And I'd be lost without our local
library. So spending some time making bookmarks with friends for the library to use promotionally is a match made in heaven.
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Eileen brought some finished pieces for show and tell from our
alcohol ink play last week - gorgeous, no? |
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| Eileen and Gay - seriously intent. |
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| Eileen was very motivated as she aimed for 10 finished bookmarks...there are 13 by my count! |
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| I got a head start the day before, and I still can't quit. |
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| Look at all the luscious colour and pattern on Gay's pieces. |
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| Laura's are so organic! |
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Laura even brought some of her gorgeous
watercolour bookmarks to add to the pot. |
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| Lynne's are stunning and oh, so intricate. |
Now, this bookmark is not going to the library, because in my frenzy I forgot that alcohol inks will run when overlaid with acrylic medium. But the quote had me in stitches, and I had to show you why regardless of the smeared text.
It is amazing to me how a group of artists can take a pile of 'discard' papers and create 50+ wonderful pieces. Stamps, stencils, cheesecloth, ribbons, scissors and glue sticks are totally magic!
I am curious how you, as an artist, use your abilities in the community. Do you volunteer to teach? Donate works? Lead projects? I'm always looking for new ways to contribute, and would love to hear your ideas!
Hi Win, I am still searching for some crafty friends though I have been helping the daughter of one of my friends who suffers from CFS/ME and she has really got into die cutting and it seems to be helping her though not her pocket Lol! Think that may be a problem we all have with all the great products on the market. Happy creative week, Angela xXx
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you're on the hunt, Angela, and that you're working with the daughter of your friend. I truly believe that arts and crafts are a great way to heal (although, as you say, not the pocketbook!). Happy week right back to you! xo
DeleteLots of fun and colour for you all during your play-date. And, I guess you managed to clear out some of your excess at the same time. Great job From everyone!
ReplyDeleteThe stash is slowly diminishing, and it's a great way to use up all those oddments. Great fun, Val!
DeleteI so love all those book marks you all came up with - artists are magicians! The quotes are super!
ReplyDeleteI haven't found any Mixed Media Artists in the immediate vicinity - so I can just share and interchange via internet- but I love it anyway - I love to meet up with like-minded people all over the world and learn from them and the challenges I run and are on the DT's are all my special artsy babies...
I do no swaps since the postage costs are so horrible high, but taking part in art-challenges is something I really enjoy !
oxo Susi
I agree that artists are magicians - such a wonderful pile to go to the library (you're quite correct it's a great one, too). Here's hoping that you find some M/M artists in your area, Susi - it's certainly fun to break the isolation of working alone in the studio! I love online challenges as well, although I don't seem to have enough time to join in many of them...perhaps that, too, will come.
DeleteAnd forgot to mention that your Creston Library looks AMAZING!!!! Really cool!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!!!
DeleteBravo for you, your ladies and their gorgeous bookmarks...so fun, functional and beautiful. You and your quote cracked me up, I hope you can manage to keep your homicidal tendencies under control in your spare time...lol.
ReplyDeleteAs far as community projects go I have had the great fun of building and painting stage sets and creating costumes for church and school roadshows and plays, painting campaign posters for neighborhood kids and even the Mayor of our city. And I have created flyers, cards, and cartoons for every conceivable thing. My art life has been so fun and varied it has been my joy and I am so very grateful for the ability to create art.
You my friend are a creator of art, fun and happiness may you be blessed for the sunshine you bring to the people who you touch...Have a wonderful week.
Good heavens, Deann - I am seriously impressed with your community work. From stage sets to costumers, to posters, flyers and cards I hereby pronounce you the Queen of the Artistic Volunteers! You're not only a fabulous artist, but obviously a very community-minded heart! Meanwhile, I'm just heading back to another murder mystery and an attempt to keep those tendencies under control. :D
DeleteAwesome comment Deann.
DeleteA beautiful way to give back! Of course, you can also 'guerilla art' them by leaving them in books you have borrowed.
ReplyDeleteJust love libraries. The ones here in South Australia are great as they are all on one system. We went on holiday to Kangaroo Island (about 2 hrs drive plus 45 min ferry from Adelaide) and had finished the audio book we took for in the car. We went into the local library on the island, listened to the new audio book on the way home, and returned it to the library that is a 20min walk from where we live! And you can borrow 100 items on each card. Wonderful! Shame the UK has gone the other way and pulled out all their funding.
Guerilla bookmarks - a great idea, Tracy! It's great that the libraries are all on one system in S. Australia - it's the same here in B. C., although I don't believe it covers the whole of Canada. What a shame about the UK situation - you may have to change that when you get there! I'd sign any petition you start, my friend! xo
DeleteSuch intense concentration in the room when everyone was in their creative zone! All creating independently but still learning from each other.
ReplyDeleteEileen, I love the energy of artists working together - the synergy is wonderful, isn't it?!
DeleteLooks like a fun day and what a result ! Fantastic !
ReplyDeleteCorrie x
It was, Corrie, and I was stunned at the wonderful variety of book marks made from scraps and leftovers - I just LOVE the artistic mindset!
DeleteLovely book tags Win and how wonderful to be able to create with such a nice group of friends!!
ReplyDeleteJackie xoxo
It was wonderful, Jackie - it could only have been better had you been able to join us!!!
DeleteThese must be the most creative bookmarks I've ever seen - a great selection to fit all tastes! Eileen's finished art on the alcohol ink backgrounds is truly breathtaking! A big wow from me! You're so lucky to have such a nice bunch of ladies to work with!
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun, Zsuzsa - SO wish you could have been playing with us! You'd have just loved it. And I'm in agreement with Eileen's alcohol in works - stunning!
DeleteThat was such fun Win. The creative energy and concentration of each artist was a delight to be a part of. The bookmarks turned out wonderful! Unique to each artist.
ReplyDeleteIt most certainly was, Laura - I'm so impressed with what we accomplished, and the library was beyond delighted to receive them!
DeleteExcellent post Win. I love all the colour and the fun to be had when artists create together! Missing that with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alice - it's a marvellous thing when artists get together to play, and we are WAY past due! xo
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