michelle ward

xoxo

positive spin

I've adored the maltese cross for years.  I wear one every day.  I play with the image often in my work, and you've seen it show up in my own carvings and my rubber line.  Because I tend to be linear, and literal, I never considered the 45 degree variation of the "+" to make it a "x".   You'll see I went nuts experimenting with my new perspective.  Anytime I discover a form or shape I invest a little time making new tools....

 

 

 

And more unfinished pages....sometimes it just feels good to get something started on the page.  It's a process to make additions to a painted background....it can take days to complete, or it may always stay as an experimental background. 

I'm taking an a quick trip home to see my sister.  Squeeze your eyes tight and spin those positive vibes and prayers our way.  Take a deep breath and appreciate what your healthy lungs can do.  Shout and sing on the 4th of July....because you can.  And never forget to wink and whisper sweet somethings to your loved ones.  xoxo 

change

School ends tomorrow.  Time becomes less frantic.  Days become long and lazy.  The change of season brings a change of style - not only in what we wear, and maybe what we eat, and how we fill our days....but maybe how we create too.  For me, I see my color palette change...does yours?  (Ok, so I'll never give up red and black). 

As a fan of Tim Russert I was shocked, as you were, to learn he had passed away.  Over the weekend we watched countless hours of his friends honoring him with their stories, re-runs of Meet the Press, and the special edition in Sunday.  This afternoon we watched the memorial service.  What a man.  His enthusiam was infectious.  I was touched they arranged for The Boss play out the service...but even more...I was impressed at the intro....you might have missed it....the journalist mentioned that as the hundreds of people were filing in, the music playing was taken from Tim's ipod.  As was obvious, his loved ones GOT him.  Here's what was they heard:

 

shapin' up

Another cool shape.  The center box is mine....the others are for a friend who commented she liked the shape.  Definitely alterable.  Love the pyramid tea thingies too.  Love the out-of-the-box thinking that led to this packaging.

I have a morning-in-the-studio playlist filled with tunes that energize me.  I was never a fan of this band, but this track gets me moving!  Hit *play* and see if it gets you grooving in your world today.  *turn it up*

And for Jenny....you can show Andrew my daily-wear shoes....see how much I've loved my black and white Vans?  They are love-worn and paint-splattered.  Had to get a second pair.  And in red too.

the shape of things

I obsess about several shapes.  A close relative to one of my faves, the maltese cross, is the quatrefoil.  I also obsess about punches.  I'm always on the prowl for new images.  You know I swooned when I saw this one:  HERE.  

The black and red pattern you see in the upper left is a photo of a wood box at our front door (for shoes!)  Here are the close-ups of the punch-outs from rubbings done over textured wallpaper on colored paper, for GPP Street Team Crusade No. 21:

Many of you have written kind notes asking how my sister Shannon is doing.  I was going to refrain from giving an update here to respect her privacy...but then I decided we could use your continued prayer and good vibes.  As you may know she left the hospital in time for her 40th birthday {yay!} but after a week home she's back in.   It still warms my heart to think of all the responses we got when I asked for your words of cheer.  I know you will join me in sending positive energy her way again.  xoxo

where have you been?

It's been nearly 100* for days....with more to come.  Naturally, we've been floating around in the pool. 

My poolside book:  THIS.  The quote below is written in the front flap, sealed the deal for me.  I've adored him since Confessions of a Window Dresser.  I asked permission to use his website photos here but didn't hear back so you'll have to go visit there:  HERE. 

 

And the latest on the dove family:  there won't be one.  At least not this summer, at least not outside my window.  I was really careful to give them their privacy especially after that second egg arrived.  I made sure the window and blinds were closed when I was vacuuming so I didn't freak them out.  I kept Winston away too.  They left....haven't seen either parent (or heard them) in 5 days.  Bummer.

   

Oooh, there's thunder!  I wonder if that will give us a break from the heat?  Or if we'll lose power?  I'm outta here!  Hope you're staying cool!

part-time crusader

Opening weekend we went to see the new Indiana Jones film (loved it!)   Since then I've been on an Indy kick - by that I mean that I've revived my interest in some sketchbooks that were shelved.  A few years ago I decided I wanted to keep a very small sketchbook similar to Dr. Jones as seen in The Last Crusade.  I loved seeing his in the film - all those notes and maps and images of artifacts made me wild.  Not long after starting my own 'grail diary' I read The Da Vinci Code and began another small journal to store my investigation of symbols and iconography.  Funny how the two sketchbooks cross paths from time to time.(The first page has a copy of the email sent to me by Lisa Hoffman (2003), recommending I read the DVC.)

 

For this month's GPP Street Team Crusade we are taking on the challenge of making wax rubbings and then painting over it for a resist.  Here's one of my rubbings without paint.  I wanted to make one like in the Indy Diary.....

And more rubbings - this time over textured wallpaper, then brushed with paint.  Try it and then come play along on the Street Team blog.  You have to be very heavy handed with the side of the crayon for good wax coverage so it will resist the paint you brush over it.  Use watered down paint or after coating the page with acrylic, spritz with water and wipe away.  (This anaglypta wallpaper was a gift from my friend Judy N.)

Years ago I found this terrific site that has incredible visuals from the Indy Diary.  The guy even walks you through every detail so you can make your own.  I like to visit there just to see all the pages, HERE.  When I was looking for this site again I came across this new book!  Not quite like the movie prop but I had to have it!

When I was at the bookstore I came across this Da Vinci Kit - on clearance for $2.99!!  Graham had given me one last year but it was a score to get another so I could have one to cut up and use in my journal - especially the paper model of the duomo.

If you are into Indiana Jones and archeology, you should try to catch the History Channel's showing of Indiana Jones and the Ultimate Quest.  It was cool to see how the films have inspired people to become archeologists.  It also made such an impression on me of how 'things' left behind tell the story of mankind. 

Congrats to Maj Carita Hoenborg in Germany for being Crusade No. 20 Top Hat Pick.  The crusaders were busy making paper casts and they were all very cool.  Come visit the links and see for yourself.  As I mentioned, this month is wax rubbing and resist painting.  Wanna play?  Hop on over! 

two turtle doves...

Ok, so they aren't 'turtle doves', but I couldn't resist the phrase.  Yesterday Graham discovered there was a second egg!  Knowing absolutely nothing about these birds, it fascinated me that both eggs weren't delivered at the same time.  I've done some reading and found out they will hatch in 14 days!

the view from here

While the rest of the world is racing by - school buses and UPS trucks blast down the street about 40 feet from my bedroom window.  But just beyond the sash is a pine tree, where a mama and daddy dove have taken up residence.  Each morning I open the window and whisper hello.  Winston waits patiently to take his perch on the sill and spends hours watching them.  Today I startled the mama and off she flew....revealing her lovely pearl.  It was hard to get the photo - had to reach way around the tree and got a couple of blurry shots (while in my jammies!) but I wanted to be quick so she wouldn't stress out and could come back.

I am grateful for my daily visit with the dove family.  They are a quiet calming reminder that whatever else happens today, I am lucky to be a wife and a mother in a little nest of our own. 

she's a winker

Come on, isn't this the coolest?  So clever!  I never think of this kind of thing....which is why I'm sharing it with you - to inspire you.  It's that time of year when you may need to get a graduation gift. Sure, many of us think of a personalized something, an engraved item to mark a momentous occasion.  Forget the pen set - go for a metallic red iPod shuffle.  That rocks!  

No, I'm not graduating from anything.....I just have a friend who GETS me.  Thanks Buzz *wink*

findings

In case you hadn't heard....Jenny Doh has a new blog.  Hop over and say hello, then bookmark for regular visits with your morning coffee.

Yesterday I got to spend a-perfect-weather-day in NYC with my friend Edie.  Time flies when I'm with this girl - had a blast, beginning with a tour of her way-cool apartment.  Then off to Tinsel Trading for another visit with Wendy Addison.  And THEN, I finally got to Metalliferous - a place Beryl Taylor told me about last year.  What a find!  I kinda knew what to expect so I had a wishlist of things to look for which really helped since there is so much to see.  Here's some of my loot.  Those hearts are made of copper mesh! 

 

And now for the reveal on the tree root I showed you earlier....loved all the responses.  It was fun to read what your perspectives were.  I saw England in view No. 2.  I plan on putting it in a box, positioned over a map, with a heart placed over Birmingham (where I met my husband!)

Have a wonderful long weekend!

pip pip hooray!

Congrats to David Cook!!  This was my favorite part of the evening....I rewound on tivo several times, and then searched youtube this morning....

Earlier in the night we got to see our own american idol.  Check out Sam and his classmates HERE.  It's a little dark....but what a moment!  (Sam is second from left).

perspective

I'm not trying to get all deep here, just bring an awareness to perspective.  Whether you are thinking about something little, or something big, don't you find yourself trying to get another perspective?  We say "step back for greater or different perspective", but maybe we mean "lean in closer", or "step away".  We are lucky when we can count on our loved ones to offer an honest perspective, given their experiences, and how well they know us.  Another perspective can give us clarity or confusion. 

Like I said, I'm not trying be all deep.  I'm really just thinking about how we can think bigger when we widen our viewfinder.  Focus is good, but so is blurry.  It allows you to imagine. 

Your view vs. mine:  while collecting fallen branches in the yard last year I came across this root-y thing.  I never would have seen it's potential (to be used in my art) if I hadn't approached it the way I did.  If it was turned another way I would have chucked it in the pile with the other "for the fire" branches.  But I was looking for a specific size of branch to set in my "save for the studio" pile when I came across it.  It reminded me of something instantly.  I won't tell you which view I'm talking about....take a look at these directional photos and tell me what YOU see. 

There has been alot of chatter online about the Orphan Works Act of 2008 - threatening to change the copyright laws as we know them (which still seem a little murky).  Well, it's going to get murkier.  Here's my perspective:  you have to do what you have to do to feel like you can make a difference or advocate for your rights.....I haven't read through every detail but this became clear:  you need to protect yourself.  LABEL YOUR WORK.  Label every photo you post online.  Take credit for your work.  Orphan means that the originating artist can't be found.  Make sure you can be found.  Have a blog or website?  Make it easy to contact you.  Don't have your name on your blog?  What's that about?  TAKE CREDIT.  Be find-able.  *steps off soapbox*

double trouble (in a good way)

Today we got good news that Shannon is leaving the hospital!  We've been praying for this day for weeks.  We have all been wanting to break her out so that she could enjoy her 40th birthday at HOME. 

Tomorrow she will be 40, and I will be 44.  Having the same birthday is just one of the special things I share with my sister.  There were probably many years that we blew out candles on the same cake - but I remember one year in particular where there was a party, and one large sheet cake, and we each got to pick our own color for the frosted roses.  I think I picked yellow or red, but I'm sure she picked pink.  Shannon ~ let's skip the frosted roses and get something decadent and chocolatey and call each other with our mouths full.

How is possible that this sweet thing in the flowered purple coat below is now 40?

The best gift will be getting a birthday call from you and the caller ID tells me you are HOME.

*launches etsy*

 

After being a fan and supporter of ETSY for some time now, I've finally launched my own shop!  I'm starting out by selling the remaining Marie Antoinette unmounted rubber stamp sets that were created for the collaborative project you read about HERE.  Before I was even able to get this post up some of them sold.  I have more to load tomorrow, and then will be working on painted canvases and maybe some other cool stuff to sell as I get the hang of this new thing.  If you haven't been to ETSY, scoot over there now and check out all the wonderful handcrafted goodies.  See my link, upper right. 

If you subscribe to Stampington's Post Script you can enter to win one of these sets too (by May 25th.) 

what day is it?

This week was one of those this-feels-like-a-monday-on-wednesday AND this-feels-like-a-friday-on-wednesday.  At least today is Saturday and could sleep in, one of my favorite indulgences.  So here's a catch-up post so I can clear my head and the memory card on my camera.....

 

Another terrific weekend spent making cool stuff with old friends and new ones.  Kathy and Bill are The Best hosts and the additions they made to their compound are wonderful.  The weekend began with a delightful ride from the airport with new-friend-who-felt-like-an-old-friend-because-we-talked-and-talked-and-talked, Beth.  Fun to meet you in person Beth!  Mom drives to Valley Ridge each year from the Twin Cities so she can see hang out and try out the groovy things we like to do with paint.

Then we spent two days painting pages.  There's nothing quite like an extended workshop - to be able to set up camp and leave your stuff out for two days is really cool.  The artists made great stuff!  Great to see Judy, Bonnie, and Bernadette again.  And I got to give a hug to Tina and Marlynn - both are friends made online and met in person for the first time.  And it was delight to meet Kelley, Julia, Kaye, Michelle, Sue, Jennifer, Kathy, and the token dude, Gary.

And at VRAS they have a new community building not only for amazing lunches, but for a wine-and-cheese-or-soda happy hour.  I think we were all very happy - as in it was great to spend time together making art and making new friends.  For more photos of the weekend you can visit VRAS's album HERE.

EDIT:  OMG!  Look at my thumb and index finger on Kelley's shoulder!  It's covered in black spray paint.  What a riot.  Where were my gloves?

 

I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to teach at this wonderful place, and to have a classroom full of students who are eager to learn and play and made it so much fun.  It's so energizing to see creativity at work, and to be part of that.  And I'm grateful to my husband and kids - that they make it easy for me to get away, to be a full-time artist for a few days.  I'll be back in October 2009 and have already started inventing my class - can't wait! 

 

Since Shannon is still in the hospital I modified my return plans and caught a ride back to MN with Mom and Judy, and got to spend some time visiting with Mom and Dad, Shannon and her husband Andy, my Grandma, my cousins Kathy and Molly, and friends Virginia and Peggy.  So fab to see so many loved ones.  Whew!  Got alot in for less than 48 hours.  Shannon is doing much better and it was The Best to get to see her.  Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers coming in....hope she's out before her 40th birthday on the 17th.

Got home at midnight Tuesday, then headed out Wednesday afternoon for an MCR concert with Fallon and our friend Leci.  Home at 1 am.  Do you blame me for not knowing what day it was?

Twenty Crusades!  Phew!  I can hardly believe it.  Congrats to Sarah Harris from the U.K. for being the Top Hat Pick for No. 19.  I was late in getting No. 20 up but it's an easy one....plenty of time to try it before June 1st.  Come play! 

Wishing all you all a Happy Mother's Day!  I'm feeling so grateful to have time with my Mom this week, and to come home to three wonderful children.  I am so lucky!  Check this out, found in Sam's backpack:

Adorable!

*waves*

I'm outta here.  See ya Wednesday.  Crusade extended until 5/7....still time to join.

mayday, mayday

Can you stand it?  We are on the new HIM dvd, Digital Versatile Doom.  When they told us to send in photos I thought maybe they would print them out and post on a bulletin board and do a quick pan of the camera across them and we'd have to rewind and pause and get out the binoculars.  But it's way better than that - they flash each picture across the entire screen in slide show format for like 5 seconds.  (I counted....5 seconds is a long time....it's not like if you blink you will miss it.)

I have plenty to do in the next two days.  I've been packing, editing, packing, editing.....for my trip to Valley Ridge Art Studio this weekend.  I can hardly wait to have two whole days devoted to making cool pages with returning friends, friends I know online only, and friends I haven't met yet.  Time spent with Kathy and Bill is always a treat too.  Mom is coming again and then ......shhhhhh ........I'm sneaking to MN for a visit with Shannon.  I am beside myself with glee to get to see her.  I'll check back in after I get back on Tuesday.  Behave while I'm gone.  Come on....you're squeeing with me about being on the dvd aren't you?