Thursday, February 28, 2008

Tidying Up Before I'm Off to Vegas!

I can't believe it's been a week since I've posted! I've been very occupied with family get togethers and preparing for my big show, which starts Monday. I'm all about gift cards these past few weeks!

But I needed a break from my lovely new catalogue and my BEAUTIFUL new cards! I continue to be astounded at the quality and magic of the printing press. I just can't believe I did it all myself!

I've been searching and searching this whole month for just the right little zipper bag for Michelle Ward's Crusade No. 17 - A Traveling Visual Journaling Kit. To my delight, last week, I found the perfect bag at my gym's boutique - but they were super expensive - and being the total cheapskate that I am, left them in the boutique. Well, it pays to be a cheapskate, 'cuz today they were ON SALE for 50% off! Hurrah! So, of course, I did what every woman would do, I bought two.Aren't they cute? I really don't plan on having a lot of time to journal on the go. These days, I hardly have time to go to the bathroom. So, my kits are fairly bare bones:

glue stick

Jet Pens brand gel pens in black, white, gold, and red

regular pen

pencil

prismacolor oil pastels (one of my fav things ever)

pair of scissors

Yah, I know. Seriously bare bones. But that's what it's got to be these days. Maybe when the baby is in preschool I will add to the kit. I'm just glad I got it in right under the wire!

Also, I've been up to a commissioned collage. As if I didn't already have enough on my plate - but I just couldn't say no, especially because I knew exactly what I was going to do. So, I thought I'd share the process of this collage. I think it's the biggest size I've ever worked on, and I must say, I'm loving it! Here's the first two layers:

It looks a little rough, but there's a long way to go. I will share the layers as I go on this blog, to show the progression of the piece, which I expect to take about a month.

The size of the wrapped canvas is 36"x36". I first layered cool looking vintage ads and images from vintage magazines I collect. Yes, I used the real things. These were mostly from vintage Esquire and Liberty magazines. I also added printed tissue papers and sewing pattern tissues. I just like the text, arrows, and images. Some are directly related to issues that my commissioner is having right now. Then, I added some gesso. I also added Titan Buff acrylic paint to sorta help some of the transitions from one paper to the next seem more smooth. It looks like a big mess in this photo, and I can see it needs a little more gesso and some layers of plain tissue paper to smooth out more transitions. I really like where it's going, but it will be sitting in my studio for at least another week while I'm in Vegas!

14 comments:

michelle ward said...

Tally - first I have to tell you that every time I see your banner I have to blow a kiss back. Love it. And those little bags are so hip - I'm totally cracking up that you bought two. I would do the same! Having the bare bones is all it takes to jump start a page even if it's only at your kitchen table. Congrats on the upcoming show. Printing Press??? I didn't know you started doing that with your cards. Where have I been? You go girl!
Thanks for coming to play with the team.

JBMolina said...

Ooh Tally girl, I'm loving those little cases. I have my eye on a couple at Borders of all places. The commission is looking good too. Makes me want to go paint on a big canvas!

Did you see the pretty picture of yourself over at Kelly's blog?

Lisa MB said...

Knowing you, the only reason you go to the bathroom is to have a little uninterrupted me-time. ;o) Keep shakin' that thang in Vegas, baby!

Fiona said...

Love those little bags but I could never have them......my daughter would steal them in a flash!

Chris said...

Vegas?! Taking art kit to Vegas?! Who would do such a thing?

oh yeah... I would.

SUPER stuff! Have a great and a successful time.

Jodi Peary said...

It is wonderful to be so busy doing something you love to do! And you have a baby not yet in preschool! My youngest went to kindergarten this year and my art blossomed in so many ways that I had not expected. Your doing great things now...look forward to seeing what you do when you return from Vegas. Much success to you.
jodi

Ursula Clamer said...

Love the bags! It is greta to keep it simple and just have basics, sometimes it leads to more creativity as you don't have many supplies to choose from, you just have to do! Good luck with your show.Ux

Unknown said...

lovely blog. i love those zipper pouches and even better at half off. and your greeting cards are wonderful. i'll come by often (found you through the bizladiespdx!)

Anonymous said...

The bags rock! So much cuter than my baggies. I also carry a basic kit and it's served me well. Best of luck on your show!

JBMolina said...

YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED

Here’s the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

It is a bit of a job so even if you just wanted to post the facts that would be fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Awesome banner!!! I'm so taken by it!!! If your cards are half as beautiful, you'll do just fine, for sure! Glad you made it in the challenge... love the start to your commissioned piece... anxious to see more! All my best, have a safe trip!
K.

forcryeye said...

fantastic! It pays to be patient and wait for a sale! Love the page you made...too cool!

carin.c said...

Wow what a big piece that is that you are working on... can'tw ait to see the final. By contrast those little bags are just darling! They just look so fun!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment so I could find you!

I love your journal kit bags and your canvas is fantastic! I have never made anything that big either- I can't ait to see the finished piece!!