hello December!

Yes, we are almost to the 3rd Sunday in advent and I am finally getting time to sit down. Between my wee part time job and Xmas preparations, there isn't a lot of time to blog. I have managed to decorate the house a fair bit including a "julekrans" which I made from twigs and hung from the ceiling (see photos below). I am quite happy with the result I must say, as it is my first ever! I have some favorite ornaments - the kind that look old but aren't and liked the idea of hanging them in one place.

We also have had a yearly Xmas photo session with the boys and as you can see, this took some time...

And if that wasn't enough, we also made gingerbread cookies in the afternoon!

As far as art news, not a lot of production these days. Once I get past the holidays, clean my studio and get used to my little job, I will make time each week to get to it. Multi tasking is hard!

Next up, the tree...

happy thanksgiving

" Swallows"

4" square

currently listed on ebay

For those of you that follow my life on Facebook, you already know that I decided to get a part time job. This was mainly because I was starving for a life outside of my home. I know, i am spoiled rotten, being able to have the choice whether to work or not. I do currently have my teaching gigs as well as time to make and list art to sell, but I must admit, it was not enough for me. I am very happy where I am now.

It started like this really...

I happened to be running errands downtown when I stumbled across a sign in the window of one of my favorite stores. I came home to discuss it with Paul as well as the boys. What a positive response! No, it wasn't a "yippee, can't wait to get you out of here", but more like a "terrific, sounds fun for you!". I went back wrote down the number and called the owner. The next morning I talked to her for a couple of hours and was given the job and a schedule, starting already the next day! Wow! things are really not known to happen that fast here in Norway! Anyway, I started yesterday, loved it, and look forward to going in tomorrow! It seems to be very flexible as well as a fantastic atmosphere. Of course, the best part, is that I work only when the boys are in school/preschool and occasionally a night til 7pm. The clothes are my favorite so I figure I need to keep painting to pay for art supplies as I plan on using my pay for the clothes! See their latest collection here... http://www.noanoa.com/

I also have made some more blocks. Here is the latest one, listed on ebay.

Wishing you all a fantastic holiday! Wish I was there!

tiny leaves - finished!

Remember the tiny leaves? Here is what I came up with about 435 hours later. :) This piece ended up rather large, about 20" x 24". I posted it on my website a couple of days ago and it sold shortly after so apparently my hard work paid off.

here is a detail...

In other news and for those of you not on my facebook, it has snowed quite a bit here and added a lot of joy to our family. Always nice to see some pictures of our surroundings, so added a few here.

Have some art to share, but will do that in the next post. have a good week!

something new

I had a class a couple of weeks ago where we collaged and waxed these wooden blocks. My husband cut out some larger one for us to work on as well and voila! I have made my own equiped with some small wooden legs. I think that the general consensus on these were that they are fun to work and that it was relatively simple to obtain a satisifying result. I also thought that these little guys would be the perfect Xmas gift. hint hint.
'
And finally, some snaps from a Sunday afternoon in the park. It is always the same, the kids don't want to go out, but once they get out the door, we have a blast. As you can see, we all had fun at the playground. Have a great week!

a little to share

I know that I said that I was done working small, but these little guys continue to accumulate. I think I tend to go back to the small pieces because I feel that I can create something quickly or use them in a way that jump starts my creativity. I do have larger pieces on my etsy site but prefer to list the smaller ones on ebay. Not sure why.

Anyway, this is just a quick post as I need to get upstairs and finish painting the floor in my son's bedroom so he can move in this weekend. Will be so nice to have that done for good. Next up, the kitchen fan, then the hallway closet and then finish up the husbands TV room. Will be so nice to have things finished. Look for some before and after shots soon!

These piece are currently on ebay.

etsy listings

Having a great time teaching classes these past weeks but see that my listings are lacking. Therefore, I decided to use much of my Saturday to post some stuff, check my facebook and update the blog. Although I have been working a bit larger than usual these past weeks, I find that my favorite size is about 8" x 10". The pieces shown here are currently listed in my etsy shop. Will share some more fun stuff soon.

do it

DO IT NOW! GO VOTE BECAUSE YOU CAN!

autumn swap

I was lucky enough to be included in Sofia Barao's autumn swap which required each person to create a comfort package. Although my swap partner is a secret, I am sharing the goodies I chose for her. After reading her answers to questions, I created a package I hope she will enjoy. A little vintage (a pewter candlestick and a grey teacup), a little new (organic olive hand lotion, a pair of off white gloves) and some favorites of mine (Kusmi tea, scented candles, a book by Paulo Coelho and heart chocolates) which have all been included for her enjoyment. I am crossing my fingers that it all arrives in one piece!

All is quiet on the art front as I have been up to my ears with home remodeling and classes. I hope to start working (and finishing) some larger pieces in the next couple of weeks. Happy Halloween!.

recycling

I love it when people come up with clever ideas to recycle everyday wastes. Came across this last week in the newpaper and thought it was so cool that I had to share. We had a whole stack of these banana boxes when we moved a year ago, I wish I would of discovered this then (the boxes were recycleD tho) Heck, it looks like if you go to her site, you can even make your own. Good luck! www.annekejakobs.nl

paper leaves

Welcome Autumn! I have been so inspired by your arrival, that I decided to sit down and cut out thousands of mini leaves. These I will compile together in a larger work, as my ode to you.

The family has also welcome your arrival with open arms as we trekked up into the mountains to bask in your glory. Even though we lived quite primitively without electricity and running water, we were able to enjoy your beauty under blue skies and cool winds.

getting bigger

Still in love with this yellow car image. I rec'd a call early Thursday from a friend looking for a piece to give as a gift. No, I said, I don't have anything on hand except for a 5ft. piece that I have sort of said that hubby could have. They figured that the larger piece was a bit big and expensive for this event and asked if I could work on something half the size. So, me being that type the never says NO, did it - and got this 2' x 3' piece done in a day! Pretty impressed with myself I must say. I think that I will be using this yellow car a lot in my future!!

weekend

I have been working quite a bit on a nearly finished 5 ft. canvas that I have made for the kitchen wall. Hubby wanted something "very collage like" with bright colors. Well, he didn't get the palette he wanted but he did get a piece of his own photography - a picture of a car he took while in India. When I saw this photo, I knew that I had to use it somehow.

I used a lot of tranfers in this piece and although I have yet to perfect the technique, I like where it is going and have a bit of inspiration for some newer, larger pieces.

I have also been having a bit of fun working with some paper projects including paper flowers. I love these! I like the size and the fact that they keep their color and don't ever die. Wonderful as we start heading in to the dark months here in Norway.

And finally, the wonderful Angela Cartwright has awarded me with this fantastic Brillante award, something which I am not quite sure that I deserve, but nonetheless, will take it, thank her and pass it on.

There are so many blogs out there that I visit frequently so I will list a few more for your viewing pleasure. Check out the ones in my previous post as well!

Sarah Fishburn

Marie Otero

Sofia Barao

Kelly Snelling

Roben-Marie Smith

Have a great week!

more classes

I had so much fun in my first little collage class, that I decided to do more! Yep, there will be lots of fun stuff to share from now until Christmas including my favorite, collaging on wood. I love these little blocks that can be individually collaged and then coated with soft beeswax. I am hoping that they will really be a hit!

If you want more info. go visit the folks at Scrapshop.no for course information.

I did it!

Red Bamboo - no. 2

5 x 7"

original paper collage

available in my etsy shop

After years of contemplating, I finally did it. I decided to dive right into the world of teaching. It all happened on Monday as I was taking a walk/jog around the lake. The time was 9 am and I was thinking to myself how I didn't want to go home and do the same old thing I do everyday; clean house, grocery shop, paint, sit on the computer, etc. I needed a change. So, much to my own dismay, I shut off my inner critic, packed a bag with my new portfolio, some small collaged works, a 3D shadowboxed collage and my house from "In This House" and trucked off to the scrapbook shop. Much to my disappointment, the owner was not there and would not be returning for a couple of days.

Of course, I was somewhat relieved thinking that I could now go home and avoid any uncomfortable feelings of selling myself. However, instead of driving home, I drove to the neighboring town to a shop I had never been into before. I went in with my bag, my heart in my throat and my palms sweating. --Sheesh, that sounds so lame, but I was so nervous that I could barely speak (oh, don't forget that I have to speak Norwegian as well during my sales pitch)! -- Anyhoo, the shop was empty for all but the two owners. I sat down, took out my samples and they were sold! I couldn't believe it! Currently, collage is something somewhat new and exciting here and I am thinking that it is my chance to get the interest going! People seem quite keen to do other things other than just scrapping. To make an even longer story short, I am giving my first basic collage course on Saturday at a scrapbooking fair and then have two more classes scheduled in some weeks.

As you can imagine, I am nervous but also terribly excited! I really hope I can get these scandihoovians hooked on mixed media art!

Now, back to creating some class samples and to taking a deep breath!

(this post is dedicated to Wendy. thank you)

Red Bamboo

I mentioned a quick blurb about this is a previous post and thought I could share a picture or two from my new series of paper collaged works. "Red Bamboo" comes from the name of the handmade paper I am using in each piece. I like the way that the pieces can have completely different themes but can always be tied together. My idea with this is to force myself to create daily but also limit myself to what materials to use. Sound strange? I find it somewhat frustrating but very rewarding once something finally comes out of my madness! The above piece has been added to my etsy shoppe.

I have also been trying to post these little pieces on ebay, just to keep my name out there and my ebay account updated. I find that the same people repeatedly check my listings and purchase these little gems and I am thankful for that. I will have more later.

tag!

This interesting specimen is now on ebay. Follow the link if ya want a better look. :)

Also, the lovely Lisa Wharton from Urban Bird has most generously tagged me and knowing how much I love to spill my most intimate secrets, I was eager to play along.

I am sure that the folks that read my blog would love to hear some 6 or so unspectacular quirks of mine, so here it goes...

1. I carry a large purse but have nothing but garbage in it. Literally! My wallet followed by misc. gum wrappers, receipts and flyers.

2. Almost every article of clothing (including my expensive Odd Molly faves) has paint or medium on it. I just bought a new apron from Daniel Smith but am secretly thinking that I might pawn it off on a friend as I will never take the time to get it on.

3. I can't stand a lot of noise in the form of talking, playing or laughter. This is fairly odd being that I have 3 boys under the age of 12. However, music can NEVER be loud enough. go figure.

4. Can't stand snotty noses. Seems obvious but you would be surprised by how many kids/ people you seen with dried snot on their faces. ewwww.
5. I don't watch a lot of TV (only a couple of shows) and rarely can sit through an entire movie whether at home or the theater. I get bored.

6. I LOVE to snuggle and drink red wine. I could do this everyday, all day. Not sure with anyone, but at least my immediate family.

Now, to tag some folks I am certain will give some interesting facts about themselves.

Wendy Lee Lynds - you know you want to! Really, you do!

Claudia Roulier - your answers better be as interesting as your art!

Jennifer BLack - because I always tag you and love your witty remarks!

Bridgette Guerzon Mills - because we never can know enough!

Denise Lombardozzi - we know we will get something good!

Corey Moortgat- please inspire us with your talent!

Now, here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you

2. Mention the rules on your blog

3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours

4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them

5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

in the studio...

I have spent almost 3 days working on a small portfolio made specifically to hand out to potential clients. My idea was to make these as economical as possible but with a personal touch, therefore, I have decided to handbind them. They are small, just about 4 x 6" but I like the format and feel like it presents my work well. I am going out tomorrow to start delivering. Nervous? Yes! But, I have to be grown up about this! I am ready and have to spend the rest of my day convincing myself of that.

After being away from my tiny studio for the past months, I was ready to finish up pieces I have had laying around. I have now told myself that I will not start a new canvas until all (or most of them, there are a lot!) are finished. I did get a larger piece (above) finished as well as some little guys. I like to do these little 4" canvases as they are quick to do and I am able to utilize my scrap. Plan on listing some things both on ebay and etsy tonight. Follow the links below if yer interested.

I am finished with the "H" gocco cards and will add them to etsy shortly.

To see other works for sale you can go to ebay or etsy.

-- A is for Arrow

Yep, more cards. And you better believe there will be more where this came from! Actually, I have "P", "T", "G" and "K" done. You will see these shortly. Also have some fun cards in the works promise to share some with you soon. Have a happy week.

hot off the press

Been working hard the past week designing a new logo and gocco cards. Starting with the letter "E" (no, not because it is MY initial but because I liked the design the best.), I will try and list a new letter daily. I also have a series of small original paper collages entitled "Red Bamboo", which will also be listed daily until I run out of paper (or inspiration). These I plan to offer sometime next week.

Worked 9 hours today, who hoo! Think I will let my gocco machine rest tomorrow. :)

click here to go to my etsy

vacation from vacation

Yes, we are home. After 7 weeks in the states, a wedding the first weekend back as well as a couple of weeks of visitors, we have decided to take yet another break. I am slowly trying to get back into the swing of things by updating my site, blog and other places as well as get cracking on some new and exciting pieces. Having had the summer to regroup I am now semi-rejuvinated and inspired, something which I needed! I have decided to lay low for the rest of the week and play catch up, but then it is back to a strict schedule something which I intend to follow!

(picture above: Jonah and I at day 2 of wedding celebration)