Humblearts Journal

almost ready

I'm really looking forward to my first national SCBWI conference.   Who would have thought that the year would hold such surprises for me? 

I have everything ready for my portfolio and feel like I'm ready to go and learn from the best!  Here are a few images I'd thought I share before I go. 

This little Red variation was in thanks to the genius of Janee Trasler!

Even spookier!  What a great effect.  I'm definitely going to have to explore this coloring technique more when I return home.

And the bunnies, I printed in brown ink for a softer feel.  Hmm, different colored inks, more to explore when I return.  I'm sure my head will be spinning for weeks from information and inspiration overload.  Happy Creating!

Wise Words, Perfect Pictures

Here is an illustration for our SCBWI fall conference:

and since most of our printed materials will be in black & white:

Last Auctions of July

Here are the latest beads and the last ones for a few weeks. These are 3 day auctions, so don't wait.  : P

Salty Dog

I remember him as if it were yesterday, as he came plodding to the inn door, his sea-chest following behind him in a hand-barrow - a tall, strong, heavy nut-brown man, his tarry pigtail falling over the shoulder of his soiled blue coat, his hands ragged and scarred, with black, broken nails and the sabre cut across one cheek, a dirty, livid white.  I remember him looking round the cover and whistling to himself as he did so, and then breaking out in that old sea-song that he sang so often afterwards:

"Fifteen men on the dead man's chest -

Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!"

From Treasure Island, Steveson

Homework for the conference and this month's PBJ theme, which was The Sea.  Other Junkie's sea pictures: (a few more to follow soon)

Laura

Paige

Roz

Vote!

Pick your favorite:

 

Little Red #1

 

or Little Red #2

Thanks for your input!

more auctions

Back to business:

 

 

New disk beads, some in larger sizes and 5 clearance auctions with tons of great beads and low starting bids!

All of this week's auctions.

Other bead news, my July Bead of the Month is on sale until they are gone. 

sketches

A work in progress.   

Studio Friday - View from Above

 

This week's Studio Friday topic is "The View From Above." I decided to go with a sketch today.  Here is one I'm working on for the upcoming SCBWI conference.  Trying to play with different perspectives. 

Now I need to get busy carving.

Time Machine?

Okay, so seriously I spent the whole day under the delusion that it was Tuesday.  Where the heck did my week go???  I have been piled under an unending stream of bead orders.  Which is fabulous.  I'm trying my hardest to keep up.  In the spare minutes of the day I've been sketching and working on illustrations.  Yes, believe it or not I am still illustrating.  Although by my blog lately you wouldn't know it. 

Have you seen this book: An Egg is Quiet written by Dianna Aston & illustrated by Sylvia Long?  What a beautiful book.  The illustrations are breath-taking.  Who knew eggs were so sublime?  Dianna spoke at our SCBWI meeting this weekend.  She told us to write about the things that haunt us, those memories or thoughts that are always with us.  I love that idea. 

And how is the SCBWI stuff going you may ask?  Well I have to say that I love being RA.  It's a good amount of work, but fun and everyone here is so supportive.  Here is our blog/newsletter if you haven't had a chance to see it.  I'm looking forward to the national conference next month!

Note to self: spend some time dreaming today, even if it's only for 10 minutes. 

This week's batch

More ebay auctions:

   

For me auctions are all about experimenting.  Exploring new color combinations or shapes.  Using up small canes for sets of one-of-a-kind beads.   Trying out new designs or coming up with new canes are all part of the process.  I make a few sets each day after I fill my orders.  It's a fun way to see what works and what doesn't. 

Get creative, take chances, try something new!