WarehouseArtchix

don't forget...

Do not forget to check out Cindy's pretty pots and frame at www.yappingcatstudios.typepad.com , I never can figure out the link thingy...sorry, but do check out her wonderful talent at painting and at store display over at the Dove's Nest!!

And we are off to February...my fav~~~~

Wahooo!!! It is that time of year...my very favorite of all!!! When everyone gets out all the red and pink hearts and begins to celebrate the month of LOVE.

As you all know by now, pink is the top of the list on my favorite colors...you can find it in almost all (well, maybe all) of my work.  I love painting with pink paint because it is like creating with sugary frosting!  This year we even have an extra day to play in those colors as FEBRUARY has 29 days this year!!!

I just can't help but be over the top when it comes to FEBRUARY...so stay tuned for many more pink delights!!  And...

A sweet thank you to Cindy at Yapping Cat Studios...she is such a sweetheart to tell me that she has been inspired by my birdy painting...when I have, as one of my prized possessions, one of her handpainted trays from years ago that has a birdnest with eggs handpainted on it.   It makes me happy everytime I look at that tray...inspired me to paint birds, nests and eggs all those years ago!  Isn't it fun how it all comes full circle in this world of art and creative minds!!! And Cindy....LOVE those pots and frame!!! Your work has a delicate quality that I simply love!!! 

Can I ask for a little favor??? PLEEZE!!!

O.k., I admit it....when it comes to choosing for my own house...I can't make up my mind ( yes that is no news to my friends!!).  I am what you might call a decorating schizophrenic!  Even though I spend my days choosing for other people, I have a hard time narrowing it down for me!  I think it is because I get to see so much, all the choices out there...get to combine so many looks for clients...then when it comes to me...I love it all!  Lately I have been daydreaming about a house filled with SPRING colors...light, bright and airy.  The only problem here is...everything in my Living Room is very ....ummmm..Italian, Old World, dark deep crimsons reds, sage greens and caramels...so we are talking tearing it up here.  I am considering two colors....see them above.  Only hoping that they show up pretty true on the blog screen (doubtful).  So, here is my favor...question...which one do you like???  Please don't be deceived by the names, neither are traditional blues.  They are more of a robin's egg blue...aqua-ish blue. PLEEZE leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are!  I have placed them on one of the magazine pages that always catches my attention...that color is so crisp and fresh, so relaxing, yet energizing.  Please tell me you aren't scratching your head at this point...I really want to hear from you.  If you know me well, next week I will change my mind if I don't get it on the wall quick.  My walls right now are a caramel faux finish that is beautiful...but I am ready for a change!  -Sandra   

Give a girl some chocolate...

...Well, it is that time of year when we are tempted by chocolate everywhere we turn!!!  Chocolate in heart shaped boxes, chocolate in velvet boxes, individual chocolates wrapped in red and pink foil....and yes, I have indulged in some of them....well, maybe lots of them (we don't need to keep count)!  So in honor of this, or maybe to get my mind and hands busy with something else...I painted a stacked dish of some sweet Valentine treats! 

I have several other "sweet" little paintings that I have been working on the past few weeks...and starting next week, I will be offering prints of these frosted, sparkle-y designs in our ETSY shop...so be sure and check back.  These would make inexpensive fun gifts for Valentines!!  oh my, I just had another sweet idea!!! I will make notecards out of these and then you can send them out as Valentine greetings!!!  Watch the ETSY shop  for these too!!! Man...caffiene and sugar really get my mind going on a Saturday morn!!! -Sandra

Hey Mr. Camera Man!

Well I thought I was getting some good pics of some jobsites....but oh how I wish Mr. Camera Man would have taken them instead...or maybe my friend Gigi, she always takes good pics....I need lessons I do believe. Anyway, I have not posted lately because everyone took down their trees and decided to start new projects in their homes, hooray for me!  I get to make those dreams come true!  This pic is from a client that wanted a space for her teen girls to enjoy with their friends.  The colors are khaki, black and hot pink, with a little zebra thrown in.  This is the wall that the two chase lounges sit in front of...

You can't really tell but the chaise are done in a tiny animal print...boy wish the pics were better! We did a new finish on the T.V. cabinet, it was a sentimental piece as it was the first real furniture this couple bought as newlyweds, he even gave up buying a boat for this piece when they were first setting up house! It was a stained wood and had outdated hardware. Now it is black with rubbed down edges and has zebra handpainted knobs on it.

We accessorized with some fun and inexpensive things...picture frames, moss filled baskets of roses...and left room for some of their treasures as well.  So fun to take a basic room and turn it into something fun for someone!  This week the addition of hot pink silk panels with top flaps made of the zebra print and then tipped with pink eyelash trim will be put in place with a black iron rod with funcky fleur de lis finials ( IKEA is a great source for simple rods and solid color panels that you can embellish with trims!).  Well, that was last weeks project, now I am headed out the door for this weeks project...pics to follow!  Have a great Monday...a fresh start to a new week!  -Sandra 

I WAS TAGGED....kinda like I was framed!

For those of you who blog, being tagged is a familiar thing...and for those of you that don't know what it is...it is when another blogger tags you and requests that you tell 7-10 unusual or weird things about you that people might be surprised to know.  Wellllll, I was tagged awhile back by Heather of Jeweled Elegance. I have taken my dear sweet time on this, but recently Debra reminded me that I had been tagged...and she had no problem making a list for me, after I shared with her that I did not know what to put!  This week, I received an email from Debra and here are a few of the things on her list and a few from mine:

You might be surprised to know:

1)  I eat Hot Tamales Candies when I get stressed, there is just something about the fiery cinnamon taste and that chewy quality that help me defuse!

2) I HATE to clean house, I would much rather rearrange the furniture, or totally undo a room, than clean it.  My best projects come out of my attempts to clean house....I am easily sidetracked!  Could be Adult A.D.D.??!?

3) I have some really amazing, I mean miraculous God stories that absolutely confirm that He does exist and he watches over me, again and again.  I could tell you stories of God's provision in my life and you would be amazed.  Thinking I might start a second blog to tell these on! Need a little encouragement or renewed faith??? Just let me know!!

4) On the weekends, I like to run away.  By this I mean that I like to not answer the phone, not get dressed in real clothes, not put on makeup, not make any plans and just stay at home for two complete days!  I think this comes from dealing with so many people during the week and having to be "on" all day every day...who wants a grumpy designer, you must be upbeat and happy because you want them to enjoy the experience...and that is not hard, because I love my work and my clients!!! But on the weekends, I love to sleep in, stay up late, cook a huge breakfast for my son and I on Saturday and Sunday...watch movies with him and spend time creating in my studio...I love the idea that for two days I can do anything I want and not worry about a "to do" list!

5) My absolute favorite things to paint are roses...Yes ROSES!  I have painted hundreds of them. My first art teacher ( Mrs. Franks my oil painting teacher) used to tell me that it was like painting a teacup on a saucer...did not make much sense back then, but after much practice...oh my gosh! She is so right!!! And I love to paint them, grow them, have a vase full of them or see vintage paintings of them...just adore roses!

6) Over 20 years ago, I owned a retail store with my Mother. It was called Return To Romance Antiques and Gifts.  We enjoyed it very much until I had my first child and wanted to just be at home with her...then I closed the shop and did the antique shows monthly.... still see and talk to many of my customers from that time in my life!

7) My favorite meal is a big bowl of pasta...or a plate of cheese and crackers and some almond stuffed olives!  None of which is very healthy! A glass of really good Cabernet goes well with either!

8) I have survived a divorce, major surgery, the death of my father, returning to full time work and so much more over the last 6 years.  I have also watched my daughter graduate from high school, leave for college and my son enter high school and become a full fledged teen....all of these things have led me to pray diligently and find everything I need in God my father!  There is nothing that God can't get you through!!

9) The reason I paint is that it absolutely clears my mind of all things...it is probably what some people achieve when they meditate, it is a totally relaxing, energizing experience for me. I refer to it as my amazing grace-painting!!!

10) My best and worst addiction is art supplies!!!  I tease my kids by telling them that I will turn my whole house into a studio when they are all gone and make my little studio out back into my cottage to live in!  I can never have too many art supplies, who doesn't find absolute joy in tubes of paint and a few new paint brushes????  There is nothing better to me!!

O.k., there, I did it...now I tag Debra (oh yes!) and Cari....it is your turn!!!  Can't wait to read your list!!! And Heather, so sorry it took me so long to do this...not sure if the above things are weird enough...but I live a pretty calm life nowadays!!! 

What ??? You want to know what this is?? Closer to the beginning of our start in blogging, we hosted an ART DOLL ROUND ROBIN...this is Kecia's (from www.lemoncholy's.blogspot.com) finished art doll.  If you go back to our older post you can see how this all started and the beginning photos of each doll.  Now I think only one doll is still being worked on and then we can post a pic of it. Here is a pic of Kecia and Cari's finished doll:

Then there is a pic of the three finished dolls...let me see if I can find one of Deb's doll too

Here is three of the finished dolls sitting on my living room shelf.

I need to get a finished photo of Deb's (remember she was pregnant then) , this is right after I had her and she has since had lots more added!  Well, that's it for a late Saturday night, woops, early early Sunday morning post! Hope your weekend has been filled with relaxing and spending quality time with your family!!-post by Sandra

Here's more ........comments welcome!!~~~

It seems from the emails and comments that I should unveil the rest of the paintings....so here goes: The first one is complete, it has lots of layers and vivid colors.

Layered a quote on top of an already heavily layered background, then added the face, then added the birds, then the paper retro patterns that make up the peacock feathers.  Not real sure how I feel about this one, but it is all about playing with color and technique so that part I adore!

Love the combo of colors, aqua, turquoise, pinks, greens.  Very soothing colors!  The flowers in the background and right next to the face are tissue paper shapes that I collaged on and then painted over.

 

The next one is still in the process of being completed, so remember that as you view it... I just wanted to try a more simplified image.  The colors are similar to the first painting, but a little softer.

Lots of pattern on the left side background, will add pattern to the right side next.  There is a polka dot piece of paper just laying against the beret...not sure about that choice yet, it may get collaged into the hat.

softer eyes..layers of color washes make up the flesh tones of the face. 

I love the look of the faces in several other artist work..like Misty Mawn, Lindsey Brakeen, Danita, Kelly Rae and DJ Petit...they each have their own style.  Their work is layered and ethereal, I love to look at those faces...so thought I would try my hand at faces.  When I was a little girl taking oil painting classes, I loved painting faces, even said I wanted to be a portrait artist.  I painted more of a realistic style then and it was as if the facial features were just waiting on the canvas for me to apply the tones. Almost like putting makeup on an invisible face.  I remember thinking that it was as if I could feel the bones that made up the structure of the faces...will have to dig out some of those old ones to look at! I have always love looking at the faces in art...from Picasso to Mary Cassatt.  Each one captures the emotion with a different style.

Maybe this weekend, I will try a few more approaches on the human face...Debra, I challenge you to paint a few faces too, I know how much you love painting faces.  To see some really fun faces, check out Debra's studio on the left sidebar to see her many faces of art!!  Well, I hate to admit it but I am off to take down the Christmas tree at my house....yes, it is still up and it has not even bothered me until today! post by Sandra

 

~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARI~~~

Guess what today is??? Yes, it is January...and no it is not 1948!  January 10th, 2008 and it is CARI'S BIRTHDAY!!!  Happy Birthday CARI!  May this day bring you special blessings and best wishes for a year filled with HAPPINESS and JOY!! May you find and have the desires of your heart this year!!!  Much love to you on this day, your special day!!!

Here is a little more of the January calendar piece...it was inspired by WINTERBELLA, the creative  e-zine by Teresa McFayden.

Teresa used a BINGO card in her first project example, I decided to use an old 1948 calendar that I had picked up at an estate sale awhile back...then I added lots of paper, vintage and ribbon embellishments to it.  Here is a picture of the entire piece (just excuse the neon yellow background...should have photographed it somewhere soft and pretty...not so good at the photo part as I get in a hurry). 

Woops, hope you can see it through the glare...darn camera (or is it the photographer? no...no..) anyway it was a fun project and came together very quickly!  Now I am going to give you a little preview....a sneak peek if you will to my new obsession...trying to paint faces.  Rather trying to find my own style while painting faces!!  I am just going to tempt you with a small portion, so you will anticipate the next post to see the entire paintings!  A little artistic cliff hanger~~~~~

Does this spark your interest???Then stay tuned to see the finished paintings!  Before I head off to bed to read awhile, just wanted to say a big hello and welcome back to Jan at www.polkadotbarn.blogspot.com she has been very sick and is feeling better and blogging once again!!! So glad! Hope your day was wonderful and here's to the hope of a bright tomorrow!!! post by Sandra

~~HANDMADE GIFTS are THE BEST!~~

How many of you were fortunate enough to receive handmade gifts for Christmas??? Well, I received some really special gifts this year! Gift that were filled with love and creativity!! Just wanted to share some of those with you !  Kecia from Lemoncholy's sent me some of her original art work all the way from New Jersey.  I had admired one of her bottle cap mixed media pieces earlier in the year, so she made me my very own:

She started with a  vintage framed picture of a man praying (those who know me, know I need to and do pray often!!! very often!!! ) and added a mix of bottle caps in which she placed various art images (luv,luv the bird one) and then she attached a glass coaster and tiny coins and keys!  There are lines of script around the edge, that tell a story!  How cool is that??? And then....she also sent me a absolutely beautiful handmade pendant on a chain:

I love wearing this, the back side is just as cool...as it has the image of a little bird (I luv birds!!!) the little dangling tag reads: Trust in your Dreams, and on the bird side it says: Be Free.  Thank you Kecia, I love these and will treasure them forever!! She is so talented!!!

I have a few more handmade goodies to show, but will wait until tomorrow.  I am off to put the finishing touches on a new painting that I have been working on...will show that soon too!!  If you are just now discovering our blog....Warehouseartchix is made up of a group of friends that share the gift of being artist....and that's not all we share.  Each Friday night you can find us gathered for fun and fellowship as we create together.  It could be a joint project, a cool idea or technique we have been waiting to try out, or just a time of working on our own projects as we share ideas and inspiration!!!  So come back and see us and share in the adventures of Sandra ( designer/artist), Debra (creative artist and new mom to Jack her darling infant son!!), Cari (just returned from 5 yrs in New Mexico, design assistant/artist) and Nancy (who is currently taking a break due to having four teens in her house, three boys which make up the triplets and a daughter a year younger....can you just imagine all the hormones in that house!!! hoping she will survive these teen times and rejoin when they all have their drivers license!!!).  Oh and before I forget....we will celebrate our 100th blog this week with a giveaway or two!!!!  So come back soon- post by Sandra

HAPPY NEW YEAR its 2008 and it's gonna be GREAT!!

It's that time again! When a new year begins...I love the feeling of hope that a new year holds...365 days of new beginnings...new things to learn, new people to meet, new art to create...Yes, my friend it is that time again !

New beginnings are like blank pages just waiting to be painted.  A chance to create a new thing, a time to unlock all the possibilities for each and every one of us!

A chance to sing a new song, hum a new tune, discover a new melody!

Yes, I know...a new year makes me feel very dramatic!! It is just so exciting to find myself at day 1 of a new year...and to consider all the possibilities that it can hold!!! It makes me think of in the Bible when it talks about our slate being wiped clean, we are reborn, the old is new again!!!  I don't know how other people feel about New Years Day...I just know it makes me giddy with all the 365 days to experience life. To gain wisdom, to learn who I am, to be just me and yes...

To SPARKLE, to let my light shine in all I do and all I say!

To celebrate the day, each day

and to discover the beauty in the simple things that life brings our way.

Beauty in creating art, in nature, in making our homes our own expression of who we are, in seeing the smiles on our children's faces, in the little things and the big things! I am thankful that I do see beauty  every day, yes even in the bad days, I can say that I  notice a beautiful sunrise, sunset, a sweet bird, a flower in bloom, the face of a small child, the smile on a strangers face, the gorgeous color in a painting, there is beauty all around us.

O.k., now that I have gone way overboard sharing my delight in a New Year, please let me say that this past year was filled with wonderful things too!  I learned to blog, meaning I learned more about how to function on the computer, I began selling my art on-line, I made new friends and shared many smiles with my old friends! My dear friend and fellow warehouseartchix Debra delivered a healthy baby boy-welcome Jack!!  My business grew by leaps and bounds, I found myself continually blessed by a God that is so filled with grace and mercy that pours out for me each day. I  discovered a world of art to explore in mixed media and collage!  I found lots of vintage treasures, dreamed lots of amazing dreams, took steps to make those dreams a reality, grew as a person, forgave those I had not forgiven, and learned to not be so frustrated when things don't go the way I think they should...sometimes they really turn out better that way!!  I want to say a wonderful heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you that have been a part of my life in 2007, I cherish each and every one of you and count you each as a blessing!! May 2008 be a wonderfully blessed, creative, faith-filled, love-filled, momentous year for each and every one of you!!!  -post by Sandra