Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging my favorite holiday. The traditional "boo-chos" (nachos) on the menu for supper, then a spooky movie (The Eclipse), and taking turns answering the door. Will be taking the night off from time in the studio. Back at it tomorrow after work. Probably some late nights while I wrap up. In addition, it is the first day of NaNoWriMo on Monday, so I will try to get in my 1,667 words before everyone gets up for school and work. Gonna be a challenge to stay on track for the first week with still so much to do for Saturday's Gift Bazaar. I expect there may be some catch-up up to do starting next Sunday. Hope to have pics of my finished softballs in the next day or so, and more pics from Saturday's event next week.

Have an enjoyable Halloween. Back again around Wednesday.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Making progress!

Very productive couple of days in the studio. Finished all my sculpting in a couple of hours last night. I have to say I REALLY like working with paper clay. So easy to manipulate, dries hard and quickly, and seems very well suited for what I am doing. I was also able to get the remainder of my foam sheet pieces cut out and ready for painting. As I work, I sense a change in the way I approach the balls now. I am less concerned with maintaining the appearance of the balls (ironic that I ever did given my lack of interest in sports) to seeing them primarily for their shape. Now I am using them solely as an armature for each piece. Be interesting to see where this all goes. Hope to have some pics of completed pieces up this weekend. I should have about a half dozen ready for their close-up by then.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Still here and covered in paint

Been a few weeks, so I feel I should make a brief appearance. With the fast (too fast) approaching Gift Gallery coming up, I am now in the thick of getting some things finished up while starting as many more as I have room for in my work space. Weather was nice when I got home from work, so I was able to get most of my sawing and drilling done in the driveway. Very wet and dreary here today, so much of it will be spent in the studio. Got up at the crack of stupid (for a weekend) and had a productive couple of hours already. It feels good!

Had the second of the three introductory writer's group meetings last Wednesday. Made myself step up and have the group critique my first page of "The Gingerbread Lady" novel. Was happily surprised at the comments, and the groups interest in reading more. When you write only for yourself, it is difficult to let others see your stuff. I worried, naturally I think, that I was deluding myself, that I had the chops to be a writer. Feeling a little more encouraged now. Once the bazaar is behind me, I will take a month off from the heavy duty painting and sculpting to focus on writing. Got an idea brewing for November's NaNoWriMo, and one writing buddy (Kathy Steffan, author and my writer's group facilitator). Even keeping an eye on the area writing get together's coming up for the Madison area NaNoers. With the MacBook, I can now writer places other than home, so it might be fun to check out at least one "write-in".

Well, that's where I'm at at present. I will post photos of my finished softballs, as well as my table at November 6's bazaar as soon as I am able.

Till then, enjoy the dwindling days of fall. Let's hope the snow here will hold off until after Thanksgiving at the earliest.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Save the Date

Everyone is invited to attend Advertisers Press’s Fall Gift Bazaar on Saturday, November 6th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Address is 2222 Parview Rd., Middleton, WI. Over 20 artisans and vendors available for you to shop from and to purchase unique gifts for that “someone who has everything” on your Holiday list. Start your shopping early and enjoy a cup of cider or coffee while you shop. Admission is FREE. Hope to see you there!