Proof print...

Ok - as promised - this is the first two proof prints of the lino cut. I'm pretty pleased with them - but definitely not the paper. This is just some cut watercolor paper I had lying around. The final prints/cards will be on nice smooth Strathmore printmaking paper. Hopefully I'll get them started tonight. Be kind, please. Remember it's been years since I have done this...

More printmaking...

I managed to make a good start on a print based on a photo I took of a zebra. I think it'll work nicely for notecards. I am thinking hot pink/turquoise/lime green? Let me know what you think. I plan on pulling a proof tonight (if life cooperates :-D) and I'll try to post what I get tomorrow! Maybe - just maybe - I'll manage to get some listed in my etsy shop!
I spent a good portion of the early morning insisting that my daughter was going to go to school, while she spent an equal amount of time insisting she wasn't. Anyone know any reallllllllyyyyy good (and non-medicinal) remedies for a nervous 8 year old tummy? A chronically nervous 8 year old tummy?

Also I am thrilled and looking forward to receiving some jewelry a very talented, fellow etsy seller has created just for me and my husband! Be sure to check out her store and check out her beauties! http://jewelrybymignon.etsy.com/

New fixation!

Ok. Folks that know me know that I easily get fixated on things! Right now I am obsessed with an article in a Book Arts Publication called Ampersand. (If anybody knows how I can get my hands on one of these feel free to let me know ;-D) The article is about modifying a credit card imprinter so that you can use it as a relief printmaking press of sorts. Of course if there was an easier/cheaper way for me to get my hands on a press I'd be obsessed with that as well. I love printmaking and have been away from it for WAY too long (since college!).
I did manage a few "pulls" of an eraser cut I whipped out last night.
What do you think? I know the colors in the eraser (that's it in the lower left) are distracting, but they were - um - well Dirt Cheap!

NOTE: Whooppeeeeee! I found the last copy available of the Ampersand publication that I wanted!!!!!

Shopping locally!

I am still new to Etsy but I must say - "I love Etsy!" One thing I love about it is the option of finding local sellers (artisans!) you might never have found otherwise! I've joined a group of sellers called TeamEtsyMS that is made up of Mississippi crafters and artists! Who knew that shopping online could also turn into a sort of artist's support group?!?!
I am trying to list some of the members of this group on this blog as a sort of reference point (and a little extra marketing help!!!). They are a great bunch, so please visit their shops and blogs! Happy shopping!

Fantastic Jewelry Giveaway

Check out this giveaway from a fantastic Etsy (and TeamEtsyMS member) seller!
http://jewelrybymignon.blogspot.com
Her Etsy shop can be found at
http://jewelrybymignon.etsy.com/
I own some of her jewelry and have placed a custom order from her as well. She does fantastic work!

If anyone bothers to read this...

Please be sure to check out some of the really neat blogs I've got listed!

Beginning

I am sure I am not alone in feeling that beginning is the hardest part of creating. I think the cure for that for me is getting beyond feeling and just moving on instinct. I have to stop waiting for that moment, that spark and create that moment. That spark. So here is that spark. I can't wait to see how long it takes me to get a roaring bonfire going. Wish me luck!