Busy Busy Busy!

Seems like the closer we get to Fall, the faster I work! My productivity really kicks into overdrive when I think about the two big Fall shows coming up that I will be participating in. I suspect it's that "Fight or Flight" thing. Despite the scorching heat, I've managed to get about 20 pieces built in the last week. Actually, I think the heat is helping to dry the clay faster. My walk-in Kiln I built is really working well with this weather. Honestly, when I walk in, the heat and the dehumidifier are working so well together that I almost can't even blink....there is NO moisture to be found! Bad for the eyes, good for the clay!

I'm trying to finish up as many Halloween pieces as I can before I really jump into the Christmas spirit - and considering it's 101˚ in the shade, It's kinda hard to think of Jolly old saint nick when the sweat is rolling down your back."Visions of sugar plums" turns more into "visions of Mojitos!" Anything to beat the heat and keep the creativity flowing.

Despite the weather, I've got lots of ideas for new pieces! I'm really into making owls right now! My friend Robert (Halloween Fanatic) created a monster when he challenged me to design an Owl. Now I can't stop making them!

I've also got plans for stacked pumpkins, devils, Halloween kitties, and so much more!

Now, excuse me while I get back to getting the Mojitos...um, I mean creativity flowing.

Happy Anniversary STJ!

It's hard to believe, but SpookyTimeJingles turns 1 year old this month! If you're not familiar with SpookyTimeJingles (or STJ for people in the know) this is a wonderful online marketplace that features some of the finest Halloween and Christmas artists around. I'm proud to have been one of the original members of this site from the start.

With so many amazing artists on STJ, it has caused me to push myself creatively - farther than I've ever gone - stepping out of my comfort zone and creating the best work I can. I have met some wonderful lifelong friends through this site, and look forward to meeting many more.

This month I'm offering several new Halloween and Christmas goodies (a few pictured below) designed exclusively for STJ.

Whether you prefer visions of sugar plums, or things that go bump in the night, SpookyTimeJingles has something for you. Check out the latest update on the 13th, at 12am! It's where sweet and spooky commingle!�

Sneak Beak Peak!

Here's a sneak peak at a new design I'm working on. My friend Robert (Halloween Fanatic) suggested I make an owl candy dish. Always being up for a challange, I decided to take it on! I wasn't quite sure how I was going to construct it, but somehow inspiration took over (thank Heaven's for inspiration!) and here is the result so far. Hope to have the base coat painted this weekend as well as finishing up a whole bunch of pumpkins, devils, witches and assorted things that go bump in the night!

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!!!!

Chicken Lips a Buzzing!

The new issue of Arts a Flutter has been released. I struggled with what to create for this July edition. I knew it should be summer themed, but with Halloween and Christmas always on my mind, it's hard to break out of the habit of reaching for clay and instantly diving into yet another Pumpkin or Santa. And then inspiration hit...literally...on my nose! I was in my workshop when a bee landed on my nose...about scared the pants off me! Lucky he chose not to sting me, but instead simply flew away back from where he came. But, he left me with an idea! So, I got out the clay and Bee Boy was born!

He's made of paperclay on a wood base, approx. 16" high. Thankfully, the inspiration bee wasn't this large! Buzz on by Arts a Flutter and take a look!

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!

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!

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!