Anwabisabi

I’m always starting new projects! (Finishing them is another story, as I’m sure all of you may know.) Recently while surfing the net I found this wonderful little shop full of embroidery patterns andwabisabi.etsy.com. I couldn’t help but purchase one! Here I have displayed just one of many. Checkout the shop and you’ll find the one I purchased; a simple, charming chandelier. I can’t wait to scurry of to the store to get the floss, hoop, and fabric!

Exceptional

With my vast knowledge of art education (I'm on my second year of teaching) I have embarked on the process of mold casting. Last year, and in my personal arts, I ventured into plaster gauze casting. Its an easy process that becomes familiar very quickly. This year I have decided to take the plunge and divulge in mold making.
Using flex wax for casting is probably just as familiar as plaster gauze for most. In my case, not so much. This week I checked my sources: mom (art teacher extraordinaire), colleagues, and of course the net for processes, tips, and procedures.
Well, Monday I did the test run on myself. Me, being my impatient self, burnt the crap out of my hand. I did however make a perfect mold...or so I think...and learned the proper cooling time.
Today, I had the students create their wax molds. I let the wax cool with ample time. They patched any cracks after removing the mold from their hands and then applied a layer of plaster gauze (that familiar stuff) to make sure there would be no leaks.
The hands will be place in a box of sand and filled with plaster of pairs. If all goes well, the outer layer will be removed to produce an exact replica of the models hand. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will post my pictures when they are finished, as for now, cast your eyes on what its suppose to look like; compliments via google images.

Sunday Brunch

I enjoy cooking, especially when I don't "have to". So Sunday breakfast/brunch I always find enjoyable.
Today, I fixed my hubby french bread, breakfast pizzas. They were delish! Not to mention gorgeous! French bread is so versatile! If I had company over I would have plated them with a sprig of parsley or mint!
Personal taste determines what you would add atop your sliced bread. I chose to go for the "good ol" breakfast toppings i.e. sausage & gravy, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and a pinch of shredded cheddar. Bake the sliced french bread before you put your toppings on; this way you won't have soggy bread. Once topping are on, heat until cheese is melted.
Probably not the most healthy breakfast, but its actually too meals in one (brunch) and they were small portions per slice of bread. (boy can I rationalize)
Anyway, Jason enjoyed them so much he had three slices!
Hope all had a good weekend!

Happy Friday

Ok, I just came across what could possibly be the highlight of my weekend. Most of my friends know I am a beer connoisseur. I like to try different types and/or add things to my beer. Who knew there was such thing as a beer float! Woot!

Ingredients

1 scoop vanilla bean ice cream
One 14.9-ounce can Guinness Draught beer
Whipped cream, for topping
Dash nutmeg

1. Place the ice cream in a large soda-fountain glass. Fill the glass with the beer. Top with a swirl of whipped cream and the nutmeg.
thanks Rachel Ray

No wire hangers...

I have the fever of creativity! And as any artist/crafter knows, you have to go with it while you got it, because it might not be there tomorrow! Inspiration is such a fickle thing. Its randomness amazes me.
Lately, my inspiration has been Mommy Dearest/Joan Crawford. I don't know if it is the actress or the old Hollywood glamor. The look of the heavy brow and full lips? Possibly its the movie Mommy Dearest?
Anyway, I plan on doing a whole series of ceramic pieces based on Joan and/or other old actresses; i.e. Bette Davis. They will be posted on my etsy shop post completion. I can't wait to share my art work and open my etsy shop; very exciting!
Here are view face jugs I've been working on. They haven't been bisque fired yet. They are still works in progress. Can you pick out which one was inspired by Ms. Crawford?

The Itch...

I don't know if its because the weather is warming up, or because everywhere I look I see bright, vibrant pretty things. The point is, I have the itch to buy something. I want, always, new clothes but I found this and it would make a lovely addition to any weekend! Plus, what girl doesn't like Barbie? sephora

Stealing?

I know I don't have that big of following, but there are a few of you that read occasionally. What is the difference between stealing and inspiration?
Let's say you see something you like, and you want to replicate it. Nine times out of ten it won't be an exact copy, it will be your interpretation. Is that stealing an idea? If you try to steal and idea and it doesn't work out, or it works out better is that stealing or inspiration?
Normally if you elaborate on an idea you see from else where is inspiration, but what about the above occurrence?

Big Ear O'Langian

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and I was inspired to make a craft. Yesterday, I took some polymer clay and made beads. These would later be my four leaves and stem. After baking them I strung them on some wire, curled the wire, and hot glued a pin back on. Viola! Instant pinch repellent!

Sicky Poo

I'm finally starting to feel better. Last week was a mess. My husband got the flu and had to stay home from work. Then, I got the flu. I had to miss a day and half of work. Now, although the flu is subsiding into a head cold, I feel slightly behind at work and of course guilty for not going. But then I saw this little diddy and it made me feel better.

Pixelated

Ok, so as I've stated before, I am an art teacher. Part of last week and this week I have been working with some of my classes on portraiture. Self portraiture to be exact.
Last year I used this technique with fruit for inspiration. I have to admit they turned out brilliantly. So this year I decided to push the envelop a little further and go with self-portraits.
We have practiced drawing the parts of the face...eyes, nose, mouth, etc... Now the students are putting the parts together to create a face; their face using fold up mirrors. Once the contours are drawn, and in proper proportion, they are to color each graph space with colored pencils. The result is an impressionistic styled portrait! Gorgeous! Here is my example I've been working on. I will post student examples later as they work. I'm excited about this one!

Break out the hot chrome and leather...

Well it feels like spring, finally! My husband and I are ready for it! We gave the bike an oil change, and a new back tire. We are ready to ride! I hope my husband will be waiting on me when I get home from work!

Minty

I was following my normal routine this morning. As I drove to work, I was listening to one of my fav morning shows on Sirius. I heard a commercial that sparked my interest.
My husband has been a smoker since he was thirteen. I don't like it and everything that goes with it. The smell, bad breath, health issues, etc...
That's why this sounds interesting to me. Its minty snuff, made from peppermint. It keeps your breath fresh, but feels like chewing tobacco. I don't know if it will do any good but I'm going to mention it to Jason. Supposedly, it's healthier and you can ween off of tobacco with it.