Monday, June 29, 2009

Happy Halloween!

Okay, so maybe Halloween is still a few months away - but it's never too early to celebrate! I just finished a whole bunch of new Halloween creations and have posted them to my ETSY shop. Everything from pumpkins to witches to ghosts. You're sure to find something to get you in the "spirit!"

It's been a real productive weekend for me, despite the scorching heat (105˚ today...yuck!). I'm on a halloween roll and I will be posting some of my WIPS in the next day or so. Stay tuned!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Chicken Lips Meets Paper Maché!

I'm always looking for new tools and materials to add to my creative "tool belt." So when I saw that so many artists I admire were using Fastmaché and Celluclay, I decided that I wanted to jump in and give it a try.

This pumpkin guy is my first attempt at Fastmaché. He's stands at about 12" high.

I've found that Fastmaché is a WHOLE lot different than Paperclay! There are most certainly pros and cons to using it. The biggest con...you have to mix the stuff before using. And as I found out, if you don't mix it right, it isn't going to work. It's also very difficult to get a smooth surface and to apply details to. But, then again, the "lumpy-bumpy" surface gives the piece a lot of character and provides that "vintage" look. The Fastmaché is also much easier to use when covering a large surface (like the Pumpkin guy's body). It drys really fast and when finished, this stuff is as hard as a rock - from a durability stand point it's excellent! It also takes paint very well.

I am really excited about the possibilities of using Fastmaché in conjunction with Paperclay!

I have to give an enormous "shout-out" of thanks to Laurie Hardin and Johanna Parker who talked me through how to use this unique material. I would never of figured out how to use it right without their help. They are both masters of what they do and I'm thankful for their support and friendship!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Bring on the Owls!


I've long since loved Owls  - they are such Halloween icons. But, I had always been a little intimidated about making one...birds are just not my thing. I decided that I would throw caution to the wind and give one a try - heck, if it didn't turn out right, I could always turn it into something else (that's the magic of clay!). 

I'm happy to report that he did turn out as I had hoped! I'm also happy to report that he has already found a new home with my friend and collector, Robert of Halloween Fanatic

Now, I'm off to make MORE owls!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Skeleton Candy Container


I've been so darn busy lately finishing up a couple commission pieces and getting ready for my Fall shows, that I haven't had much time to post to my blog. I did manage to find some time to get this new fellow posted to my ETSY shop. This skelly candy container is hand sculpted from paperclay - using my "sand in the balloon" trick (see earlier posts). He seemed so "naked" when I first finished him. So, I added some feather hair - that did the trick! The hair gives him a kind of frazzled look....I know JUST how he feels!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Zippo the Zombie Clown


You might remember an earlier post of Zippo as a WIP. He's long since been completed and waiting for just the right time to be unleashed on an unsuspecting public! The time is now! Zippo makes his debut on Spookytimes Jingles tonight at Midnight. Stop by and get a good look at him...if you dare!

I will also be debuting another Halloween piece and two for Christmas. But, you'll have to wait until tonight to see them. I know, I'm a real stinker!!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

New Ornaments!

I've just posted a couple of new ornaments to my ETSY shop! A snowman head and a pumpkin head. Both sculpted from paperclay.Stop by tomorrow and get a sneek peak at what I'll be offering this month on Spookytime Jingles. Here's a hint....if clowns scare you, you may want to stay away!

Friday, June 5, 2009

WIP it! WIP it Good!



Just look at all these WIPs! Looks like I've got a lot of painting ahead of me this weekend. But don't feel sorry for me...I love this part of the process! I get to sit in my air conditioned studio, crank up my iPod (just got the new Tori Amos and Greenday CDs loaded in!) and away I'll paint! 

Despite their ghostly pallor, I love the possibilities of each and every unpainted piece. They're like little blank canvases just waiting to come to life with color. Rarely do I plan out in advance what colors I will make each creation - I let that be a surprise.

Have a great weekend - I know I will!

Monday, June 1, 2009

New Chicken Lips on Arts A Flutter



Stop by Arts a Flutter and see my two newest offerings for June: Uncle Sam and a Hungry Crow. Both are paperclay on wood bases. Arts a Flutter showcases some wonderful artists with varied styles, mediums and subject matter - something for everyone! Stop by today and take in some eye-candy!

Have a wonderful week!