Starting anew is always a good thing! Here is Vol. 1 of "Artful Living on the Bluff" for you to enjoy. While I am not contributing new material to this blog, please feel free to look around and then visit me at the new and (hopefully) improved "Artful Living on the Bluff" blog at artfullivingonthebluff.blogspot.com

Saturday, May 14, 2011

A Night out on the Range... continued...

Here are some more shots of a custom piece I have been working on called "A Night Out On the Range". The lovely lady I am making this for was kind enough to send some personal items for me to incorporate: locks of hair from her horses, silk cloth cut from some favorite scarves, a corner of a beautiful wool blanket and a selection of very pretty beads. This was truly to be a mixed media piece and some of the materials were the kind I have never thought of using before. Not wanting to dive right in with the treasures she sent, I decided to make a practice piece using some things I had in the studio. Here is the "practice" piece:


It is meant to bring to mind a glowing campfire under a full moon. Since this sample passed muster, I set to working on the "real" piece. I am very pleased with how it's turning out! The silk has become boulders on the western range and the black horsehair the curtain of night. Wrapped in a warm woolen blanket to guard from the chill, the horsehair ends in a pretty tassel. More has been added since these photos were taken but I hope you will enjoy this little glimpse.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Siberian Princess

I don't think I ever posted photos of "Siberian Princess". As I remember, I had taken a few "teaser" shots and then didn't follow through (typical...). Anyway, here she is! She was featured in my gallery show in March and April and will be in a another show at the end of the month.

I started with a faux fur collar, then added some pretty trim and buttons. The bead embroidered pendant is fashioned from rows of beaded netting in iridescent colors and attaches with beaded loops to the buttons. A hook and eye closure was also added to the collar for extra security.