Mixed Media Collage Jewelry

I'd like to introduce you to a newly published book written by my good friend Janette Schuster. I met Janette a couple of years ago when she came to a studio open house of mine. When she saw the old luggage stacked in the corner, vintage textiles and souvenir state plates on the walls, she knew we were kindred spirits. Janette is very clever with metal and makes beautiful mixed media assemblages and unique jewelry. She has made me look at metal and found objects in a whole new way... now I really can't throw anything away! You can purchase the book here. If you live near Walpole, New Hampshire Janette will be doing a book signing at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative Gallery on September 12th, from 6-8pm. There are lots of great projects geared for all levels in the book by Janette and other talented mixed media artists. Below are some excerpts:

This is actually some of Janette's work that I currently own. The above is called "Test Pilot". Her helmet is actually part of a grapefruit spoon!

This is "Country Squire" with his funky little hardware hat.

Earth and Sea

Some little altered boxes I've been working on.... This is "Earth".

And this is "Sea". Each is made with vintage wallpaper, old textiles and natural elements. I made these for sale in this gallery.

I have been making these little card wallets. I got the idea from an old issue of Country Living. They are fun and quick to make using vintage postcard images, clear vinyl and some stitching. Now my ATM and credit cards can be carried in style. They make good gift card holders too!

Making Pocket Journals

I got back from vacation and made some of these pocket journals. They are a fun way to use bits of old paper, buttons, ribbon and stamps. You can tuck recipe cards and clippings in the pockets.

This one was made to record travel adventures and hold travel souvenirs.

These two are nature journals. I used copies of old color plates from an old encyclopedia set and some bits of forties vintage fabric.

I haven't had much success selling these on etsy but they seem to sell well at this shop. I guess they have to been seen to be appreciated. They make a nice inexpensive but unique gift since they are all one-of-a-kind.

Flower Time

Don't you just love this time of year when the garden is bursting with blooms and you have your choice when making arrangements for the house? Here are a few that I recently threw together. Notice the old wooden iron board which I got at a yard sale on PEI for $3.00! That was my find of the summer.

I love the amaranth (Love Lies Bleeding). It is so sculptural and really adds to the arrangements I think. My good friend Carol,who loves to make arrangements, said she doesn't care for it but I am trying to change her mind since I talked her into growing it in her garden this year. She'll come around. I love Queen Anne's lace even though I know it is a weed. I tried for ages to get it to grow in the garden and now I have succeeded too well because it has taken over as you can see in the top photo. I'll have to do something about that but I really love to add them into arrangements.

These beautiful hydrangeas are from Carol's garden and I love the way they look in a trifle bowl. Half the fun for me is picking the suitable vase.

These are also from Carol and I thought they looked so cute in the ceramic dutch shoe in my favorite color.

Home Again and My Etsy Shopping Spree

Coming home from vacation is always a let down but I found a secret way to cope! Since I really didn't spend much time shopping or buying much of anything up on PEI, I had a little "shopping spree" on Etsy about a week before I left so that I would have a little fun when I got back. You see how I've justified that? This lovely little collage is called "Crafty Thoughts" and is from Cabin + Cub. I thought it would look great hanging in my studio. It is done with vintage images on thin wood veneer.

This little pouch from Simply June was so sweet I couldn't resist. The packaging was so lovely and I just love her business card with embroidered button!

And finally, this beautiful piece of collaged art is from AudreyEclectic. The detail in person is even better than a photo and it is done on a very study plank of wood. Just love it.
Etsy is the best place to get some original art and handmade goods without ever having to leave your armchair.

Synchronized Swimming.....

I proudly admit that I used to be part of the synchronized swim team at college. It's hard to believe that the University of Vermont even had a team considering how cold the unheated pool water was...you had to be dedicated! So, now with the Olympics coming our way I will find myself , once again, defending the sport and telling people they have no idea how difficult it is to perform even a simple ballet leg. Really!!! I will admit the nose plugs look ridiculous but it can't be helped.

I can't wait to see the teams this year. The coverage is always spotty though. Look for it from August 18 with the final on August 23rd.

Now I wish I had the bone structure to carry this look off. If you want one of your own, you can still get these in a beautiful array of colors here.