Etsy update

The last time I wrote, I said that I will play with my new Total gym and be in pain tomorrow. I should better think before I write because that's exactly what happened. I hurt my back and am in pain whenever I try to stand up straight or walk. It is actually probably funny to look at me walk... So, I'm trying to rest (the studio will wait for me to clean and organize it). I spent the good part of the day listing some old and some new paintings on etsy. It was empty for a long time and definitely needed my attention. I hope to add more to it in the following week. Now I'll lie down and put a warm pillow on my back... xo

I wish that you are real

Playing with strong colors in my journal.

I went into my room yesterday with the intention to clean it up (because there is no place to step in, not less create). Instead I saw my journal, glanced at the watch and decided that I have 20 minutes to play. So that's what I did. Then I put some more stuff IN the room and closed the door behind. I don't like it that way. I'll have to find a way to put some things away....
But not today. Today I am playing with my new Total Gym. I tried it last night and felt so good after it that I can't wait to work out more and be in pain tomorrow. I'll also visit the lovely Borders bookstore to buy another book for Hana. I'm so happy that she finally found books that she likes and is actually enjoying reading them.
And then there's weekend! Happy days!
I hope you'll have a great weekend.

Hope. Change.

It has been a while since I made little ACEOs (ATCs). I forgot that it takes a lot of time to put all the details on a relatively small piece of paper. On the pinkish card you can see a stitching detail. I planned to do more... but my last needle broke and flew all across the room. I decided that it looks interesting enough so I didn't cover it. I also played with the 'amber colored' raised frame. I'll have to take pictures when I make the next one and show it. I think it frames the card nicely and it's easy to do.

-available on etsy-

Hold on to your dream

- available on etsy-

"Do I detect a little Suzi here? Is it painted on wood?" - asked Suze while commenting here.

Yes. And yes. Suze was right.
I never painted on untreated wood before. It's a completely different experience than when there is a layer of gesso or primer. I also never used a wood burner. I loved it! The smell is wonderful! In my mind I was in cabin surrounded by snow, while sipping wine in front of a fire place.
The painting looks like an orange blob on the photo, but up close it's different. There are layers upon layers, it's very textured and colorful. I hope some of it shows on the close up photos. I was in heaven pulling out all the supplies, painting and making a huge mess in my studio.
The easel is a gift from my mother. I'm not very comfortable painting on it yet. But I am getting used to it. There is another piece of wood on it right now. I'm off to play...

I dare you

That was the title of Sharon's post. So I tried... and didn't like the result. What happens when you create a page in your journal that you don't like? Either gesso over it and start again. Or decide to live with it and write on the page how you feel about it. That was my choice for this page. You can't even see how ugly it is. Among many poor choices, I used interference green (which is usually subtle and pretty), but here it is simply hideous... I tried to hide it, but it is still peeking through layers. The more I look at the page, the more it makes me smile. Creating is definitely a great stress release... even when the results are far from what we wanted.