Vintage Wise Potato Chips Bag on eBay

John just listed this vintage Wise Potato Chips bag on eBay. I love the artwork on this bag. The owl reminds me of a Halloween owl. For more information about this listed item on eBay, click here.

A Night at The Auction

John and I drive by Kemler's Auctions in Bloomsburg all the time, but we never attended one of their auctions until this evening. Tonight, we made it a point to stop in. I'm glad we did because we had the opportunity to experience a new source for collectibles. I love the artwork on the cover of this magazine.

The bidding started at 7 p.m., and there wasn't a seat left in the house. For as packed as the place was, it seemed like the same ten people were bidding. I guess the auction is a night out for the rest of the folks.They had a fabulous selection of vintage glass ornaments.

I don't remember these things as a kid, but I understand they're children's play toys.

John scored four of these vintage Wise Potato Chip bags. He'll probably keep one and put the rest on eBay. I'm guessing this bag is from the '50s. I love the look of the old ink used in packaging.

Friday's Projects

Here's a peek at what's going on in my studio. Mary, the owner of Home Again, said she'd like to see more of my primitive works in her store, so I thought this old tool box would make a great surface to decorate.

After I'm done painting the box, I'm going to place a picture hanger on the back of the box and then seal the box shut with wood glue. The box used to hold micrometers, so the inside of the box is not very pretty.

I started this project by applying one layer of white paint using a dry-brush technique, and then I started to apply the other colors. I love using the DecoArt Americana brand acrylic paints because they have a nice flow, and they have a long shelf life.

This is just one of the many projects I'm involved with right now.  I currently have several paper mache pieces that are almost done drying, and I have more armatures waiting to be covered with paper mache.  Someone also dropped by my studio this morning with some restoration work for me.  It's a never-ending process, but I love it.

When You Put Your Request Out "There"

It's amazing how things just happen to materialize when you put your request out "there." I asked John to keep his eyes open for pipe cleaners when he's scouring the flea markets and auction houses. Well, the other day John presented me with a box of pipe cleaners that he won at Cook & Cook Auctions. How's that for fast service? I can't wait to use these pipe cleaners in my Halloween and Christmas creations.

This Board's Seen Better Days

While walking on the dike this afternoon, John and I spotted this skateboard in the garbage can.

What a picture!

Rain, Rain Go Away

The City of Wilkes-Barre closed the flood gates on River Street as a precautionary measure for the impending rain we're supposed to get this weekend. I took this picture after leaving my studio this morning. The sky is dark, but as of 2:30 p.m., we haven't seen much rain yet.

A Beautiful Gift

 I can't believe I was the lucky winner of this beautiful necklace from  Rock Hill Designs. The necklace is titled Green Goddess "Tree of Life" and features sterling silver charms with exquisite details. I'd like to thank Lynette and Melissa for offering this lovely giveaway, and I'm thrilled to have one of their fabulous designs.

If you're looking for some unique jewelry, be sure to visit  www.rockhill-designs.com.

Where There's A Will

 

Upon entering a mall in northern New Jersey today, I was immediately taken by the first four letters in the name of the mall, which stood out against the brilliant, blue sky. A word as simple as will can be so powerful.

Your will be done. ~Jesus

Where there's a will, there's a way. ~English Proverb

Great souls have will; feeble ones have only wishes. ~Chinese Proverb

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. ~General Douglas MacArthur 

The will is deaf and hears no heedful friends. ~William Shakespeare

The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. ~Robert Frost

Soaking Up The Sun

Chiseler was lying in front of his favorite tree this afternoon soaking up the sun.

 

When Julius came outside, he muscled his way into Chiseler's spot. Rather than put up a fight, Chiseler came over to see me on the porch. Chiseler's fur was nice and warm from the sun.

 

Julius is content.

While sitting on the porch, I saw many people walking and bicycling on the dike. Everyone seems to be out enjoying the warmth of the sun today. I hope it melts what's left of the snow.

WYLN TV at Arts YOUniverse

A reporter from WYLN TV in Hazleton was on site last night interviewing the artists at Arts YOUniverse for the Off The Beaten Path program, which showcases interesting people, places, and things in Pennsylvania. Brian interviewed me in my studio, and I showed him some of my latest paper mache creations, and I told him a little bit about the Art Extravaganza that I was invited to participate in on August 29, 2010. The Art Extravaganza will be held at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort, 205 Route 507 in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

I'm not sure when this segment of Off The Beaten Path will air, but I'll keep you posted.

I've Been Invited...

What a surprise! This morning I got a phone call from Lucille, the Art Scene coordinator at Connections Magazine. I was invited to attend the upcoming Art Extravaganza, which is a tri-state art exhibit serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Only 30 artists will be participating in this event, so it truly is an honor.  The Art Extravaganza will be held at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort, 205 Route 507 in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

I'll be showcasing my latest Halloween and Christmas paper mache collections at this event, which will be held on August 29, 2010. It sounds like a long way off, but you know how time flies. It will be here before you know it.

Paper Mache Works-in-Progress

Here's a peek at what's going on in my studio. This morning I checked on the paper mache shapes I created on Monday. I couldn't wait to see how they turned out. They're looking good. I turned them over so that the other sides could dry evenly.

These heart shapes are drying on plastic strawberry containers.

 

I broke out the Paperclay today and sculpted approximately 40 beads this morning.

 

I used one of my clothes baskets for this drying setup. Rather than placing the clay shapes on a flat surface, I want to make sure I have some air flowing under these pieces as well. I could have used a drying rack, but why pay for one when you can rely on your ingenuity?  Hee! Hee!

Shabby Chic/Cottage Wall Adornments on Etsy

I just listed these new shabby chic/cottage wall adornments on Etsy. After taking Lynn's polymer clay class on Sunday, it inspired me to finish the beads used for these two adornments.

These adornments are perfect for that sorely-needed spring pick-me-up. I don't know about you, but the snow's starting to get on my nerves. Hang these one-of-a-kind pieces on your wall, or use them as ornaments.

I used Celluclay paper mache to construct each heart. Celluclay produces an old-world paper mache texture; whereas, the Paperclay (used for the beads) results in a smoother texture. I like both textures, so I decided to incorporate both paper mache products into these pieces.

Here's a closeup of the beads and parts of the hearts. This will give you a better idea about the differences in textures.

I've read where some artists use Paperclay over the Celluclay after it's dried. I've never tried that technique yet. If you have any thoughts on it, drop me a line.