Where will the words end up now? This is a picture of the violin I "painted" for the Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra painted violins. It is actually a mosaic. I'd like to try this technique again. This is my version of a zentangle. I really like adding color sometimes.

Does this still work? I've been blogging on Typepad, but some of their issues have me thinking about returning to blogger. I want to test this and see what happens.

Well, I tried including a picture and it has ended up above the words, instead of below, as I had imagined. Let's try this again. Now the second picture is above everything else. This is going to take some getting used to.

Moving

Yep, I'm moving to Typepad.

The new address will either be Apryllx.typepad or SpiceDropSoup.typepad

I don't know how that works - so try both ways and see what happens. Try Apryllx first. Hopefully, I'll figure out how to do more there.

I've already posted once. Now I'm reading my past posts and see that I have a very stilted writing style. In my mind, I'm witty and extremely talented. In reality, I'm somewhat boring.

Hope you all stay tuned as I learn and get better. See ya!

A little bit of news

O.K. I am shamed into a new entry. Sorry it's been so long.

I had a great time tonight with Carol, Donna and Denise. It was lovely to munch on TexMex after the monthly meeting. Then home to blog-hop and watch P&P/Masterpiece Theater. Some days are just perfect. They always include friends, food and art.

So, it's on my mind - big time. Artfest! Yep, I'm going again this year. I been looking forward to it all year. Just 6 1/2 weeks. I've started list-making. A list of supplies, a list of clothes, a list of things I want to accomplish, see & do.

As I was writing this, my daughter Melissa IM'd me. We've been messaging each other for the last hour. Not that either of us had any groundbreaking news, just touching base. My grandson Blake, is about to start a new season of soccer. We were trying to figure out something for granddaughter Lacy to do. She is less sporty than her brother and more into art. Since they live in Corsicana, a rather small city, I've suggested to Melissa that she see if the local scrapbook store has mother-daughter crops. I'm more than willing to set her up with plenty o' supplies. Just come shopping at my place - and hit two birds with one stone. On the one hand, Lacy will have a good start on supplies, on the other hand, I'll make some space in my art room.

Tiredness has taken over. Must sign off for now. More later, I promise.

ArtFiberFest is this Wednesday and I am NOT ready. No, not at all. I've made no trades. My flowers aren't done. I made a mock-up, which I don't like. hmm. At first I was stumped, trying to figure out a way to add a stem. Then someone in the yahoo group said she was making hers without the stem, so I tried that. It didn't help. There is a good chance that no flowers will be in my luggage.

Speaking of which, what to take? First, a lined rain coat. . . . who am I kidding? My big plan is to throw a butt-load of old clothes into the case and hope to wear them all. Any that don't make it home, oh well.

The ol' brain went to sleep about an hour ago, time for the bod to follow. Will write again when I get home.

Ready to Mail

My last post was in April? Wow! Guess there wasn't much to say.


News: I ordered a camera so I can add pictures to this blog. It may be here as soon as tomorrow. It's a "point and click" type. The important factor - it is digital and pictures can be downloaded to the computer. I'll take some pics of my work space/studio. I've been working on getting it organized. It's about 1/2 way there and needs to be finished before ArtFiberFest. Really, I want to get it done before the first weekend in October. After that, my time is not my own.


After the long holiday weekend, I've chosen my faves for Artfest. Stop here if you don't want to know - you know who you are.


To try something new, my #1 choice for Thursday is "Gut Instincts" definitely not for everyone. It's just so different. At first totally turned off from reading the description, I was won over upon viewing the class sample. A wire armature is built and gut stretched over it. The instructor has made vessels and jewelry from this technique.

Friday's #1 choice is "Flat to Stacked" by Linda & Opie O'Brien. I have always wanted to take one of their classes and now it's time. The project is a bracelet of various metals, but the big draw is learning all the cold joins and hands-on with new tools. I've done some cold joins, but I'd like to get better, and they are the best teachers in this area. Every time I see what others have done in their classes, I wonder why I didn't sign up.

No. 1 for Saturday is a real dilemma. I signed up for Michael de Meng's Morpheus Box, because I am fascinated with it. But after spending all day yesterday making a photo-realistic self-portrait, I'd be just as happy with my second choice, Collage faces.

Thursday's No. 2 choice is Spun Cotton Figures, and No. 3 is Ultimate Journals.
Friday's No. 2 choice is the Shrines class and No. 3 is Transparent by de Meng.

Saturday's No. 3 choice is the Prayer Box by Susan Lenart-Kazmer. Just a note here to all who know me well. Yes, I did put this as my #3 choice. I've heard so much good lately, I'm willing to open my mind to this possibility.

It's written in ink, folded and stuck in my purse. It will be in the mail tomorrow. Cross your fingers!

Holy COW

Holy COW = Holy Can Of Worms. In other words, someone said or did something to set someone else off. This time, it's all about Artfest - the one in Washington, and if some of the raffle proceeds should be used for teen scholarships for one or two teen artists. I knew when the idea first surfaced that it would get a lot of response. Some are totally in favor, some less so. All with valid reasons. If you want to read them, join the Artfest yahoo group. My take: At first I was against it, basically because I like to make art with adults and groups of teens can be distracting. Then I considered an art gathering that included a good friends niece and remembered how much energy and talent she brought to the group. In a room of at least a dozen women, we were are charmed by our young guest. Her talent was obvious, yet still in its infancy. We were all eager to share and she did not demand attention or require extra from any of us. I believe this is the fear of those who are against the scholarship, that the young person will be needy and require too much specialized attention. At this time, about 10 teens come to each gathering. Would one or two more change the dynamic of the group? Of course, some basics would have to be worked out, such as housing and chaperones. Also, if a teacher did not want any teens in her class, she should have her wishes followed. I, myself, have stated "adult only" on a few classes. It is a touchy subject. But what it really comes down to is, this is Teesha's gig. She ultimately shoulders the responsibility for everything that happens and everyone that comes. She has to please the masses. It's a job I do not want. Teesha is amazing. Whatever she decides will be the right decision.

Playing around

I've been playing around with the colors, font size and other choices. Somewhere along the line I lost the header. Or did I? I can't see it, what about you?