Author Archives: Debra

About Debra

A mixed media artist and decorative artist, there is not a technique or surface that does not interest me! I should probably be a little more focused but diversity in mediums, surfaces and techniques has kept my interest and creative process expanding over the years. Never one to sit still after art school I dabbled in glass etching in commercial buildings and residential homes. Until the birth of my first child, which way laid my art endeavors for nearly eleven years and I stumbled upon decorative painting. A way to channel my creative yearning even though I was too exhausted to actually "think". Following others drawing patterns and painting instructions decorative painting satisfied my muse until my children were older and I had more energy to devote to my art. Now with an empty nest and the down turn in the economy I have so much more time to entertain my muse with all sorts of creative energy! So stay tuned you never know what you find posted in my blog or for sale in the Etsy shop!

Flowers . ..

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I have been making these little watercolor paper flowers so I thought I would take a photo of them surrounded by some of the tools I use to make them.  My favorite punch of all time is the Martha Stewart 3 in 1 hydrangea punch.  I can punch out three flowers at one time.  I use two layers of petals, glue them together and add a small circle punch for the center.   I use a small Martha glue tube to apply the glue.  After the flowers are dry I paint the shading and highlighting.  Tweezers and small brushes make it all come together!

Watercolor paper flowers and tools

Launch . ..

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What a beautiful morning for the Endeavour to launch from the Cape and  how lucky we are to be able to walk out and view the launch from our dock .   Clear, cool sunny and very little wind  – Godspeed Endeavor!!

The last craft show was on May 7th and it was a very nice show.  We had lots of visitors for May, which is usually not well attended.  But the weather was beautiful and sales were good too, a nice end to the 2010-2011 season.

Here is a photo of my latest gourd.  I completed this Yellow Hibiscus gourd on the Friday before the show and it was purchased at the show the very next day.

Yellow Hibiscus Gourd -pyrography and acrylics

I have found the pyrography or wood burning so relaxing.  I just purchased a new tip for my pyrography pen and it really burns beautifully.  I plan on creating more of this type of gourd art for the January 2012 show.

Already started on my Christmas ornaments also – a few new designs coming this year too.

Have a wonderful day – please feel free to leave a comment below if you are so inclined   Ü

Fun Stuff!!

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These bobble head pandas were purchased at Joann Fabrics last week, they are a kids craft project, plain white ready to paint. I could not help myself - had to purchase & paint - too cute!

Craft Show

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Mosaic gourd

Just completed this mosaic gourd for the  monthly craft show in the park. . . . next to the last show and I am ready for a break.  Having been the treasurer for the club this year has really been an experience.  Not that I am unfamiliar with “finances” but it has actually been a little more work and taken more time than I thought it would have taken.  Anyway, the next to the last show is this weekend and I am ready for a break and a summer of building my inventory too.  I just had so much going on this year my inventory was difficult to replenish. I also hope to get my Etsy shop back up and running for fall and winter, especially the holiday season.  I do have so many ideas for new gourd designs and Christmas ornament designs too.  So I am ready for uninterrupted creative time this summer.

A photo of my two babies!  Max, is the yellow lab and Penny, a mixed breed that was abandoned so we adopted her, and they both keep me company all day long.   They are at my side as I write this post  . ..  so nice to be loved!!

 

 

Imagine that!

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Well, never in my wildest dreams would I ever have thought I would learn how to shoot a shotgun! But yes, that is me at the Gator Skeet and Trap Club in Gainesville Florida.  And wow – it was fun!  My daughter’s sorority had a father daughter weekend and the main event was going to the Skeet Club and shooting “trap”. The girls had a blast (no pun intended) and at the end of the session the instructor came up to me and convinced me, with much prodding from my daughter and husband , to try shooting.  I was not too enthused but very surprised to find that I actually liked this sport!  We now plan to do more of this and are currently looking for a club near us.  Who knew!! LOL!

2011 – and . . .

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gosh it is already March and I have not posted anything! Well, I have been up to my ears in “stuff” to do.  Unfortunately all work related and of course, taxes – ugh.  But completed most of it and now I have some “me” time and that means “art time”.

I have been busy working on some gourds and just came back from the gourd show in East Palatka.  What a wonderful show.  It seemed a bit smaller but the vendors were all terrific.  I  purchased more gourds and lots of supplies. Some of my favorite gourd farmers were there – Tom from Mississippi, Ghost Creek Gourds and Pumpkin Hollow.  I am working up some new designs and when fall comes around I should be ready for the shows.

Here are a few photos taken last week when we had some very foggy mornings but lots of bird activity on the river.  This is the first spoonbill I have seen on the shoreline since Hurricane Francis & Jean.

Enjoy!!

 

 

Fall arrives

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Finally we have some wonderful fall weather!  I am loving it – I can open up the house and enjoy the outdoors.  Just hearing the birds chirping and listening to the leaves rustling makes me feel alive!

I have also been working on my Christmas items to hopefully sell next month and in December.  Unfortunately our craft show was a little slow for me in October.  I just sold a few things and not one Halloween gourd.  Oh well, I sent them off with a friend that has a store & hopefully they will sell.

Enjoy the day!!

Mini Gourd Pumpkin