tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10865254095160103042011-09-22T06:57:16.812-07:00Notes from Laughing Crow Studio and my life as an artist.C Knoreply@blogger.comBlogger581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-31575926599311311642010-12-23T12:59:00.003-07:002010-12-23T13:14:10.817-07:00

For Christmas, I made this book for several people in my family. It celebrates their annual trip to Arizona to visit me each year since 1992. It has 38 pages (19 sheets of paper) with an inserted envelope. I purchased a packet of 5x7 cardstock in dark colors to make the assembly easier. I made four versions of this book that are mostly identical but have slight variations. . Because of the

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-1123722937978844722009-12-13T16:20:00.004-07:002009-12-14T08:59:00.251-07:00

I've been super busy the last few weeks making holiday presents for my family. I've got some pictures to share with you here. One of my nephews is a sports nut, especially baseball. Not only does he play, but he coaches and umpires. His family makes an annual trip to Chicago to watch his favorite team, the Cubs, play in Wrigley Field. This is a concertina with plain pages so he can insert any

C Knoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-89935537359930162482009-04-10T14:46:00.004-07:002009-04-10T14:51:57.305-07:00

I'm having a lot of fun leaving these art pieces the places I visit. I've gotten used to having a collection of them in my bag, and when I run out, I feel compelled to return to the studio to make more.I'm experimenting with different color palates and designs, still keeping the "trust your crazy ideas..." stamp as the common element.This round, I'm adding a collage element. I pulled out some

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-17392243544419043522009-03-20T16:54:00.010-07:002009-04-10T14:46:08.153-07:00

Hello.If you landed here, it might be because you found a piece of art with this web address on it. Welcome.I created these pieces of art to inspire you in your daily life. We all have "crazy ideas" in our heads, things that urge us to experiment, to take chances, and to follow our hearts.I want to encourage everyone to listen to your heart and follow its advice. Your heart knows you and what you

C Knoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-45887803531568801102009-03-19T16:54:00.002-07:002009-03-19T17:02:57.539-07:00

Today, I was in my studio for the first time in over 3 months! Boy, it's been a crazy time in my life. But after picking up some of the holiday present mess I left, after dusting things off, and after putting away some treasures I've purchased in these last few months, I was raring to go!I'm really pleased to share that I drafted the design for my public art project I'm going to reveal in Seattle

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-9269905340334136982009-01-15T17:57:00.002-07:002009-01-15T18:09:00.572-07:00

I'm in a quiet place now. After weeks and months of endless activity, constantly balancing needs with changing priorities, and working myself to exhaustion, I'm tired. More accurately, I'm sick.As this last few months unfolded, each time I thought I was getting a bit of a reprieve, each time I thought I would have a day or two to sort out things and manage my responsibilities, I was wrong. I

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-4240562951381275932008-12-25T23:12:00.002-07:002008-12-25T23:19:48.467-07:00

I've been enjoying time with my extended family since arriving in chilly Ohio. We have an assortment of family that includes in-laws and outlaws of various flavors. But I have a grand nephew who just turned 2, and without a doubt, he was the star. There is nothing like having a little one at the holidays. With the rush to get me and my presents out the door, I haven't posted pictures of several

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-48107568158069852442008-12-23T09:21:00.002-07:002008-12-23T09:21:02.089-07:00

When I bought my house, it had been a rental for the first ten years of its life. As a result, the landscaping had been reduced to require the minimum of maintenance. In other words, what used to be desert landscaping had turned into just a gravel pit.The saving grace (in my opinion) were the fruit trees in the back yard, a lemon, an orange, and a pomelo, a Chinese grapefruit. While I'm not a fan

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-7276467492209534572008-12-20T01:01:00.006-07:002008-12-20T01:21:24.169-07:00

I'm too tired tonight to start the next project, so I decided I would blog this one and then hit the bed. I've already triaged my holiday gifts, and I'm going to call people tomorrow and explain that I don't have their gift done, but will finish it after I return to Phoenix. I'm sorry it has come to that, but I won't drive myself crazy to finish projects when I know people won't mind at all.So,

C Knoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-89441414964580352922008-12-18T16:31:00.020-07:002008-12-18T17:21:43.913-07:00

I'm so excited to share these with you! These are my holiday gift tags this year. I normally make nice tags, but I decided to go all out this year. This is my first holidays with my studio, and it is the best present I have ever given myself! Here's some of the back story on how I made these tags.[Ooopps. I guess Jamie and Tyson now know they are getting something from me! Maybe I should have

C Knoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-11055075670222590042008-12-13T04:26:00.003-07:002008-12-13T04:46:18.670-07:00

Okay, this is hilarious. This is what goes on in my living room nearly every day, sans mirrored ball and striped socks. (Just ask my neighbors.)Send your own ElfYourself eCards

C Knoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-80516597620529500292008-12-06T14:21:00.006-07:002008-12-06T14:32:30.961-07:00

Events in my professional life (my writer life) created a need for a professional portrait. That's another story that I'll tell another time. I know several photographers in Phoenix, and when I knew I needed a portrait, I also knew which one I wanted for this job.Tyson Crosbie is a photographer, but he's an artist who works in the medium of photography. The other photographers I consider to be

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-84605165692289187392008-11-21T16:25:00.005-07:002008-11-21T16:40:59.646-07:00

Several weeks ago, I blogged about this wonderful book I made in a Carol Wingert Class. I'm happy to report that I've finished the project and it is going to be a Christmas present for... ooops, I almost gave away a secret! It's for someone who doesn't read my blog, so I feel safe posting pictures here.After I finished the book, I gathered up a long list of my favorite quotes that I thought this

C Knoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-23369024638083551552008-11-19T00:03:00.008-07:002008-11-19T01:30:11.516-07:00

This post is part of the Day of Sharing Words, an idea from LK Ludwig, one of my favorite artists.Diamond Road by Sheryl Crow (from C'mon C'mon)Walk with me the diamond roadTell me every story toldGive me something of your soulThat I can hold ontoI want to wake up to the sound of wavesCrashing on a brand new dayKeep the memory of your faceBut wipe the pain awayWhen you're lonely (you're not alone

C Knoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-47786713260047334902008-11-19T00:01:00.005-07:002008-11-19T01:29:22.035-07:00

The years of 2001-2005 were the greatest challenge of my life where I've faced the hardest situations and redefined myself from the inside out. It started with being unable to shake off the flu which turned out to be sepsis (blood poisoning) and required surgery, an extended hospital stay, and intensive antibiotics to restore my life. I was left with reduced mobility, causing me to move to a

C Knoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-83136470288184778152008-11-15T12:35:00.011-07:002008-11-16T08:54:46.854-07:00

I had a blast making this gift. First, the people receiving it have been kind to me at a time when I was struggling, and I appreciate that kindness. But building on what I've been making, and taking it to the next level, was such a stretch. It's an amazing thing to watch myself build skills in both design and execution. I'm really proud of everything I've made this year, but I feel this one is

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-11726965100063096712008-11-10T05:38:00.009-07:002008-11-11T22:04:01.035-07:00

Brent Logan tagged me, so here is my response according to the following official rules: Link to the person who tagged you.Post the rules on your blog.Write 6 random things about yourself.Tag 6-ish people at the end of your post.Let each person know he/she has been tagged.Let the tagger know when your entry is up. Here are six random facts about me you can't learn in my Facebook profile: The

C Knoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-23381350138909504132008-11-09T12:01:00.004-07:002008-11-09T12:17:05.136-07:00

I'm having one of those perfect weekend days. I spent the morning writing and now I'm making lunch. I had left over portabello mushrooms that I needed to use or give away soon, so I decided with the cooler weather in Phoenix today to make soup. Sausage and mushroom sounded good! I Googled mushroom sausage soup, and I found about half a dozen recipes right away. I read through them, and realized I

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-8152347539208048972008-11-06T23:10:00.013-07:002008-11-16T08:55:56.126-07:00

Tonight, I gave a gift book to a very dear new friend. I decided over the weekend that I would make a small book for her. So I spent some time going through her Flickr archive looking for a photo I could use for the cover. It turned out, she has quite a collection of photos out there, and so I decided to print several pictures for her book.Note: I was able to do this because my friend had not

C Knoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-33970572928416914502008-11-01T19:26:00.006-07:002008-11-18T23:16:08.029-07:00

I am in type of creative space that I don't encounter very often. This time, instead of paper or other art media, the blank canvas is my life. My work life to be more specific.The last time I felt like my working future was this wide open was back in college. After spending 2+ years studying computer engineering, I realized that I needed to change my major. I spent about 6 months still in college

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-1543514247452090432008-09-16T05:14:00.004-07:002008-09-16T04:02:55.161-07:00

I went shopping Saturday afternoon in Chandler, and ended up spending a lot more money than I expected. So much more that I had to put my purchase on a credit card. It was a business expense and it was a great opportunity, but I usually don't buy things unless I can pay cash. I made an exception, and I drove home with the back of my truck loaded with my goodies.On the way home, I was in one of

C Knoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-74596561466760209502008-09-14T02:07:00.015-07:002008-09-14T02:50:02.294-07:00

On Friday, I took another wonderful class from Carol Wingert at Scrapbooks, Etc. Her project is called Little Things and involved using aluminum tape, embossing, and lots of Glimmer Mist with masks. It was a fun class, as always.I finished creating the book today in the studio. I am going to give this book as a Christmas present for a young woman in my life. I'm going to call it Small Ideas and

C Knoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-76399118810963001512008-09-07T23:43:00.017-07:002008-09-08T00:20:13.717-07:00

Many people are posting pictures of their homes based on the idea in Blink (by Malcolm Gladwell) that you can learn a great deal about people by spending a few minutes in their home. You get to see the real person this way, not the image they present. Catherine encouraged me to participate in this, and here it is. For full disclosure, I did straighten up my desk, my studio had been a total wreck

C Knoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-19734901360103978002008-08-27T17:01:00.006-07:002008-08-27T19:37:24.467-07:00

A recent theme in my life is about facing the unknown. It's everywhere in my life right now, shaking me out of the road hypnosis of purring along smoothly and driving in my comfort zone. It's the new media at work in the studio. It's the client situation for my day job. It's embracing social media (Twitter, etc.) in my work life.For the most part, I am really embracing this change and very happy

C Knoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-26470883605276246782008-08-20T14:49:00.006-07:002008-08-20T15:19:40.301-07:00

I have two reactions to my new art journal and the art journaling process. First, at the highest level, I realize that I've taken a step into a larger world and started a huge journey by taking just this one little baby step. Second, I'm a bit shocked each time I turn the page and stare at all of that whiteness. I've learned to overcome the snow blindness of the page when I write, so I'm

C Knoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-81581739862049129942008-08-18T15:37:00.005-07:002008-08-18T15:58:27.475-07:00

I promised myself that my art journal was not going to sit and wait for me to have the perfect space with all of the perfect tools lined up ready to go. Today, I stole some time and using what was easily available, created a reflection of what I am thinking about my art.Today I Begin......creating what I feel....learning how to express ideas in a new way....experimenting with tools and colors in

C Knoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-38006020557149078182008-08-16T21:09:00.017-07:002008-09-04T00:10:17.878-07:00

On Friday, I participated in yet another fabulous Carol Wingert class at Scrapbooks, Etc. We decorated a 16 inch torso, worked with Glimmer Mist, and did some laser copy photo transfer with gel medium. As usual, I didn't finish my project in class and still have some work to do on the skirt. To add some depth, we sprayed Glimmer Mist on paper and used that as an underskirt. For some reason, mine

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-20780518190186436562008-08-12T03:24:00.006-07:002008-08-17T09:19:16.621-07:00

I realize that I haven't posted in a while. My day job has kept me plenty busy over the last couple of weeks. But that is only part of the reason why I haven't posted.I realized this weekend that I'm doing my best to hold a space for painting the images I wrote about last time. It's almost like I'm afraid that if I put any energy into anything else art related, I'll whiz past the painting energy

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-28009357647113488442008-08-01T12:42:00.004-07:002008-08-01T22:38:26.011-07:00

Ever since Santa Fe, I've had an image in my head that haunts me. Actually, it is two images, the same scene from two different points of view. And after days of denying it, I'm now sure that I need to capture this image in art. I see the finished products in my head as well. And they are PAINTED! But I'm not a painter. Sure, I can paint backgrounds for other artwork, but actually paint an image?

C Knoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-18497448120540729352008-07-28T20:28:00.030-07:002008-12-09T02:09:41.731-07:00

It was a whirlwind trip to Santa Fe that left me recharged, reinspired, and ready to dive back into my life.I drove from Phoenix to Santa Fe with a stop in Albuquerque for dinner at the Duran Central Pharmacy lunch counter. They are famous for their chicken enchiladas with green chili sauce. It was very good. There were two bug-a-boos on that first day. My camera battery died just outside of

C Knoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-29407678583269758362008-07-28T19:00:00.013-07:002008-12-09T02:09:43.500-07:00

The second day, my goal was to visit Bandelier National Monument and the science museums of Los Alamos. They are about 40 miles north of Santa Fe, but because of the rolling hills and winding roads, it's about an hour drive.I love Bandelier. It is my favorite of the national parks and monuments. My goal was to visit Alcove House, a ceremonial cave 140 feet up the side of a cliff. In the cave is a

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-64304708608690080802008-07-28T18:00:00.009-07:002008-12-09T02:09:43.822-07:00

The big event for the third and final day was the Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market. This is unlike any flea market you have ever visited. The vendors bring goods from all over the world. There is no junk here, no resale/garage sale merchandise. From this inauspicious entrance lies one of the five best flea markets in the world. There is no entrance fee, and no cameras are allowed, so I don't have

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-58643942412306467892008-07-28T17:00:00.009-07:002008-12-09T02:09:44.266-07:00

The last day of my vacation was the drive home to Phoenix. I had planned to get an early start so I could arrive in Albuquerque at a shop called Papers! when they opened at 9 am. However, things didn't go exactly as planned and I got a later start.The drive to Albuquerque takes about an hour. I stopped to refill the gas tank and my cooler (filled with healthy snacks for the road) and then arrived

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-89177759149777021912008-07-21T11:54:00.010-07:002008-12-09T02:09:44.364-07:00

I've finished the Santa Fe Travel Journal and it is ready to hit the road with me. Yesterday, I printed out the destination forms, one each for places to eat, museums/parks, and shopping spots. I spent some quality time pouring over my new travel guide to select the possible destinations, filled out the appropriate form, and add the location to my GPS favorites. From that standpoint, I'm ready to

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-78409936413990231242008-07-20T00:09:00.008-07:002008-07-20T00:29:06.047-07:00

I'm so excited that I have to post again here. I've just spent the first part of my evening reviewing a travel guide to make a list of the places to see, shops, and restaurants I want to visit on my trip. Unable to sleep (that's another story), I began mapping out form I could make to organize and record that basics for these destinations that would allow me to journal about them and add photos

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-81850461817602781642008-07-19T09:50:00.022-07:002008-12-09T02:09:44.604-07:00

On Friday, I once again treated myself to a wonderful Carol Wingert class at Scrapbooks, Etc. This time, we made Carol's Dos-a-dos travel journal, a project she has taught a couple other times this summer. It's a fun red and black multiple part book. The front is an envelope/honeycomb book assembled with envelopes between the front and back covers. And the back is a another book, one with a sewn

C Knoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-51694621260998321212008-07-16T19:34:00.006-07:002008-12-09T02:09:44.707-07:00

The last few weeks have been more challenging that I would have guessed. My day job has been quite unpredictable, with a couple of large, rush projects turning off and on like a strobe light. Now, it seems that I have an unplanned vacation between now and the first week of August. What to do with myself?I've decided to rework my home office. It's time for a thorough cleaning and reorganization of

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-21981290155650390432008-07-05T01:47:00.009-07:002008-12-09T02:09:44.846-07:00

I have spent several precious hours tonight in the studio. After a little bit of picking up, I pulled out the Guitar Hero project and continued where I left off. [This is an accordian/exploding book.]I believe I have about 70% of the pictures cut and temporarily attached in their final locations. I have pictures on the front and back, when I had only planned to cover the front. But as I went

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-52485330463012284942008-06-30T01:57:00.014-07:002008-12-09T02:09:45.121-07:00

For many weeks, I've had a partially completed wedding gift for my sister's step daughter on my worktable. The background has been finished for a while, but each time I would sit down to finish it, I found myself unhappy with the embellishments and would set it aside. On Friday, I realized it has been a whole month since the wedding, and that I needed to push myself a bit to finish it up.The

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-4089057284739686452008-06-21T13:19:00.015-07:002008-06-21T14:17:01.771-07:00

I had the best time yesterday in Carol Wingert's class at Scrapbooks, Etc. We made her Summer White book, the same book as her kit this month. Lots of painting, texture painting on the covers, glassine to cover photos, and stamping on fabric. I didn't get the project finished in class, and I've added to my unfinished project list. I'm going to make it for my mom for her birthday in September. I

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-68739860646830776412008-06-13T15:20:00.007-07:002008-12-09T02:09:45.248-07:00

My life has been consumed lately by my work, and now by my need to rest between big deadlines. I don't really have the time to rest, but my entire being seems to mutiny every time I even think about walking into the office. Yesterday, I realized that I have to give into this, and I ended up playing hookey most of the day. I had so much fun and felt so much better that I've decided to do the same

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-71136261916567160792008-06-04T16:59:00.004-07:002008-12-09T02:09:45.403-07:00

Last night, I took the Book It class with Jennifer Wagner at Scrapbooks, Etc. She was fun, the project is adorable, and I had a great time. I'm going to modify the project away from the Father's Day/Men theme. I've got an idea about what I'm going to do, but I won't be sure until I get started. I'll post a picture of the book when I get to it.My day job is going well. As I've mentioned, I have

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-56792296698495216102008-05-29T17:56:00.001-07:002008-06-04T17:14:09.672-07:00

Today, I took my new GPS for a test drive over a very long lunch. I wanted to pull up in front of all of my art places and set the GPS that way. It was way fun! I didn't get through as many as I wanted, but I got most of Tempe covered and even found a new place (Jerry's Artarama). While I was out, I just HAD to stop in a couple of the places, the ones I hadn't been in for a while. As a result, I

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-31612437237902600982008-05-28T14:46:00.003-07:002008-05-28T14:59:04.268-07:00

When I pulled together my studio, I knew a fine tuning (or two) would be needed. After I finished the Punk'd mini book, my workspace was a mess. I tried to pick it up, but everything I picked up ended right back on the table. There isn't a place yet to put things away!About 10 days ago, I ordered a few organizing supplies from Scrapbook.com. I already had a few of the Cropper Hopper embellishment

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-86259665698310251012008-05-25T10:57:00.006-07:002008-12-09T02:09:45.873-07:00

I'm in such a great space in my life these days, and it feels like a happy accident that I'm here and I'm so happy. And yet, when I really think about what has been happening, I can see that my own work and intentions have brought me to this happy place. I found myself with a project delay that meant I had a couple of unexpected weeks off in October 2006. Facing a blank schedule, I made a

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-103250800714028772008-05-24T22:18:00.012-07:002008-12-09T02:09:46.253-07:00

[Note: I've updated the photo using my new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80]I just got home from a fabulous class with Tim Holtz at Scrapbooks, Etc. I took a quick picture of my finished project with my cell phone, but it does no justice to the project. I'll retake the photo after I replace my digital camera.The purpose of the class was to experiment with the distress product lines. And who better than

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-64331129592096388272008-05-20T09:15:00.009-07:002008-05-20T09:46:32.229-07:00

Mom got her Mother's Day present yesterday. She called me when the box arrived and I was on the phone with her when she openned it. She loves it. It's on her kitchen counter where she sits to drink her coffee throughout the day.She said something very interesting. She thought it would be hard for me to give it away. In truth, I couldn't wait for her to get it, but at the same time, I do miss

C Knoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-21138458943861921392008-05-17T05:51:00.009-07:002008-12-09T02:09:46.357-07:00

Thursday night, I had an amazing dream. I interpret my dreams based on the work of Carl Jung because I have found his approach to really help me understand my dreams in terms of personal growth. My dream was about a shift in my work life and my perspective on my work life. How appropriate for someone who is working to make art part of her working life (instead of remaining an escape from work)!I

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-71415037499839783692008-05-13T16:44:00.021-07:002008-12-09T02:09:47.186-07:00

This project has been so much fun! I started with a clear idea of the narrative, the story I wanted to tell. There were key points that I wanted to make. I went through my photo archives to find every photo I could find to cull out the ones that were the cutest and the ones that supported the narrative. I even collected a picture from my nephew's cell phone that appears on the inside back cover.

C Knoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-68287612082011366632008-05-10T22:13:00.004-07:002008-05-10T22:55:33.593-07:00

I finished this project today. I'm a little disappointed that I haven't replaced my digital camera yet. This leaves me with my cell phone and scanner to capture images. They are not nearly as good as a camera, but under the circumstances, I'm glad to have them. I'm going to get this project shipped off to Mom tomorrow, and after she receives it, I'll post the project pictures.I love the way this

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-19611935205012503802008-05-09T15:17:00.003-07:002008-05-10T22:17:16.945-07:00

I have my pictures ready and I've prepared all of the page backgrounds. I'm sitting at the computer ready to start typing up the text and captions. I'm going to use Microsoft Publisher and create a series of 4x4 text boxes. My plan is to test the text using plain paper, and then run it on patterned paper for the book. I have the stack of pages, loose backgrounds with loose pictures, on the desk

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-61376633725060235932008-05-09T00:10:00.004-07:002008-12-09T02:09:47.310-07:00

There are several projects on my work table. These are the ones that I'm currently working on.Project 1: Wedding GiftSeveral months ago, I saw a chipboard product that inspired this project. It was a picture frame that uses a clip to hold the glass (the picture goes behind the glass), and used a long screw as a leg. When I realized I wanted to make this, I went back to the store, but they had

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-36262382824925174312008-05-06T14:47:00.006-07:002008-12-09T02:09:47.638-07:00

The greatest truth I have learned about life is that it comes in cycles. There are times when opportunities abound and I'm full of fresh ideas, people, and new things. From there, things start to get really busy and I realize there isn't a limit to what I can take on. I have to get practical and set priorities, and then run with what seems to be the best of the crop. Eventually, the pace slows

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-12239859357528115722008-05-04T17:57:00.007-07:002008-12-09T02:09:48.429-07:00

In my studio time last night, I nearly finished my Gibralter travel journal. This project started from a Rusty Pickle kit in the class taught by Lance (Got Pickle?) Anderson at the Paper Vineyard last month. It had a travel theme, and because a Gibraltar trip was my first really well researched trip, it seemed a likely combination. The kit and the resulting accordian envelope with tags book is

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-7487973632248463762008-05-03T18:55:00.003-07:002008-12-09T02:09:48.588-07:00

I've forced myself to work at the things that currently pay the bills for long days and long weeks for almost two months. The last week was brutal! I reached an interim deadline tonight (after working more than 10 hours on a SATURDAY), and I've decided to reward myself with some time in the studio. Never mind that you can write your name in the dust in every room, or that I'm almost out of clean

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-84969151650932216552008-05-02T15:35:00.006-07:002008-12-09T02:09:48.723-07:00

Last Saturday, I attended two classes by Kim Kwan at Devine Memories and had a blast. Kim is the kind of teacher that creates a safe environment to play and explore, and her kits (from her recent trip to France) were fabulous. It was such a good time!Kim's morning class was a kit she called "Grant Me A Wish" based on a Maya Road scallop coaster book. I changed my theme slightly to "Words to Live

C Knoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-92174452126120903922008-05-01T18:44:00.005-07:002008-05-01T21:35:30.794-07:00

I have a theory that our environment pulls out of us the things we have within us that match the requirements or conditions of the environment. For example, I make my living manipulating information, mostly words, to help people integrate software into the workplace. My inate skills allow me to do that well. I excel at this work. But if I had been born 50 years earlier, or 100 years earlier (or

C Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086525409516010304.post-19727871006334064562008-05-01T10:40:00.000-07:002008-05-01T10:59:40.387-07:00

I'm a long time blogger, but this entry is a big deal for me. This is the first entry in my art blog. I realized last night that the renewed focus on my art in my life is taking me places I didn't expect. One of those places is here. I realized that I need an art journal, a place where I can write about my art, keep notes about what I'm learning, and review my progress. I love the idea of a

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