Naked Writing From My Bed Of Dreams

Hello Blogger

2011-04-21T18:37:00.001-04:00

I have too many online blogs! I need a bag to carry them :) I wonder if I can post from my droid...

Art Journaling as a form of Relief

2010-08-31T16:02:00.005-04:00

I've been so busy this year with my bellydance competitions that I havent had any time to get to my paper crafts. Even though I have been on a winning streak, I still miss the creative outlet of making things. In fact now that Im days away from my final competition this season, I couldnt resist any further and started my art journaling again.

It actually helps to clear my mind and body of all the hard physical work that goes into creating a choreography. Something about the colors and the texture...the relief that I get from making something with my hands that is visually pleasing helps me to get back on my legs and create a visually pleasing and meaningful choreography.

Particularly when I start to feel like my focus is puttering out, I go to my art table and create something :) Then I feel ready to go to my dance studio and create something!!

Sigh, I will be posting some pictures soon of some of my recent creations. Nothin too fancy but I like it :)
The hold up is that my old camera is dead so a new one is on my bday list! or maybe I will make a video...I have a Flip! Anyway, nothing will be done till after September 5th as thats when my final competition takes place.

Untill then...Cheers!

Steampunk Purse

2009-11-26T17:31:00.010-05:00

Here is my first attempt at a steampunk purse! I used a drill for the grunge board holding up the instruments. I used the Adirondack inks for the purse itself. The gears and sprockets are from Jim Holtz. I used this purse as a prop in the bellydance show The Haunted. Since I was "Evil" I needed a way to carry my tools...

Inside the purse I stored my knife, a bottle of poison and a glow ball to attract my little victim! For stage effect (coutesy of a fellow dancer) I added a glow stick to the inside to make the box glow green when I opened it to retrieve my knife!

Created By Hand challenge: Nature

2009-08-27T16:37:00.004-04:00

I decided it was time for me to try another art challenge...I've been writing in my art journal as my life appears to be on the verge of a change. I decided to add a challenge into my journal. The theme this week at Created By Hand was Nature. So here is my journal page before I start writing in it... the tree was painted in water color and I used a Tim Holtz stamp for the background. I also used the Distress ink pads in Marmalade. The sticker quote is something I've had for ages.

Glass Bird

2009-05-29T15:40:00.008-04:00

This weeks art challenge over at http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com/ was entitled Feathered Friends. Immediately I was inspired! Earlier in the week, I found this little bird cage at Michaels. In my own stuff at home, I had this crystal glass bird that had served time as an alter item representing birds and freedom and enlightenment. Now she has a new home and a new job!

The note "stay with me" is from the caged bird to the free bird.

I used the Tim Holtz grunge board and his texture hammer for the background inside the box. I stamped the handwriting onto that. In the pictures you cant see it very well, but the texture hammer added those little bumps. I also used the ink pads to create a more aged look.

The tree branch is also something I have had for a long time...used to sit on my bookshelf. I think it likes its new position better :)

India Postage

2009-05-24T21:55:00.010-04:00

Think Monday-Think ATC posted an India Theme challenge and since I have spent some time in Tamil Nadu, (southern) India, I thought it was the best way to get back into my weekly challenges. So here is my entry using a photo I had taken of a begging woman who was wearing a make shift eye patch. Im not even sure she was aware that I was taking a picture of her.

During my time there I used a Nikon FM2 camera. Below are some of the other pictures I took of the street children. They were always happy to smile for my camera! These kids were standing if front of a coconut wagon that was being pulled by a buffalo.

And these boys below were proud to pose for me. (although my goal was unposed shots, the picture came out very nice.) To me it embodied the spirit of Indian people. Regardless of what they did or didnt have, or how poor they appeared, they were proud and very happy. I noticed the ladies always wore flowers in their hair and bells on their ankles.

The original photo of the begging woman:

Altered Money Banks

2009-05-22T20:56:00.005-04:00

The money banks I made for my sister and mother to save for our trip to Rome. The one on the right I used a salt box and the one on left I used a plastic flavored coffee container. During the flight, my sisters bank got a little messed up. But the detail can still be seen. And the top of the salt box has a compass on far side. I gave these as Christmas gifts. We just returned from Rome a week ago...so during that time they saved $800!(combined) Maybe I need one!

wow! the last time I published was August 20th 2008

2009-04-17T02:20:00.003-04:00

...seems rather sad...that it has been so long. But I havent stopped creating, just ...just havent been posting. I create everyday, my life, my thoughts, my actions. I also create little gifts, like cupcakes (which I been doing alot lately) and of course dance. THAT is where my time goes! Ask my muscles, they will tell you...But...I do feel the urge once again to get crafty with my paper and glue. Something about it is so healing for me. It really is. Regardless if I show it here or anywhere...my need to create is a daily occurance. Just some days its by baking cupcakes, beading jewelry, others by scrapping and paper crafting or writing a poem (ok thats once in a blue moon!) and mostly its by dancing. I cant help it...the circle of dance always leads me back to my circle of creativity. Its like I go thru the phases of the moon with my creative outlets. I have come back now from the "dark moon" and I am waxing. yay, I am excited to get into my craft studio and make some goodies! See you when I'm full and shining bright! :)

Its been 6 weeks and no art :(

2008-08-20T16:34:00.003-04:00

Im trying to work out my schedule...buts very difficult right now. too many things, not enough time. I think, i will have to create an "art" day. I havent even looked at thenew somerset magazine...nor gone to my favorite weekly challenges. (i had wanted to make the salt box shrines form last somerste issue but HA!Nothing.) And the bad news is I have to move. that really sucks after my new studio. and now i dont even have time to use it. ugh...Im feeling depressed. maybe I will cut my sleep to 4 hours.
I need more time! I am trying to manage my time better but its still not enough...

I am here to dance out loud!

2008-07-05T01:10:00.012-04:00

Dance. My passion, my life. my next MMM project?? hehhee... I was very excited to read the theme "Dance" from http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com/ because I am a dancer. The theme "dance" seemed vast and so many ways for me to personally interpret it. However, I found myself doing pirouettes around one idea. The idea that I have to celebrate myself as an artist and as a dancer. Its hard to recognize oneself. We tend to look out ward for recognition. For validation. So this was a special opportunity for me to take that therapeutic step in saying, yes I see who I am, by and for myself.

I am a competitive dancer. not just with myself, but I enter in bellydance competitions. (ahem... outward seeking of validation) Some I have won, others I have lost. Its hard, as a full time dancer, who is also in a dance company, to continually put up the strength and determination that is needed to repeatedly enter into competitions. Being at the mercy of the judges' tastes, style and mood at the moment is hard on a performer who pours her heart out onstage. especially if its a repeated loss. As a dancer, I start to wonder, am I good enough, am I doing my best...if I only had alittle more time to rehearse, if only I were younger, better, faster at choreography...if my stomach could flutter, if my beck bends were deeper, if I were best friends with the judges...the "what if" list is endless.

Bottom line, is that my fears and insecurities can sometimes hold back my creativity and success. when Iam under a time pressure to create a choreography that will impress the judges and show off my best skills while not forgoing my personal expression, I can sometimes lose faith. I cry. I collapse. physically and emotionally.

During these heart aching times, I turn to my other source of inspiration and creativity. And that's my paper crafting. I use it to remind myself that I AM an Artist! Outside of dancing, I also create. I get my mind off of movement and into paint, glitter, stickers, glue, tiny objects, pretty and ugly papers. TEXTURE, SHAPES, a visual stimuli... a subconscious creation. I don't "think" too much on "how to do it", I just play. Creating my little art thingies...that's my therapy so I can continue dancing and giving my gift to the world. Getting "paper crafty" is my way of recharging so I can step onto the stage and say "hello world, I am here to Dance out Loud! and dance it well! It doesnt matter if my art is good or bad, because it helps to make my dancing even better. (It DOES matter if my dancing is good or bad!)

So with all this said, I made alittle shrine to the artist in me. To remind myself when I get scared, doubtful, and insecure that my true self is strong, determined, driven, and dedicated to living my dream. Living the experience of a lifetime. MY lifetime. The life of a dancer. not part time, not hobbyist, but a full time living breathing, dancer. And that's a blessing and a privilege. Thanks to the support of my boyfriend and mother.I am blessed. I am living my childhood dream.

So, cheers to all the Artists, who continue to "do" even when they think they "cant". Keep the faith. Keep creating. Live YOUR dream. Never stop.

I am here to Dance out loud! I am the Artist! For once, its me.

The "stage" is the backside of a canvas. and the gold "orchestra pit" fence is actually one of my beaded bellydance arm bands that I straitened out. Thanks for reading :)

Twinchies! wednesday stamper

2008-06-24T04:28:00.005-04:00

I've never made a twinchie before...much less made one at the same time as my boyfriend! we had fun making these together. ( he had never made one either) so thanks to http://wednesdaystamper.wordpress.com/ we did!! we really liked using the memory glass and foil tape. I see it alot of it in my near future :)

I was sorta bummed that my crackle paint didnt crackle enough. oh well. it crackled a tiny bit. maybe it was too thin a coat. And below is my boyfriends' creation called Thanks Pyrgi. It was his second time making something crafty :) he did a good job! This size of canvas was so charming, I can see why folks get hooked on making these little guys...they are adorable!

Creating Treasures with Squirrel

2008-06-24T04:01:00.006-04:00

Life just doesnt get any sweeter then when my boyfrined decided he wanted to craft with me! he has endured countless trips to Michaels, scrapbooking stores and conventions, and has seen and admired my creations. He set up my studio, made it look fantastic, and workable, he has supported my art inclinations from the very start. and now, he himself has decided to dip his brush in the mixed media inkpot....so with much pride I introduce to you, the debut of his first ATC : 'Venus Hides'

I am very proud and enthusiastic because the very next day we did a challenge from Wednesday Stamper called Twinchies. He did another interesting piece of work entitiled: Thank Pyrgi

he used the 2x2 memory glass and stamped on vellum. the 2's look as if they are floating between the vellum and the background paper which he clipped directly from a book he is reading on alphabets!

*Good job my love! I treasure your creations and the time we spent together making them.*

and while he made those, I made these...(I also made a twinchie but that will be posted later)

Beneath the Midnight Sea: an altered book

2008-06-24T03:22:00.008-04:00

Beneath the Midnight Sea...my first altered book inspire by the "By The Sea" challange at MMM.

This little booka; was tons of fun to make. I used the H2O's watercolor paints but the glimmer doesnt get captured on the photos. too bad. the cover sea horse was actually a pendant.

inside, I pasted the sandcastle in the corner and the dolphins heading towards it. actually, all the embellishments are beads! even the silver photo frame is meant for a bracelet. i stamped on the sea weed and used an irredescent embossing powder.
To finish my boyfrined wrote the concluding phrase on vellum, while my modest mermaid looks on...

Ladies Night Bingo and Tiki Party! MMM challenge

2008-06-05T01:44:00.004-04:00

I was so inspired by many of the artist who posted over at MMM http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com/ that I just had to try for myself!! I grabbed some goodies, let loose and watched out for a theme to emerge on this bingo card...and out came this wonderfully fun Ladies Night Bingo and Tiki Party!! woo hoo Ladies! lets have another martini and toast to a naughty good time :)

my Mothers 'Prayer Book'

2008-06-03T15:16:00.000-04:00

This is the cover of my mothers Prayer Book. The idea was born out of my trip to Paris where I visited the Notre Dame. Once inside I decided to make a very special prayer to the Virgin Mary in honor of my mother. My friend took the photos while I focused on praying. Unfortunately, it took me 3 years to finally make this book come to fruition. Creating it brings me back to that meditative stae I was in while praying for her. so its doubly packed with loving and protective energy. I know my mother will cry when she see's it. I felt touched by an angel while making it.

Prayer Book Details

2008-06-03T15:15:00.000-04:00

(above)The inside cover is a prayer to Our Lady. Since this book was orginally intended for a mothers day gift, I focused on the blessings of a mother. (below) I made a window with doors to open to view The Virgin.

here is detail on inside of window. Of course the paper clips are only holding doors open!

Wednesday Stamper- Altered Playing Cards

2008-06-02T16:30:00.009-04:00

Because I really enjoyed this weeks challenge at http://wednesdaystamper.wordpress.com/ I decided to have another go at it!

Here is what I had previously done:

This playful tag was fun to make, using the idea of blackjack, always winning and always being 21 years old and *betty boop* hot! My only disappointment was the dang paper curled under the heat gun when i embossed her dress and jewelry. :( I dont know how to prevent that. anyway...its cute! Challenge from http://wednesdaystamper.wordpress.com/ Thanks for the inspiration :)

A.T.C. Faery blessings

2008-06-02T15:00:00.004-04:00

O, we are Faery Blessed! The sweet nectar of a butterfly kiss is intoxicating! This one was made especially for my Love!

Practice~ an altered etude!

2008-06-01T20:16:00.003-04:00

Just a practice A.T.C. Nuttin special :) I really wanted to do one of the weekly challenges...but Im trying to finish my mothers "Prayer Book". (which I will post pics of as soon as Im done)

Go Make Something (make it mondays) Images of Women

2008-05-29T01:16:00.003-04:00

This week I am pleased to post for the first time my A.T.C. in the Go Make Somethings site http://gomakesomething.com. I have seen lots of lovely and inspiring art on her site. So I am proud to contribute :) I like the idea of weekly challenges and I look forward to doing my best in stepping up to the challenge (if my crazy belly dance schedule doesn't interfere.)

Oh and the key hole is punched thru the entire card. looks so neat!

Mixed Media Monday

2008-05-29T00:50:00.007-04:00

This is my humble attempt at the pens and pencil challenge on Mixed Media Monday's. The life of a pencil doesn't last, and it sadly can be erased. This pencil wishes it were a permanent pen, so that it may leave its own idea of an everlasting biography. http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com/.

A.T.C. and make it monday's made on thursday...

2008-05-23T14:27:00.011-04:00

A saturday afternoon date in the garden...a sweet fragrant love. This young couple looks like us! And there are many charming coincidences on this card. Such as, we are sharing a read of Anais Nin and our time in Sacramento, how the girl looks like me, and the boy like his father...
*sigh*

Make it Mondays: Where I Live.

this is my doggie. and together we live in that dog house...just kidding... we always try to live in love. (Even tho' she gets in trouble and I yell at her. but its a 'mothers love' type of yell)

ATC and a few Fairies...

2008-05-22T15:16:00.006-04:00

my first ATC!! This card was inspired by some transitions that my boyfriend and I are going thru. Its hard to go thru the flame and reemerge on the other side. but I know we can do it.

here are some of my little fairy children I make! they are so cute and have tons of personality on their own. I am always surprised at the end to see who has come to life in my hands :)

My new and improved art and dance studio!

2008-05-21T22:50:00.008-04:00

Im so LUCKY & THANKFUL to have a truly LOVING & GENEROUS boyfriend. He gave me the gift of redoing my studio. I have been making my art things on the floor and its hard for my legs and back. I do alot of paper crafting and it starts to over-take the entire studio floor, which I use as my dance studio too. Its an amazing upgrade for me and it transformed my studio to a more inspiring room. Thanks Squirrel! I Love You *heart*

This is how my studio used to look and how I functioned:

And now the amazing transformation of my studio...

Its a generous, loving and supportive gift. I am thrilled with the end result. He also built the shelves and desk from Ikea...I assembled the office boxes. they are cute! squirrel is cute :)