Hastypearl Mixed Media Angel

Hastypearl

Mixed Media Angel

Well, this posting is Both a Happy :) and Sad :( tale.

Ill get the Sad part over first.

I lost the photos that I took to make a step out tutorial, for this piece.

OK. So, not sooo sad, but I was certainly disappointed. 

Not only those images were lost, but also, 

the ones that I took of a family luncheon that I hosted.

You know how it goes.

I am constantly trying to learn more about photography.

Wow, what a steep learning curve it is.

So, I followed some steps for changing 

my camera from the settings that it came with.

I turned left when I should have turned right 

on one of the steps, and I don't know how to 

retrieve the missing photos.

At least I figured out WHY it happened 

and corrected it so that it doesn't continue.

I've learned along Life's way, to try to not have regrets.

There will always be another time, for more photos.

So, the Happy part of the tale, is that I had 

a Wonderful time creating this piece.

It just came together with ease!

I love it when that happens.

Basically, it is comprised of layers and layers.

Starting with a Very Old Lace tablecloth, 

I built up, I think it was 10 layers.

The wood piece in the middle is a paper thin 

piece of wood, that came out of a beautiful wood cigar box.

I thought it gave the piece a little more structure...stability.

I ultimately used grommets in the front and back, 

so that the rusty wire that I strung through them, 

would feel a little more finished.

There is a layer behind the angel wings of some of my 

hand painted watercolor paper, some tulle, 

some stenciling...I used Roxanne Evans Stouts Stencil Girl stencils...

they are beautiful, 

and of course, I used a Ton of ephemera.  

I ran a border of checked ribbon that I saved 

from a purchase, from Trudi Sissons.

If you've never bought anything from her...you should!

The explosion of wrapping fun starts on the OUTside 

of the envelope and the surprises go on and on!

Both artists are as Great as it Gets for Mixed Media Art 

and they constantly provide me with Inspiration! 

So, the recipient of this gift, 

is our newest baby family member.

Girls have been little hard to come by in our family, 

however, it seems to be finally turning 

a bit with this new generation!

There's NO real protection from this angel...

That will come from God, 

but it will be colorful and fun for her little 

busy eyes to enjoy as shes growing.

Her name is Blakely, so that's why you see 

the Vintage Letterpress Letter B.

I hope you enjoyed the "Very Short" Step Out instructions :)

I guess in the end, a tutorial just wasn't meant to be.

Maybe this Mixed Media Piece, 

was just meant to be Viewed and Enjoyed! 

Lesson Learned?

Yep! 

We just need to roll with the punches and enjoy the ride!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to get email alerts when I post, 

just sign up in the space provided in the right side column.

I promise I wont overdo it:)

And as always, I hope that you will pop over to 

my hastypearl Etsy shop periodically, 

to see what's going on. 

I hope that you will keep me in mind for your 

2015 gifting purchases.

Etsy has made it Very simple to shop.

All you need is a credit card and the rest is Easy.

Handmade is Best and even Better, it gets Delivered right to your mailbox!!!

xo...as always ...Laura    

Happy 2015 ! Hastypearl

Happy 2015 !

Hastypearl

Yes, another year has rolled by.

My father told me when I was a child, that the years would go by quickly, 

but I was young and "smarter" than he was and 

told him that that wouldn't be true for me.

Well, Five Decades later, and I wonder how it could have happened.

I mean, that the time has gone by so fast, not that my father was smarter than me ;)

So, now its my turn to be the parent.

And its my turn to wish that I could tell my boys everything that they 

need to know to grow and mature, but that job is over for me.

The amazing thing is, they seem to be doing just fine without my input:)

They impress me, constantly.

They are both Kind.

They are both making their way in the world and Contributing, to it.

The three of us, have recently started doing something fun together.

It happened rather impromptu, actually.

Because we are all so busy, along with a little texting, 

we are also sharing with each other, 

favorite song tracks...tunes...that we enjoy.

Its a way to give and take and learn more about each other.

I love participating in that process.

We are also known to send each other 

images of things that Visually Amaze us.

This activity makes me very happy.

It seems that they both have a great eye for Natural Beauty.

They both know how to slow down and catch the Gifts.

The Visual Gifts that God gives us...daily...by the gillions, 

if we Choose to see them.

One son lives near the Texas Gulf Coast and I love 

seeing the long views of the water that he captures.

I never dreamed that he would live near such Beauty.

During Christmas, while visiting with us,

one of my sons was playing with my camera. 

I was aware of it, because I handed it to him, 

but I had a houseful of guests, and was busy with that.

After he left, and while downloading my pictures, 

I found the surprise images that you will see, below.

It makes me emotional just thinking about it.

One, because I continually miss them, 

and two, because he took the time to slow down and 

See the Magnificent Wonder 

of a humble, common houseplant 

and drop of water, back lit... just so...

For So Many reasons, 

I think that they are two of the greatest people

 in the world and I couldn't be prouder of them...

   

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I Hope for You, an Amazing 2015.

There is So Much Good, in front of us.

I hope that you will See it All...

And Share it with those that You love :)

xo Laura

Journal Fun! Hastypearl

Journal Fun!

Hastypearl  

I thought I would show you some 

Journals that I've recently made!

Journal making for me, comes in spurts.

I guess it depends on what materials I'm going to use.

If I use my drawings or paintings, or maybe even bleached papers, 

it will take a little longer.

But sometimes, it just takes me digging around in my paper stash, 

and boom...the next thing that you know, I'm tearing and gluing!

Making them, is really simple and fun!

Now, I didn't say, FAST, because for me, they aren't.

First, its important to keep some extra 

composition notebooks around. 

Thankfully, they are easily found.

I actually pick them up at the grocery store, 

so I'm talking, THAT kind of easy.

For these three Journals, I took my extra papers drawer 

downstairs and plopped down in front of a movie 

and started digging.

I'm kind of in a making Multiples mood, lately.

If I'm making say an angel, to sell on Hastypearl, 

I'll usually make Multiples, at a time.

While they are always one of a kind, 

somehow, Henry Fords' idea of making more than one at a time

 is finally rubbing off on me:)

So, I start stacking my scraps by colors, or themes and keep going 

until I think that I have enough paper to cover 

the fronts and backs of each notebook.

I've learned, that there are People that like to 

cut and make things very neat with straight lines, 

and there are people...uh, like me, 

that are more likely to tear and go random :)

Where do I get my papers you ask?

Everywhere!

I buy some of them, in the form of books of papers in the 

scrap booking department of art stores, 

but MOSTLY, I make them or I find them from magazines, 

catalogs or newspaper flyers.

Take care with copyrighted images.

We don't want to steal someones hard made art or photography.

These aren't going to be sold, so I'm ok.

One of my favorite places to find copyright safe images, 

is from, The Graphics Fairy.

Why someone like Karen, would spend her life 

sharing her fantastic free images, I don't know, 

but I am soooo glad for her Generous Heart!

After I have my pieces torn, cut, and roughly placed...

I start gluing.

I'm addicted to Weldbond glue.

I buy it online in giant bottles.

I think they could fix the Leaning Tower of Pisa,

 if they just knew about Weldbond.

Maybe I'll place a call to Italy, right now ;)

So, just get after it with the glue.

You can use a brush or your finger.

Just use a lot!

Dont be surprised, if some of your papers bubble.

Lightweight papers, like newpaper 

and slick magazine papers,

 ARE going to bubble.

Just Breathe 

and accept that this isnt about something 

being perfect.

If that's just too frustrating for you, 

then stick with thicker images or copy your favorites 

on thicker card stock, 

that you can buy next to regular copy paper.

Glue sticks don't effect papers the same as paste glue, 

so you might would rather use it. 

If you want, you can use a brayer or an old credit card, 

and roll out the glue.

Again, Im not terribly precious about things.

Just have FUN!

Most everyone loves to have a pen or pencil handy, 

so I use the inside front, 

to make a little pocket for them. 

Its a great time, to use a piece of scrap fabric.

I love to find upholstery fabrics, 

that have a little sturdiness to them. 

I actually just glued these pockets.

Just push the glued fabric sides in a bit 

and make some little pleats on the bottom, 

and that will allow for the pencils to slip right in. 

If the pocket is flat, its not as usable!

Doodling or Zentangle is allowed.

Even Encouraged :)

Some of my last sets, have had favorite yarns, ribbons, 

fibers, laces, buttons, 

findings or beads attached.

I use an awl, to punch holes through the 

finished covers and lace my fibers through. 

There really is NO end to what you can do to these.

That's the FUN of it !   

Sometimes, I use my sewing machine and sew right through the 

finished journal covers around the edges.

This time, Im just leaving them as is.

I do like to "paint" over the whole thing with Weldbond,

 to seal all of the pieces down.

With lots of use, its not impossible 

that there wont be some lifting of the papers, 

but again, I think a journal should feel like 

your favorite pair of leather shoes.

All. Worn. In.!

If you are a sketcher/painter, maybe you would want to paint 

over the pages with some gesso.

That, would give the page some texture and a little more weight.

If You are a writer/poet...You're ready to go.

Maybe You would use this for your endless lists...

Yep, we all have them.

At least, Your lists will be housed in a happy place!

So, yes, I have some People in mind for these books.

These Journals, will find their new owners, very soon. :)

I'm  writing this posting 4 days before Christmas.

Yes, there are the typical books, sweaters or shirts, 

under our tree, but if you're asking me, 

People enjoy receiving something that you made with Your hands...or Your Heart.

You see that with a VERY SMALL monetary investment, 

three people, are going to get something from me, 

that will probably mean a lot more to them than a sweater. 

Maybe you will give this a try.

Its just a Starter idea.

I'm hoping, that you will change it up 

to suit who YOU are!

Make a stack of them at a time, 

and when that birthday need sneaks up on you...

you'll be all ready for the moment!

Thanks for stopping by. 

I love that you do...

Blessings to those of you observing the Beautiful time of Hanukkah,

 And to those who are preparing for Christmas.

What a Happy Time it is for us All!

 xoLaura  

Interview with Artist Carla Trujillo Hastypearl

Interview with Artist Carla Trujillo

Hastypearl

I love the Mystery of Attraction.

Attraction's of All Kinds, go on All Day Long.

You love That flower, she loves the other one.

You love That song, he loves the other one.

There is no explaining it, but its a Beautiful thing!

It's an easy thing for me to say, 

that I am Attracted to ALL things, Carla Trujillo.

A good while back, I found her blog...and read the WHOLE thing.

That happens, when you find that you share 

Important Life Themes with someone.

I feel that I share some very important ones with Carla.

While its likely, that we wont ever meet (but you NEVER know :), 

she is a person that I will always follow 

through this wonderful world called, the internet.

I was pretty excited, when she agreed to do this interview with me.

I'm sure that she has done plenty.

I know you will enjoy getting to know her and seeing her great Art Dolls.

Lets get started so that if you don't know her yet, You can....!

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1. Laura: Carla, at what age did you recognize/feel, 

that you had an ability to express yourself artistically

 and what medium was it?

Carla: My artistic journey began around twelve years of age. 

I had won an art contest with a pencil drawing of Christ,

 and my prize was drawing lessons.

2. Were you encouraged? 

My parents were always encouraging me 

and they even went so far as to let me paint images on my bedroom wall.

3. What/Who inspires you?

I think I learn a little from many different artists, 

but the one who really inspired me to explore 

mixed media art dolls is Patricia Anders. 

I first came across Tricia's art dolls in a magazine publication 

several years back and was blown away by her talent. 

I was instantly hooked.

4. What percentage of the time, do you like your finished product?

I would say about 75% of the time.

5. Do you start and finish a piece, 

or do you work on multiple pieces at a time?

I have multiple pieces going on at the same time. 

When one stumps me, I set it to the side and move on to something else. 

Most of the time I return to finish the piece, 

but there have been times where it is 

dismantled and integrated into other works.

6. What gives you the most satisfaction in your work? 

i.e. The idea? The process? The materials? or none of these?

I would have to say that I get the most satisfaction in the process. 

I usually come into the studio with no preconceived ideas 

of what I will be creating. 

It just happens as I experiment and fiddle with stuff.

7. I hear people talk about running out of ideas? 

Does that ever concern you?

Not really. 

When I feel like I have come to a road block, 

its usually because I am burned out. 

That's when I know it's time to walk away 

from the studio for a while.

8. Carla, you know that with pleasure, 

I have read your WHOLE blog all of the way back to 2007! 

It was great fun, to see the changes/evolution of your art. 

You have mostly had a figure, and often a female figure, 

central to your art. 

Can you share where that comes from for you 

or is it just the most fun thing for you to assemble?

I have always been drawn to the female figure. 

I guess I view her as a powerful and mysterious image. 

She can range from simplistic to very complicated 

and I just love exploring those aspects. 

My desire is for simplistic, but the muse usually has other plans.

9. Carla, when I was gathering up your link information, 

I found that you aren't the only Carla Trujillo out there! 

But, your name comes up First and certainly as an Artist!

You have your indiandollartworks blog, 

which is usually the mother-ship for everyone, 

and  your shops on Zibbet and Big Cartel, 

a FB, Flicker and Pinterest presence...

plus you do gallery and art shows! 

Whew!

But your most recent accomplishment was to your surprise, 

being contacted by Art Quilting Studio Magazine, 

for submission of some of your pieces. 

OF COURSE they were accepted, and not only that, 

they were Featured in a 5 page article 

in their Summer 2014 issue!

I wonder, if you could briefly walk my readers 

through the nuts and bolts of how someone submits their work to a publication. 

Did you send them photos/images or your actual pieces? 

How did that work?

I do share the same name with some very interesting people. 

Its funny that you should bring that up. 

My husband had taken a class in ID theft 

and one of the things to check was to Google your name,

 to see what comes up and that leads to some interesting finds.

As for the magazine submission, 

it was not as intimidating as I thought it would be. 

I mailed in the art quilts, 

so they could be professionally photographed in their studio. 

You do have to pay postage both ways and write the article. 

The first paragraph of the article is information about yourself and the art piece,

 and everything after that is about technique. 

The entire article should be no more that 700-800 words. 

It seems like a lot, but when you write the technique, 

it fills up the pages real quick. 

Once everything is submitted, they will email you a rough draft 

for the article with photos for your review.

Then you have to be patient for the magazine to be published. 

I received a complimentary magazine as payment for submission. 

It was exciting to be published!

10. Finally, what is next for Carla Trujillo? 

Is there something brewing that we should be on the lookout for? 

I have so many things in mind and never enough time to do it all. 

I'm hoping to publish assemblage work in other magazines 

and I have been approached about teaching a class online.

I also have been working with clay and love it! 

So, keep an eye out for new materials in my work. 

*

So, there You are!

Thanks Carla, for participating in this interview.

I know that your fans will drink up Every word, 

and that you will make NEW fans after they see your amazing pieces.

Your work is One of A Kind.

It means a lot, for someone to see art and say...Oh, that is______'s.

Well, We all say, Oh, that is Carla Trujillo, when we see Yours! :)

And just like happened to you with Patricia...we are Hooked on You !

And Thanks Dear Readers, for checking in again with hastypearl!

I love that you do...

I hope that you are enjoying these Wonderful Days.

In these exceptionally Busy days, make sure that you Take Time to look around and drink it all in!

There are Free Gifts for us...Everywhere we look :)

Best...Laura  

Red Oak Book Workshop My Books Hastypearl

Red Oak Book Workshop

My Books

Hastypearl

Hopefully, you have already read my previous posting 

about a fantastic workshop 

that I recently hosted, with Roxanne Evans Stout 

and Leslie Marsh...in the teaching seats.

While we are still floating along in Post Workshop Bliss, 

that's not what this posting is about:)

I thought that I would simply show you... what I created!

No two students book covers were alike 

 and no two pages were alike, either.

We were given technique and tools 

and left to our own imaginations!

Ahhh...so refreshing.

I will apologize, but Once.

When I say that, you will understand.

If you want to know what these books 

look like from the hands of the talented teachers, 

you would be wise to go to their websites.

That is not to say that I'm not amazed and proud 

of our work.

Its just important that I direct you to look 

at what Years of practice in these techniques, can look like!

Our books had Soldered and bound covers.

Some people sent Leslie pictures that they wanted to use on their covers, 

but she somehow and amazingly found for me,

Vintage pictures 

of the town that I live near.

I had never seen any of the pictures that she found.

This one is undoubtedly of the river 

that runs through the city and its original bridge.

I will Treasure this Sentimental Find.

My book will Never lay flat, Nor close!

That's OK.

I love FILLING the pages.

That's my style!

We were all amazed at the simplicity of the graphics 

that the string made on our paper and fabrics, 

from winding it around and around a copper pipe.

After dropping our "wands" into the boiling water, 

the leaves made their own beautiful tracings. 

Those of us addicted to Mixed Media Art, 

are always scavenging materials.

I retrieved the strings that came off of our pipes 

from the trash cans and along with some ribbons, 

made a little weaving.

Again, I could hardly pay attention to Roxanne's 

copper box making tutorial, 

because all I could think about was 

grabbing her little copper squares, leftovers :)

She also told us a story about where 

she illegally   ;)

found this metal grate, 

but again, I cant remember it, 

because all I wanted to do was grab it :)

I tied it to one of my pages and cut out the openings.

I love how light pours through the holes 

and even better, how it looks from the back on the pecan leaves.

It was fun asking the owners 

of the Turn of the Last Century Old Time General store

 that I shop at, if I could have leaves 

from their Century Pecan Tree! 

They were actually curious 

and asked if I would bring the art that I made with them!

I'm a talker, and find that most people 

love hearing about other peoples interests AND, 

that same store owner, gave me a really great suggestion 

about who I might invite to future art workshops!

One thing leads to another, right ? :)

As you have seen, I've made Many more pages.

I will post them 

along the way on my Facebook timeline.

I hope that you will stop by there 

sometime and see what I'm up to.

There is a button on the right side 

of this page that will instantly link you to it, 

and to my Etsy shop and more! 

Next, are a few images of a mini book that we made.

Leslie sells AMAZING books with beautiful embossed lead covers, 

in her Etsy shop and at Shows.

I was fortunate enough to buy one 

from her last year, and I wear it all of the time.

I look forward, to making another embossed cover.

It is definitely something that repetition will help with.

It was another opportunity to practice 

the bookbinding stitching that she taught us.

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So, there You are! 

A little continuation of my previous blog posting.

Its an Understatement that 

Both ladies opened many new doors, 

for ALL of us.

There are workshops of Every Kind, 

available around the country, All of the time.

Do be Bold and Try New Things!

Its a great way for us to build our brains, feed our imaginations and souls,  

and Discover things that we Might just fall in love with!

So, Thanks for stopping by my hastypearl blog.

I hope that You find Wonder, wherever you are!

Fondly...Laura