Project Time

I have been scarce during the past week. Here's why:

Yes, I mistreat my yoga mat by employing it as a knee and bum pad when I'm working on art projects. I like to spread out on the floor when I'm working, and hardwood ain't comfy. And those "scraps" on the mat are actually individual blades of grass.

 

I've yet to add the subject to this background. The image is glossy due to the combination of magazine paper and Mod Podge.

I have been working on my latest cut-paper collage. These pieces are incredibly time-consuming, and they keep both my brain and my hands active, leaving little time for some of my other favorite creative outlets - meaning blogging.

Anyone seeing this piece who is mostly familiar with the work I did in undergrad or grad school might be surprised. My undergraduate work was process-oriented, primarily monochromatic and lacked narrative - aside from its conceptual back story. I "discovered" narrative during grad school, but the majority of my thesis work was digital, dark in subject matter, and the narratives were applied with a light hand. Its making was still very much inspired by process, specifically the processes of repetition and tool use (meaning anything from a pencil to cyborg-like additions).

I get real pleasure from making up colorful scenes like the one above.  I am definitely inspired by a folk art aesthetic, children's art and quilting. This work is still very much tied into labor-intensive processes - from finding the perfect colored paper in magazines to cutting the right shapes  (usually many of them!) from the paper. If I could do these collages easily or quickly, they just wouldn't be as satisfying. Figuring out how to express the idea of an object existing in the real world through cut paper is a challenge I enjoy. Creating "grass," for instance, is a good example of what I mean. In this piece, I am using long individual blades in the piece above, while in other pieces I have created grass quite differently - sometimes it needs to be short or choppy or windblown or ragged or... you get the idea. 

I get to tell stories through cut paper, while also exploring texture, color and shape. These pieces are so fun to make, and I could see myself expanding this way of working in several different directions.

Thanks for taking a look! Come back for updates - I will definitely share the finished piece. What are you working on these days? I would love to see...

Cheers,

Alison :)

Jars of Glass

I am a magazine junkie. I am specifically addicted to magazines featuring lots of home decorating and organizational ideas. I can’t get enough of them, and I have a hard time getting rid of the magazines, too (organizational fail). I wonder at the amazing spaces, and wish I had thought of the great ideas. When I see something that really catches my attention, I try to figure out how I could reinterpret it to work in my life. I might be quietly flipping magazine pages, but my mind is anything but quiet.

The internet offers very quick access to imagery. Sometimes while I am on the computer, I type random terms into Etsy’s search engine just to see what exciting finds might pop up. And, no, I am not above admitting I have searched the terms “penis” and “vagina” on multiple occasions, in addition to ho hum terms such as “feather” and “pitcher.” It’s akin to looking up dirty words in the dictionary. You can’t help but giggle a bit when you do it. Okay, anyway... Usually, I look up images which could prove helpful to me and my creative process. I may wish to know if what I am making has been done before (and I always hope it hasn’t!), or I might just need a little visual inspiration. I always appreciate the cool handmade objects made by independent artists on Etsy and elsewhere on the Web. Yesterday, I mentioned I want to throw a special craft party for my girlfriends. I have been thinking about party favors for some time, and I have an idea involving glass jars. I know exactly what I am going to do with them, but, for now, it’s top secret! In the meantime, I thought it might be entertaining to take a look at how other people have revamped cast-off glass jars.

 

Jars as Lighting

   

Mason Jar Lights Chandelier - Fantastic! I love when glassware is recreated into unique lighting options. 

Handmade Solar Lights - I enjoy the rainbow striping employed here. These would be really fun at a party! Gluing tissue paper to found jars would be a fun afternoon craft activity for kids, too.

  

Tea Light Jars Candle Holders - I knew I shouldn’t have passed up that HUGE BAG of old baby food jars at the thrift store last year. I’ve been regretting my bad decision since then, and this brings it all back. Can you imagine pasting inspiring words from your favorite book on a jar? Or how about pictures from vintage illustrated books? Personally, I would like to use a bunch of wire-handled baby food jars with tea lights as outdoor lighting.

Customizable Jars

Chalkboard Front Glass Jars Centerpiece - So cute! I love that these jars do double duty as signage and water pitchers.

 

Chalkboard Glass Jars - This is such a great way to store foods bought in bulk. If you replaced the large jars with those tall skinny green olive jars, you would have a cool set of spice and herb jars! 

 

Etched Label Glass Catchall Jars - The “labels” are simple and lovely. I could see myself using these jars to store art supplies.

Filled Jars

 

Heart in a Jar Anatomical Curio Specimen Jar - Science and Fiber Art move me, so Fiber Art + Science = The best of both worlds! I am also attracted to the idea of carefully curating objects to “preserve” in glass jars.

 

First Snow - Terrarium in a jar. Terrariums appeal to me, whether the fillings are real or fake. Flipping the jar upside down makes me imagine totally new possibilities for the humble jar.

Decorated Jars

 

Colorful Party Favor Jars - I so love these! They are bright and colorful and just plain fun. The addition of buttons makes these jars feel really special. These are kind of like, but not at all the same as, the party favors I am going to make. Tee hee!

 

Lace Knit Glass Jar Wedding Centerpieces - Ooh, this makes me want to give crochet another chance! You can decorate ANYTHING with these stitches. I’ll bet this vase casts gorgeous shadows when used as a candle holder. 

Up-cycled Haberdashery Jars and Cups - Simply divine! This combines some of my favorite vintage materials. It reminds me of those country-style jars with pincushions, but it’s totally updated and definitely my style.

Flower Jars

Shabby Chic Wall Vases - I have had a thing for wall pockets of any variety ever since I worked at an antique store during high school. I know these are referred to as “shabby chic,” but the clamps make it look industrial fabulous.

  

Two Hanging Mason Jars With Flower Frog Lids - What I said about wall pockets? The same thing applies to flower frogs. I think they rock whether they are corralling flowers or being re-purposed. Here they look simple and chic.

The Notions Jars - It’s amazing to me how two items I associate with life on a farm can look so incredibly minimalistic and cool. Actually, when I think about it, a lot of things about country living strike me as incredibly minimalistic and cool - and industrial, too!

What objects and images put your brain in motion? What blogs or magazines do you go to for eye candy and advice? What projects have you seen and then customized to fit your lifestyle or just your style? Have you ever gotten yourself lost in Etsy? Do any of you have Pinterest or any other image-hoarding accounts?

Happy Saturday!

Alison :)

Kashi Goodness & TerraCycle, Too

 Learn more about Kashi's food packaging reduction here.

 Maybe I am out of the loop, but I just noticed the lack of packaging on the Kashi granola bars at the right for the first time last night. Its printed sticker binds the granola bars together and takes the packaging to nearly nil. It freaks me out when companies introduce “green” products that have tons of packaging to advertise them as such. I have to give a huge “THANK YOU” to companies for making an effort to walk the talk. Also, it makes it really easy for consumers to be eco-conscious.

Kashi is a well-known and widely available brand committed to making earth-conscious business choices. Being big can lead to decisions and issues a smaller company may not have to face, but, by doing something as simple(?) as reducing packaging, Kashi can raise awareness in consumers and hopefully influence other companies to reduce their packaging, too.

I am a big fan of Kashi, especially GoLean Crunch and their newish line of frozen entrees (I LOVE the Mayan Harvest Bake.). I have not tried their frozen pizzas yet, but they sure look good! Their meals are perfect for when you need something quick and wholesome. I checked out their website tonight, and it includes delicious sounding recipes (and they don’t necessarily call for the use of Kashi products), ideas for natural living, and encouragement to live better. You can even sign up for their newsletter to get healthy living tips, recipes and coupons delivered directly to your inbox.

Easy as can be!!

Kashi + TerraCycle = a good combination

 
Oh, and here’s another cool thing Kashi is doing: Kashi has teamed up with TerraCycle to form the Kashi Package Brigade. Kashi fans in any city can form a Brigade and send Kashi packaging in to TerraCycle, where it will be made into accessories. For each package sent in, TerraCycle will donate 2 cents to the Brigade’s chosen charity. TerraCycle is an innovative business that manufactures new products from post-consumer materials. You may have seen upcycled products made from materials such as CapriSun pouches or M&M bags. I own a little pouch made from Koolaid packaging. I think I found it at Walgreen's, of all places! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE TerraCycle's mission and business model!

What eco-conscious companies and products do you love?

Alison

Such a Fun Weekend!

At Riverstock 2011, in front of a VW bus I liked a lot.

What's in there!? Checking out the interior of a Beetle.

Let me be a little redundant here. I had such a fun weekend! I kicked it off by heading over to my boyfriend’s house on Friday afternoon. He had the day off and was working on one of his three classic Volkswagen Beetles. He’s a fan, what can I say!? While he puttered in the garage, I dirtied the kitchen making what I like to call “Banana Yum Pops,” a sweet little treat from (neverhome)maker, except this time around I used regular chocolate chips and Peter Pan Crunchy Peanut Butter. I also left out the coconut because my boyfriend is not into it. It tasted delish, anyway! I’ve made three batches this week! The batch for my boyfriend, a batch for my friend Kate, and another for myself. I still have some hanging out in my freezer. I have a MAJOR sweet tooth, so it’s great to be able to sneak a couple a day for a small treat. They are chocolatey AND healthy! Score! Plus, it’s such a kitschy throwback of a dessert. I’ll definitely serve these at the tiki party I MUST have one of these days.

We woke  up extra early on Saturday, so we could attend the 2011 Bug Blitz Bus Blast - Riverstock, which was held in Riverside, Missouri. I told you, the bf is a Volkswagen fanatic. We saw a good variety of cars. Of course, I was far more excited by the aesthetics of the vehicles than by the engines. I saw a canary yellow Karmann Ghia that I just adored. I was also rather fond of a bus painted in white and deep orange.

A sampling of the VW buses on display.

Wouldn't I love to drive around in that gorgeous canary yellow Karmann Ghia!?

I never paid all that much attention to cars before I met my boyfriend. I always liked Beetles, though. They’re iconic and make me nostalgic for something I never had, much like Woodstock. However, it’s really cool to learn about cars, especially as an artist. What I find so interesting about classic car ownership is how much variety there is. Purists exist, but there are also a lot of people who enjoy customizing their rides (Don’t get me started on rat rods; I’ll save that for another post.). My favorite detail of the day was the steering wheel emblem used on a dove blue Beetle. It was shaped like the bust of a goddess. I later learned the image actually depicted St. Catherine. It was a beautiful piece, and it was not a Volkswagen part. However, it worked well with the feel of the car. That’s just one example of a styling detail that can add personality and individuality to a car.

Anyway, lots of fun and sun. I have the burns to prove it!

Today, I went to my friend Greta’s baby shower. She and my grade school pal Derek are expecting their first son about a month from now. Greta looked so healthy and lovely in all her pregnant glory, and I got to meet a cool group of ladies. We ate so much delicious food made by the hostess of the party. She created a wonderful Thai style pizza that I am going to have to try to replicate! Instead of tomato sauce, the pizza was made with homemade peanut sauce. She also made perfectly seasoned sliders and spinach-artichoke dip. YUM.  

The lovely Greta at her baby shower.

Greta modeling the little house I made for her, Derek and their little one, who will arrive shortly.

A closeup of the little house I made using elements from Greta's baby shower invitation.

The little houses I've made so far.

After we ate, Greta opened her gifts. I gave her and Derek a gift card to Target (that way they can get what they most need), and I made them a little house, similar to the one I made for my mom for Mother’s Day. I had a great time making this little piece, and I hope Greta and Derek enjoy it and remember this special time in their lives when they look at it. I incorporated elements from Greta’s baby shower invitation into the design. I have found that it is gratifying for me to recreate invitations into sentimental gifts for people celebrating milestones in their lives. This project was particularly fun to make, because I love Derek and Greta so much!

Once all the gifts were opened, we headed out to the garage to tie dye onesies for Greta. It was such a great idea! I can’t wait to see the results! I am sure having a summer baby is going to make onesies Greta’s go-to clothing choice for her little one, so the more the merrier, I'm sure.

What did you do over the weekend? Anything coming up next weekend I should know about?

Hope you're all having springtimey fun!

Alison

I Love Trash

Finds of the day: a metal box fan, a vintage camp oven, a folding ironing board and stove burners!

Just call me Oscar the Grouch. I found the objects pictured above in my landlord’s trash pile as I returned from a long walk, thus adding another 45 minutes to my workout. And, yes, digging through  trash IS a workout! I was in heaven when I saw it all! I walked away with a metal box fan (with metal blades!), four stove burners, an abused ironing board, and a vintage camp oven.

You see, I have (fortunately? unfortunately?) inherited the family disease; like my grandma and my mom, I am a junk revivalist. I cannot walk away from a good pile of junk without seeing if there’s anything worth keeping, using or recreating. I gotta squeeze every last bit of life out of things, or at least let them pile up around me (did I just admit to being a hoarder?). I have some ideas for all of the items I found, but the plan for the ironing board is the only one firmed up so far. And I think it’s a really fun one! The next time you see these objects, they will be settling into their new and improved lives with me.

What kind of junk turns you on? How do you incorporate it into your life? 

Alison :)