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!

 

 

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.

Love is in the Air and so is the Dust

Love is in the air and we are well on our way to Valentines day.  I have been busy revamping my art studio.  So much clutter.....!!!  I was sewing a lot for the grandkids for Christmas and  sewing stuff is all mixed in with art supplies.  I hope to continue on this path of vintage boxes and original watercolor paintings.  Each little box speaks to me and seems to say what type of painting they want!
 OK, I admit it,  I am loosing it, that means I've been up there toooooo long cleaning and dusting.
 I hope the Village Artists studio space will be ready soon. It is currently under construction and the pottery space has been bombed out for two months.  I long to throw pots and bowls again.

I made some resolutions for 2011:
To blog faithfully
To clean up after myself
To do my paper work
To paint or throw pots consistently
To swim at least once per week
To be thankful
I think these are doable and I will leave you with this one thought . Be Kind to Each Other.

Love Babs

Mixing my Vintage RetroBabs world with my Art world

I thought you might be interested on how I try to mix my RetroBabs Vintage & ReMix shop on Etsy with the ART world where I make my personal art.
I recently was involved in an art show with the Village Artists, an art co-op in Homewood, IL.  I brought a vintage suitcase and travel train case and displayed my art work inside these vintage items.  I received many comments on the display, the quirky, kitschy arrangement of fine art against old retro products. I think the juxtaposition is what catches people off guard. I passed out cards for both of my life's ventures and I hope the melding of them brings new customers to my life.   Networking as such has been a very powerful tool for me.

I hope you have a great Holiday and take care. My next post will show you some of my latest art work!