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I actually think it's dratted allergies already that slowed me down the last couple days. Hence .... today is day two of a mega headache

Sitting quietly watching TV - I'm getting the hang of making paper beads.


This time I used Mod Podge although by the time I was done I was covered in the stuff. It gives the beads a glossy look and the edges attach better.

It is a little tricky to wrap them so they come out same size. I need to try lighter weight paper.

I also ordered these prepared pendants [20 Clever Delights Round Pendant Trays - Antique Bronze Color - 25mm 1" Diameter - Pendant Blanks Cameo Bezel Cabochon Settings - 25 mm 1 Inch]. They are 1 inch in diameter which is a bit small & I forgot to order the glass cabochons that fit. I could use resin but the pendants aren't that deep. I plan to print my Ensos, cut to size and put the glass cab to seal it. Although... the Mod Podge might do. hmmmm think the glass cab would look better.


cut up one of my older biz cards to show how the Enso would look... these pendants are very sturdy.

Thinking about etching - wonder if I can use the seal I sign my Sumi-e work with to stamp onto the copper. hmmm might be too hard = worth a shot. Still need to purchase a fresh Sharpie to draw directly onto the copper.

I'm making forward progress on my jewelry goals - Keep Arting!
e

My etching kit came yesterday... it included the ferric chloride, sample copper, Penny Brite copper cleaner, StazOn stamp pad and Novacan black patina. You know I'm going to fine that bottle of Ferric C that I have somewhere....


All the copper washed with Penny Brite... I used a file yesterday on the burr from drilling.


Searching through my rubber stamps, I only had two small enough to use. The StazOn is permanent ink to use as a resist. After etching you have to use baking soda to stop the etching process and rinse in water. The small brass piece I etched many years ago... you have to sand the StazOn off wearing a good face mask.


simple tools to make a float - Styrofoam or plastic foam, duct tape... plastic container for the etching solution. Latex gloves, eye protection & apron recommended for safety.


Copper pieces are adhered to the duct tape wrapped sticky side up around the foam block and then floated with stamped design facing down into the Ferric Chloride. I checked after fifteen minutes and reset timer for an additional 20 minutes.


washed them off and set them down somewhere... ahahhaha found them, the upper two are with the permanent ink stamp.


The two on the bottom. I did draw a design on them with Bic permanent marker... a failure , did not really do much of anything after 90 minutes. I will try with a Sharpie next time...

I started some paper beads... First I made the designs by using graph paper. I cut out the shapes and traced onto scrapbook paper. the chart you see was made by cutting the shapes and putting a piece of graph paper over them & then I scanned . I might be teaching a paper bead class so I'm working on my skills & handouts. You just roll the paper tightly around a bamboo skewer, toothpick or plastic coffee stirrer. I need to figure out a better paste. The ends would not stay down. Also for the more interesting shapes you need longer paper. the beads I made were 6 inches long. I'm going to try some 9 or 10 inch strips of paper & also experiment with other weight paper. They need to be sealed with mod podge or other sealant. They're fun to make.

next I tackle the micro macrame cord and continue working with the etching. I received a small dragonfly rubber stamp today that I'll try tomorrow.
so that's the news here...

keep arting
e

Been spending time on Pinterest and making inspiration and a how to file for jewelry... I have had all sorts of equipment in that enclosed deck/remodeled studio Finally I have picked a direction. Jewelry making was always my first love so this year I've made a personal commitment to follow through and regain skills. To that end, I have made a list of themes, technique, subject and needed supplies. I ordered a few supplies yesterday because... you won't believe what has been sitting waiting for me to pick a direction since I moved out here. For awhile I taught PMC [Precious Metal Clay] and enameling but gave that up with the downturn around 2008. I will keep working in the other media as I like other artists tend to have Artist ADD and hop around from one technique/media to another.

Prepped some leftover copper blanks for drilling holes:


Drilled the holes - I so dislike the cheap fasteners that are often glued on back:


I just need to file the burr and I'm waiting for etching supplies which of course, I swear I had a bottle of Ferric Chloride somewhere...


I bought a new mold to use with the PMC - it has dragonflies... very tiny ones:


I did try to etch with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and salt with the drawing done with sharpies but it didn't do too much or I didn't wait long enough. more research needed. I did purchase a STAZEN permanent ink stamp and Ferric Chloride. The technique is simple: clean your copper, stamp the design with a rubber stamp with the STAZEN ink pad or draw with a sharpie, cover the back of the piece with tape and tape piece to a piece of foam. Let it float face down in the Ferric Chloride and agitate occasionally. Simple etching!


I put liver of sulpfur on some PMC and copper pieces to enhance patina. Those pieces just need buffing. I have stones ready to set on a few older pieces as well. I bought some micro macrame cord and plan to make some of the PMC pendants hand from a simple macrame necklace. I also purchased some ribbon, leather and chain necklaces. I felt my PMC which is 99.9% pure silver needed to have better looking necklaces than a simple rolled leather.



That was almost 2 weeks ago when we had a week of sunny days. The sun is bright after a week of rain so I hope it will be warm enough out there to do some work today. Slowly getting my mind in order to make jewelry again.

Beside etching and enameling on PMC or copper, I plan to make paper beads [I am offering a class later this spring], ceramic diffuser for essential oils, reduce my Enso images & print to be placed into pendant base with a glass piece on top. Plus work on my various necklace ideas: making chain, macrame, etc... I fell better that I now have goals in mind. I was drifting in a whirlwind of doubt and low art sales for many years.

My classes are not running so I hope this commitment to jewelry pulls me out of a creative slump although I have been working hard on the 2014 NaNoWriMo and am satisfied with that. I have started putting ideas down for a third novel and am ready to start working again on the 2015 novel. I have Spring Art Walk, the Artist Garage Sale and the NOVA school fair comming up in a month in a half...

sun is out, studio is warm, Keep Arting even if you need time to ruminate, keep arting!

still working on 2015 NaNoWriMo - have reread my novel three times from the beginning over the last 3 weeks and added dialogue, correcting dates, etc. - took a big chunk out but am now at 80,622 words.
Made a time sequence page and fiddling with the story tonight realized I need to correct a few things or they just don't make sequential sense.
I was going to print out all 271 double spaced pages to work the next correction on paper but now I need to futz with those couple problems I found tonight first.

I also went back to last year's story @ 59,243 and am going to be working with that as well.
I found I am really loving this writing!

Yes, I starting blocking out a new story that was floating around in my imagination. I have the characters and a base couple of pages capturing the story line. I just didn't want to loose what I had in my head for this 3rd story.

going to play a card game in front of the tree and then I'll be back at it!

e

Still trying to beat back the house... between the summer heat/getting ready for those five craft fairs, Don't do a white glove inspection or wear strong glasses in the kitchen. yegads, it was such a mess! I have the front rooms tidy, the tree is decorated and stopped listing; outside lights look great in all the gray/rain.

bedroom is tidy - discarded a box of clothes... Now for the garage from hell and the art/office. Must be the New Year's organization starting early OR my washing machine died and I have to clear the way for them to bring in the new on Dec 28th! Where does this stuff come from?

I'm still working on my NaNoWriMo novel - 75,897 as I edit for the second time in the last week and a half.

Keep arting - my class list is up - creativity is a great gift.

Despite loading in during the pouring rain at the Olympia Waldorf School, 8126 Normandy Street SE, Olympia, WA..... normal for the Pacific Northwest, I sold some of my collage boxes, chopstick journals, and some note cards. Thanks to all who purchased from me today... I don't do that many holiday/fairs in general and it was nice to be able share my work. Here is my set up...

and a little blurry...

Tomorrow I'll bring the cards, chopstick journals and boxes to the Gallery Boom pop-up Capital Mall store. In just the first three days the pop-up sold $500 worth of local art. Thanks to all who support this venture.

Please check my art class list - give the gift of creativity.

Keep arting

ellen

Wednesday was The Evergreen State College Annual Holiday Sale.... I actually arrived very, I mean very early to get a decent parking space. I'm embarrassed it was so early but last year I swear it took me 20 minutes to walk shoving my cart from the parking lot to the CAB. I was 5th in line for check in this year...

Remind me not to sign up for the small table... 3 foot square card table. Was trying to save $ because last year I only sold 2 cards.


cramped space...

this is a little fuzzy


I was amazed at how much I could fit on the table.
It was slow for the first hour; then it picked up around noon...
I made my table fee of $15 and then $23 over... not much but every time I do a craft fair, it helps to check other people's displays and what they are selling & if they are selling. Plus Evergreen is a ten minute drive for me.

Tomorrow is my last holiday show of the year - Olympia Waldorf School. Our names will be printed in their next newsletter so I have the opportunity to say I teach classes. I hope that brings in business as far as the teaching.

I have finally set up my AFTRCA shop... PMC jewelry and mini collages... http://https://www.aftcra.com/Nine_Lives_Studio
I'm not doing Etsy... I'll let you know if AFTCRA works any better. Least there are no listing fees.

The sun is out and I have to clean up the yard a bit and put some holiday lights up. It's true what they say "Make hay while the sun shines" especially out here in the PNW in the fall/winter. We've had such heavy rain storms lately...

As far as online Print on Demand sales, I listed the links below.
Nothing sold on Fine Art America in a long time - FAA used to be just cards and prints but now they have an increasing amount of other products:
http://ellen-miffitt.artistwebsites.com
Redbubble I've only had a few sales:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/NineLivesStudio
Zazzle sales are increasing daily...
http://www.zazzle.com/Nine_Lives_Studio*
http://www.zazzle.com/zen_ink*
http://www.zazzle.com/christmas_studio*
http://www.zazzle.com/photos_9lives_studio*
http://www.zazzle.com/emiffitt_studio

Gallery Boom has a Pop-Up Store located in the Capitol Mall for the month of December! Thirty artists are participating in this excellent adventure. I am so excited to participate in this venture. The hours are listed below. Gallery Boom in Tumwater will remain open from Wed- to Sunday.

Does this look great or what?

Trying to get things done for Saturday's Lincoln Winter Market but... time is slipping partly because I put so much work into NaNoWriMo nove = 62,147 words to dat.

I finished the tops of ten boxes last night as well



and



and these need a little more work... sorry for the fuzzy photo I'm in a rush but realized I needed to post!



getting 15 lighter weight chopstick books ready for block prints - These will go for $5.00. Single layer cardstock cover and 15 sheets of regular copy paper for the pages.



and I must get to making bubble wands... [another fuzzy photo... ^..^]



and of course... I need to get to those wooden boxes and ornaments - I need a few more 24 hour days this week.

Enjoy celebrating Fall Harvest/Thanksgiving Day
Ellen

Here's my Winter Art Class Schedule at the Olympia Center through Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation.

Resolution Collage in a Container

Ages: 16 and up

Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence. In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box using a variety of intriguing techniques. Many of us have collections of memorabilia in the form of old photographs, postcards, buttons, twine and found objects from everyday life to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. This class will be enjoyable for both the beginner and experienced student. A supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Jan 9 9:00am-Noon $25 #3287

Playing with Moonbeams

Ages: 16 and up

Jump start your creative side! Awaken the muse within no matter how dormant you may feel your muse is. With activities designed to lead you gently into a creative space, everyone will enjoy this adventure. We will work with a variety of simple materials and explore how to develop our playful personal voice. The fun projects will help you overcome the fear of the blank page and find ways to start a series or develop a theme. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Jan 16 9:00am-1:00pm $39 #3168

Introduction to Sumi-e

Ages: 16 and up

Instructor Ellen Miffitt will introduce you to the four treasures: ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. The simplicity and spontaneity of brush painting begins by learning to hold the brush, making the basic strokes and loading the brush to create tones and depth. The goal is to break away from logical thinking and to be spontaneous in expressing with the brush. All supplies included in class fee.

Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Jan 19-Feb 23 6:00pm-8:00pm $99 #3281

Enticing Your Personal Writing Muse

Ages: 16 and up

This creative writing class will develop your vibrant writer’s voice by letting the words flow, stream of consciousness style. Two twenty minute writing exercises with nonjudgmental sharing encourages writing from your heart. Pen or pencil and a spiral notebook are all you need to begin this creative journey! If you wish to use an electronic device, please be sure the keyboard doesn’t make “typing” sounds. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

W Jan 20-Mar 9 6:00pm-8:00pm $89 #3144

Mimic the Masters

Ages: 16 and up

Paint like the Master! Each week a different artist will be featured. You will use media of your choice such as watercolor, pastel or acrylic paint to mimic the featured artist’s style. Supply list provided with registration. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Th Jan 21-Feb 25 6:00pm-8:00pm $69 #3291

Special Effects Watercolor

Ages: 16 and up

Each week you will learn and implement a special effect to your watercolor painting-of-the-class-day. Increase skills and have fun experimenting with salt, wax paper, and more. Participants supply their watercolors and watercolor paper. Supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Jan 25-Feb 8 6:00pm-8:00pm $39 #3253

Altering a Kids’ Board Book

Ages: 16 and up

You will use watercolor tricks to create a series of paintings on paper (subject matter up to you). Then you will put the finishing touches on with pen, ink, pencil, gesso, charcoal, marker, collage, or whatever else the pieces need. We’ll start creating with paper and finish the day by adhering them to a kid’s board book. Most supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Feb 6 9:00am-1:00pm $35 #3288

Artist Trading Cards

Ages: 16 and up

As their name indicates, ATC are collectables of miniature works of art, a brilliant idea born of the older sports-themed trading cards. The only rules being that the small works of art are, (1) exchanged and not sold, and (2) that they must be 2.5”x3.5” or 64 X 89 mm in size. The whole essence of these tiny works of art is about artists meeting (by correspondence or online if need be) and exchanging their works, thus meeting many artists and getting exposed to many personal styles. Because they are art for the sake of art, ATCs are a precious reminder to amateurs and professional alike of what creativity is about - the pleasure of working with beauty and the excitement of being surprised by experimental techniques. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Feb 20 9:00am-Noon $25 #3203

Selling Art on “Print on Demand” Sites, the Pros & Cons

Ages: 16 and up

Print on Demand (POD) companies, like Fine Art America, Zazzle, RedBubble, Cafepress, etc. are flourishing. Typically you create a shop front and choose what to display your work on. No physical products are created until it sells. Products include (prints, t-shirts, mugs, home décor, and so on) within their marketplace. Spend an evening learning the Pros, Cons & Risks of placing your images on a POD shop. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Feb 22 6:00pm-8:00pm $19 #3294

Mixed Media Painting

Ages: 16 and up

This class is designed for those who want to add to their art repertoire. Break loose, play and dare to be spontaneous with unconventional materials! Use wire mesh, wood, glass beads, acrylic gel, oil pastels and other material you have saved but didn’t know what to do with! Experiment with techniques like dribbling, splashing or smearing, spattering and other methods to enhance your “creative toolbox” and work more freely. While playful experimentation is encouraged, attention to composition, use of space, concept and other relevant aspects will be explored. A course outline and materials list will be sent upon registration. Participants provide their own acrylic paint, brushes and substrate (canvas board, stretched canvas or other prepared substrate). Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Mar 1-22 6:00pm-8:00pm $59 #3283

Comics Aren’t Just for Kids

Ages: 16 and up

Have you been wondering if you could come up with your own super characters or silly family? Join this class to draw, doodle, and have oodles of creative fun! Learn how develop your ideas into a story line which then is translated into character studies for your comic strip. Get the ideas out of your head and into reality through basic drawing, sequencing, writing, production, and character development techniques. Please bring drawing pad, pencils and erasers.

Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Th Mar 3-24 6:00pm-8:00pm $49 #3292

Zen Ink Doodles

Ages: 16 and up

Calling all artists, doodlers, and pen-wielding daydreamers! Using design principles and elements, participants will create patterns and textures. Finished drawings can be plain black and white or you can add a little color to some or all of your black and white designs. You’ll be surprised at the results! This is a great right brain activity. Supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Mar 5 9:00am-1:00pm $25 #3290

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils

Ages: 16 and up

Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match many watercolor effects plus have the ability to create colored pencil techniques. Discover this medium’s exciting versatility using wet-on-dry, dry-on-wet, wet-on-wet and much more! At each class you will apply this information to create painting studies. Participants bring watercolor paper and watercolor pencils to class along with ideas/sketches for realistic to abstract paintings. Download supply list. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Mar 7-28 6:00pm-8:00pm $49 #3282

Beginning Drawing

Ages: 16 and up

Drawing is practiced observation and the goal of this beginners class is to practice observation through hand eye coordination exercises such as contour and adjusted contour line drawing. Upside down drawings of various images also increase hand eye coordination. Exercises with charcoal or graphite sticks aim to increase the skill of representing value and creating depth in a drawing. No prior art experience is required. Bring a soft pencil (4B is good), graphite stick, an eraser and a sketch pad no smaller than 11” x14” to class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

W Mar 16-April 20 6:00pm-8:00pm $69 #3260

Spring Equinox Personal Mandala

Ages: 16 and up

The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center.” Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop we will explore the history of mandala patterns and you will create your own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself. This should be a time to let go, play with color and design, and to have fun! Most supplies included in class fee. Suggested embellishment list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Mar 19 9:00am-Noon $25 #3289

Illustrating Your Interests

Ages: 16 and up

Drawing skills are taught in conjunction with participant selected subject interest. Participants have the opportunity to design long term projects while also being taught the skills needed to express themselves visually. A variety of media will be used: graphite/pencil, pen & ink, colored pencils, watercolor pencils and a variety of paper in accord with the media to illustrate the subject matter of your choice. Developing your unique style of illustration from stylized to realistic will be emphasized. Please be thinking about what subject matter you would like to illustrate and bring in your own photographs or other images of those subjects. All supplies included in class fee.

Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Mar 29-Apr 19 6:00pm-8:00pm $69 #3284

Design Principles: An Introduction

Ages: 16 and up

Design is the basis for all other art courses and it includes the elements and principles of art. The material will be presented through hands on studio problems in two dimensions. These will cover line, shape, texture, value and color. Also the topics of balance, unity repetition and other principles will be introduced through simple projects. These exercises will provide you with the tools to create compositions in any medium. Please bring pencil, eraser and pad of mixed media paper (11x14 inch) to first class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Th Mar 31-Apr 21 6:00pm-8:00pm $69 #3285

Drawing on your iPad

Ages: 16 and up

Among the many creative apps for iPads, there is a wonderful portable non messy way of staying creative on the go! Art Set Pro Edition has the feel of using the real materials. It’s a great way to plan projects, practice sketching and finish pieces to be used for prints. The app cost is $6.99 and must be downloaded from the Apple App store prior to class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Apr 4-18 6:00pm-8:00pm $39 #3293

Simple Book Making

Ages: 16 and up

This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures to make small art books/journals. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch, ribbon & chopstick book and other simple forms will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Book covers will be created using mixed media/collage approach. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Apr 9 9:00am-1:00pm $29 #3286