A sneak peek...

Here's a sneak peak of what I've been up to lately. I have been doing a 'piece' to submit for the Altered Bits Zine. The theme is black and white and although I did find it hard I enjoyed the challenge. I'd choose white paper yet it hardly ever still looked white when I put next to another white and the same was said for black...I swear that feather really looked black! Without giving to much away.. I will say I went back to my original concept of 'Society is a Nest' which was something I really wanted to do.

I've also been paper making again! It's drying as I speak and I'm trying to keep the cat off it. She's not to impressed that there's paper in her usual spot in front of the heater! It was a lot of fun dipping my hands into a paper making vat again...and I've gotten a book out on paper making and book binding from the library so I am rearing to go as soon as I've got a good stash of paper! Watch this space...

A new twist and a teasel

Another altered book has arrived in my mail box, this time with the them of "A new twist" as in a new twist on an everyday item. In my case that is a used phonecard, library issue slip, fruit bag mesh and a clothing size tag. You can no doubt see my handmade paper, nest image and a teasel inspired lino-cut.

The teasel lino cut came out ok. I think. Not great but not to bad for a beginner such as myself. I was bit worried it looked too much like a clover head but it was 'saved' by the whispy bits that curl around the head (in my not so humble opinion.) I like the scratchy ridges too. I thought once I had the teasel image I would move away from my nest repetition but it's not really a 'stand alone' image so I guess I will have to keep my eyes and heart open for the right one. There's no rush!

Time really is short here. I was really hoping to get more done in the past few weeks but kids having the flu, school holidays and an unexpected house guest for the past week have really nibbled away at my time. The lino cut has been done for over a week but it wasn't till yesterday that I found time to do anything with it! I hope now that the flow has started I can come over and enjoy everything you've all been up too as well....

A string thing...

I think I have developed an addiction to this string! I originally bought 3 balls of it when I was experimenting with Stock Photography. I bought it because I loved the look of it wound up into a ball. Recently it's been making it's way into my artwork as well. I made this 'string thing' because I felt compelled too. My son called it a fishing net! I can see the relation! To me it's a string thing and for the purpose of photo I wrapped it over this beautiful book my Dad gave to me.

Isn't it a shame that this book was drawn in, used as a tester for a pen and then left deserted in a box? My Dad found it and passed it on! Good on ya Dad! (The date on the book says 1925, made in Czehcozlovakia.)