Treasures of the Sea...

Around here lately...

It seems that I am surrounded in water, as it has been raining. Big rain.

That's fine with me because I adore water.

I am especially fond of the sea...

it's hues of turquoise, blue, green, and white.

Tranquility.

Sea creatures fascinate me...

even if they really only live in my head....

or not?

I like to believe that they do exist.

Sunken treasures below.

I ponder all of these things while sculpting clay heads and tails.

While painting tiny fish.

I have enjoyed several sea theme art projects since returning home from our vacation.

The mixed media mermaid doll was a fun project for an art doll swap! She is being shipped to New York today. In return, I will receive a handmade art doll from my swap partner in New York!

This is what I refer to as my "play time" art. My hobby. Art with no instructions!

This big guitar case was my most recent commission. Although it came to me with instructions, I absolutely loved doing this piece!

"Bugs" is a pet dog who has passed on. My lovely client hired me to paint this case as a tribute to Bugs...

a gift for the doggie parents. Isn't that sweet?

I feel as if I am still on vacation with all of these sea projects...

I even added some ambient lighting to the tree, right outside of my studio window.

Fireflies in a sea colored jar? Oh yes!

It makes me smile!

Sending some tranquility your way!

I'll meet you back here again soon!

XO

 

Welcome Fall... and a pumpkin doll!

The past two days have been cold, wet, and grey here.

My morning walks now require a jacket.

And a few stops to snap some photos, of course!

My pumpkin patch fizzled out so I had to pluck the six pumpkins that did grow, even though they were still rather tiny.

That's okay though because as far as I am concerned, Fall has arrived and I'm feeling very inspired by it!

Even our country cow friends are enjoying the cooler temperatures.

They came out to greet me after I wrapped up my walk....

Snap, snap.

And then I dashed into the house, dampened by the misty rain.

More coffee to brew, for warming my bones.

I was on a mission.

I had sketched my ideas onto sticky notes.

For days, thinking about pumpkin dolls...

but commission work must come first.

So I have been painting like a mad woman!

Getting closer to be finished...

(and closer to making pumpkin dolls)...

when I get another commission just yesterday!

Friends, I must pinch myself often because I can't believe that at last, I really am living my dream. I always have work now.

The only problem that I seem to have is finding the time to create for fun, with no instructions, and to use whatever mediums that I may be in the mood for that day. You know, that free spirit stuff that artists have.

After painting all mid morning, I decided that I was going to make it all work! I was indeed, going to start bringing Mr. Pumpkin doll to life, afterall, October will soon be here!

And so, the sculpting has begun!

Yes!

I can do it all,

With practice, of course! (Time management).

Tell me what you are doing to welcome Fall!!!

Until next time,

Blessings!

 

Sugar Skulls & Sugar Skulls...

Hello!

How are you?

All is wonderful here on the prairie!

No true Spring weather yet, but that's okay because I have much going on in the art studio.

This week I am filling an order for sugar skull necklaces!

This has been my biggest commission yet!

A place of business has ordered dozens of the skulls for a May art event in Iowa, celebrating the Mexican culture.

I even put my new bead baking rack to use and loved it!

I'm getting closer to completing this order and have nicely wrapped each cord around my business cards. I thought that the white background showed off the skull better, having all of my colorful info on the backside.

It's been a nice break from canvas painting, which I did all weekend and most all of last week. (I will show that project soon, as it's on it's way to Virginia and I do not want to blow the surprise)!

For now, I'm off to string more beads and then get these babies boxed up for shipping!

Wishing you all a fabulous day!

Until next time...

XO

 

Hello peeps and pretty nails!

Hello, peeps and Happy Spring!

Oh, it feels so good to say that!

At last, Spring has arrived!

We are still awaiting warmer temperatures here, but officially, it's here and I have heard that lovely sound of birds singing outside my window.

Easter is next and I have been having a blast squishing clay into sweet Easter treats to wear!

These are my very favorite Easter treats! I feel like such a child, sucking all of the sugar off of them...

and then savoring the gooey marshmallow in my mouth!

How about you?

Do you have a favorite?

And chocolate bunnies are just the cutest! (Not as easy to sculpt though)!

And now I have a story to share with you!

Last weekend I participated in a local fundraiser event, as you know from my previous posts. After setting up my art displays, I began to roam a bit and visit other participating vendors. I met a charming new friend who was selling her finger nail wraps, along with hand care products and nail lacquer. I made it very clear to her that I don't do my nails (as you can always see in my photos like the ones above). Yuck! Why bother when I work with messy paints, gesso, gel mediums all day. I even clip my nails whenever I begin working with clay so that I do not leave finger nail imprints on my projects.

However...

I was still quite curious about these nail wraps that shrink to one's finger nail with a heat source... and her finger nails were so darn cute! After spending long hours at my booth, and she at hers,... I finally agreed to trying these nail wraps by having one put on with her tiny tabletop heater. I was even more curious after watching the vinyl "melt" onto my natural nail... With such a beautiful design. I went ahead and placed several of the raffle tickets that my hubby had purchased, into her giveaway basket.

At 3:00 pm the raffle began...

And I won that basket filled with hand care products and TWO packages of nail wraps!

So, I'm going to jump ahead a bit to shorten this story.

Once home, I realized that I could now really put these nail wraps to the test and not be out any money by doing so. That was a relief. It's somewhat like a brand new art journal. That first blank page is always a little intimidating. I never want to ruin the pricey new journal! (It takes a little mental preparation to convince myself that it's my journal is to play in and mess up.... That's what it's for)!

Speeding up this story even more...

With full manis and pedis (with these things called, "nail wraps"), I went about my normal tasks of showering, putting on lotions, painting, scrubbing mediums off of my hands and cuticles, doing dishes, laundry, opening pull tab cans...

Now on day 4 with the entire sets (manicure and pedicure, in which I solely applied).

My conclusion:

First- complete joy! I can have pretty nails and still do art!

Second thought- I want more of these!

To my own amazement, I signed up to be an independent Jamberry Nails consultant!

 

This is my art blog so you will not find me promoting any other products here, other than my own creativity....

and if this weren't something that just totally has me in "aaaaaahhhhhh", you would not be hearing about it at all. Friends, this is the reason why I have not blogged in a week! Seriously. I have been setting up my pro pay account, ordering product, visiting with my girly friends who are now flipping over it and anxious to try!

So, I will leave you with this:

Check out my link to my new personal consultant site, Boho Nails.

If you wish to try the wraps they are "buy three, get one Free".... But I insist on helping you apply them the very first time, via messages or in person for local friends. I used a method and a few tricks that has kept my wraps perfectly in tact, so please, please, message me if you order!!!!! Why? Because it's so worth trying but only if you apply them correctly! I want you to love them as I do.

Now I find myself kinda wishing that they would fall off...

Because I can't wait to slap on some new designs!!!!! Giggle giggle!

My toes and fingers are welcoming Spring and sandals!!!!

 

Goodbye ugly nails!

Hey...

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you soon! I'm currently working on several commission pieces and can't wait to share!

Xo

 

It's A New Year!!!!

Hello, dear ones and Happy new year!!!!

It's pretty calm around here. Last night as well. Hubby and I sat in our new recliners, in our lounge wear, watching a scary movie! I tend to work on something creative as I sit because I'm really not a good sitter and my attention span is short. My mind never rests and yesterday I was just a bit excited about an accomplishment! A goal in which I had been pondering for awhile now. I decided to go ahead and begin the new year by re-stocking my etsy shop, now that I am settled into a permanent home and my vagabond has stopped and unpacked! It's tough after a divorce and not really knowing where home will be. Starting all over. Roaming. That was me a few years back. One certainly cannot maintain any kind of business in such chaos. I let go of many things during that time, including goals and dreams. Art supplies were in plastic tubs that traveled from Southwestern Kansas to the East coast, then Eastern Kansas!

Aaaaaah. At last I am at peace and have my life back...

A much better one than before, in fact!

So, I'm back up and running on etsy. I may never succeed there...

But I won't ever know until I do give it my time and commitment, right?

Here's the link to my shop, "La La Vagabond". I do hope that you'll stop by for a visit!

I like variety and will continue to list everything from original paintings, ACEO's, sculptures, greeting cards, holiday goodies, and always surprises! Always!

A pretty princess original watercolor painting that comes with a chocolate matt!

I try my best to price my art at reasonable prices that will allow everyone to afford, if they desire to purchase a piece.

My shop accepts credit, debit cards, paypal.

All is up-to-date, confirmed and verified! Yay!!!!

All of that alone took many hours, so for me, it's something to shout about!

Don't you just love that magical feeling that seems to arrive with the new year?

It's as if we have been given yet another opportunity to challenge ourselves and continue to create the lives that we so want.

I do not do resolutions. I just continue to improve and grow. It's always important to me to live a creative life, every single day.

I like to keep things colorful and make believe!

(A lot of glitter too)!

 

So, on that note, I shall say goodbye for now...

 

Wishing you a magical and wondrous 2014!

May dreams come true, goals achieved, and love shared!

Until next post,

XO

 

To Chalk Things Up...

Hello, my friends!

I haven't much to write about today, my apologies. I have been enjoying extra time with my love since he has been home more due to the holidays. It's been so nice! On Saturday night night I put on my cool new boots...

(A Christmas gift from hubby), and we went out! We tried the new Chineses restaurant, here in our prairie town. We were very pleased, and our usual comment after the meal was, "I hope that they can stay in business". Sadly, in small towns such as ours, businesses and restaurants come and go quickly.

Ok. So... What gift did I give to him for Christmas?.....

Ta Da!

I gave him a set of three canvas wedding prints!

Shhhhhhh.

It was also my way of ridding of the hideous wall decor that has been hanging on the walls ever since I moved here.

Friends, that's another story all in itself.

Another gift from hubby was this amazing globe light for my studio! He got it hung for me.

My work table is loaded down again with a variety of of projects...

I've been dabbling in Bombay Inks, my art journal, and clay.

I can't seem to put they clay down lately! Funny, I go through these stages. A few months back it was basket weaving... Every single evening! I never get bored in my world. If I do get a bit restless, I switch to other supplies in my play room!

Watercolor and my art journaling are just a part of me. I do and prefer these nearly daily, like taking vitamins. It's routine.

I'm currently working on two secret projects that I'll show in a future blog post!

Much snacking and movie watching around here lately! The most delightful cheese balls and pita chips...

along with some scary movies that even made hubby squeal a time or two!

I'm also playing with chalkboards. He and I are designing a large, vintage style chalkboard for the kitchen...

But until then, my tiny board is nice to practice with...

And to wish YOU and your loved ones a Happy New Year!!!!!

Embrace 2014.

XO

 

Visions of Sugarplums Danced in Her Head...

Hello, my friends!

I do hope that you had a wonderful Christmas!

Ours was very different this year since we did not travel or have time with our families. We stayed home, just the two of us....

Watching movies, snacking, sipping our usual java. It was quiet.

My family will celebrate Christmas in January, here in our home. We are very much looking forward to that!

I still felt the Christmas spirit, despite the fact that I wasn't with family...

A holiday ham has served us several yummy meals, gingerbread men were all gobbled up, and Christmas lights are turned on each morning and bounce off of the walls through the night. Visions of sugarplums have danced in our heads.

Much clay sculpting while sitting here in our recliners!

Joy, joy, joy!

Hubby even helped me "frost" more faux cupcakes. He likes being needed!

Aren't these kissing bunnies adorable?!!!

I made only one. It was very involved.... But oh, so worth it!

The creative ideas just kept on coming as we sat through Christmas... eating popcorn and chocolates (in addition to the ham and the home baked treats from a neighbor).

I thought to myself, "Alice In Wonderland"!!! I want to do a series of Wonderland sculptures!

So, let me introduce to you, the very first in the series...

The white rabbit titled, "Sweet Wonderland". There are only seven available. Love the gift box in which each one comes with! (I ship anywhere in the United States, message me if interested).

I've really had fun creating these!

Are you ready to ring in the new year?

I'm ready!!!

Remember, I'm posting frequent studio updates and photos on my "Missy Trent Art & Offerings" Facebook page! I do hope that you'll drop by and give me a "like"!!!

Stay warm, darlings!

I'll see you again very soon!