Persimmons is CLOSED this weekend.

That's right I am going on vacation!!! A little weekend getaway with the love of my life and a couple of old friends and I am so excited!

In the meantime enjoy a work in progress that I started and almost finished today...

It is huge...30 by 40. It was so much fun to do. I took little bits from my life. Like pictures of my loves, a poem Glenn wrote to me when we were dating, an old newspaper clipping of our family winning a grand prize drawing from Shopko (it was a trip to Disneyland!!) and other great little memories. I started it with a painting from my birthday party last year that I didn't love. Every time I have a party I put out a canvas and paint and ask my friends to add a little before they leave but this one was just way too busy. Glenn did write I love you on it so I never wanted to cover it...that is until I thought of this idea. I started by laying out larger pieces of paper, photos and labels. When most of the space was filled in I added smaller elements. Once I had all of the paper down I started accenting with acrylic paint and marker. There is still much to do...more layers of marker, paint, and whatever else I decide to put on it. I think it may be a never ending project which is what makes it so fun. I am calling it my life painting.

I really want to thank my art "sisters" in the melange team on etsy. It is really because of them and the new challenge that I found what I am sure is my true style. They are all very special friends to me and although we may never meet I cherish their friendship and inspiration! So hugs to all of you.

Have a great weekend...I know I will!!

Mide Wide Open Challenge.

I've been thinking of doing a MWO challenge for some time now. Now with my spiffy new wireless printer I printed this image the other day and forgot all about it. When I was in the studio yesterday it was on the floor by the printer. I thought hmmmm if that isn't a sign...so I created this. It is a 10 by 10 inch canvas that I layered with lots of layers of paper, paint and oil pastels. It was fun and I can't wait to see what everyone else creates with this beautiful image!
Oh you all choose the winner to this so go and vote when the entries are posted!

Finally made some new stuff.

I started out today making a few ATC's and playing with photo transferring using old dictionary pages and gel medium. Fun stuff I tell ya. So I got a few ATC's done and then it got the juices flowing and I came up with this little cutie. I take the pictures off of cabinet cards sometimes so I can photocopy the pictures to use over and over so I am left with all the cardboard frames. Well I had a mini canvas here so I started playing on it with layers of paint, paper, gel medium, ink, buttons, photo corners, bingo number, and old photocopy photo. Oh by the way you can get the sheet or one very similar here. I nailed the frame on the canvas and whala you have a framed little canvas collage. I like him. Haven't decided if I am going to put him in the etsy shop or not...what do you think? Think he would sell there?

In a collaging kinda mood.

So this is what it looks like when I get in this mood. I like it messy.
And here is what I made with all that mess. It's been awhile since I have made shadowboxes and now that I made a few I'm not quite sure why. I love making them.