Today is Friday, Workshops to Discuss and WIPs!

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS!

We made it through another week , and I hope you are getting your creative juices flowing for the weekend!
As you all know, I've been spending time taking some workshops on line. With the overwhelming presence of "NING" so many artists out there have set up Ning Sites, and are offering such fabulous workshops. I'm actually taking quite a few workshops from various Artists. I have learned while taking certain workshops that if you pay for a workshop, you should be able to download the videos for future reference. The one's that I have signed up at Creative Workshops were great workshops, however due to the fact that you cannot download the videos and I had such a hard time viewing the videos (the stop and go), I will not be taking any other workshops over there. I have searched out workshops where the instructor has a presence on the site and allows you to download the workshops. I think it's important that if you pay for a workshop, you should be able to download it for future reference. I know life happens, and it's nice to know that when your schedule frees up a bit, you can still take the workshop without having it disappear on you! With that said, Monica over at www.handsandheart.ning.com, Nancye Williams, www.nancyesartdolls.ning.com, Gritty Jane, www.somethingtomake.com, Suzi Blu, www.suziblu.ning.com, and Marie, www.evbstudio.ning.com are absolutely fabulous instructors and artists and all of their workshops that these artists offer are freaking incredible and well worth the money! I might have gotten the websites wrong, so if you are interested in taking workshops, just click my badges on the sidebar of my blog and it will take you the Ning Group that you are interested in.

Right now, even though I'm signed up for numerous workshops, I'm concentrating on my workshops over at Suzi Blu's Les Petite Academy. (One at a time! LOL) I can't say enough about Suzi Blu. This little firecracker of an artist is incredible and so giving of her art. I have really enjoyed her workshops and learning from her. For someone who never tapped into drawing and painting before, her "Goddess & The Poet" workshop is absolutely amazing. The videos are clear and step by step instructions. Her PDF's are out of this world. If you are thinking about taking an online workshop, I would start with Suzi's Workshops. I know I have along way to go, but I'm looking forward to the journey.

Here are some of my Works in Progress from her Workshops that she is offering!


Now, onto Ornies...I love searching for new ornies on the internet that various artists create, and I'm very excited that Colleen over at www.loopyboopy.etsy.com has created a new line of ornies. Check her out other there. They are wonderful and have that LoopyBoopy Style! LOL

As today...is Friday... I actually have a THREE Day Weekend ahead of me, WHOOOHOOO!!!!! I woke up this morning and walked into my studio to find this waiting for me!
As you can see, I WILL BE BUSY FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS! I'm running a little behind in getting my works into some of the local shops here and galleries, so with that said....I'm off to brew another pot of JAVA...stay tuned...for the finished works...LOL

Have a wonderful and creative weekend and do what you love, whatever it is....JUST DO IT and GIGGLE WHILE YOU ARE DOING IT! LOL

Until next time...

CHEERS!

OH MY GOODNESS...MORE AWARDS & ART SUPPLIES!

Oh MY Goodness, I have received some Awards and I'm a little behind on posting! I also just received two more! LOL Thank you all for these amazing and wonderful Awards, I really, really appreciate them and accept them all with great honor! This First Award is THE GOURDQUEENS SCREAM AWARD.

Here are the RULES...(taken from Sonia at http://www.darkravensnest.blogspot.com/)

Those of you who know the Gourdqueen,http://thegourdqueen.blogspot.com/ know that when she See's something incredible or something that excites her, she shows her enthusiasm by typing "SCREAM".This award is to be shared with anyone whose blog you just love. Whether it's their art, their interests, the things they share, you just simply love to visit their blog!This is what you do:1~Accept the award then post it on your blog with the name and link of the person's blog who shared this award with you.2~Explain the award.3~Then share the award with with blogs that make you SCREAM! Please tell what makes their blog so special to you. Be sure to let them know they have received the award. Also you can share this award again if you run across more bloggers that make you SCREAM!Now to start SCREAMING!I would now like to pass this award to the people and their blogs that make me SCREAM!

Now I was bestowed this SCREAM Award by 2 different artists, Sonia from The Dark Ravens Nest and MarZel from Path Lighting Shadows. Both women are just the coolest gals and keep me laughing and on my toes! LOL Please hop over to their Blogs to see what Sonia and MarZel have cooking in their Studios! You can visit Sonia at http://darkravensnest.blogspot.com and MarZel at http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com

I am passing this Award onto the following Scream Bloggers:
Flora - http://www.boneheadstudios.blogspot.com/

Deb - http://halloweenjinglesbellsboo.blogspot.com/

Caroline - www.carolinescrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com

Phil - http://halloweentinkering.blogspot.com/

Gail -http://gaillackey.blogspot.com/

Pattee - http://www.odd-dolls.blogspot.com/

Shirley - http://www.skellytonart.blogspot.com/

The Second Award, "THE UBER AWARD" was bestowed on me by Zinnia over at http://zinniasart.blogspot.com. I have been working with Zinnia over at Hands & Heart, and I have to tell you...this gal has amazing talent and her Sketches she has been working on knocks my socks off! LOL Thank you Zinnia for sending this award my way...you inspire me everyday my friend!

Here are the Rules:

The Uber Award is a blog award given to sites who:1. Inspire you 2. Make you smile and laugh, or maybe give amazing information 3. A great read 4. Has an amazing design 5. Any other reasons you can think of that make them Uber amazing!The rules of this award are:* Put the logo on your blog or post.* Nominate at least 6 blogs* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.* Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

I am passing this Award to:

Zan- http://wildatheartart.blogspot.com/

Kimmie -http://onceuponabluecrow.blogspot.com/

Nicole - www.itsybitsyfunzyonesie.blogspot.com

Jacqui - www.odddollz.blogspot.com

Sonia - www.darkravensnest.blogspot.com

Anita - http://www.anitastamps.com/

The third Award, THE BYRUM SPIRITUAL AWARD was bestowed on me by the WONDERFUL, TALENTED ART DOLL ARTIST and My TEACHER, Ms. NANCYE WILLIAMS of http://nancyesartandbeautifuljunk.blogspot.com. Ms. Nancye thank you so much for this lovely award and coming from you...just makes it that more special for me! Cheers my friend!

The Byrum Spiritual Award means:
"You make a difference ... I know, because you have for me!"

I will be posting my 6 Inspirational Artists this weekend..so stay tuned!

Now ART SUPPLIES....WHOOOOHOOOO If you guys are near a Blick's Art Supply Store, they are having a HUGE...A HUGE SALE ON PAINT BRUSHES! Check out what I SCORED! I'm so excite to use them this weekend. I was looking for some detail brushes and picked up a bunch of different ones. I mean...Paint Brushes that were normally $9.89 a piece, I got them for $1.50. Man, you can't beat that! LOL Now I have some Paint Brushes for the Canvases I bought! hehehehehe

Now, I couldn't walk out of there without a GALLON OF GESSO! You know how I LOVE GESSO!
I hope you all have a Wonderful Tuesday and Enjoy the rest of the Week. Don't forget about the MAD TEA PARTY this WEEKEND over at Vanessa's www.afancifultwist.typepad.com I'm sure it will be going on throughout the weekend and then some! LOL

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

CHEERS!

Look What Was Waiting At My Door!

As I got out of my Jeep and started walking towards the house...getting closer...I started screaming and doing the happy dance...giggle, giggle, giggle...I am up and running with my new computer...THE CROW IS BACK! whooohoooo! LOOK OUT! You think I don't sleep now...well, now I definitely won't! LOL

Now all I have to do is download my files, get my programs on it and I'm in business! Thank you all for being so patient with me...I promise...I've learned my lesson to back up my files! LOL Thanks again everyone for staying with me and checking in on me. I really have appreciated all of your hugs and kisses! SMOOCHES and HUGS TO ALL OF YOU!

My Happy Dance didn't end with my computer...I also received my package from Kerry Kate...check this out!

If you haven't check out Kerry's artwork...well, you need to check her out! Amazing artist. I snagged one of her pillows. It is a print from one of her original paintings. I also finally got one of her ornaments to put on my ornament tree in my studio. I would love to get my hands on one of her original art dolls and one of her paintings. I especially love her oil paintings! Visit her over at www.kerrykate.etsy.com or www.OctoberEffigies.com You will not be sorry!

Okay, now I received my new Art Doll Quarterly Magazine... This is a wonderful magazine and some of my Team Members over at Art Dolls Only are in this issue! Congrats Team Members...I can't wait to read Oddfae's article! She makes these amazing art dolls to die for! I will be curling up with my cup of tea and reading this cover to cover...I will have the big bags under my eyes tomorrow...but it's soooooo worth it! LOLNow, I was hoping that my pictures I ordered for the Carnival Soiree would come , and they did! I can't wait to start building my stage and getting ready for the Soiree on Saturday, March 14th...Make sure you stop by on Saturday and visit the party. Our Host, Lisa has the details on her blog http://www.thecarnivalsoiree.blogspot.com

Now, my little friend over at Nancye's Art Dolls, Sharyn made a special gift for me...She is my "Special Friend Wand" and I will cherish her forever!

THANK YOU SO MUCH SHARYN...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HER!

I hope everyone has a wonderful night and I'm off to read my ADQ and sip on some warm tea. It's freezing here tonight. It's 60 degrees during the day and then it goes down to the 20's at night...Burr

Until next time...Cheers!

Meet the New Folk Art Dolls

Suzi Q, from Poland

Maxie, from Scotland

Hilga, from Austria

Gert, from England

Bertha, from Germany

I just finished these little cuties around 6 a.m. this morning. Yes, I have not been to bed yet and probably won't be any time soon! It's beautiful out today and I'm busy away in the Studio. It's amazing how much engery I have when I'm home, but when I'm at work, it's like my life is sucked out of me! What's up with that? LOL

As for these little folk art dolls, they are sculpted out of polymer clay and underwent numerous layers of acrylic paints and then sealed with Sculpey Glaze-Satin. I am currently taking a workshop from Nancye Williams over at http://www.nancyesartdolls.ning.com/ Nancye currently has 2 workshops going and will be starting a two new ones on March 30th "Creating a Doll Bust" and "A Winged Fairy Doll" April 1st, which I will be signing up to take. We are also getting team members to participate in a "TAG Book" swap.

I will be working on these today. I also have to get going on my Suzi Blu Mixed-Media Workshops (I'm currently signed up for two with her)...eeekkkk

Now for an update on my computer problems... I WILL BE UP AND RUNNING WITH MY NEW LAPTOP TOMORROW...Hip Hip Hooray! LOL I learned so much in the past 3 weeks about computers...and I'm glad my search is over and my computer problems are no long stressing me out! LOL

Well, heading back up to the Studio for more creating and more goodies. I hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend and I will speak to you all very soon...hmmmmm maybe around 3 am. I'll check to see who is still up! hehehehe

CHEERS!

Update on Computer Crashing!

Well, let it be said that I have totally missed my computer! It's amazing how attached we become to these pieces of equipment! LOL My friend was able to save the hard-drive, meaning I did not loose 3 years worth of work, so I'm forever thankful for that! He backed everything up for me so I know I have a complete back-up of my computer. I can't tell you all enough, when working with your photographs and art on your computer it is so important to back your system up...it only take about 5 minutes or so...so you all need to make sure you do that because I do not want you guys going through what I went through! Listen to the Crow!!!!! LOL

I'm still searching for a new computer. I thought I would have it by weeks end, but that didn't happen, so hopefully by next week or so I'll have a brand new baby in my studio! Wish me luck!

This is what I'm looking at...Apple Mac Pro Book...I've heard such great things about the Apple Computers! However, they are very expensive, but it might be worth it in the long run...they never get attacked with viruses!

On another note and to get caught up with awards, updated photographs, and works in progress and swaps, this post is going to be a little long....but stay with me...some cool things are about to be revealed:

First off, Caroline from CarolineCrafts awarded me with "I LOVE YOUR BLOG" Caroline and I are in different Ning Groups together. I'm thankful to call her my friend and fellow artist. Thank you Caroline for taking the time out of your crazy schedule to award me with such an awesome award! If you have not visited Caroline yet, please check out her blog over at http://carolinescrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com/

Next, I was involved with a Swap being hosted by Missy entitled "Luck-of-the-fae-fairy-swap" My swap partner was Lucy Miller and here is what I sent her. We had to create a Fairy, a Fairy Wand and something Sparkly. This is what I sent my swap partner!

Lucy, I'm so happy that you loved your Fairy and Fair Wand...as for something sparkly, I added a glittered big star in her package. You can visit Missy's (our Host) website over at:http://www.fairychildheirlooms.wordpress.com/ or click on the badge on the right side of my blog.

Now for updates on WORKSHOPS that I'm involved in:

Over at Cloth & Clay Workshop (Click on my Badge for details on the left side) Here are some "Work In Progress" Photographs. I have to attach their arms and legs and I still have to paint. Can't wait to see how these guys come out!

This pictures shows how after you gesso the bodies (that is the key to keeping the paper clay on the cloth) you then start sculpting out their facial parts. This workshop is a lot of fun and if you like cloth (sewing) and working with creative paper clay, then I suggest you sign up for this class. We are actually starting our first challenge and it's Nursery Rhymes. I still have to finish my Dollie here and then I'll be able to work on the Challenge. LOL

Now, another workshop I'm involved in is Nancye Williams Art Dolls. We have just started the workshop, and this one is entitled "Creating a Polymer Folk Art Doll." Here are some pictures of my WIP's of my folk art dolls:

She just came out of the Oven...look at all her little body parts. I can't just make one, I always seem to make 2 or 3 at a time...I just work like that...always have and always will! LOL

These little Folk Art Dolls still have to have their arms and legs sculpted and hair has to be added. I'll be working on those this afternoon.

I'm also working on a new line "Bowling Pin Folk Art Dolls" Take a peek into my little studio and see how these little guys are coming along...they are made out of a Smirnoff Pomegranate Fusion Bottle (my favorite...believe me these are really good, you can even add Vodka to them to give them a little extra kick..LOL). I then cover over them with masking tape and then cover in paper clay...they take many coats of gesso...this is a trick that I have found to help with the sanding process.

I had a little visitor last night...look who was hiding and playing in the tinsel...I tried to be quite when I was grabbing for my camera...but I think I scared her...eeeekkkkk

I hope you all have a creative and wonderful Weekend...Until next time...

CHEERS!

Happy Mondy Everyone!

Happy Monday Everyone...let the week begin tomorrow! LOL I was fortunate to have today off. Our office was closed due to "President's Day" and I spent my afternoon at the Oral Surgeon's Office. What a joke...now I know what I should have done after high school! I should have gone to Dental School instead of going into Law! I have to go back and have surgery on my poor tooth.....ohhhhh I'm afraid! Don't worry, I'm going to have them put it in a jar for me! eeekkkk

I hate going to the dentist, but I know this is part of life and we all must go every year, but it doesn't mean I have to like it! LOL

Anyways, that saga will continue for the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime, I wanted to share with all of you what I created this weekend. However, I can't post my Fairy & Wand Swap until I send it out to my partner, Lucy.

I am a member over at Nancye's Art Dolls on Ning, and we are working on "Wild Woman Wands" which are so much fun to make and create! I have a few in the works and will post when they are done. I will be taking Nancye's Folk Art Doll Workshop which starts March 1st and I can't wait!

If you haven't check out her Workshops yet or the Group, click on the side bar to the right on my blog! IT's not to late to join!

I had a lot of fun making this Wild Woman Wand... Her name is "Martini" I wonder why? LOL

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday and I will see you soon!

CHEERS!