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.

Polymer Clay Workshop

These beads are my first attempt at working with Premo brand polymer clay. I had been bugging my friend Lynn to teach a polymer clay workshop, so she finally gave in.

I'm used to working with Sculpey to create beads, but Lynn suggested that we use Premo. I'm used to sculpting beads, baking them, painting them, and then baking them again. Using Premo was a bit different, but it was easy to use.

One thing I learned in class today is to work small when it comes to applying the details on each bead. The details on the first bead I made (on the left) were a bit big. Lynn suggested using less clay to get better results.

This wonderful piece is by Sally Russick. Sally used a mold for the face and then painstakingly placed each leaf around the face. This is exactly what Lynn was talking about when she said to work with smaller pieces of clay. I love the details in this piece. Be sure to check out Sally's blog here.

 

Christine Altmiller made some fabulous pieces. Check out that vessel in the lower right-hand corner. Notice how she placed a Swarovski crystal inside. It's like a hidden treasure. Christine, you may be on to something here. You can check out more of Christine's work here.

Nicole Ciali was going to town with her turquoise-colored pieces. I love all the details in the elongated pendant. I love the marbling effect in that pendant. Nicole also used a mold for the moon-faced bead and the letter N bead.

 

Nicole was diligently adding Swaroski crystals to this bead.

This is a wonderful bead that Lynn made. His face is so cute. Be sure to stop by Lynn's blog for more information about Lynn and her upcoming workshops.

The students were hard at work while Lynn oversaw their projects.

I'm busy concentrating.



Lynn's doing a demonstration.

It was a very productive and FUN day. Lynn's Craft World is the perfect learning environment. Best of all, Lynn's is an animal-friendly place.

 

Winston was starting to get tired by the end of class. Sassy and Zoe (the cats) even paid us a visit.

~Lynn and Winston~

Painting With Fire Giveaway

Hurry! This fabulous giveaway from Painting with Fire is about to expire. I stumbled upon the brand new blog of Barbara Lewis, who makes these fabulous torch-fired beads and findings.Don't delay. Check out her blog today!

Ornaments in Progress

I've been busy sketching new designs for ornaments. All week, I've been cutting shapes from cardboard, wiring them, and wrapping them with newspaper. A big fan of stars and hearts, I seem to gravitate toward these shapes. 

I've added a bottom loop to some of the ornaments with the intention of hanging some cool stuff from them. I'm thinking of old lace, fabric, beads, whatever.

I had John swing by my studio today so that I could pick up the two ornaments I made with Celluclay last week. The ornaments were left to dry for eight days. I like the way they turned out. As mentioned in a previous post, this is the first time I've used Celluclay, so I'm not sure what to expect.

I've read where some artists apply a coat of either Paperclay or Das Pronto Clay over the Celluclay, and then other artists just use the Celluclay as is. I'm going to try both of these approaches.

For today, I decided to work with the Celluclay ornaments without adding any new clay to them. I placed three coats of Gesso on each ornament. Now the hardest part is deciding what theme I should paint them in. I always think of Halloween, Christmas, and patriotic, but something's telling me to go with a shabby chic/cottage look. Hmmm. Decisions. Decisions.

If you've ever worked with Celluclay and you have any tips, please let me know. I'd love to learn more about this medium.

Another Snowy Afternoon

Yes, northeast Pennsylvania is currently experiencing another snowstorm. John and I decided to go to Wilkes-Barre to run a few errands and to grab some lunch.

The roads in Wilkes-Barre were a bit slippery.

 

I took this picture from the parking lot of the Wilkes-Barre Post Office on Main Street. The snow started to pick up around noon.

This is another picture taken from the lot of the Wilkes-Barre Post Office on Main Street.

If you're looking for the BEST hot dogs in Wilkes-Barre, a stop at Abe's Hot Dogs on South Main Street is a must. I'm not much of a hot dog lover, but there's something about Abe's hot dogs that will have you hooked with one bite. I ate one in the car, and then I had another one when I got home. I didn't have breakfast today, so two hot dogs won't kill me.

When you have an Abe's hot dog, you literally can't eat just one. The hot dogs are topped with a finely ground meat and mustard. The topping is unlike any other topping you'd find at a typical hot dog joint. It's not chili; it's better than chili.

This is the former Mary Stegmaier Mansion at 156 South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre. This building was the first home to Arts YOUniverse, which housed many artist studios before we moved to our new location on North Franklin Street. This building has such character. I miss my old studio, and I miss the ghost.

 

We're driving back to Kingston over the Market Street Bridge. There's a clump of snow on John's car. The streets in Kingston were more navigable than in Wilkes-Barre.

 

I love the tree-lined streets in Kingston.

~Heading toward the dike in Kingston~

When we got home, Julius was still out watching the birds. He didn't want to go in before we left. His heart was set on watching birds. 

The smart cookie that he is, he hunkers down on the side of the porch taking shelter from the storm. It looks like a snowflake must have fallen in his eye, or maybe he just blinked when I took this photograph.