tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371294042012-02-16T05:07:14.021-06:00Nina OriginalsWelcome into a view of my artistic world.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-16154404045827924792011-11-13T18:04:00.001-06:002011-11-13T18:12:28.372-06:00This Weekend's Art
Mixed Media
I had a couple of Tim Holtz's Configuration boxes and have wanted to do some mixed media pieces with them. Graphics 45 has a Steampunk collection, though I don't think of it as much as steampunk as Art Deco, featuring the art work of my favorite, Alphonse Mucha. I bought the paper a while back since I couldn't resist it (wish I had more now). I worked on these Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-68057176383520029592011-11-13T16:35:00.001-06:002011-11-13T16:55:18.635-06:00In The Studio
What a mess - works in progress
Heads on sticks - some are now witches
I've got a really great studio space. It was supposed to be the formal dining room, but we aren't formal dining room type people. I love that it has a big window the looks out onto my front yard and up the road. Lots of the pieces of storage in my studio are recycled and they work Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-29565729026650209092011-11-13T16:16:00.001-06:002011-11-13T16:28:54.183-06:00Still Loving Halloween
I was gone the week before Halloween on the Michaels Crafting Cruise, but I still had a chance to create Halloween-inspired art this year. We did have a Halloween Glitter Ball one night on the cruise, so I had to create a piece of jewelry to wear. The spider is a great Bead Landing pin that I found at Michaels this year. I picked up several of them. I found some great Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-71102309230333966942011-11-13T15:46:00.001-06:002011-11-13T16:15:39.223-06:00More Dolls
I've created several dolls this year. I had the opportunity to test a new clay prior to its arrival in the store. It is Art Minds Clay Mache, Michaels private label brand of air dry clay. I LOVE it. It sculpts like a dream, is easy to smooth and blend into itself and sands beautifully. I like it so much, I've done more air dry clay dolls recently than polymer clay ones. The good Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-71434581316543314652011-11-13T15:27:00.001-06:002011-11-13T15:43:51.140-06:00All Dolls Are Art
I took a 3-day workshop at the All Dolls Are Art conference with Lauren Vlcek in July. This was the first year for the conference which is held in Austin at the end of July. Lauren's workshop was a Butterfly Doll. Here are pictures of my completed doll:
Butterfly Fairy
Close up of face
Close up of flower Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-74449435250591229192011-11-13T14:51:00.001-06:002011-11-13T15:03:27.097-06:00Been a Long Time
It's been such a long time since I've posted, I don't know where to begin. This has been the year of computer issues. First an upgrade on my aircard wasn't compatible with my older computer so I didn't have internet access on my personal computer. Fixed that and thought all would be well and my old computer crashed, burned and forever died. Luckily all of my info was on an Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-46488262202881575322010-12-30T13:20:00.002-06:002010-12-30T13:22:00.910-06:00Happy Holidays!
A little late, but none-the-less... I'm still not decorating for the holidays at home, but decided to dust off my collection of Santas that I did years ago and bring them to decorate my cube at work. It was interesting looking at the dates on some of them (gee, has it been THAT long?) and remember the workshops I took or classes I taught.
It's been a long time since I did Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-57042423368607196312010-10-23T16:55:00.000-05:002010-10-23T16:55:05.358-05:00It's no secret that I love Halloween. Every year I create Halloween-inspired dolls and crafts. Last year I did the Haunted Tree doll and the Book of Spells with the witch I took in an online class. This year I created a stump doll witch inspired from some Alexander Henry fabric, The Ghastlies. Rather than leaving all these scattered around my home, I thought I would decorate my cube at work. I Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-79152944241859282662010-09-19T15:22:00.001-05:002010-09-19T15:38:01.145-05:00Two Less Heads on Sticks
I love to sculpt faces and I generally have several "heads on sticks" (sculpted heads on dowels) sticking in the tool holder or in the paintbrush basin on my studio table. Sometimes it takes me a while to get around to completing the dolls.Professor Pocus changed so many times from the original concept (and his head had been around my studio for a couple of years). Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-37077327000420167102010-08-22T14:00:00.000-05:002010-08-22T14:00:11.320-05:00Finally finished
Several years ago I started a canvas - mainly to test a couple of new products, a crackle and texture medium. The canvas sat in my studio for a while, was stuck in a closet and generally moved from place to place as it go into my way. From time to time I would pull it out and think about finishing it, but the inspiration on what to do never did strike. For one thing, it is a Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-20022914170998463632010-08-22T13:35:00.000-05:002010-08-22T13:35:29.951-05:00Tidepool Necklace
My friend, Ellen created small sea creature beads for me for my birthday - an octopus & a few stingrays. While pulling beads to make a necklace out of my treasures, I ran into a polymer clay pendant that I had gotten from my friend, Sherry in a swap. It was the perfect color and design to go in the necklace, but not the right size. I took an exacto knife to the pendant, cut it Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-7400378534390772592010-08-15T19:14:00.000-05:002010-08-15T19:14:37.446-05:00While I was on a roll with the conference theme, I created what I call the Moon Riders, acrobats on a cresent moon. The burgandy one was a custom order for a lady at work.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-76975193817435578952010-08-15T18:58:00.000-05:002010-08-15T18:58:57.822-05:00Of course there were pin dolls to make for the swap and for the pin doll challenge. I made the moon faces with clown hats for the swap. I was doing an acrobat on the moon for the challenge doll, but as I began clothing it, the doll decided she wanted to be a star. I got third place for the challenge pin.
In keeping with the circus theme, the hospitality committee planned midway style games for Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-30534447334643137462010-08-15T18:47:00.000-05:002010-08-15T18:47:34.786-05:00
Prototype
This year the theme for the Enchanted Doll Artist Conference was Cirque de la Luna, or Circus of the Moon. This theme really spoke to me artistically and I had no trouble coming up with items for the theme. I didn't go for the traditional circus, rather I leaned towards a Cirque du Soleil slant. I designed a prototype for the table favor dolls last fall and took advantage of Michaels Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-11448190037260976942010-08-15T18:12:00.000-05:002010-08-15T18:12:54.334-05:00
With faces painted
Sculpted with air-dry clay
I created a 2nd centerpiece doll to donate. This doll had an unusual beginning. A couple of years ago my secret Santa at work gave me two big, red, plastic ornaments (I don't decorate anymore for Christmas & red is definately not one of my favorite colors). I always felt I could do something with them. At one time I thought I would do a puppet Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-71327708558253891512010-08-15T15:55:00.000-05:002010-08-15T15:55:47.376-05:00I had the opportunity to try a new clay released by Polyform called Living Doll. I LOVE this clay. For me it performs perfectly for sculpting my art dolls. I created the face of this doll the first time I used the clay. I decided to finish her and donate her to the Enchanted Doll Artist Conference as a banquet centerpiece doll, which are auctioned off as fundraisers to help defray the expense of Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-41488460819387420932010-08-15T15:38:00.000-05:002010-08-15T15:38:49.255-05:00Fish Workshop
At the first of the summer, my friend, Ellen taught her very first workshop and she showed us how to create the fabulous fish. I really enjoyed this workshop and created 6 fish! I plan on making a mobile with them to hang in my studio. Aren't they fun?
Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-60175083567986663582010-08-15T15:26:00.000-05:002010-08-15T15:26:32.190-05:00I designed a tool carrier a few years ago and have perfected the design as I have made more of them. I had numerous requests to make them to sell and I finally got around to doing that this summer. The one I was using was from a previous edition. While cleaning out my sewing room, I ran into a roll of SewPaintable canvas. This is canvas that was developed to allow you to paint or draw on it and Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-47458499311791442512010-08-15T13:48:00.000-05:002010-08-15T13:48:22.013-05:00More shoes - seems like these are very popular. My Mom requested that I do a pair for her for her birthday using the colors I did on my friend, Edie's shoes. Here are the ones I did for Mom.
Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-12855935145612980162010-08-15T13:32:00.000-05:002010-08-15T13:32:38.236-05:00In May I attended the Bead Renaissance Show in Grapevine. These are the pieces I created with the beads I bought at the show.
Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-46039374072231954312010-05-23T17:56:00.002-05:002010-05-23T18:00:49.873-05:00Mini Bead Retreat
Since our friend, Lisa couldn't get into the Texas Bead Retreat back in January, we decided to do our own mini bead retreat. Originally we were going to head to a little town about 45 minutes north of here & stay in a hotel (suite room). Well, plans changed & we wanted to save money, so we had our mini bead retreat at my house (much cheaper & we were able to fix nice meals). We Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-6314022001870154392010-05-23T17:38:00.001-05:002010-05-23T20:08:30.456-05:00How does your garden grow?This year in North Texas, very well, thank you. We've always done a tomato bed (you can see pictures of previous years on older posts. I've also always had an herb bed. This year we decided to have a full garden. Bennie tilled, composted, tilled, added more stuff, tilled, etc. beginning late last summer. We planted green beans (my favorite vegetable), 4 kinds of squash, Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-6806390758551698932010-05-23T17:17:00.000-05:002010-05-23T17:17:54.826-05:00Bottles of Hope Challenge
Our guild, North Texas Polymer Clay Guild once again had a Bottles of Hope Challenge. I created three entries, one for each category - Wings, By the Sea & Nature. The winners were determined by adding vote points. I'm very thrilled to have won 2 first place, 1 third and Best of Show. The criteria for the pieces is that they must be formed with a bottle that can be openedNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-64115366222554449192010-05-02T17:44:00.000-05:002010-05-02T17:44:13.764-05:00More Canvases
These are small canvases - I painted them & glued two of the together. I cut the top one & peeled it back. I sculpted little forest fairies from polymer clay, adding feather wings & acorn top hats. They are decorated with floral moss and silk & paper flowers.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-33646157727617033232010-05-02T17:32:00.003-05:002010-05-02T17:35:59.542-05:00Playing with Canvases
It's been a long time since I've played with canvases. I'd forgotten how much fun they are to do.
I used a picture of my grand-daughter & printed one as it was taken & manipulated the other one in photoshop (the blue one). I'm going to give Jerrica & her dad the green one & hang the blue one in my cube at work.
I used Tim Holtz new dies to make the flourishes for the blue Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-80843734356362102292010-05-02T17:20:00.000-05:002010-05-02T17:20:22.814-05:00Another Bead Embroidery Necklace
This time I decided to go a bit bolder and used bigger beads on the piece. Originally I was going to use seed beads, but I used cubes to capture the focal beads and that lent itself to the bigger beads. I bought some beads at Michaels and used Etch-All to change them from shiny to matte. It only takes five minutes in the etch bath to remove the finish from them.
INina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-85218016314807239672010-04-04T18:10:00.003-05:002010-04-04T18:21:51.736-05:00Bathroom Remodel
When we were working on this house 25 years ago, the builder's wife talked us into getting a jacuzzi tub in our master bathroom (no shower, just the tub). Well, the tub wasn't very practical - took way too much water to fill it so we didn't use it much. Then when you did use it, black yuck would come out of the pipes. On top of that the tub also cracked badlyNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-56288674524718560832010-04-04T17:51:00.001-05:002010-04-04T17:52:07.019-05:00Welcome Spring
I've said it before, you have to love Texas weather. We welcomed spring this year with record snowfall. Friday March 20, it was close to 80 degrees. March 21, I was working late in my studio & around 11:30 pm decided to call it a day and let the dog out (it had been raining earlier) front one last time before going to bed. Imagine my surprise to see approximately 2 inches of snow Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-81396321267103484732010-04-04T17:35:00.003-05:002010-04-04T17:52:29.274-05:00Tiles
I'm participating in a tile swap on one of my online groups. The criteria is to create 2 x 2 tiles, swapping out 8 of each set (2 sets) & receive back 16 tiles, plus the two you created to keep yourself. It's really not as confusing as that sounds. I used polymer clay for my tiles (big surprise). One set has a foil & chalk ink technique for the background & the other set uses alcohol inks. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-49376932240524733882010-02-12T17:12:00.000-06:002010-02-12T17:12:26.322-06:00Valentine's
I hadn't played around with altered or paper arts in quite a while. I decided to do some items for Valentines this year. The first picture shows altered recipe boxes. I got the recipe boxes from the Fun Finds section at Michaels. I sealed them with gesso and had fun with several different types of paint. I stamped and embossed, added grungeboard embossed hearts, rusted jewelry Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-6892111311338118012010-02-12T16:53:00.001-06:002010-02-12T16:55:59.009-06:00SNOW!!!!
Happy birthday to me, it snowed all day long on my birthday. In fact, it was record-breaking snow for the day & the year in this area. DFW airport officially reported over 12 inches of snow. I think our area reported over 8 inches. Unfortunately I had to change my birthday plans since I did not want to drive in that mess. Snow is very beautiful as long as one is inside and doesn't have Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-54237377980141345262010-02-12T16:40:00.000-06:002010-02-12T16:40:06.526-06:00Bird Wedding Cake Topper
One of my coworkers is getting married later this year and she wanted birds for her wedding cake toppers instead of the traditional bride & groom. I made her the whimscal cake toppers as my wedding gift for her.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-64200148072253390012010-02-12T16:36:00.000-06:002010-02-12T16:36:52.836-06:00Texas Beader's Retreat
Vicki & I attended our third retreat last month. The retreat sold out so our friend Lisa wasn't able to join us - hopefully next year. The first piece I worked on at the retreat was a beaded purse. The focal piece is a polymer clay face I bought from Kim Cavendar at the polymer clay retreat I attended in September. The purse is made entirely from recycled jeans. The handle Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-66174082884251779542010-02-12T16:19:00.001-06:002010-02-12T17:13:43.182-06:00Edie's ShoesI love the whole idea and concept of bartering. Last summer my friend Edie had a fabulous polymer clay bead that she had done in colors I don't normally use. The piece really spoke to me and I wanted it badly. Edie wouldn't name a price, but I kept after her & she finally decided to let me have the piece if I would agree to do her a pair of shoes. What a great idea to swap art for artNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-73381782407636127092010-02-12T16:09:00.000-06:002010-02-12T16:09:36.056-06:00Sprocket Gears
As I've mentioned before, I like to use Tim Holtz Sprocket Gears in my jewelry. I've done pieces for myself and for some of my friends for birthday presents. Here are some more examples for your viewing pleasure. I wore my necklace and bracelet to the Texas Beader's Retreat in January and they were a huge hit. I bet you couldn't find any of these gears at any of the area Michaels Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-74573761141907648882010-02-12T15:52:00.002-06:002010-02-12T15:54:41.805-06:00ELVES
I made elf ornaments last year for my coworkers for their Christmas presents. I'm just now getting them on my blog because unfortunately I thought I had moved the images from my camera to my computer before deleting them, but obviously hadn't. Luckily my Aunt took pictures of them and I was able to get the pictures from her. These are polymer clay over aluminum foil balls. I made two for Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-35770912939552491592010-01-03T14:52:00.002-06:002010-01-03T15:00:31.543-06:00I always have time to create over the holidays and this year was no exception. At first I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but looking around my studio, I noticed several body-less heads and decided to complete them. These two heads are from the workshop I took from Joyce Cloutman this past summer.
The first little head was turned into a tree-doll ala Cyndi Mahlstadt's style from the workshopNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-61457385023889652052010-01-03T14:36:00.001-06:002010-01-03T15:02:29.466-06:00When I made the ornaments for my co-workers, I made an elf face for myself and this was another of those body-less heads floating around the studio. I thought maybe I would try doing a cloth body for him, so I used a pattern I had which seemed to be the right size. Once I made the body, though, it reminded me of a frog. That gave me the idea to paint the body green and add spots and create a Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-36567567719070332010-01-03T13:49:00.002-06:002010-01-03T13:57:47.767-06:00Snow againIt snowed again this past week on December 29th. It also snowed on Christmas Eve, but I didn't get a picture of it. They say we are in an El Nino year which gives us a colder, wetter winter. I am not thrilled. I don't like the cold & really don't like the frozen precipitation.This is the view off of my back fire-pit patio area.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-32391228946130323912009-12-13T20:39:00.006-06:002009-12-14T21:17:10.892-06:00At work we have an annual ornament competition (mainly to decorate our department tree). This year we were each given a clear glass ornament and a prize was given to the most creative ornament. Originally I was going to do an elf face, but felt that wasn't creative enough. I came up with the idea of doing a naughty/nice ornament. I knew I wanted to have the naughty side sticking his tongue out, Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-18029520244684722952009-12-13T20:30:00.006-06:002009-12-14T21:17:43.836-06:00My dear friend Lisa is never shy about letting you know what you've done that she absolutely loves (and she is very appreciative of most of my art). Anyway, when she saw my first gear necklace, she went on & on about how much she loved it. She is such a dear friend and it is always so much fun to do something for her and watch her when she receives her gift - there is never any question about howNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-91241427039265806262009-12-13T20:19:00.007-06:002009-12-14T21:18:08.728-06:00I participated in an icicle doll ornament exchange on one of the groups that I belong to online. Here is the doll I created for my partner. I sculpted the original face in polymer clay and created a mold. I molded the face in paperclay and covered it with a knit fabric and painted it. This was the technique I learned at EDAC this year from Cyndi Mahlstadt (see previous blog entries for details).Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-14088984020474342832009-12-13T20:15:00.003-06:002009-12-14T21:18:46.799-06:00Tim Holtz's sprocket gears are so great to incorporate into jewelry - I just love using them. I created this necklace just for me. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-20527830932314092652009-12-13T20:10:00.004-06:002009-12-14T21:20:23.970-06:00Again with the Madame Delphine and the bead embroidery, this piece also has dangles from the Forged line by Plaid. The circular peyote chain took longer than the pendant. I like the look and think I'll do more of this type necklace.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-35787587387741290762009-12-13T20:06:00.004-06:002009-12-14T21:21:10.367-06:00When Michaels got the Madame Delphine line by Blue Moon Beads, I was in trouble. This was the first line that had pieces that really spoke to me & that I had to own. I've probably bought more of this line than any other one they have carried. I'm not really sure what it is about it, but I'm really loving it. This is a very simple necklace that I made using just the leaves package (of course it Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-49654913374510323662009-12-13T19:51:00.008-06:002009-12-14T21:21:45.746-06:00I've had the book The Art of Bead Embroidery for several years and have always been meaning to do something similar. I loved the whole concept of this book & why not? I know embroidery and have done it (though not so much recently and nowhere near as good as my Nana or Aunt) and I love to bead. I finally got brave enough to start my first piece & of course, me being me, I started with a necklace.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-84219548141725761042009-12-13T19:35:00.006-06:002009-12-14T21:23:47.935-06:00Wow, how time has flown, it seems like just yesterday it was Halloween and now Christmas is just around the corner. How does that happen? Every year I think time accelerates between October 31 and December 25. Well, since I just slept a time or two since it was Halloween, maybe I should start there. I signed up to take an online class with Pattee over at Odd Dolls on the ning network on creating Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-86005517938962214372009-10-31T17:46:00.008-05:002009-10-31T18:24:22.644-05:00I love Halloween, it is a time to be a little spooky, a little mysterious, a little left of norm..... Last Saturday the gals & I got together for one of our art play-days. Lisa, Vicki & I worked on haunted tree dolls - they are coming along nicely. I thought it would be fun to decorate a bit for our little luncheon - here is my Halloween setting.I don't do costumes anymore, but I do enjoy a Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-77552246355754580852009-10-18T18:47:00.009-05:002009-10-18T19:09:04.988-05:00 Okay, so I love Halloween - it is such a fun & frivolous holiday. I love the icons & being able to look a little on the dark side. Even though I no longer decorate for the holiday (my son is grown) and there is the time factor, I still enjoy doing art around it. Last year I created little tins with Halloween icons in them and gave them to my friends and coworkers. This year I decorated some Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-11402469608788848372009-10-18T18:23:00.009-05:002009-10-18T18:46:56.128-05:00A while back I took an online class from Cindee Moyer, Equestrienne. I did really well on the horse (or should I say relatively), but I never did get around to doing the doll that goes with the horse. The flower dancer doll (Cyndi Mahlstadt style) goes perfectly on the horse. This was the doll that I created when the gals came over in August after EDAC that I mentioned in an earlier post. I've Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-20425133527526677792009-10-18T17:42:00.007-05:002009-10-18T18:00:22.972-05:00Vicki & I got together in September after EDAC and decided to create a mermaid in the style that we had learned at EDAC (like our trees). These had tea tins for the bodies with epoxy sculpt fish tail. We both finished ours in one day, but I didn't get a picture of Vicki's.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-23006547307248899102009-10-18T14:05:00.006-05:002009-10-18T18:02:01.499-05:00Well, the three of us art wanderers were off again - this time in September to the Lone Star Polymer Clay Retreat in League City, Texas, which is between Houston and Galveston on the Galveston Bay. We arrived on Thursday evening so we had some time on Friday to view some of the local sites before the retreat began that afternoon. First we went to a delightful bead shop, The Bead Boutique in Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-31969469352693109272009-10-18T13:56:00.009-05:002009-10-18T18:03:38.441-05:00For the 3rd day of the EDAC, I took Cyndi's Flower Dancer Fairy class and Lisa & Vicki took a face painting class. We all loved the flower dancer fairy so much, that we decided to get together at my house and create more of them. Tricia joined us and here are the flower fairies we did that day.Vicki's is the top green one, my two are on the right, Tricia's is the one with the teal flower hat on Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-88924882976232958192009-10-18T12:10:00.016-05:002009-10-18T18:05:56.482-05:00Sorry it took my so long to update my post - I haven't had a chance since right before I went to EDAC at the end of July - here is the update from that trip -After much anticipation, we were off to the Enchanted Doll Artist Conference. Mother Nature was conspiring against us & we had a horrendous storm hit very early that morning with torrential rains and tremendous lightening. Luckily for us, Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-52311740476449874032009-07-05T14:18:00.005-05:002009-10-18T18:08:26.191-05:00Sneak PeakHere is a sneak peak of the two tote bags I drew to donate for the Opportunity Table for the Enchanted Doll Artist Conference that I'm attending later this month. The first tote is a beige tote with a pocket. I used Prismacolor Permanent Markers on this tote. The second tote I did (because I had so much fun doing the first one) is done on a white canvas tote with Tsukineko Fabrico Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-54490894458508223582009-07-03T06:36:00.013-05:002009-10-18T18:12:14.631-05:00Joyce Cloutman is a member of our polymer clay guild and she attended Donna Kato's workshop earlier in the year. She gave Donna an adorable elf that she had made using canes from a previous workshop with Donna (unfortunately I didn't get a picture). She also had this little guy pictured on the left & we all feel in love with him. Pictured on the right is Joyce with another one of her cute little Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-17459069866373067272009-06-28T17:53:00.005-05:002009-06-28T18:15:06.383-05:00If you ever get the opportunity to take a workshop with Tim Holtz - JUMP on the chance. I took his Assemblage of Flight altered bird workshop this past Friday. Not only is Tim a fabulous teacher, with his classes paced well, but you don't have to bring a thing - everything is provided - tools, work surface, paints, surface and more embellishing goodies than you would ever dream about. Tim had Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-89019530073718022282009-06-28T17:37:00.009-05:002009-10-18T18:14:53.398-05:00One of the ways EDAC keeps the cost of their conference down is by auctioning the table centerpiece dolls that are donated by attendees. Last year Lisa & I both created one. This year the theme is Magic and I created a Wizard, collaborating with Vicki. I sculpted the face, hands, feet and "carved" staff and Vicki created the clothes. Once she did the clothes, she passed him back to me to give himNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-27841391773579512282009-06-21T19:31:00.007-05:002009-10-18T18:16:50.062-05:00Lisa & I started a tradition (though not required) last year when we exchanged handmade gifts prior to attending the Enchanted Doll Artist Convention. She made me a fabulous handmade book that I use to chronical my EDAC journey and I made her a traveling tool case.This year our dear friend Vicki is joining us (for more fun!) and I made the three of us purses to carry. They have polymer clay facesNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-21639099035713964132009-06-21T19:26:00.008-05:002009-10-18T18:20:29.419-05:00I found some really cool sprocket gears by Tim Holtz at Michaels. When Vicki & I were at the Grapevine Bead Show in May, I saw some beads that just begged to be made into jewelry combined with those sprockets. Here is the necklace & bracelet I made. I used a freeform peyote & right angle weave to create the pieces.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-79118523185368030742009-06-21T17:12:00.019-05:002009-10-18T18:22:29.577-05:00I saw some shoes at a local store that were kind of cool, but more than I wanted to spend and the designs weren't exactly what I wanted. However, it did spark an idea so I went in search of plain white canvas shoes. I found the first ones at Target and later at Walmart. My friend found hers at DSW & the slipons I got were from Old Navy. Once I obtained the canvas shoes, I went to town. I normallyNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-8972147501621504462009-05-03T16:39:00.008-05:002009-06-28T17:36:54.351-05:00Last weekend our polymer clay guild brought in Donna Kato for a workshop. I got to host Donna & she is such a generous and gracious person and guest. My dog, Zeke was crazy about Donna & even "presented" her with his bone toy outside her door Saturday morning.I can't believe how much teaching & learning Donna packs into one of her workshops. Our group choose to have her teach her Subtractive Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-77552101379849026262009-05-03T16:19:00.002-05:002009-05-03T16:38:55.019-05:00I'm a member of Dawn Schiller's group, Fairly Odd Fae. Dawn has been sharing some of her latest Odd Fae, Finding Fae which are done in brooches & jewelry pieces. You can see Dawn's creations on her site, Odd Fae. I had a couple of really old brooch backs in my stash & thought I would try my hand at creating faces in them. Here is one of my pieces. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-27240522949714635962009-04-05T18:43:00.006-05:002009-04-05T18:54:54.162-05:00This one is for Vicki My dear friend Vicki is my partner in crime at the bead shows & functions. While we were at the last bead convention, I spotted these lampwork beads that were labeled as ophans and being sold very cheap. Vicki & I make things for each other - there is no telling when one of us might present the other with a beaded piece we have made (usually in the locker room at the gym Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-19078061722547655552009-04-05T17:16:00.005-05:002009-04-05T17:35:00.148-05:00BraceletsVicki & I didn't get to take the tennis bracelet class that Colette taught, but we were able to get the directions for it, which are really simple. The directions were for a single strand, but after doing several singles, we figured out how to do double strand. The nice thing is this work up very quickly, so it is easy to make lots of them & they make great gifts. They look good worn in Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-71817560963613903852009-04-05T17:05:00.008-05:002009-04-05T17:34:28.511-05:00Cool Spirals While at the Texas Beaders Retreat, I was inspired by the bracelets Colette was doing with a marvelous combination of freeform with open spirals. I used lampwork beads in this teal green bracelet. I also reworked two of the first freeform peyote pieces I did, a black bracelet and a purple necklace with this style. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-55342073845169191502009-04-05T16:55:00.004-05:002009-04-05T17:04:44.527-05:00It's been a while since I've taken the time to update my blog. I know I always have good intentions of doing so, but given free time, it seems as if there are always so many other things to do. Many times it comes down to the choice of creating or blogging. Creating always seems to win out. The good thing is when I do get around to blogging about what I've created, it looks like I have been very Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-48432961467472335862009-02-13T18:27:00.001-06:002009-02-13T18:29:16.242-06:00Deci Worland is the lucky winner of the green man pin. She's already contacted me with her address, so he will be off to her shortly.Thanks to everyone who participated and viewed my blog. I'll definately participate again next year.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-5904555261209240852009-02-01T16:11:00.004-06:002009-02-01T16:20:53.035-06:00I've decided to join the hundreds of blogs participating in the One World One Heart blog giveaway. Please leave a comment and I will draw a name on February 12 to win the polymer clay Green Man Face Pin pictured here. Please make sure I'll be able to contact you if you win. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com155tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-55923817827670982702009-01-04T12:42:00.004-06:002009-04-05T17:35:54.337-05:00 My friend Vicki gives me with Linda Ravencroft Fairy Calendars, which I hang in my studio every year. As an artist & hoarder (aren't they the same thing?), I always save my calendars - in fact I have a dozen or so in a bookcase. I decided that I wouldn't do that to the fairy calendar. I really like the images and don't think they should be relegated to a bookshelf. I have a big box that I've hadNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-20925702956370905242009-01-04T12:27:00.005-06:002009-04-05T17:37:58.977-05:00 Multimedia BoxesNothing like bringing in the new year with art, such a great start to the year. My friend, Tricia came over for an art play day on January 2. We both worked on mixed media pieces and had a great, productive time. I created three boxes. I had made the polymer clay faces previously, so I had them on hand. I painted the boxes, then the fun began, determining how to incorporate all Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-47253014605803459362009-01-04T12:07:00.008-06:002009-04-05T17:39:15.676-05:00I must have put the word out very well that I needed jewelry to wear with black & lucky me, I got several beautiful pieces. From my friend, Vicki, I got two gorgeous ones - one peyote stitch & one accented with drop beads. I know I'll get lots of wear from these (as I've already worn them several times).Another friend, Nancy (Draped In Jewelry), drew my name in our group's Christmas mingle. She Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-33204636258008605762008-12-28T12:38:00.005-06:002009-04-05T17:42:00.723-05:00Christmas 2008 found us at Lisa's house for a delightful collaboration brunch. This year I created puppets for the gals for their presents. Well, they started out to be puppets, but then evolved into dolls that could be sat or hung from a loop on their backs. I personalized each doll by their interests. Here is the gang this year: More fun at Lisa's - Ellen showing off her puppet and the Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-38194266118496844772008-12-28T11:51:00.005-06:002009-04-05T17:43:20.179-05:00I guess before I post about Christmas 2008, I should show Christmas 2007 first. A group of four of my artist friends and myself make gifts each year for each other and get together for a brunch during the holidays to exchange them. We started doing this in 2006, but unfortunately I don't have pictures from our first year, where we got together at Tricia's house.Last year we met at a restaurant inNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-17643786043075911272008-12-28T11:14:00.006-06:002009-04-05T17:44:01.959-05:00This year I also created more art dolls. While the majority of them were collaboration efforts, this one that I created for my friend Tricia for her birthday was not. Tricia loves Native American style and she doesn't care for necklaces unless they are long pendants, so a freeform necklace was out for her birthday. I decided to sculpt an Indian for her. This art doll is a stump-type doll, using Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-88310040222957999882008-12-28T10:31:00.014-06:002009-04-05T17:51:40.194-05:00Wow, where has the year gone? it seems like each year flies by faster than the last one. I've had good intentions of keeping my blog more up-to-date, however when given the choice between blogging or being in my studio creating, obviously creating has won out. I've narrowed my focus artistically to two mediums recently - art dolls (sculpting) and beading.I was able to take several art related Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-68182208122446026972008-06-19T14:56:00.005-05:002009-04-05T17:52:29.645-05:00What a difference 23 years makes. My husband and I have been in our home 23 years this month. Sometimes it seems like the time has just flown by - other times it seems like forever. The difference became very evident when I ran into a picture of our house taken right after we moved into it. The first picture is summer 1985, the other one is how it looks today in 2008. We dug up the red oak trees Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-27926285462673122682008-06-19T14:48:00.006-05:002009-04-05T17:53:11.201-05:00Today must be catch-up time on my blog. I'm finally taking the time to post some of the items I've been meaning to do for so long. March gave me the opportunity to take another class from my favorite teacher (and friend), Lisa Renner. This time Lisa taught a lovely journal book. The moring was spent creating our papers for the journals and in the afternoon we constructed the books. Her technique Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-24301882021182695682008-06-19T14:29:00.001-05:002009-04-05T17:54:01.828-05:00In February of this year, our guild had Kathleen Davis come to teach another workshop (and I had the pleasure of hosting her at my home). I had previously taken her 2-day Fairy/Gnome workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it and her teaching style, so when another workshop was offered, I jumped at the chance. This time the workshop was Dragons, Frogs & Friends. Kathy is a great instructor and we turned Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-56426813159542806772008-05-26T17:16:00.001-05:002009-04-05T17:54:56.503-05:00My friend and fellow artist, Lisa Renner and I are attending the Enchanted Doll Artist Conference in Albuquerque this July. While this is the first time either of us have attended, there are several ways to participate in the festivities. One way is to create a doll to be used as a centerpiece for the banquet tables. The theme of this year's conference is the Other Side of the Mirror. The banquetNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-41957010445856484362008-05-26T17:03:00.001-05:002009-04-05T17:55:41.260-05:00The Thing That Goes Bump in the NightOn one of my online doll groups, we did a swap with the theme a fantasy wall-doll. The doll should have a flat back and be able to be hung on the wall. We could do any fantasy or imaginary doll. I choose to do "The Thing That Goes Bump in the Night". The face and hands are air-dry clay, the body aluminum foil wrapped with Rigid Wrap. It is clothed in gauze. I Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-53367561816117551812008-05-25T08:34:00.001-05:002009-04-05T17:57:32.595-05:00Several years ago in our neighborhood there was an estate sale that was touted as an artist's home, full of touches of the artist. I was very interested to see the artist's home and what they had done. Imagine my surprise when there were only plain neutral walls, floors and carpet. There was no evidence of an artist is that dwelling. In fact, there wasn't anything in the offerings of the estate Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-72190303155818312192008-03-30T16:51:00.002-05:002009-04-05T17:58:56.195-05:00This is our guest bedroom after the make-over. This room was originally Josh's room. When he was about 14 or so, he had me paint the walls dark teal with metallic silver trim and ceiling. I got berber carpet in a turquoise/gray/off white tweed. Needless to say, the wear & tear a teenager (and when he came back home to live a couple of times), had this room looking bad. It looked more like a cave Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-5643439930522111302008-03-30T15:26:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:00:31.433-05:00I saw the idea for doing a floor with paper bags on one of the do-it-yourself email newsletters that I receive. My husband has never been happy with the floor that I redid years ago in our hall bathroom so I decided to recycle all the paper grocery bags that I had onto my floor. I tore lots of bags and used them with the printed side down. I diluted plain white glue with water to apply the piecesNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-22852950166131371212008-03-30T15:21:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:01:35.252-05:00I participated in a beaded doll swap earlier this year. This was the doll I created for my partner. I choose the fabric from my stash, a gorgeous piece with autumn colors. I've been wanting to bead it, so I sewed a "goddess" style doll and beaded her when I was attending the Texas Beaders Retreat. The face is hand molded polymer clay.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-64058736317362668912008-03-30T15:15:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:05:37.116-05:00I've always been fastinated by faces, especially ones with character. No faces seem to have more character than the American Indian. Throughout the years I've done various famous Indians in different mediums. The first one was permanent pen on fabric. My favorite is the one I painted on a wooden box for my husband - I entered that one in the State Fair of Texas and got best of show. The other oneNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-47846437176741547332007-09-08T14:08:00.000-05:002007-09-08T14:26:38.654-05:00I'm participating in a Poem RR with a group of friends. The cover is pictured on the left. The theme of my book is The Moon and Stars. One reason I choose that theme was the art doll idea that has been floating around in my head for a while. Once I started my book, I decided to go ahead and create the doll. I finally finished it last weekend. When my book returns, I'll display them together. The Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-3309237114178630152007-09-08T14:00:00.002-05:002009-04-05T18:07:29.310-05:00 Three friends, Tricia, Lisa, Vicki and I decided to do an art doll round robin earlier this year. Each of us choose a theme and did our faces and bodies. Tricia choose Air, Lisa's was Celestial/Gems, Vicki went with Forest and I choose Water Sprite. We would meet once a month at one of the quaint little wineries or restaurants in downtown McKinney to exchange our dolls and visit. I have Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-31918992950851548292007-09-08T11:21:00.004-05:002009-04-05T18:09:00.318-05:00 One of art egroups that I belong to issued a challenge - Ornies. The rules for the ornies are they cannot be bigger than 7 inches, must be able to be hung and have to be created from a premade doll. I got some small (5 3/4 inch) porcelain dolls from the dollar store as the base for my ornies. I used butterfly wings that I had purchased at Michaels. I had so much fun doing these.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-31433145074484085992007-09-04T21:41:00.002-05:002009-04-05T18:12:51.785-05:00 Polymer Clay Candy Tin PursesNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-91851888976170986482007-08-19T20:46:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:14:27.069-05:00After taking Lisa's class, I was excited to use the technique to create another doll. This was another face I had sculpted and set aside, not sure what to do with him. I'm not sure why it is, but it seems like when I sculpt faces, they turn out to be male more often than not. I'm always pleased with the faces, but am challenged to come up with the rest of the doll to go with the face.This face Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-50291613690637545972007-08-19T20:36:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:15:17.260-05:00I'm very lucky that my friend, Lisa Renner lives nearby and I'm able to take classes from her. She taught a Stardust Fairy Class for our local polymer clay guild in June this year. Lisa makes taking a class such as pleasure, not only due to her abilities as an artist and teacher, but also the preparation work she puts into every workshop she teaches. The workshop was a full day and we were able Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-22027898439912567852007-08-19T20:15:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:16:19.219-05:00When Patricia Rose offered lessons through her guild program, I immediately signed up. I was very excited to learn from such a great sculptor. I signed up as soon as I found out she was offering the program. I was definately intimidated when I received the first lesson! It was a full body sculpt - of the classic Venus - in other words, a nude. No chance of any clothing hiding any mistakes.I Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-17724697753014201332007-07-29T17:15:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:18:02.332-05:00The second piece I worked on while I was away is another bracelet, this one with the remaining frog beads to match the necklace I did previously. I did a peyote stitch base and added the frogs, leaves and flower beads. It isn't finished as I haven't decided what to do about a closure. The piece is rather heavy and I'm afraid a button closure will work loose with wear.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-24802860305685805342007-07-29T17:05:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:19:06.163-05:00As I've mentioned, when I travel, I bead. I recently went to Rhode Island for my annual artist getaway with fellow artists. I did the base of this bracelet prior to boarding the plane and beaded during the flight. One of the airline attendants was a beader, so she was very interested in my piece. She said that she only did simple beading. This bracelet was inspired by the silver fish beads I Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-30645688315792275022007-07-29T10:31:00.002-05:002009-04-05T18:20:02.451-05:00 One of the egroups I'm a member of issued a challenge - Dolls with a Secret. This sounded like something I could have fun with, so I started to brainstorm. I'm not sure why butterflies in her stomach came to mind, but it did. I had fun creating this doll. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-21545202943667886642007-07-04T18:41:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:21:38.037-05:00Last week was another road trip - my stepson graduated from Army basic training last and we drove up to Fort Sill (Lawton, OK) to attend Family Day and the Graduation Ceremony on Thursday & Friday. As I had already finished the mermaid necklace, I needed to find another piece to make. I was working on a couple of birthday presents and needed accent beads for them, so I looked in my lampwork box. Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-88597818582538833502007-07-04T18:25:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:23:13.394-05:00When I went to the bead show this past May, I found some marvelous carved bone beads. I loved the detail on these beads. I bought several frogs and three mermaid beads. I also bought lots of leaf beads. I made the Garden Frogs necklace first, using only two of the frog beads. I created a triangle-shaped peyote base and added leaf and flower beads over the whole area.My husband had a day surgery Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-16152156189819141872007-07-04T18:18:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:24:09.404-05:00Last year when I was on a dragon-creating spree (thanks to Christi Friensen's book), I made this dragon and beaded the necklace with beads I found at the local bead convention.Nina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129404.post-79688324848429042512007-07-04T18:05:00.001-05:002009-04-05T18:25:02.826-05:00When I travel I usually carry beading. It is one of the few artistic things that I do that can be portable. In April when I flew up to Rhode Island to take the class with Kathleen Dustin (I told about this in a previous post), I started working on the Octopus Garden necklace. I made the octopus with polymer clay using the instructions in Christi Friesen's book "Under the Sea". I thought they wereNina Originalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617166851497116424noreply@blogger.com0