Printing By Hand

I'm rearranging my office, getting organized, throwing stuff out - all the good things to do at the beginning of a new year. I go through it every few months. I don't know where all the paper comes from! Notes, lists, receipts... ugh! I kept thinking I would go buy a wall organizer - and kept thinking.... well, finally, I couldn't take it and decided to make one.

I used things I had on hand - canvas scraps from my studio, book board for the support and ph neutral glue to stick it all together. I'm going to add some fabric weave to hold cards and notes as the book board is a bit hard to push a pin through. I decided to use a pattern from Lena Corwin's book, Printing By Hand and cut the design out of contact paper, stuck it on the canvas and painted the cut out with dark purple. Enjoy!

Handmade toys for $4,000 - OR - Granny goes to jail!

One evident truth known throughout the world, is that America is the land of hopes, dreams, innovation and brighter futures. That belief is what brought most of us and our families here, what keeps inviting newcomers and it's what keeps us going through years of unbelievably backward times (eight was it?!). Now, another law, the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) is being rushed through so fast that the congressional voters had no time to read it all - goes into effect February 10th.

This from CraftZine.com -

The CPSIA on the surface seems like a good idea, coming as a response to the recall of toys made in China and sold in the US that had potentially harmful levels of lead, phthalates or other toxins. The law's intentions are good but its side effects are not. Lost in the details were provisions that may deal a serious blow to America's cottage industries and individuals who make things by hand. This comes at a time when the unemployed and underemployed are seeking creative ways to make a living from home.

The language of this law applies to things given away for free, vintage items and things from thrift stores too - even if it's already been tested by the supplier. So, your granny makes a baby blanket, adds her special touch of a cute rabbit applique with buttons for eyes.... and since she didn't pay to test EACH component (buttons, fabric, stuffing, thread...) she off to jail and/or a hefty fine to boot!

Today, January 30, is the last day for public comment - so please link through, sign the petitions, email the Committee on Energy and Commerce (congressional committee that sponsored the CPSIA and can delay, amend or repeal the Act) and contact your local representative to appeal this law. Etsy has set up a convenient CPSIA Action Kit to help respond quickly.

Recycled!

We recycled a vintage table with this great cool blue, zero VOC washable paint, that my little one picked out from YOLO Colorhouse paint (sprout.01) at Natural Territory, for his new activity table. He loves it!
Once we finished the table, we recycled this old box with the same color for base paint, then I threw tape on randomly and over painted pthalo blue. We kept going and made a stencil from one of his scribbles and his hand, stenciled them onto the box and covered the whole thing with soft gel gloss from Golden Paints. Now, if I can just give it up!

Too long gone!

Wowwweeee! Over a year and a half since my last post. A thousand pardons to those of you who popped by.

When I started these blogs, I was bursting with trying to adjust to being a mom and trying to make my new title 'fit' into my arranged lifestyle. HA!! What a lot I've learned! My wonderful little son is making me SUCH a better person and teaching me how to live life. I was resisting change. Since my last post, I have gone through the cocoon of new motherhood and feel the absolute delight of unfolding new wings. Things I found important before, no longer hit my radar and I don't miss them at all! Creating and art making are very much a part of my days, so I plan to keep journaling on art and mom stuff, but have to narrow my focus.

I began blogging with FOUR blogs and completely realize that THAT is an insane thing to do - for me. So, I've decide to shut down my Open Studio Events and Open StudioAZ blogs and focus on this one and my Wax Art blog. If I can figure out how to merge those two, that would be ideal and just have one for all my art and mom musings.

So, hello again and happy New Year to all of you!
I hope the year is beginning with peace and prosperity.

Art Mom in Action...

Just a quick post to connect you to art mom happenings and a new interview opportunity and column by Kasie Salle. Another Artist Mom in the thick of things! Go Kasie! ;)

Oh... did I say I was taking time away?? That's right - bye!

Ahhhh....Time Away!

Thanks for checking in...
I'm taking some time away from just about everything!
Be back with a blog update soon!

Happy Summer! :)

Cruising For Art...

You have to be quick at the draw when cruising for art in blogland! I saw this little kitty/blue chair print and loved it - and before I could blink - the original was GONE! (it's in the center in the photo on her post in Holly's office) Marisa's, This Chair Suits Me Just Fine.

So.. I got her print of it at Etsy. Still supporting the arts :)