Funky Junkyard Birds

I finished assembling my flock of Funky Junkyard Birds for the Open Doors Show and Sale in the nick of time -- we set up for the sale on Thursday night and the doors open on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. I've made 15 of these whimsical little critters and if you would like to take a closer look, pop on over to Alley Art Studio to see these guys individually.

"Giorno" assemblage by Jennifer

We're in "countdown mode" for the Open Doors Art Show and Sale! I almost forgot to post this assemblage on the group blog. As soon as I saw the little copper lantern (7" high) at a flea market, I knew I would use transparencies to create the assemblage - I had to have it! I've kept it simple - the little guys peering out are flanked by map transparencies on either side of the piece. It stands on it's small rusty stand and a candle (battery operated) is included.

Jennifer

Still Stitching

I've been finishing up a few more stitched pieces for the show. I made these funky wall hangings by joining individually stuffed "pillows" together. I have one of these hanging in my kitchen to see how long it takes my teenage boys to realize it doesn't actually work:

And I've been continuing with my "Delicate Soul" series and loving every minute of it:

You can see more of them on my blog as well as at the show.

Fearless Faces for the Show

I have created a series of eight cards using prints of my Fearless Faces from my Fearless Faces journal and from original pieces of art. I'll be selling the cards individually or in sets of four at our upcoming Open Doors Show and Sale. These guys are colorful, fierce, goofy, whimsical, vibrant, and sometimes scary depending on the face. They are all fearless. To read more and see more photos, check out my blog: Alley Art Studio.

Art, Shopping, Eating in Multnomah Village

When you come to the show this weekend, make sure you allow time to visit Multnomah Village. The Village is full of fun, independent shops and restaurants and is a perfect way to round out the day or evening--they stay open late this weekend.

You'll find many unique shops in the Village including those that specialize in books, toys, housewares, clothing and much more. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Village Beads has a great assortment of beads. Love their window display:

Loads of colors to choose from:
And many specialty beads, both strands and individual pieces.

Northwest Wools carries a luscious assortment of yarns:

And all this tempting fleece for felting projects:

Fibers in Motion carries the latest fabrics:
A nice assortment of batiks and much more:

All three of the above shops offer classes and lots of individualized service. You can take in any of your current project challenges, and they are happy to help you get back on track.

The Jealous Gardener is the newest store in Multnomah Village, and what a beauty. Lots of gardening and home decor items:

And Switch has the most fabulous shoes. (I think these boots are going to have to be my Christmas present to myself!):

They have now opened a full clothing store next to the shoe store and carry a very artful selection of clothing and accessories:

Most of the shops and restaurants are on Capital Hwy, an easy stroll from Multnomah Arts Center. Lots to discover!

Characters

A few characters are coming to the show. These three have personality plus, I know I spent Thanksgiving with them. The two that are in blue are in a kazoo and bell band from Austria and the funny Frenchman wants to paint everything. I’m afraid I had to put them in a box with others to maintain order.

 This red head is a spicy little number and keep the bell ringer going all night.

Art didn’t say much because he was intimidated by the Frenchman.

I can't wait for us all to go to the show.

Time Recycled - Necklaces by Jennifer

I'll have some of my latest necklaces "Time Recycled" at the Open Doors Sale and Show this coming Friday and Saturday (Dec 3rd & 4th). I create the necklaces and pins from vintage pocket watch parts and gears and charms that I find on my treasure hunts. The top piece is a commissioned piece for a client, the one below it will be for sale at my booth. See you there!

Other items that I'll have for sale in my booth can be seen on my blog.

Jennifer

Artist Profile--Paula McNamee

Our featured artist this month is Paula McNamee. Paula's work is bright, colorful and bold. She is a great experimenter and is always taking classes to learn new techniques and to master those she already knows.

1. What are the main mediums you use? What do you find satisfying about them?

I like the feel and neatness of working with fabric and fibers; the messiness of painting and exploring color; and making journals/sketchbooks to write and draw my ideas and collect what catches my eye and interests me.

2. If someone were going to get started in those mediums, what suggestions would you give?

I like to take classes and workshops. We're so lucky to have many opportunities in the NW with ArtFest, Art & Soul and the Multnomah Arts Center here in Portland. I read magazines to get ideas (Cloth, Paper, Scissors) and books. Anne Bagby taught me the basics of collage, drawing and painting several years ago. Play and practice make one comfortable with different mediums.

3. A perfect art day would look like_________

time to play in the studio with a project in mind, no interruptions and a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day-- to see progress and to look forward to another day creating.

4. Do you have dedicated studio space? Give a brief description of where you work.

I remodeled a bedroom in our home for my studio. It's full of color and inspiration from a variety of sources- my own artwork, artwork of friends and items collected from my travels. Sometimes, I like to stand at the center work table and other times sit at my desk to write or use the computer or to sew.

5. Favorite place you've visited or lived?

Mexico is my favorite place to visit-- I love the people, culture, language, food and geography. It's rich in art, color, history, music, archeology- contrasts of old and new.

6. What inspires you (or are there recurring themes in your work)?

Nature, travel, spiritual images and insights inspire my artwork.

7. I still struggle with developing my own style, creating without thinking too much.

8. I'd be lost without my artist friends-- how they challenge and encourage me to create and explore new directions and media.

9. What's your favorite dessert? Anything with chocolate.

10. What's on the horizon? More metal smithing, explore encaustic painting and paint big-- larger canvases for 2011.

Visit Paula's inspiring blog to see more of her work. And don't miss all of her latest creations at our show this coming Fri. and Sat.!

Owls

I have been happily stitching away on sets of owls for our show. Here is the bigger, 8", size.

And a whole parliament, which I recently learned is the word for a group of owls--how perfect is that?

I love working on this larger size because it allows more room for building up layers of textures and colors:

They look giant against the smaller ones, but it's mainly camera angle. The smaller ones are 4" and are meant to hang or stand.

New Danglies! by Lenall Siebenaler

I started these danglies at our Menucha weekend.  I actually did them in 3 sittings.  One to cover them with handmade decorative papers, one to bead the spool, and one to finish them off with a hanger and bottom embellishment.  I think I have somewhere in the low 20's finished.  I will be charging $6.00 for them. I spent way more time than I should have on them for $6.00 but that's not what it's all about.  It more about creating something unique and beautiful out of things I already had.  I must admit that I did buy a few different things of colored and silver and gold wire. One of my favorite creating starts is what I call "Creating off the Fat of the Land."  My studio is full so I just pull a bunch of stuff in front of me and go for it.  I am rarely disappointed.  Try it.

I made these last year and decided to do them again.  I think they make a nice hostess gift or small gift for a friend.  I also like how they look on Christmas trees but they look just as nice hanging anywhere.  I always pick out a few to keep for myself and they find themselves hanging wherever so I can enjoy them year round.  

Lenall