How Dry I am!

You might remember a few months back, I was belly aching that my clay simply wasn't drying fast enough. Fellow artist P.J (see her blog here) told me to use a dehumidifier to pull the moisture out fast. I thought it sounded like a great idea and finally just got around to getting one. I cleared out a portion of my storage room and put in a drying rack. I put up a clear shower curtain and put the dehumidifier inside. Voila! Instant Paperclay kiln!

The dehumidifier REALLY sucks the moisture out the pieces...fast! Way quicker than just letting them sit on their own. I need to put a small fan inside to circulate the air - which I'm sure will lead to even faster drying time.

Now I have no excuse not to have more pieces completed ;) Thanks P.J.!

Dry...it's a good thing!

Sheep Ride

Seems this lazy crow has found a better way to travel! And so soft on the feet! This is my newest creation, just listed on my ETSY shop. Paperclay on a wood base with wheels to resemble an old fashioned pull toy. Back when I used to sew all my creations (seems like years ago!), I used to make a sheep pull toy. I struggled with how I could translate this into paperclay and to get a repeating texture into the sheep's body to give it a textural, yet arty feel. I came up with the idea of pressing the texture into the clay with a piece of wire that I curled and made into a handle - kind of like a branding iron (no animals were harmed in the making of this piece!). 

New Chicken Lips on ETSY

I've just added two new items to my ETSY shop... a 'Lil Devil and a Pumpkin Candy Container! This little devil is a reoccuring character of mine. I love making this fellow! And it seems like every one I make has got a personality of their own. But one thing in common...they all look like they're up to no good! He stands about 13" on a wooden base.

The Pumpkin Candy Container is a new design. Paperclay atop a paper-composite box. At about 6" high, this piece makes a fun way to stash a small amount of wrapped candy.

Both of these are available at my ETSY shop. Thanks for stopping by! And, have a wonderful (long) Memorial weekend!

Now a Proud Member of EHAG!

I remember the first time I saw EHAG on the web over a year ago. I thought to myself, "I wish I was talented enough to be a part of that group." It's kinda like looking at the big kids on the playground and wishing you could play with them. Well guess what! I'm playing with the big kids now!!!! I received an invitation to be a part of this wonderful group of amazing artists.

It's funny how we as artists are so critical of our own work, always doubting and never feeling that we're quite "good enough." To receive this invitation is truly a message to me that what I'm creating is well received. As an artist, that validation means the world to me.

You can visit EHAG and the simply phenomenal artists that make up this wonderful group on their blog.

Thank you EHAG for inviting me in to play!

Chicken Lips on Spooky Time Jingles

Wow...is it really that time of month already? Seems it sneaks up on me so fast! Tonight at midnight is the update for Spookytime Jingles, and tonight I'll be introducing you to Mortimer the Grave Digger! Stop by and get to know this creepy fellow!

Lips WIPS

I'm so sorry that I've been neglectful of my blog this week. Seems there just aren't enough hours in the day to take on everything that needs to be done. As you can see, I've been working my tail off getting ready for my next show in 3 weeks (YIPES!). The paperclay has been flying fast and furious. Problem is, it just doesn't seem to be drying quick enough. I have to have all the clay pieces built in the next week so that there is time for it to dry...and I still need to sand, gesso, paint, seal, stain, detail and seal again (okay, now I am stressing out :O)



Really focusing on the Halloween pieces for this upcoming show in Montrose. Traditionally, the show doesn't do well with Halloween collectors, but I'm hoping my new pieces will get them into the spirit (Halloween "spirit"...get it?...LOL).

Honest....This is the Last One for Awhile

I know I said no more candy containers until late June, but I had just one saved up the the new issue of Arts A Flutter! Take a look at this site...lots of wonderful artists...and your last chance to snap up this pumpkin container!