Sunday, February 23, 2014

Art work at a new venue

My art work can now be seen at a new venue, Evilena's Red Dresser in Frankfort, IL.

4"x6"   Crocus

wooden box, metal decorative frame

I have my work in their NEW fabulous shop which is actually their second store at: 20887 S LaGrange, Frankfort, IL 60423  815-464-2668    
Open Monday - Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5.

The vibe inside the new store is very industrial with the help from the wonderful ladies of COLLECTED.
 (These designers help folks restyle their dwelling by reusing their own stuff!
 They specialize in home and event styling.  )


burl wood box
  Evilena's took a fancy to my little boxes, the ones I refurbish and place an original watercolor painting inside. These are a few of the designs.  Check out the shop to see more.
felt lined for trinket or jewelry

 I also have a few small painting that relate to their kitchen kitsch feel.
5"x 7"
"Tomato & Cabbage -Soups ON"


 
Jan Sabey, the owner is so enthusiastic and encouraging to me by accepting my work into her shop.   I truly appreciate she named the shop after her beloved mother, donates to charity, has a prayer box inside her store ( you slip a note into the box about what/why you need prayers ) and wants to feature original art.

Just blogging to keep you folks updated on this starving artist's latest.
Blessings,
 Barb

Sunday, February 16, 2014

7 projects to occupy the long winter months

Hello fellow artists and welcome to my blog.
I thought you might like to see some other projects I create when I 'm not painting or throwing pottery.

Vintage mecury Christmas bulbs from 1950's , Elf from 1960's
I made this Christmas wreath from my precious vintage ornaments.  My idea was to keep them all together and I think they are protected from breakage by being fused together.  It was risky to use glue but it has worked out well. This wreath is stored in a special box and placed far away from any damage, kept deep in a closet.
The Elf on the Shelf was an added perk for my grandchild.

I also crochet on occasion because it is a good way to kill the time in the long winter months.  It has been a LONG winter in Chicago this year!
Crocheted scarf


Hand painted chopstick pin

Little Sprout hat
A blue  cowl neck/loop type scarf with a hand painted chopstick pin.
  The "little sprout" hat was custom made for my grandson, Wynn Elliott.


Letters made from maps

Food served out of suitcases and clothes hung on line
I enjoy planning events like this baby shower decor and using my vintage items like suitcases,cameras and retro baby clothing.  Not to forget my Baby Boy sign made out of maps.  The letters came out a little wonky but worked for the occasion.  The theme was Around the World and I was able to incorperate travel  and different countries in the decor.
Vintage cameras, suitcase, globe and umbrella

Fairy Garden
Fairy Penelope
As an avid gardener I encouraged my granddaughter, Penny, to make a fairy garden. Lots of family members helped but she was in charge of the pinecones and purple ribbon.  She is a little Fairy herself and loves the TUTU  I made for her!
I  quilt when I am not crocheting.  Here is a quilt I made for myself out of my vintage fabric.  I also combined some modern fabric I purchased; it is just a lap quilt that lives on the back of my sofa.
Mid Century Modern Quilt apporved by Noa LiLou and Wynn Elliott
I know it is hard to concentrate on the quilt when you have the two tubby pals to look at.  These chubby cherubs are 2 of the 3 granchildren born into our family in the year!
Newest Granddaughter Adeline Ivy with her big brother Miles

I just wanted to share with you as an update
 -there is more to my art than painting-
branching out of the studio keeps me creative and grounded.
 I hope you are creating and growing as we are in my family.
Have a blessed 2014.

tags: crochet, quilts, baby showers, maps, grandchildren, Christmas wreath, vintage mercury bulbs, fairy gardens, tutu for children, crafts, sewing, 2014 projects

I have been painting for charity.

 My husband and I have been painting for a charity, Restore Decor  .   We paint furniture to be resold in the two shops that Restore Decor o...