Work in Progress

I thought it might be interesting to start showing some work in progress. I created this new Studio graphic from a photo I recently took and then altered in Photoshop Elements. Whenever you see this image at the top of my post, you’ll know its a Work in Progress update.

During a recent interview, one of the questions the writer asked is how I work. Ricë wanted to know if I had an idea and then sat down and completed it in a linear fashion from start to finish. Unfortunately, this isn’t my process, though it was when I first began doing mixed-media. As I explained to Ricë, these days my daily life is managed in chunks of time. This has impacted my creative time as well. This means I will work on things in stages and have projects in process at all the different stations I have in my studio. At first blush, it looks like a frenetic and messy way to work, but it’s how I manage to keep moving and juggle my plate.

The absolute worst thing for me is when I’m forced to completely clean my studio for a photograph. It’s like when I put things away I spend too much time searching for them again. My saving grace; tons of clear plastic shoe boxes from Costco to hold all the similar parts that I can make and rifle through when it comes time to finish a piece. (On a messy note, I do a once a month “sweep through” to keep my things from completely overtaking my space, but it never looks truly tidy.)

Like Ricë, I’m also fascinated by how working artists manage their time. Some people I know go deep into their work and don’t come up for air until their bodies force them to with a need for food or sleep. Others work a fairly 9-5 stint while their kids are in school or spouses off at work. Still others work around the clock, moving from laundry and carpools to teaching workshops, making samples and writing articles. Obviously, I fall in the latter category. I can’t imagine not having my studio in my home!

So, as promised, here are some pics of a project I’m working on for a Stampington deadline in 2 weeks. It’s a journal, and my inspiration is texture. I began earlier in the month with a painting playdate one morning with my daughter. The papers shown above are mine and not hers (lol). A few weeks later and another couple of hours resulted in finished front and back covers. In the next few days, I plan to work on collaging the inside pages, adding some photo transfers and then some journaling. Knowing myself as well as I do, the entire thing will get packaged and mailed off just in time to land on the editor’s desk the day of deadline. We can’t all be perfect! (grin)

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my studio. Now it’s your turn. Tell me, what is your work in progress and what’s your creative process?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Another Sneak Peek

 

I’ve been working on some designs for Susan Lenart Kazmer’s™ Industrial Chic™ line, which is exclusive to Michaels® stores. My design team sisters and I have been making some fab jewelry using the components and charms for upcoming projects.

I was also given the opportunity to show creative ways to use Industrial Chic in non-jewelry applications. It was great fun to return to my paper roots after spending at least the last 6 months on jewelry alone. I used some luscious scrapbook papers, my favorite Distress Inks™ from Ranger, some ribbon and, of course, lots of Industrial Chic lovelies.

Since the project was turned in last week to the powers that be, I’m technically not allowed to publish anything more than a sneak peek. But I had to show the new Key Ring pendant charm from Susan’s line. The ring makes a perfect base to add lots of other cool charms. If you haven’t seen the new Fall releases, please take a trek to your local Michaels store and check them out.

That’s all I have for now. Here’s wishing everyone a truly Artful day!