Discoveries

"Discover" by D. Altaville c.2007

Just a recent Altered Journal Page as I ponder the New Beginnings and Ending Chapters of my life. There is so much going on here right now....both good and not so good. I wonder where it will all take me, and who I will become because of it.

A Thoughtful Tuesday.

Penelope Pumpkin

"Penelope The Pumpkin Princess"

A Recycled Art Doll by D. Altaville c.2007

Okay you may think it's a bit early for pumpkins, but this was done for a yahoo group challange.

AND I had tons of fun creating Penelope! Click on her to see a better view of her cute little head.

Anyhoo, the kiddies are going back to school in another week....and so before you know it, pumpkin time will be here after all. HA!

Hope everyone is enjoying summer's end.

Piggy Fun

Go here for some piggly wiggly fun and check out my piggy!
http://drawapig.desktopcreatures.com/gallery/large.asp?id=1509550&p=0&hof=1&q=personality+test
Have an oinker of a day!

Passages Of Time

"Love's Lost Innocence" by D. Altaville c.2007

Well, my first born son turned 16 yesterday. Whew! And the little guy just turned 5 at July's end. SO, He will be going off to Kindergarten soon, while the other one will be off to get his driving permit. It's all so bittersweet. Especially with summer almost over, I find myself getting rather melancholy, as another school year starts, another passage of time.

I have always been fortunate enough to be a stay at home Mom, and now I am finally free to have days to myself to devote to my painting and creating. But that doesn't seem to be in the cards. But we have fallen on some hard times, so alas and alack, as Murphy's Law would have it, I will probably have to look for some kind of part-time job during the day.

Yes, I know I should be thankful that I have had it so well all these years. And I am.

But still I would rather spend my days painting and really putting 110% into my art.

I guess we'll just have to see what Autumn brings.

A BlueJude Update

Well, the business card business seems to be rolling along quite well. Though I have yet to decide on a name, or take out any ads, I managed to score four jobs in the past week! AND everyone is absolutely pleased as punch with the designs I show them! Too cool! It is so gratifying to see their face light up. AND I am having SO much fun doing this that I only hope it continues to prosper. So keep good thoughts and vibes y'all that bluejude keeps rolling along.
OK now I just need to decide on a name and I need to make MY OWN business cards up for this new endeavor! Thank You Jesus...Thank You Lord! Happy Day All!

Summer Breaks

The above painting seems to hold our motto for the rest of the summer break since the little guy has broken his arm! As you can see it has not stopped him one bit from being his little goofy self!

"Handle Me With Care" by D. Altaville c.2007 will be available at Art n Joy on etsy here:

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Happy Monday All!

New Endeavor?

I did a post on this already but it doesn't seem to be showing up. Anyhoo, I recently did a graphic job for a friend who needed new business cards. Well, he so incredibly impressed with the four ideas I worked up for him that he's using two. One for BC's and one for ads, flyers, and magnetic car signs. This led to another job with the possibility of another. Anyhoo, a friend suggested I put a small ad in the little paper and try and drum up some biz doing this. AND as you all know I can use the spare change. Whaddaya think? Will it fly?
On a down note, the little guy broke his arm Monday falling off the monkey bars, so it's been a little hectic here. Trying to keep this kid still, keep his sling on, and keep it elevated is like trying to convert the Pope to become a Jew! lol
So needless to say...I'm after him every twenty minutes in between trying to do my puter stuff. OH and ART....Hmmmm...what's that? lol Just kidding, I do have a few things in progress but now of course it will take me a little longer to finish them up. Oh well. You'll just have to stay tuned.
And wait to see a pic of my little guy in his cast. And he barely shed a tear about the whole thing. REALLY! It was like all in a day's work - or should I say play for him. Too much this kid!
Happy Day All! Whaddaya think about this new endeavor?

Fool's Gold

HALLO ALL! I received my copy of "Fool's Gold; Making Something From Nothing and Freeing Your Creative Process" by Susan G Woodridge.YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK! I mean like now! I am only about 50 pages into it but I know so many of you will LOVE this book. It's the type of book that you don't want to put down, yet you want to savor every word, and don't want it to end. AND then you'll wanna read it again. She also wrote a book called Poem Crazy years ago which is also good. But Fool's Gold is a MUST HAVE! Ok so off you go now to your nearest bookstore or book site and get yourself a copy!

It even inspired me enough to get out of my slump and start painting again last night!

In Limbo

"Who Are You, Really?" D. Altaville c.2007

This is an old piece but kind of sums up how I'm feeling lately. At least artistically speaking.

I feel kind of lost at the moment, ready for change but not really sure at all of any particualr direction. Just lost and in limbo.

I know, I know....I should just pull out my paints and supplies and throw something down and see what transpires. I just can't seem to do it just yet. And I don't know why.

Anyhoo, I just got the book Kaleidescope and it's rather interesting. Perhaps it will spark something inside and give me inspiration to go forward.

Hope everyone has a fun and creative July!

P.S. I'll be back with something...a new creation. There I said it! Now I'm committed! lol

SPC Summer Nights

I just LOVE Summer Nights though I think I got a little carried with some Photo manipulation here! Kinda spooky eh?

More Etsy Wonders

Check out this great blog called Less Than Three Designs where you'll find numerous etsy artists on interview with the very sweet Allison. (And of course yours truly has been interviewed there as well). But it's a real eye opener to all the creative people out there and quite an inspiration. The blog is here: http://lessthanthreedesigns.blogspot.com/
And be sure to check out Allison's etsy shop as well for some cute funky cards! She's at Less Than Three Designs at etsy.com
Now go and have a GREAT day!

The Poor Man's Patio

This has nothing at all to do with my patio, but it is my bargain birdbath that I got for $10.00!

Must have happy birdies!

NO, this is obviously not my patio. BUT I just had to share my very HAPPY HOSTAS growing outside my porch. Exciting huh?

A kind of full view of THE PATIO.

These fabulous wicker chairs came free from our friends Gwen and Tom, who found four of them on the roadside and generously gave us two! How cool is that? AND I just spray painted them brown and they are as good as new! YAY!

Never did find a bistro table- yet...but I did find this great serving cart for $3.00 at the flea market. And a can of white spray paint has given it new life! Yes, I LOVE a bargain!

My favorite HENS & CHICKS!

So there you have it folks...my Poor Man's patio! I call it that cause, well, at the moment we are rather poor but thanks to some wonderful friends we were able to pull it together.

And now I would like to thank all my generous friends who made it possible. Thank you to Rick for your wheelbarrow, Tom and Gwen for the wicker chairs and brick chisel, Eddie for the gas tamper and ALL the wonderful FREE brick, Eric for his hand tamper, Bogie for the use of his truck to get the sand, George for your helping hands and advice, and my dear, crazy hubbie for all his hard work and patience.

Kinda feel like I won the grammy award....heee heee! OK enough silliness.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Our Comfy Bargain Adirondack Chairs

LAST CHANCE!

I will be removing a lot of pieces from my Art n Joy etsy Shop this week, so if there is anything that strikes your fancy...scoop it up now!
I am trying to make way for some new art...that will be on the way soon.
AND I just might be opening a second shop toward Summer's end. What kind of art will it contain? Well, that's a secret for now.
So take a peek at Art n Joy on etsy for the last chance at some BlueJ pieces!
AND have a wonderful, wonderful week!
Now I'm off to have a cheeseburger on the grill.

The Little Graduate

Well, the little guy has graduated from pre-school and as you can see it was a fun, rockin time for all! AND the best part, well for me anyway, was that he got the Van Gogh Award for being the best artist in his class! How cool is that? His favorite part though was the cake! We are all so proud of him! Hope everyone is having a great summer. Pictures of the patio come next!

A Shot of Red

Everyone needs a shot of red! Or at least I do. I recently cleaned up and out all my art supplies and canvases. They are still accessible, but out of sight and no longer taking over the dining room. AND, having done that, I also had to replace my Jackson Pollock paint spattered tablecloth.
Well, I usually just get a clear plastic one as my dining room table has been handpainted a lovely green and decoupaged and painted with vines and flowers by your's truly. But it seems the store was out of clear plastic ones. So I rummaged about looking for something else that would work and that was cheap. And lo and behold I found this Martha Stewart red/pink paisley pattern that normally I would think was too bold for the room. (Tho I do have touches of red and pink in this cottage style room) BUT it was marked down to $2.00!! Needless to say, it was a done deal! And apparently, it was just what I needed! It's bright and cheery and simply faboo.
So the inside of my house is getting spiffed up as we collect the rest of the materials for out patio. Yes, my little patio that has become the talk of our local friends and neighbors. Mostly they say things like, "So have ya got the patio done yet?" WE sigh, bow our heads and admit that no we haven't even started the job. (We mumble about the weather and the kids and how were still collecting our suppplies, all useless excuses around here)
They all find this quite funny, as they are very handy dyi people, mostly laborers to whom putting in a small patio is a piece of cake. Now I have done my share of dyi work in the home and have no problem getting my hands dirty. But a PATIO, well that's another story.
But my ton and a half of sand was delivered today (who would've thunk you would need that much sand? lol) and it looks like the job will get done this week.
AND those same people, our wonderful friends have all kindly offered their advice, as well as lending us their tools. (I might have to put post its on things just to remember who lent us what!) And some have offered a helping hand. (I think they are starting to take pity on us city bred folk! lol) So there you have it.
Then all I need to do, is to stain and assemble two wooden Adirondack chairs that we got cheap cheap cheap! And scout the flea market and tag sales for a bistro type table and chairs.
Unless any of you have any ideas on how to make my own out of something??
And I have a friend who is overgrowing with ferns, so I think I'll be adopting a couple of those for around my birdbath and for the patio.
Life is good. God is good and continues to bless us. I feel good and I am looking forward to a great summer! OH and the red photo above is the courtesy of my very talented daughter, whose photography you can see at the Lavender Funk link to the right. Take a peek!
And add a shot of red to your life this week, whether it be fresh cherries from the market or a gerber daisy or a bright red tablecloth! Happy Tuesday all!

Etsy Wonders

As most of you might already know, etsy is a wonderful community of creative, talented and unique people. Not only do they offer a fantastic marketplace for buyers, the sellers themselves are warm, friendly and usually willing to help promote other sellers.
Such is the case with a shop called Q Branch Ltd. They were kind enough to feature me as their artist of the week on their blogspot which you can find here: http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com/
So if you're not already tired of my rambles...go on over and check it out!
AND the next time you're on etsy, be sure to check out their creative and diverse shop called
Q Branch Ltd. here http://www.qbranchltd.etsy.com
Cheers to generous artists! Happy Day all!

ReCharging

Well, I had company over the weekend and never did get around to doing anything about my new promo idea. But it tis that season, when visitors come a knockin', so I'm not so sure it will come to pass just yet. I'm also at a standstill with my art, feeling the need to slow down and recharge, maybe branch out in a new direction. This comes as no surprise to me as summertime seems to be when I am at my least creative. And perhaps that is the time to just be free and explore at my own pace. It's also sneezin season, with allergies abounding. Soooo...I think I will be recharging for a while.
I will still be a bloggin but not as frequently and I will be checkin in to see what my wonderful, and creative blogging friends are up to.
But the sun is shinin' and theres a light breeze and a beautiful nest of little baby birds outside my kitchen window. So I think I'll inhale the senses of summer, take it all in, fill myself up with the beauty of nature and all it's inspiration and then perhaps I will be able to exhale something wonderful....feeling recharged once again.
It's summertime and the livin' is easy. Or so I hope....lol. Hope everyone is having a beautiful day and enjoying the season.

Thank You!

"Summer Rose" by D.Altaville c.2007

Available at Art n Joy on etsy! http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

THANK YOU all so much for you're input and encouragement on my last post!

I am so lucky to have such wonderful blogging friends.

So yes, I am going ahead with the idea, and hopefully will have it all together by Monday.

I apologize if I have not been frequenting your blogs as much, (or posting here as much for that matter), but I guess like everyone else, I've been doing the outdoor thang!

Which brings me to my brick! lol I got them delivered the other day and though they are not the old, old brick I was hoping for they will do just fine and best of all they were free!

So now you know what I'll be doing next week! lol

As they are calling for rain the next few days here.

AND I have been one lazy artist! Working at a snail's pace. Hey, at least I'm honest. lol

But this Rose is for you all my wonderful, talented and creative friends.

Thanks again and have a happy one!

NEED YOUR OPINION....

Good Morning Blogger Friends! I hope everyone had a nice Mom's Day. I know I did. I requested no gifts here, as money is tight, and quite honestly, my kids are the best gift I ever received! Not much to report here, still doing the Spring Cleaning thang and hoping that sometime soon, I will have a pile of old brick in my yard! I've been wanting a little brick patio for years and a friend of ours in landscaping says he just might have some old brick for me this week, from a job he's doing. Won't that be faboo! Of course, it'll be even more faboo, if I manage to do the job right, as I am tackling it myself. But another friend has instructed me on just what to do...down to the last detail. So we'll see.

Anyhooo....I need some HONEST opinions from you all. I had this idea of contacting the local realtors in my area (of which there are many) , offering them Gift Certificates to Art n Joy to give to their clients who have bought a house. Personally, I think it's a great marketing idea. BUT being that my art is not very mainstream, I'm wondering if they'll all just have one big hoot and think I'm some kind of foolish, weirdo! lol But then again, a lot of people buying houses here are from NYC either looking for permanent residence or a summer home. And as you know, anyone from a major metropolis is a little more opened minded, when it comes to art and culture. SO having said all that...what do you all think? Is my art appropo enough for the idea? I need HONESTY so let it rip! Thanks all and Happy Tuesday!

Oh yes, the art above is titled "I Have No Home But Me" (A fave quote of mine by Anne Truitt) and is available at Art n Joy on etsy!

ABSTRACTIONS & DISTRACTIONS

"Lucky Number 836" & "Lucky Number 613" D.Altaville c.2007

Available at http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Yes, I have been doing some number abstractions lately. It might have something to do with the little guy's incessant counting and obsession with numbers. This kid can count!!

And he can also add...all day long! lol

AND I have sooooo many unfinished pieces to get to, it's not even funny. I have canvases, journal pages, mixed media collage work, all scattered and stacked....ALL UNFINISHED!!

Is anyone else like that? Starting things and jumping from one thing to the next?

So hopefully, sometime soon I will have a bunch of new stuff in etsy.

In the meantime I've been distracted by Spring Cleaning (yup finally got those windows done-well, most of them!) and spiffin' up the yard and plantin my tomatoes and cukes! YUM!

And we got a brand new picnic table, solid pine that I just stained a lovely shade of green blue the other day. What would bluejude's yard be...without color? Well, it wouldn't be bluejude's yard at all! lol AND I have a nifty painted birdhouse that I have to find a spot for.

Love those birdies! AND I think this year we are going to add a butterfly bush to the yard. I LOVE THEM! I had one at my last house and it was marvelous! Lot's of butterflies fluttering about! A must have for anyone who likes gardens, blloms, and butterflies.

So it's a beautiful day and now I am off to get the little guy from preschool and hopefully get some of those pieces completed!

Happy Thursday All!