Studio Update and New Work

I thought you might like to see what I have been doing in my studio.
I have rearranged the room which is very small 8' x 8' with two doorways coming through it!!

I made half the room a sewing area.  

Fabulous artwork compliments of my son-in-law 

Camm Rowland. It is entirely made out of paper strips!!

My sister gave me this lovely mid century modern dresser. I have filled it with fabric.

Curio shelf for my pottery and sculpture

My latest watercolor still in progress

I started with a simple and used Sharpie markers. This is a mixed media project.

There are some areas that have a sense of whimsy -thanks to the Sharpie markers. Feel free to comment on the studio update or artwork. I can always use a good critique!

 

 

2012 -the new year begins

Well folks, I had a busy Dec 2011.  The kids came for a visit all the way from California and I had a successful art show at the Village Artists.

Here I am at my display table of pottery and standing in front of my paintings.  The show ran from Dec 2 and 3rd to coordinate with Homewood's tree lighting ceremony.  It was great to interact with the community especial all the kids.  They were so excited to see the tree lit and Santa was transported down  Ridge Rd via a fire engine!  A good time was had by all.

I gave away some of my art as gifts as usual. 

Here you see some rice bowls I made.

I especially like the glazing on this one. (Jade green and black)


Also created a new paintings for the show and framed one inside a shadow box.

I know it is hard to see in these photos but the seashell painting is actually a shadow box, recessed about an inch into the frame.
As you know, I also refurbish vintage furniture.  My husband found this lovely chair in the garbage.  I used fabric with a theme of picnic goers from the 1950s- "living the high life".  I think I just may have to keep this one!!!

  This is another chair I refurbished and it is currently at the Village Door.  They are a consignment shop that gives their funds to cancer support.  I think their charity is fabulous and I wanted to support them.

I used a piece of vintage hunting fabric on this one.  I think it is from the 1940s- very art deco don't you think?
Well I will wrap this up for now.  Check out the Retrobabs blog to see my New Years Resolutions! And keeping with such....... I off to throw something on the wheel.
Blessings
Babs

Holiday Boutique at the Village Artists Gallery and Studio

Dear Family and Friends,
I hope You can come to an art show and holiday boutique where I will be displaying my work.  I will have jewelry, pottery, watercolor paintings and vintage boxes just in time for your holiday gift shopping!

Hope to see you there!

Girlfriends in Homewood

I wanted to introduce you to a new friend-
Helen Fortino from GIRLFRIENDS in Homewood, IL.  She is the
proprietor /manager.  It is part upscale - resale and thrift store and part charitable animal awareness.  She donates part of her proceeds to NAWS -National Animal Welfare Society.
GIRLFRIENDS is located at 18046 Martin Ave. in Homewood, IL

She has agreed to show my wares as handmade pet dishes.  You can see a few of them here on this bureau.  Her customers are very receptive to this idea.  My bowls are bottom heavy and large, we think they will not move around or tip when the animal eats.  I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Her shop is filled to the brim with wonderful items, from clothing and  housewares to animal products.  I know I will enjoy collaborating with Helen.

I have been making some new designs with vintage silver plate spoons.  Helen asked if I would make a pet grave marker.  Here is what I came up with for her.
( Rest in Peace Felix) This was for her beloved pet.

Buying the silver plate spoons, hammering them flat, and stamping them is a lot of work.  I'm usually in a flop sweat by the end of the process!
I have made garden markers for herbs and  left a set with her.   I will custom stamp the names of the HERBS that the customers request.
You can see more spoon art at RetroBabs Vintage on Etsy.

I look forward to adding new art work and thinking of new uses for the silver  spoons.  Made this coat rack for a family member, personalized hooks.

You may reach Helen at the shop 708-206-2080. 

WWW.NAWSUS.org for the organization.
Blessings, Babs.