art junk girl

it's hip to be square...

it's art time!
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Here are some of my collages in mini squares courtesy of flickr mosaic tools...hmmm...wouldn't it be fun to put some of these or anything else for that matter on these beautiful, tiny, magnificant little squares. Hint, hint...sure you don't wanna try them??? If you don't know what I'm talking about, check yesterdays post here. I spend some time last night cutting out little words and stuff for my blue squares that are awaiting. I had to finish up some atc's for a christmas swap, so that kept me from indulging in my new love. Oh, this tiny little square, who knew it would give me so much joy. All I see is little squares now....what do you say can be done with these little bits of bliss???? Oh, but that is all the fun! When my brain finally (yes, I'm a bit slow) put together the fact that an 1" square does not stand alone, but put together in mosaic like fashion with other 1" friends can create a multitude of fun collage works. All of the sudden I am envisioning them on collaged on frames, journals, tiles, SOMEBODY stop me!!! Ok, but seriously, I am in love. Well, I need to run off and get some errands done and when I get back I should have some finished squares to show you. By next week I will post what I come up with to do with them. How fun, now I can collage little collages! who knew? I am glad I'm done with the ATC's. As I've told you, I don't like to do them, but will in order to challenge myself and participate, but then, last night, I realized WHY I don't like atc's. Because, they aren't squares!
p.s. I went flea-tiquing yesterday...a suprise trip with my hb. I usually get to go in the summer when the kids are off from school, but I hit a fave antique mall and got lots of cool stuff. I will post more on that later too. Now, go make some squares friends!!! then let me know and I will come check them out! Come on...it's hip to be square!! doo dooo....doooodooodo do....ok, too much coffee....see how happy art makes me!
xxoo Lia

here I go again!....

Look what I tried yesterday (1 inch x 1 inch square collages)........ I thought they were too small and I couldn't do them until I came across this post and tutorial. Thanks Chrysti! Then I got a "feed the obsession" email from the Altered Art Obsession I recently joined (and love!). How could I resist? Somebody stop me.......

Still doing "Art Everyday Month"! 3 ATC's

Well, the month is almost over! This has been a fun month of Art for me and kind of a new beginning of sorts. Having the Art Everyday Month challenge has helped me focus more on how important doing art and/or something creative EVERY DAY is to me. It's helped me to try new things and challenge myself. There is SO much I want to learn! I worked on these ATC's last nite for a swap, but I am going to do more of them b/c I want to use more embellishments or something on them. They need "something". Here is a list of some of the things I want to learn.
~how to use rubberstamps. Aside from brushing the edges of my work and having a drawer full of stamps, I don't use stamps in my work much. I LOVE the effects of rubber stamping in altered art and collage, but I really need to learn some basics. I especially love when I see a sort of "streaking" effect through pieces...I wonder how they do that???
~I watched "That's Clever" yesterday (recorded episode) and saw how the guest was stamping stuff and it's not what I was doing for sure! She was using a roller and then dabbling the ink pad onto the stamp instead of the other way around. I usually smoosh it down and do the "rocking horse" kinda thing and then, splat, I put down my stamp and get a wonderful impression complete with the square edge lines from the corner of the stamp!
~I can't wait to get together for an art playdate with Becky! Hi Becky if you are reading this! I'm going to pick your brain and have you teach me a bunch of stuff, ok? So anyway, I reallly do learn fast if I see it done. It's hard for me to really get stuff through books or tutorials. There are alot of little tidbits you learn from seasoned artists that books don't always cover.
~I've also been thinking of rubberstamping after seeing work from artists participating in "Wednesday Stamper" challenges.
Another thing I want to learn is how to use inks and dyes in my work. And, while I'm at it, I want to learn to stitch on cardstock and some of my tags and atc's. So anyway, this is what I've had on my "art brain" as of late. I know I need to just "jump in" and do it and not worry so much about the process...this is how I've learned most of what I have. I know I'll do it when I want to bad enough! Anyhow, off I go now. Gotta get some chores done and then get back in my studio. I moved a larger table in there yesterday, so I have to go rework some stuff in there. Did I mention I also want to try doing assemblages?
Hmmmm......one thing at a time Lia! But it's all so fun!

this weeks creative obsessions....

warning: the blog links in this post may cause you to lose all track of time if you have even a remote obsession with creative things...

ok, so each week it seems like I'm obsessed about something new I want to try with my artwork or in my home. I'm always "trying" to make improvements, never get around to doing all that I want, but I have fun trying! Blogging surely does not help my tendency to go following a new creative idea! There are SO many bloggers doing such magnificant things in their homes. There's lots to be made and bloggers are makin' it! Love seeing all the sewing projects for the holiday too! I wonder if I can squeeze in my sewing machine with all the art junk in my studio...hmmm...anyway, I could spend hours looking at all the eye candy...luckily I like to get around to making something sooner or later so I pull myself away! but I will tell you, I feel like I barely scratch the surface of the blog world when I let myself indulge in a collossal blog surfing spree (as I did this holiday weekend).
Lately I've been inspired by all the christmas crafting and decorating, particularly the vintage ornament finds. Every year I try to find a new (old!, vintage) ornament to add to my collection. Last year I was obsessed with the glass ornaments and the year before that it was nutcrackers~ yes, I had it all planned out....we were going to have the "nutcracker christmas". well, more like "nut"...., right?
So, where was I? Oh, yeah, I usually start a bit later in decorating but seems I'm getting everything out earlier this year. Participating in my first vintage christmas swap this year, I was able to get a head start. A few days ago I received this beautiful package from Monique in the Netherlands. I have notes posted when you click on the photo so I'm not repeating myself over here and on flickr. (plus gives me more time to blog..lol...) And speaking of obsessions, I loved seeing this wreath last week on a blog link I got while "surfing" on another blog link! I'm lovin' the vintage blue color on this wreath. I do have a tree in my dining room that I do just in blues, but it's royal blue. this year I'm going to revamp that little tree and my christmas wreath. I plan to work on that (as long as I stay offline looking for more vintage christmas ideas....).
On the art front I've been a busy bee this week. Having a few days off from the usual schedule has been great! Everyone was coming and going and everytime I got a break I snuck into my studio! I finished making my four ATC's using the technique that I discussed in this post.

I worked on these quite a bit. I really had fun and was so glad to challenge myself.

So, where was I? ok, hmmmm...I forgot. All the eye candy is making me lose track...but I hope to be back later this week having done something productive. Have a great week creating everyone! xxoo Lia
I also have a collage project in mind in which I will use some of the awesome ephemera I ordered from paper relics. I got a beautiful package from there and I intend to use it very soon! Now off I go to create something! How about you? what's your creative obsession lately? Hope you get some time to make something you've always wanted to this week. I know I'm going to try!

for JoAnnA's book

I made this for the current artist book collaboration in support of "breast friends for JoAnnA". Although I don't know JoAnnA, but have heard of her, I was moved to by fellow artists warm and loving outreach. I made this collage for her today while praying for her to have strength, hope and faith.
xxoo Lia

p.s. my youngest daughter's name is Joanna, we call her "JJ" though and sometimes just "J". editors note: to find out how to participate in this project, click here for more information.