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

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!