MOOOOOO!

Mimi painted and penciled this cow in art class. I really love it. I am thinking of framing it. I love how the utters hang off to the side too. She was unhappy with the ear on the right.
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I still have a headache. Day 3.

Karen

Projects

I've been making things. I've been lazy about taking pictures. These flowers are for a pillow I am making. I hope to have it done before the weekend is up!
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This is a rough sketch of a bunting doll I'm going to make. I have several felted sweaters that would work for the body and hood. I found several sellers on etsy, but the cost was always around $40 or up, so I am going to see if I can make some for Mimi and her friends. We'll see....
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I'm not the only one making things. Mimi drew this of our family. I think it's great. Kevin has little dots on his face...Apparently that reflects his stubble from lack of weekend shaving! I also like our fingers. They are so animated.

Have a fun weekend.
~Karen

Random Pictures that Make Me Smile

Momma cat
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My brother-in-law made this more than ten years ago. I put a layer of polycrylic on it. I had leftovers from the cabinets. I think it looks nice. I love the smile. I love one-of-a kind pieces like this.
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I got this at a yard sale. I just love the combinations of fibers with the ceramic frame. Too cool.

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These kittens are too cute. They are sweet. They are in need of a home too. I think in a week or so they will be weened.
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Surprise! Surprise! Guess what I found on my camera today? Moe shot a pic of himself. I love how his eyes are crossed.
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My great grandmother made this quilt. It was all hand sewn and made from feed sacks and clothing. I looove it. I want to make quilts like this one.

These things inspired me to get crafting.
Have a great weekend!
~Karen

Weekends Rock!

The unfinished painting that sat in our garage for over a decade has suddenly sparked new interest in our family. Everyone has ideas. And many of you emailed me or told me the man's eyes were not only vacant but creepy.

They are still pretty creepy. This mixed media thing is not working for me...so, nothing was finalized. Kevin said he doesn't want to see the thing for awhile. So, it might be something we set in a corner and think about....

These eyes are the best IMO, but Kevin wouldn't let me. It cracks me up! Gotta love Elmo!

And finally, I would somehow like to use this quote from Thoreau.

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The garden is alive and growing. We worked on it all day.

Can't wait to get food from the garden. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.
~Karen

Unfinished

Our internet provider was down most of the day! How horrible is that? I can't function without online access! Isn't that sad?

The painting above is something Kevin did a decade or so ago, and it has sat unfinished in our garage. I finally asked him to finish it. Kevin said he didn't want to, and that I could do whatever I wanted to do to it....SO, I am thinking of making it a mixed media portrait...What do you think?

Let me know!
~Karen

Paint like no one is watching!

In my fancy studio (also known as my kitchen), I have a painted fair trade coffee tin that holds all my paint brushes....

Here is what I have been working on...painting all sorts of goodies!

These signs were painted. Then I traced each letter on origami paper, and mod podged them on. Then I sprinkled glitter on them....As one friend said, "glitter makes everything better!" These were a lot of fun to make, and I hope the recipients will enjoy them for years to come. I went ahead and painted the back a solid color, and told the parents that during the kid's teen years they could paint "keep out" on the backside!

Much crafting going on over here...making lots of crocheted dishrags. They seem to go like hotcakes! Crafting is a great outlet...I enjoy walking through craft stores and getting ideas...Also I surf for ideas....

Have a wonderful weekend friends! And don't forget...Paint like no one is watching!
~Karen

Untitled. Why? Because I can't think of anything to call this entry!

I guess it is done. Something screams "NOT DONE" every time I walk past it.

We bought this really cool tool-a dremel! It is my anniversary gift! hehe! You know some girls want diamonds and purses...not me! I want some tools! If there is no threat of losing a finger or limb, then it's no fun! Anyway, our first go at it produced this guy:

Thanks Kevin! You rock! Happy early anniversary!

Using what you have...

You ever get the urge to craft or create something, but you don't know where to start? I do all the time....I will sit and look at the all the pieces I see such hope for, but I have some difficulties coming up with a project.

My friend Jes over at KadyHope inspired me to take a new look at the crafty junk I have collected over the years. And I ended up making some signs. The nice thing about this craft is it combines two of my favorites: power tools (a drill) and painting!

Sign one:

Sign two:
The final look (for now anyway):
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Hopefully it won't rain again!

Inspiration & Fatigue

I am so sleep deprived these days. Our kids have always slept well. We have never co-slept. They have always slept through the night. Now we are being punished for that. The sleep fairy decided to no longer grant us kid-free evenings. Moe has been waking up at 1 am or so and coming in our bed. We have tried putting him back, but mostly he has been staying. And to make matters worse, he is now getting out of his bed during his 2 1/2 hour nap to get in our bed! SEE:
I have been painting again. I am not a good painter. But, I had to switch art projects or else my hands will become permanently disabled from crocheting! Kevin has this rock and mineral book that inspired me to paint...Take a look at the inspiration:
Here is what I came up with:

I am okay with blotchy art like this. When it comes to detail...well, let's just say I think I may be on a grade school level...
Take a look at these:
http://www.toontoonz.com/canart/canartmain.html
I have mixed feelings about these, since they can and should be recycled. But I guess they are being upcycled into art?
Sorry for my randomness...blame the fatigue!

Weekends, Yard sales, Art

Today has been busy! This morning I yard sale shopped. I have one regret...I should have bought this drum set for the kiddos. It was $40, and I wasn't in the mood to spend that on drums. Turns out it was a very expensive nice set, and Kevin and the kids would have loved it...Oh, well. So, I drove back to buy it and the woman selling it at this church had already packed her table up, but I did leave my phone number with a friends of hers....So, maybe she will call....

Oh, PLEASE check out my brother in law's site here. He is so talented, and with much nudging from family and friends he has finally put up a site and is offering his art!

Who is your favorite artist?