True Free Spirit...

I know... I know! I keep mentioning Mindy Lacefield and her online workshops that I've been taking. But that's because PLAY is my word for 2013, and they are just so darn fun, and...  I'm "trying on" lots of new styles in an effort to discover my own. Wheeee!

I had made a practice sketch in my notebook (before putting paint to canvas), but had decided to turn her into a wood burning instead! I love burning wood and it had been awhile. So I transferred my drawing to a wood panel and started my adventure!

Mmmmmm... can you smell the burning wood? Smells just like a campfire! I was totally in my element.

The flowers came about on their own, and the stars were made with a special attachment that came with my wood burning tool. A nice balanced composition was shaping up. Now for some color.

The magic really happened as I started to paint. She began to come alive! I took my time and made a point to enjoy the process, as my perfectionist side does not like to get paint on the wood burnt outlines! So I painted slowly and methodically, choosing colors carefully.

Did someone say pink and teal?

I wanted to add details and embellish the piece and torn vintage music sheets really fit that bill. I aged it a bit using Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress Inks.

I also added a moon using the music paper, but the print really took away from the composition. So I painted a light wash of white over top to tone it down and that made it blend in much better. A pink ribbon bow on top of her head and she was complete! I love her so much and can't stop looking at her. Creating this piece really brought out my true free spirit! Hooray!

And The Winner Is....

First, I'd like to thank everyone who took part in my Tim Holtz Giveaway. I think this was one of the best questions I've ever asked, and it was great to read all your wonderful answers! Hands down, getting these lovely extensions of our arms inky, dirty and painty were the most popular responses — and I would totally agree!

Since my blog is networked on several social media sites, I did things the old fashioned way... printed out all your names and randomly drew one out of a hat. And the lucky winner is...

Melody M. Nunez!

Her comment was: I LOVE working with my hands. I find it deeply satisfying to have inky, paint-covered hands! I'm so thankful that I can create art, type, bake, shake hands, wave, and do a million other things with my hands. Even the ability to scratch an itch is a blessing. :o)

Congratulations Melody! Send your home address to me here and I'll get your trio of musical goodies  in the mail right away.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. And I invite you to stick around... I have a new post every Tuesday and a Thoughtful Thursday feature, where I talk about some of the inspirations behind my creativity. And who knows what other surprises I'll have in the future!

Thanks again!
Michelle xoxox

Music to My... Hands? A Giveaway!

Just my way of saying how much I appreciate all of you, my lovely blog followers! I'm giving away this trio of Tim Holtz goodies to one lucky winner! A little something to keep your hands busy as fall turns into winter.

You'll get...
• an Idea-ology Mask — Concerto
• a Stamper's Anonymous mounted rubber stamp — Sheet Music
• an entire pack of Idea-ology metal Word Sticks

Simply leave a comment telling me what you love most about working with your hands. It can be as simple as, "I love it when they get messy!" to the more in depth "I think they are an extension of my brain!"

You have until midnight this Sunday, November 13th. I'll choose a winner and announce it in a blog post Monday, November 14th! Good luck!

P.S. This giveaway is open to everyone on the planet!

Free Space...

Don't you just love the FREE SPACE in the middle of a Bingo game? You get to start playing with an advantage. One step ahead. Everybody else has it. But it doesn't matter... it still feels good. It's the same game, but no one else has the same numbers you do. Yours are different. And they could be just the right combination to get you that win... just this once...

It kind of reminds me how it feels to be on my own as an artist. There are so many talented and creative people out there, you wonder... how am I going to fit in? But every once in awhile you have to remind yourself that no one else has the same vision that you do. Your vision is different. And it could just be the right vision to lead you to that sense of accomplishment... and not just once... Bingo!

How'd she do it: The pendants featured here have been created with the faux enamel technique using Tim Holtz Alterations Bingo Embossing Folder from Sizzix and Metal Canvas Blanks from Vintaj. These and more will be featured at my booth this Sept. 11-12 at the Asbury OysterFest.

Something Of Note...

Up on the lookout... what's there to see? Beyond the reeds... why it's a little birdie! I must say that once I embossed this Vintaj 3" x 3" metal blank using a Cuttlebug design, I knew exactly what I wanted it to be... a Field Notes journal! Of course adding a some flair with Vintaj embellishments and blanks.
I hand ripped paper from an old journal I had to create the pages for this book... using the Crop-a-Dile for both the paper and the thick metal cover! Gotta love that! 2-for-1.
The back cover I embossed using one of Tim Holtz' new Sizzix Embossing Folders. Even the reverse pattern on the inside back looks awesome! I lightly sanded this Distress-inked bird illustration to bring out the pattern and bring it all together. Fun!