Time Flies

For this piece I was inspired by the weekly challenge over at Simon Says Stamp and Show.  Their theme this week:  things with wings.  This piece has been lingering in my mind ever since I splurged on those giant Dresden wings which were purchased at Alpha Stamps.  I knew one of the vintage clock faces I had from an estate sale would make a perfect match, at least in my mind. 

  

   

The face was a bit too large, but I was able to cut the thin metal with shears.  I felt it needed some sort of border and I had a light bulb moment, thinking of my weathered clock die from Tim. I created the frame with heavy chipboard, distress stain and gold rub and buff.  A few trinkets add some interest and cover a hole in the face, perfect because the spinner can still move.  I love incorporating movement and interaction in my art. 

The background was tons of fun.  There are a bunches of layers and techniques.  I used dictionary pages, gesso, distress stains, acrylic paint, stencils and stamps.  I managed to use the same die in three totally different applications in this project.

I hope you enjoyed taking in a part of my process.  Thank you so much to all my readers for stopping by, it really means a lot to me.  My blog provides me much joy, I appreciate that you choose to share the experience.

Cheers,

Rhea

A bit of time

I finished up a mixed media canvas today that had been stalled for quite a while.  A swapping pal of mine sent me a bunch of goodies, and this parcel was just the stash I needed to complete this project.  One of the items I received was a Wendy Vecchi art part shaped like a pocket watch. I got this just in time to have something to enter into Simon Says Stamp and Show's challenge this week, as the theme is Wendy Vecchi style.



Here is a close up of the art part pocket watch.  I really had fun layering all kinds of goodies inside.  A bunch of the watch images I used were from an amazing sheet of paper I purchased at a specialty paper store in Ann Arbor called Hollanders. 



I used these great little mica flakes here and there to add texture.  I also raided my depleting stash of clock movements to add more metal elements. It was worth the sacrifice, but I am definitely going to have to find more of these.   



I am so happy to have finished up a UFO...unfinished object. :)  I challenge you readers to do the same.  Find something that you have been stalled on and see if you can find the inspiration to finish it up!

Cheers,

Rhea

Pure Michigan

It has been a bit quiet around here because I have been off enjoying the splendor of the Keweenaw Peninsula.  I have loads of family that resides up here and I try to come up this way at least annually.  This trip was amazing as it always is. I spent time exploring, going to a hockey game, making pasties with family, taking in nature, gathering apples and plums, canning, shopping, checking in on my ancestors and spending quality time with family.  A beautiful trip overall, but as I type, I am anxious to get home tomorrow. 

Perhaps the biggest surprise on this trip was my discovery of the love of the art of canning.  I made tomato sauce, apple plum chutney, bruschetta, salsa and a wonderful apple spread.  I found the process very similar to creating art.  I just love to transform things into something else.   



I poked around a few mining ruins that are off the beaten path.

I found inspiration and art in churches and art galleries.

                   

I took in the stunning peak of color season in the UP.



    



This is the monastery where the monks of the Jampot reside.  Heading up here has become part of my annual pilgrimage.  They sell delightful baked goods, jams, jellies and candies.  Not too far from the Jampot is one of Michigan's lovely waterfalls.  

                       

 

Just one of the beautiful views from atop Brockway Mountain.

                      

I even managed to get here...

I can't wait to put all the inspiration I gained in motion when I return to my creative space.  Thanks for joining me for a tiny sample of my UP journey.

Cheers,

Rhea