Funky Art Queen

I finally finished a tote bag much like my last blog entry on the magazine handbag. This one was created for my new friend at work; Marissa. I took several of her personal/family photos and I either scanned them or used the originals to create this funky tote. This project is just another idea that sprang from the magazine purse. This one was a little more difficult for some reason. I really wanted to use vinyl instead of contact paper to make it stronger. However, my sewing machine did not like the vinyl and I could not get it (the sewing machine) to sew this stuff. So, since I wanted so much to make this purse and since I am so impatient...I just used the contact paper. Well, I spent hours (probably not really hours but it felt like it) trying to get the tension on the sewing machine to sew the seams on this purse properly. Anyway...long story short...I finally got it done. I don't know if I am going to make any more of these unless I get obsessed enough to figure out how to get ...

I was inspired by a purse I saw at A Little Bizarre Shop in Midland, Texas. The lady that owns that place created a beautiful little purse out of newpaper and contact paper. So that started me on a mission for the weekend. Of course, I had to do some research, and I found a few places on the internet that were helpful. In particular, this site had really good instructions: http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/SimplyMJ/articles/column46.asp with pictures that I could understand. This is my little first try at this purse. My critique is a little harsh, but, it helps me see where I can improve next time. After reading several other blogs and internet sites about this particular type of purse, I have decided next time, I will use vinyl instead of contact paper (which I happened to have on hand). I think it would be heavier and better protect and strengthen the newspaper that is so thin. After all the bending and sewing and work I did on this piece, it appears wrinkled to me. So, maybe the vinyl wi...

I tried my first attempt at "encaustic" art. I actually used Claudine Hellmuth's bees wax collage technique found in her Collage Discovery Workshop book. http://www.collageartist.com/book.htm I find her books so helpful when trying new techniques. Every step of the way there is a picture and instructions. Anyway, back to wax collage... I have been thinking about this for some time. I finally purchased a big block of bees wax at Michaels the day before yesterday. I could not wait to get started. I decided to do my first project on an inexpensive small canvas. I melted my beeswax in my little melting pot that has a temp control on it. You have to keep the wax under 200 degrees . It has a very high flash risk at higher temps. Follow all of her suggestions on this safety precaution. She suggests getting a small slow cooker. I am currently looking for one of those. I loved brushing on the melted bees wax. It smells wonderful. It is so smooth and pretty. It does dry fast but I ...

Isn't it funny how we get in these little moods to create certain things? Lately, I find myself wanting to create art-like boxes. I have always loved boxes. I like wooden boxes especially. They are, to me, little places to hide our little treasures. Our love notes, best friend letters/notes, and many other secret little treasures. Every time I am fortunate enough to find an old little box at a garage sale or some other place, I have to search it all over for any possible hidden treasures. I know there might be something behind the fabric lining...I used to hide my own little secret treasures under the pink, satin, fabric lining of my little musical ballerinna box. That is where my little secrets were. I did not know that many girls found there little sacred hiding places in that same location. I figured that out when I watched Silence of the Lambs! Ohhh! Scarry! ANYWAYS...... This box was created by me in response to inspiration from my sweet friend Renea Hipp. She made the most be...