It's been awhile...

The Beach (in blue), 4"x4.5"

My poor blog is feeling sadly neglected...and I completely understand why. The poor thing hasn't been updated since in 6 months! Do you ever feel like life just gets in the way sometimes? We just registered little Ella for first grade and Eva will start her last year of preschool in the Fall...I just can't believe that my babies are growing up! Ella will be 7 in a month and I just don't know how that is possible. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital, she was learning to walk, beginning preschool...geez, how do I slow time down a bit?

Water Baby, 3"x4"

I won't bore you with details of the last 6 months, but in a nutshell here goes....

2 kids in school, David coaching track, a last minute decision for David to start his master's program, a family vacation to Disney World and a lovely visit with Florida family members, a crazy summer, softball, gymnastics...you get the idea.

Track Star, 3"x4.5"

So now as summer is winding down, I find myself secretly happy and welcoming the return of school, cooler weather (hopefully), and settling into a normal routine (albeit hectic at times).

Ruth with Pink Bubbles, 5"x7"

September will also bring about my first attempt as an art fair vendor. This is a baby step...my way of testing the water...and something that I've avoided doing for several years now. I decided to start small...with a small outdoor art fair on a Saturday morning. I have no tables, no tent, no table coverings, and no idea how in the world I'll display my work...I'm looking forward to it. If any seasoned art show vets have advice on anything...please leave me a comment. I need all the help I can get!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hubby and I generally don't celebrate Valentine's Day, but I decided to gift him this piece for V-Day after he made the comment that he really liked it. His actual comment was more like, "I really LOVE that new one...the people look like zombies!" How romantic!



Hope you and your sweetheart had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Giveaway!

One of my very favorite artists, Shelley Kommers Luna is offering an amazing giveaway on her blog!

Be sure to stop by Oiseaux and leave a comment before midnight on January 9th for your chance to win a free spot is Tara Sophia Mohr's online workshop: Quieting Your Inner Critic & Reclaiming the Driver's Seat in Your Work and Your Life.


Tara is a poet, coach, and inspiration, and author. Her new ebook, The Real Life is also available for free download on Shelley's blog...AND Shelley's amazing work is featured on the cover!

Sold!

Marching, 4x4 mixed media

This little piece sold today and is off to its new home.

I've been trying to add at least one new piece to my etsy shop each day, so check in often. Today I uploaded one of my favorites...Picture Day! Check it out here.

New glasses

I finished these just before Christmas...Eva had the flu and I had a little extra time on my hands.

Eyeglasses 1, 2 & 3, mixed media on 4x8 matboard

Ella, my 6-year old helper, solidly positioned herself next to me and got busy creating her very own art.

Ella's masterpiece

It was fun to work side-by-side...but a little nerve-wracking as well. Think acrylic paint-loaded paintbrushes soaring through the air right above my work and blue chalk pastel dust filling the air and you've pretty much got it.

I made it to etsy's front page!

And here is the screenshot...

AND I sold two pieces (including the eyeglasses piece pictured here)! I'm very excited if you can't tell ;)

New mixed media...and leotards?!?

I have a couple new mixed media pieces to show off. These are the first pieces I've done in MONTHS!

The Snowmakers, 5"x7"

Eyeglasses, 8"x20"

As you may or may not know...I have a short attention span. I tend to pour my whole heart and soul into something (soldered jewelry, art, sewing, cooking)...for about 5 minutes, then I'm ready to move on to the next thing :)

So, one of my latest passions is making gymnastics leotards for my girls. I've made them each so many leotards, that I opened a new etsy shop as an outlet. It all began one day about a year ago...the girls needed new leos and I didn't want to pay $30+ for a leo they would grow out of in 6 months...so I did a little research (a LOT of research actually). I discovered several patterns that had positive reviews, read up on some sewing tips for spandex fabrics, bought some fabric, and the rest is history.

If you're looking for a leo for your little lady, visit my etsy shop here and check out leos. I have tons of fabrics to choose from, so if you don't see anything you like, I can work with you to create a custom leo. Your little lady will stand out in the gym with a custom leo.

Have a great week!

~Alisa