Gone for a bit

I really should have posted this last week. 

I'm going to be absent from the online world for a while. I don't know when I'm going to post again. I can still be reached via email. The link is on the side.

Thanx

Xanthe :-)

Artta This World Art Fair

I think Sputnikfest was a hit. I know I had fun. The weather cooperated for us even though we had a bit of a wind. Next year I'll bring the kids. As always, I met some really great people. 

I tried something different. I set up a small table at the front of my booth to work on a painting/collage during slow times. It worked out pretty well. I had a lot of kids really interested in what I was doing.    :-)

Busy busy

Wow, This week has gone by so fast!

Kids started school again. It's very exciting for Emma is now in middle school with a locker and everything. Ethan is in 1st grade and unfortunately the poor little guy is sick today and will be absent on the 4th day of school! 

I've spent the week trying to get ready for Sputnik Fest in Manitowoc, WI. So if you are in the area, stop by the Artta This World art fair and say "hi!". Check out the blog here to see the list of artists and crafters that will be there.

Don't worry about the weather, I ordered up a terrific day....please no rain!       :-)

I'm Published Again! yeah!

On stands tomorrow is Somerset Holidays and Celebrations. 

Look for my fun Halloween project! It was really great to be asked to write this article. I owe Somerset so much. Every magazine they publish is so inspiring.

Backyard Art Adventures

I'm a bit behind posting news...I've had a few bad days. Headaches and such. Oh well.

Last Sunday was beautiful around here, so I spent the afternoon outside working on artsy fun. I needed some fun painted paper towels for a super secret project. More on that later. 

*hint resin from old post plus paper towels  hmmmm*

So despite the frequent strong breezes, I painted and stamped for hours. Here is a colorful peek :-)

Henry Vilas Zoo and a day in Madison

This last Saturday we spent the day in Madison. Our first stop was to pick up a cupcake stand I ordered from Jenny Blasen on Etsy. What a cute idea. I never got to meet Jenny, she was hard at work finishing things for her shop.  Though I did get to meet her family. I forgot to take photo of the cupcake stand but you can see it here. Mine is the taller of the two. 

Then on to the zoo. I love this little zoo. It is still free to park, and free to wander around. They even have decent prices in the gift shop. Which of course the kids had to stop at. I ended up not talking too many photos. It happens all the time, I forget I even have the camera with me! Here are a few pics though.......

Capypara...I love him   A huge (maybe 75 pound) cousin to my cavy, Patch!

Prairie dog enjoying a snack.

Bucky badger is here!

Polar bear enjoying a cool shower.

 Time to feed the goats.

We couldn't leave Madison without going to the Learning Shop, Hobby Lobby, Borders, and having a good dinner out. What a long day!

A class with Misty Mawn

The class at Valley Ridge I took this time was "Four Seasons: Mixed Media For All Seasons" with Misty Mawn. 

What a blast! This was a rowdy and fun group. Misty was patient and encouraging. It gave me the nerve to try my hand at some new things. Painting faces! Not me, I've avoided the human form except in a cartoony fashion. I took a life drawing class almost 15 yrs ago and barely passed. Boy was I bad. So I gave up. I know, I know that was the wrong choice. Sometimes I give up too easy. 

I had so much fun on the two faces I painted over the weekend, that I want to keep trying!

The Class

Misty at work

My Autumn painting (11.5 x 9 inches)

This was my first attempt at face painting in at least 20 yrs. 

Not too bad, but I need a lot of practice!

Everyone working hard!

This was my Spring painting/collage called "Containing" 11.5 x 9inches