Monday, March 30, 2020
last watercolors for awhile
Although I haven't posted for three weeks, I have spent a little time each weekend creating. The pieces here are from weeks one and two. I don't care for either of them and am about ready to throw in the towel on watercolor. After eight months there continue to be more flops than gems. It's time to move on. This past weekend I put the watercolor supplies away and started my first improvisational quilting project. I had thoroughly enjoyed it and time flew by. I'll post photos, probably my next post.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
catch up post
It's been nearly three weeks since my last post. I joined a new yoga program that started January 12 and it's been taking increasingly more and more time - far more than I originally anticipated. However, my health is my #1 priority so I'm giving this new program the time it needs. Things will level out a bit after the intensive initial training is complete (end of February) and I transition to "just" continue the practice each day. I've been practicing yoga for 15+ years and have wanted to take it to the next level for the last few years, but didn't act on it until an opportunity appeared late December and rather than overthink it, I jumped on it. So glad I did! The program is beyond excellent.
Back to creating.... so, I haven't had time to post but I have made time to create here and there. The photo above shows my recent efforts. The landscape was actually done in December, but I didn't get it posted until now. I think it's my favorite to-date.
Next weekend I'm attending another all-day watercolor workshop. I hope it ignites my waning creativity. There have been many times this month I could've spent more time creating, but just didn't have the energy/drive for it. Part of that was likely work hours/stress, but it's not entirely to blame. We are all in control of our lives, whether we always admit it or not.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
it's all learning
This is a mixed media piece I created this past weekend. I do not like it, BUT, I learned some things while making it, and I do like that. Taking a cue from one of the quotes on my 2020 vision board: Make something today even if it sucks. 👍😊
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
dream the dream
The piece above is one of three galaxy ones I created a couple weekends ago. I've always been mesmerized by space, and decided to try my hand at creating images. It's a fun process with cool results -- pretty sure this will become a regular part of my art.
Monday, December 2, 2019
discover and joy
The Joy piece, below, was a quick little thing I did yesterday - just playing around and experimenting. It reflected how I felt about my Thanksgiving weekend.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019
crackin rose
This is the "red" exercise from Gina Lee Kim's book that I'd been following. A vase of flowers isn't something I'd typically choose, but the point is to practice various techniques. I like the way the crackle medium worked on the vase, although it doesn't show up so well in the photograph.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
the magic of beginnings
This past weekend I finished the piece I shared as a WIP last week, adding texture and dimension to the tree trunks, more leaves here and there, and a quote.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
fall trees WIP
This week I worked some more on a WIP I started a couple weeks ago. It's slow going, but that's ok. Progress is progress.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
red poppies
I wasn't in the mood to finish last week's WIP so I started a couple new ones this week, both exercises in Gina Lee Kim's book. I like how the poppy exercise turned out.
Sunday, September 8, 2019
watercolor stained glass
When I sat down to practice watercolor this week, I was inspired by the beautiful landscape panels at Glass Art Stories.
Monday, September 2, 2019
the trouble is...
I finished two watercolor courses in August, and this month I'm learning from a watercolor book by Gina Lee Kim. I followed her work a few years ago and then forgot about her when I wasn't creating for a couple years. Thankfully, I stumbled on her work again and ordered her book. She reminded me watercolor doesn't have to strictly be watercolor. It can be augmented with other mediums. DUH. I do this all the time with my art but it hadn't yet dawned on me for watercolor. And it was exactly the inspiration I needed after failing miserably at my watercolor practice last week (see below). I felt good for practicing but was very disappointed in the results, frustrated to the point of wanting to return to acrylics. Gina Lee Kim to the rescue! 😊
Monday, June 17, 2019
all stitched up
I'm pleased to say my first beaded fabric landscape collage (boy, is that a mouthful) is complete. Is it perfect? Ha! Far from it. Am I happy with it? You bet I am. I dove in and saw this project through to completion, even though there were times when I questioned my sanity. The point is I tried something new, experimented, watched videos for tips (especially helpful for the binding, which I ripped out and started over more than once) and didn't overthink things like I have a tendency to do. I learned a lot on this project but more importantly, had fun and am eager to try my hand at another one.
Monday, May 27, 2019
decisions
I finished beading the sun this week and debated whether to stop there, making the sun the one focal point, or continue beading other parts of the collage (and if so, which other parts). Knowing when to stop and when to keep going has always been a challenge when I create. As I pondered what to do, I realized if I stopped, I'd never know if adding more would've improved it. If I add more and don't like it, I can undo it or toss it. At least I'll have tried and in the process, practiced the skills I'm seeking to improve. My theme this year is practice, so the decision was then easy. I kept beading. I don't yet know if I like it, but I'm not done. 😉
Sunday, May 19, 2019
beaded fabric landscape collage
My mom was an excellent seamstress and I now have her machine alongside mine. I feel her with me as I venture back into sewing, and I remember the younger, more carefree me as I bead. The project is not just fun, but therapeutic.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
creating again
Here are a couple pics from when I made it into the studio recently. The first one was playing with metal and the second one is something new I'm experimenting with. I really like it but haven't completed a piece as yet. The glaze I used the first time was apparently old (go figure, huh? ha!), and ate away at my work so I had to start over. I actually like the colors of the second version more than the first (no photos from that). They look a little like the cosmos to me. Anyway, I ordered some new glaze to try and am anxious to play around some more with the process. If the results are good, I'll add some pieces to the shop.
Oh, and for those of you who like the stained glass pendants in the shop, I haven't stopped making those. A few are ready to solder but I'd like more ready before getting out the soldering supplies. To make more means replenishing my glass supply, which will require servicing the grinder. Sounds like I'm complaining but it's helpful to know what all is involved when making things. It's not like I'm buying kits from the store and assembling them. As much as possible, I create from scratch. This doesn't make what I do better than what someone else does, it just makes it more authentic for me - more enjoyable and rewarding. And heck, isn't that why we create to begin with? To have fun, express ourselves, learn, explore and refine not just our skills but who we are on the inside?
Believe,
Di
Sunday, October 27, 2013
life is a medley
On that note, I'm putting on the craft apron and heading to that side of the room. I hope you all have a glorious week ahead. If you're a Snoopy fan like me, don't forget "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" will air 7pm CT this Thursday, 10/31. Happy Halloween, everyone!
Believe,
Di
Sunday, September 15, 2013
art for self-improvement
Monday, March 14, 2011
get your craft on

I'll share the pieces once completed.
On the book front, I finished reading Taking Flight: Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings by Kelly Rae Roberts (excellent!). The last couple of chapters were definitely my favorites, and this book is now residing in my craft room, within easy reach whenever I need inspiration. I started Room by Emma Donoghue (love it!) and will finish Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston tonight. What have you been reading?
Now, in honor of March being National Craft Month, I encourage you to go forth and get your craft on! {smile}
Believe,
Di
Monday, December 20, 2010
haiku expressions - part 4
The black hole confounds.
Man ponders its mystery,
But what if it's white?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I cut the black hole.
A total absence of light
Reflects in my eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aren't these haiku thought-provoking? I really like what Phyll did with them!
As for the art, the background is something I started nearly a year ago and have added various layers to and tinkered with off and on for months, never quite sure what I'd use it for. When it came time for me to create a piece for our collaboration, I knew it would be the perfect starting place. I toyed with making it an underwater scene of some sort, but my love of moon and sun items won and thus it became cosmic space. The sun was made from Friendly Plastic (both stick and pellets) & alcohol inks. The moon too was made of FP. The photo doesn't show it well, but there's pearl ink forming craters. While I liked it the overall piece just like that, my intent was to illustrate balance.... internal balance.... but how? The idea of something busting through intrigued me, so I pursued it, adding the mirror to reflect on the viewer and imply the internal/personal balance breakthrough. Something like that anyway.... When my hubby saw it, his initial reaction was a black hole had consumed our earth. Then he saw it was a mirror and made some wisecrack about the universe revolving around him... LOL!! I like all our interpretations, and love that the piece has a voice at an individual level. It has become one of my favorites.
My thanks go out to Phyll for her creative talents, open mind, willingness to try anything and loads of patience! You are a true gem, Phyll!Believe...
Di
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
haiku expressions - part 2
Next up... we each create something artistic and the other writes a haiku to represent it. This should prove interesting! *smile*
Believe...
Di




















