Finally, since not having been in my studio since November 2011, I managed to clean up my studio and begin doing some art again.  This is the beginning of a canvas I dreamed of months ago. It has a long way to go yet, but I like the direction it's taking, or as a good artist friend of mine said, "I like the way it feels". I'll keep ya posted on where it ends up eventually.

Freedom at last!!!

Wooo Hoooo!!! Can I just tell you how Free I feel???? I have always felt that my gift for creating has come from God. Therefore I always just figured that God would make everything just come together and my art would sell and things would be fabulous! However, as most artists know thats not usually how it works. Over the last couple years I've become frustrated with art. I lost my drive to create because all I could think of was the fact that after I was done creating I would have this finished canvas that would just take up more space. What was the point in creating if it was just gonna sit here an take up space.

This last week I spent some time talking with a guest to our church, we were just chatting and my trouble with my art came up. She said perhaps Gods intention for my creative gift was not about the finished product, but about the journey of getting to the finished project. I never thought of it that way, how freeing this feeling is!!!

I am now in the process of giving away some of my pieces and when the mood strikes me and I need a canvas, I'll just paint over one of the finished pieces. From now on, my art is for the sake of creating, not for what happens to it afterwards. God is good!!

ART LIQUIDATION SALE!!!

I need to free up some space in my house, no reasonable offer refused!! If I still have it, you can buy it!!! Just send me an email at jgiffordii@wi.rr.com and we can talk.

Just a few new pieces.

that time again

It's time to start getting geared up for the Open House. This year it is on Friday December 2nd. I've got a few projects started already and lots more ideas to come. I can't wait!!! Although there is some stress involved its very motivating!!! Watch for pics to come!

New Images

Lost Coast Design has some new stamps out, you should check them out.

Hello from the studio

I working on a couple things in my studio and something hit me that I wanted to share with you. Especially those of you that are scrapbookers and rubber stampers. Now I'm not sure if this is something that can be used in ALL instances, but certainly in many.

I buy tape runners, and refills and am always ever so frustrated when I run out in mid project. Because this has happened more than once I've had to resort to other things, glue sticks, Aileens Tack It and other things.

However, the least expensive, most cost effective and certainly the most adhesive is Matte Medium. I of course use it on my canvases, but have also started using it on ATC's, 4x4's, and anything else that requires me to stick things together.

Yes, it's a wet medium, but nothing a heat gun in between applications can't solve. It dries clear and you can put several coats of it on everything for doing layers and sealing things.

I have now totally alleviated the frustration of running out of tape refills and the mess of glue in a bottle. The other thing that is reassuring is that when I send out my artwork, or sell it I'm not fearful that it's going to come apart after it's reached it's new home.

You can usually pick up a bottle of medium for $6-$8 or more depending on the brand and size you choose to get, however, it'll last you a while.

Anyways, just something I thought I should share with you all.

This is Who I Am

This is a personal piece I did just to help get me back into the swing of collaging canvases again. It's called This is Who I Am. The paint brush is obvious, I am an artist, the Cross in front and center shows that God is the center of who I am. The 4 is for my 4 children, and the words in yellow that you cannot make out say "till death do us part" for my husband/marriage. The crown, well, thats self explanatory, I am the Queen after all!

Kewlness

What is this you ask??? Its my easel!! It's the part where the canvas rests. I love how it looks, how it changes with each canvas I do. A little piece of every canvas I do is saved in there forever. No way I'm ever gonna try to clean that all off, it's posterity!

All Images from Lost Coast Design!

First Canvas of the Summer

Images by Lisa's Altered Art.

Still a work in progress, but at least it's progress!!

more stamping.

These fabulous birds are from Lost Coast Designs.

playing in the studio

Images from Lisa's Altered Art

playing in the studio

all images are from Lost Coast Designs

Fun-ness

This was a page in a journal I had done and tore the page out because I decided to change the direction the journal was going in. It just seemed to fun and colorful not to play with. So I added some images from Lisa's Altered Art and turned it into new art.

Happy To Be Me

An 8x8 canvas done with Lisa's Altered Art images.

ATC's and Art Journals

As I was playing around this morning with my new Journal, I happened to have an ATC laying on the counter next to me. I thought now why couldn't I incorporate that ATC into my page. So I did!!! I don't know about all of you but I have hundreds of ATC's I've made in binders just sitting there taking up space. I may have to delve into them and see what others would lend themselves well to my art journal.

Prayer Art Journal Project

As of late I've been struggling with trying to get into the groove of creating. I go to my studio and find myself tinkering around with things that just aren't pulling together well at all.

I've been revisiting things that I've gotten away from since moving to canvas to help me break through this. One of the things that I haven't done in a long time is any work in my art journal.

Another thing that I'm very passionate about is my relationship with God. When I create I am always sure to thank Him for my talent, cause I know I didn't get here on my own. I also know that this is not all there is. He has more in store for me.

I have decided that one of the ways I can incorporate both of my passions is to start a Prayer Art Journal. I'm excited for this endeavor and cannot wait to see what happens, both in the art realm and the spiritual realm.

I just may share with you all. :)

You can call this one cute

I normally have a fit if someone uses the word cute to describe my artwork, but this one I couldn't help but call cute.

In my head

I've had the image of this woman in my head for a while finally was able to get her out. It's a small piece, just an 8x8. I hope to make her larger someday, but for now I'm happy to have her where she is.

My In-Laws

This is what I gave my MIL for Christmas this year. It's a picture taken when they were newly married and lived in Alaska. I just love the picture. She loved the art, it made her cry. I think she liked it :)

a new adventure

I have lots of friends who knit and man, I really really like knitted socks. So I decided what the heck and am teaching myself to knit. It's not pretty right now, but hopefully I'll get better at it.

been playing

Getting ready for a show in December. Just a small open house show, but it's fun and it's a great show, I can't wait. If you're in SE Wis give me a shout and I'll letcha know the details!

The Dip

A few Sunday's ago our Pastor did a 2 part series called "The Dip". I was about all the trials and tribulations that one goes through in life. How there are always going to be "dips" in our life and how we respond to them determines how our "dip" effects our life.

That sermon series inspired this piece of art. It's hard to see but there is a faint cross up at the top of the canvas. The reason it is faint is because usually when we're on the upswings of our lives we tend to forget God is there and we still need to praise Him and be obedient.

At the bottom of the canvas is a large pair of hands, which symbolizes how when we do go into those "dips" in life God is there and He's holding us. The "dips" are the times we usually cry out to God the most.

If only we'd be consistent and praise Him fully in the highs and in the lows of our lives.

A Studio Day

I got to spend the day in my studio today. So much fun! I really miss the days of spending endless hours down there. Maybe once I begin my winter hibernation I'll have more time.

These are some works in progress.