The Muse has her ways

I just finished this Journal page for the Art Garage. I did a similar journal page in these colors a few days ago and am just in love with this color combina- tion ... it's my absolute favorite. That, I am sure will change. I am always in love with whatever color I am working with and my favorite color changes daily. One more Art Garage journal after this one and this project is finished. Have to admit I will miss the anticipation of each new journal coming my way, but it is time to move on to other things.

Chameleon pages

I have been participating in an International Round Robin for over a year now. It is slowly drawing to an end. My book should be back in my hands in about 2 1/2 months now. I really look forward to getting it back. There will have been 12 people that will have contributed to it. It is really only required that you do one spread (a left and a right

facing page) in each of the books, but I was having so much fun with this one. The theme was very open and we had many options as to what theme we wanted to work with. One of the choices was Chameleons. I just love Chameleons ... well, lizards altogether. I was able to find some wonderful quotes and images to work with, which

makes it all the more fun. I am the last person to work in this particular book. I'll pack it up nicely this weekend and mail it on home on Monday. As I was saying, I will probably get my book back in about 2 1/2 months. There were several delays and it was even thought to be lost for awhile. In fact I just

learned today that it has safely arrived in Scotland. I am so relieved. This is only the second Round Robin of this sort that I have participated in. I know loss and damage are always something that can happen ... it's just the chance you take with this sort of venture.

Collages for new dolls

I am now beginning on the construction details for the collaged figures I have been wanting to make for such a long time. I started with sketches months ago, but knew I would have some construction issues with the method I was planning on using. Each time I came back to it, those darn problems kept me from going further. I have completely set aside those sketches and have started anew. Now it seems to be working so much better. This

figure(s) will be my new revised "Bug Collection" (for the serious Bug Collector). I am working on the collages for chest plates that will be enclosed in glass with a soldered border, rather like a large soldered charm. There will also be several dangling soldered charms and various other embellishments. Photos will be posted as these figures progress.

Fit for a Queen

One last thing before I get REALLY serious about working on my new collage figures. Just HAD to make a Crown. I'd love to make a tiara also, but I only have time for one, and with all the very formal functions that I attend I figured a crown would be more practical and I would get

the most wear out of it. The more I work with the glass and the solder, the more comfortable I am becoming with it. After making the Glass Collage House, I felt I would never make another 3 dimensional piece. This crown was so much easier. I'm not sure if it's the construction method or more experience that made it go so much better. I am really looking forward to adding soldered pieces to my collage figures now and have much more confidence to do so.