Sissy's Art And Musings

My First Fairy Garden!

2010-10-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

I say "my first" because after I created this little fairy garden in a dish that I found at a thrift shop, I could tell that I was instantly addicted. Trouble is, in my neck of the woods, gardening season is over and winter is around the corner so I'll have to wait until next season to do a larger one. My inspiration came from a little shop my husband and I visited when we took a day trip to Amish country. This shop has lot's of little fairy gardens. Some smaller than mine, in little clay pot dishes, some larger in old wash tubs and some even planted right in a flower bed. They just drew me in. It's like they were little miniature neighborhoods with fairies, birds, butterflies, and frogs. For mine I collected some little things here and there and as I did, it sparked more ideas. I found some little christmas bulbs to use as gazing balls. You can see a green one in the photo. I will probably glue this to an upside down tiny clay pot to make it look more authentic. I found this neat distressed birdhouse that looks like a potting shed. My fairy is a cute rusty looking fairy made of cast iron. For live plants I used a lucky bean plant that looks like a shade tree, some miniature jade, elfin thyme and in the little clay pot some hens and chickens. I bought some sheet moss to loosely cover areas of dirt until my thyme starts to spread. Under the stool you can see a tiny green frog that I've had for 22 years. I bought it when I was pregnant with my first child because I thought my belly looked exactly like that little frog's belly and I had a favorite green shirt I used to wear. I may just have to try my hand at creating a little winter fairy garden. Now that would be fun!

Enjoying The Simple Things In Life!

2010-10-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

I was out shopping for supplies for a wedding order that I had to finish. Rushed as usual, I ran around the store picking up what I needed. Ribbon, organza bags etc. I was a bit crabby because I feel like I'm always behind. In my own little world with a ton of things on my mind and wondering if I was going to be up til 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. to get it all done, I walked out of the store and this is what I saw. Honestly, the sky was so beautiful and mesmerizing, I stopped dead in my tracks. In an instant, I forgot how rushed I was. Suddenly, I was reminded that we all need to slow down and take in the beauty of the world around us. I only wished I had my better camera and not just my iphone.

What Can You Get These Days For Under $6.00?

2010-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, there isn't much you can get for under $6.00 but I just have to share an awesome deal that Artfire is offering. For a limited time only, the first 20,000 people to sign up for a pro account studio will be able to get in on a group deal for only 5.95 per month. The great thing is it's not a temporary deal but rather a rate that you can lock in to! If you are a crafter or artist who has sold in other venues whether it be a craft show, consignment shop or online, you know what a great bargain this is. I've never done a month long craft show for only 5.95. As if the low price wasn't reason enough to give it a try, you should see all of the tools Artfire gives you to make your online studio a cool place that people will want to shop at. They are still a young venue but I see many great things happening at Artfire. If you ever need any type of help, their administrators are very prompt about helping you. It's apparent that customer service is one of their top priorities. Don't take my word for it, check out this cool venue for yourself http://www.artfire.com/ and don't forget to click that link at the top of the page that will tell you all about locking into this great rate.
http://www.artfire.com/groupdeal
To put it in perspective, you would pay more for a fast food meal, a magazine, a new bottle of nail polish, a movie.....So give it a try. I should also mention if you decide after you've tried it that it isn't for you, then you could always back out. There is no obligation to stay.

It's the great pumpkin!

2010-09-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

I love making these movable shadow box charms! Each one is like a little diorama. I've had the idea for this one in my head for the past year but as with many of my ideas, it just stayed in my head for a while until I could find the time to put it in the works. That is the trouble with many of us Artists. The ideas flow faster than we can create. I'm planning on making some more of these fun little shadow box pieces so check back here or in my shop, http://www.sissysart.etsy.com/ or my artfire shop at http://www.sissysart.artfire.com/ .

Wear Your Child's Artwork

2010-04-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to create these new pieces while sorting through an old box of my kids (now grown) school artwork. They were so much fun to look at all these years later but I got to thinking, what a shame that some of these special pieces just end up stashed away somewhere. Why not wear some of your favorite pieces. You will find a custom listing on my Etsy site for this new item.

Playing With Fire

2010-04-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

If anyone has ever tried to make these singed flowers, you will know how much fun it is and how cool they look as the edges of the petals start to curl while holding the fabric pieces over the flame. I found a tutorial on how to make these and I'm hooked! I made this flower brooch, a hair clip for my son's girlfriend and a ring for my other son's girlfriend. It is a great way to recycle old fabric or use up left over fabric that you may have laying around. It's on my list of things to do to make more of these fun flowers.

Wonderful Sparkly Glitter!

2010-04-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have a new love for glitter. Not just any glitter but the German glass glitter. I purchased two colors over the winter for a project and now I just love looking at it in my little bottles. I do like the Martha Stewart glitter. It seems like a good quality if you don't have access to the German glass glitter. However I have discovered that if I want to incorporate any glitter in my soldered projects it has to be the glass glitter. I discovered the hard way one day that regular plastic glitter will not withstand the heat of a soldering iron and you will end up with a melted mess. The picture above shows a few of my glitters displayed on my studio window sill. I love how it sparkles when the sun is coming through my window.

Wedding Season Seems To Be Upon Us

2010-03-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at how many brides are planning their weddings right now. I mean, what do I know? I eloped! I've sorely neglected my blog for this very reason. These upcoming brides with their weddings have been keeping my soldering hands very busy. I'm not complaining! Well, I could do with a few less burns. I gotta learn not to handle the hot charm with my fingers too soon! Anyway, It's been so rewarding to be able to create these keepsakes for them. I especially love to work with all the photos that I've been sent. Each memorial charm I do, brings tears to my eyes. While I'm creating, I'm thinking "This is someone's Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, Sister, Best Friend" who cannot be at their wedding. So in a way, I'm helping to create their presence. Even if it is only in a charm that the bride is carrying in her bouquet. Many of these brides have shared stories of their loved ones with me. This has helped me in the creative process. Little do they know, these are my favorite charms to do. It makes me think of my loved ones who are no longer with me and how important my photos are to me. I don't think of this as just my business, I think of it as putting a smile on someone's face and helping to make their day a little more special. These pictures are just samples of my bridal charms to give you an idea of what I do.

Hugs and Kisses!

2010-01-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe Valentines day is right around the corner. I'm still finding remnants of Christmas. Left over stale goodies, a santa that I forgot to pack away, still finding a needle from the tree here and there that I missed when I vacuumed. I'm trying to get motivated creatively for the next holiday but in reality, I've never been much for Valentines day. I do however, love the decorations and the colors. I love old vintage valentines and postcards.
You can see this and other items I've recently created in my Etsy shop at http://www.sissysart.etsy.com/

This pendant is something I created with Valentines day in mind.

I Recycled My Electric Bill!

2009-11-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

It just goes to show that you really can turn trash into treasure! Believe it or not, these three lovely pieces of handmade paper used to be my electric bill. It all started one day when I went to the Country Living Fair in Columbus. I stumbled on this interesting demo. The very nice lady doing the demo calls herself "Paper Alice". I just love her name and it stuck in my head. She was showing an easy way to make beautiful handmade paper from recycled junk mail. If you purchase anything from her site due to reading this entry, she so graciously is offering a free gift with purchase if you mention that you saw her site on my blog. So don't forget to let her know that you found her through Sissys Art.
If you don't believe me on how easy it is to create your own paper, check this out!
Her site: http://www.paperalice.com/
Her demo: http://www.paperalice.com/Papermakingvideo.html

Are You Naughty or Nice?

2009-11-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

I remember my Mom always telling me that Santa knows if we are naughty or nice. I was somewhat skeptical but not willing to take the chance! Especially if it meant I could get coal in my stocking. Well, as I've mentioned before, many of my art pieces are inspired by events in my life. Here is a soldered pendant I made that takes me (and I'm sure others) back to the memories of their childhood when their parents always said things like "Santa Is Watching You" or "You might be on the Naughty list."

Something Wicked This Way Comes

2009-09-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by the writer for an online magazine called Creepy Queen. They said they love my haunted houses and wanted to feature me on their site. I was so flattered! I love making these and I'm glad that others are enjoying them as much as I'm enjoying creating them. Here is the link to Creepy Queen magazine if anyone wants to take a look

2009-09-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

I See Dead People!

First I have to say that my family thinks I've become very morbid. I'd like to think I'm just inspired by my collection of old photos and by my experiences (or my son's experience in this case).

Now for what inspired this piece. First a couple of facts about our house. It was built in 1860 and it was handed down generation after generation and stayed in the same family til we bought it in 1993. When we first moved into our house my son who was 3 years old at the time, kept coming in our room and crawling in bed with us. It happened several days in a row. Finally, I said "Brock you need to stay in your own bed." His reply, "Mommy, I don't like when those people come visit me." I said to him, "You are just dreaming." He said, "No 'cause my eyes are open." Then I proceeded to ask him questions about the people. He told me there were three people. A lady, a man, and a little girl. I asked him what they were wearing. He said the man had a tall hat ( I imagined like Abe Lincoln) and a suit, the lady and little girl had long dresses on. I asked him if they go away. He said, "No, when I come in your room, they follow me." Boy did the hair on my neck stand up when he told me that!

By the way, the vintage photo in the pin are my ancestors.

2009-09-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a couple of chilly nights to remind you that Fall is right around the corner. I'm sad to see summer dwindling, but I do love fall. I've started creating my favorite characters out of Celluclay. Many of them are inspired by Vintage Halloween decorations. They have big smiling faces with lots of teeth showing. They are rusty, distressed, grungy, antiqued and a little beat up looking sometimes. My Husband and boys just don't get it but I know most of my artisan friends and those who love prim things do. They make me laugh and I hope they make others laugh as well. I can't wait to show you the snowmen (they are in the works) that I will be adding to my Etsy shop soon.

My Blog Interview

2009-08-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a fellow etsian to do a blog interview. She had contacted me a couple of weeks ago and gave me the nicest compliments concerning my Artwork she saw on Etsy. She also thought this interview might help promote my Etsy shop. Follow the link to check out her blog and my interview and also to check out her Etsy shop as well. She's a talented fiber artist and a sweet lady.
http://sillylittleladysspotontheweb.blogspot.com/

My Little Soldered Haunted Houses

2009-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, Halloween and Autumn are right around the corner. Summer went by way too fast! To get myself in the mood, I've started creating Halloween theme items to add to my Etsy Shop. Here are two soldered pieces of my "Haunted House" series. Visit my etsy shop to see more of my items. I'm working on a third house to be listed later today.

2009-08-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

I've been soldering like crazy and have new ideas spinning around in my head all the time. Just wish I had more time to devote to my craft. Here are a couple of new things I added to my etsy shop. Please visit if you want to see more. Today, I'm working on some new designs for fall and halloween. My sunflowers are blooming and my tomatoe plants are dying off and so my garden is telling me, our Summer days are numbered!

My Hypertufa

2009-08-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

I finally found a hypertufa that I love! I was going to make my own, and some day I still may, but it sounds very involved. I guess you need to cure it for a few months or it will crack. I'm in to instant gratification and just don't have the patience for that. Anyway, I planted some cool varieties of sedum in this one along with portulaca.

Don't forget to click on my pictures for a closer look.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-07-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Ok so maybe this being laid off of work for a while isn't such a bad thing. I've had lots of time to create and work in my garden. Two things I love doing! Still working on trying to get into the exercise routine (one thing I hate doing!). I hope you all will check out the new things I've put in my etsy shop. I just created some new soldered houses that make the cutest pins. They look great on a jean jacket. Also, I've got a line of "Create Your Own" initial pendant.

It's been way too long since I posted!

2009-07-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since February! Shame on me! I guess real life things just get in the way and I get side tracked.

Let's see what have I been up to these past few months? Well, I finally removed all of my wallpaper from the living room and remodeled it (thanks to watching many hours of HGTV and Design On A Dime).

Also, my youngest graduated from high school and we had a wonderful party for him. Boy am I feeling that empty nest right around the corner!

I'm recently laid off from my job and so I'm trying to build and redo my Etsy shop. I hope you will all visit my shop. So my feeling about being laid off this week? When life gives you lemons make lemon ade! I do have an interview tommorrow but because I'm somewhat jaded about the last job I had, which was supposed to be a great opportunity, I plan on being very choosy.

In the mean time, I'm throwing myself into my artwork.

I finally finished a painting (Listed it on Etsy) that I started last week and it felt great.

Thankyou to those who have visited my blog even though I was absent.

Sentimental Journey

2009-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

I suppose you could say that over the past few years I've been somewhat on a sentimental journey. I guess I started to become more and more sentimental after the deaths of people I'm close to (some sudden, some not so sudden). Then with my oldest Son graduating from high school and now my youngest is about to graduate, I'm feeling that empty nest is right around the corner. It's amazing how life just goes along pretty uneventful and then all of a sudden something jolts you into thinking "Wow! Life is way too short!". At times I feel very sad that I'm without those people I love but more and more I've come to appreciate the memories I have and the years I've had with them. Because of this journey and all of the changes that have happened in my life, my artwork has taken a new direction as well. I always new I would never give up painting and I always go back to it but I've taken great pleasure in working in other mediums as well. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful pictures of my family (vintage and newer). They are a great comfort to me and I found myself incorporating them more and more in my artwork.

The mixed media piece in the picture above incorporates my love of painting and my new venture of collage. It also features a very old picture of my Great Grandmother. She was a beautiful and kind German Woman. I love this picture of her. I also collect quotes and I thought this one would be very fitting for the front of this piece, "The love of learning, the sequestered nooks and all the sweet serenity of books" -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

My Studio Friends!

2009-02-13T15:58:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd share a picture of my friends who keep me company while I'm in my studio creating.

Aren't they cute?!!

My Orchid Has Finally Bloomed Again!

2009-01-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

I love orchids! I love how the bloom lasts so long. In my opinion, they are more economical than buying fresh cut flowers. Plus the blossom is so beautiful.

I bought the pink one a couple of years ago and it was so pretty. It did it's thing and then it was done. I tried for two years to bring it back and was just about ready to throw it in the garbage. Heck, I even bought a new one to replace it (the yellow one). One day I looked it over before throwing away and I noticed a tiny little green bud. It was different than the leaf buds. I thought, 'could it be?' Well, I decided to hang on a little longer, checking it each day. After a few days, I realized, It's coming back! I guess it doesn't take much to thrill me. In case you've never bought one because you think they are too delicate or too hard to take care of, let me tell you, they are not. I bought the yellow one in early November. It was in bloom then with a few more buds not quite open. It is still in bloom almost three months later! I know it's probably in it's last days but I'm hoping to bring this one back again as well.

I love This Hand!

2009-01-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

I love quirky things! I've been wanting one of these porcelain glove forms for a long time, just haven't found the right one. I think it's perfect in my studio for hanging some of my finished jewelry on. If anyone else is looking for one of these, I think this seller must have hit the mother load because they've been listing a lot of these. Their link is http://myworld.ebay.com/weloveyourbussiness/

My Grandmother Was So Cool!

2009-01-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

I finally finished a collage that I was working on. This is a tribute to my Grandma. Here she is as a young lady on her motorcycle. This was taken back in the mid 1930's. Back then her and my Grandpa belonged to a motorcycle club. She was such a cool lady. She loved recycling old things before it was popular. She loved fashion and she had quite a passion for shoes. She taught me how to be creative at a young age. My business name (Sissy) is the nick name she gave me when I was young. Sometimes when I am in my studio creating, I just know she is smiling down on me from Heaven.

2009-01-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still new at this blog thing so I thought I would post a few of my past projects so you can get an idea of what I like to do. I guess you will see that I like to do it all! These are some of my painted projects and in the near future I will be adding some pictures of other mediums I like to work with.

This is a handpainted tote bag that I made for a "Harvest For Hunger" raffel. We filled it with all kinds of goodies and called it a "Woman On The Go" bag.

2009-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

I painted this old dresser for my Mom. She always had a facination with light houses and anything to do with the ocean.

2009-01-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

This was an order I had from someone to paint a Santa on a piece of split rail fence.

2009-01-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

I painted this old chair in memory of my Mom

for a Relay For Life auction.

I Love reviving old things!

2009-01-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

"He's Stuck!"

Last week we had a huge snow storm. We received 8 to 10 inches of Snow. It was beautiful to watch from the inside of our nice warm house. We were watching our birds feeding at the feeders in the morning and all of a sudden this cute little chickadee went right through the hole into the feeder. We watched for a while to see if he would get out, but he was definitely stuck. My husband saved the day and went out to rescue him. Of course it didn't take long till he was back to eating at our feeder. I'm sure he learned his lesson.

2009-01-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite things to create. My snowmen bobble heads on an old bedspring. I sculpt each head out of paper mache. Then I handpaint each one and embellish with recycled materials. For this one I used a vintage muffin tin for the hat and for the tassel on the hat I used the frayed threads from an old chenille bedspread. Of course in keeping with the look of something old, I always antique, tea dye and distress the heck out of everything I make.

2009-01-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

What Inspires You?

Someone asked me this question not too long ago and I've been pondering it ever since. Of course they were talking about my art work. Sometimes it's just simple things that inspire me. Like the other day I was walking through Hobby Lobby, looking for something when as always something caught my eye and I got side tracked. It was this bottle of brightly colored pink glitter. I don't know why but I just had to have it. I'm like that with art and craft supplies. Sometimes I get thrilled over finding some really cool beads or a new color of paint. I guess I'm kind of backwards that way. Most people would buy what they need for a certain project they want to create but I buy or find something and then try to figure out what to create using that item. Well it didn't take me long to use that glitter. I started a new collage today and the pink glitter added the perfect touch. I will post a picture when it is finished.

Other things that inspire me? My flower garden in the summer, the junk I find at thrift shops, old vintage family photos or photos of complete strangers, colorful fabrics, vintage linens..... The list is endless. It's never the same thing that inspires me. I guess just life in general can be inspiration enough.