Carved Stamp 3

Well I didn't carve this stamp today, neither of them, the flower or tile. But it was clear that Cinco de Mayo should be something that reminds us of our wonderful neighbor, Mexico.  I have had so many great trips down there that it seemed an appropriate design.  The tile stamp was purposely, not fully impressed when I stamped the pattern.

I love how it came together. And, I really love stamps...and, carving them.

Thanks and remember, stamping makes the world go round and round 

New Banner

I love looking at what other artist and crafters do on their blogs, websites and Etsy, with their banners. Many Etsians even sell banners in their shops. Very Cool. There are so many beautiful, eye-catching banners that are works of art themselves. Whether they are digitally created, photographs, orginal art imagary or a combination of all of the above, most are all unique and interesting to see.

 A few weeks ago I was playing with my carved stamps and stamped out a design with this stamp. I loved how the stamp had different colorations on it from the different inks I had used.  I shot a picture of it to show you its own beauty.

As I was working to create patterned backgrounds,  I came up with  one in my sketchbook, a new very affordable sketchbook, which I got at AC Moore. And let me just say, "I love it" because the paper is super smooth and perfect for stamping. Many sketchbooks have a rough surface  (tooth) which is more suitable for drawing with pencil, charcoal and pen.

I think I was drawn to it because it said Recycled and  then noticed the $5.00 price and when I opened it and felt the paper, I was hooked!  So, as I played around with this stamp I came up with this pattern. Then I scanned it and monkeyed around  in Photoshop with the image and decided to create a banner.   One of these days I am going to upgrade my Photoshop, I use Elements 2.0, it almost sounds laughable.  When I think how old this program is I think about upgrading.  But for now it works for my basic needs and I am grateful to have it.

Peace out.

Beeswax Birds

Well, Christmas has come and gone and here it is, almost the end of January. And the start of a new decade. 2010......Wow! It was hard to post here during the holidays, we were spending our time with each other and cherishing our last days with our beloved Leo. Our beautiful Red Golden Retriever was my loyal friend and constant companion (and I mean constant). He flew away a few days after Christmas. He was diagnosed with bone cancer right after Thanksgiving. He went so fast, and I know that the speed of his departure was a blessing. We miss you Leo-nski, you Big Red Rascal! So here I am to say, I am back in the swing of things. I am getting ready to teach at Ink About It on February 6, in Westford, Mass. Last weekend I dropped off samples of these fun little peeps. I really like the pedestal stand instead of the wire legs. See the other birdies here, (scroll down). We will have the option to make either in class and I will provide one spindle base for each student. Or if you think you can swing two birds, go for it! The beeswax adds such a soft luster finish that you barely see in these images, but when you hold it, you know it is there. They seem to be taking on a life of their own. Oh, and did I mention.......? Their wings are moveable!

There are more Beeswax Birds coming here soon, with more ideas on how to perch them. That is all I am going to say for now. So check back and see what other ideas I have in the works.