Art Junk Girl~

Learning Curve...

Dear Friends,
I've been a busy bee lately. I'm finally tending to some things I've been wanting to do with my "squares" and other junk. The problem is, I don't know a whole lot about printing, photoshop, etc. so it's been very slow. I'm really trying to take the time to learn some things though. Sometimes it's a matter of sitting down and doing things the wrong way so that you can learn to do them the right way. That may not make any sense to you. On the way to "learning" last week, I wanted to toss my printer over the deck and watch it crash into a million pieces. I don't know if that says something about me, or how cheaply printers are made these days. Oh well. I digress.

So, I decided to proceed in baby steps. I will be "releasing" a postcard series of my squares soon. Here is the first one. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. Ker-plunk. xo lia

Remember the squares?

getting "squared" away..., originally uploaded by artjunkgirl.

Dear Friends,
One of the reasons it's hard for me to chat about all the things I'm doing on my blog is that I usually have several things going at a time. I bounce around alot. Well, I haven't talked much about my "squares" or the "next chapter" for my inchies, but I do have a few projects brewing with them. One major one. I've had to get my hands on everything I could to learn how to properly scan and reproduce these little suckers. I am now working with printer number 3. Yes, it's an inkjet. Yes, I know laser scanning/printing is better. Now, if I was getting a much bigger refund from the IRS, I would spring for one. But, that would not be the only thing I'd need. Do you all know of any place I can go and insert a microchip into my brain and magically know photoshop too while I'm at it? Anyhow, once I get these guys organized, I might just go to the local printer and see what I can do. If anyone that knows about "all this stuff" can offer me some printing advice, please email me!

Hope you are having a great week! xo lia

Square roundup~

Dear Friends,
I know I promised to share some of my reflections on my 1000 square project from last year. Here is a summary of what I learned~
1. Having a goal and a project to work on kept me focussed during my "art time". I am sure to come up with a new project for myself this year so I can stay focussed.

2. Having a project in which I loved and was passionate about made me a happier person!

3. Having a project made my kids more appreciative of what I was doing and kept them interested and keeping tabs on my work. I really loved getting their feedback, hearing their enthusiasm and overall support.

4. Having a project got me organized in my art area because I had to have the things I needed ready to go when I started a square making session.
5. Having a project helped me meet alot of fascinating people. I didn't expect that posting a project would generate so much enthusiasm and support. I met some of the kindest people, some of which sent me supplies and their own work as a way of contributing to my goal.

So, as you can see, it was a great experience, one in which I am still involved in. I now have a body of work in which I will incorporate into projects for this year.
Thank you all for your kind support and enthusiasm this past year. I appreciate it all, and that is why I share my art and words with all of you. xo Lia

on my creative docket...

workspace: multi-tasking..., originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Ok, so, where was I? Hmmmm....Oh, yeah, I finished my 1000 squares project!! You can go see them all on my square blog. The thing is...I can't stop making them...and I don't intend to. LOL. But, I am making up some charms again with copies of inchies made this year. I'm workin' on a charm bracelet for my daughter. I know that everyone is loving the charms right now. I kind of have to make myself get them out and work on them as they are not my fave thing to do...(see previous post...re: injuries, ocd issues. lol). Anyhooo...I know they are the one useful thing I can do with all the inchies, and my daughter looooves jewelry, so I've promised her a marilyn charm bracelet. As far as other things in the works, well, I've had a few "what project will you do now?" inquiries. Well, I have no idea. I don't even know if I will have a "project" this coming year, but I will continue to follow my creative bliss, that I know for sure. I'm kinda liking circles lately too...shh...don't tell anyone...he he.. I'll be back with more creative chit-chat soon. Gotta go get the place in a bit of order today. Oh, I've summoned Bruno to paint the cement floor in my basement studio. More on my year long studio move soon. Thanks for visiting me my friends and following my silly adventures. I hope you all have lots of fun things planned and in store for you in the new year. Be happy! xo Lia

Organizing squares for the final count and a day in the life...

1000 square project: inchies album, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

A day in the life of artjunk~

1. Make a list of all the things you have to do.

2. Set aside.

3. Count inchies for square project instead.

4. Get OCD and put them all in panels of 20 and then arrange them in photo album.

5. Take pictures of them.

6. Sit down with cup of coffee and look through them all...relishing in the good thoughts and moments and pictures and remnants of the past year.

7. Get out list again. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 6.

JJ counting squares for me...lol

JJ counting squares for me...lol, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

We are busy counting squares...yes, the holidays are coming, I have shopping to do, but I'm home counting squares. I've almost completed this year long project! I am looking at different ideas for framing them. I'm thinking either a series of smaller frames or one huge one...(my hubby is suggesting one large one). Anyhoo, I'm excited about finishing this up and I've been bouncing around ideas for my next "project" in the new year. I've really enjoyed having something like this to built toward. Many of these squares are like a diary of different things I did this year as I used some recycled materials and images from leftovers of the day. I will share more on that later. Talk soon friends. ~L.

counting squares~934

counting squares~934, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Getting squared away....

inchies, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Here are a few of the squares I've worked on this month.

I wish everyone a happy holiday! I'm in the process of reworking my website. Be back soon! Thanks, L.

added detail to inchies from yesterday

added detail to inchies from yesterday, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

today's inchies 9/11

today's inchies, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Images are from a variety of sources. some from travel brochures to my son's military college.

I will be posting artwork on my blog this week but not as much "chatter". If you have a question or something, drop me an email.

Have a great week everyone!

Hugs, Lia

I still love squares!

I still love squares!
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

A few new squares I've been workin' on between trips to kids, etc...tomorrow I'll resume my regular art junk routine as well as resume my studio re-do efforts. I'll post more soon!! :) Lia

Inchin' along...

new inchies
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I sat down for the first time in what seemed like the longest while to work on my squares. My brain is really mush right now and I'm trying to get my "groove" back. It was a good thing that I had lots of stuff cut up and ready to go in my "square-ganizer" because that made it easier for me. I tried to do an art journal entry last night and all that came to mind was one of my fave Sat. night live quotes (yes, I saw the original, not repeat version) of "Coffee Talk"...."I think I'm verklempt....discuss amongst yourselves..."
So, that's where I'm at right now. Some call it blocked..I call it just plain discombobulated. I hope to be able to continue regularly scheduled artjunk programming soon...
Have a great week everyone. xo Lia

"square" meals...

"square" meals...
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I recommend at least one square meal per day.

be back soon,

xo Lia

Square Matters~

Dear Friends,
So, I haven't posted in a few days as I've been trying to fill etsy orders (I'm a very slow one woman show). I can tell you that I really appreciate what goes into running a little business, no matter how small (or square) for that matter. I'm sure that most "normal" people do not start up a little shop the week before their son goes off to military college....but that's pretty much par for the course with me. So, today, (when I get my last orders in the mail), I will switch into "the good mother" mode and finish shopping and preparing for my son's departure as well as making a meal with all the basic food groups. Now, don't get me wrong, even my mother-in-law insists that Pizza is a healthy meal and I'm not going to fight her on that...
Well, enough of my rambling...If you didn't get a kit this time and want one, don't fret, I will have more Artjunk Inchie kits available next month. Apparently, more than 3 people read my blog and they are admitting that they (might) be addicted to making 1 inch square art. So, perhaps I'm not so crazy after all!
Last nite, I cuddled up on the couch with my lap desk and made a few new squares with leftovers from my inchie kits. You see, here's the thing, while I'm making kits, I want to start making squares, so I set aside one's to work on when I get an idea. Oh, and guess what? My daugther decided to make a collage with the paper I punched squares out of. She covered two folders for me. I will take a pic soon and post. So that's it for today from this square girl.

I will be back soon when my alter ego (the "be a good mother" person) is satisfied with my progress at home. Then I'll have more square "tales" to share with you all! Have a great day everyone! :) Lia

"certainly"... inchie

"certainly"... inchie
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Dear Friends~
I'll be taking a break from posting online this week. But I will most "certainly" be back soon! Have a great week everyone!
xo Lia

journal junk cover

Inchie Tutorial #503

Today I am offering up another inchie tutorial in honor of reaching the half way point to 1000 squares in 2007. You will get to see my "process" here, not only for squares, but hopefully you can glean some tips if you are new to collage and want to learn more. So, without further ado, here is the "artjunkgirl" method for making a one-inch collage.

First I start cutting out images that appeal to me and set them down in one area of my work surface..in this case, a "TV" tray.

No, I'm not really thinking of a theme before I start, but you can do whatever works for you. There is no "exact" science, although I will try to get as specific as I can for those of you just starting out.

So, where was I? Ok, next I pick up some pieces I think will look good as backgrounds. Nothing is off limits. Here I am using a vintage magazine. I will use the pages it for both my background and my image. So, here is what I have on the tray:

-a vintage magazine
-a good glue stick
-wax paper on work surface
-a ink pad (any color I grab from the drawer, sometimes random.)
-little sharp scissors.
-my fave beverage. a-hem.
-a pen to outline.
-a one-inch cardboard template I cut out of recycled cardboard

I decide here to cut a background out of one of the pages

Then I grab one of the images I've cut out and start playing with the placement...just kinda "testing" where I think I want to glue it down on the square. (it doesn't have to be in the middle, although I prob. have a tendency to do that..).

Then I glue that baby down and start trimming around it.....

Oh, what a waste of a dress! I think I'll use that in the background....(I don't waste any of the paper...lol).

Ok, looks like I gave her a headband here...Next, I will ink the edges...(and that's the extent of my rubber stamping skills...but that's another story)...

Ok, she looks "done"...

Ok, next is tidy time and I'm all done for now...wasn't that fun? Easy-peasy. I know it's small, but you get the hang of it once your spectacles adjust...Hope you liked this "loose" tutorial and that you will try some inchies or collage soon. Ta-ta for now!

xo, Lia
-

inchies & journal cover makeover...

SOME-body stop me! what's next? my walls...LOL...:)L.

storybook squares~

storybook squares
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Dear Friends:
Here's a little set I worked on tonight. I call it my little "storybook" squares. I made a "paper quilt" with squares cut from a large square puncher, then I cut them into one inch squares. It was fun to use them for backgrounds, but it made them seem even smaller for some reason. You know, you don't have to be crazy to try this, but it doesn't hurt, in fact, it may very well help. Count yourself among the normal if you are squinting and nodding your head right now...Oh, and check my flickr album to see the huge mosaic of squares I've made thus far. xo L.

still squared away...

My squares obsession continues to be alive and well. Now, if only I could take that energy into some of my home projects this summer, I would be happy. Hmmm.. I'll have to think on that... speaking of summer projects, I have loads of them as always. It's been so busy this spring and there are lots of pictures waiting to be printed out, hung, etc. Plus, did I mention I have to plan a graduation party? Help my dd touch up her paint job in her room and replace linoleum in the bathroom, clean out my car, and under my bed and, and, and....ok, well, gotta go hop to it. What's on your summer list. Or are you one of those "normal" people who actually take time to vaca while dunderheads like me are patching up holes in their walls. So I'm a bit off the wall this morning.."hey, honey, you made the coffee too strong..." Oops, he just said I have the clean up task for the bathroom sink repair he just did. "I'll be right there hun!" Oh, ain't life grand! xo Lia

Domestic Diva Inchies~New Series

Domestic Diva Inchies~New Series
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Inspired by Retro Girl's comment on yesterday's post. This next series of inchies will be 20 in the domestic diva theme. Thank you to my readers for your feedback, enthusiasm and inspiration! I thought it would be fun to do a "readers choice theme" for my next set.
I will send a copy of this to the "winner" as a thank you. I may not be able to respond right away to comments, but I do read them all and appreciate the time you take to leave feedback.
xo Lia

400 squares Done!

400 squares Done!
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Hi Friends!
I've been a busy bee these days with the youngin's, here, there, and everywhere and the weather has been SO nice! I've been using any spare time I can get my hands on to do some art and have been journalling on the road (when I'm not the one driving, lol)! I just reached 400 squares in my 1000 square goal for the year. I was getting tired of counting and organizing the squares in my bin so I decided to group them as best I could to make postcard size panels of them for printing, etc. I then organized them into a little album so I can see what I have and pull one's out when I want to print one.
I think I will be a little more theme oriented for the next "sets" of squares. I'll keep y'all posted. Let me know if you have a fave theme suggestion for my next set of squares. Leave it in the comments here. If I use your theme for my next set, I will send you a printed postcard on photo paper of the set. Sound fun?!
I've been journalling away in my visual journal. I will share some pages soon, but I gotta get some pics and that takes time from doing art right now. I guess I'll have a crunch time for next few weeks, then I'll be able to keep you all up with what I'm doing more. Thanks for your support, kind emails and enthusiasm. I am glad you are inspired and am thrilled to be able to share my art with you. Have a great week everyone! xo Lia

UPDATE: I picked Retro Girl's Theme for the next batch. See upcoming post for details. Thanks to everyone for their great suggestions! My second fave suggestion was trying a "primitive theme"...I'm gonna work on that, it will be a fun challenge. So, Retro Girl and Sequana, please contact me with your address information!

squares with fashion

squares with a fashion magazine...
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

My favorite fashion magazine became collage fodder for my 9 latest squares. I usually try to refrain from using current magazines because of the "copy" word, but I am not selling these, so I guess I can have fun and post a few! I was getting tired of the older images--as much as I love them!!! So, here is one of 9 images I made. I took some pics while making them so I can do a quick tute for those of you still wanting to know how I make my squares. It will be an impromptu funny one, so stay tuned. I have to go get a move on though to pick up kids and such, but will be back soon. Have a great weekend all!!! xo Lia

Vote for your favorite!

square count...march
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I'm up to 267 completed squares. That is what I have accounted for up until now. Perhaps some squares have slipped through the cracks because I thought I was closer to 300!....LOL.

do you have a favorite? wanna vote for your favorite? Let me know in the comments. I love when readers tell me their favorite! I'll let you know the results of the fave vote next weekend. This will be fun! Thanks for visiting and happy squareing. :) Lia

p.s. you can see the squares closer up on my square gallery blog here and my flickr album here. I think I will make a postcard with the 25 most favorited by readers. xo Lia

lining up the squares...

5 more squares, just gotta put on finishing touches... that will wait until morning as I was working at lap desk here before fallin' asleep.... a square lady's work is never done! more soon....

Square Reasons...

I'm finding the need to "splain" why I make collage squares. I seem to get this question aLot. The questions go like this...

what do you do with them?
are they really only one inch?
how do you find images so small?
how can you see?
are your eyes ok?
are you crazy? (I love this one..)
what on earth do you do with them?
and the number one question...
why?

Being that I was brought up in a home where guilt was a food group, I must say that sometimes I take these type of comments in the wrong way. In fact, it makes me feel I need to defend the fact that my hobby happens to be the most collosally useless pastime in the history of crafting, collage and art.

But it makes me happy, so that is WHY I do it.

and yes, being a little crazy helps.

and so do making cool mosaics like this and printing them out on postcards so that I can come up with something "useful" to defend my obsession.
so there.
here are 3 of my postcards.
now back to making squares.
xo Lia

It's all about squares right now....

new squares...
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

wip's, squares without words....

wip's
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

still plugging away on the squares. will get out some art care pkgs. today too. I have a migraine :( today. oh, well, art is good for me, gotta go get some glue and my art journal and make it go away. lol. xo Lia

Still squared away!

Thanks to the wonderful package of cut-out-custom square goodies that I got from Cerri of Little Pink Studio, I've been squaring away like crazy! I have such wonderful friends that are feeding my obsession! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness as well as your awesome care packages! Here's what I made last nite (and, erm, this morning at the crack of dawn)! And to Anastasia who wrote me after making several wonderful squares, you are right, they ARE pesky little buggers! Doesn't take much for them to get scattered about! I'm up to 204, but who's counting?

work in progress.....

work table, in progress
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Here are a few of my new inchies...I'm getting caught up on "squares" and will be back soon!
xo Lia

P.S. You can see more of my new squares here!

I heart the Dollar Store!

Look at this "square" journal I found at the Dollar Store last week! I thought it would look great with some of my squares on top so I glued some down on it last nite. Here's an idea for those of you who don't wanna do squares because you don't know "what in the world you can do with them". LOL.
Here's a look at the inside. Oh, I just love fun dollar store finds!

P.S. I updated my "1000 squares" site this weekend and put up a few new cool links. Have a great day now everyone! xo Lia

How I make my 1" square collages~

As I've mentioned before, I followed Artist Chrysti's tutorial when I got started. I don't believe I do anything different other than add to the background sometimes. The other variations are that I sometimes collage on leftover background paper I've used for other projects like 4 x 4's or fat book pages (provided it's at least as thick as 140lb. watercolor paper). In addition I love to use the cardstock on the back of the watercolor or sketchbook tablets. I've also painted chipboard although that does tend to warp a bit. I always paint both sides as to minimize warping, but also because I like both sides having color on it. I always sign the back and now I also date them per my son's suggestion (yes, my family does get involved with my squares. lol). I highly suggest a thicker surface when you are first trying this out. It's not that easy working on something so small, so when it's thicker it makes it much easier (at least for me). I like the feel of them when they are all painted and cut. It's like working on little tiles.

As I've mentioned before, I really like working in stages. This helps with my schedule. I often prepare and cut the squares ahead, store them in my "square-ganizer" (lol) and then I collage on them on a different night. Normally at my lap desk while watching tv with my husband. I would encourage you to jump in and start and then do what works for you. Sometimes I only get to work on art at night and I like having prepped squares ready if I'm too tired to paint. Then I just get out my ephemera stash and start clipping and pasting! I never really know what I will come up with.

So, here's a typical prep for me, this one uses a 4 x 4 inch piece of sketchbook backing. This will obviously yield 16, 1 inch squares. That's about what I like because I get tired of using the same color after a while.
So, here I am prepping painting both sides of the piece 4 x 4 square with gesso (basically a white paint primer). I let the gesso dry (which in my dry heated house takes like 2.2 seconds..) then I paint on top of that. (erm...I'm not in my studio here, more like a tv tray table...):

a href="http://artjunk.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/img_1739.jpg">
I usually pick one color for the background and then I will sometimes use ink on top and/or doodle on top with a watercolor crayon. I like to have a variety of supplies and pens nearby and I usually just do whatever strikes my fancy!

Images: the big question! Where do you find your images? I've discussed this before in this post, so you can refer to it here. I often collect those ahead of time too so when I'm ready to make a collage I have things ready to grab.

Prepping the squares is the part that is the most basic, after that the sky is the limit on what you can do and you can add your own individual touches to it. You need not limit square art to collage! You can sketch on them, etc.
Adding words, images, doodles, etc. is what I do and it's all pretty random. I kind of just sort through stuff and grab what I think looks right with the image. My squares are kind of like a little diary of my thoughts at times! I especially love to make them humorous. Ok, that's about it. Once prepping your squares, follow your bliss and do what you like on them. Hope this little square-torial helps you get started on squares. If not, you know where to find me! Inch by inch, everything's a cinch. LoL. (just had to add some of my square humor in there..).xo Lia

p.s. Here is my square-ganizer above and a square I collaged on last night! Square on....

On top of my little "square" world...

Good Morning Friends! Hope you all had a great weekend. I am still fighting a cold here in square-land. I did fit in some time to cut images for squares. I have some "works-in-progress" going on here that I wanted to show you. This is how I usually work. It's just so glamourous. A mess of squares on top of a plastic lid. lol. I thought it was funny how this image looked on top of the mountain of squares so I took a pic of it. Alot of times I get ideas for things when I have a lot of things out in mumbo jumbo style. I like seeing the mix of colors and images, etc. My "method" is very free flow. I know that that is not how everyone works. I have my own organizing method. I do have like things together in one place, but that's where it ends. Papers will not be sorted by type, the category is just, "paper/all". I am always in shock when I watch craft shows in which everything is sterile and organized by color, etc. I think I would be at a total loss creatively if I had things this way. There is a "method" to my madness, although I can't really explain it in steps or give you a "formula". The only thing I can say is that everyone works differently and it's best to do your own thing and go with what works for you.
Speaking of random things, I've had lots of "brides" popping up in my art squares lately....Here's another
I've been married for a very long time now, but I do love the whole wedding theme. I still have one of my "modern bride" magazines. The very first one I bought. The cover is gone, but I do look at it from time to time.
Well, enough rambling, I gotta go get some stuff done today. I am working on a square-torial for you all. Stay tuned. I gots to get rid of this cold so I can square on....Here's a little pic of me in a square..he he..have a great day everyone! xo Lia

New 1 x 1's and collage "wip" is done!

1 x 1's
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Good Morning Friends~
Hope you are having a great day so far. I'm having my coffee here and doing my routine morning blogging....hmmm...will someone get me a second cup? Anyhoo...I finished these little itty bitty's last nite using the painted squares Nance sent me, thanks Nance! I also finished a "work-in-progress" that I posted for y'all a while back. It was still sitting there on my dining room table yesterday as I was trying to tidy up. As I was looking through my pictures last nite, I realized that I have only used my "studio/craft" room for painting this month. I have officially infultrated every other room in my home. I will have to post some pics of that soon for y'all to see. Now, I do clean up my "mess" but I realize that I am quite the travelling artsy girl. Oh well, old habits die hard. I guess I like to be around everyone when I'm creating..I also like to listen to movies in the background. Ok, well, off I go and I hope to have some art journalling to show you early in the week, I'll also post answers to reader questions soon. You all should pat yourselves on the back for getting in touch with your creative selves! Happy Creating everyone! xo Lia

It's Raining Squares!

Lately I've been way fatigued, yeah, I know that is hard to believe when I'm throwing squares up here like nobody's business...but anyhoo, I was laying on the couch yesterday and my daughter walks in the door and hands me a beautifully painted envelope from the mail and says, "wow, she's a good artist!" When I looked I knew right away it was from my blog sista, Nance! I know her beautiful handwriting and her love of pink (rofl), but anyhow, I was bedazzled! I opened up the envelope and guess what was inside?????????? Did you just say Squares???? Yes! Gorgeously painted original Nancy B. punched squares. Not only that, but a beautiful tag, handmade altered envelope with an art square seal. Nance, you are the sweetest ever and so very creative!!!! My kids all think I'm some special famous person or something....y'all have kinda elevated me from just regular old boring mom here! Thank you all for supporting me and my square addiction. I wish you all the goodness you send in return! I'm the luckiest square girl in the world to have you as friends! xo Lia

Art in the wee...hours

Today was a doozy as I thought. I helped my dd move furniture in her room (she painted it while she was home...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...) anyhow, did a bagillion other things and I am pooped, but got to doing some of my 1" squares this evening....oh, how I LOVE making them!!!
I also finished another collage work in progress (3 x 5 card size, maybe a bit larger.)
Anyhow, I want to have a kind of "gallery" or blog space for all my squares this year. Remember I told y'all I want to get to 1000 of them in 2007. Well, lemme know what you think about the site I'm setting up. It will start out as putting up my square progress, but I plan to include links to tutorials and links to other blogs with these itty bitty fun squares. Anyhoo, I've spent a bit of time lately trying to figure out how to make a banner for this site and a "button" for the square site, but I'm not too good with it. If y'all know how to do a button with a link, drop me an email, k? I'd way appreciate. Just tell me the program you use. Is a zillion dollar investment in photoshop the only way I can make cool buttons and banners? I hope not! Sorry to bother y'all with these "unspoken" tech questions. I've been trying to work on this in earnest but am wasting too much precious time. email me if you have a quick info clue you can give me. I like both the illustrated and photo banners. Ok, well, gotta go get some zzzz's. Hope you fit in some time to create this weekend, if it makes you happy, I know it makes me way happy!!! xxoo thanks for stopping by. -Lia
update: typepad is being wonky. after their maintanence my blog went down to 2 columns. bear with me as I get all my links up again! oh, if everything could be as simple as squares! xxoo Lia

New Collages~

I worked on a few more 1" squares and other collages last night. I'm trying to get back into my groove again. I really love making them. I have this goal of making a thousand of them this year. I know that sounds crazy, but I'm going to try to do it. I guess I should start by counting what I have. I have them all sorted out by theme here:Yes, this is my dining room table. Ask me how happy my hubby is that I am taking over it right now....I really need to get my stuff organized in one area. I started to take over the table while working on a fat book and then the rest was history...anyhoo, I'm on it, ok, I will get my act together soon....
Here's another collage entitled "Dream" that I made last night. I was thinking that later this week I will post answers to questions I've been receiving on doing the 1 x 1's and collages, etc. I've answered the emails individually, but I thought I'd do a post on it. I'd love to answer any questions you all have as I've learned most of what I have online and would love to pass on tips to others as well. If you have any questions, email me and I'll include in the info post. This can be material questions, whatever. Ok, have a great day everyone. I will be by to visit y'all sistas later and see what you are up too. Oh, I have so much I want to share with you all but my brain works much faster than I can type and get it all up here. My internet has a slow connection today which doesn't help, but I will talk with you all soon. I really need to take the time to figure out how to upload posts quicker. I think I'm still doing it the old fashioned way...oh well, so much to learn, so little time! hugs to you all and have fun creating! Lia

Unfinished Business and Studio Clear out

It's a rainy day here in suburban paradise. I actually love hearing the pitter-patter of rain while I'm nestled up in bed drinkin' my morning wake me up. I've made my lists for today and am going to actually knock things off of them...or at least try. Thanks for all your comments on the "un-resolutions". We procrastinating, creative, magazine-a-holic's must unite. Safety in numbers, right?
So, anyway, pictured above is a collage I made in December that I was NOT happy with. I posted it in flickr and Chrysti suggested I add a focal point and some gesso, so I did. I added the woman in the middle-ish area and the gesso. Now it's on my studio shelf. It was kind of nagging me so I'm glad I changed it a bit and saved it from it's impending doom (aka paper shredder)...
Anyhoo, I always have about 4 or 5 projects going at a time and that is FINE with me. That is just the way I work and I accept it about myself. I'm a multi-tasker, big time. I think this stemmed from having lots of kids and little time for my interests. I ended up doing things I liked in little snippets of time. I love lots of different things and like to try new things, so I've gotta get it all in somehow! I have a few swap committments I need to get out today, then one valentine one and then I am taking a swap break for a few weeks so I can concentrate on clearing out my studio and other stuff like that. So, having said that, off I go to get to work on my list. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Oh, I wanted to share this newspaper article with some cool square pics of retro fashion, etc. I see squares everywhere now, I think I'm making all of you do that too...he hee.....I cut up some more squares yesterday from painted leftover's from my fat book thingy I'm workin' on. The next one's will be a mint green. Hmmm...wonder what I'll collage on them? I'll have to dream that one up today. xxxooo Lia

"Inspiration" collage and thank you!

Thank you to my blog friends, visitors and pretty blog world for all your inspiration this year. I am looking forward to another year of great color, creative blossoming and wonderful friendships! I especially want to thank the academy, uh, no, my blog sistas and regular visitors for your past comments. You are always here to encourage me, cheer me up when I need it and inspire me to reach higher and grow as an artist. You are the wind beneath my creative wings. You mean more to me than you could ever know. xxoo Lia (artjunkgrl)

Creative Square Exercises and other junk...

Dear Friends~ Thank you SO much for your responses yesterday, they really warmed my heart! You all are MY inspiration!!!! I was amazed at how many of you identified and left a kind word, it really made my day. This morning I was a little leary of the phone ringing early and having a rocky start again, but it was smooth sailing, so I was happy for a quiet, uneventful morning! Anyhoo, today I am off again to shop/prepare/etc. Each day I pick one main thing I want to accomplish. Yesterday it was FOOD shopping, a trip to the "bulk" store that I don't like, but I had help, thanks to my daughter, and we will be well stocked for the holiday cooking and visiting. But as you know, I fit in some time for"square" biz! At the moment, I have some other works-in-progress, but I will focus on those more AFTER the holiday! In the meantime, I have a quick, creative "play" exercise to share with you that I did yesterday. My lovely daughter brought me a special "art junk" present....a lovely little Anthopologie catalog. I thought that was so sweet of her to think of me and tote that down here with her stuff. I'm lucky that my kids encourage me to keep creating. I know that many are in love with anthropologie and I can see why. I adore their catalogs because of all the yummy colors. I thought of what I could do as far as marrying this lovely catalog that was on my chopping block with my love for the tiny squares. I decided to cut out my fave pages (perish the thought) and took them to my paper cutter, and, you guessed it, "one inched them". Then, as a creative exercise this morning, with my second cup of coffee (you know, the one I have AFTER I get up), I started making quilt squares designs with the cut up squares while everyone slept! This is one of the things that I love about these squares, it get's your eyes to focus on something smaller, but at the same time combine it to make a bigger cohesive and detailed piece! I love looking at all the color and design possibilites, i really think it get's me in the creative flow. So, this is what I did with squares for today. I also painted a few watercolor pages last night to use as backgrounds for future squares. Here are my nice little square soldiers, stacked in my "in-box". So, for those of you who say you don't have time, just do one step of something today, nothing get's done all at once, at least for me it doesn't. Then, when I'm too tired to paint, but just want to collage, I get out my prepped squares and I'm ready to go. Ok, so enough square talk, I gotta go work on my list combo's. I'm glad you all enjoyed my "list for my lists" comment. Have a great day everyone! xxoo Lia

More "1 inch" square love ...

great things come in small packages.... I just love making these little squares, but if you are one of the five people that read my blog, you know that already! So, where was I, oh yeah, gotta a little sidetracked sewing this weekend (thank you sis for reminding me..ha ha) but I did have fun and now I'm plotting my next sewing projects. The sewing machine IS NOT going to be put away this time. I will now have to fit in some sewing time with collage time, although I know that collage is my very favorite creative endeavor. Here are a few things I'd forgotten about sewing, but have made a note of the last few days: 1. Sewing is A LOT messier than collaging. I thought all my paper cutting was messy, but whoa, sewing has a lot more falling debris than paper arting... 2. Don't try to vacumn until you make sure all the spools of thread are picked up. The string WILL get sucked up into the vacumn and you WILL have to stop and pull it out. 3. I think I am a 3-4 pair of scissor person. I inevitably bury my scissors and can never find them...mental note, more scissors. 4. The sewing manual is my friend. 5. I have thought of, but have resisted the urge to get sidetracked and disinfect, dust and clean every crevice and ridge of this machine that has sat in my cabinet for the last year while I took pretty pics of it for flickr studio and craft room and groups like "pretty organized" and such. Of course I'm pretty organized in the areas where I'm NOT flippin' using stuff. come on, let's get real already... 6. I am a double checker but I still sewed something on in the wrong direction, is there a name for that disorder? 7. I didn't know there was an auto shutdown button on my machine. I guess that keeps you from completely annihilating your machine when you are trying to stitch over a mountain of jean fabric. 8. Oh, and I must make a mental note to make sure that I have enough thread on a spool BEFORE I thread the entire bobbin and then realize that's the end of that spool and I now will have 2 colors of thread on top and bottom unless I start all over. 9. I need a much better light or a new set of eyes. 10. I'm really ticked that I'm only 42 and can't thread the needle without looking like I'm going to dissect the machine... Ok, so that's my sew boring post for today, hope everyone is happy, gettin' creative and in the holiday spirit! xxoo Lia

"create"...a collage with squares, etc.

"create"...a collage with squares, etc.
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

another collage made by me while experimenting with squares in my composition.....

hope you all are having a productive day. I'm having one of those days when I feel like I haven't gotten much done....

xxoo Lia

Getting Crafty with my Collage Squares...

Artjunkgrl is a Square collage
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Thinking out of the Box with a Larger Collage using Squares! I am a square girl in my little square world....this is my first attempt at a new square style. Do you like? xxoo Lia

p.s. Hanna commented in an earlier post that I may have to rename myself "square-girl"....hee hee...

I am a square!

Today is Thursday, December 7, 2006 and I am addicted to a one-inch square. I work on these late at nite at my lap desk. Now, there is some "premeditated" square business that I do ahead of time. Yesterday I got out the paints and painted a few pieces of 140lb. watercolor paper, and cut them into 4 x 4 inch squares for other collages and I was tickled square when I realized that this little leftover piece at the end that I never know what to do with, was immediatly cut into 8 more little 1 " squares and put into my "square bin". So, anyhow, I went ahead and cut those up and put them aside. Later at night, when all thru the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...I got out my little lap desk and started working away. Here's a peek at how I have things layed out...... Well, enough about square biz, just wanted to share my square bliss with my blog friends...have you tried them yet? hint, hint...Hope you are having a good week. xxoo Lia

3 more itty bitty collage squares

3 more itty bitty collage squares
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

A quick little post today!
Here are 3 out of 6 that I worked on in my "shabby chic" color series. I plan on making more of these in these colors so they will go together in a final display. These still need to be edged with some ink and a few little altering details. I made 6 total last nite, and they sure take me a while but I enjoy every minute. It does take some getting used to when working on something so small, I'm not saying it's easy peasy, but I'm sure I'll get used to the blinding bits and super thin paper slivers. At least I can just sweep all the cutting bits at once into the trash because there is nothing left over that can't be thrown away. (paper people will know what I'm talkin' about!)
Well, I'm off to change gears and get some of my christmas decor done today. Hopefully will get some pics up this week on that. Oh, and don't forget I'm going to hold a suprise free "drawing" this week on one of my Art Everyday pieces from last month, but don't know which one yet, I may give winner choice of three so they get something they like.
Hope y'all are having or have had a good weekend! xxoo Lia

it's hip to be square...