Artangel

Love letter heart - IAE creative challenge

2012-01-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Inspiration avenue challenge this week was "letters of the alphabet" - to create something incorporating words or letters.

I liked the idea of making an alternative love letter (well it is almost Valentines Day!). I've decoupaged this wooden heart with French text, tea-stained it and added a little distress ink round the edges.

The backing paper and little envelope are also made from paper with writing on. I've cross-stitched a tiny heart to fit inside the envelope, and added red ribbon and some buttons to finish :)

This heart is now for sale in my etsy shop.

Wordless Wednesday - Street Art, Northern Quarter, Manchester

2012-01-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

see more interesting visuals at Wordless Wednesday's blog.

Finished canvas

2012-01-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

I posted below about my latest work in progress. Well this is it, all progressed!

I love making these luggage tag canvases, finding all the tiny bits and pieces. It reminds me of that game where you have to find as many objects as possible that will fit into a matchbox!

I do sometimes buy things new if I can't resist them (like the little gold spoon), but it's often more fun finding or re-purposing things.

I've used allsorts here, from embroidery thread to clock parts, jigsaw pieces to a piece of old lace.

The canvas is 16 x 20" and called "Precious Remnants". I've submitted it to the Open Exhibition at Waterside Gallery in Sale, wish me luck!

Some work in progress ...

2012-01-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

My first post of 2012! When does it become too late to say Happy New Year, I'm never quite sure?! I'll wish it to you anyway!

Here's what I've been working on lately ... basically, lots and lots of luggage tags!

Some of these have been stained with my new acrylic inks (a Christmas pressie!) I love the depth of the colours, especially this blue. Not quite sure what I'm going to do with these yet...

I've also been making some lovely grungy/aged/collaged tags, for a new canvas I'm working on at the moment ... with butterflies, envelopes, little bits of scrap fabric and ephemera...

... and my favourite, this little spoon ... I've been dying to use it!

I'm hoping to finish this canvas this week so I can submit it to the Waterside Open Exhibition. Wish me luck!

Something old, something new ... part 2!

2011-12-31T02:59:00.000-08:00

My submission for the Inspiration Avenue creative challenge this week - our task was to create something inspired by "Old, New, Borrowed, Blue".

The butterfly image is an old theme for me, which I return to a lot; as well as being beautiful, in some cultures butterflies are thought to represent the human soul.

I love the look of old things generally, and I've given the the little luggage tag here an aged feeling with some distress ink.

The butterfly image I've used is a vintage one, so I'm counting that as both old and borrowed!

I've used a new technique for me - some rather fab self-adhesive paper from Letraset - to transfer the butterfly image to the doily.

And - well, the blue part is self-explanatory really!

I've added this little canvas to my etsy shop.

You can find all this week's submissions here.

I hope that the old year has left you with wonderful memories, and that the new one will bring you everything you hope for.

Wishing everyone a wonderfully happy and creative 2012!

Angie xxx

Christmas old, Christmas new...

2011-12-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

We have a special 2 week challenge at Inspiration Avenue - our last one for this year, set by the lovely and endlessly inspiring Lisa from Priti Studio.

The theme is old, new, borrowed, blue. I am planning on making some art for the challenge, but in the meantime I was thinking about how the saying could apply to Christmas too...

Memories and mementos from days past are my "something old" - I always dig out the now dog-eared first Christmas card my son made at nursery, and the woodwork ornaments my late dad made by hand for me. This tiny little Santa, complete with reindeer and sleigh, sits on my mantelpiece every year :)

I always try and buy a "something new" decoration at Christmas too, to mark each year. This year's find is these pretty little houses from the Christmas market

"Something borrowed" - meet our office mascot! I couldn't bear to think of him all alone in the office over Christmas so I brought him home

(yes, I am that sad. It's Christmas, don't judge me!)

And finally "something blue". Red is my usual Christmas colour, but one of my favourite cards this year is in icy blue and white. Isn't it pretty?

We'd love you to join in our challenge and create something based on this theme - you have until 1st January to submit your work of art here.

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever!

love Angie xxx

2011-12-21T15:38:00.000-08:00

Finally managed to get to the Manchester Christmas markets last weekend - just in time, before they disappeared for another year!

Above is our fab giant Santa who graces the Town Hall roof each Christmas :)

My lovely friend bought me some amazingly scented lavender soap, I bought a little wooden train as a gift, and of course we had to have the compulsory mulled wine/hot chocolate with Baileys! By the time we got to the carousel though it was closed - next year!

Christmas Bauble Tutorial

2011-12-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue is "Christmas baubles". I thought it would be good to do a submission and an easy tutorial in one!

So here's a little project to make a pretty bauble for your tree, which is easy enough to do with the kids on a rainy afternoon (you may want to use PVA glue to attach the flowers rather than pins, depending on their ages!)

You'll need -

A Styrofoam ball

A flower punch

Pretty paper - spare Christmas gift wrap is ideal

Paint in a colour to match your paper

Pins

Short length of ribbon for hanging

A cocktail stick

1. Paint your Styrofoam bauble in a colour to co-ordinate with your papers - I've used a rich gold. You don't need to be too fussy with the painting as most of it will be covered. You don't need special paints for this project either - even leftover emulsion would do the job!

2. Using the cocktail sick, make a hole in the top of the bauble, and fill this with a blob of PVA glue.

3. Make a loop with your ribbon, then push the loose ends into the hole, again using the cocktail stick.

3.Punch lots of little flowers from your festive papers - the more the merrier!

4. Using pins, push each flower into the Styrofoam ball, until it's completely covered.

5. Stand back and go "ta-da!" (optional)

You can see all this week's challenge submissions here

Aged Beauty - IAE Challenge

2011-11-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

I only had about an hour to work on the Inspiration Avenue challenge this week, but I was so in love with the theme (not to mention inspired by the work of our fabulous guest challenge-setter Luthien!) that I HAD to submit something. And once I started I found I couldnt stop!

Luthien chose to set the challenge on "aged beauty" - a theme that I find fascinating and that recurs in her own work with beautiful effect. So these collage pieces are a tribute to aged beauty and to Luthien - who may recognise some of the elements I've used!

You can see all this week's submissions - which are sure to be stunning! - HERE

I can tell the festive season's fast approaching ...

2011-11-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

...when I can't move in my work room for Christmas decorations!! These painted wooden hearts are part of an order from a lovely buyer in the US who wanted 14 of them, all different. Certainly kept me out of mischief this weekend!

IAE weekly challenge - the art of needlework

2011-11-13T03:29:00.000-08:00

I've always been drawn to needlework. I love the rasied textures in embroidery and the rich colours of the threads.

I'm not a natural seamstress; I can just about sew on a button but that's pretty much my limit. I have endless admiration for those who make their own curtains! But I do love the process of sewing - it's so relaxing.

This piece uses fabric from a textile course I did years ago, where we hand-dyed some cotton and added applique shapes.

I've had great fun embroidering over the top at random - I'd forgotten I knew how to do some of these stiches! You can see all this week's challenge submissions here.

Handmade Christmas gift tags tutorial

2011-11-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

I've been having a bit of a pre-Christmas clear-out and found some brown luggage tags left over from an art show I did, so I thought I'd re-cycle them to make Christmas tags!

It's really quick and easy and a good way to use up scraps of pretty paper left over from other projects. Here's a quick how-to if you want to make some yourself:

The tags I had were a bit too large for me so I cut them down to the size I wanted. Then I drew the tag shape onto my chosen papers, using the tag itself as a template, and cut it out.

I glue the paper onto the tag using PVA glue, then when it was completely dry punched a hole through the top and added some thin red ribbon.

I left the backs blank to write a message but you could cover both sides with paper if you wanted. Here are some more I made, this time with a little heart and a button added :)

Well, it's November...

2011-11-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

... so am I allowed to mention Christmas yet??

A confession - I actually started making Christmas decorations in August. And yes, it is slightly surreal painting snowflakes when the sun is beaming outside...

I've got a bit carried away this year I think - my etsy shop is looking a bit like Santa's grotto at the moment. And I've added more today - well, there's only 52 sleeps left you know!

Things I've been noticing lately...

2011-10-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

How beautiful decay can be...

Pictures in the clouds...

How many colours there are in rust...

Party week challenge - "On the wings of inspiration"

2011-10-23T03:19:00.000-07:00

We thought our Inspiration Avenue party this week deserved a fitting challenge theme! So with this in mind my lovely team mate Kat asked -

"What inspires you?"

Inspiration can be found anywhere, often it's just about looking at things in the right way.

Sometimes I'm inspired by poems, a whispered conversation overheard on the bus, or the shapes of clouds. Often I find inspiration in unexpected places - the patterns in shattered glass or a tarnished, rusty door can be beautiful.

My Inspiration Avenue team mates are always inspiring to me. I'm constantly left in awe at the amazing, diverse and original work they create. And as well as that they're some of the lovliest, most caring and uplifting people I know (quick pause for a group hug!)

My piece for this challenge includes some of the things that inspire me most -

found objects

old text

keys, locks and secrets

memories and faded things

I hope you like it :)

To see all our challenge pieces visit the IAE blog - we'll also be announcing our giveaway winners there very soon!

Street art

2011-10-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

I know there are mixed opinions on graffiti but I'm pretty much on the "art isn't crime" side!

Some photographs I took in the centre of Manchester recently...

And some work from 2 artists who take the concept of street art to a whooole new level -

Kurt Wenner

Pic from www.kurtwenner.com

and Julian Beever -

www.julianbeever.net

On the Wings of Inspiration Blog Party - Artangel Giveaway

2011-10-07T02:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Well, the Inspiration Avenue Party is in full swing, and I'm happy to announce-

Giveaway #3

Title: Midnight Flight

Size : 7” X 5" (17.5 x 12.5 cm) approx.

I've created this original mixed media artwork on an oval wooden base, using acrylic paints and collaged butterflies in rich blues and oranges.

The back and sides of the artwork are painted dark blue and I have attached a sawtooth hanger to the back for easy hanging (or if you don't want to hang it, this piece can simply be propped on a bookshelf or mantlepiece!)

For information on how you can win this or one of our other fabulous prizes (and we have more coming up soon so keep an eye out!), click HERE

Good Luck!

RSVP - "On the Wings of Inspiration" Blog Party

2011-10-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

Over at Inspiration Avenue we've recently reached 500 blog followers, and we thought that was rather fabulous and worth a celebration!

Soooo ...

We'd be most honoured if you would attend our "On the Wings of Inspiration Blog Party"!

They'll be giveaways, freebies (just because we love you!), gossip and general party-ing, all taking place between16 - 23 OCTOBER 2011.

Party dresses are optional (you can wear your pjs if you want - we won't judge)

We have 3 fabulous party giveaways to be announced this week (including one from me on Friday!), and more coming up in the next 2 weeks, so keep checking in to Inspiration Avenue to see what you can win!

Hebden Bridge visit

2011-10-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from a visit to Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire this week ... isn't it pretty?

I'm keeping these photos as proof that it doesn't always rain up t'North!

I spotted this mini Andy Goldsworthy style rock sculpture in the water - maybe the ducks made it??

And I love strange little old-fashioned shops like this one ... like stepping back in time. I've always wanted one of those white ceramic phrenology heads for some reason...!

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday 121

2011-09-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

I've never taken part in What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday before. Be gentle with me ;)

The first project on my worktable is a wooden heart - a commission for a friend for her grandma's birthday. I've recently been playing with coloured inks and I'm adding an inked edge to anything that stands still, it's great fun! It will also have a ribbon to hang once it's finished.

I've also (whilst I'm in a pink hearts mood!) made some smaller ones, which I'm probably going to mount onto a canvas (or maybe make into mini magnets, still debating!)

I'll be visiting as many of the Wednesday worktables as I can later today, look forward to seeing what you're making :)

Creative challenge - "Keys"

2011-09-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

This week's IAE art challenge was "keys". Definitely an ongoing theme in my work so this was right up my street!

Things I love about keys -

They hint at things precious enough to be hidden away

They allow access to secrets

They're often old, ornate and rusty :)

For my submission I've hand-painted and collaged this little wooden key cabinet. It needs some work yet but I wanted to share what I'd done so far.

You can see all this week's submissions here - enjoy!

Every cloud ...

2011-09-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

... holds the potential for a rainbow!

I saw 3 rainbows on Saturday - even in a city famous for rain like Manchester that has to be a good omen, doesn't it??

This one was actually a double rainbow though you can't really see that on these photos - I was trying to capture it from a train window so that's maybe why!

IAE Challenge - Autumn Splendour

2011-09-18T02:58:00.000-07:00

Last minute and time poor as usual, I wanted to produce a quick submission for the IAE challenge (our theme this week was "Autumn Splendor").

I made this leaf print using red ink on gold paper. I've not done leaf printing since I was at school but it's lovely and quick and esy and you can get some really nice results.

I went with the red as it felt suitably autumnal and I thought it would be dramatic against the gold. I think it looks quite festive too - maybe a consideration for this year's Christmas card??

I tried a few leaves and colours - I quite like the shapes of these leaves but the print's not great - too much ink (it's a fine line!)

I also had a go at leaf printing on a little wooden shape and added a bail (is that even the right word? Apologies to jewllers!) and a chain.

You can see all this week's submissions by clicking here

Resolutions re-visited

2011-09-14T02:20:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the autumn always reminds me of going back to school, fresh starts. It's kind of a second new year.

I made some creative resolutions at the start of the year, so maybe this is a good time to re-visit them and see how I'm doing!

This is what I wanted to do creatively this year...

1. Try encaustic art (painting with wax) -

Success! This is my first effort, done with collage elements, beeswax and a travel iron!! I think it'll take a while to get the hang of properly but it's great fun and I'll definitely do more!

2. I'd like to experiment more with texture/fabric/stitch in my art

Hm... I think there are definitely some elements of that I've brought into my work this year. I'm going to give myself a tick for that one!

3. I'd like to look further into wholesale accounts for my wooden hearts

Well, not yet - though I do have a couple of opportunities in the concept stage at the moment.

4. I want to do a really huge tag canvas!

This is the biggest one I've done this year - it's only 8x10". One I still need to work on - though I have 3 months left!

Did you make any creative resolutions this year?
How are yours going?

Pattern Creative Challenge

2011-09-11T05:39:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with images for this week's IAE challenge. The theme was pattern, so I took a previous painting I'd done ....

...uploaded it to picnik and had a play! They have some great effects, I could spend hours on there just messing around. The one I've used here was created by a mathematician, apparently!

You can seemore submissions for this week's theme here.

In other news, I've also been busy adding some Christmas decorations to my etsy shop. Well, it's never too early! I think my choice of background for this picture may have been inspired by this week's challenge too!

Beach Treasures - IAE weekly challenge

2011-09-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

As it was my turn to set the Inspiration Avenue challenge this week, I thought I'd best make the effort to submit something! So here we are -

The challenge theme I chose was "beach treasures" - I thought it would be nice to mark the last few days of summer.

I have a little collection of pretty shells and pebbles that inspired me. Some of the pebbles were hand-polished by my dad. They're my favourites :)

I chose some small shells and pebbles and wrapped them in gold thread, to display on luggage tags. I was planning to make this quite neutral in colour, sort of a "bleached from the sea" effect, but it's somehow turned out more colourful than I planned. Funny how that happens!

The background is a piece of scrapbook paper which is decorated with old handwritten postcards and stamps.

You can see all this week's submissions by clicking here

Sunflowers - IAE creative challenge

2011-08-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

My Inspiration Avenue challenge submission is last-minute again (yes, normal service has been resumed!) This is a photo manipulation of a miniature painting I did aaaages ago (original below)

I'm not that familiar with working this way but creative challenges are all about trying things outside your comfort zone! I'm still debating but on the whole I think I quite like the abstraction...

Inspiration Avenue will be blooming with sunflowers later today - click here to admire them :)

A whiter shade of pale...

2011-08-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

A collection of beautiful neutrals from etsy. It's amazing how many shades of cream and white there are...

Click on the links below to browse the rest of these fabulous shops.

1.Porcelain Lattice Bowl

2. Memory Box Assembladge

5. Wood Rose

8. Because I Love You Cotton Tape

9. Stray Thoughts

Aladdin's cave parcel

2011-08-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

I received an unexpected package of gorgeousness in the post this week, from the sweet and extremely talented Luthien of Altered Alchemy.

Luthien makes the most creative mixed media journals, jewellery and artwork. I can spot her work a mile away - she has such a distinctive style, each piece full of texture and depth and beauty. I've been am admirer of her work for ages!

Luthien had told me that she was sending me some luggage tags that she had bought from her friend's new etsy shop, as she knows I often use them in my work. And very beautiful tags they are too, but just look at all the other treasures she sent along with them!!

The colours of these jasper beads are so beautiful....

And I almost hyperventilated when I saw these wonderful aged book pages and - oh joy! - KEYS!!

I'm going to have so much fun using these! And aren't I lucky to have such lovely friends?

GIVEAWAY WINNER

2011-08-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone who entered my birthday giveaway! All of your input has been really helpful. I'll definitely be taking some of your suggestions on board, so look out in my etsy shop for new items over the coming weeks!

And now to announce the winner!

Picked by Random Number Generator, the lucky lady is....

Katie: (www.kateandoli.com)

Congratulations Katie! I'll be contacting you directly about your prize; I hope you enjoy browsing my shop and spending your voucher!

ARTANGEL BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

As promised, I've decided to hold a giveaway to celebrate my birthday last weekend!

The prize is a $20 voucher to spend on anything at all from my etsy shop!

You could choose one (or more!) of my hand-painted/collaged wooden hearts to give a touch of shabby chic style -

Hand-painted wooden heart $10.50

Or use your prize towards one of my mixed media paintings on canvas - original art gives your home individuality and makes a great talking point !

Original Mixed Media Art on Canvas - Secret Hiding Places -$45

Or you could even add to your Christmas decorations - nothing like planning ahead!

Set of 5 wooden Christmas tree decorations - $23

All you need to do to enter my giveaway is visit my etsy shop (click here) and leave a comment on this blog post, telling me which item is your favourite and/or what you'd like to see more of!

Extra entries will be given for -

Signing up to my newsletter (please leave your email address in your comment)
Following my blog
Becoming a fan of Artangel on Facebook
Blogging/Tweeting/Posting on Facebook about my giveaway

(so let me know in your comment if you have done one of those!)

The winner will be drawn at random onThursday 18th August.

Good Luck!

Wood for the trees....

2011-08-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

I took this photo at Yorkshire Scuplture Park last weekend because it reminded me of a fairytale wood, and I loved all the roots running through the ground.

I'm going to make this my submission for the IAE creative challenge this week.

I love trees - I find them somehow quite calming. Especially those huge, majestic ones with gnarled branches that look like they've been alive for hundreds of years. Maybe there's something about being in the presence of that sort of longevity that helps give a sense of perspective..?

PS it's my birthday tomorrow, and I'm planning to announce a little giveaway this week to celebrate, so keep a lookout!

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

2011-08-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

I wasn't familiar with Jaume Plensa's beautiful and thought-provoking work until I visited his exhibition at Yorkshire SculpturePark last weekend, but I'm so glad I discovered it!

I love the transparency of his figures against the landscape ....

image courtesy YSP / © jonty wilde

Not by Plensa, but these huge rabbit sculptures also made me smile (the female one reminds me a bit of the Cadbury's bunny...!)

....and I loved the peeling paint on this wooden totem (yes, it is meant to be upside down!)...

And finally back to Plensa - his collection of tree huggers are all bronze casts of himself...

This work will evolve over time - as the trees grow they should eventually merge together with the figures...

The Park is definitely worth the trip if you're near enough - setting art in the midst of nature brings an added dimension.

Keep calm and put the kettle on

2011-07-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Tea is this week's IAE theme. To be honest I rarely drink tea. When I do, it has to be strong and black, maybe with a squeeze of lemon (yes, even though I'm English I admit I find our habit of putting milk in tea a bit odd!)

But, despite being a coffee lover at heart, there's just something about traditional English tea shops - the freshly laundered table cloths, white lacy doilies and pretty mismatched china! So I couldn't resist this week's theme....

I've painted this little 5x5" canvas in acrylics, and used scrap book papers for the tea cup, saucer and table cloth. I added a white doily, and a little sequin in the centre of the flower. Detail is added with coloured pencil.

You can see all the submissions (and submit one yourself if you're quick!) on the IAE blog

Bath

2011-07-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

Some photos from the lovely city of Bath, where I spent a few days earlier this week...

Above is the Royal Cresent. Many of the buildings in Bath are made from this lovely honey coloured stone.

Bath Abbey (above and below) is quite beautiful. It was begun in 1499, and is the last of the great medieval churches of England. I wonder how many people have found refuge or comfort here during all those centuries...

Part of the Abbey's ceiling; the detail of the architecture is amazing.

Bath is also famous for being the home of Britain's only hot spring. It was first established as a city by the Romans in AD 43. You can still visit the Roman Baths and they still flow with natural hot water. I love the colour of the water though I'm not sure I'd want to drink it!

On my last day I treated myself to breaksfast at the elegant Pump Room Restaurant, whilst listening to their trio of classical musicians :)

Poetry

2011-07-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

I used to read a lot of poetry. I like it. Some poems move me before I understand why, in the same way that some art does.

This week's IAE challenge was based on poetry. I wanted to make a canvas with beautiful words, like an unformed poem. It's not quite finished but this is what I've done so far -

And although my canvas is unrelated to it, I also wanted to share one of my favourite poems. It's quite long, but worth it!

Wear Sunscreen
Mary Schmich

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen
would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved
by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more
reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this
advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You
will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until
they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at
photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much
possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You
are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying
is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things
that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you
at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with
people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead,
sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's
only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you
succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank
statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with
your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22
what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most
interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them
when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children,
maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the
funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do,
don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it
or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument
you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living
room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel
ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone
for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your
past and the people most likely to stick with you in the
future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people
who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you
soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians
will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll
fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable,
politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust
fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when
either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it
will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over
the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Manchester Student Art

2011-06-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else love going to their local University's end of year art show? I love it - it's one of the highlights of my year! I'm always overwhelmed at the skill exhibited and the sheer variety of work on display. These are a few of my favourite things from Manchester's art students this year -

A whole town (and tiny townspeople) made from paperand ink

I loved this collection of beautiful and faded things - I really like the way the artist has used empty frames to emphasise certain parts of her display

There was also quite a bit of "proper" painting this year! I found this triptych very striking, and I love how you can't fully make out the face -I am always intruiged by things hinted at rather than seen!

And as for the textiles - well, I could happily spend a whole day looking at those! How gorgeous is this exotic fabric?

Most universities and art colleges have end of year shows and work is often for sale, it's a great afternoon out and you never know - you may even spot the next Tracey Emin!

Stockport Art Open

2011-06-22T01:55:00.000-07:00

I recently entered some work into the Stockport Open Art Exhibition.

There were a huge number of submissions this year (759) and only 158 pieces were selected, so I'm delighted that my canvas "So Many Stories" was chosen to be exhibited.

The exhibition opens at Stockport Art Gallery on Saturday 25th June and runs to 14th August.

I always love visiting open exhibitions because of the variety of work, and this one has everything from oils and watercolours to sculpture, ceramics and textiles. There are also lots of inspiring workshops, demonstrations, poetry and music events taking place during the exhibition, so worth going along if you're near enough!

Faded Romance (and a mini tutorial!)

2011-06-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Love's been in the air at Inspiration Avenue this week - this week's challenge theme was "so romantic".

My submission is this little 6 x 4" mixed media canvas called "Faded Romance".

I wanted the background to look quite old and weathered so there was lots of putting on layers of paint then scraping them off again!

If you'd like to try this technique for a weathered finish, paint a base colour onto your canvas, then once it's dry dab some Vaseline over some sections, before painting a second colour over the top.

Once the second coat is dry, the paint that's been applied over the Vaseline can be rubbed away really easily, leaving a "peeling paint" effect.

When the background was as I wanted it I added the six little collaged squares. I may play around with it a little more yet, I think I need to leave it for a couple of days before I decide!

Click here to see all this week's submissions.

Completed wedding favours

2011-06-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I posted previously about the mini birdhouses I was commissioned to make as wedding favours, so I thought I'd show you the completed set. And no, surprisingly they didn't all collapse the moment after this photo was taken!)

They're all hand-painted and collaged, with a paper border round the bottom and on the sides of each roof.

I've added a flower or butterfly motif to the front of each one, and they all have a smaller matching motif on the back.

My buyer was a pleasure to work with too - brides sometimes have a reputation for being demanding and hard to please but she must be the nicest, most easy-going bride ever!

Stockport Open Art Exhibition - sneak preview!

2011-06-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Although I decided a while ago that I wanted to enter, the deadline for the Stockport Open Exhibition has crept up on me! But (assuming I can get them finished before the final handing in day on Saturday), this is a sneak peek at two of the pieces I'm planning to submit -

They're both loosely themed around secrets and memories. The first canvas (above) will have nine little envelopes, their contents partly hidden. As you can see, I've made use of those tiny little playing cards I found in a charity shop for 50p!

The second canvas follows on from my previous paper patchwork idea - I kind of liked the idea of secrets being woven into a quilt. Again this is just a peek at the work-in-progress, there are 30 squares in total.

Now - anyone have any fabulous titles for either of these pieces? I'm thinking poetic, without being completely pretentious ;) Lisa - I can usually count on you for a great name!

Painting Rainbows

2011-06-05T02:06:00.000-07:00

This week's IAE challenge theme was "over the rainbow". The final submissions are bound to make a wonderful rainbow of their own and can be seen here later today.

I'm a bit of a split personality when it comes to colour - sometimes I love to work with rich, deep, vibrant shades, but at other times I'm drawn to understated, natural, muted tones.

I've sometimes felt that my colour choices are unconsciously affected by my mood and what's going on in my life at the time.

I'm generally in a muted phase at the moment, so it was nice to have a change :)

This is an experiment in acrylics and coloured pencil - kind of a painted patchwork quilt! I'm hoping to do a larger version for a local art show, though I may go back to my subdued colours!

What colours are you being drawn to at the moment?

Purple and green - creative challenge

2011-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week's IAE creative challenge theme was a colour scheme - "purple and green". I've painted this wooden plant marker with a dragonfly, and added some little purple-y pink buttons (not sure about the buttons, what do you think??)

Using purple and green also reminded me of one of my favourite oil pastel drawings (though this wasn't done especially for the challenge - it's ages old).

I'd forgotten how much I love the softness and vibrancy of pastels. Perhaps I'll dig them out again over the long Bank Holiday weekend!

New and old ...

2011-05-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

I get so excited over new art supplies, whether they're brand new and pristine or re-discovered second-hand treasures.

These are my latest finds ...

Little white doilies and creamy coloured tags ...

...and these fabulous, teeny tiny playing cards.

Even better, the cards were a charity shop find costing just 50p! Maybe I'll use them for an Alice and the Queen of Hearts canvas...

(Side-note: I used to play Patience as a child. Quite ironic really, as I have none these days!)

IAE weekly creative challenge - signs and symbols in art

2011-05-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

This week's IAE challenge was a really interesting one - to create something inspired by the words sacred, ancient and/or symbolic.

It made me think about how I use symbols quite a lot in my work, sometimes without really being conscious of it. I do find it fascinating, how we are often drawn repeatedly to certain subjects. I often notice it in other artists' work.

I also came across an article recently about vanitas - a type of painting which uses objects to symbolise the fragility of life. Click on the word if you'd like to read more - it's fascinating stuff!

Anyway, losely based on the above, for my submission I've gone with the idea of using symbols that represent a past love.

I wanted to use some objects that people commonly save as keepsakes - symbols to remind them of a time, person or place. I've included little scraps of a hand-written letter, a stamp from the envelope, a bit of old lace and a button.

I've also used some things to suggest the passage of time - a bit of skeleton leaf, the old paper of the envelopes, a measuring tape. I think that the envelopes themselves work as a symbol of memories too - things sealed away to be opened later!

The heart and rose are of course well known symbols of love, and the key is meant here as a symbol of unlocking memories.

I use butterflies quite a lot in my work; I think I've mentioned before that they are used in many cultures to represent the human soul, and I like that.

You can see all this week's submissions here - enjoy!

I've been dying to show this off!

2011-05-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

My newest "if-the-house-were-burning-down-I'd-save-this-first" possession! Isn't this portrait of my son amazing?

I've known the artist, Andy Bartos, through etsy for a while. I already knew that (as well as being a complete sweetheart) Andy was tremendously talented . I've long admired his work on etsy, and was lucky enough to own one of his prints and some notecards already.

But when I opened this - well, it brought tears to my eyes! The level of detail and the likeness are just stunning. This is the original photo I sent if you want to judge for yourself -

You can see more of Andy's work in his etsy shop and he also has his own website.

What's next?

2011-05-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, our Inspiration Avenue auction is over for another year, and we're all sitting back with our feet up and having a well-deserved cup of tea!!

The formal tallying-up is still in progress, but I believe we've raised around the $500 mark (all proceeds will be donated to the charity Angel Faces).

Meanwhile (as they say in the films) I've been busy with commissions, including these wooden perpetual calendars.

These are going to be birthday gifts for two little girls. My brief was "one with a cupcake, one with butterflies, and don't hold back on the pink!"

These are both hand-painted and collaged. The cupcake calendar features some tiny heart shaped buttons, a ribbon bow, and little metallic heart shaped sequins as cupcake sprinkles!

The butterflies calendar also has some teeny buttons in the centre of some of the flowers. Both have the girls' names across the bottom :)

Once I'm up-to-date with my commission work (hey I'm getting there - 2 down, 6 to go!), I may add these to my etsy shop as a "made-to-order" item.

What's on your to-do list this week?

The Inspiration Avenue 2nd Annual Charity Art Auction

2011-05-01T01:38:00.000-07:00

A HUGE welcome to our 2nd Inspiration Avenue Charity Art Auction!

All of this wonderful original artist's work is up for grabs on the main auction site :)

There are some truly amazing pieces this year, and all artists are donating 100% of their proceeds to the wonderful charity

My auction piece is my "Angel of Summer" canvas - I thought she would be a fitting tribute for the charity.

"Angel of Summer" is an original mixed media canvas measuring 8 x 10 x 1.5", created with acrylic paints, coloured pencil and collaged butterflies and flowers.

I have signed and dated the canvas on one side. I'm quirky like that ;)

HOW TO PLACE YOUR BID

Just click HERE (the Inspiration Avenue blog) to place your bid. Only bids placed on the Inspiration Avenue blog will be counted.

The starting bid for this original artwork is $30. Please note that packaging and shipping is free worldwide.

Bids will be accepted between May 1st up until May 7th.

Only bids in US dollars will be counted, and bids must be in round dollars.

Please leave your email address or another method of contact when placing a bid, so that a Paypal invoice can be sent to you if yours is the winning bid!

The winning bidder will have 72 hours to make payment before the item is offered to the next highest bidder.

Thank you in advance for supporting this worthwhile charity and helping to make someone's life a little brighter. Good luck, and happy bidding!

xxx

Inspiration Avenue Challenge - Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Inspiration Avenue challenge theme this week is "Royal and/or Wedding".

In case you've been visiting Mars or something for the last several weeks yes, apparently there's been a wedding today ;)

I'm not really a royalist. But I quite like red, white and blue together and making something for the challenge seemed a good way to avoid the seemingly endless TV coverage for a bit!

So this is my submission - a wooden heart painted in soft blue with a dark blue (kind of regal I thought?!) swirly design. It has a red organza ribbon for hanging.

I've added this heart to my etsy shop.

You can see lots more wedding-inspired art (not to mention a sneak preview of some of the work on offer in our forthcoming auction!) over at the Inspiration Avenue blog.

Cherry blossom

2011-04-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

There are a row of blossom trees near Whitworth Park in Manchester that I travel past on my way into work.

They aren't in bloom for very long, but for a few weeks each year they're full of glorious pom poms of pink blossom; seeing them each morning is a highlight of my day!

They also reminded me of these photos I took of my son when he was small, and I had to dig them out again - as you can see he loved the blossom trees too!

Angel of Summer - IAE Challenge

2011-04-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes what we believe is coincidence is really just getting ourselves caught in an angel booby trap" ~Grey Livingston.

The theme for this week's Inspiration Avenue Art Challenge was "angels".

I'm not usually an overly sentimental sort of person, but at times in my life I've felt that I have a guardian angel.

The theme (along with the lovely sunshine we're having here) inspired me to think of an angel for each season. This is my interpretation of the "Angel of Summer" - I pictured her with roses in her hair and surrounded by butterflies! She still needs a little more work I think, but I like her so far!

You can see all this week's subissions by clicking here.

As this theme also ties in with the Art Auction we will be hosting May1st - 7th (all proceeds go to the charity Angel Faces) this may well be my auction piece.

Do you believe in angels?

The Second IAE Grand Charity Art Auction - Coming Soon!

2011-04-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

As you may have already noticed from the little badge on the right, we're holding a charity art auction over at Inspiration Avenue, from 1st-7th May!

This will be our second auction and all proceeds will be donated to the wonderful charity Angel Faces. Last year we were able to raise $500 for the charity.

Angel Faces do amazing work, supporting teenage girls with severe facial disfigurement and helping them to fulfil their potential, overcome barriers and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Anyone is welcome to take part in the auction. You can bid on one of the pieces, donate some of your own art to auction, or even just add our badge to your blog.

I'll be posting a taster of what will be up for auction in the next week or so, so stay tuned and start saving your pennies!!

New line - mini birdhouses

2011-04-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

These little birdhouses are a new line available in my etsy shop.

I also have a few listed on Folksy

These were so much fun to decorate! I have hand-painted and collaged them, so each one is different.

They're only tiny (4 x 5 x 6 cm approx.) and are intended as ornaments, though I think they'd make wonderful original wedding favors! Do you think it's too late to offer William and Kate this red white and blue set ...?

What I've been up to

2011-04-13T01:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any new work in my etsy shop for a while as I've been busy with various commissions away from etsy. So, I thought I'd share what I've been up to!

A commission for a new baby - a door sign and matching little canvas

Various assorted wooden perpetual calendars - cupcakes, strawberries and a little bird!

And some decoupaged wooden keepsake boxes.

I'm debating offering some of these in my etsy shop, as made-to-order items. Would love to know what you think and if you have any favourites?

Lovely things that have inspired me this week ...

2011-04-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

I've loved Tim Holtz's "Lost and Found" papers since I saw them. In the end resistance proved futile and I had to buy some! I think it was the clock face paper that finally swung it ... I almost hyperventilated when I saw it...

Replica WW2 ration books (from a little gift shop at Salford Museum/Art Gallery) ...

Such nice aged-looking paper, and I love the handwritten names and addresses. They feel like they each have a story to tell ....

And these gorgeous blue ceramics are the newest additions to my button collection. I've definitely developed a slightly unhealthy obsession with buttons ...!

What's inspired you this week?

Textile Art

2011-03-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

This week I've been to see the Ten Plus Textiles group exhibition which is gracing the walls of Salford Art Gallery until 19th June.

My two favourite pieces were, quite coincidentally, by artists that I know (and I didn't even look to see who'd done them until I'd picked them out!)

The charming fairy-tale piece above "He lived merrily and well until.." is by

the very talented Julie Bryce.

But my very favourite was this amazing piece - "Innisfree" - by my etsy team mate Michelle Barnard.

Funds didn't allow me to take it home with me sadly (though I did buy it as a greetings card in the little gallery shop!)

I've always been drawn to textile work - one of my new Year resolutions was to try and incorporate more textiles into my own art. Michelle's piece actually reminded me a little of some mixed media canvases I'd done a while ago, and it inspired me to experiment! -

I've used acrylics, various papers and scraps of re-cycled fabric, along with a button and a bit of a skeleton leaf. My own little mixed media patchwork on canvas!

Gorgeous etsy buys

2011-03-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you some of my recent purchases from etsy.

It's important to me to support independant artists and crafters when I can (and of course that means I also get to own some of their wonderful work, which is a bonus!)

I adore these sweet little clay magnets by Cariad Clay, especially the little bird - her work is so charming!

My gorgeous new silver key necklace by The Magpie's Daughter.

Regular readers may know about my slightly strange obsession with keys! As soon as I saw this I knew I'd have to have one.

I bought these postcards of Andy Bartos' wonderful artwork intending to send them to friends, but found that I can't bear to part with them!

Andy also runs a competition in his shop every month, where you can win one of his wonderfully detailed and evocative portraits. Here's one he did earlier! Isn't it amazing?

And - guess who was the lucky winner of Andy's contest last month! Watch this space, I'll be posting the finished work here once it's completed :)

I'd love to know what etsy goodies you've bought lately?

Spring challenge - Mini decorated birdhouses

2011-03-24T02:30:00.000-07:00

Are you sitting down? This may be a bit of a shock.

Ready? Taken a nice deep breath? OK ....

I'm posting my submission for the IAE challenge SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THE DEADLINE!! This is so unheard of that I've probably caused a warp in the space-time continuem or something but hey ho!

The challenge theme this week is "spring". I think all the glorious, quite-unlike-March weather we've been having here must have inspired me!

I thought these tiny birdhouse ornaments were perfect for the theme. I've painted them in fresh spring colours and added some pretty decorative papers to each one. And of course a birdhouse should always have a little bird!

These are now for sale in my etsy shop.
You'll be able to see all the spring submissions here on Sunday. Or come and post your own! :)

Spring photographs

2011-03-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

I love it when the first signs of Spring start to appear.

I think it's impossible not to feel more optimistic when the flowers start to bloom; they're such a symbol of hope.

Black, white and pink

2011-03-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

I didn't expect to have time to take part in this week's Inspiration Avenue challenge. But

serendipitously (I love an excuse to use that word!) it turned out that the challenge theme exactly fitted something I was working on anyway.

So, this is my submission for "black, white and pink". I was commissioned to paint these three 5x5" canvases for a little girl's nursery. The stripe and damask match the nursery bedding, and the rose is for her middle name :)

You can see all the challenge submissions over at the Inspiration Avenue blog.

Celestial - this week's IAE creative challenge

2011-03-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

You know when you get an idea in your head and it keeps nagging you and won't go away?

Well, I've been wanting to paint an angel for ages. Not a pretty girly angel though, more of an androgynous, slightly enigmatic one!

So although I've had very little time to myself this week, when I found out the Inspiration Avenue challenge theme was "celestial" I couldn't resist at least making a start!

So apologies that he is unfinished - he needs some more painting and I'm still debating whether I prefer him with or without real feathers - but here he is so far!

You can see all the celestial submssions from this week here

Luxury grafitti!

2011-02-23T13:11:00.000-08:00

I photographed this rather beautiful wall today, just outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds. Now that's what I call grafitti!

"Faded" Challenge

2011-02-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

This is my submission for the Inspiration Avenue creative challenge.

To be honest it's not actually finished, but as it was my turn to pick the challenge theme this week I thought I'd better make the effort and post what I've done so far!

The theme I chose was "faded", and my submission is based on the idea of faded memories. It's a little wooden shadow box which I have painted, and I've started to add some inks/collage/bits and pieces.

I do want to do some more work on this yet, but if it works out reasonably well I'd like to make a larger one, with some old photos and love letters maybe.

You can see all the submissions (and the rest of them are even finished I do believe!) here.

Enjoy!

We have a winner!

2011-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everyone who entered my OWOH giveaway! It's been wonderful to meet you all, and I've discovered some great new blogs and some very talented artists along the way :)

I am happy to announce that my winner, picked by the ever popular Random Number Generator, is ....

Sherry of Country Wings in Phoenix!

Congratulations Sherry, I'll be contacting you for your address so that I can send you your prize:)

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-09T02:07:00.000-08:00

After reading all about it last year, I'm delighted to be joining in with "One World One Heart" this year. OWOH is a wonderful project which aims to unite bloggers from all over the world (you can click on the link in my sidebar to read more).

The rules say that first I need to introduce myself, so-

Hello!
I'm Angela. I live in Manchester, England with my other half and our lovely teenage son. I work 3 days week in occupational health and the rest of the time I devote to art (well, that and the odd bit of shopping!)

Some random facts about me -

1. I am a qualified reflexologist and Reiki practioner.

2. I love using "found" things in my art; I'm forever embarrassing my friends by collecting up rusty nails and bits of aged paper!

3. I can't function in the morning before I have at least 2 cups of strong black coffee.

4. At the moment I have a strange fascination for keys, hearts and teaspoons!! I do go through some funny phases :)

5. My favourite word in the Engish language is "serendipity".

Now - on to the free stuff!
My OWOH prize is this "Little Bird" canvas - it's my original mixed media painting, created using acrylic paints, ink, colored pencil and collaged paper. It measures 8" x 8" x 0.6" approx (20 x 20 1.6 cm approx.)

OWOH is open to all active bloggers worldwide.

To be in with a chance of winning my prize, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post, with a way to contact you if you win.

The winner will be selected by the random number generator, and announced on Feb. 17th

Good luck!

Let it shine

2011-02-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

This week's was Inspiration Avenue creative challenge was all bright and gleamy - the theme was "Shine".

I very rarely use shiny things in my work - I'm much more naturally inclined to rusty, tea stained or otherwise aged things. I like that about the challenges though - they make you step outside your comfort zone a bit!

For this mini canvas I've used some silver acrylic paint, along with sequins and tiny little metallic hearts (I think they were originally from a confetti packet!) to decorate. I'll be adding this (and a few more of these mini canvases with easels) to my etsy shop this week.

Click here to see lots more lovely shiny things, but be warned - you may have Take That singing in your head all week afterwards...!

Keys, buttons and ...chickens!

2011-02-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

I promised to show you the finished hearts canvas that I posted about a little while ago.

It's going to be on display in a farm house, so I was going for a balance between pretty and rustic!

I took on board a couple of the suggestions that were kindly made in response to my last post.

If you look closely you'll see some small pieces of rustic fabric as suggested by Tammy, and Luthien's suggestions of mesh (well, mesh-like fabric) and some lovely bits of chipped paint have also sneaked in! Thank you ladies :)

Also included are a drawing of a chicken (my buyer suggested that and I rather like it!), a real feather, and of course I can't seem to finish a mixed media painting without adding a key and button or two!

Roses and butterflies

2011-01-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

I made these two little fridge magnets for the Inspiration Avenue challenge - "what's your favourite month?" And to see if I was any good at interpreting the theme, I'm not going to tell you what my favourite month is - let's see if you can guess!

I'm quite curious as to which month will be most popular. I'm personally not betting on February having many votes; dark, freezing, seems sooo long until spring and there's not even a Bank Holiday in sight!

You can see everyone's submissions here.

What I'm working on

2011-01-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

A quick glimpse of work-in-progress for the commission that I'm doing at the moment. The finished piece will be a canvas of 20 hearts.

As you can see, I'm still very much at the "playing around with colours and pretty things" stage at the moment (which is always my favourite part!) .

I need to make it a little more "rustic". The lovely lady I'm creating this for lives in a farmhouse, and has suggested adding part of a farmers almanac or seed packet. I'm also thinking of adding some twine and maybe some skeleton leaves. If you have any other ideas feel free to chime in!

I'll post a photo of the finished canvas once it's completed :)

Inspiration

2011-01-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

This week's Inspiration Avenue challenge was - quite fittingly - inspiration!

Whilst I firmly believe that inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere, I have noticed that I am drawn to certain symbols and themes repeatedly. So this is my list of the things that inspire me most-

Colour

Collections and keepsakes

Love hearts

Things that are hidden, or partially covered

Words, both the look of lettering on a page and the meaning behind them

Things with a past, memories

Decay - the texture and colour of rust, faded beauty, softness.

Keys. Secrets.

Buttons

Nature - especially butterflies, feathers, tree branches and flowers

You can see lots more ideas on inspiration here.

So ... what inspires you?

A splash of colour (and a touch of monochrome)

2011-01-09T07:25:00.000-08:00

This week's IAE challenge theme was colour (or "color", if you're in the US!)

I have a bit of a split personality when it comes to colour. On one hand I'm drawn to really

subtle, delicate, barely-there tones - and on the other hand to vibrant, rich, deep jewel shades - especially teal and deep, deep red.

The above mini painting is in colours that sing summer to me - sky blue, clean white, and sunshine yellow. I think I've been drawn to them as they're such a refreshing change at this grey time of year! I've also painted the little wooden easel in red, to contrast.

Conversely, I've also been doing some work entirely in monochrome this week. This is a pencil portrait that I've just finished as a commission. I don't do much "just" drawing these days, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy it - another New Year resolution to add to the list!

AND THE WINNER IS ....

2011-01-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Firstly, thanks sooo much to everyone who took the time and trouble to enter my giveaway - the response was fantastic! I've really enjoyed reading all of your comments, it's been very interesting and helpful.

Whilst I can't deny that I was somewhat tempted by Dayzee Love's bribe of Baileys and trifle (well, who wouldn't be?), in the end I used the random number generator to pick a winner, in the interests of impartiality!

So without further ado, congratulations go to .....

Abby!

Abby, I'll email you to let you know how to claim your prize (a $20 voucher to use on anything in my etsy shop). Happy browsing to you!

And as a small consolation prize for everyone else, I'm offering all those who entered my giveaway 15% off anything in my etsy shop, until 31st January. Just write "Giveaway offer" in the message to seller and I'll refund your 15% via Paypal.

IAE Challenge - Reflections and Resolutions!

2010-12-31T12:58:00.000-08:00

This week's IAE challenge theme was a bit different - "Look at your craft or art, and ask yourself what have you accomplished this past year. What are your goals for the next year? Where do you want your art to be by the next New Year's Eve?"

It's fun to look back and celebrate your little successes, as well as deciding the next steps in your plan for world domination!

So ...

Things I am proud of accomplishing in 2010 -

1. My work being published in print for the first time

2. Taking part in the IAE team - especiallythe small part I played in our art auction, raising money for the charity Angel Faces

3. Some successful "real life" exhibitions -Didsbury Arts Festival, Broadstone Mill and Novus Art Gallery

4. My first go at throwing a pot!

And ... what I'd like to have ticked off my list this time next year -

1. I really want to try encaustic art (painting with wax) - there's just something about the texture and colour of beeswax that draws me! The above work is by the very talented
Dancing Girl Art

2. I'd like to experiment more with texture/fabric/stitch in my art
3. I'd like to look further into wholesale accounts for my wooden hearts

4. I tend to work quite small - mainly for practical reasons (i.e. I sell mainly online to the US and I live in the UK!) BUT this year I want to do a really huge tag canvas!

I'd love to hear about your achievements from 2010 and goals for 2011.

Wishing you a fabulous New Year full of love, luck, and creativity!

PS don't forget to leave a comment on the post below to enter my giveaway, if you haven't already - it's open until 6th January!

ARTANGEL ALMOST-NEW-YEAR GIVEAWAY!!

2010-12-29T03:09:00.000-08:00

I promised a little post-Christmas giveaway for all my lovely blog readers, so here it is!

I am giving away a $20 voucher to spend on anything you like in my etsy shop :)

You might choose one of my new, custom hand-painted hearts as a gift for your Valentine -

Hand-painted wooden heart $10.50

Or use it towards a larger purchase -

Top - Secret Heart - Mixed media painting on canvas $25

Bottom - Lotus Flower - Acrylic painting on canvas $25

All you need to do to enter is visit my etsy shop (click here) and leave a comment on this blog post, telling me which item is your favourite and/or what you'd like to see more of!

Extra entries will be given for -

Signing up to my newsletter (please leave your email address in your comment)
Following my blog
Becoming a fan of Artangel on Facebook
Blogging/Tweeting/Posting on Facebook about my giveaway

(so let me know in your comment if you have done one of those!)

The winner will be drawn at random on Thursday 6th January.

Good Luck!

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 11 and12

2010-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

Small confession - I've always liked Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day. I think it must be a combination of the anticipation, and the relief of finally knowing that all the shopping, visiting, cleaning etc is done for another year!

And of course - presents!!

As a little Christmas gift/thank you for all my lovely blog readers, I'll be having a giveaway between Christmas and the New Year - check back next week for more details!

Wishing you a fabulous Christmas!

Love Angie xxx

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 9 and 10

2010-12-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

9 . Christmas decorations - whether you're a glitter-and-tinsel kind of girl, or more of a subdued less-is-more type, I defy anyone not to feel cheerful around fairy lights!

10. Peace and goodwill - for a couple of weeks of the year people genuinely seem to be kinder to each other. Wouldn't it be nice if we could make Christmas spirit last all year?

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 8

2010-12-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

"Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. .

I freely admit that 90% of Christmas songs are dire, but there is the odd exception - I think they should pass a law to make this song Number One every Christmas!

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 7

2010-12-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

Snow!

OK so it doesn't happen very often in the UK, but it looks like we may well be in for a traditional white Christmas in Manchester. My garden looks like a Christmas card!

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 6

2010-12-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

Photo by mcmrbt

The school nativity play.

It's a good few years now since my son wore the coveted Joseph costume (white smock, cleverly accesorised with a blue and white checked tea-towel on his head).

A bit of advice though if you're attending a nativity play this year - no matter how unsentimental you may think you are, don't forget the tissues!

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 5

2010-12-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

... peace.

This week's Inspiration Avenue challenge theme, and something we could all do with a bit more of at this busy time of year!

This little wooden heart is my submission - it was inspired by the quiet and peacefulness of gently falling snowflakes.

The twelve best things about Christmas - number 3 (and 4!)

2010-12-06T02:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas cards, and making things!

I'd had these card blanks for ages, and thought they'd be ideal to use up some spare scraps of paper and Christmas motifs. I like that these are traditional colours but still quite subtle. And handmade cards are always so much nicer than shop bought ones aren't they?

The twelve best things about Christmas - Number 2

2010-12-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas markets!

This photo was taken during a visit to the St Nicholas Fair in York, where all the stall holders wore Victorian fancy dress and it even snowed to add to the effect!

York Minster looked amazing at night, all lit up in the snow, but unfortuately due to the weather most of my photos have huge white blobs obscuring the picture, so I've borrowed this lovely image from Miss Muldoon!