Sunday, June 29, 2008

Think it, write it, create it...


My Art Journal
Originally uploaded by smashgirl
My ideas for my art come to me at random times...in the shower, when I first wake up...at the beach...so I decided to start an art journal where I could harness these thoughts. It's a simple blank journal where I can jot down a new design idea for a mosaic or card. It's become a successful tool to have as an artist. Ninety-nine percent of my written ideas come to life. You can see the embryonic stage of my "Why" mosaic, now affectionately named "Iris". That's a story in itself that I'll have to blog about!
There's something to be said for writing things down...once written then doing them is the next natural step...I wonder if this works with housework???

Saturday, June 21, 2008

My Upcycled Studio Space


My studio
Originally uploaded by smashgirl
When I first started making mosaics I used to use my kitchen table. As my supplies multiplied I really needed a space of my own. Tucked away in my garage I've managed to carve out a niche for myself. In California garage space is at a premium, we have no basements and outdoor toys such as surfboards( 7 or so), sports equipment, (two active boys), bikes, and the laundry area are all crammed into one spot!
I'm very proud to say that everything in my studio has been made from recycled materials. The main storage unit with the drawers started out as an old hand-me-down dresser that my husband had in his apartment when he was single. When I had our first son, he painted it to match the baby's room and we used it for both of the boys. It now houses plates, nippers, glue, and many other things I use all in one spot.
The drop down work area was once a desk top in my son's room. We used door hinges from our old front door so it can be pushed up and out of the way when I'm not using it.
That big comfy black office chair belonged to someone in the neighborhood and was sitting out on the curb calling out my name!
Look closely and you'll see my "The End of the Day" mosaic while it was a work in progress. Some day when my kids go off to college I'll move my studio into the house, but for now this is a great spot!
Click here for a more detailed picture!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Perfect for a Mermaid



The Mermaid Mirror
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Living in California near the beach certainly inspires me. Seashells are so beautiful so I thought that I'd use them for my first mosaic mirror. I used a layered style and set the shells on top of one another. I really love the feminity that the shells create. The Mermaid Mirror is currently for sale in my Etsy shop. More shell creations coming soon!


Don't miss the "Yart Sale" going on now until Friday June 20th. Selected mosaics are 20% off and I have a special "10 Dollar Sale" section also. Search "Yart Sale" on Etsy for all participating shops!



Saturday, June 7, 2008

Run for Chocolate!!!

It's Saturday morning, time to sleep in...I wish...my alarm goes off at 5:30am and it's time to drive 1 1/2 hours so my son can compete in a race. We are beach people and 75 degrees is a pretty hot day for us, so going to San Bernardino where it was 90 degrees was like being in a pizza oven! I was hunkered down in one of the few shady spots staying cool, while my son was running the 1600 meter race (4 laps around the track). I was sweating just watching him! He finished in second place with a new PR of 5:25! It was a great day and well worth the drive! Hershey didn't hand out any chocolate to the kids instead they gave out Twizzlers, I wonder why?

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Stella is a dummy!

See, she really is a dummy. A dummy that belongs to Julia and Marie the mother- daughter team from TheJulReeBox shop on Etsy. I stumbled across their forum post the other day titled, "Name That Dummy". I just had to go check it out! Here's what it said:

Enter to win beautiful Double Jasper Earrings!! Name our display girl. She has been called: Hortense, Mindless Chick, Sha-Goon-Da-La, Hey You, Brainless Dummy, Face-Less Wonder, Invisible Man, Not Another Pretty Face, Etc., Etc., .... but we want to do her proud. We will choose her new name from the first hundred applicants. Come join the fun! Convo us your entry or go through the forum/promotions under NAME THAT DUMMY!!

She looked like a Stella to me, so I entered my pick and I won! I just love their sense of humor! Stella looks like a million bucks, don't you think?
Here are my two favorite picks from their shop:

I love the bright bold colors of the "Ole" necklace! So spicy!
The "Blue-Green Sea" bracelet is perfect for a beachy girl like me. I love bracelets that have lots of movement and the colors are so pretty! Both are available for sale in their Etsy shop, The JulReeBox.
Thanks ladies and have fun with Stella!