July 10, 2009
I wear my cape + free chocolate
Here’s another painting of mine in the Superhero exhibit opening tonight. “I wear my cape” celebrates the modern day mom and/or wife…our very own superheroes. Maybe whipping up dinner isn’t something Wonder Woman ever did to impress, but in today’s hectic world a sit down dinner is a feat indeed. And what about the power to overcome five baskets of laundry and then put that laundry away without stepping on even one Lego? The ability to make boo boos better with a hug and a band aid? The extrasensory vision to find the remote control in the far depths of the couch cushions?! Talk about heroic acts. This print is now available in my etsy shop if you happen to know any heroines like that.And I’m sure you’ve done something heroic already today…made it out of bed with one eye open? That counts. Hop over here and get your free chocolate reward starting at 9:00AM ET every Friday through September. The first 250,000 to sign in on Friday will get a coupon (4 coupons during the offer per household) mailed to redeem for the Mars chocolate bar of their choice (deciding between peanut m&ms and twix…hmmmmm.)
Alright, it’s time to put my cape back on and wake the sleeping…an operation not without peril and pain. Wish me luck. Up, UP and AWAY…
July 8, 2009
A Super Show
When I first got this call for artist submissions in my inbox I’ll admit I wasn’t sent running for a paintbrush. I knew many artists could illustrate Batman and his friends far better than I. However as the deadline approached, I started thinking more about superheroes and what us mere humans (particularly women) had in common with them. That’s when the ideas started coming and in usual fashion I decided one week before the deadline to get started. I submitted my work last Thursday and just heard that three paintings and a 3-D sculpture have been accepted into this AMaZing exhibit. 
Here’s one of my paintings in the show. “Often Invisible” was the first piece I completed…part superhero inspired, part funk-of-a-mood inspired (yes bad case of poor me’isms…underappreciated, undernoticed and overwhelmed…you get the idea.) Invisibility would no doubt be an interesting superhero trait to possess, but this piece speaks to a less glamorous sort of invisibility shared (I’m betting) by countless other women from day to day.
This not-in-the-show piece is one of my favorites. Not only have I adored Wonder Woman for most of my life, but I had forgotten how therapeutic art is for me when I’m feeling grumpy. After getting the invisible thing out of my system, back came my sense of humor. “The Power of Accessories” is more of my whimsical self. Can’t you tell I’m happier?!
If you’re around Cincinnati stop by the opening this Friday night from 6pm-9pm to say hi and see the entire show. Wear your superhero costume and get 50% off all beverages. Now how SUPER is that?
July 7, 2009
United not divided
More Flashcard inspired art led to this mixed media piece: “United we stand, Divided we fall.” It’s a phrase holding an enormous amount of truth. Regardless of our individual differences, we need to stand united to succeed not only relating to country, but pertaining to family, friends and business as well. And I meant to get this post up all nice and timely on the 4th of July, however holiday travel and a crazy week has put me behind with everything (hear washing machine + dishwasher humming in background.) Not that posting this on the 6th isn’t relevant. Standing respectfully united shouldn’t be forgotten after the fireworks…you know like it was in our mini van today on the seven hour (felt longer) return home road trip. Early bedtimes will be enjoyed by this family tonight. Hope you all had a safe and happy weekend. : )
June 15, 2009
Carving out time
The past week or so feels like a blur. I think if you asked me what I’ve been doing to be soooo insanely busy I would have absolutely no idea. Well besides design work, adopting a kitten, running kids to~nature camp, the pool, haircuts, dance lessons etc~ and then carving out this long overdue house number sign for some very special residents. My parents had requested that I make them a sign similar to the one I made for our house. They’ve been very patient…maybe even thinking their dear daughter forgot…but alas I made it a point to finish in time for their visit over the weekend.
sign specifics: I cut a piece of soft pine (approx. 12″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″ ); pencil transferred the house numbers and freehanded the flower border; dremeled the border to add some dimension; then…
…painted with rich red, green and brown tones to compliment their house. Three layers of heavy duty shellac will protect it from the elements.
I finished just in the nick of time for them to take home when departing this morning. My Dad will be attaching hooks so that this can hang on a lamp post. Now I’m reminded that our house number sign could use a restoration job after hanging outside for 10 years. Added to the list.
It has been awhile since I’ve stirred up sawdust and worked with wood so it was a fun project. Now I’m eager to get back to other endeavors including finishing up a few soon-to-be published articles. Details in the upcoming months! ; )
June 8, 2009
Adding a Penny
yep. We did it. We adopted. Now our family consists of two parents, three kids and one adorable kitten. Meet Penny. Our new calico born in the back of a ’55 Chevy. At least that’s the place where the animal shelter said her and her litter mates were found. Just the place where you might find a penny right?
Our little Penny is the runt of the litter. She’s a precious little thing half the size of her other three-month-old siblings.
What a friendly, playful, outgoing, tolerant-of-lots-of-love kitten she is. I’m pretty sure Penny has had more visitors and been held by more hands than any of my three children in their first days.
One more baby pix for now. Sweet dreams Penny. We’re happy to have you.
June 2, 2009
Summer Opening: birds, flowers and rainbows
bird by Cara age 10 (collage)
flowers by Brendan age 7 (chalk)
rainbows by Nora age 4 (watercolor)
These three artists are excited to attend Summer’s Opening finally happening this Friday, June 5th. After another successful year of study, they’ve produced an abundance of work fit for our humble gallery a.k.a. refrigerator. Ice cream and refreshments will be served. Yes, almost there…
May 25, 2009
memorial day
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou
Recognizing and reflecting on the ultimate sacrifices given for the ultimate gifts of freedom.
May 21, 2009
Overcoming zipper phobia
This account does have a happy ending so I’m showing off the finished product first. Despite large amounts of work that has absolutely nothing to do with needing to make a zippie pouch I couldn’t help myself. My zipper collection (unopened packages of zippers collected from thrift stores and yard sales) continued to haunt me until I could take it no more. I had to finally figure out how to sew something that zipped and conquer this overwhelming fear.
First, I gathered and cut everything I envisioned becoming part of my zippie pouch. Four 6″ x 8″ pieces of fabric (two rectangles from the print and two from the brown for the liner.) I also ironed interfacing to the print fabric to make the bag a bit sturdier. I cut a leaf shape from an upholstery kind of fabric on hand. Then the star of the show…the 7 inch forest green zipper…deep breaths…is it laughing at me? no…just my imagination. Next, I went straight to the computer and googled, ‘how to sew a zipper.’ I came across this awesome self-help zipper tutorial that I highly recommend if you too have a phobia regarding making things that zip.
So I’m not going to lie. Even with the easy-to-follow tutorial on screen, I had an early zipper accident which forced me to rip (what’s a seam ripper??) the zipper off the fabric, trim everything and start again. I muttered to myself something inspirational sounding about how mistakes are necessary for growth etc. etc. and started again. I would not let the evilzippermonster win. After rereading the tutorial and studying the pix very carefully, I figured out my error. The rest of the project went off without a hitch. It was magical really…flipping the fabric this way and that, turning it inside out and voila! Everything faced the right way including the liner PLUS the working zipper was sewed in exactly were it was supposed to be. What a trick indeed.
Before the pouch was all stitched together, I blanket stitched and back stitched (do I sound like I know what I’m talking about?) the leaf applique on the front. A little ribbon and some beads for a zipper pull and there you have my new…I’m thinking cosmetic…bag. Now I want to make about 20 more. “Hi my name is June…and I can sew a zipper.”
May 18, 2009
Trap Opportunity
May 15, 2009
Dear Teacher…
Poem written by me. Inspired by a sometimes mischievous, always loveable seven year old. 
Frustration pencil craft kits are available for sale in a variety of colors over at my etsy shop. Each kit makes six pencils. That’ll cover a bunch of ready-for-summer teachers (and I’ll betcha they’ll smile : )
Plus a little bonus to make the crafters smile too.(poem for private use only…please contact me if you’d like to post or use elsewhere.)
Here’s another painting of mine in the Superhero exhibit opening tonight. “I wear my cape” celebrates the modern day mom and/or wife…our very own superheroes. Maybe whipping up dinner isn’t something Wonder Woman ever did to impress, but in today’s hectic world a sit down dinner is a feat indeed. And what about the power to overcome five baskets of laundry and then put that laundry away without stepping on even one Lego? The ability to make boo boos better with a hug and a band aid? The extrasensory vision to find the remote control in the far depths of the couch cushions?! Talk about heroic acts. This print is now available in my etsy shop if you happen to know any heroines like that.
