new endeavors

Some people would say that I am creative. Some would even go as far as to say that I am ambious. I have never thought much about the latter until recently. You see, I have already entered in to what a lot of people would call their midlife uncertainity (but doesn't that usually wait until you hit 40?). I feel bored, restless and dissatisifed, something that I haven't been able to shake for the past few months. Until now!

I am doing it! I am going to open up my very own shop! Of course, if I am posting this on my blog for all to see, than I must have enough certainity and faith in myself that I am serious enough to act! I have gotten so far as to create a good draft of a business plan, what I think is the name of the shop and even started marketing.

What kind of shop do you ask? Well, a paper shop of course! Norwegians love to make stuff and most of what and where they can get their supplies is at the local hobby shop. There is basically one hobby chain that sells the basics in addition to a corner of scrapbooking stuff and other small bits from American vendors. I would like to say that I am NOT going in the scrapbooking direction but more the bookmaking direction. You know, accordian and starbooks, travel journals not to mention other unique handcrafted items people have never seen. Soldered charms, bracelets, tag books, all the things us mixed media artists are familiar with and have tried one time or another. I plan on not only offering fantastic handmade papers, but a select few rubberstamps and other provisions that I think just may appeal to the Norwegian market. Lots of classes will be offered as well, something never before seen here!

The best part for some of you artists is that once I get things up and going, I just may need some of you to come and teach stuff! Anyone like a trip to Norway on me? Ok, this may be a little down the road, but keep it in mind you creative souls! OH, and if anyone can come up with a fantastic name for a shop (something without the word "paper"), I would love to hear from you!

Ok, back to finish the business plan and figure out where to get some money!

on top of the world

The weather has been so fantastic that we have spent a lot of time in the great outdoors. The boys made it up "Preikestolen" (Pulpit Rock) to enjoy the view down (over 600 meters!). Notice all the people in the background that also enjoyed the 2 hour climb up. Most of them are tourists, sport the most inappropriate foot attire and close to death by the time they reach the top.
Besides hiking, entertaining the boys and try to finish up misc. projects, I have been setting together some jewelry in my "down time". Here is a little birdie piece, just newly photographed and listed on etsy. Have some other pieces done but the photographing part takes so long, that I only do this when I have an hour to spare. Stayed tuned for more...

"Bird on a Wire" now on etsy

what i've been up to

"The Pear Tree"

50 cm or 19 3/4"

mixed media on canvas

(to see detailed shots, go to the etsy listing)

After a grueling hour of spinning, I thought I would come home and relax but, work calls and the almost 4 foot commissioned piece I've got to finish isn't going to get done by itself. This thing takes a lot of my floor space, so between drying, I have worked on a few other pieces. I thought I would list one on ebay for those that like the thrill of the game, and one on etsy for those that don't like to wait.

"I Laughed Out Loud"on ebay
"It's A Wonder"on etsy

And while I have spent an hour trying to download images just to post this, thought I would end this post with some pictures from the beach this weekend. We have had such a fantastic summer this year so many of our weekends have been spent on the beach. The boys (the extra one is the boys' cousin) have been catching crabs and Noah has been enjoying the sand. I don't want summer to ever end!

Innocence

on etsy
"Innocence"

6" x 12"

mixed media collage on canvas

click here or image to see more

collaged pendants

Listed some pendants on etsy. It is so hard to get a good shot of these as the photos make the pendants look rather flat however the elements inside are layered which gives the pendants a 3 dimesional look. These pieces are silver, so they will always looks lovely with a little polish! Have a look!

jewelry on etsy

A couple of bracelets just listed ...