Monnie Bean Folk Art

2011-11-14T16:37:00.001-05:00

Making birds...

Making a mess...

~but loving it and having fun!

A Shabby Project for You to Copy or Be Inspired By...

2011-10-03T09:35:00.001-04:00

I had to show this old hanger I have. Someone penciled their name on it-must be ages ago.

I bought three men's shirts at a thrift shop with this project in mind. They were men's only because I couldn't find what I wanted in women's. I wanted nice Fall-like shirts. Then-I shabbified them with scraps of barkcloth, lace, labels, buttons, rickrack, ribbon, old hankie parts-it's so much fun!

By the third shirt I had decided to machine stitch the patches, but of course, hand sewing is the best. I left the edges shabby, but they can be tucked under, or simply machine stitch around the edges so they won't fray out with washing. Make sure you can wash all the stuff you add to your shirt.

I'm not quite done with this one-still have some lace to put around the wrists, after I cut off the cuffs. The idea is to totally feminize the shirts, but have them still comfy to wear. I love the elbow patches-I think machine stitching is best for strength.

I simply laid the fabrics over the spots I wanted to cover with my new fabric, and cut it, then pinned and sewed. Make sure you pick up the shirt after pinning it to see if it hangs correctly-so there aren't lumps or bulges.

This is the first one I did, and I started out with all hand sewing. I do prefer hand sewing delicate lace, but it will work to machine stitch it also. Remember-it's shabby!

Start by choosing a general color scheme, and then try to mix up textures and patterns.

Don't be afraid of shabby edges!

I have a pile of old hankies that will forever just be in a pile unless I use them in projects. I have a few I will not cut. If you are very much against cutting unless there is a bad stain, don't do it-just tuck it in a pocket so the hankie sticks out and looks pretty. For these cuffs, I cut off the flannel ones first. Then I cut a hankie about four inches across both edges and sewed the short edges together. Gather it along the new long top, fit it under the shirt cuff, then sew a hemed length of fabric over that edge.

Voila! A one of a kind shabby shirt!

2011-05-05T13:04:00.000-04:00

This picture is blurry because I saved it from the Picasa album instead of my disc. Just wanted my poor followers to know I have been very busy-making pins, and dreaming of more birds to make. I feel like my goose with her head in the water!
I promise new posts soon...

Making folk art owls-and other stuff

2011-03-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

I'm working on some owls. I don't have much to blog about that's very interesting, I think. I guess I do this blog for myself-it's a different way of following my direction-of cataloging stuff. I can't see that what I do is so very wonderful-I just have a love for birds that is braided up in my mind with my love for my grandparents. They taught me a love for God that I did not get anywhere else. Their unconditional love for my brother and I is a joyous memory. They did love birds and taught us the same just by their example. And I don't mean a twisted, out of proportion love-they loved people first. They had hundreds of friends-just because they truly loved people, and made them feel treasured. They were always ready to share their faith in God...

I have been able to share my beliefs with people I have never met-just because of what I do here in this studio (a mess right now). I think if I start right where I am, with what I have right this moment, God can use me. Even if it's just one person-maybe I can make a difference.

( Yes-I do have a lot of books....)

The beautiful old copper tub was being thrown away, along with some wonderful old shutters. I asked the owner of the little trash pile if I could have the stuff. He was happy to be rid of it. My husband loaded it in our car, and now it has a special place.

Only God can take a cast-away and change it into something precious. He changes lives. He changed mine.

Some Time...

2011-02-24T13:05:00.000-05:00

I'm taking some time to pray and ask God what He wants me to do with my art. It has been really bugging me how I think about it. I know there's a 'Thing' He wants me to do. I will keep doing what I do in my studio, and keep praying. Taking time to seek Him is important to me.

Jesus said to ask, seek and knock. It can be too easy to say a little prayer, and then go on about my business. I have been given gifts and talents, and they are not for burying, but for use in God's way and purpose right here on earth. I'm excited to find the path He is leading me on...

2011-02-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

...a new bird, for sale at my Etsy shop.

New paintings-some snippets...

2011-01-21T15:13:00.000-05:00

I hope to have these in my Etsy shop soon. Sure loved painting these...

A new bird...

2011-01-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

I've spent my studio-time this week making a grebe. I think it's a 'deconstructed' style of building. I had a lot of fun, but actually-it was a real challenge. I had to set it aside at times and work out how to change it, or what layers to add.

I do realise it's not for everyone...but he is very cute in person, and looks very 'put together.'

He definitely has a personality, which is part of what I aim at when I make a bird, or paint a painting. If that little 'spark' is missing, I always know it. I don't show those failures-they get recycled into other art projects.

At a second hand store I bought a small pile of old clippings from newspapers. In the pile was an antique Crisco label. It was saved for the recipe on the back. I loved the old colors and art. I have another one from an old 'Spry' can-that stuff was like Crisco. That label is just waiting to be used in my bird making adventures...

wire, burlap and pattern paper

2011-01-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've been experimenting in my studio, which can be a fun thing-but since I'm learning as I go-it can also be a slow process. I have to find out what will work, and how to make a mistake not a mistake. I like the idea of white painted chicken wire to make birds.

In one of my sleepless nights recently, I went on a wool-gathering mission of making things in my head. It's a way of at least using that time for something good-not just lying there wide awake. So I was thinking of how to make my birds more primitive looking and thought how washed cotton duck cloth would look very wrinkly if I just put it through a wash cycle without putting it through the dryer, which would soften out some of the wrinkles. That project turned out good. Now I have a pile to hand sew on my bird forms.

I nice bag of burlap scraps is very good to have around...

This project came from a wakeful night, and I did get it carried out much like what I pictured in my head. It's a lamp, with the shade made of hardware cloth wire, and old paper pattern pieces glued over it. Between some of the layers, I put circles I cut out of medium heavy paper. I used clothes pins for the lamp feet. There is a trick using pattern paper-it's delicate. I used a clear sealer over it to harden it up after it dried. I used wall paper paste already mixed up as my glue-it works very well and has a good consistency.

...looking down on the inside of the lamp, which I still have to wire up. The light bulb must be a fluorescent one so it won't heat up the paper. A burlap shade would be cool too...

You can see that this technique could be fun for other applications. The pattern paper can be lightly rolled into long ropes and paper mached to things that way too. You have to glue it to itself-it wouldn't stay by itself on wire.

Speaking of wire, I have lots of different kinds. The big bird cage was a junk find, and I think it would be a fantastic lamp without any covering at all. It's about 3 feet tall and could be a floor lamp.

I finally got the studio cleaned and a lot more organized. I covered a pile of saved up shoe boxes with muslin and labeled them. Hopefully, I won't have to spend time hunting for supplies.

Would love to hear what you're doing!

Making a bird

2010-12-17T13:40:00.000-05:00

I am making another bird and having fun-but my studio looks like a bomb went off in it! One of my New Year's jobs is to reorganize and move stuff around.

This is the cotton I grew this year. I'm so pleased all that work actually resulted in a tiny crop. It's a pretty plant in all stages...

2010-12-07T10:57:00.001-05:00

I'm making fabric bracelets. The first one I made will be part of a Christmas gift for Miss Baggy Baggaraggs. So I can't show it here. I'm so happy with how it turned out! And that has inspired me to make tons more, and maybe put some up for sale at one of my Etsy shops.

They are incredibly easy to make-the basic form that is. Just measure your wrist, add extra for seam allowances and so forth, then decide on how you want to decorate the fabric. And how you want to have the opening and fastening part. I have about 30 of them cut out. I bought deer hide leather a few years ago, so I'll use some of that as part of the closure on the one in the top photograph. To make the sewing look good with this leather, I've found out you need to do it by hand. So first I make the sewing holes in the leather with a large pin, then I use linen thread in those holes to attach the leather.

Having a bunch of inspiring decorations will help fuel your imagination...

I love this silk sari ribbon from NorthcottWilson at Etsy. First-it smells so good when you open the package! Then-the delight of all that silk in fabulous textures and colors-it's an overload of the senses. I recommend her shop.
Also-for wonderful tutorials about everything sewing, including fabric bracelets-find The Magic Bean. Her wealth of info is helpful and generous. You'll be so glad you visited her site.

2010-11-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

This is part of a Nativity painting I have just finished. I am inspired to do a few of them. I have listed this painting at my Monnie bean Etsy shop.
I would love to make a 3-d version of my painting.

2010-11-10T11:36:00.000-05:00

Please forgive my absence and neglect of this blog-I am furiously making things for the Holidays. I miss updating here and reading your comments. I am making: Fabric bracelets, newsboy caps, paintings, Santas, birds...of course it's fun, but very time consuming. And I want to make my guys an apple pie today, so I better get crackin'!
Promise-some tutorials soon...

2010-10-11T11:54:00.001-04:00

These are my feathery and furry kids. I do have a human kid. I love 'em all.

Meet Robin, from Baggaraggs

2010-09-14T18:31:00.000-04:00

I interviewed Robin, the artist behind the wonderful Baggaraggs. "How long have I been creating things? Since I was little I think. I made corsages from Iris for my neighbor when I was a teenager, and made all my own clothes in High School. My Ma would yell at me for sewing too fast on her machine. I once went to school with straight pins in my hem because I didn't finish my outfit and wanted to wear it to school. Seriously.

Goals for my business: It is a dream but I would like to be a self supporting doll maker one day. Patterns, shows, a real business. You Know?

Behind the name. : I saw in my mind a bunch of dolls climbing out of a bag of rags, hence the name Baggaraggs.
God inspires me. The Holy Spirit whispers to me right before sleep or waking. For real. I am not blocked by anything then. Nature inspires me. You inspire me. Other people's work inspires me. James Christensen inspires me. Butterflies and Insects inspire me.

My Father taught me this quote "To thine own self be true." I have not lived up to it, even on a good day. I have betrayed myself over and over by trying to please others and looking for approval.

Hmmm, a class (to study)...Egyptology? Art History? Wheel throwing. Pottery. Any art class.

I think that the only thing I would like to teach is probably something that other people who make art already know. The creative process is a way of being Present, and to be present in time is the closest way I know of to be in communion with God.

I have a very creative family. My older sister and I were in business together. She made dried flower designs. She now owns and operates an Inn in Vermont with her husband. A very Creative thing to do. My other sisters are very good interior designers...their homes are amazing."

(I asked Robin what she would take for a 2 week isolation on an island, food and water provided)" I would take my Bible, a camera, paper, writing utensils, water colors, batteries, and a flashlight."

(And finally-what stuff do you look at first in a thrift shop?) "Vintage anything: Lace, linens, clothing. Vintage sewing stuff is very cool."

Robin has a second shop at Etsy called The Moss Thread Museum. You will find some of her treasures there in wonderful little collections of sewing kits, tags and whimsy.
At her blog Baggaraggs you will be let in the door by a collection of her fanciful and creative dolls. You will wonder, as I did, what is in this artist's mind when she creates? Where do these 'people' come from? If you start at December 28, 2008 and start reading her continuing Story of the Baggaraggs-maybe a clue will pop out here and there about the source of her whimsy.
I'm thinking that her profession, a psychiatric nurse, gives her a good reason to be so creative-but the fact is-this woman is just full of talent.
All I know is that Robin makes me laugh. I have 3 of her Threaders, and I smile every day as they look down at me from their perch on one of my studio window sills.

Robin has filled a spot in my heart. It's a Baggaraggs shaped spot...

2010-09-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

I bought a pile of early 1900's and one Flapper era dress for $2.00 at a yard sale. It is all beyond use as far as wearing it or even displaying it, but it can be used for bird making or other wonderful projects. Some of it I will not cut. The pile was heaped in a sodden mess in a corner at the sale. I was in awe at the great find-but sad because of the spots that will not come out...I washed it all immediately and hung it on my birch tree branches. Some of the detailed sewing is incredible. I'll take more pictures when it's brighter outside.

Coming soon! An interview with one of the most creative doll-makers I know-the artist behind Baggaraggs. Stay tuned!

2010-08-30T10:07:00.000-04:00

I found this little watercolor I did a few years ago. I think I was going to make a rug. There's something I like about it, so I thought I'd show it here.

2010-08-26T12:18:00.000-04:00

Taking a quick break to show what I've been doing. I made a mannequin form the same way I make my birds (See video below). I have seen great how-tos that involve duct taping a friend's body, then carefully cutting the form off, re-taping the form and then stuffing it. I started with my collection of plastic grocery bags and masking tape-just forming a body shape with them. I put an old mop handle up through the form before I had it done. After I had it in the shape I wanted (believe me, it's much smaller than me-but will work for the purpose I have in mind!) I duct taped over the bags. I wanted a very rustic look, so one of my coffee bean bags over the whole form served the purpose. Just sew it together over the form, not worrying about seams-I wanted a prim look anyway. I have it propped in an old galvanized pail, which I will eventually fill with cement and put the handle in it so the mannequin will stand on her own. She is life-sized and I'm so happy with how she looks! I need to name her-so if you have any ideas, drop me a comment.

I'm also making awards or badges, burlap animals, more bags....

2010-08-15T11:58:00.000-04:00

I'm taking some time off blogging...be back in October!

Make a bird!

2010-08-01T08:13:00.000-04:00

2010-07-10T14:49:00.001-04:00

light box and Etsy

2010-07-08T09:06:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to quickly put in a note here...I love reading the Etsy emails. I can't tell you how much help I've gotten from the stories, blogs and comment threads they include in the emails you can sign up for when you're a seller there. One REALLY amazing tip I got and put into practice was a Photoshop help. It's all about 'the dynamic range.' I have an old version of Photoshop, so I had to find my own settings, but when I did it-the white just popped in my photos. I've been changing all of them so it looks like there's so much more light in my photos. Who wants to look at drab, dark photos when you're shopping for art or just plain looking at art?
Here's what I did-your setting names might be different. I wish I still had the name of the person that wrote the post-but I don't. A loud thank you, though!!!!

Get your image up in Photoshop, and crop it or whatever, first.
On my version, way over to the bottom right, there's a little circle icon. Half of it is black, the other half white. Click on it. (This is all in "Full Edit")
There's a drop-down box, and I think one of them says 'levels' (I'll have to go back and check). Yep, it does...
Click on 'levels.' There's a graph-thing that you can move a button to change the light in your photo. Just move it (there's a contrast one underneath it) til you see everything as white as you want it. Moving the little white button magically reveals things in your photo that were lost in darkness. This is such an easy fix!
Save the photo.

And that's it!
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6516971&utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=this+Etsy+forum+thread&utm_content=etsy_success_070110&utm_campaign=etsy_success_070110
If this link doesn't work, just copy and paste it in your browser-it'll take you right to the forum thread. It's VERY helpful. Thanks again!

Mohair Owlets

2010-07-03T08:21:00.002-04:00

I'm making baby birds with mohair I purchased from The Cheswick Company. I highly recommend this mohair. Please wander over and look at this wonderful artist's work.

Here is my first owlet. I have to keep him. I weighted his bottom with little stones, and when I hold him-he feels alive! I think it's because of the warmth of the mohair-but maybe it's the crookedy beak...anyway-he's going to perch on my drawing board. I still have to name him. I think I'll make one just to give away here on my blog-so stayed tuned...

2010-06-30T20:44:00.000-04:00

I finished the Killdeer. I am very happy with this bird. I think it's wonderful that while I sit in my studio, I watch birds at the feeder right by my window, I hear them in my yard, and I have great books filled with photos for reference.
I especially love it when I find a nest like I did today. It had a baby robin in it that's still pink!!! And I know where there's a mourning dove's nest....

Here's a few photos of the Killdeer~

I made a light box for photo-taking. I'm happy with it, but haven't found the exact light bulbs for perfect white. Thankfully, I can Photoshop to get the right tone. And by the way, it cost me about 2 bucks to make the light box.

2010-06-27T17:47:00.000-04:00

I'm almost finished making a Killdeer. I like how folky he's looking. I see these guys on my walks. They are quite silly birds.

2010-06-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c249a823c6e6d91e72dc7da/some-of-my-favorite-folk
My goose is in a Treasury East at Etsy, From Middleburg!! I am so happy!

2010-06-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

This morning I've been cleaning very old photographs I bought a while ago. I got them cheap because they weren't in perfect condition. Just a bit of cleaning-and they are charming. You may use any image if you like. There's a sad nostalgia looking at them. The people are unknown to me. They all have wonderful stories to tell. Who are they, and what were their lives like? I'm not sure what I'll do with the photos, but I'm going to store them safely so they won't suffer like they have for so many years.

2010-06-21T11:53:00.000-04:00

I have finished the bird. She was a work of love.

2010-06-20T11:06:00.000-04:00

A little peek at a bird I'm almost done making.

2010-06-11T17:11:00.000-04:00

I found a pack of 12 cardboard cutout doves at Michael's. You can decorate them to your heart's content. This would be so fun with kids, but I'm waiting for enough time to open the bag and do some fun things with them. For 1 dollar, there's a lot of fun and creativity. They had LOTS of designs to choose from. These cutouts are in the kid's section.

I'm having fun making my birds, but sometimes I just have to paint a dog!

2010-05-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

I was just thinking that I didn't say what my grandparents taught me, when I checked in here and saw Michele's comment.
So this is it-
Simply, they taught me a love for birds that is so wound up in my head with the feeling of love they had for me and my brother and for God, that I just can't separate those feelings-they all come out together when I watch birds, and now while I'm making them. And for me, that's the secret. Do what you feel a passion for-it's a thing that is just in there-in your heart somewhere, begging to come out. That's how I'm feeling.
Mmmmmm-I'm wondering if I'm explaining this well enough. I've read it so many times, about how your art truly comes from loving what you're doing, so forth and so on, but until recently, it didn't become real for me.

I believe there's a gift in me too-some of it passed from Grandma as I sat with her and learned to sew by hand-each stitch so awkward, but ohhhh-the closeness of being with her, hearing the stories of her childhood, her gentle correction, "Not too tight of a stitch... that's right..."

I also believe I have natural gifts from God. I know I can't sing, so that isn't one of them. I wonder a lot about my artistic ability-but that's when I compare myself with others. So I'm out of that stage in my art now, and just doing what is coming out of some deep well inside.

It's important to me to look at what other artists are doing. I don't want to copy. I want my own 'voice' out there. I'm not a success as an artist at all. But I'm rejoicing inside because of the feeling making these little birds is giving me. And now, as I hear a house wren in my yard, I'm transported back so many years ago to my grandparent's home, where I learned love.

2010-05-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

I'm just loving my birds! Someone once gave me good advice for my art. She said to go back to what my grandparents taught me. That hung in my head and wouldn't let me go. Finally that wonderful direction has come out in my hands in the making of my birds. I hope you like them!

2010-05-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

Hummingbirds!
I'm enjoying making these little fellows-lifesize-and I think this little girl has the quality that I've been working for...that special spark that makes her so real, yet folky at the same time. I'm excited because I have prayed about this-yes I have-and I am thankful!

2010-05-24T08:31:00.000-04:00

I'm making hummingbirds. For sale soon at my Etsy shop!

2010-05-19T14:43:00.000-04:00

Primitive Yellow-headed Blackbird is nearly finished. They have a few white feathers on the edges of their wings, so that's what the old dictionary paper is for. He'll be perched on a very old cement trowel-the rust will look wonderful with his feather colors. He is made of a mixture of old wool and paper from Hobby Lobby-the paper was crumpled up with a very nice fabric feel and texture. He's got glass beads for eyes.

I'm making beads for necklaces. Birds beads. I used Crayola Air Dry Clay. It's quite different to work with this clay-a bit messy compared to Paperclay, but I like how sandpaper etches it when you sand it (when dry) and it's very sturdy. I dried this about 10 days, but I think it was ready sooner. Another thing I liked about using this clay was when you paint it, the paint dries very quickly because of the dry quality of the clay. You can hold the piece and paint it completely before letting it rest to cure the paint. Can't do that with Paperclay. But I know I can get a more intricate and detailed sculpt with Paperclay.

2010-05-16T11:03:00.001-04:00

Lovely robin. I must make some birds perching on old fence posts.

2010-05-07T08:06:00.001-04:00

Michelle Palmer is having a beautiful give away at her blog. This is the prize! Stop in and leave a comment.

2010-05-06T19:40:00.000-04:00

More of my folk art birds. I am happy with the crackling technique. It looks just like my old ironstone platter-it really looks like pottery, but it's just Paperclay with white paint over it, and my crackling stuff-then I use brown paint to wipe over the cracks.

I made two hands life size, using just brown paper and tape, then papier mache over it to form the hands. The birds will be crackle painted, sanded and aged. I haven't figured out what to do with the end of the hands yet.

Another papier mache bird that I've painted and sanded. He will perch on top of the old metal lid. I have old newspapers that have wonderful graphics, so I'm using a little under the lid.

This is how I start my birds unless I use tin foil. Then I don't need to use any tape. This is a life-size goose. I will cover it with fabric.

Chickadees are done except for signing the bottom and afixing them to the wood.
I have been working on all of these projects at the same time. It seems to be the only way I can work. I have so many more birds ready-just the forms. Some are part paperclay.
All of the birds will be for sale either at Lemon Poppy Seeds, or Etsy.
Thanks so much for taking the time to look at my stuff!

2010-05-05T12:46:00.000-04:00

I'm making more birds. This is almost done. Of course the writing isn't on the wood. I'm learning more about using Photoshop, so I thought I'd try doing that with my business name. I can't figure out how to move type when it's in the wrong spot....but it's ok. I like that type font. Well, off to make a Great Crested Grebe.
I was so unhappy with the bird I worked on yesterday...so I'm glad these little chickadees turned out so cute.

2010-04-24T11:24:00.000-04:00

I have been busy in the studio...I hope to have more time soon to really blog again!
I'm making birds-lots of them. The fellow above has the first 'coat' done. Now I'll add feathers made of paper and fabric, and paint his face. I'm pleased with the folky look and his sweet face.

This is how I have been starting these birds. I make a sculpture of bags taped together. Then I sew over the form. I like this better than making a fabric form and stuffing it-first of all-it's much faster, and I can see the form of the bird right away. Lots of time spent hand sewing the fabric over the sculpture though, but I am enjoying this way of creating my birds.

2010-04-10T12:18:00.000-04:00

Please visit GrittyJane for a beautiful giveaway and a new tutorial about mounting prints on wood (other goodies included) I know I want to learn this stuff-and I love the giveaway!!

New Paperclay projects, and a painting...

2010-04-08T13:40:00.000-04:00

I'm busy in the studio, and finally have that 'something' that has been missing for me when I've been working on projects.
I'm making some birds for a challenge at the Ning group Cloth and Clay Dolls. I'm finishing a folk art painting for Lemon Poppy Seeds for the 15th of April update. And finally, getting back to doll-making.

2010-04-01T10:26:00.000-04:00

I'm making bugs. A real one is just visiting.

2010-03-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

It's so beautiful outside that I am torn between needing to paint or make something, and going out and cutting the ornamental grasses and playing with the geese. I think going out will win!

I have done a bit more organizing in the studio...here's the after picture-

and here's the before...

Messy and unorganized.
I've been doing paperclay, and can't wait to paint. The doll's head is very different from any I've made.

So I'm headed out to the sunshine...

2010-03-17T12:40:00.000-04:00

I'm making more birds-this time I'm making paperclay ones. I start with a form made of old tin foil. It's the easiest to sculpt, and keeps the shape you want better than crumpled paper-but that can be used with tape. I use duck tape over the tin foil, then cover it all with paperclay. I use a lot of water when I'm using the clay, to make sure the bumps are smoothed out. The hardest part is waiting for it to dry.

I I have been moving stuff aroung in the studio too-I'm trying to make it less cluttered looking.

Looks like I have a little more work to do!

2010-02-24T11:27:00.001-05:00

Primitive folk art bird...... he's done! Thank you , Norton, for modeling for me while I made your look-alike!
He's for sale at my Etsy shop.

2010-02-22T16:07:00.003-05:00

I am making birds... I've been away from this blog for too long. I was caught up in several projects, and honestly trying to find what I really want to be making. I have found it-though it was really staring at me all the while...My love of birds goes way way back to my childhood. I had grandparents who loved wild birds and fed them from their hands. I associate birds with love. That must be why I'm finding it so easy to make this bird. I'm making our Ring-necked dove, Norton, who is right behind me now in his aviary. While I'm hand-sewing the feathers, I come out to see just how his feathers are on his back or wings-whatever part I'm working on. I absolutely love making this bird, and I have plans for many more. His beak will have to be whittled down and stained dark, and the feet need some work. I'm using wool and scraps of very old hand woven cloth. He is looking very folky.

2010-01-06T13:30:00.001-05:00

My goose, Hickory-who loved me very much-but hated everyone else...

Stuff from my studio and around my home...

2009-12-22T18:43:00.002-05:00

Lots of 'sparklies' in my studio...

Merry Christmas, One and All...

2009-12-18T17:37:00.002-05:00

The people are from an old photo album passed on to me. Some of them are relatives. The other images are from a repro Sears catalog. You may use the images...

2009-12-12T10:09:00.003-05:00

Ta Da! You can see the winner of my give away! Whitestone! Thank you everybody that entered! I loved meeting some new artists at their blogs. Thank you for having my picture at your blogs too!

So, dear Whitestone, I'll be sending you a lucky-dog email!

And please stay tuned for one give away each month. Some of them will be goodies from my frequent junking treasure hunts...

2009-12-05T13:38:00.002-05:00

Woo-hoo! My burlap bags made it to this neat place on the web! i dreamed i saw. Please take a gander at all the wonderful things people are doing with burlap-including me!!!

2009-12-02T10:05:00.003-05:00

More of my studio... This red boy banged on one of my windows this morning. I worry he'll hurt himself.

Here is more storage-it is organized behind the door. I have to know where things are. I have a lot of stuff to work with, and sometimes I have to hunt to find it. Very aggravating!

My beautiful Grandma's sewing machine. It works so much better that the new plastic Singer I bought a few years ago. That one has seized right up-needs to get worked on. This one-I oil and grease it and clean the lint out-it's got to be 60 years old. Works fine.

I have a drawing table connected to a work table. I bought that cone of yarn at the thrift store too. My fav color. It will be fun to use the cone after I use the yarn.

I made this house over 10 years ago. It's got a little fence on both sides of it, and a Christmas tree. There's a sheep coming out of the door. There's old screening on the windows. It's pretty big. I love to put a light in it at night.

Old snow fence boards are a premium salvage item in my house. I have at least 3 stashes of them. We use them when new as a goose fence. They last quite a few years, then we spend the time to take them apart to save the wood. The shutters for this house were taken from real shutters that I salvaged from another house I lived in that has since been destroyed. Will wood be a thing of the past someday? Everything is plastic now. Even wooden snow fence may be hard to find.

2009-12-01T10:37:00.002-05:00

Where does your inspiration come from? I want to recommend this book by Suzie Millions-Retro Crafts. It's published by Lark Books. This woman is a real hoot! She has absolutely filled this book with stuff-and apparently, her studio is just as crammed. Not only can you learn how to make"Sparkling Sputnik", and a "Snappy Cappy Bottlecap Man," but you'll have a laugh over Suzie's childhood memories of visiting prison gift shops so her granny could collect velvet paintings. This book is a keeper. Even if you aren't interested in making the wacky retro do-dads, you will find tons of inspiration just looking at the photos. As always, I learn a technique for something by reading how-to's. You really never know where inspiration will come from-that's the fun of creativity. I went on a Christmas shopping trip yesterday, but got side tracked at the Salvation Army. I got some very cool stuff. Above is this neat-o 1970's plastic box-complete set too-of crafts and all the directions, colored pics. LOTS of inspiration there, and who knows how I will change something to make it totally new?

Another good source of inspiration. I can't wait to dive into this one. I'll be sharing things from it when I have the time to study it a little. It looks like fun.

These little white dishes-look like child's plates or doll plates. They're only maybe 2 inches across. I love 'em. Have NO idea what I bought them for. They were cheap though-just .39 each!

And two lovely ironstone platters. These are small too-but now I will have 4 platters all in different sizes. It will make a pretty display somewhere.

Of course I bought some more books-cheap-cheap...but more inspiration. And I also went to the library for their fashion through the ages books. The one I like a lot is out of print. You can still buy it at Amazon though. It's called "Fashions in Hair, The First Five Thousand Years," by Richard Corson. Full of wonderful pen and ink drawings, and much inspiration for doll faces, clothing and of course-hair styles.

I'd love to hear some of your inspiration stories.

2009-11-27T09:47:00.003-05:00

A tour of my studio...remember-it's not camera-ready or anything. I need to organize it soon. But here is my pet sink bug, Harry. Every now and then he makes an appearance. I never know just where he'll show up.

This is supposed to be a work table. There might be one square foot of open space. I'll see if I can fill that up too!

Mr. Monkey is my boss.

I like the painting-I did it when Micah was still a little guy!

I must have favorite things around me where I work...See one of Baggaraggs dolls on top of the old wooden case? And her lovely lace envelope hanging on the wall-her art is wonderful.

One of my birthday gifts....necessary in my studio. You never know when a disguise might be needed.

Wonderful BOOKS-one of my downfalls, I guess. I love books. Of course, bird books and especially geese books are a requirement.

Too many buttons. But my husband says I need more. I wonder if he was kidding??!!

A place for fabric. All stowed away in boxes covered with muslin-labeled as to color.

A vital prop in my studio-and "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" is on right now! Gotta go!

2009-11-24T19:49:00.006-05:00

I've been busy, but this blog has been on my mind. I have plans for it!! This tree is a sneak peak-I don't have it listed anywhere yet. I'm thinking of a give away-but I worry there's no one really reading this blog anymore.... BUT- in case there is a reader out there...leave a comment for this tree to be mailed to you on December 12th. It's about a foot tall. I'd love it if you'd take the photo and tell others about the give-away. Thanks!!! Give away deadline-December 12 at 10 am!

Here are the things I've been toiling away at-but with pleasure! Don't mean to sound like I was in some awful cave somewhere!! I wanted to make something useful and arty at the same time, and to also use recycled stuff. I love tote bags. When I was 15 years old, I made a bunch of burlap bags (history repeating itself!) and decorated them with tiny beads. I actually sold them at school. Five bucks! I made about a dollar an hour! Oh well....

The burlap for these bags is used coffee bean bags. This is an old idea, I know. There's lots of these around-all of them nice, I think. I love the printing too. Some of the bags have wonderful graphics like crowns. You can get them at any coffee roasters. I got 10 tote bags out of 2 whole coffee bean bags. They smell good. There is a little dust(a LOT)-more than plain burlap-so I had my trusty Shop Vac handy after each sewing session. You will need to oil your sewing machine and clean it frequently too.

I used recycled wool for the appliques, and a plain embroidery stitch around the edges. Then I lined the burlap with used but cleaned poly-weave feed bags. I have saved them for ages. We feed wild birds, and of course, I feed my geese corn. If you are going to re-use feed bags for a lining-let me save you a little trouble. The ones that DO NOT have paper on the outside are MUCH easier to work with. Bird seed bags from Wal-Mart are very pretty with the birds on them, but the paper makes them very stiff as a lining. They would work fine as a tote by them selves.

The feed bags are very easy to cut and sew. I didn't use a heavy-duty needle on my machine, but it would be a good idea. I thought they would shed little pieces of plastic all over when I cut them, but it was very clean. I was able to get two tote linings out of one feedbag.

My bags are at my Etsy store. I will be making more, and probably doing a tutorial. The handles on these totes are from an old hammock we had to stop using because the iron stand broke. I'm a salvager from childhood-so when I saw all that lovely rope-I knew I'd use it somehow.

2009-11-13T10:31:00.001-05:00

My Shabby Chic Christmas trees-for sale at my Etsy shop!

2009-10-10T15:38:00.003-04:00

Isn't this ridiculous? I have a new pet-a stink bug. His name is Harry. They are all Harry's. We've had 3 or 4 pet stink bugs.

He lives in my studio on one of the windows. I put a root beer bottle cap full of water on the sill for him. I read that they eat lady bugs. There may be a conflict of interest here-since I happen to love lady bugs. But....I also love stink bugs. So far he has not stunk. Now I have 3 geese, a ring-necked dove, a dog, and a stink bug.

2009-09-16T12:29:00.003-04:00

This photo doesn't show the true color of these leaves. You can see the green underneath the brown. I love how inspiration for creating comes from so many places! I can see how wonderful a painting with green under-color would be-let's say you painted a sage green, then over-painted with brown, and then sanded the top coat so green would show here and there.

Or-there's inspiration for colors for a doll's dress. How about a dress that looks all leafy with garlands of acorns around the hem?

I have so much I want to use this blog for-and I am held back right now because of an ailing computer. But I hope to have a new one soon-then this blog will be like my little playhouse for fun-and maybe inspiration.

2009-08-31T18:36:00.001-04:00

2009-08-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

Please visit my Etsy shop for new landscape paintings, and some other new stuff!

2009-07-13T15:38:00.002-04:00

I know I've neglected this blog....probably all my followers have flown away-don't blame them! But here's a chippy paint photo you can have-maybe it's just what you need for a background or something.

2009-05-07T19:57:00.003-04:00

Don't think you have to toss a project you've started with Paperclay if it has cracks in it. Cracking is normal-the clay is just shrinking. Simply wet a little Paperclay and smooth it over the cracks, getting it deep into them. This project was a fabric head with much the same shape as the clay you see. It cracked about the fifth day or so after I covered the cloth form. I let it dry completely, then add a layer on the cracks, and do other sculpting as I wish. You don't have to wet the older part of your sculpting first.
You may need to do another application after this one dries. Be patient!

There is a whole body attached to this head, but I only covered the head. You do need to be careful not to squeeze a part next to the Paperclay covered part-it can crack or pull away from the form then, but of course, that can be fixed too. I have not bothered to sand it when it's dry, but you can. I like to wet the form and smooth it with my hand. Make sure you turn your project so every side dries. It's not a good idea to try to dry it faster than air-drying; but I think it can be dried in a very low oven. Just watch it carefully.

I let you know how this lady turns out!

2009-04-17T16:20:00.004-04:00

Dickens, one of my first sales at Etsy. He was a blueberry-eater, if I remember right.
I will be updating my selling blog with new for-sale art every month on the 1st and 15th, starting in May. Please jump to Etsy to review my seller's rating...

2009-03-29T19:20:00.003-04:00

I'm making animals and people and bugs with my stuff from yard sales and just general junk. I love it! I can actually use some power tools, even though it's a bit scary, and I've found some good glue. I recommend E-6000 for making salvage junk art. I want to try JB Weld. I googled this and found other artists are having success gluing metal parts together with it.

I am not new to junk sculpture-I've been playing with this art form for about 10 years. All of the things I've made are in my gardens. For now, I'm making little folks that are intended for indoor use.
This little guy will be at my Etsy store very soon, along with quite a few of his pals.

2009-03-08T20:47:00.002-04:00

I'm still here, really...just haven't had the time to put together a tutorial. This is Clara, my friend Christina's cat.

2009-02-17T21:41:00.002-05:00

I know, I know...I've neglected this blog. I have been busy, but still thinking about something I could share. I guess I'll have to think about it some more.

2009-01-15T11:04:00.008-05:00

Vintage Treasures...the lady above is my great-grandmother, "Monnie" Bein (pronounced 'bean'). Her first name was Cora. I don't know the story behind "Monnie," but I love it, and I love her. Of course I never met her. But hand-down stories were often told to me when I was young. She was a seamstress, and also made hats. She had to support herself and my grandfather when her husband was killed by a train. So her skills in sewing were very practical.

I don't know who these ladies are, or even if they're related. They could have been just friends, but I love this photo.

I thought this was my grandpa, but it's a little boy named Gilbert.

Another mystery, but so gorgeous, I had to share it with you. By the way, you are free to use any image you like. I don't have a scanner, so sometimes the quality is not very good.

These are the very old photo albums some of these pictures are kept in.

This is the box my letters from Monnie to her boyfriend, Mackenzie, and his love letters to her are stored in. They married, and were happy about 9 years, until he was killed. The first letter to Monnie was dated 1894, in January.

This is part of her letter back to him. Some of the letters were hand-delivered by Mack's (my great grandpa) friend, who was a co-worker with him at a local creamery.

oops! Part of my kindergarten report card! Huh...no mark for art!

Here are some ads from some very old magazines I have. This one is from 1901.

Now we're in the '50's...

I like prunes, but somehow they don't look so good on oatmeal!

This one is for Lea, who has one of these beauties in her studio at The Shabby Secret Garden!

2009-01-14T09:05:00.003-05:00

A sweet friend of mine suggested I do a tutorial about tags. I sent her a fabric one, and she thought some of you might like to know how I made it.

Here is another idea I tried-sewing with my machine's embroidery stitch directly on a paper tag. I'm still using the needle-it didn't hurt the machine at all. You may want to experiment with colored thread.

But to get back to the fabric tags- this time I want to make a tag with some pretty fabric.

I use another tag for a pattern.

Don't worry about the holes. You will do them at the end of the project.

This is the stuff you need for stiffening, or use a product you are familiar with. I always dilute this by at least 50%-even more if the fabric is very fine.

I have diluted the stiffener in the cup and completely dunked the fabric in it. Now squeeze the fabric to get the stuff out. Lay the tags on some plastic wrap you have taped over a hard surface. The wrap makes it easy to lift the fabric off. For the tag in the first picture, I used muslin and put it on an old cookie sheet. Something about the tin made the fabric blue-spotted, which works for that material, but it will ruin this pretty fabric.

Now, just let it dry. During this drying process, turn your fabric over a few times.

Here's another idea:why not use paint color chips to decorate tags? I always ask at the store first if I may have some. The colors are so intense.

Last, for your dried fabric tag you will need a hole-punch. You can find hole reinforcers to glue around the holes, or leave them plain. The fabric is not too hard to hand sew at this point. You can embellish it with buttons, paint (that reminds me, you can tint the fabric stiffener before you dip the fabric in it), photos, dried flowers, paperclay...use your wonderful imagination!

One more thing-if you find that your dried tag has white stuff on the back of it-you have not diluted the stiffener enough. You can scrape it off, or maybe sand it, but that's the reason to dilute it, and to keep turning the fabric over during the drying process.

Have fun!

2009-01-10T11:52:00.007-05:00

Grab a cup of something, and get inspired (I hope) to have some fun! This project would be fantastic with kids. There's not much you need...

I love this stuff. You can get bigger amounts of it, and there is a finer grade of it. I have only used this one. You can see their web site-paperclay.com. If you visit, please look at the gallery. There are some amazing things to be done with this stuff. Their projects page is good too. I was inspired by a walking stick project. Paperclay sticks to wood, paper, cloth-or you can sculpt it all by itself. It air dries, and you can mix water based paint in the clay before you sculpt with it. I just tried that yesterday. It saves you the step of painting afterward, but be advised-it will get paint on your hands. Not to worry! We're here to get fun going!

Paperclay is non-toxic, and will wash up easily. Keep it covered and wrapped up real good when not using it.

I thought of making dolls using wooden spoons I bought at the Dollar Store. Four for a buck-cheap! Use paperclay on a non-varnished piece of wood, just to be sure it will stick well.

You will need a little dish of water, napkins or clean-up stuff, clay working tools-old paint brushes work well, pins, toothpicks, forks...

Oh, and have some pals around just for company!

A good movie too...

Ok, let's start!

I wanted to make a face. I used some old doodles in my sketch book. You can find faces everywhere-look in the paper, magazines, your cat...don't say you can't draw either. Just try it.

First step is to lightly wet the wood. You can use either side of the spoon. One side is concave, the other, convex. I have used both-it doesn't matter. But do wet the wood.

Now put a dab of the clay somewhere and smooth out the side that is supposed to be the nose.

You can see I have wetted some clay to a fine 'mush' consistency, and smoothed that over the wood where I will be adding more paperclay. Use water a lot to smooth over cracks.

Now for the eyebrows. Two rolled up blobs. Get 'em a little wet-not real wet, just a little.

Use your tools or fingers to give the face more shape. Remember, you can paint the features on too. You don't need to sculpt every part of the face.

oops. Uploaded twice! Sorry!

I use water to smooth over everything when I'm happy with how it looks. Use the water like sand paper. Which reminds me, you can sand it when it's dry.

Now, a different face.

I'm making a cat, so I'm putting ears on the side of the spoon, and making sure the clay is wet on the back. I don't want the ears to fall off.

Some finished faces. They're ready for wool hair to be glued on the back and side.

You can see how long his nose is, and it's on there really good. When I was sculpting it, I made sure I used thinned clay (watered down) to bond all the edges to the wood. Paperclay is very light when it's dry. I just let my projects dry in an even temperature. I can see there are little imperfections on his face. I can make a little clay-water mix, and fix that so those cracks will not be there.

Now here is something you don't want to do. If you have a BIG, thick blob, it will crack as it dries. The cracks CAN be fixed, just like I wrote above. But the best way to avoid this-use aluminum foil as your base, and sculpt over that. You can make a very good face with just the foil, and put a dowel in it so your doll can have its head on its body. That's important!

I love sculpting on cloth. Use the same technique. Wet the cloth slightly, then just add your features.

If you squeeze the head it will crack where the clay is. But not many people squeeze their doll's heads!

More ideas! Make a 3-D painting. Sculpt things on a block of wood, then paint over it. Remember to let all your sculpting dry before you paint it. Another idea-how about little things on paper tags? Flowers, faces, angels...you can even put a dab of it on a tag and rubber stamp it for the design.

This lady is on her little stand, waiting for hair, arms (I'll drill a hole through the stick and use something for her arms) and a dress.

I hope you've been inspired to try paperclay. Please let me know if you make a doll! I'd love to hear from you...

2009-01-09T14:39:00.003-05:00

Hopefully Saturday January 10, I will give a show and tell about paperclay. I love this stuff. It's great for doll makers. Maybe you'll want to go out and buy a package of it after you stop in!

2009-01-07T19:24:00.004-05:00

I thought it would be fun to turn this blog into a tutorial and show-and-tell kind of blog about what I'm creating, and hopefully, I can persuade some of my bloggy friends to share here also. If you like the idea of making a guest appearance here with your photos and you have something to share, please leave me a comment. We could even have a group project, and each show what we've done...Ideas, anyone?

P.S. I would like this blog to be a promo for your own web site, blog, Etsy or eBay store also.