WIP...Wedding chest....

Awhile back I told you I would be refinishing an old blanket chest for a customer for a wedding gift. It needed some TLC, but I love the lines of this chest. I first sanded and cleaned the surface which I painted two tones of grey. The lid is getting treated like an old german Fraktur. The colors are great and when it gets antiqued in the end will really look old. It still has a long way to go but I love the way it is progressing.

More Folk Art Birdsnest.....

I've really taken a liking to doing these birdsnest. They're very symbolic for me. I've also been trying to go back to a more primitive look I used to do long ago. It is still my favorite style. Simple primitive folk art.....AHHHH it makes me smile everytime.

Manipulating my art.......

After painting my recent piece which is an oversized birds nest I really liked the look of how conteporary but folky it was at the same time. I had the Idea to manipulate it so that the colors were very contemporary also. This is what it is turning into. and I love it.....

Getting texture to your canvas.......

I really like the way this is coming out. I've gotten some good texture to the canvas. I did that by first collaging a layer of heavy papers cut into 2-3 inch pieces and then 2 layers of torn tissue papers. You get 2 distinct textures which give the paint many hills and valleys to flow in. It also allows the antique medium to really show off the texture.

This is my version of the ''Tree of life." Its primitve with a modern twist.

Back to my painting roots....

I have painted all my life but never had a style until 30 yrs ago I painted in the primitive style. I started with rustic furniture and handmade game boards. I would paint them and sand them to make them look aged and worn. I'll never forget one of my first shows you had to check in your merchandise to one central check in and they displayed your work in their setting. When I put my game boards up to be checked in the lady said to me " do you know these are scratched and have missing paint.." I had to chuckle inside. Primitive and worn was just coming into its popularity. I told her I spent lots of time getting them to look that way. She gave me that look..you know "are you crazy". Well fast forward 25 yrs and it's sill popular and sought after and I still love it too. So I think I will work in that style again for awhile as I have missed it.

Here is a rustic piece I just finished...Hope you like it....

Fall Harvest Angel on Ebay Now

Want a big laugh? It's on Me.....

I got up yesterday morning and decided it was a good day to make a pound cake. Good southern girl thing to do, right? I'm a pretty good cook but baking is not my best suit. So after posting my intentions on my facebook page I had to post the finished product. My son and I laughed so hard when it came out of the oven I thought we would burst. My light was burnt out in my oven so I didn't check the cake until after an hour so it wouldn't fall. LOL......This is what we found.....A crispy cookie top with a pudding like center. I guess it does pay to follow a recipe to the tee when you are baking.

Feel free to enlarge photo as the mega size is hysterical......

Evolving Gypsy

Now....................................................Then

I keep changing this more than a new borns diaper. I didn't think the earrings were right. I think it was the shape that bothered me. What ever it was, their gone. I like the way it made me change the hair....But dosent a Gypsy need earrings?... Gotta come up with the right answer. Stay tuned.

New...Furniture project. Bridal Chest.....

I love to paint decoratively onto furniture. It actually was how I got started really painting seriously in the first place.

This commission is going to be a wedding gift. I know I sure would be glad to get it. I love this chest. The lines are beautiful and should make a wonderful family heirloom for sure.

Stay tuned for the transformation. I will post the progress as I go.