. Look how great they turned out.

Thanks Carolyn, Nancy and Megan for letting me photograph your beauties. Tonight is another night of fun with wax and wonder. We are doing encaustics with Christmas decor for some added Christmas funkiness. I'll try to post some photos of those later but you really can't get the full joy out of just seeing what others do. You must experience it first hand and smell the hot wax and burn your fingers out of excitement (and inability to wait to touch your pieces - maybe that's just my problem). No worries we have aloe and it really isn't that dangerous.

How gorgeous is this?!

2009-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

I'm blog hopping while "working" from home during our lovely blizzard. I came across this loveliness through looking at a blog that belongs to the wonderful Ms. Corinne who left a comment on my blog, then I hopped on over to one of her listed blogs that she follows and saw this beauty. See what all can come from leaving a simple comment. Thank you Corinne. Here is a link to her blog to see her fab stitching work. I go cross eyed after a few minutes of a running stitch so I am impressed by all you do.

Click here to see where I ended up with the tutorial. Looks so classic and simple - very Audrey Hepburn. I can just imagine it attached to the front of her hat in Breakfast at Tiffany's. She wore some ridiculous hats. I just want it on my door - maybe three of them hanging together at the top of the stairs. Hmmm... maybe with a little collaged/stitched piece of art hanging in the center. Ohh the ideas.

Back to my multi-tasking. I am watching a movie with the Hubs, cutting out letters for a party on Friday, getting ready to make Taco soup and planning the classes for Jan. and Feb. Obviously getting distracted by pretty things along the way. Although I could make the version I'm imagining in my head with the art in the center and turn it into a little Winter class.

Changes to come

2009-12-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

I can't sit still very long when big projects get completed. I'm on to planning the next undertaking and how to accomplish it as quick as I can. On the agenda this week... (ok really next week, because I'm in a wedding of my good friend this Sat. and have gifts to paint) is to revamp the class schedule and process for January. I'll be offering the same project multiple times to avoid having people miss out on a great class because I picked a date that doesn't work with busy busy schedules.

We really need to do less in a day - each and everyone of us. I suggest instituting siestas and milk and cookie hour. Hmmm... maybe I can offer that here at the store. Lay out sleep mats like in Kindergarden and blankies. Maybe someday, too much "work" to be done. (see, just can't get away from it!)

I've also been given a great opportunity by Mr. Loveland to offer free art classes for kids to create music boxes out of cigar boxes and painting classes. The painting class students will also receive an art kit to take home from the generous Mr. Loveland as well. I am beginning to put together the plan and materials to get the word out to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and also Nebraska Children's Home Society. If you know of other great organizations that might like to share an art experience for kids let me know.

In addition to these projects for kids I am also rethinking my kids classes. I am going to have scheduled sessions instead of the one-on-one classes. For my scheduling needs and also so the kids can get together with other kids and not just this boring old person. This picture below is a wonderful art piece made by Avery (age 6) in one of our classes. Soooo cute!

I have a billion other ideas to get moving on so this is only the beginning. Other things in the works include but are not limited to...
an etsy shop,
quarterly art shows with opening receptions
prizes for art contests
earth day recycled art contest
art swaps here at the store (ie. ATC card swap or similar)
getting class sample photos on the web calendar (before the class!!)
more guest artist classes/workshops
week long retreats with instructors/field trips - maybe a summer plein air class in rural NE
get the ceiling "motor" fixed
this "motor" is winter wind noise that the landlords can't seem to figure out - sounds like a motorcycle at times - come stay awhile and you will get to hear it too!

the list goes on and on with ideas. Any feedback on favorites is always appreciated.

To sum up this post I'll leave you with a few images of the Christmas items I have out on display.

make it, love it, show it

2009-11-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

I was looking through pictures of my art to see what all I had sold and forgotten. This piece I made before The Art Mill opened and while it was leaning against my living room wall with about 15 other paintings my good friend Kim purchased it. It looks great in her house but it brings up a question that I have heard people talk about...

Once you make something that you spent so much time on and put your creative energy and yourself into, how you can let it go? Three reasons. 1. I like to see other people find enjoyment from something I made as well as find a piece they connect with in some way. 2. I don't have a big enough house (or store) to show all the things I make. My art cries a little when I tuck it in a closet or dark corner. And 3. I have overhead now. :)

What is strange is that it wasn't that long ago that I didn't show my art at all. I would make it, love it and put it away in my studio. Although, I didn't like to admit it this made me stop creating art. If you are creating and tucking (even if you don't want to sell) find a way to show your art. You are sharing a bit of yourself with the people around you and although it may be scary at first it is freeing.

Be happy with where you are now.

2009-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ahoy Mateys, I have been adrift in a sea of chaos and art supplies, but I am once again able to sit and contemplate and share what is going on with The Art Mill. I finally got my Christmas items up at home and at the store. Big check mark off that list. Aside from events and classes my next big project is to revamp the website. So much has changed since I first set it up 8 months ago! Wow does time fly.

I have been thinking about what I want to change for myself and for the functionality of the store. I am all about being flexible and changing how or what I do to make this work, which brings me to this blog. I've realized that while I want to stay positive and upbeat, because lets face it art is fun and I am so lucky to be in this place at this time, I also want to let you in on my dirty little secret that I struggle. I struggle with my art, my store, who and what I want to be. So for me to put that out there, I can be real and not just another business that is using a blog as a marketing tool. I want you to be able to connect with what I am doing and encourage you to face your struggles and continue on with your dream.

I've realized that I love to share my space, my art and my knowledge. I get goosebumps when people come in and share their story of how they were searching for a way to get back to their creative path. They are sure that this place, The Art Mill, will help them get a step closer to what they were searching for but not able to put into words. I love that I can be a part of the first steps.

I know that I look at what other wonderful successful artists are doing and I start to think that they have it all figured out. That I am behind and will never catch up. Some may have it figured out but I like to think that they are just like me... making it work day by day because they love what they do. Maybe they don't know how it will turn out, that they will get a book deal or be published and recognized world-wide but they keep going because their heart tells them to. So, I want to be honest with where I am, what I struggle with so that you (whoever you may be) can figure it out with me.

My search right now is to figure out a balance between keeping my business alive and continuing to do my own art. I put myself into the art that I do now during classes or in preparation for classes because I know that the only way potential students can connect with my art is if it is real and not a "product", but there is more I want to do. What I am realizing - slowly - is that although there are so many things I want to accomplish personally, professionally and so on - I need to enjoy where I am now. That I don't need to have it all figured out by tomorrow or I will fail. I can do this gradually and the people that are a part of The Art Mill will be patient with me while I do figure it out.

So here is a big thank you to those that do read this blog. Although, I am happy to just put these thoughts out into internet land for it to be gobbled up and lost, because getting it out of my head makes me feel free and sane again. Now, because I love to share art and photos and not just my rambling thoughts, I've attached an image of a ceramic head I made and covered with encaustics. She feels amazing I just want to pinch her cheeks. There is also an image of an encaustic piece of art Mom (E.D. or Eva Darling as she has been lovingly named here) made and sold.

Find inspiration anywhere

2009-10-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

These three photos are close ups of my palette. I am working on a 30"x36" canvas and doing the technique for tonights class (palette knives and paper towels). So many wonderful colors all loose and painterly.

I also came across this quote that goes with yesterday's post, but of course is valid any day of the week.
"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic." - unknown author

Short and sweet

2009-10-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Words of inpiration by Sarah Fishburn- a mixed-media artist.

"As an artist, what's important is to express what's inside of you. Don't worry about it being good enough; just do what your heart tells you. Play and don't get stressed out."

For those of you out there thinking "I wish I was an artist - if only I could ..." Many of the artists throughout history just did what they wanted, were confindent in themselves and just decided to start telling people they were an artist. You don't need formal training from the masters to start down an artist's path. Yes, learning from experienced artists is a great thing to experience and is definitely beneficial, but you don't need to get an MFA before you can announce proud and clear "I am an artist"!

Oh goodie, new goodies!

2009-10-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just posted the full schedule for November. Check it out here. The bead drop necklace is a new creation by Lacy Carrall - the famed Junkyard Art creator. She will be teaching this class on Nov. 7th and will provide simple kits to choose from. Can't wait for that class as well as some of the other great gift making activities we will have going on.

The goodies have arrived! I've been promising them and talking them up and now they are here. The R&F encaustic supplies. I'm the only one in town to carry them. I worked with the company to get the best colors and a sampling of their oil sticks as well. I will be offering an "Encaustics Bar" the end of November. I still have several supplies I need to get before then so I can't offer it any sooner. You will get the opportunity to use these high end supplies in the studio before you buy them. I already have an art project in mind for myself. It involves an old printer drawer and wax, wax beautiful wax.

To Dye For

2009-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

In another installation of Batiks we experimented with canvas and regular cotton. The colors were so vibrant on the cotton but the dye resists did work a little different on the cotton in the following dye dips. Very cool results though.

The next session in November will push you to create a painting out of the batik dyes. Longer process and more thinking involved but a great way to continue the experiment of fabric dying. The new trick will be painting with melted crayons and ironing it off without taking off all the color. Will it work?! We will find out November 19. Join us.

Here are some more results for your enjoyment. And also... I blogged twice this week! If I can keep it up I will get a treat. Oh goodie!

Pom pom birdies make me happy

2009-10-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a little happy on a gloomy fall day. These pom pom birds I made back in April have kept me company at the front counter. I hold them when I need something soft to comfort me. Just like animal therapy in hospitals I pet them for relief. I would bring my dogs and squeeze them when I need a hug but they bark at EVERYTHING. I wanted to have "shop dogs" but mine won't behave so I have shop birds. The green one needs a good name. I'm thinking something goofy like Beepers, Blue Footed Bobbie, or Fred. Send suggestions if you have a good one.

There are some great classes and workshops coming up at The Art Mill the end of this month and into November. Who wants to warm up over a griddle of hot wax in an encaustics workshop? Its coming up quick... click here for the info and sign up soon! I'm also working on a class by Ellene McClay on utilizing your etsy shop to its fullest potential. She will be giving you the goods on everything from shipping hints to taking better photos. I'm hoping to throw in a little mini market at the end.

Well, I've been doing better at posting on the blog so yay for me. I'm determined to get a bigger chunk of my "to do" list done this week. If I can do two posts a week (and still be interesting) I'll give myself a treat. Maybe a pedicure or a toaster strudel.

Finally, for those of you looking for some art advice/inspiration or factoid try this...
Remember that there is no wrong way to be an artist. The only way you fail is if you never pick up your brush. Challenge yourself to create a piece of art with no plan in mind when you begin. Just surround yourself with your supplies and start - working off your feelings and intuition. If you are frustrated let that show through in your color choice and brush stroke or carving or whatever your medium. If you can't get started, set a timer for 15 minutes and doodle or write or scribble or whatever. Something may come out of it... you'd be surprised.

Send me what you make (jane@omahaartmill.com) and I will post some of them.

2009-10-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

These are my newest in progress creations. I had thrown some little cups that I never put handles on and didn't know what to do with them. They were too small for a big girl coffee and too breakable for sippy cups, plus no lids. Soooo... I decided (with a suggestion from mom) to put some pull toy designs on them and go cutesy. They still need to be clear glazed and fired but they're just so cute I wanted to share. I thought my favorite would be the elephants but after I forced myself to try a donkey (the one that looks like a horse) I loved it more. I have two of each design done so far. I even made a clay duck pull toy that stands on fake wheels. Stay tuned to see that one.

I have so much to create for the store, for myself, for promotion and for vendor fairs. I made a list this morning while I sipped HUGE amounts of coffee. I filled up both sides of the paper within 10 minutes. I even wrote it in purple ink to make me feel better about it... didn't work. I had to go lay back in bed and pretend I didn't have to get up today. Again... didn't work.

I made it to the store 10 minutes early (a miracle for me) and I haven't accomplished anything so far. Unless you count checking the messages and filing one piece of paper. I think I have a case of the Tuesday's (Tues. is my Monday). I've been blog hopping all "morning" and came up with more ideas of things to make, inspired by the plethora of creative people blogging. Thanks a lot. No really, thanks... I need a place to go when I get stuck.

I've also come down with a bad case of green with envy. There seem to be so many wonderful women using their creativity to make a living. I find myself wanting to call each of them to find out their story. See how long they worked at it before anyone new they existed. What crazy things they did to get noticed by national magazines. How they get their hair to lay so nice... the usual.

I came across this quote that I keep on my desktop to keep me going. So for those of you out there trying to do your own thing and make a living doing what you love, copy this down and tape it to your forehead on those tough days.

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with another blow, Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."

New workshops... new ideas

2009-09-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

New workshops coming up in October. Click the image for more information and be sure to call and register before all the spaces go. I know the Faux Art has been on people's to do list.

I am squeezing in my weekly blog entry. I'm exhausted after our first ever Art Lock-in. I think it went fabulously but thats my biased opinion. 7 - 12 p.m. people "arting" and eating and laughing. I'm trying to figure out when to schedule the next one. Hopefully before Christmas so people can make all their gifts before the season.

My projects in the works are preparing art and other creative creations to sell at several vendor opportunities that have come up. The first of which is Silver Bella. I went as a customer last year and loved it. I am so excited to see what people think of The Art Mill and the creative things we have to offer.

Tuesday? Well Tuesday is "Say it in Clay" hand building workshop. 3-D letters. I'm thinking something holiday.... HoHoHo or maybe something general like CREATE. I was thinking I'd start with ART and add the CEE later. There just aren't enough hours in the day or energy in my body for all the ideas I have pictured in my head.

Until next week...

Who gets excited about a wall?

2009-09-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

I do! I had Neighbor Don build a wall for me to display more artwork. I have such an expanse of windows (great lighting) that I had no more wall space for hanging so... a free standing movable wall was built. It shows off art out the window to traffic going to other business's in the area. Plus it creates a new display area on the inside. My step-dad is building a faux fireplace to be attached to one side of it so we can go crazy with displays. I already have stockings to hang from it for Christmas. Oh the fun of being in retail.. Christmas shopping begins in June if not earlier.

Here is my beautiful wall. I just have a few more things to hang. I couldn't get a good outside picture. Too much sun and happy fluffy clouds reflecting off the windows.

Batik Bash

2009-09-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

A peek into Abstract Art Therapy night. We did batiks on unprimed canvas. It was so fun to see how each one turned out so different. Even with the same colors people were able to get such a wide range of shades from how they dipped their pieces. Everyone seemed to have a blast and asked for more.

We will be doing more of the batiks in the future. I'm thinking once a month or maybe once every two months. I need to come up with some ideas for how we can push our designs even further. Here are several examples of what people did on their squares of fabric. They look amazing framed.

Such a simple process... hot wax, paint brushes, fabric dye and raw canvas. We even used some of the batik blocks I have from India to make some cool resists. I'm hooked on this and also encaustics. Don't forget... another encaustics workshop coming up on October 24th.

Fall Wreaths

2009-09-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

The Art Mill has been buzzing with new people joining our weekly classes and pop ins. I've fallen behind on my posts but have a new resolution to keep trying for once a week. I've got a few pictures and events stored up so I will always have something to share.

A few weeks ago we had an intro to hand building pottery class. The ladies that joined me had their own take on what they wanted their wreaths to look like. We had a very festive fall maple leaf wreath adorned with acorns. Lovely. The pictures here don't do justice to the colors. I need to work on my post photos. Get a little more of my photography training to show.

It truly is amazing what people can do with their hands and some mud. The only special tool we used was high fire wire to make our stamens on our funky flowers. Our inspiration came from a great ceramics company that hand-makes so many wonderful fun things... Art Department. LOVE their things. I wish I could have them build a little version of my house. I found them on a trip to "market" where you go to find all the new and wonderful companies and items for retail.

For those of you thinking of starting a retail business, market is the most exhausting but invigorating event you could ever imagine. When we went we had two and a half days to see everything and we got through maybe half of it. Crazy. There are so many great companies out there, big and small.

Up next... mini batiks. I can't wait to see what everyone does with theirs.

Beginnings in the middle

2009-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I've been meaning to start a blog devoted to art, The Art Mill and all the creative ideas that have ever crossed my brain and need to be written and shared. My hope is that others will be inspired to create and take ideas and art lessons and turn them into something that helps them find joy in life.

Today is my birthday and I figured it would be perfect day to start a blog that is all about me, my business and my art. I of course want to share other people's ideas and art but well... today is about me!

I am so excited to create today but I am forcing myself to do some of the things I keep promising to do for the benefit of the store, The Art Mill. We teach art classes, host workshops and just love to provide inspiration and supplies to anyone who has even the smallest desire to create. I am a strong believer that EVERYONE is creative. Talent is something that you can be born with but can also be developed with patience and persistence.

The store opened March 21st and has been picking up momentum every month. I am also a big believer in putting positive thoughts out into the world (like... "an art store can succeed in a recession") and that positive things will come back to me. Plus art is a cure all for so many things so why can't it be a cure for a downer of an economy?

I don't want to overwhelm you with all the rambling I am totally capable of... so I will leave you with some pictures of the studio/boutique and some of the projects I am working on today.

This is what I'm going to be working on today. The thing at the bottom is a cuff bracelet and the board behind it is an image transfer on acrylic paint that I will be adding to and turning into a fab piece of art - well I hope.

The pottery shelf filled with creations created in the last few days. The gourds were from the Tuesday night intro to hand building class. Wait til they are glazed and I show the details...
The studio. This is behind a lovely little boutique section in the front of the store. Its hard to show how cute it is in one big picture so I have a few featured details.