tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85918782753431559912024-03-12T16:04:21.518-07:00Recycle and Create!Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-83036284049943132202013-11-22T18:59:00.001-08:002013-11-22T18:59:56.722-08:00Do you ever wonder if you're meant to create just for the sake of creating things. Call it passion, obsession, or whatever, but it's an overwhelming urge to just create something out of nothing. You know ... that pile that most people see as junk, but, for whatever reason, you brain sees a project in every item. Every item. Your brain sees things for what they can be, not what they are. You're compelled to create something where nothing exists. And you will!!! There are times I question whether or not I'm a hoarder. But I protest that fact. After all, my 'crap' is organized and labelled - in an OCD way - So it's different, right??? Yes! It's okay. That's what I'm telling myself... for now. Meanwhile, I'm off to create more stuff... or reorganize AGAIN!!!!!<br />
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<br />Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-83254932686899763142013-06-06T10:01:00.001-07:002013-06-06T10:27:23.601-07:00Gifting ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowela insisted she get a photo of me with the Garden Fairy before she left my guardianship. Knowing how few photos I take, it's probably the only one I have of her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the time approaches for me to move into a new home, after 10 yrs. in the same space, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am gifting some of my Secret Keepers to my friends. This little Garden Fairy is the smallest of my Secret Keepers - approximately 6" tall. This one is made of recycled faux flowers, seed beads, ribbons and other things from 'other people's junk' piles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secret keepers have hidden, recycled, storage jars built within the doll. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This doll has a 1 oz. jam jar under her skirt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's just big enough for a ring, camera card or some tightly folded mad money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This insistent fairy kept telling me she had to live with my new friend Lowela. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luey, as we call her, was super happy to receive the fairy ... yay! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love giving gifts for absolutely no reason! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's so much fun!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's even more fun when the recipient truly appreciates the gift and will be a fine guardian to one of my 'babies.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although the act of downsizing is not my favorite thing to do, I'm making progress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm excited about what new things will come into my life as I release things from the past. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm keeping my mind and heart open to what is meant to be, and trying to learn to accept life as it is... whatever it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The deepest part of me hopes that my new life will include advancing my art. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Advancing could mean opening a business and selling my art, sharing my skills and love of repurposing with others, or allowing more opportunities to gift as I meet more friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">During this life transformation of mine, I'm making a personal transformation, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't know exactly what is happening but I'm opening up more to people, the universe and learning to be more accepting of other - wherever they are in life - I'm kinder, and more loving to those I pass in every day life. Yes, I'm learning to be more loving to myself as well. I'm making the most amazing friends from the most unlikely of places. Each of them has their own experiences, and circumstances, to make them unique. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm blessed. </span></div>
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<br />Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-4965921162072785362012-04-22T13:02:00.003-07:002012-04-22T13:47:24.178-07:00Butt space and storage<div><div><div><div>Yep, this project was about butt space and storage. We needed a little more seating in the livingroom given we only had 2 recliners and a loveseat before this project began. When my dog, Jada, is on the loveseat most of the time there isn't anywhere for company to seat when they come over. The storage need comes from the same place it always comes from: Jim's ever-expanding, excessive collection of media. He's in training to learn the concept of one item in means one item out. I'm ever-hopeful he'll get the concept one day, just because I'm an eternal optimist! But when I keep it real, I'm pretty sure I'll have to keep creating multipurpose pieces like this one. </div><div> </div><div>I started with a solid wood, structurally sound, ugly, low-boy dresser with 6 drawers. I cleaned the whole thing with a mild bleach solution and let it dry thoroughly. I used a Shellac based primer on the dresser simply because the finish was a bit glossy and it allowed me skirt an excessive sanding session (I hate to sand!). Then I painted it with Home Depot's Linen White semi-gloss so that it will match the trim in the room. Jim helped by cutting the foam for me. The foam was cut from a 4" mattress I bought, for $5, long ago - knowing it would come in handy one day! The cut was made with an electric carving knife, as I have seen that technique on home decor shows. It took forever, which is why Jim did it (I don't have the patience!) and it worked very well! Here is the project so far. The fabric on top is among my choices for a cover, however, I might turn the stripes the other way by sewing sections together. I haven't decided if I'll use this or not as it's my curtain fabric and I don't want to overwhelm the room with too much of the same print. I plan to simply fold the fabric under the cushion and pin, or use a few stitches, on the bottom to hold the fabric in place. That way I can take it off for cleaning or switch it out for another fabric if I change the room's decor - knowing me I will change it within 6 months to a year. I might also create a back for it, or repurpose a headboard (or something) for a back rest. Who knows!</div><div> </div><div>I'm off to create... something!</div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734325368216113266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE7R5PIW5IIg9p8uxIcnsSa6atgaUPojl2XW3TmiK6W6ESvMYqQvVCXRQFQxKNovFQIhUvDAdSADL-d2r3A9hvbDxggxwioq0jzaLjITvaGlQ8126-HHVOc0zli9TbGGm6cnnzIGhAYuj/s200/Livingroom++Ugly+Dresser.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734325379358634610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2kx2vkBZ7cAEjAt9IrGWGniW1-Y3ostszVkhoygWvwh6gWTrGNOmxP8NlCoB3QtXAAIXngZMpKIXKvpfpQly8G-sc9hW_0-p8YF_BZu9IAdCLd8b3wWSjuQsuHrPIlVk5d3VOHf24-ww/s200/Livingroom+Huge+chunk+of+foam.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734325390695639106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxdq9cmNBXc6e3P5zMSKJug_pLs6nrXqaRFMj0ePa1w69kfX5EgKTrX0W6B-jVHublD_LYJ6ciBkWrfDv9w1JNZt9enRI5OebqSKx90I34cN6Z4PJ6kFQPhpgA_5pCTG2XgEetP1tldMv/s200/Livingroom+Dresser+with+foam+cut.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734325399007289106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM5SYSmVFKYqJe993PVQ024uzfIrRbBHtm-RYlmgCM17BBWWL5hORiQDQNYgpOn6oO0u2tj7xC0kn33kLBqeRpNil2fJRZkFGA9szaFviIRpuGgC1qIRukVZBOVKRgZufnnF8Fs-ZDwwa/s200/Livingroom+Dresser+bench+with+fabric+option+one+to+match+curtains.JPG" /></div></div></div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-83606200856932107282012-03-11T10:26:00.002-07:002012-03-11T11:13:04.527-07:00Closet shelving becomes...I was replacing old wooden closet shelves with the coated wire ones in order to get better ventilation in the closet. With a house built in 1954, when insulation in ciderblock homes was not required, this old Florida block house has moisture issues. Although I use a dehumidifier most of the year, the closets are better with a little more air flow than wooden shelves allowed. Once I took the wood out, it looks to be in pretty good condition aside from some flaking paint. You know what that means, don't you? Of course you know! I had to reuse it somehow.<br /><br />Having recently built lots of cubbies for my desk (an earlier blog has photos and info.) and having a few cubbies left over my mind was spinning! First, I thought I would just make a vertical shelf. However, knowing I had fabric and foam waiting to be used up - bam!- a bench.<br />I used a putty knife to get a lot of the flaking paint off the shelves (it was flaking because latex was used over an oil based paint = guaranteed to flake!). And being as lazy, and opposed to extensive sanding, as I am I opted for a shellac based primer. That stuff sticks to almost anything unlike the water based primers. After priming the shelves, I popped in a few cubbies, equally spaced, and screwed it all together with wood screws (The wood you see behind it in the photo isn't a back to the bench. It's just propped up behind it to hide the 50+ projects in various stages of undone). Then I primed the whole thing with a based primer and painted it. Next, I cut a piece of foam to fit, used batting over the foam to soften the front edge and stapled it in place. Finally, I put the fabric on top and stapled it down. Tada a bench!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rIwpZDKkClR1DRmuzbqSCxwv9XbUNfymVuzOMiNVC_Y4BwbNLNxPEKUQ4UgiJohNk5TvwhX976t7DvRA0dWnob_bXZ0v4yBd5VOA726YbVG80Q2-I0UObhyPB_DnWR1hrvS5wKHi2yhc/s1600/Office+redo+015.JPG"><img style="width: 150px; height: 200px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718697853933902706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rIwpZDKkClR1DRmuzbqSCxwv9XbUNfymVuzOMiNVC_Y4BwbNLNxPEKUQ4UgiJohNk5TvwhX976t7DvRA0dWnob_bXZ0v4yBd5VOA726YbVG80Q2-I0UObhyPB_DnWR1hrvS5wKHi2yhc/s200/Office+redo+015.JPG" /></a><br />Peeling closet shelves<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wOEuVu6rG2EgMmln5qWGeh9iZtaQceovkx7L_OX53iwjmNI3Mxe06dpUcCZ7zgGTQ7kWpjgV_KXCkBJleroOXSGk4tdyvJKC9gvd0Sou4NQxiVLvKWauqKiNX6LrYpGX_fyNd1e7oUIa/s1600/Closet+shelving+being+turned+into+a+bench.JPG"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718697847984224594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wOEuVu6rG2EgMmln5qWGeh9iZtaQceovkx7L_OX53iwjmNI3Mxe06dpUcCZ7zgGTQ7kWpjgV_KXCkBJleroOXSGk4tdyvJKC9gvd0Sou4NQxiVLvKWauqKiNX6LrYpGX_fyNd1e7oUIa/s200/Closet+shelving+being+turned+into+a+bench.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Assembled pre-primer and paint<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRTxsjlyp447OO0RDwDktgR9UMv2SMRVOBsTEJj9FmgUyitVwGyznBCcPnVw6uAm9buZCVYrWrLCxSK5W2dddqglUEtaLwUQPPwuSuGcoME-I4rtkDmZ5bKPPEMc-F5Vfod-Vx9UqQrPG/s1600/Closet+shelves+turned+bench.JPG"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718697857643498578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRTxsjlyp447OO0RDwDktgR9UMv2SMRVOBsTEJj9FmgUyitVwGyznBCcPnVw6uAm9buZCVYrWrLCxSK5W2dddqglUEtaLwUQPPwuSuGcoME-I4rtkDmZ5bKPPEMc-F5Vfod-Vx9UqQrPG/s200/Closet+shelves+turned+bench.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here it is all done. It's 52" long and fairly narrow at 14" deep. It's the perfect size of little bottomed visitors, putting on shoes and leashing the dog. I thought it would be nice to put all the Disney and child friendly videos in it for easy selection if we get little visitors <crossing fingers="" my="">. I have the option of adding some velcro and a piece of fabric if I want to put a curtain on it at a later date.<br /><br />That's my latest - okay one of them - conversion of recycled materials. I hope you've enjoy today's project.<br /><br />I'm off to create... somthing!<br /><br /><br /></crossing>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-38830124690750425822012-03-10T15:22:00.007-08:002012-03-11T07:47:16.007-07:00Carrousels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO3WZiRBrjXOKR8RpCzot0hCgnqA-nVeLYlbvBgroRt9N5i0P7847eU0CxvBWS1rgKLrNcnDsVWgv3MtbBdlCrmo-Y7RjWqUqtC_Du41CWGEjpigDBrpIX7zfzfuqbs7hxdhg5SFY38c9/s1600/Carrousel+pillow+shams+mid+way.JPG"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718416393276210578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO3WZiRBrjXOKR8RpCzot0hCgnqA-nVeLYlbvBgroRt9N5i0P7847eU0CxvBWS1rgKLrNcnDsVWgv3MtbBdlCrmo-Y7RjWqUqtC_Du41CWGEjpigDBrpIX7zfzfuqbs7hxdhg5SFY38c9/s200/Carrousel+pillow+shams+mid+way.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p_QMuwBdc2hSgu9j_tVl-bvqC0yBTDryUrD3XQpvsLjXglpljw4pkceCc_H5genQTyRilrGeG3kC1kxkngWAAsw_01T-mcxyCrXwW8RTx1nEf4Yaibx_mcZOmn-WtkLMxMLGTMP2S69k/s1600/sewing+carrousel+pillow+shams.JPG"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718416024534862002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p_QMuwBdc2hSgu9j_tVl-bvqC0yBTDryUrD3XQpvsLjXglpljw4pkceCc_H5genQTyRilrGeG3kC1kxkngWAAsw_01T-mcxyCrXwW8RTx1nEf4Yaibx_mcZOmn-WtkLMxMLGTMP2S69k/s200/sewing+carrousel+pillow+shams.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Carrousels? You ask. Yep, Carrousels. Many years ago someone got me a carrousel as a gift. Apparently, I was quite expressive about how much I liked it at the time because from that day forth it was determined that I would get lots and lots of carrousels as gifts. I don't think I've bought more than two carrousel related items in my collection of 30+ music boxes, statues, stained glass and pictures. The two things I bought were these prints which I framed over 10 yrs. ago. I've often thought of getting rid of my whole collection as it seems somewhat childish for someone in her mid 40s to have this collection. However, they've come to mean somethiing to me over the years. That something is that they represent life. How? Life is full of ups and downs every single day and the carrousels remind me that when life is in a full blown downward spiral and thing aren't going well at all that - in time - life will move back upward and all will be right in my world. Yep, that's why I keep them.<br /></div><div>Over time these two pieces of fabric have gotten a bit sun bleached on the sides and the frames were too worn out to keep. I still really like the print so I took them out of the frames and cut off the border that was around them. I bought some blue cotton fabric for 25 cents at my local thrift store and a new shams started to be born. Initially, I was going to make pillows but I decided to make shams so that I could purchase pillow forms. That way as the pillows got yucky (that's a technical term), I can dispose of them and simply wash the shams. The plan is: once I get the print sewn onto the blue fabric, I'll put some lace or other trim around the image to clean up my cut lines. So far so good... </div><div> </div><div>Thanks for stopping by!</div><div> </div><div>I'm off to create ... something.</div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-13673972741096945242012-02-07T10:06:00.000-08:002012-02-07T11:12:00.752-08:00Fabric and wood... lessons are good.First, there's a little bit of an update. Do you recall the dog bed I made and posted on the last blog entry? Well, it turns out my dog, Jada, hates it! Yep, the fabric I used makes a funny noise and startles her when she starts to get onto the bed. So... I'll be chalking this up to yet another learning experience. It's all about learning, for me.<br /><br />Onto other things. Last week I tried my hand at fabric painting for the first time. I tried fabric paints initially but realized I do not like them. They are too clumpy for my taste and it's hard to get the paint to flow smoothly. I quickly moved onto acrylic paints mixed with fabric medium. Here are my first projects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn53ZZM_fHWcJX7h5gz7foZtuuHbh3PxgLhru6K8CxR-k20fS0NWBS9IRgAglg97Ad5-4AJHm5di2PAiuzuLiluwwcw1z-feGqC64OHC13HDbu4f18QU740coRwHHPXPccvKiQlJpO22JR/s1600/Painting+T+shirts+002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706460091211817858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn53ZZM_fHWcJX7h5gz7foZtuuHbh3PxgLhru6K8CxR-k20fS0NWBS9IRgAglg97Ad5-4AJHm5di2PAiuzuLiluwwcw1z-feGqC64OHC13HDbu4f18QU740coRwHHPXPccvKiQlJpO22JR/s200/Painting+T+shirts+002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz91zyy7WLA2p6-J3aJQOq4uUFNnybZ2S_idCAgQVjOtRHQGcT4N1rpNUe-VMRzEVVOiKgkmnOSnA_kLHyrjW8APdt2CfTgXw22fd9lmfOKL3TGkUt5-jW0ANQM5sU93-srh4sCR7wGOCv/s1600/Painting+T+shirts+005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706460124712334658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz91zyy7WLA2p6-J3aJQOq4uUFNnybZ2S_idCAgQVjOtRHQGcT4N1rpNUe-VMRzEVVOiKgkmnOSnA_kLHyrjW8APdt2CfTgXw22fd9lmfOKL3TGkUt5-jW0ANQM5sU93-srh4sCR7wGOCv/s200/Painting+T+shirts+005.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCAOmIkCP0RINUIxCov7PVBayiIQsMjWHI64svF8mVAWw10nUvocjLWse0S8316RuDSgKlo-zwgI1QgV0A3nwhhoyfxi7jYHS3RddioLfHf2r2yCxB9hK43caLehiv0p_O7lkCqrMrGzE/s1600/Painting+T+shirts+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706460089486275650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCAOmIkCP0RINUIxCov7PVBayiIQsMjWHI64svF8mVAWw10nUvocjLWse0S8316RuDSgKlo-zwgI1QgV0A3nwhhoyfxi7jYHS3RddioLfHf2r2yCxB9hK43caLehiv0p_O7lkCqrMrGzE/s200/Painting+T+shirts+001.JPG" /></a><br />The good news is that I was pretty happy with them overall.<br /><br />The bad news? I ruined the Is It Shabbat Yet shirt! I was super angry with myself for ruining it!!! I washed the tshirt after a few days of letting the paint cure, and it looked great. However, when I put it in the dryer, the black paint smudged EVERYWHERE!!! As it turns out, I should have read the directions more thoroughly, as my Plaid brand textile medium required heat setting prior to washing and the label stated 'air dry only'. Another lesson learned! Read, woman, read!<br /><br />I looked online for fabric painting pointers after my project was ruined and *several* blogs/sites advise one to cure the paint for up to 4 days, then heat set (it appears the iron is the easiest way to do it but there are other options) and let it cure again for up to 2 weeks. That seems like a really long time for an impatient gal like me, but considering how long it takes to paint the shirts it'll be time well spent. So I'll be heat setting the other two shirts, then resting them 2 weeks before I wash them. Wish me luck!<br /><br />Want some extra cool tips1)<br />1) I used a Henna tattoo bottle filled with acrylic and fabric medium and it worked super well for making thin lines for letters and on the designs.<br />2) My designs started as very very loose sketches put onto the shirts with a Singer disappearing ink marker. I must admit I was a bit disappointed in how quickly the disappearing ink disappeared on the shirt and that it only gave me 3 shirts worth of designs before it died. The label stated it would last for up to 72 hrs. but it didn't last an hour at times. I'll be looking for another brand/type of pencil or marker to put my designs onto a shirt.<br /><br />Next, some other projects I've been working on...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW-fjhk_WhdGkTrVvMS3SPR6XrVoYyewDl66ugbfLxmoW9mTNBqktPvkWXYqQ6tvd4izDIZde_DbreFWqB_v46Av4Y9fo_e2FsNRFfK1bF8wnQTX_3oV7XD3a5vKiGbZtnqls6FkyDSnB/s1600/100_2098.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706458380913704130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW-fjhk_WhdGkTrVvMS3SPR6XrVoYyewDl66ugbfLxmoW9mTNBqktPvkWXYqQ6tvd4izDIZde_DbreFWqB_v46Av4Y9fo_e2FsNRFfK1bF8wnQTX_3oV7XD3a5vKiGbZtnqls6FkyDSnB/s200/100_2098.JPG" /></a><br />Here are some display shelves (for my sculpted and fabric dolls) I'm building with the wood I bought off Craiglist (CL). They are in need of a good sanding, primer and will be getting white paint to match the furniture in my office.<br /><br />Yep, here's the desk I built from more of the CL wood I got from the scraps at the cabinet shop. It's unreal that I'm building all these things with $20 worth of wood. Cheap = Fabulous in my world!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNRS2LkmoJm-lueXR5YmI75xLJIt7SqT1guDjdm-4rRe-lT8e3z7E2ajTvVRnAa88dV9lfx9cMFfSHJuhEBiOMkNej0vyuaK73izynBhAtpGKjOkIfnn5QGyHmlsfku9AUOQkR_TIrKYx/s1600/100_2047.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706458365014083906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNRS2LkmoJm-lueXR5YmI75xLJIt7SqT1guDjdm-4rRe-lT8e3z7E2ajTvVRnAa88dV9lfx9cMFfSHJuhEBiOMkNej0vyuaK73izynBhAtpGKjOkIfnn5QGyHmlsfku9AUOQkR_TIrKYx/s200/100_2047.JPG" /></a><br />Final piece all loaded up and ready for me to get to work. The blue boxes used to be another color and design but I used household primer and painted them blue to work better in my space. My office space primarily sage green, medium blue, soft/medium pink and white. Too bad the appliances are such an ugly black/gray... oh well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvan4oNhjq7b2tAgPX5AJ9P8jCCdmX_nUil_Uycw3D3rm7fAh-dq1UINUq3lGXTsjN_z3Eirt7NJVoaxN_CWHAGRESDRBQQRq7GdDhRFSy9bkrTU4_8qUA9ut8OYYCraMf2Xi8X1qclfCA/s1600/100_2039.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706458362290222050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvan4oNhjq7b2tAgPX5AJ9P8jCCdmX_nUil_Uycw3D3rm7fAh-dq1UINUq3lGXTsjN_z3Eirt7NJVoaxN_CWHAGRESDRBQQRq7GdDhRFSy9bkrTU4_8qUA9ut8OYYCraMf2Xi8X1qclfCA/s200/100_2039.JPG" /></a><br />Check out the secret cubbies in the back. They are perfect for seldom used programs I just can't get rid of yet.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFkQS8LEN6Xzd6wBxSpu3C4fx5sbThdgDC8sW4PdziJt12SJKaa7kJ5UiwxiiNW-tkcFgNzhnPwuO_KPdK6Gd7RP8sd5VrIy4F4LYAaLyFZLAJ2NWNTx53QR2GlYJRSOqe8mo1bXDC3ua/s1600/100_2038.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706458327475831730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFkQS8LEN6Xzd6wBxSpu3C4fx5sbThdgDC8sW4PdziJt12SJKaa7kJ5UiwxiiNW-tkcFgNzhnPwuO_KPdK6Gd7RP8sd5VrIy4F4LYAaLyFZLAJ2NWNTx53QR2GlYJRSOqe8mo1bXDC3ua/s200/100_2038.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>This is the first desk I have ever built. I built it as I went along. No, I really didn't have a master plan. I just started building cubbies in the beginning; I actually thought I was going to make them as display shelves or for media in the livingroom. Then I realized those cubbies would make me a big girl desk on a budget. I had been looking for a desk I like, and that was in my budget, for months with no luck. My previous desk with a kid's desk I bought at auction for $3 but it just wasn't working for me. Suddenly, the plan came together to use the cubbies and scrap wood that had been in the garage for months. Magic! The best part? If I ever move, it's highly portable. Yep, I never screwed it all together so the shelves between the cubbies are not attached. The table top is not attached either, so it's totally portable but super stable and strong, too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYxFql4Se9gI3cAhGPf4OrNBE8VsCMyYU9KYBpgb5R-Q6cBCQc2XBa-fvzyU5BOMuFUlyrQYFeieCudKvCiSuKfYT-L_hM-sSN4xJX07ah3eBV-2Vutsv4W7qDupRqcaoiB0LmLrcNwmW/s1600/100_2027.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706458319792667762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYxFql4Se9gI3cAhGPf4OrNBE8VsCMyYU9KYBpgb5R-Q6cBCQc2XBa-fvzyU5BOMuFUlyrQYFeieCudKvCiSuKfYT-L_hM-sSN4xJX07ah3eBV-2Vutsv4W7qDupRqcaoiB0LmLrcNwmW/s200/100_2027.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>These are the cabinet shop scraps I started with before sanding them, adding wood glue, using countersink bits, and wood screws.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm off to create... something.<br /></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-18093566600798099352012-01-13T20:11:00.000-08:002012-01-13T20:52:43.903-08:00Using up scrap wood and other stuff - A Dog's Dream Bed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDNPVJ9_dUmedgqIl6YX0g2REbdvAvzxp9Sz7Mqol5tuPWefZrWgI0GmEZu4mB53Rx83gWQKqQTcv5UYua1abpXipNrOnqc5mvo4oDchdKG6IU_hs-Ks7iyknvTuGOfIzjndWnfcpoeCh/s1600/Office+Jada%2527s+new+bed+mid+way.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697340387767330994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDNPVJ9_dUmedgqIl6YX0g2REbdvAvzxp9Sz7Mqol5tuPWefZrWgI0GmEZu4mB53Rx83gWQKqQTcv5UYua1abpXipNrOnqc5mvo4oDchdKG6IU_hs-Ks7iyknvTuGOfIzjndWnfcpoeCh/s200/Office+Jada%2527s+new+bed+mid+way.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Today's project is a dog bed for Jada, my Dalmi.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1-3iwIfJB3yHPSbhjM5HTSNLLQ5L0NnTwAfMGMXmhiO-bSiTVnRPl3i5YTs9fg0FiO1mCmfs7j7Y2ET1SkjQQlW8FvQ6-mYPyJ_Ftg1iL8V12E3tkwflC_rj2xCZGeke-ILcWoBunBeI/s1600/Wrapping+Jada%2527s+new+bed.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697340378330588930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1-3iwIfJB3yHPSbhjM5HTSNLLQ5L0NnTwAfMGMXmhiO-bSiTVnRPl3i5YTs9fg0FiO1mCmfs7j7Y2ET1SkjQQlW8FvQ6-mYPyJ_Ftg1iL8V12E3tkwflC_rj2xCZGeke-ILcWoBunBeI/s200/Wrapping+Jada%2527s+new+bed.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Exterior fabric I bought long ago expecting to use it all on patio chairs. I had some left over so it was perfect for this project. The foam I used was a 2" foam mattress I cut down. Then I wrapped batting around the wood edges for extra cushion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdzM0WPEjbW6lM6GJtLquJ5Bf-m12ndqE2OTlaFsvuacgnPc3UrQP4vB6Fs9OYh2x2uI-uUCPkwfepVPa0JARWs1FHZN1OZrqaW97RkHjJSiHgleY6sv1aI9Sqv39E23aWviAA37otEto/s1600/Mystery+Project+2.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697340376041039186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdzM0WPEjbW6lM6GJtLquJ5Bf-m12ndqE2OTlaFsvuacgnPc3UrQP4vB6Fs9OYh2x2uI-uUCPkwfepVPa0JARWs1FHZN1OZrqaW97RkHjJSiHgleY6sv1aI9Sqv39E23aWviAA37otEto/s200/Mystery+Project+2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I bought these legs for $2 (along with about 12 more legs) at auction a few years ago. They are expandable/contractable for differing heights. As Jada gets older (she's around 6 yrs. old now but has a bad hip already) and her mobility decreases, I can lower the bed for her. It's at 17" now and is 48" from the corner to each end.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_nHfd39dGdKp7BCGg8chSvACB6zjqx_s6r972MoM7mS1Ob4Q9NMPIvAaaFlBLt4v5pljNBs68ogWdR99le2A_HVR93-lmyeeyq7w1L5eHp7F-N7zK8ghyfUNGIWz1vg8W5Emc4XGjfSB/s1600/Mystery+Project+Pic+1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697340362599728706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_nHfd39dGdKp7BCGg8chSvACB6zjqx_s6r972MoM7mS1Ob4Q9NMPIvAaaFlBLt4v5pljNBs68ogWdR99le2A_HVR93-lmyeeyq7w1L5eHp7F-N7zK8ghyfUNGIWz1vg8W5Emc4XGjfSB/s200/Mystery+Project+Pic+1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Scrap wood for supports<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmwMviasaSlGbkZ-CrHvRtI5VdJRwXeH7ADswKRd6AdCrSthrJnnMOfF10dp9bho0tBRoIk0he-CO3TZB43eaG9NBc75F8ZkbG9Wn386bmbMqMwHp28_7_UK1PGLl2SsloT_Em5xGiwM/s1600/Leftover+Roofing+Wood.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697340358038822178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmwMviasaSlGbkZ-CrHvRtI5VdJRwXeH7ADswKRd6AdCrSthrJnnMOfF10dp9bho0tBRoIk0he-CO3TZB43eaG9NBc75F8ZkbG9Wn386bmbMqMwHp28_7_UK1PGLl2SsloT_Em5xGiwM/s200/Leftover+Roofing+Wood.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>Leftovers from the roofing contractors - I'm not ashamed to say I pulled it out of the dumpster after they left for the day. Hey, it's good wood and wood is expensive. I knew I'd use it one day, I just didn't know what I'd use it for... until now.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The blog text should come first to lead you into an exciting project but this program won't allow me to move the photos around tonight, so I'm doing things in reverse. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know it's been some time since I've blogged. That's because I've been dealing with fallen tree damage. The insurance company is still fighting us on the 2nd claim we were forced to file. Ugh. Hopefully it will be resolved soon; it's been since October 9, 2011!<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>However, I've managed to get some things moved around enough to get back to work, or play - it's all the same in my world. My goal for the week has been to use up a ton of scrap wood I have had in the garage for some time. I got most of the wood for free or at a very low cost, like $20 total for all of the cabinet grade wood used on my desk. It was my first big build ever (photos and info will be posted later given it's not completely painted yet) and I am super proud of myself for doing it all by myself! I admit I lucked out given all the pieces were already cut to the same size as they were a cabinet manufacturer's 'waste'. </div><br /><br /><div>Today I started another project. It still needs to be primed, painted and get some more fabric added to it but Jada's dog bed is nearly done. Yay me! The green padded cushion lifts off for storage underneathe it. I haven't decided if I want to put a wood faceplate on the front of it or create a dust ruffle like curtain to make it more feminine looking. I also plan to prime and paint it so it won't be bare wood. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What do you think of it so far?</div></div></div></div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-5935202108279657092011-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:002011-10-22T14:29:30.519-07:00Out of commission - again! And a giveaway!!! Read on..<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Hi all, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I've been out of commission since October 9th when *another* of the neighbor's trees hit our property (strange given we all trimmed before 'cane season). This time is was lightening that hit the upper part of the tree, instead of interior decay like the last tree. The decayed tree that hit the house in 2008 required a complete demo of the back of the house and a full rebuild. After a year of fighting with the insurance company, finding a contractor and the build itself, we ended up with a much nicer addition. This tree took out my shed, planting table, and yanked the phone and electrical lines off the house - initially. After the electrician replaced my weather head and repaired their end of things, FPL hooked us up. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Well... that's when things went from mild damage to YIKES! A flash fire started behind the electrical panel, ripped across the water heater wires, started to ignite the garage ceiling. I was in the garage with FPL guy! Let me tell you there is NO feeling - in the world - like watching your house start to catch fire!!! By the grace of god, the fire put itself out at the edge of the ceiling insulation. God is the only one that could have stopped it so quickly. There is a *suspicion* that what caused the fire is that FPL's meter box was full of rain water when the guy put it on the outside of the house, but we can't confirm that. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">So... we were out of power for 6 days, and without phone or internet for 11 days. The estimated 30,000 volts of power that went through the house (a surge so strong the built-in breaker shut offs never engaged) killed my 2 yr. old washer, fried my fish tank pump, impaired a few cycles on the 2 yr. old dryer, and my electrician is suggesting the insurance company get us a new water heater given we can't assess what interior damage may be present from the surge. We are still in clean up mode with the tree/debris/charred ceiling - mess. And the fight with the insurance company has just began (please say a few prayers that the claim is settled much sooner than the last claim). This whole thing translates into zero clay time and I won't have time to finish my WIPs for Halloween. Boo. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">But here's some good news for you: a Halloween Ornament Giveaway from artist Sylvia Smiser!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1lRDVPLwU8ODzz_xDUaKfz8Anx1FlTUqu4Tb9KEhmtYa-mVqufN80MEC1VUYgAcQdLt8jtayhKG2M5XPoFTjHMKl76vKou6O6b_JCiPP6aMg9pISMRBC-GjpevbGFMAtRbVOvcZGoypO/s1600/IMG_4541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1lRDVPLwU8ODzz_xDUaKfz8Anx1FlTUqu4Tb9KEhmtYa-mVqufN80MEC1VUYgAcQdLt8jtayhKG2M5XPoFTjHMKl76vKou6O6b_JCiPP6aMg9pISMRBC-GjpevbGFMAtRbVOvcZGoypO/s200/IMG_4541.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Go to: <a href="http://www.anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com/"> http://www.anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Good luck to each of you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I'm off to ... repair something. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Have a wonderfully creative day!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-9613476598591417862011-10-08T18:26:00.000-07:002011-10-08T19:05:28.451-07:00New Pieces - Halloween and more....I've been crazy busy the last couple of weeks as I've finished up lots of pieces. I made my smallest vampire yet. I also made my first Halloween ornaments - 3 witches, 2 Halloween shelf sitters and another kitty. And I made my first Winter Themed piece; snow bunny.<br />Here they are:<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWFMmrWBUEtua-s0ho4C2crnc4_lHGBKSCFe5If6GljYHzEPfIunmFblVljxyubq3GhNbIUV5X2cQcVErpEjDNk_PP3q1sT1LE1tnIcMqC0TikuvRSCzBmQUuawg5aUrzKYNgE-Icclh6/s1600/Mini+Vamp+with+bat+side.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661301811411753874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWFMmrWBUEtua-s0ho4C2crnc4_lHGBKSCFe5If6GljYHzEPfIunmFblVljxyubq3GhNbIUV5X2cQcVErpEjDNk_PP3q1sT1LE1tnIcMqC0TikuvRSCzBmQUuawg5aUrzKYNgE-Icclh6/s320/Mini+Vamp+with+bat+side.JPG" /></a> Li'l Vamp with mini candy dish - approximately 6" tall. <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ueTQDbtR27ih9i3ul37XFbf9u9yB54HvXGEZleMAo0UyhSaAUFEz6GkPeTfCCfDF0EbwFtM4qIo2dGdZu7QrkQz_CmmgThbOUhVtDSX01r3f1lWF2FsEWCaiMW2RYNs8Wio8Qa-xeSit/s1600/Candy+corn+with+with+broom.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661301800777633266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ueTQDbtR27ih9i3ul37XFbf9u9yB54HvXGEZleMAo0UyhSaAUFEz6GkPeTfCCfDF0EbwFtM4qIo2dGdZu7QrkQz_CmmgThbOUhVtDSX01r3f1lWF2FsEWCaiMW2RYNs8Wio8Qa-xeSit/s320/Candy+corn+with+with+broom.JPG" /></a> Cornelia Cone Shelf Sitter </div><br /><div align="center">(I love how she turned out!)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZHCTzKFAsl_fzSUN1U_o5hWNDGYt0hhbKBJ1i-lsEz6dkSesNpcNTqTPjrhov6h7TJuejtvHcexaL4lC3dInkJBW3_LMMg-rtVRSX-t6tfaq5IogJmdEIBhP-Kapa6vlIIJ5CKxsFxME/s1600/4th+Kitty+Trick+or+Treat+Cat+with+orange+and+green.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661300930598908402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZHCTzKFAsl_fzSUN1U_o5hWNDGYt0hhbKBJ1i-lsEz6dkSesNpcNTqTPjrhov6h7TJuejtvHcexaL4lC3dInkJBW3_LMMg-rtVRSX-t6tfaq5IogJmdEIBhP-Kapa6vlIIJ5CKxsFxME/s320/4th+Kitty+Trick+or+Treat+Cat+with+orange+and+green.JPG" /></a> Trick or Treat Kitty<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97Mw_EA7K9zt87lWfgxUIjkArMmx0YeB1OGQPLoGtu0n_ZVhbXrKL6DJmCaHSQgt0C-Gy6RurXHdPAbpNfs4w74dyFlgUKibbPeR0wMrrNrwFV0kEO99LpOeAeAv9hfHaiXCjR3d-thKN/s1600/witchy+orange+front.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661300924273004514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97Mw_EA7K9zt87lWfgxUIjkArMmx0YeB1OGQPLoGtu0n_ZVhbXrKL6DJmCaHSQgt0C-Gy6RurXHdPAbpNfs4w74dyFlgUKibbPeR0wMrrNrwFV0kEO99LpOeAeAv9hfHaiXCjR3d-thKN/s320/witchy+orange+front.JPG" /></a> Matilda Shelf Sitter with candy dish<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n7kY1eELmPghZfLi4hkvGy4gum_pzOHjJPhtXro_umfhfdqG1CQx4fwUka3YV1yTSIeIZAm6S-On_FF_TM68oyoUsuAmPzyoerJoJlkIOyPUUWqhxLMwgxV5hTCsP7fMZHfwrHt9B6vj/s1600/witch+ornie+3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661300923331396322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n7kY1eELmPghZfLi4hkvGy4gum_pzOHjJPhtXro_umfhfdqG1CQx4fwUka3YV1yTSIeIZAm6S-On_FF_TM68oyoUsuAmPzyoerJoJlkIOyPUUWqhxLMwgxV5hTCsP7fMZHfwrHt9B6vj/s320/witch+ornie+3.JPG" /></a> Corny Orni Witch<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByXxpwOvFJG1sFHwgV31DCaFJPqyLoJnUg5274xP5MaAWWXNP3NEuHpYdJuvoR0w4Oytbb7Y-b0IoaBnkD6q6DNGsZiKdby67zRorfJdWoskmacrtz7IGdxW4h_bbaITajZ887wxtcBkS/s1600/Witch+ornie+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661300915653418018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByXxpwOvFJG1sFHwgV31DCaFJPqyLoJnUg5274xP5MaAWWXNP3NEuHpYdJuvoR0w4Oytbb7Y-b0IoaBnkD6q6DNGsZiKdby67zRorfJdWoskmacrtz7IGdxW4h_bbaITajZ887wxtcBkS/s320/Witch+ornie+2.JPG" /></a><br />Mean Green Witchy<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLDD7gHGNxNbA6IgbOYldAalMq-TJeJNJQVDmy_6_E_QhFPR9-prP1OdOkTmwczekH8jomW197aZVJtIgfIxWwWPBIegRkzMaVLCVD6LTlEuwhbe2jSTD8L4fdVl9XO9rFTGiK8qdyNW1/s1600/Witch+ornie+1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661300913007607762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLDD7gHGNxNbA6IgbOYldAalMq-TJeJNJQVDmy_6_E_QhFPR9-prP1OdOkTmwczekH8jomW197aZVJtIgfIxWwWPBIegRkzMaVLCVD6LTlEuwhbe2jSTD8L4fdVl9XO9rFTGiK8qdyNW1/s320/Witch+ornie+1.JPG" /></a> Sheila (a friend said it looks like Michael Jackson but I'm not seeing it haha)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfwFew1HJbpWnxwycIQ82mb4R3d_FPvbLR4XDYqsRRGbFBbRZ5GnFyxnxRamP_tMmZhl-LAT2pOKHxu6eMHu2KeUpvmaJmwrSuwOPKYAUgHPhyphenhyphen6kayfE4HyhZCFhJ3JktKQwg734E-MR6/s1600/snow+bunny+overview.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661299935816677970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfwFew1HJbpWnxwycIQ82mb4R3d_FPvbLR4XDYqsRRGbFBbRZ5GnFyxnxRamP_tMmZhl-LAT2pOKHxu6eMHu2KeUpvmaJmwrSuwOPKYAUgHPhyphenhyphen6kayfE4HyhZCFhJ3JktKQwg734E-MR6/s320/snow+bunny+overview.JPG" /></a><br />Snowball Bunny (she wants someone to play with!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am pretty happy about how they turned out.</div><br /><div>I really like the snow bunny, as she makes me smile. </div><br /><div>I hope they all make you smile, too. </div><br /><div>As always, I'm open to feedback, be it positive or negative, as feedback is <strong>always </strong>good. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm off to create.... something. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-4673720121173699962011-08-31T16:48:00.000-07:002011-08-31T18:39:03.418-07:00Sports Characters<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although I know absolutely nothing about sports, aside from general names like: baseball, football, hockey, soccer, and golf, I decided to create a couple of sports characters. As usual, I didn't try to make them realistic. Instead I went for whimsical and a bit silly - my signature style. Given Creative <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paperclay</span> is my current medium of choice, these guys were made with that clay.Their armature was made with toothpicks, skewers, foam, wire, foil and the cats ear were made from wooden hearts cut in half. It took days to gradually build up the clay and create each sculpt. Once they were fully dried, I primed, painted and sealed it. Scrap ribbon was used for the bunny's pony tail ears and scrap embroidery thread was used for her shoe laces. Here are my latest creations:</span></span>
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<br /><p align="left"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9ChpOD17CX9NunqaNiiINKbstWpVCvK3ZWCBynREeDfnzCEwyEsoQiW5MIvdqIiEcZcFOo8Ws4RxanQKSkLz1QaEEDTB8AVbQ7nFjOqxqaa-gn4ZRInUloB8UlO1GRw-1MdRVe0ab_B8/s1600/baseball+cat+Best+overall.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647172861165680962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9ChpOD17CX9NunqaNiiINKbstWpVCvK3ZWCBynREeDfnzCEwyEsoQiW5MIvdqIiEcZcFOo8Ws4RxanQKSkLz1QaEEDTB8AVbQ7nFjOqxqaa-gn4ZRInUloB8UlO1GRw-1MdRVe0ab_B8/s320/baseball+cat+Best+overall.JPG" /></a></div><img style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 242px; display: block; height: 214px; cursor: pointer; " id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647174253273160722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHHKvDQF4bHXqAooWiVpzA2Jrhyxib_SWHbbU06eRpXWUaXPOFMfh9PdTgXML2c5BYX9iiGr4dOYi20bmOKG_ieAO4EqcXFjt2gjTcw2Wt0Hw4cuMojZs4WD2-LMEuELvcuojB5Y7MDGG/s320/baseball+cat+side+view.JPG" /><p></p> Introducing Baseball Cat #15
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNnVDQ8LvyulJd-etmKXHY-e9-pjSW3LfC-VtiU2B8GpwejuPwVKkcpWoMBnvmK3GdWATv_MrAnydvV-fm_hWjq8fwK3jw45HogEyxNAnEROqfgRGPK52K6uWNSBTM0t0W4jnfrHL7WJw/s1600/First+Basketball+Bunny+++n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 241px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647172613978789170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNnVDQ8LvyulJd-etmKXHY-e9-pjSW3LfC-VtiU2B8GpwejuPwVKkcpWoMBnvmK3GdWATv_MrAnydvV-fm_hWjq8fwK3jw45HogEyxNAnEROqfgRGPK52K6uWNSBTM0t0W4jnfrHL7WJw/s320/First+Basketball+Bunny+++n.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-bLl2iiy13z5CE0xGIXVtdemqxp3m6_hs57tdMo1i-r9RsoxwfY7RV8ALRcnX_DPOml2ApkIPJkWqhViinMY9E-OYdvU0hderFc6tg0VOqcVkNchqvbNagoiGXMXuLz7FnXliOEasmV6/s320/BBall+Bunny+back+view.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647195539340800754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;">
<br /></span></div><div><div align="center">Introducing Basketball Bunny #17</div>
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<br />I'm pretty pleased with how these turned out! So pleased that they will probably be my prototypes and get teammates at some point in the future. I think my sculpting skills are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gradually</span> improving, and excited to see what I come up with next! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I'll be moving on to other sports themed characters (and finishing up the 75+ various projects at different stages of doneness!). Any sports themed suggestion would be appreciated, as would any and all feedback (positive and negative). So don't hold back, tell me what you think of my work (or is it play?). </div><div><div align="left">
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<br /></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by and please visit again. </div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">I'm off to create... something.
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<br /></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-27315651411223949822011-07-26T10:26:00.000-07:002011-07-26T10:45:30.281-07:00What's on the work table this week?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What's on the work table this week? Bunnies, wizards and vampires, of course! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjSGEh2gX9dmBUxUe0F3BWyNIJNUDp8XV2UMJoJRhbh1aTuDPjVRoIoLdJX72KzEMhDqBcQBDU-uH4cg3r9SHw8goe6k15cN_fn-Bmq9jYy6t4XCYgKwFuAdQy_jgdg3MrHkRzGkz9PSW/s1600/Chance.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjSGEh2gX9dmBUxUe0F3BWyNIJNUDp8XV2UMJoJRhbh1aTuDPjVRoIoLdJX72KzEMhDqBcQBDU-uH4cg3r9SHw8goe6k15cN_fn-Bmq9jYy6t4XCYgKwFuAdQy_jgdg3MrHkRzGkz9PSW/s320/Chance.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633715048016977970" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is Chance. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I still need to figure out what he'll hold in his hands but I love him so far. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Doesn't he look positively optimistic? Yes, yes, he does!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp085PqzXAUkRlSpOQA6IlhU6jlAWnAYYxddF4xggRuwOpn0BbIOj9iMTPXARFhIHs8inox4a6zM0RXXElrL5LRsy0mUkOUiS0KXieCwPOuZem8-gvf-VbDhXxmGM7jb3vKVV4gGzxg3f6/s1600/Lil+vamp.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp085PqzXAUkRlSpOQA6IlhU6jlAWnAYYxddF4xggRuwOpn0BbIOj9iMTPXARFhIHs8inox4a6zM0RXXElrL5LRsy0mUkOUiS0KXieCwPOuZem8-gvf-VbDhXxmGM7jb3vKVV4gGzxg3f6/s320/Lil+vamp.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633715050999487474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp085PqzXAUkRlSpOQA6IlhU6jlAWnAYYxddF4xggRuwOpn0BbIOj9iMTPXARFhIHs8inox4a6zM0RXXElrL5LRsy0mUkOUiS0KXieCwPOuZem8-gvf-VbDhXxmGM7jb3vKVV4gGzxg3f6/s1600/Lil+vamp.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is Li'l Vamp. He's made out of a recycled sports drink bottle. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKJCJD_v3vOImagrOaVAxqiC2d66x4MijjBlbX1tMC_g_Sq8MMqei5D7Q7z-r1Dqf6ECsYXeGdsEDPqIr4bL-4E5pfuE788yRUEV27toSVHnxKBXZw6Wite3qP8TbDeZ6sQ4THPNmdZOc/s1600/vamp+with+candy+dish.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKJCJD_v3vOImagrOaVAxqiC2d66x4MijjBlbX1tMC_g_Sq8MMqei5D7Q7z-r1Dqf6ECsYXeGdsEDPqIr4bL-4E5pfuE788yRUEV27toSVHnxKBXZw6Wite3qP8TbDeZ6sQ4THPNmdZOc/s320/vamp+with+candy+dish.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633715056035457634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is Li'l Vamp's big brother, he is currently unnamed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">He was made from a Dr. Pepper bottle. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">He still needs a tie and some accessories.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM032vVB9GUjwoLUIqpDShiFtIsDu0frrlyUmXu62-BwPpwg7SMaQNfZip_liumQjhJetyA7-nltfvtD-6V4fSFWhF3waUbCSyXN529ZIbhrAyJesDM9t0egQogMZzPTYLhZO9tlJ9LCX/s1600/front+view+wizard+.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM032vVB9GUjwoLUIqpDShiFtIsDu0frrlyUmXu62-BwPpwg7SMaQNfZip_liumQjhJetyA7-nltfvtD-6V4fSFWhF3waUbCSyXN529ZIbhrAyJesDM9t0egQogMZzPTYLhZO9tlJ9LCX/s320/front+view+wizard+.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633715060489756050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is my first attempt at a wizard. Here he is partially dressed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">He's made from different types of clay, painted, glittered and sealed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As you can see he's a double secret keeper. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Secret keepers have hidden storage areas within the doll. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JQwN68M5js8g6oIH_v5PcWVYpNs7_pi49J_kNUfYtPFSfKk2_VL-67_NiGQTI_RzfxnqmMap14Jkq8ieyK2opXnB7wqN4DhicjQ-Wu0QlUTh2T20B74_Gm6W4AiSPe-wJo7nLpvZwJRI/s1600/side+view+wizard.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JQwN68M5js8g6oIH_v5PcWVYpNs7_pi49J_kNUfYtPFSfKk2_VL-67_NiGQTI_RzfxnqmMap14Jkq8ieyK2opXnB7wqN4DhicjQ-Wu0QlUTh2T20B74_Gm6W4AiSPe-wJo7nLpvZwJRI/s320/side+view+wizard.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633715065923093474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is the same wizard with an over-hat and cloak on him. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I have some sewing to do on this cloak. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I dread dragging out my sewing machine and trying to thread it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That's some of what I'm working on this week. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'm off to create... something. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></span></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-72165950309196332392011-05-05T07:54:00.000-07:002011-08-16T11:30:16.601-07:00My art is much improved!!!
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<br /><div>That's right, my skills have much improved if I do say so myself.</div>
<br /><div>I'm not to the point where I'm going to win awards anytime soon, but I'm gaining insight and the act of practicing - almost daily - is leading to many new ideas and better sculpts.</div>
<br /><div>Being the eternal optimist that I am, I hope to get good enough to be featured in Art Doll Quarterly (ADQ). That is, once I get good enough <b>and </b>figure out how to write a query letter, intro letter and take photos in x size etc. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?
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<br /><div>Here are some of my latest pieces, I hope you enjoy them.</div></div>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILUGlhPu0gKXCWCkBkccnFIu2SYnxP2XmW2TZDIRuviJ7DZ6uAba5ttN4igJ-O6e_mcQseXo_dlAb9iTKtC1xlEf-7Q1n9EZq-2LC7yo3sEjnWE4XuNX_89JmUuZSNbAXLwkE1AzoNOWa/s1600/rainbows+and+butterflies428842637_32343064_6893999_o.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603253640173730978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILUGlhPu0gKXCWCkBkccnFIu2SYnxP2XmW2TZDIRuviJ7DZ6uAba5ttN4igJ-O6e_mcQseXo_dlAb9iTKtC1xlEf-7Q1n9EZq-2LC7yo3sEjnWE4XuNX_89JmUuZSNbAXLwkE1AzoNOWa/s320/rainbows+and+butterflies428842637_32343064_6893999_o.jpg" /></a>
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<br />I love this one! Do you?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S18wbmMvC7_T_iX-5G8LsHLH8PNQPgE3Uzt9-lrp_kLsQsbKAnO-HjFlToVU0KWluDbWLfQMrrsSp2ErxDRAI2cY7VRfZq1uoeFHuoB-kMkCVo3FDFzJh9OEXY-PNBfjj88VqUqDgBTq/s1600/201640_2019058042616_1428842637_32338196_2950197_o.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603253635208737842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S18wbmMvC7_T_iX-5G8LsHLH8PNQPgE3Uzt9-lrp_kLsQsbKAnO-HjFlToVU0KWluDbWLfQMrrsSp2ErxDRAI2cY7VRfZq1uoeFHuoB-kMkCVo3FDFzJh9OEXY-PNBfjj88VqUqDgBTq/s320/201640_2019058042616_1428842637_32338196_2950197_o.jpg" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S18wbmMvC7_T_iX-5G8LsHLH8PNQPgE3Uzt9-lrp_kLsQsbKAnO-HjFlToVU0KWluDbWLfQMrrsSp2ErxDRAI2cY7VRfZq1uoeFHuoB-kMkCVo3FDFzJh9OEXY-PNBfjj88VqUqDgBTq/s1600/201640_2019058042616_1428842637_32338196_2950197_o.jpg"></a>1st kitty cat
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<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGBwf9JohUbz1YSJKDvPbOCy_w9kHMpesW639Grqbgj4aIfavZlrvjM3NQRGdfggxcYyC7764R8rrOu2lDKTiR7gHMDNQJ4mPuKSGngckJWOGILL99yJikvnQuU-IpA0Bxgm343g9OCZq/s1600/sporty+chick+80.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 136px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603246862137520482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGBwf9JohUbz1YSJKDvPbOCy_w9kHMpesW639Grqbgj4aIfavZlrvjM3NQRGdfggxcYyC7764R8rrOu2lDKTiR7gHMDNQJ4mPuKSGngckJWOGILL99yJikvnQuU-IpA0Bxgm343g9OCZq/s320/sporty+chick+80.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGBwf9JohUbz1YSJKDvPbOCy_w9kHMpesW639Grqbgj4aIfavZlrvjM3NQRGdfggxcYyC7764R8rrOu2lDKTiR7gHMDNQJ4mPuKSGngckJWOGILL99yJikvnQuU-IpA0Bxgm343g9OCZq/s1600/sporty+chick+80.JPG"></a>Sporty Chick; she'll be shipped to Texas soon as part of a Pay it forward art project I'm part of. She's also going to a childhood friend, Laurie, who I re-friended via FB. I sure hope Laurie likes her!</div>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KnWfMvzmi0HeHzJWBvdH7uLerniWyoh9vORlx7GthKAJcFYfzfv_0kQCPcP_MZs0Fa_pgcP0rrzlVXWCup44J2VrhaFuR0akcW5p4oi-qY-OPDUQ-AXX6VR7-r0sQYLyCCj-OsmN4PLz/s1600/Kitty+2+front+view.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603248541246652274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KnWfMvzmi0HeHzJWBvdH7uLerniWyoh9vORlx7GthKAJcFYfzfv_0kQCPcP_MZs0Fa_pgcP0rrzlVXWCup44J2VrhaFuR0akcW5p4oi-qY-OPDUQ-AXX6VR7-r0sQYLyCCj-OsmN4PLz/s320/Kitty+2+front+view.JPG" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iLjy_rtvt6EKeUIu6KiaR6w3LyCoV3u5KwS9ewiehttV50V3aDLsprHldVpuTvYCN_QwUN1HG4uS2d-CJpAs963PF6DJSsF1pacebMFwKc6vqGb_w-O4zMSjfvdOEg9NP0mGq3vIePBy/s1600/Kitty+2+sideview+2.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603246856176785138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iLjy_rtvt6EKeUIu6KiaR6w3LyCoV3u5KwS9ewiehttV50V3aDLsprHldVpuTvYCN_QwUN1HG4uS2d-CJpAs963PF6DJSsF1pacebMFwKc6vqGb_w-O4zMSjfvdOEg9NP0mGq3vIePBy/s320/Kitty+2+sideview+2.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iLjy_rtvt6EKeUIu6KiaR6w3LyCoV3u5KwS9ewiehttV50V3aDLsprHldVpuTvYCN_QwUN1HG4uS2d-CJpAs963PF6DJSsF1pacebMFwKc6vqGb_w-O4zMSjfvdOEg9NP0mGq3vIePBy/s1600/Kitty+2+sideview+2.JPG"></a>This is my 2nd kitty cat. Her candy cup only holds a few piece of candy but she's super sweet.</div>
<br /><div>Psst. top secret: her base is a recycled empty ribbon spool. </div>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtedL-SAx_z7FHhqCi0RAdQDvW8RtZT347Kzu6q5AT6fHNzakJ9ynePNVIsFhrS_7rw9tvr_SWQOFtsDbOgXv3muaFNAfKsTLy12ieK6PqDE-REksgJKW9gYVRJ3K58OUPqVJ81vgelBT/s1600/100_1009.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603246854540122386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtedL-SAx_z7FHhqCi0RAdQDvW8RtZT347Kzu6q5AT6fHNzakJ9ynePNVIsFhrS_7rw9tvr_SWQOFtsDbOgXv3muaFNAfKsTLy12ieK6PqDE-REksgJKW9gYVRJ3K58OUPqVJ81vgelBT/s320/100_1009.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtedL-SAx_z7FHhqCi0RAdQDvW8RtZT347Kzu6q5AT6fHNzakJ9ynePNVIsFhrS_7rw9tvr_SWQOFtsDbOgXv3muaFNAfKsTLy12ieK6PqDE-REksgJKW9gYVRJ3K58OUPqVJ81vgelBT/s1600/100_1009.JPG"></a>Vampee Bordaux is my first vampire ever. He'll be shipped to Canada soon, as he's going to one of my 5 Pay it forward FB friends. </div>
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<br /><div>Drats! All my really good update photos are on the other computer. I'll try to add them later. </div>
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<br /><div>Thanks for stopping by. Follow me to see what I'm doing next... I certainly have no idea what it will be. LOL
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<br /><div>I'm off to create... something!</div>
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<br />Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-8065420785110099922011-05-01T08:41:00.003-07:002012-03-12T08:46:54.068-07:00A Chef for my kitchen<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />My kitchen accessories (hot pads, place mats etc) are chef themed. While shopping I stumble upon a variety of Chef Themed items, but I'm usually not 'in love' with them, so I don't buy very many.</div><div> </div><div>That means I'll have an idea recurring for weeks or months - a semi-flushed out idea, but not fully figured out. Then one day I'll try to make my own item(s)! Today is the day! I started my first chef. I have great hopes that he'll turn out well. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Lately I've been a huge fan of Creative Paperclay and the rest of my clay stash (Celluclay, polymer clay and other types of paper mache'/clay) have been pushed aside for some time. I decided to drag out the Celluclay, a 'failed' face (one I made from polymer clay long ago), and use up some armature worthy pieces that are taking up a lot of space. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo 1 is my starting point: A coffee can for the body, industrial paper towel rolls (a friend got them from the factory he works at - with permission, of course), the old face, and a batch of Celluclay. I haven't figured out what I'll be using for the arms, but it'll come to me as I move along. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCBb91AoV3kZ4lIzEa1xDb7zhKUnf2NBrhJ4YMG8Sc_ijmbJkn5qwR0NE9INIhxF4S_44ZJaLnWfv6tZTxINuewI0hKWGuFtXu09ISxh3GZS0fmMvF-3hZxNtTp_4eZ1Q8X5qhSB1DKyW/s1600/coffeecanbodyheadlegs.JPG"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601779747957558690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCBb91AoV3kZ4lIzEa1xDb7zhKUnf2NBrhJ4YMG8Sc_ijmbJkn5qwR0NE9INIhxF4S_44ZJaLnWfv6tZTxINuewI0hKWGuFtXu09ISxh3GZS0fmMvF-3hZxNtTp_4eZ1Q8X5qhSB1DKyW/s320/coffeecanbodyheadlegs.JPG" /></a></div><div>Photo 1 Notice the Legs (towel rolls) are slightly longer than the coffee can. That means I should have a pretty well portioned body once it's done (ignore the blue tape).</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REN-thnMPsR7IgD8mX0nH33Pcq-z0Hdy9tgQxwgb35fJrLrjSeE8oilGCY35Yc2UIAT7eT-Flg0onCPinNFVc3kkGEJQWm6iDSXyLxoiDweHn5KFK9mkbZ5HDSHGR6gTyzgl7lJHYbZg/s1600/chef+head+and+upper.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnuVPz8pu0XSFL_9_X6JqBZTy2l2KAz9jPSTO9zpVHsMQhwmFaL-_7alObemKkdCNgwe8P6hB2k4ExK6yEwR9xDdwToQO5FVZuWYSR-VZBog6IavqF6CYKIWr5djMmVPEgYJkSBxet__m/s1600/Parts+for+chef+.JPG"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601789710651916514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnuVPz8pu0XSFL_9_X6JqBZTy2l2KAz9jPSTO9zpVHsMQhwmFaL-_7alObemKkdCNgwe8P6hB2k4ExK6yEwR9xDdwToQO5FVZuWYSR-VZBog6IavqF6CYKIWr5djMmVPEgYJkSBxet__m/s320/Parts+for+chef+.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo 2 Duct taped open end of can. Wad of paper will be duct taped to ribbon spool for the hat. Popsicle sticks are shims.</div><div><br /></div><div>I covered the open end of the coffee can with duct tape. Then I used popsicle sticks (thoroughly cleaned and dried) to 'shim' the middle of the taped area to meet the medal edges of the can. This end will need to be flush once I'm ready to attach the legs. The use of shims reduces the amount of clay I'll need to use. Then I taped the popsicle sticks in place. Next, I covered the entire coffee can with a layer of paper and let it dry. Next, I began covering the taped end with Celluclay and proceeded covering the sides with clay as well. Once I was halfway up the side, I flipped the piece over unto a paper plate. I continued to cover the coffee can's side and top. </div><div>I left a clay-free circle in the middle of the lid, a circle large enough for a toilet paper roll. I cut a toilet paper roll widthwise to shorten it. Then I measure the neck size I would need by cutting a toilet paper roll lengthwise, and putting it around the neck of my pre-made head. Once sized, I used duct tape to create a slightly smaller roll than the original size. I inserted the toilet paper roll into the clay free circle and continued to clay up to and around the paper roll. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Onto legs, feet and his hat. The legs were pretty much done given the strength of industrial towel rolls are many times thicker than household towel rolls. I folded up many layers of newspaper to create a rectangular shape the size of his foot. I duct taped around it to hold the paper in place. Then I folded up two corner of each rectangle to create rounded toes and duct taped them in place. Next I duct taped the rectangular mass of paper to the paper towel rolls. Finally, I added Celluclay and roughly shaped the feet. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REN-thnMPsR7IgD8mX0nH33Pcq-z0Hdy9tgQxwgb35fJrLrjSeE8oilGCY35Yc2UIAT7eT-Flg0onCPinNFVc3kkGEJQWm6iDSXyLxoiDweHn5KFK9mkbZ5HDSHGR6gTyzgl7lJHYbZg/s1600/chef+head+and+upper.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf3KlHm7sF9Uxt6fBd3Oi2rWR30d3mNJ8UiiIv9o6orfCZu5uBi2bvQ8W4K58MsgJQKadfmsSgyGTmRl4aWFdsJ5zME4K1gGJYGjIz3XWPIsl2qTac4PnHGzSIMahXCJJUjA5kmTaClGe/s1600/chef+legs.JPG"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601789713149364594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf3KlHm7sF9Uxt6fBd3Oi2rWR30d3mNJ8UiiIv9o6orfCZu5uBi2bvQ8W4K58MsgJQKadfmsSgyGTmRl4aWFdsJ5zME4K1gGJYGjIz3XWPIsl2qTac4PnHGzSIMahXCJJUjA5kmTaClGe/s320/chef+legs.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>His hat was made from a repurposed, plastic ribbon roll with one end removed. It fit his head perfectly! I used newspaper again to bulk up the shape of his hat, duct taped it in place and added Celluclay for the initial shape of his hat. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REN-thnMPsR7IgD8mX0nH33Pcq-z0Hdy9tgQxwgb35fJrLrjSeE8oilGCY35Yc2UIAT7eT-Flg0onCPinNFVc3kkGEJQWm6iDSXyLxoiDweHn5KFK9mkbZ5HDSHGR6gTyzgl7lJHYbZg/s1600/chef+head+and+upper.JPG"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601789721461707010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REN-thnMPsR7IgD8mX0nH33Pcq-z0Hdy9tgQxwgb35fJrLrjSeE8oilGCY35Yc2UIAT7eT-Flg0onCPinNFVc3kkGEJQWm6iDSXyLxoiDweHn5KFK9mkbZ5HDSHGR6gTyzgl7lJHYbZg/s320/chef+head+and+upper.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>7/25/2011 Update: After the parts of his body were allowed to dry, I duct taped them together and covered them with more Celluclay. The Celluclay wasn't as smooth a texture as I would like so I did a 'smear coat' with ArtMind Clay Mache (please refer to 7/25/2011 product review blog for more details). The texture of his hat is what I got with Celluclay and the texture of his body is what I got after using a smoothing coat of ArtMind Clay Mache. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3EDopjS1CuC51IAolnFGBW1ACDYcevs0fi9gxOQz3-RnvFVDpkaVxnn2cY212scjofKrVTwNZY6ovx0Hjsv3DaaAVFYmrWzKT5A26fUnQVjn9YK5aafyTmLBs1Y2BlchUtDtxoAT7CYu/s1600/chef+after+smear+coat+of+artmind+.JPG"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633367455858941570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3EDopjS1CuC51IAolnFGBW1ACDYcevs0fi9gxOQz3-RnvFVDpkaVxnn2cY212scjofKrVTwNZY6ovx0Hjsv3DaaAVFYmrWzKT5A26fUnQVjn9YK5aafyTmLBs1Y2BlchUtDtxoAT7CYu/s320/chef+after+smear+coat+of+artmind+.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll add another update as he nears completion. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm off to recycle and create!</div><div> </div><div>Update: March 11, 2012. </div><div> </div><div>Yep, he's been stranded for months! I had some problems figuring out how to do certain things, like shaping his hat. I used folder newspaper to create the creases in his hat, along with the band. And I reworked his face with Creative Paperclay. He was sealed with a water based primer, and painted. Then I added scraps of fabric and ribbon for his scarf, waist trim, sleeve and pant trim. He's been sealed with several coats of matte finish, so that he can be cleaned with a damp cloth and enjoyed for years to come. </div><div> </div><div>He's FINALLY done!!! And I really really like him overall! He's holding a spoon right now but he can also hold a small bucket on each which could hold sugar and sugar substitute packs. He could also hold a rod which could hold hot pads and a towel on each end. So there are many options for his usefulness. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimByKIYPWdxvmgXXBiYRbBNoop-IUjakHcaVBMB9ktW79E8Q2huJaC0itMC_pqUIRzrQMxvp-4_M1xzbCRfD8rDUOiYgkQKOl5Rqxb0wnnXLpA7L5y2YsSVHzYRuR_q928pKGkZHpesahS/s1600/Chef+spool+holder+done.JPG"><img style="width: 394px; height: 425px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718707305591605442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimByKIYPWdxvmgXXBiYRbBNoop-IUjakHcaVBMB9ktW79E8Q2huJaC0itMC_pqUIRzrQMxvp-4_M1xzbCRfD8rDUOiYgkQKOl5Rqxb0wnnXLpA7L5y2YsSVHzYRuR_q928pKGkZHpesahS/s200/Chef+spool+holder+done.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vzU-EHnWkblU_CfI2wDhzW4I7rC2x2Wd_dtDJHncQzR0b3Ze1KEzsWqW-o715uD6MLPfqfJYmayccsxwBsdlF5vPVsx3mogDmblhL5SwOFLZmtjwcGOUekWaOkCGJabIODQmzfuJ1Y8z/s1600/Chef+face.JPG"><img style="width: 281px; height: 318px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718707298698802386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vzU-EHnWkblU_CfI2wDhzW4I7rC2x2Wd_dtDJHncQzR0b3Ze1KEzsWqW-o715uD6MLPfqfJYmayccsxwBsdlF5vPVsx3mogDmblhL5SwOFLZmtjwcGOUekWaOkCGJabIODQmzfuJ1Y8z/s200/Chef+face.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Here are some photos of my kitchen accessories. I think it all works pretty well together.</div><div>What do you think of him? I'd love some feedback, both good and bad. <span style="color: rgb(90, 90, 93);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(90, 90, 93);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;" class="Apple-style-span"><div> </div></span><div></div></span><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ01oj2ew2MW-fRN_go0otgAGM0vRtJwy65voengH1V62WA3Uxgmiwokldiisa0JBjJLyUYqjt0vbZW51Xsdk36NUkwuJTxtxIIT6s1_kDKwF2vIc5iQPajs7mvIZoDeA7BB402htPt2d/s1600/Kitchen+Paper+mache+Chef.JPG"><img style="width: 150px; height: 200px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719028050609701554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ01oj2ew2MW-fRN_go0otgAGM0vRtJwy65voengH1V62WA3Uxgmiwokldiisa0JBjJLyUYqjt0vbZW51Xsdk36NUkwuJTxtxIIT6s1_kDKwF2vIc5iQPajs7mvIZoDeA7BB402htPt2d/s200/Kitchen+Paper+mache+Chef.JPG" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskrNciYwaWzbEuA8imQQz3z-amMd_As6OyI5xW4ABuzLfQacPRkfJpZ1Z57ChHZpH9kOe8yfbrKqNQTCcBAOg4V2nfaGUE2ojaz9WbclWrgrPLlm53Gck_-SVYzKhkpA7bX9ePbsv83eN/s1600/Kitchen+upper+wall.JPG"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719028037777301730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskrNciYwaWzbEuA8imQQz3z-amMd_As6OyI5xW4ABuzLfQacPRkfJpZ1Z57ChHZpH9kOe8yfbrKqNQTCcBAOg4V2nfaGUE2ojaz9WbclWrgrPLlm53Gck_-SVYzKhkpA7bX9ePbsv83eN/s200/Kitchen+upper+wall.JPG" /></a></div><div>The name sign above the doorway has been in my other half's family for years and years. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjC8k88HQzNvnWU57yMdB1oMh-oNlcvCqIljxhF03_X-lPrOQJFw0AONVOsA7MPBdj1KSNJAdOHZCDcMC6hngy5W4vGoAI7oWeoCia8qVey0_1T2kBH0xaHAJaN_G7fLNbB9PiW0KGWs7/s1600/Kitchen+Clock.JPG"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719028034028109970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjC8k88HQzNvnWU57yMdB1oMh-oNlcvCqIljxhF03_X-lPrOQJFw0AONVOsA7MPBdj1KSNJAdOHZCDcMC6hngy5W4vGoAI7oWeoCia8qVey0_1T2kBH0xaHAJaN_G7fLNbB9PiW0KGWs7/s200/Kitchen+Clock.JPG" /></a></div><div>I found this clock at a thrift store last week for $6! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiIZXRN8Uz6E0tIlaI9H6-mFRooA33cVXO4utX1x9UkIYG41d1AqfpXWUXXKyXb7X1aKCczNtEGa5yK_EZ_GcKwv_iIdWULJzHLplJa6QzfOseN7I7dQNVHv5nErLUx2lSY09rOKBldh_/s1600/Kitchen+Accessories+1.JPG"><img style="width: 150px; height: 200px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719028027621750450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiIZXRN8Uz6E0tIlaI9H6-mFRooA33cVXO4utX1x9UkIYG41d1AqfpXWUXXKyXb7X1aKCczNtEGa5yK_EZ_GcKwv_iIdWULJzHLplJa6QzfOseN7I7dQNVHv5nErLUx2lSY09rOKBldh_/s200/Kitchen+Accessories+1.JPG" /></a></div><div>With one of his buckets to hold sugar packs. </div><div> </div><div>Thanks for stopping by! </div><div> </div><div>I'm off to recycle and create! Have a creative day! </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-12851435038265206832010-10-05T19:21:00.000-07:002010-10-05T19:55:56.124-07:00Walnut Hollow Clay Embossing Kit - Tricks for ease of use<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4oXw-vhLSOc2wY47_X_D7NXrNyubJ8S7nm7_GZ_fEjOjeVZsMY2352X8Xk17h_8QTeEgmnzE61CnN6YJz8qQb8_o8V46PsjT9piHuvOGnBk3AydhMrUS2qDYLDiXu79niHB2BBpDI9id/s1600/Walnut+Hollow+Emboss+kit+post+paint.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524761215510474114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4oXw-vhLSOc2wY47_X_D7NXrNyubJ8S7nm7_GZ_fEjOjeVZsMY2352X8Xk17h_8QTeEgmnzE61CnN6YJz8qQb8_o8V46PsjT9piHuvOGnBk3AydhMrUS2qDYLDiXu79niHB2BBpDI9id/s320/Walnut+Hollow+Emboss+kit+post+paint.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsJI07hQGACOKf4FoGeB0eCxHDkqI2plruLLtYSHu3ZWTakDodrEsgZViNZQrqD8ececmVf2yiXXwJxFCvG5FVypfc8U9kljo8GU4H-NGgy727g_8q39OzFVLpR1r2cN_o9zyPQgk6W0D/s1600/Walnut+Hollow+emboss+pre+paint.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524760919566942642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsJI07hQGACOKf4FoGeB0eCxHDkqI2plruLLtYSHu3ZWTakDodrEsgZViNZQrqD8ececmVf2yiXXwJxFCvG5FVypfc8U9kljo8GU4H-NGgy727g_8q39OzFVLpR1r2cN_o9zyPQgk6W0D/s320/Walnut+Hollow+emboss+pre+paint.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I recently purchased the Walnut Hollow Clay Embossing Set, and I'm <strong>very happy</strong> with it overall. However, I did find it very difficult to find the letter I wanted when I wanted it. Part of that is because I have poor eye sight and part of it is because the embossing letters are the same color of plastic as the base of the letters. Well, I took it upon myself to 'tweak' the manufacturer's product so that it'll be easier for me to use. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Materials needed: toothpick(s)/or small paint brushes, acrylic paint (I picked black but you can use any color you choose), and clear coat in a spray can. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>After separating the letters, I dipped a toothpick into the paint and gently touched the letter area with the paint. It needs to be a thin coat so that it doesn't alter how well the embossing letters work. After the acrylic paint dried, I put on a light coat of clear spray paint. My theory is that the clear will lead to the acrylic staying on longer, but I don't know how long the paint will stay on whether I had used straight acrylic paint or with the acrylic and clear sealant. Either way, I can surely find the letter I'm looking for *much* faster than I could when they were all one color. Check it out in the photos! Yes, it did take some time to cover each letter but I figure the time it took will more than pay off considering each letter will be much easier to find with *every* project I do. Long term goal? Time saved!</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>I love, love, love my Walnut Hollow Clay Embossing Set overall and I recommend Walnut Hollow's Clay Embossing Kit for <strong>every</strong> clay artist (No, I do not have any affiliation with Walnut Hollow. This is a review for one consumer, that's all)! It's one of the best items I've ever purchased to add to my clay tools. My mind goes wild with how many things I can do with it! I want to race through websites looking for quotable quotes and dust off a few of the statements I've coined in the past. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>If Walnut Hollow were to ask me to review the kit (I'd love to be asked to review new product. How fun would *that* be?!), I'd say it's fabulous overall but I'd like to see them change two things about it: 1) Color the text portion of the embossing stamps to make them easier to read (if that's even possible within the manufacturing process). 2) Add a few more of the blue letter holders to the kit <strong>or </strong>create a package whereby they can be bought separately - maybe even in different sizes. That way, one could preset letters in place for commonly used words (my commonly used words are: love, of, and, the, are, but, and faith) so the consumer doesn't have to change out the letters as often. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Let's face it, many of us are limited by the amount of time we can spend in our creative spaces. Things need to be organized, efficient and user friendly. </div><div><br /> </div><div>I'm off to craft... something!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>That's my tip for Walnut Hollow's Clay Embossing Kit. I hope it makes your hours of crafting much easier and fun!!!</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-88350041388336408062010-03-12T09:52:00.000-08:002010-07-29T16:09:27.579-07:00Link to a giveaway...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsCRhqU8IgS94MR7kr-F_4_JRyr-9AVq0U6-q5cIXBMU4fw64gxJRp1gbzuiwuGDtk7RjM1P3CXfrDtnPzfFuP1dNhDFNMeemYtujCPQJ5ZM6vSUmrMzZWjc7fRkGlQYe9OnEnZrxTBJQ/s1600-h/St+Pat%27s+Ornie.JPG"></a>I want to share some information about a giveaway. Don't you just love that word, I do!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crafttestdummies.com/">http://www.crafttestdummies.com/</a> has a great givaway going on.<br />Hit the link to find out more.<br /><div><div>(I *think* I just entered - if I added the link correctly or not.)<br /><br />Even if I wasn't entered into the contest, I'm more than happy to share the info with you. It's just the kind of gal I am, always willing to share information with others. </div><div></div><div></div><div>Have a crafty day and good luck with the giveaway!</div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-17450067152838801432010-03-02T14:15:00.000-08:002010-03-12T07:30:38.344-08:00Today's Project... a wooden spoon!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9EefwHtIwLB0o8nVRtpwiua03sTRtkEZ0kXrRR_u2OlfNo3bJOMDew0EUxEBYyTyV7P9S2AowWw9148Xoyv3XwQfL1OkHPttcg6cxsK0AWUrjnxG6UTsf6B6eHzTWemQcrAb8faVFd8f/s1600-h/Tree+mid+way.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9EefwHtIwLB0o8nVRtpwiua03sTRtkEZ0kXrRR_u2OlfNo3bJOMDew0EUxEBYyTyV7P9S2AowWw9148Xoyv3XwQfL1OkHPttcg6cxsK0AWUrjnxG6UTsf6B6eHzTWemQcrAb8faVFd8f/s400/Tree+mid+way.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447769900704295458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC2EgexZ3WtYFGTh3WdRCCjJ4W1HpDjHNKsYtiSWYm83xeT25ZpYJTZt_V734WYm2PwRa8bhvslv01wnMghwVRP4V_fnHXvs_Q5yIBW2jhyphenhyphenSrNn5NRuMJ3dbLz8kQex7EVimyAwvohT_m/s1600-h/Wooden+Spoon+to+recycle.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC2EgexZ3WtYFGTh3WdRCCjJ4W1HpDjHNKsYtiSWYm83xeT25ZpYJTZt_V734WYm2PwRa8bhvslv01wnMghwVRP4V_fnHXvs_Q5yIBW2jhyphenhyphenSrNn5NRuMJ3dbLz8kQex7EVimyAwvohT_m/s400/Wooden+Spoon+to+recycle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444169197109092146" /></a><br />Yes, a wooden spool is being repurposed today. It's growing up to be a tree with character! I'll know in a couple days, or weeks, whether it turns out or not. And you will find out, too! <br /><br /><br />More later...Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-32810722704139899752010-02-27T16:28:00.000-08:002010-03-02T14:45:19.944-08:00Santa Ornament - recycled pull tab tin top from a peanut can<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0dfQJjUgNSZQr0Q_POLJtihBTGiXoU2BIkqTNNBL6TNvQDk-7xyAZV-NtbhnLWnUTZzRQQYtArkBVBdSmO01XqS93kbEadftuhHCtGZ397Wv8rosEBcODH0nmJ8BAwp32fH3Jol5ghbF/s1600-h/First+Santa+Ornament+Completed.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0dfQJjUgNSZQr0Q_POLJtihBTGiXoU2BIkqTNNBL6TNvQDk-7xyAZV-NtbhnLWnUTZzRQQYtArkBVBdSmO01XqS93kbEadftuhHCtGZ397Wv8rosEBcODH0nmJ8BAwp32fH3Jol5ghbF/s400/First+Santa+Ornament+Completed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444171305938051938" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRX5gwsqma5E2FMYhbjGEzZVr7BE3ANEvEAgk5kDuMZjouJWtD8JlL3F47L-eSQQINDsU6sXez9uwVIHVanhGHvzJ5boEG8HAoUBHJNhWBU8BSLbQWtV1CkkoCfr4h4h8GiWXeXXYFF0iD/s1600-h/Santa+ornament+Mid+Way.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRX5gwsqma5E2FMYhbjGEzZVr7BE3ANEvEAgk5kDuMZjouJWtD8JlL3F47L-eSQQINDsU6sXez9uwVIHVanhGHvzJ5boEG8HAoUBHJNhWBU8BSLbQWtV1CkkoCfr4h4h8GiWXeXXYFF0iD/s400/Santa+ornament+Mid+Way.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443086949074809378" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8YM7bieMc8rnsMcZ_ZCA8FyxuFBwsFcokmEofoAyTv-V4aTRa3pAPx2F8jKP9O5rclt_nbjNXkJsx_K0Ba1J-O1BuJghE4Ki5BGU64_mfqqQPCsxt7DhKjv6wXJqmbh-o9GL48AmD1gH/s1600-h/Pull+Tab+on+Nuts+Container.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8YM7bieMc8rnsMcZ_ZCA8FyxuFBwsFcokmEofoAyTv-V4aTRa3pAPx2F8jKP9O5rclt_nbjNXkJsx_K0Ba1J-O1BuJghE4Ki5BGU64_mfqqQPCsxt7DhKjv6wXJqmbh-o9GL48AmD1gH/s400/Pull+Tab+on+Nuts+Container.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443086643850016690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS7_xsVJ05uZ7gyGmKSAM1iNA-taXlMapAoNOqKEI0mMcnIB62h2ANjWW9oWouU3IJhYeIMqfpqYEew7tbdDuJEJuoPLniEiz8DqIMu_AkFRfi4Nf51DoWfelhOuUUKD_QBwY5lKJlb3X/s1600-h/Nut+Lid+covered.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS7_xsVJ05uZ7gyGmKSAM1iNA-taXlMapAoNOqKEI0mMcnIB62h2ANjWW9oWouU3IJhYeIMqfpqYEew7tbdDuJEJuoPLniEiz8DqIMu_AkFRfi4Nf51DoWfelhOuUUKD_QBwY5lKJlb3X/s400/Nut+Lid+covered.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443085765852014226" /></a><br />My second paper clay ornament is done. Yeah, I know it's not the right time of year to make Christmas things, but it just turned out that way. <br /><br />As you can see in the photo, I turned down the corner of the peanut can lid. <br />The gray blob is the peanut tin top covered, except of the tab, with air dry clay. <br /><br />Then I started to sculpt... something. I molded a face from a store bought mold, and tweaked it just a bit with a toothpick. Then, I grabbed a pair of hands I had cast in plaster months ago and popped them on the blob of gray clay. I didn't know he'd be a santa until I put the collar on his coat, and cuffs on his sleeves in order to cover the wrists. <br /><br />Suddenly, he started to appear. After some more sculpting, he dried over night and I painted him today. He needs a few clear coats of acrylic to seal him properly for years of enjoyment. <br /><br />Now, unto the next thing...Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-46844555200484818172010-02-26T08:56:00.000-08:002010-03-01T08:00:37.716-08:00Go Nuts... you heard me... go nuts!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWfTiaNzjwQLlCAjqv-gC2ed6SW9LJUgVPw1n2C0OhJ2Iz1MG8e8DQRXA5URp3h_0QOle6YEb_wSudDjdlA8CmpfTp4KDHwb66nTcKYwP5V3g0uMbKVLbKDKWSSh355JOhQVjs1PQhGds/s1600-h/Angel+Ornament+1++nut+lid.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWfTiaNzjwQLlCAjqv-gC2ed6SW9LJUgVPw1n2C0OhJ2Iz1MG8e8DQRXA5URp3h_0QOle6YEb_wSudDjdlA8CmpfTp4KDHwb66nTcKYwP5V3g0uMbKVLbKDKWSSh355JOhQVjs1PQhGds/s400/Angel+Ornament+1++nut+lid.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442599603060495218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl6zX1mPpvfVhMl5JBTNVeQ_89d1lZEEUYM1CGberQJK3rT4sNdQ6W0StnOV3ou42h72xg4wknPkPRv7AGjt5uFogKfQpTKJpUYHwCw4QTC_zB1F_XueeSXzo4Ux8dYlosRDz2-TO8chn/s1600-h/Pull+Tab+on+Nuts+Container.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl6zX1mPpvfVhMl5JBTNVeQ_89d1lZEEUYM1CGberQJK3rT4sNdQ6W0StnOV3ou42h72xg4wknPkPRv7AGjt5uFogKfQpTKJpUYHwCw4QTC_zB1F_XueeSXzo4Ux8dYlosRDz2-TO8chn/s400/Pull+Tab+on+Nuts+Container.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442599211506732178" /></a><br />Just this once, ignore proper eating habits and eat some nuts in the name of art.<br /><br />I have recently repurposed the pull off tab from a can of peanuts in order to attempt a new project. The way I saw it, the tab would act as a built-in hanger. <br /><br />The project began by turning the edges of the lide inward, as shown in the photo. Then I covered the front and back of the tin with a thin layer of air dry clay. I used a face mold to start the face shape, and tweaked it to make it more to my liking. I mounted the face on the lid, so that the head would cover most of the tab, and used a toothpick to blend the sections of clay. I made hearts with cookie cutters, used an old piece of jewelry to emboss the center of each heart, and mounted them onto the piece. <br /><br />The whole thing was allowed to dry overnight. Then the paints came out, as did the glitter. The clay was still a bit moist when I started painting which worked out well for me. That way, I could use the toothpick I was painting with to scrape areas that were a bit more textured than I wanted them to be. After I scraped an area, I blew it off gently and painted over it. After all the paint dried, I glued the areas I wanted to glitter. Sprinkle, sprinkle... glitter added zing to the whole thing. <br /><br />My first ornament was created!!! She turned out alright (although I'll probably jazz her up a little more later), and onto the next item I can recycle!Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-78051509371676390132010-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:002010-02-03T12:25:02.377-08:00Rehab dresser to match existing...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjZdaN4C5Bv2zE4J55s9Ns1pV4_7YBjl0hyphenhyphenRmfgFB_jhp97uiLFrVuRJfnoww1UeBSoP09NAIV3EzadSRmQjEj26e0EJClmWiMHrId0BPRFk0YpadyHtM3z1x5cC8k7n9PjhkoNE-4ycO/s1600-h/White+dresser+POST+conversion+2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjZdaN4C5Bv2zE4J55s9Ns1pV4_7YBjl0hyphenhyphenRmfgFB_jhp97uiLFrVuRJfnoww1UeBSoP09NAIV3EzadSRmQjEj26e0EJClmWiMHrId0BPRFk0YpadyHtM3z1x5cC8k7n9PjhkoNE-4ycO/s400/White+dresser+POST+conversion+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434107171437185074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByGwpZ3s3iMauWRgP1n6gwdxYT44hdfy8cY6FGvb0yahzDw7_plsXOtoZsn5DIBH-bVUiUPF676Pd4Xxoc08QRGuyYtNdsUq6VeuhN6Eez-_epf16T026czc99rqno-Tf5UZRNtRDpOdJ/s1600-h/White+conversion+dresser+2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByGwpZ3s3iMauWRgP1n6gwdxYT44hdfy8cY6FGvb0yahzDw7_plsXOtoZsn5DIBH-bVUiUPF676Pd4Xxoc08QRGuyYtNdsUq6VeuhN6Eez-_epf16T026czc99rqno-Tf5UZRNtRDpOdJ/s400/White+conversion+dresser+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425907454283365634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B8At8amAW4-4N0drutv7t-2QDMXGapp23yZvFr4QWYu9Xd5lMDNjdsIDUKuu77KXAmqHQZ_uKq712kWq2pz33ReZKoD5cDDJlwWAhW8peZyaJye1lHnzqtQA3GtNH-MQ7xFhcOIHEaW2/s1600-h/J+inspiration+dresser.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B8At8amAW4-4N0drutv7t-2QDMXGapp23yZvFr4QWYu9Xd5lMDNjdsIDUKuu77KXAmqHQZ_uKq712kWq2pz33ReZKoD5cDDJlwWAhW8peZyaJye1lHnzqtQA3GtNH-MQ7xFhcOIHEaW2/s400/J+inspiration+dresser.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425907021325624322" /></a><br />Today's project is to rehab a dresser I found on Craigslist so that it matches an existing dresser in the house. The previous owner had already freshened it up with white paint, so I'll be able to skip a few of my normal steps. <br /><br />The existing dresser, cherry wood colored, is a family 'heirloom' that won't be omitted for sentimental reasons. So, I bought this white dresser with similiar shape, legs, and general structure at a fair price. The trick will be trying to do a faux technique so that the two pieces match, or at least have the illusion of matching within the same room (they won't live side by side so any variation will be less noticeable than if they were to be placed side by side). How faux can I go? GOOD question! I haven't done a lot of faux technique, so I don't have the answer...yet. <br /><br /><br />The PLAN (After removing handles and knobs)is: <br /><br />Step 1. Lightly bleach interior and exterior of dresser and let dry completely. <br />Step 2. Lightly sand exterior. <br />Step 3. Raid my paint shelf, mix satin interiors to create a *Reddish* base color. <br />Step 4. Use a foam brush and apply paint in LONG strokes for streaked appearance.<br /> (The photo shows I've started this stage already)<br />Step 5. Let dry completely - overnight. <br />Step 6. Raid my stain shelf and mix a *Reddish-brown* stain blend. I'll use cherry and mahogany stains for reddish tint, and I'll avoid walnut so my blend doesn't get too dark. <br />Step 7. Put on rubber gloves (stain stains skin!).<br />Step 8. Take a deep breath!<br />Step 9. Apply stain with bristle brush, very, very lightly.<br />Step 10. Let dry and repeat step 9 until I get desired tone. <br />Step 11. Let dry overnight - no I don't plan to wipe the stain off. <br />Step 12. Once cured, apply polyacrylic coat. <br />Step 13. Let Polyacrylic dry, sand gently. Apply second coat of Polyacrylic. <br />Step 14. Let Polyacrylic dry, sand GENTLY. Apply third coat of Polyacrylic. <br />Step 15. Enjoy for years to come. <br /><br />Time will tell if it goes according to plan or not. Wish me luck!!!<br /><br />Finally, it's February and I'm done with the project. I'm okay with the outcome but it sure took a few tries to get the color I wanted. I also oopsied when I tried to clean the hardware with lacquer thinner, it took the finish completely off them! I bought some metallic bronze spray paint to repaint them and it turned out fine. <br /><br />What ya think of the dresser now? HmmmmRecycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591878275343155991.post-16855421086160686362009-12-02T07:50:00.001-08:002009-12-04T20:00:45.171-08:00Recycled packing foam to make wall art<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lfgcq9tWsjXWj_ycqMbjEoC5HHHPkqd8Yaxi_x3ZvnfVLSfkLpa5qi3n44hiAKx4jOyd8Sy0nXkJcaSvWvGJMMSVgQ8QNvq_-PnV-1gEMr-Z0iySYJeIxE_6ARs0_H4JJgVWpUjuyBjG/s1600-h/Foam+and+Clay+Sun.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410667238462890882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lfgcq9tWsjXWj_ycqMbjEoC5HHHPkqd8Yaxi_x3ZvnfVLSfkLpa5qi3n44hiAKx4jOyd8Sy0nXkJcaSvWvGJMMSVgQ8QNvq_-PnV-1gEMr-Z0iySYJeIxE_6ARs0_H4JJgVWpUjuyBjG/s400/Foam+and+Clay+Sun.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br />Yep, <br /><br /><br /><br />styrofoam that comes in hundreds of kitchen and electronic items (among other items!) we all purchase throughout the year. </div><div></div><div>Any shape and size of styrofoam can be used. Use toothpicks, popsicle sticks and other scrap wood (if it came from food make sure to clean it off before using it) to attach chunks of foam together. Then cut the shape (or shapes) needed to create what you have in mind. </div><div></div><div></div><div>I love sunshine, so that was my choice. </div><div></div><div>In this case, I cut out two 1/2" think rounds from the foam. I also cut 5 triangle-ish shapes for the rays. I covered the round with several layers of concrete patch (refer to my previous blog Shoe Planter for tips on applying patch) and letting each layer dry overnight. I also covered the triangles with patch, letting each dry. </div><div></div><div>Meanwhile, I used polymer clay to create, and bake, the hearts, using a cookie cutter to get equal sized hearts. </div><div></div><div>Once all the main pieces were dry, I dry fit the triangles and hearts to determine placement and spacing. Using craft glue and toothpicks, I attached the triangles to the base. Another coat of concrete patch was applied to cover the seams. Again, allowing it to dry completely.</div><div></div><div>The hearts were glued on and marble eyes were embedded into the foam. Lips, nose and eyelids were shaped with clay, foam and spackling compound, respectively. </div><div></div><div>Finally, the piece was painted and sealed (multiple times) with a clear polyacrylic. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Give this project a whirl! Use your imagination and see what you come up with!</div><div> </div><div>Tips: Intended for sheltered exterior or interior spaces. It's a good idea to wear latex/other gloves while working with concrete patch. </div><div></div>Recycle Artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995509926052759763noreply@blogger.com1