It Keeps Getting Better

Project No. 137: Make shelf from table cut-off and Paint. √ 10-15-15

Project No. 138: Hang shelf above parlor desk. √ 10-16-15

Project No. 132: Apply screw eyes and hang 100 faces. √ 10-10-15

Project No. 139:  Repaint frame for painting from Hill workshop. √ 10-07-15

Project No. 141:  Hang painting above shelf. √ 10-16-15

I did it. You may remember from this post, I cut eight inches off the table top and reserved it for an above desk shelf.

I have been enjoying the pleasant weather we are having and spending time at the Garden Palace. Therefore, this project finally moved up on the project list. 

I am thrilled with the result. I was so anxious to get it installed that I rigged up a way to set a chair on the desk to hold the heavy shelf up in order for me to screw it to the wall. It was a bit more involved than that. You should have been there. I could have waited for help but I could not wait. Needless to say, having found a few new muscles, I spent the next day (yesterday) in the chair zone. 

Before taking photos, I stepped over to the red bookcase that holds stuff-in-waiting. I love this set of antique birdie wall pockets. I think they are perfect here!

The turquoise blue vase is also perfect. And just so you know, I'm using dried basil flowers in the vase and pockets.

Also, just so you know, the vase is strategically placed to hide her way too skinny leg. 

If you want to see the way too skinny leg and the painting without the reflecting glass, pop on over to the post where I attended the Hill workshop.

It is impossible to get a photo without reflections but in my opinion, reflections and shadows give life. 

Did you notice how my brush holding teapot and the lime green desk organizer echo in the painting? As does the vase and wall pockets. It just keeps getting better.  

What do you think of this nine year old

Art Camp

Day One

We started each day watering the gardens. 

It was great to have help!

This is Avery and she came for a visit this week.

We had a 4 day/night all inclusive Art Camp.

Following is my documentation of our projects. 

On the first morning while I was getting set up, Avery watched my video demonstration of the making of this piece of mixed media art.

This fun video titled, Collage Layers with Napkins, was inclued in most of my online classes.

You can watch it now on my Vimeo site.

Since Avery watched the video, I did not make a demonstration piece.

I just watched, answered questions and gave instruction.

first layer of papers

second layer of butterflies

painting edges

adding layers of paper napkins

stamping the word "and" to layer onto her collage

Day one project.

Wish and Dream

Day Two

early morning sunshine

paper layer and transfer of house fragment

we're gonna paint a face

That face!

a self portrait in progress

She Looked and Smiled by Avery Thomas

a self portrait

She Wondered by Sharon Tomlinson

a portrait demonstration

After lunch when I needed to retire to the chair zone, I gave Avery an 8 x 10 canvas board and told her she could paint anything she wanted to while I rested.

She had one question, "What does a dolphin look like?'

Me, "whaaaaaat?"

I quickly thought to suggest she google 'dolphin'. 

And that's all I heard from her until my rest period was over and she ask me to join her.

Neither of us had much of a clue how to paint waves so I taped her brush onto the end of a bamboo stick to force her to get looser with the paint.

She was such a good sport about it and it was kinda fun.

The Dolphin by Avery Thomas

Day Three

we sculpt with Sculpey clay

Avery made a red bird and a blue bird that she gifted her parents with.

I played with Sculpey clay too and this is my bird.

She is a Garden Palace bird.

the beginning of an art journal

Avery's first time to use a needle and thread.

She discovered that she loves sewing and we are planning a sewing camp in the future.

We used a yellow file-folder (cut down) for the cover but then decided to cover it with fabric.

This is the front and she stamped her initials on it.

Day Four

On day four Avery worked in her new art journal.

This is the drawing she did of the dolphin reference she found on her Google search.

She used carbon paper to transfer the drawing to the canvas and saved the drawing for her journal. 

Before stamping the cover, she practiced on a little scrape and then stitched it into her journal.

While Avery worked in her new journal, I made a folder for her to keep the extra papers and things she will use in her journal when she goes home. 

I used an old hanging folder.

After cutting off the hanging bars, I closed the sides and decorated it a bit. 

And sometimes she gave me this look.

I meant to tell you in the beginning that she is a bright, happy, smart, fun, freckled, precious little nine year old with the most brilliant mind I have witnessed in a nine year old. 

But I'm thinking you have figured that out too. 

Ever since Avery went home, I've been at Chair Camp.

Do you know what I mean?