Epoxy resin is smelly and messy to work with, but the end results can be really cool. These notebooks were made with the help of self-leveling platforms, which made things MUCH easier this time around. (The first time was a disaster and we won’t talk about it.) This enabled me to play with a number of experimental adornments such as metallic leaf flakes, rubber confetti bits, millefiori confetti and more! The bookmarks are thin wooden sheets with my Gelli prints mounted on top. There are so many crafty ideas to explore and not enough hours in the day! Check out C.C. Lowell in Worcester and Dandelions in Barre for some of these items.

…but this is finally finished! This has been a work in progress for what seems like an eternity. I’d peck away at it between other projects, and now I’m calling it DONE!

I’m a huge fan of Jon Batiste—his talent, creativity, joy and soulfulness, that I wanted to try to capture that in this piece. It’s my own interpretation of all that he brings to an audience, whether it’s a  packed concert hall or an individual listener wearing headphones. You can’t help but smile when you listen to his music!

Using a stock image for reference, I started with a base of a 36” x 24” canvas, onto which I collaged my own mono prints, which are embellished with flat, metallic and pearl finish acrylic paints using stencils, stamps, rollers, india ink and metallic spray paint. It’s a unique blend of materials that symbolizes all that Jon brings to his music.

Flour sack kitchen towels, hand-stamped with my own linocut images are some of the best sellers in shops that carry my work. This new batch is headed over to Dandelions in Barre later this week. SHOP SMALL! Stop by or shop online! https://dandelionsbarre.com/ 

The blog posts here on the Little House website may have seemed a bit scarce lately, but behind the scenes it’s a totally different story! Here is a project that has been in the works for over two years. This piece, made up of 16 canvases, contains collaged monoprints that I’ve been creating between other projects. Click on the thumbnail for a close-up view. It’s coming together nicely, and the end is in sight. Stay tuned!

There’s something so satisfying about taking a bunch of broken dishes and making something new with them. And since spring isn’t too far off, it made sense to create something with that in mind. I’m loving this guy, and I think he’ll be part of a series. We’ll see!

Over the holidays, I repainted a small wooden toy chest that belonged to one of my girls many years ago. Now her son will enjoy a “Wind in the Willows” themed toy chest that his Grammy painted just for him.

Having my work for sale in America’s oldest art supply store (since 1852!) is a thrill beyond words! C.C. Lowell in Worcester, Massachusetts has expanded their inventory in recent years to include items created by local artists, my stuff included! Check it out! 

 https://cclowell.com/

*sigh*

I fantasized about endless, rambling studio hours when the weather was warming up this past spring, but life got in the way. “Clumps” of creative time were all I could muster, but not nearly enough to fill me up. And alas, here we are, holidays fast approaching and 2022 is winding to a close.

But, some fun new crafty things did happen! Here are a few of examples of items that are heading over to Dandelions gift shop in Barre, and they may end up at holiday fairs near you! Keep your eyes open! 

I’m taking a short break from indoor art projects, but wanted to post a snapshot of the beauty all around the studio, including the oh-so-inviting front porch! Ideas are percolating, but for now, I’m enjoying this relaxed summer pace. I’d also like to point out the finished chicken mosaic in its summer location. It was a fun project and I’m pretty happy with the finished result.