Roundtop Photo Album-Day one

Well we finally got here, a bit later than we planned but no matter. The hall we're in is really nice as are all the people. It's no lie about Texas hospitality--everyone here is so accommodating and helpful. Here's two beautiful Texas women that I've had the pleasure to meet so far-the first is Emma Lee Turney, the grande dame of the Roundtop Folk Art Fair and Creative Market for the last....oh about 30 odd years.

The second is Mary Lou Marks, a wonderful woman who owns a funky shop named Lizzie Lou's right on the main drag in Roundtop. Aren't they lovely?

Next to Lizzie's is a fun place called Royer's...it's the local hot spot for all the vendors and some of the visitors too.

Yeehaw! Roundup in Roundtop

Before I leave for Texas, I thought I'd post a few images of various pieces I've made for the show along with one photo of my empty studio...it really feels strange to not have ANY artwork in it at all. I will try to post some photos of the show and the town while we're there if I can...if not, this may be the last post for a week or so...Happy Trails!

Circus Wagon 1 and Cavalcade of Mischief

Thanks so much to the people who commented on the booth shot in my last post, and for those who requested a closer view of my 2D wall pieces, here ya go- the first one is titled "Circus Wagon 1" and it's made from tent canvas with tissue paper, custom printed fabric, wire and acrylic paint. It's around 13"high by 17" wide. In these photos I'm showing both these pieces without the larger canvas and frame.

The second piece is called "Cavalcade of Mischief" and it's also made from tent canvas, acrylic paint, wire, fabric and fringe. It's 25" high by 15" wide.

Booth Shot

Okay I finally got a photographer in to take some better shots of my pieces that I'll use for art fairs, etc. I know it's hard to see the detail in the smaller pieces in this shot but I love the light and think she did a fantastic job. By the way, "she" is LisaRae Turnbull-Oliva and I would love to send some business her way if anyone needs some photos! 

Twist of Fate

Here's my latest and largest piece to date. It has a somewhat personal meaning as it's a piece about Hurricane Katrina and what my sister's family went through during and after it. The tent represents New Orleans, formerly flashy and frivolous, then devastated and wilted after the hurricane. The birds are supposed to convey a somewhat spooky element, like the birds perching on the playground bars in Hitchcock's "The Birds" but they also represent life and eventually, hope for the future.  

It stands about 24" high by 20" wide and is constructed of tent canvas, wire, tissue paper, and paperclay. 

Roundup #1

Since my next show is in the town of Roundtop, Texas I thought I'd do a few 2D mixed media pieces that harken back to the Wild West Show Roundups that were a part of many circuses and carnivals. This piece is constructed of wire, tent canvas, cut metal, tissue paper, burned wood, and custom printed fabric. It's about 16" tall by 11" wide.

Wheely Whirly

Another new piece-this time a ferris wheel. It stands about 18" high and is 11"wide by 7" deep.

I used wire, paint, found wood, tissue paper and muslin as materials.

It does spin around but is somewhat delicate.

Roller Coaster

After thinking and mulling and sketching and thinking some more, I finally put together a roller coaster piece. This one car is meant to look rather lonely and the birds perched above are the only witnesses to the possibility of the car careening off the track. 

I've been branching out lately into other formats than just birdcage circus tents and will put some more pics of the new pieces up soon.

I will be doing a show in Roundtop, TX on April 1-4 so if you're in the area, stop on by.

Circus Supreme!

This is my latest cage and this time it's on a pedestal.  I wanted to give the look of a stripped down tent with lots of leaves, vines, and birds inhabiting the space.

This is my last in the red, black and white series I think.

Next my focus is something somewhat different but still staying within the circus theme. Check back within a week or two for pics of my new artwork!

Curious Sofa photos

Better late than never right? Unfortunately, my photos of the show turned out a bit blurry but here are Deb's photos from the show on Feb.6-7 at Curious Sofa.

Visit Deb's blog to see all the photos of the other artists' work too.

The show went really well and we had GORGEOUS weather!

Love Potion Number 9!

This is one of the new pieces that I'll be putting in the Curious Sofa show next weekend.

It's also for sale on Etsy-click on the link here to buy or for more info!

CURIOUS SOFA SHOW ~ FEBRUARY 6-7

I'm getting ready for the Love Hurts show that will be held in nearby Prairie Village, KS at the very wonderful Curious Sofa store from 6-8 PM on Feb.6 and 10-6 on Feb. 7

Click on this link to see photos of all of the artists' work and to get more info.

I made it to the front page!

I finally made it to the front page of Etsy today!

Thanks to KandiceInWonderland for letting me know!

Red Fringed English Circus Tent

This is a new piece I just finished. Another in the red/black/ivory color scheme but this time with an old circus poster from England on the floor of the cage. Click on these words to find out more info or to purchase on Etsy.

Happy New Year!!

Happy 2009!   I've tried to make good use of my Cmas vacation-in fact, some people have called me somewhat "overly energetic" and my friends make fun of how little I sleep-(anybody else out there get that from time to time?) I'm also determinedly optimistic about this new year-I think 2009 will exceed all our expectations and the economy will be better than we think.

Another reason I'm excited is because I'm doing a Valentines show on Feb. 6-7 at a wonderful local store here called the Curious Sofa-check out Deb's blog- http://curioussofa.blogspot.com.

and in preparation I've made 14 new cages that are also candy/keepsake boxes as well as some other smaller Valentine ornaments and lovebird cages that will be for sale at Etsy until Feb. 5--click on this link to see them in my Etsy shop.

What's New for the New Year!

I know Christmas hasn't even arrived yet but I couldn't wait to give a preview of my newest French circus cage that I'm putting in my Etsy shop today!

Other cages in this collection will follow within the next two or three weeks.

There will also be many candy containers, a ring box or two and Valentine gifts!

Click on this link to purchase or for more info on this piece.

Lovebirds Under Red Diamond Tent

This is my latest in the lovebird series--this little couple of redbirds with black wings are up for sale now in my Etsy shop!

Perfect for a Christmas gift or cake topper!

Click on this link to buy or for more info.

Something Blue!

Okay, it didn't take me two weeks to get new things up here or on Etsy like I thought it might.

Here's my latest: it's called Lovebirds Under Blue and Brown Circus Tent and it's now for sale on Etsy.

Makes a great cake topper or gift for a much loved one!

Grab it in time for Christmas-I will ship Priority mail if requested.

Working on a Website....

I'm sorry I haven't put up many new items or pics lately but I'm working on a website that will have pics of all my pieces along with links to events I will be at in 2009. I'm busy creating new pieces for wedding cake toppers and Valentines Day gifts also so be sure to check my Etsy shop within the next two weeks or so-I will also post pics of those new items here!

For today though-want to share this image with you from gothicrow-lOvE-Love-LOVE her work-would love to feature ALL her photos if I had the room!

what i'm thankful for...

Since this is the weekend to give thanks, I'd like to say a special thanks to the wonderful new friends I've made since starting this blog and to the amazingly talented and generous people who have featured me on their blogs: 

Beth Leintz (Gathering Dust), Katie Runnels(the Constant Gatherer),Jenn Docherty(jenndocherty),Suzy(georgia peachez), and Kat(aevanarts).

Their links are to the right on this page-check out their awesomeness!