Raku

Just bought some beautiful raku lampwork beads on etsy, can't wait to do something with them!  I have been seed beading my little heart out, will post on etsy today or tomorrow.
Also have been using products from USArtquest which is located here in Jackson.  If you haven't been to their website, lots of fun stuff for us mixed media people to play with!
http://www.usartquest.com/index.php

Happy arting!

Mixed Media Video

Very interesting artist I found on youtube - she uses spackle and poultry grit for texture.  I'm trying out her technique, will post an image when I get done.

An Interview!

Awonderful interview about my art and etsy store, and even a giveaway!

http://feliciakramer.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-michigan-studio-with-dancing-rain.html

Helpful jewelry tips

If you have sterling silver that is starting to oxidize, either baking soda or toothpaste on an old toothbrush works really well to remove the darkness.
If I have a chain, I will pour baking soda in my hand, drip  a little water to make a paste then run the chain through my hand several times.

To help keep sterling from oxidizing, keep in a plastic bag with a dessicant, such as the little packages that come in shoes.  This will help keep moisture away from the jewelry.  Just keep it away from little ones!  When my son was about two, I caught him about to eat one!  At least I hoped he was about to eat one!   One call to the poison control center later, I threw every one I had away! 

Roasted Tomatoes

One of my patients shared this with me, it's absolutely delicious and easy to make.

Tomatoes of any variety, quartered ( I used about 10 lbs.)
Peppers of all colors, green,red,yellow,orange
Portebello mushrooms
Minced onion { I used 3 vidalia)
Minced garlic cloves ( I used 5)
Fresh herbs, such as basil,thyme,rosemary, oregano
Any other fresh vegetable you want to throw in ( I added about a bag of baby carrots for some sweetness)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut up all vegies into chunks, mix in a roasting pan with seasonings, drizzle with olive oil.
Roast in a 250* oven for at least 12 hours, I did 15 hours.  Stir at least twice.
Will make a very chuncky thick sauce.  I used a hand blender to puree a little as the carrots were still a little hard.
Put in freezer bags and enjoy fresh tomato sauce all winter. 
Not much work for a lot of flavor!

Thanks A., you know who you are!

Brand Spanking New Free Textures

Feel free to use these textures however you wish!

Hope Lives, new on etsy

Just a quick note, just posted this print on etsy.  Hope you all like!

Calender Girl

I've been working on a calender page for the website Digital Whisper.  My month is October (my favorite).  I decided to do a fairy in a forest with a page for notes next to the art work, also got to decorate the actual calender.  Can't wait to see all the gorgeous art there is bound to be in this book!

Here's the note page:  model courtesy mizzd-stock at deviantart.

Here's a simple manipulation I did using 2 of the textures below, just to show you what they can be used for. Enjoy!

Free Textures

Here are three new textures that you may use however you wish,  Hope they are helpful!

New and Improved?!?

It's been so long since I was on here, it took me all day to make a few changes.
Been really busy since my son graduated, trying to get him ready for school, all the stuff you have to buy...Oh well, I really didn't need a vacay anyway!
I decided to use my facebook icon for my header , it's one of my favorite pieces I've done so far.  I love her look of a little mystery!

I will try to be back soon with some free textures and photos to use in your artwork.
Ciao!!!