Gena's Artistic Leanings

ART JOURNAL PAGES

2012-01-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

ART JOURNAL
pages
I
RECENTLY

Finished

Christmas Garland

2012-01-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Garland I made using Artchix flags and images

2011-12-02T07:53:00.001-08:00

2011-12-02T07:52:00.001-08:00

2011-12-02T07:51:00.001-08:00

2011-12-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

2011-12-02T07:48:00.001-08:00

Tombstones for ARTCHIX!!!!!

2011-08-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.artchixstudio.com/shop/s537.html I was asked by the wonderful owner of Artchix Studio to come up with
some ideas for Halloween. I came up with the tombstone idea...sketched them out and Helga had them made. Thank you Helga....you ROCK!!!!

Comp Work For Artchix and Helga

2011-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

This book kit is from Artchix Studios. Helga the owner gave the kit to me to see what I would come up with....it is an ocean theme, which I LOVE and I have used Artchix products.

Angel Shrine and Blue House

2011-07-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

BiRd iN a CaGe

2011-07-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

I came up with this cute idea for
a bird in a cage.........

Gena's Artistic Leanings: New Shrines

2011-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Gena's Artistic Leanings: New Shrines

My favorite S H R I N E!!!

2011-06-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

I really like how this one
turned out, I think it is my
favorite.

New Shrines

2011-06-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

New shrines I have been working on.
They are recycled cardboard, hot glue for texture, aluminum tape and multiple layers of PAINT. I was looking through a Micheal DeMeng book and got the inspiration. Hope you like these.....tell me what you think.

A Tribute to MoThEr.......

2011-04-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

This tribute/remembrance took me a while to finish...I think I am finished. There are many , many layers to peel away.

A Tribute to MoThEr.......

2011-04-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a couple of pieces dedicated to my Mom. It helps me work through my pain. This one is a triptych with old images of her and I.........

SUPER BOWL WHAT???????

2011-02-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

I don't watch or "DO" sports, so during the super bowl I created this....I made the house out of free cardboard and the glued on color images of my own work. I LOVE color as you can see. I would love a comment.

Another Journaling creation.......

2011-02-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

This goes along with my other piece about mean people, gossips, back stabbers and such....

Heart Grid, stitched cardboard.....

2011-01-30T13:34:00.001-08:00

I wondered to myself if I could hand sew cardboard....well, you can! This is what I did here. I used watercolor crayons and gel pens.

Valentines Day Artwork 2011

2011-01-30T13:28:00.001-08:00

With Valentines day swiftly approaching I wanted to work on some HEART ART.
On the black canvas I used complicated papers I made myself for the colorful hearts.

I used this as a Catharsis......

2011-01-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

I have been dealing with some moody, not so nice women at work and I decided to use it in my work....though it is dark it carries a universal message.....

2011-01-12T14:23:00.001-08:00

Here is the front and inside of the box.....

Heart themed work for the new year

2011-01-12T14:18:00.001-08:00

After purchasing some jewelry from coldwater creek I had these cool boxes and I thought I would make something with them. Valentine's Day is approaching so that is the theme I started with.

It is a new year and hoping this one is better

2011-01-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

First Article Published for SOMERSET!!!

2010-11-14T13:14:00.001-08:00

I am SO EXCITED to have my first article published in SOMERSET studios!!! How did this happen you ask? Well, I sent in some Christmas tags and then was contacted by the editor of Somerset...she asked me if I would like to write a "how to" on my tags. I about fell on the floor. I was hoping to get some sort of response from readers but nothing yet.(Darn it)....so I am sharing this on my blog and facebook. :D

2010-11-14T13:11:00.001-08:00

and here are the pics!

2010-11-14T13:05:00.001-08:00

Of course, you must include Santa!

2010-11-07T15:18:00.003-08:00

NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW

2010-11-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

CHRISTmas is upon us......

2010-11-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have been working over a week to complete some Christmas paper mache goodies to sell....there are so many steps. I hope I sell them! Let me know what you think

New Halloween Work...

2010-10-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

My daughters had an old china doll that was missing the head and arms (I had used them for something else!) So I thought...hmmmm, what could I make with this torso and legs. I wanted to make something CrEePy for Halloween.

I sculpted the head out of polymer clay...I think it turned out pretty cool, and...a little CrEePy!

I am going to attempt a tutorial on hand carved stamps...YAY!

2010-09-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

You will start with the carving material called "SOFT-KUT" you can get it at Dick Blick and it is pretty cheap. And of course you need a carving tool. this is a "linoleum cutter". These cutters come with different size blades. Try out the different sizes and use the one that you are most comfortable with.

2010-09-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

Here I am drawing a line down the material with a permanent marker and then cutting this piece off with scissors.

2010-09-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

SUPER SIMPLE!!!

2010-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the piece I cut, now to come up with a simple design.....

2010-09-20T11:04:00.001-07:00

I used this template to trace some boxes. At this point you could either carve "out" the boxes or carve "out" the smaller spaces. I will carve out the smaller spaces.

2010-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

START
CARVING!

2010-09-20T11:03:00.001-07:00

I LOVE how it feels when you carve!

2010-09-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

When you are finished carving, or think you are apply some paint on your stamp to see how it looks. Sometimes you might want to adjust your carving a bit...but I like the imperfections, they add interest.

2010-09-20T11:02:00.001-07:00

Press down your stamp on the paper of your choice and lift up.......
now for the EXCITING part....TA DAH!!!!

2010-09-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

This, of course, is only the beginning...

2010-09-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

Isn't this just so COOL?

2010-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Once this dries you can add paint over the top....have fun with it.
EXPERIMENT!

2010-09-20T11:00:00.001-07:00

Add more stamps on top to give the paper more depth and interest

Lots of pretty paper

2010-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished product

2010-09-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Your papers can be used in many ways.....

These were all published!!!

2010-09-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

New Halloween Work...

2010-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

I worked on this little guy, he is a baby mummy, I am not quite done, but almost. I received the latest Somerset Studios and found out I have a whole page with several pieces of my work...I will post the pictures. I was thrilled! I am still laid off, but have put in 3 different letters of interest. (fingers crossed) But, it has been nice having the house to myself for a few hours every day!

IT HAS BEEN SO LONG!!!

2010-08-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since my last post. I am really bad about keeping up with my blog. I have been working on a lot of things. I was even asked to write a "How To" in a Holiday Somerset Studios. That was extremely exciting for me. Heard that my job was cut at the school district I work for so now I am in limbo. Yesterday I decided to try and make a doll head. I got this cool old doll from an estate sale and wanted to use the head as a mold. I made the mold out of fimo pressing it onto 1/2 of the dolls head. Did the same for the other half. I baked the 2 halves in little glass ramekins so they would keep their shape. Once cooled I brushed them with cornstarch and pressed softened fimo into each half and carefully pulled each half out and reshaped a little and then baked. When these were cool I sanded and carved the edges to make them fit together the best I could. I put heavy gel medium on both edges and then a rubberband around the whole head and let dry. It didn't seem stable enough so I wrapped this edging material made out of? Not really sure it looks like you might use it to make baskets out of. Then I put on mre gel medium and let dry again. After the piece had dried I painted on 2 coats of gesso. When gesso was dry I used paint and pastel to age it. ALOT of work for 1 measly doll head, but I am pleased how it turned out!

Hand carved stamps......

2010-05-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well I seemed to have raised alot

of interest in my hand carved stamps.

I will post a how to this weekend. I

use 'soft kut" as the stamp base, it is

very soft and easy to carve...plus it

is CHEAP. I buy it at Dick Blick on-

line. I took a class from Anne Bagby

and she makes her own papers and

then uses them in her art. Her work

is incredible. Google her if you get

a chance. I will post more later.....

HaPpY EaStEr!!!

2010-04-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Easter

Blessings

To All!

CLOWNS.....

2010-03-31T11:04:00.001-07:00

I don't even like clowns but I got the heads at a garage sale and had to make something with them...I used bits a pieces of this and that. Salt container, fimo, paper, ribbon, plastic hands, cardboard tube.

ART DOLLS

2010-03-31T11:01:00.001-07:00

Introspective Woman

2010-03-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

This was made by gluing an old map onto a piece of cardboard.(I use anything to paint on...packing cardboard, cereal boxes...old wood scraps) and painting/drawing with watercolor crayon and pencil.

NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW

2010-03-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

What to do with inchies? I decided to use some of mine like this.....

2010-03-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have also been working on some dimensional work....

WHERE HAVE I BEEN!

2010-03-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for sometime, happily creating. I would like to share with you what I have been up to!

PAY it FoRwArD GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2010-02-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am having a PIF giveaway....all you have to do is view my blog, make a comment and info where I can get ahold of you. If you win you will then pay it forward to someone else. Have fun and be sure to look at my older posts for more pictures of my work!

Torn paper collage

2010-02-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

I painted and stamped on old book pages, ripped these up and glued onto cardboard. After that I added gel pen, and water soluable graphite pencil for added interest.

Fashion photos....redux

2010-02-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

I use gesso and paint to alter these fashion photos. I use any substrate I have on hand from wood, to cardboard to chipboard

Dolls in progress......

2010-02-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

I can't remember if I have posted these yet!

Inchies......

2010-02-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

I find inchies to be so hard to do....1"X 1" squares are C R A Z Y to do. I always want to add more.

Fun art lesson from Helga.....

2010-01-26T09:12:00.001-08:00

Helga at ARTCHIX had an art

lesson involving using 3 things.

This is what I came up with. We all have multiple facets to our personalities, sometimes we hide.

New VALENTINE*

2010-01-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some new Valentines Day inspired art. The gold stars and the center image are from ARTCHIX. I am not too much of a romantic but I did enjoy making this!

Newest Art Challenge....

2010-01-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed working on this challenge...I am a bit down these days and am trying to get myself out of it. It has alot to do with my job. I stayed home today to have a "mental health" day...so, I created this and watched a movie. I really love the swaps that Helga creates and all of her contests.

2010-01-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

Helga at ARTCHIX is hosting another contest using Gothic arches and a few other elements. Here are my 6 entries!

New work for Artchix contest

2010-01-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

HO HO HO

2009-12-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

I am published in SOMERSET STUDIOS!

2009-11-18T16:53:00.001-08:00

My work is on the right...the one with a baby. I sent this in over 2 years

ago. I am very excited. WOO HOO!

2009-11-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with the elephant!
I hope you guys

enjoy these and let

me know what you think!

SeNsItIvE sOuLs......

2009-11-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some new creations that I call "SENSITIVE SOULS" They show alot of expression through their eyes. They are made out of fimo and wire.

More CHRISTmas.......

2009-11-06T07:42:00.001-08:00

CHRISTmas is upon us......

2009-11-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have been busy for the CHRISTmas season....I wanted to post a few pics before I go to work today and hopefully get some feedback. What about pricing these? Thanks ladies!

FLU FLu Go AwAy!!!!!

2009-11-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I am getting over the H1N1 flu virus and very thankful that I am amongst the living. I went on the CDC website and it said that 99% of flu viruses out right now are the "swine flu" Pretty scary. All 3 of my kiddies have gotten it too. I work at an elementary school and last wee the kids were going home right and left. I have been working on some CHRISTmas paper mache and fimo snowmen for an up coming bazzaar. WOW, they have been alot of work...layer after layer, details...by the time you sell them you probably make 10 cents an hour!

First Official Dance

2009-11-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

This is my oldest daughter, Gabrielle. She had her first official highschool dance...... HOMECOMING. She is a freshman. Doesn't she look BeAuTiFuL!

Helga's Art Lesson/ Challenge

2009-11-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

I have been battling the nasty flu

but I still wanted to get in on Helga's

lesson...I was going for a softer more

subdued look. I found a magazine

page that inspired me and went from

there.

SPOOKY Halloween!!!!

2009-11-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Part 2 CiRcLe StUdY w/ HeLgA

2009-10-27T09:50:00.001-07:00

This is part 2 of my circle study from Helga's blog...you had to find images from magazines that appealed to you ..quickly make a collage and add part of your circles from week one...then add more circles or dots to make a cohesive collage.

Helga's Art Lesson/ Challenge

2009-10-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Helga posted a new art lesson/challenge on her site and the challenge was D O T S! I started on watercolor paper and used mostly watercolor crayon for the color. I kept building the color layers until I got the intensity I wanted. I then added graphite pencil, some paint and gel pens to make it POP. As you can see I love to use a lot of color and layering in my art. This was a fun lesson. Check it out here:

www.myartisticlife.typepad.com

DoLlS DoLlS AnD MoRe dOlLs

2009-10-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have been working on dolls after taking a class by Judy Wise at the Art and Soul retreat. If you want check out more dolls from the class here is Judy's blog...http://www.judywise.blogspot.com.

The dolls are in various degrees of completion......I get bored easily and don't always finish things befor moving on to something else!

Dolls in progress....

2009-10-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

SpOoKy BaBy........

2009-10-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

I made this for a contest on Helga's blog....we had to make a collage using 4X4 background and then add an inchie to it. I painted the background and then added the images. I wanted to use Halloween colors.

Kind of a bad week.....

2009-10-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

I had to

attend

my friends funeral and then 2 of my kids got the flu...I think it is the swine flu, at least they have every symptom of the swine flu...all in all it was a crappy weekend!

My friend Teresa

2009-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Teresa.....You were the most inspirational person I ever met. Your courage

love of life and positive attitude were incredible. The world is s dimmer place without you in it You have changed people's lives just by having met you.

Crown piece is mine :)

2009-10-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just to clarify...I only made the piece with the crown on top!

Beeswax.....

2009-10-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add that we covered the whole piece in beeswax....my first experience using wax.

LISA KAUS CLASS....

2009-10-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Took a GREAT class

with Lisa Kaus on

Sunday. She was an

excellent teacher! All

the color was added by

watercolor crayons and

graphite pencil...then we added any embellishments we wanted. Every edge is

painted on...even the bottom. The crown like topper I found at an estate sale..I think it is an old lightbulb surround. We also added collage elements.

I LOVED it!

2009-10-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

My BIG GIRL DOLL

2009-10-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is one of mine.

I am not happy with her arms ...but I think "she" turned out pretty good. She needs a name...

any suggestions?

DOLLS, DOLLS, DOLLS

2009-10-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

ART AND SOUL

DOLLS FOR BIG

GIRLS.....

Spent yesterday

working on 2 dolls

at the ART and Soul

retreat in Portland

Oregon. Met some

great ladies and had

alot of fun! These are just a few ferom some of the talented ladies...wish I had taken

more pics.

2009-09-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

My son was reading to

his cat Charlie and fell

asleep....I snapped this

pic and I TOTALLY

love it!

2009-09-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

New work I have

been working

POOR CHARLIE!!!

2009-09-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Had to give our kitten a bath...formerly known as Claudia, we found out SHE is a HE. His name is now Charlie! He hated the bath.

2009-09-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

I created this bird pic

for a blog contest at

Helga's...the lady was

created just for fun!

PaPeR DoLl CoNtEsT

2009-09-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

ArTcHiX is having a paperdoll swap...the entries are INCREDIBLE!!!! I must say they were alot work but I am pleased at the outcome.

2009-09-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well...I am VERY happy to say I won 3 collage sheets for my artwork on Helga's blog...The contest was to have someone holding something. I will post the pics now!

2009-09-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here kitty kitty kitty...

ART ART ART

2009-09-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

SILLY CHARLIE

2009-09-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

2009-09-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't this little guy sweet? On his wings it says

"Luv me"

Gena's Artistic Leanings

ART JOURNAL PAGES

Christmas Garland

Tombstones for ARTCHIX!!!!!

Comp Work For Artchix and Helga

Angel Shrine and Blue House

BiRd iN a CaGe

Gena's Artistic Leanings: New Shrines

My favorite S H R I N E!!!

New Shrines

A Tribute to MoThEr.......

A Tribute to MoThEr.......

SUPER BOWL WHAT???????

Another Journaling creation.......

Heart Grid, stitched cardboard.....

Valentines Day Artwork 2011

I used this as a Catharsis......

Heart themed work for the new year

It is a new year and hoping this one is better

First Article Published for SOMERSET!!!

and here are the pics!

Of course, you must include Santa!

NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW

CHRISTmas is upon us......

New Halloween Work...

I am going to attempt a tutorial on hand carved stamps...YAY!

Lots of pretty paper

Here is the finished product

These were all published!!!

New Halloween Work...

IT HAS BEEN SO LONG!!!

Hand carved stamps......

HaPpY EaStEr!!!

CLOWNS.....

ART DOLLS

Introspective Woman

NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW WORK NEW

WHERE HAVE I BEEN!

PAY it FoRwArD GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Torn paper collage

Fashion photos....redux

Dolls in progress......

Inchies......

Fun art lesson from Helga.....

New V*A*L*E*N*T*I*N*E*

Newest Art Challenge....

New work for Artchix contest

HO HO HO

I am published in SOMERSET STUDIOS!

SeNsItIvE sOuLs......

More CHRISTmas.......

CHRISTmas is upon us......

FLU FLu Go AwAy!!!!!

First Official Dance

Helga's Art Lesson/ Challenge

SPOOKY Halloween!!!!

Part 2 CiRcLe StUdY w/ HeLgA

Helga's Art Lesson/ Challenge

DoLlS DoLlS AnD MoRe dOlLs

Dolls in progress....

SpOoKy BaBy........

Kind of a bad week.....

My friend Teresa

Crown piece is mine :)

Beeswax.....

LISA KAUS CLASS....

My BIG GIRL DOLL

DOLLS, DOLLS, DOLLS

POOR CHARLIE!!!

PaPeR DoLl CoNtEsT

ART ART ART

SILLY CHARLIE

New VALENTINE*