tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85949131211049901202024-02-18T21:56:04.575-08:00How 2 Draw a Cup of CoffeeMichele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.comBlogger786125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-16470165995462574412014-03-04T18:41:00.001-08:002014-03-04T18:41:44.520-08:00HEY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh hi!<br />
I'm blogging over at <a href="http://michelemauleart.com/">michelemauleart.com</a>! I'm trying out having my own site these days. So far it's okay. There is a bit of a learning curve, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Come say hi to me! <br />
<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-76039040710803040502013-09-03T10:57:00.000-07:002013-09-03T10:57:26.302-07:00Tuesday ThingsNeko Case's album "The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the More I Fight, the More I Love You," came out today. If you're looking for some new music to listen to, this is one to consider. It's good. It's really good.<br />
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I heard this interview on NPR this morning and it struck a nerve for me. She talks about how her relationship with her parents played a part in writing this album. She also talks about depression and how it influenced her writing. Both things that I identified with and felt a connection to.<br />
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You can read the interview here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/09/03/217189246/neko-case-i-couldnt-really-listen-to-music">http://www.npr.org/2013/09/03/217189246/neko-case-i-couldnt-really-listen-to-music</a><br />
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In other news, I'm still working on my little book. I'm taking time and considering what goes in it. I typically rush ideas to get them down on paper/panel as fast as I can. Often I'm not 100% happy with the work I make. I want this to be different. I want to reflect. I want to pay attention. I want to be more present with what I'm working on.<br />
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So far I am happy with the results. I have a few more pages to work on, and then a cover, which I still haven't quite figured out. I know it will materialize. I'm just going to wait until it does.<br />
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Happy Tuesday, folks. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-49370596250809444792013-08-28T18:41:00.000-07:002013-08-28T18:41:19.178-07:00 I've been thinking about cards a lot lately. They seem to be a great source of income for me so I'm going to keep making them. Sounds logical, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the typewriter would make such a cute little sticker.</td></tr>
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Last week I got to thinking about how I can help my cards stand out from the rest. Instead of thinking about the front of the card, I turned my attention to the back. Right now the back of my card is a bit lack lustre. It's just my name, website, the year and that it's made in Portland. Not a lot going on. So, I thought, why not dress it up a little, make it a bit more personal and eye catching.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I might go with this one...</td></tr>
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I made a series of little logos that might look cute on the back. I worked on this a little bit more today and I think I've got something I like. I think it will cost a little bit more to make, but I'm okay with that. I think I might make some labels with the other images I've got. They'd look cute on packaging!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like this one!</td></tr>
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I realized my appreciation for those who do hand lettering for a living. Wow. That is not an easy job. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-10351869820691860992013-08-21T17:04:00.000-07:002013-08-21T17:06:09.201-07:00Another!At about 5am this morning, as I lay trying to sleep, I recalled a photo a took of Chloe, years ago, wearing some antlers. I thought what a perfect thing to make into a holiday card! I knew that I wouldn't be stuck without ideas for long. It always seems to hit me right when I'm trying to sleep...<br />
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Here's the picture I referenced. She looks completely thrilled to be wearing those antlers, doesn't she?<br />
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I remembered to pull out my camera to document the process! Such a rare thing seeing as I always forget to do this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The no eyes thing always kinda creeps me out. I try to get them done first. </td></tr>
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I was hoping to create a bit more of a goofy card, but her expression came out a bit serious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's better.</td></tr>
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Overall I'm happy with it! I think it's cute and festive which is what I was aiming for.<br />
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So, that's 3 holiday cards under my belt. I don't think I'm going to stress about it anymore. Whoohoo!<br />
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Now, it's onto the next project. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost done.</td></tr>
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-70009424286577789592013-08-20T16:55:00.001-07:002013-08-20T16:55:35.755-07:00Creative BlockOne of the hardest obstacles to deal with when you work in a creative field is block. We're all familiar with writers block, but there's also artist block and I'm pretty sure there is such a thing as musician block. Although, I'm not a musician, so don't quote me on that. Maybe they never get stuck. But something tells me that they are not the exception.<br />
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So, what do you do when you get to this dreaded block? Take a walk? Go for a hike? What if these things don't work? What if you have this frustrating thing for days, weeks or months? Then what do you do?<br />
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I don't have the answer.<br />
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Sorry.<br />
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These things happen and sometimes they go away quickly and sometimes they last a very long time. the most frustrating thing about it, for me, is when I genuinely WANT to work. When I want to sit down and draw, or paint, or just make shit, but nothing happens. Or, even worse than that, you make something and you have these tiny little voices telling you its not good enough. Or you sit down to draw something and it looks like you've been drawing with your eyes closed, and really, you're just not into it. <br />
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I know it never lasts too long. Two weeks is long for me. Two long, frustrating weeks. But I just try to tell myself that it will come back and in the meantime I try working on things like organizing my work space, working on tax things and sometimes going for a hike...<br />
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I also try making things I haven't for awhile. I made a book last week, and today I started doing little drawings and writing in it. I love these little books. They're like portable pieces art. They're also like these little worlds you can experience all on your own. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them. I was thinking of opening up a separate Etsy shop and maybe selling them. Or maybe I'll just keep them for myself... <br />
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This week has been a bit of a struggle for me. I've been trying to come up with a new Christmas card design. It hasn't been easy. The number one reason for this is because it's summer. Summer! It's beautiful outside and the furthest thing from my mind is the holidays. Also, it's the holidays. When you work retail, this is can be the most stressful/tiring/no fun part of the year. Which, for me, is really sad. I love the holidays. I really do, but the site of that first Christmas tree brings some panic and dread to my heart. <br />
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So, today, when I finally sat down and got this out onto paper, I was both happy and a bit sad... Sad knowing that I won't see family, friends or really get to spend much time enjoying a happy time of year as much as I could be. I was hoping last year would be my last holiday season, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. I'm okay with it. There are positive and negative things about it, and right now the positives outweigh the negatives, so I'm sticking to it. For now. Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-12029244765855687122013-08-14T14:57:00.002-07:002013-08-14T14:57:19.960-07:00Some New Things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzeRT7gr366AfBy-j6V00Ofg_tEqXamtIIdei0kKd3eyOKPfybkhtRYGY5-EQO7sytWIwOa6OjHViZ84yShiScg7jyaTI4IdZjjsU2ir1SpX10zlBInqjCLsFoM6oMinkqjA6J1SwqsbP/s1600/watertower4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzeRT7gr366AfBy-j6V00Ofg_tEqXamtIIdei0kKd3eyOKPfybkhtRYGY5-EQO7sytWIwOa6OjHViZ84yShiScg7jyaTI4IdZjjsU2ir1SpX10zlBInqjCLsFoM6oMinkqjA6J1SwqsbP/s320/watertower4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159664363/portland-oregon-water-tower-painting?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">New Water Tower Painting</a>. </td></tr>
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It's been months since I posted some new originals in my shop, but I finally did just that today. There are two new pieces in <a href="http://www.michelemaule.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my shop</a> right now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mwT_4R-DbGxAuR8TgYpk91qKaLhXtsBEHrwmaPJq5mH5A06Yy31JRx1MdfbHFDvrekic9u1gImPgBDJDZbT10FtTnRnKm53dH6voa1R-ueMCW_GCHTsXIWgX4teHGGy1cLouxW5zYNll/s1600/mountain4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mwT_4R-DbGxAuR8TgYpk91qKaLhXtsBEHrwmaPJq5mH5A06Yy31JRx1MdfbHFDvrekic9u1gImPgBDJDZbT10FtTnRnKm53dH6voa1R-ueMCW_GCHTsXIWgX4teHGGy1cLouxW5zYNll/s320/mountain4.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159665337/landscape-painting-of-dog-mountain?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">Inspired by a Dog Mountain Hike</a> </td></tr>
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I was looking through my Flikr page yesterday, trying to come up with a couple of images to draw and paint. I forget how many photos I have over there. I found these two images and I knew I wanted to recreate them with pencil and paint.<br />
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While I was looking through those photos I came across a number of pictures that I took while I lived in Michigan. They brought back a lot of memories. This photo in particular reminded me how much I used to love selling on Etsy and getting so many orders everyday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many!</td></tr>
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It's hard to believe that I used to send out a stack of orders like that almost everyday! I don't get that many orders in a month these days. I'm okay with though. My wholesale/consignment business has been growing steadily and I feel like it's just going to keep growing. I'm going to surpass the sales I made last year, and the two years before that!<br />
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It's hard not to miss those days sometimes. It was such an immediate transaction and it made me feel so validated. I also really loved packing all those orders. Really! <br />
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Ah well. I'm going to mention television again because I remember this clip, from The Office, whenever I start to think about "The Good Ol' Days." <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C7qcFCTa1vw" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Oh Andy, you really summed that one up nicely. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-83011319327963892992013-08-13T16:30:00.004-07:002013-08-13T16:30:58.727-07:00Let's Talk Television Yeah, let's talk specifically about Orange is the New Black. Seriously. Who isn't watching this show? If you are not, then I highly suggested you get Netflix streaming (if you already have it you're half way there) then sit down with at least three days of groceries, your favorite pajamas and watch all of the episodes right now. <br />
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It's a show about a womens prison and it tells the stories of the women who are there and why they are there. It's about relationships and love, but it's also about the politics of womens prisons. Healthcare, race and sex are also topics of this show that depict womens issues and how they might be handled in prison environment. These issues aren't really something that most people think about when you think of women in jail, and I think it's great that Netflix has decided to produce a show about it.<br />
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One of the most interesting depictions of these women is of character, Sophia, played by a transgendered actress, Laverne Cox. It's not often you see a transgendered woman playing a role on television and it's also very rare that the actress is African American. It's easy for television to stereotype a trans person but I feel like this show helps show a different side to them. A side that for many people, humanizes them.<br />
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I'm not saying this show is a perfect depiction of what it's like to be a woman, or a woman of color, in prison. I don't think most people really know what that is like, ( I don't) but for television to show all races, ages and sexualities on one show, is kind of remarkable. <br />
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This is one of my favorite scenes. It totally makes fun of me and most of my friends, and I'm okay with it. You have to be able to laugh at yourself, right?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U5tiuMrTCdM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Anyway, if you haven't seen this show, DO IT! It's good. If you have, you already know that it's great. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-37700119234406824762013-08-08T14:29:00.001-07:002013-08-08T14:29:50.715-07:00Birthday!I had a fantastic 33rd birthday yesterday!<br />
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The weather was perfect for a short hike in Portland's Forest Park. For those of you unfamiliar with Forest Park, it's located in Portland, not far from downtown. There are hiking trails and biking trails, short trails and long trails. It always surprises me that such a park exists in such an urban environment, and in most of the park, you'd never even know that there was a city a short distance away.<br />
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We decided to bring Chloe with us even though we weren't sure how far she could make it. I was also a little concerned about the heat. It wasn't super hot, but it was really warm, and Boston Terriers do not do well in the heat. We took her anyway with the idea that if she seemed like she was over heating, or getting too tired, I could just pick her up and carry her down.<br />
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That little dog has more stamina and gumption than I give her credit for. She made it all the way up to the top of the trail and back down. Four miles total. We stopped several times to give her water and to let her rest a bit, but she was a little trooper. <br />
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I thought for sure she'd pass out when we got home but she was ready to play in the back yard immediately. Crazy dog. She does seem a bit tired today, and I had to rally her to go for a walk this morning.<br />
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The rest of my birthday was great! We went out for sushi and had drinks with friends later on. It was perfect. I'm excited to start my 33rd year!<br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-5374680986772990362013-08-06T13:41:00.002-07:002013-08-06T13:42:19.406-07:00Hello Tuesday!I have to say, I'm rocking this Tuesday.<br />
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My to-do list in nearly finished, I've got some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/michelemaule?section_id=5919724" target="_blank">new prints hanging out in my Etsy shop</a> and my show is up and running at Crafty Wonderland! Here's a little blog post where you can read about it and see it!<br />
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<a href="http://craftywonderland.com/2013/08/august-artist-of-the-month-michele-maule/">http://craftywonderland.com/2013/08/august-artist-of-the-month-michele-maule/</a><br />
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Cathy Pitters and Torie Nguyen, who run the shop, did an amazing job setting it up! I love how it looks. If you're in downtown Portland this month, go see it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNs0UIwlqYXC8gZmDXHtJKnWMqiGgx29yIh9E2qXoPrksy_msfpfaPmNolbmuUVdamDi6K2_C3LZZt0CHonVxZtaNM1FytztArEMxyyIv72lTI5dVxyxKqibSjWBHhUZQm4u87u3odTkr/s1600/rabbitframed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNs0UIwlqYXC8gZmDXHtJKnWMqiGgx29yIh9E2qXoPrksy_msfpfaPmNolbmuUVdamDi6K2_C3LZZt0CHonVxZtaNM1FytztArEMxyyIv72lTI5dVxyxKqibSjWBHhUZQm4u87u3odTkr/s320/rabbitframed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158876526/little-rabbit-art-print-print-of-an?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">Pygmy Rabbit</a></td></tr>
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I've got some prints of some of those painting in my Etsy shop right now, and I'm slowly adding more this week. I'm realizing that now that this series is over, I need a new series to work on. I was thinking about maybe focusing on people for the next round... Or I could finish the series I started working on last year that I never finished. So many ideas and so very little time to get them all done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158883865/sasquatch-art-print-print-of-an-original?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Sasquatch!</a></td></tr>
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It's been a great Tuesday so far, hope your Tuesday is going well too! Also, tomorrow is my birthday! So hooray to that! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznbxSL1EgNPKn9bH_qvFIm8XNjOxrYAlE9WM2XhiSjsV8vOiOYudfwtusplcWODoyZN7ZWmDyxShfKSGGade1daEexuirvaK1c6mRIFQdIi4vTNomfOdMokhxdMF2YS5yldG5LJ9Ud_-N/s1600/pika1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznbxSL1EgNPKn9bH_qvFIm8XNjOxrYAlE9WM2XhiSjsV8vOiOYudfwtusplcWODoyZN7ZWmDyxShfKSGGade1daEexuirvaK1c6mRIFQdIi4vTNomfOdMokhxdMF2YS5yldG5LJ9Ud_-N/s320/pika1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158886479/american-pika-print-of-an-original?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">American Pika</a></td></tr>
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-2480937868111818342013-08-02T08:05:00.000-07:002013-08-02T08:05:24.020-07:00My, What a Busy WeekGood news! I finished my Crafty Wonderland show on time with very little setbacks...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacks of cards going out to Powell's, New Seasons and Collector Gallery in Berkeley.</td></tr>
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I did realize at the last minute that not only do I have a small wall to fill, but there is also a little space for other items like prints, cards and whatnot's. So, at the last minute, I was trying to get as much of these items together. I totally ran out of plastic sleeve for cards. I don't normally use plastic sleeves for my cards, it saves on costs and the environment, but I thought it would be a good idea for display purposes.<br />
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Anyway, it all got done, and then I moved onto filling card/consignment orders that I've been lacking on. I really love how much work I've gotten lately. I feel grateful and it's pretty awesome to be doing so well. Especially since last year was so dismal.<br />
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I wonder if it's like this for most Etsy sellers/tiny business owners? Some years are just better than others? I know this year has been much better because of my wholesale card business. I've been toying with the idea of just focusing on cards, but I really love making art so much. I just don't think I could just make cards...<br />
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I don't know. I suppose it's just something to think about. Especially if I really want to leave my day job.<br />
<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-64454447090549933042013-07-30T14:18:00.000-07:002013-08-02T08:05:38.773-07:00Oregon AnimalsI've been working on putting the final touches on my pieces for the <a href="http://craftywonderland.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Wonderland</a> show that will be hanging up for the month of August. You can see all the pieces over on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151530844110773.1073741830.25290115772&type=1&notif_t=like" target="_blank"> my Facebook page</a>. <br />
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This is usually my least favorite day of putting a show together. Something always seems to go wrong. Usually I've overlooked an important detail, like oh I don't know, labels/artist statement/wire to hang the pieces. This time it seems as though I've got everything I need, and it's going surprisingly well. Let's hope I'm not totally jinxing myself here. fingers crossed.<br />
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I'm dropping this work off tomorrow and then I begin to put together another show for September. The next one will be at the <a href="http://hillsdaleartsupply.com/" target="_blank">Hillsdale Art Supply Store</a>. This will be my 6th show this year and I think it might be the last until next year. I have a lot of new card ideas and the holidays to get ready for, and it's challenging when you've got another job and shows to get ready for. Yes, I just said the holidays. Crazy. Would you believe me if I told you that I checked in Halloween merchandise last week? Here it comes...<br />
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I was really hoping to leave the old day job by my birthday, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Especially since my birthday is next week. I'm not ready to quit and frankly, it terrifies me...<br />
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My income situation is still not stable and I am so afraid of failing. I feel like I am definitely getting somewhere with my little wholesale card business, but I still have a way to go.<br />
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I'm going to keep hoping to quit my day job soon, but for the moment, I'm going to keep plugging along.<br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-70462678558401818862013-07-25T14:32:00.000-07:002013-07-25T14:32:17.240-07:00Two New!Hooray for new items in an Etsy shop.<br />
I've had a hard time, this summer, adding new items to my shop. Between so many shows and beautiful weather, it's been difficult to focus on making new things for Etsy.<br />
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I did get a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157680044/narwhal-blank-greeting-card-swim-swim?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">new narwhal card</a>, and a brand spankin' <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157690781/steel-bridge-postcards-portland-oregon?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">new Steel Bridge</a> postcard listed yesterday. Whoohoo! I'm heading out to the river to spend some time swimming this afternoon, so I've been trying to get as much work done as possible before leaving!<br />
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Hooray for summer!<br />
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I saw this <a href="http://society6.com/bweeber/Invincible-Summer-g9J_Tank-Top#21=157&22=166" target="_blank">tank top on Society Six</a> this morning. It's illustrated by the ever so talented <a href="http://www.brookeweeber.com/" target="_blank">Brook Weeber of Little Canoe</a>. <br />
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It pretty much sums up this summer for me. I might just have to buy it for myself.<br />
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Okay, now it's river time!Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-75164763214593962232013-07-23T16:11:00.000-07:002013-07-23T16:11:08.523-07:00Obsessed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> has been around for awhile. I've been pinning things on the site for a couple of years now. This past weekend I caught some sort of nesting bug and I've been obsessed with finding ideas to revamp our house, inexpensively. <br />
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I'd love to repaint some rooms, but some new art and maybe add a new rug, or two. I really want to start with this wall in our "dining room." I'd love to paint it a deep blue, or dark grey and add a large, framed, mirror. I'd love to paint the little book shelf white too and add a little rug to go under the table. That floor gets mighty cold in the winter.<br />
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All of this will have to wait until I'm done with this Crafty show, of course. I'm itching to do it now, but I know it will only cause a great deal of stress if I start a project before finishing the last one.<br />
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I've been pinning lots of house inspiration ideas lately, but I also like pinning art and really cute puppies. So, if you're into that kind of thing <a href="http://pinterest.com/michelemaule/boards/" target="_blank">here I am</a>. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-12786800663991884592013-07-18T13:38:00.001-07:002013-07-18T13:38:45.713-07:00New Prints!Good grief, it's been forever since I last posted new items in <a href="http://www.michelemaule.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157117801/grey-wolves-wolf-art-print-5x7-print?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Grey Wolves</a>.</td></tr>
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This summer has been so busy for me, that I've been neglecting my little online store. I've added three new prints and I'm hoping to add a couple of new cards by the end of next week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YTow0Coue3Cx81bZdwh5m33k4X6yd8L4E1kO9ABtTwd2XRClBfI49xz7LDRQZyZm0lGP-VEcxHZoFr6cGHwKky1OGPa_zgpsi4Fv1szbRxYXhWw-CwB09oz3qHo64Qq_d29-QAisftfK/s1600/foxetsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YTow0Coue3Cx81bZdwh5m33k4X6yd8L4E1kO9ABtTwd2XRClBfI49xz7LDRQZyZm0lGP-VEcxHZoFr6cGHwKky1OGPa_zgpsi4Fv1szbRxYXhWw-CwB09oz3qHo64Qq_d29-QAisftfK/s320/foxetsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157116917/grey-fox-print-5x7-art-print-fox-art-by?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Grey Fox</a></td></tr>
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The fox print and the wolf print are part of a native, Oregon, wildlife series I've been working on. The originals will be downtown at the Crafty Wonderland shop next month! I'm almost done with these pieces and I'm really excited to show them in person.<br />
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You can find the Grey fox <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157116917/grey-fox-print-5x7-art-print-fox-art-by?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">here</a> and the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157117801/grey-wolves-wolf-art-print-5x7-print?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">grey wolf</a> here. <br />
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The<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157118545/blue-crane-blue-crane-5x7-print-blue?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank"> crane print </a>is part of a custom piece I did a couple of months ago. I liked it so much I thought I'd list it on Etsy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157118545/blue-crane-blue-crane-5x7-print-blue?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">Blue Crane</a></td></tr>
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It's warm here. It's probably very warm where you are too. Stay cool, friends.<br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-74546368551504942502013-07-17T20:05:00.003-07:002013-07-17T20:05:44.015-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I was really hoping this picture would have been larger. I really need to stop relying so much on my phone to take pictures. They really aren't as great as the photos I get with my camera.<br />
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Anyway, I spent my afternoon on a river in Washington state. It was beautiful. I went with my friend and her dog and I'm pretty sure her dog is passed out for the rest of the night. Maybe even the rest of the day tomorrow. It was a lot of fun and the scenery was fantastic.<br />
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We had a discussion about summer in the Northwest and how lucky we are. She's from New York City and was telling me how awful the summers are there. Summer was her lest favorite season. After living in Portland the last couple of years, summer has become her favorite season. I realized how often I take these summers for granted.<br />
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This summer is different. I'm trying not to work as much. I'm trying to get outdoors more. I'm trying to soak up, and soak in, as much of summer as I can. So, when I'm sitting in my office, in the grey damp winter, I can call on my summer reserves of river trips, hikes and warm bike rides. Maybe I'll be okay with winter this year. Which, isn't really all that bad either...<br />
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I love where I live. Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-21680155772608840632013-07-16T18:36:00.003-07:002013-07-16T18:36:43.209-07:00Some New ThingsI've been working on some new pieces for my featured artist of the month spot at Crafty Wonderland next month.This new series focuses on native Oregon animals and insects.<br />
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So far my list includes:<br />
Red Vole<br />
North American Pica<br />
Pygmy Rabbit<br />
Grey Wolf<br />
Grey Fox<br />
White Tail Deer<br />
Leona's Little Blue Butterfly (I love that name!)<br />
Western Meadow Lark<br />
Spotted Owl<br />
Sasquatch (of course!)<br />
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I think I'm almost done with this series. I just have to wait for some paint to dry, and then I'm hoping to make some prints of these pieces. <br />
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If you happen to be in Portland for the month of August, you should stop by the Crafty Wonderland shop! They sell mostly local artists and there are some seriously cute, and awesome, things there. They're located at 808 SW 10th Ave, right across from the library.<br />
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In other news it's really hot here. 92 degrees. Good for quickly drying paint. Not so great for sleeping. Here's hoping to a break in the heatwave soon! <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-31887064425601547872013-07-14T16:43:00.001-07:002013-07-14T16:43:59.381-07:00Well, Hello ThereHi!<br />
It's been awhile. I've been dealing with some personal things that I didn't think were pertinent to this blog. Nothing serious. Just everyday things. Also, summer happened. I've been trying to get outside as much as I can. Which, has been a bit difficult with so many shows in the works.<br />
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Since I last wrote a blog post I did Crafty Wonderland, a group show in Chicago, a show and a show at Salt and Straw in Portland. Right now I'm getting ready for a show at Crafty Wonderland shop in August. Oh, I'm also working at the ole day job. Busy things.<br />
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I've been making a ton of new work. If you follow me on Etsy I'm sure you've seen some of it. I'll post some here but if you'd like to see more head over to <a href="http://www.michelemaule.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy</a> shop! <br />
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I'm hoping to do some more blogging. Hopefully going back to almost everyday, or at least once a week.<br />
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Hope the summer is treating you well! Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-35611742530671096772013-04-10T14:42:00.000-07:002013-04-10T14:42:22.542-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I want to travel. I want to travel so badly. It seems like everyone and their mom went to Hawaii the past month and it made me so jealous. I don't really want to go to Hawaii, although I should go visit my sister. She lives there, on an old school bus.<br />
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No, I don't want to go Hawaii. I want to go to Paris. I know it's so corny and so touristy. I don't want to see the Eiffel Tower or even L'Arc de triumph. I want to go to the Louvre for four days. I want to walk down narrow streets. I want to see architecture. I want to eat croissants and drink coffee, wine and aperitifs. I want to use the 5 years of French that I paid good money for in college (that I'm still paying for). I just want to wander around an unknown city and get lost and feel small.<br />
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That's what I want.<br />
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I actually have enough money saved up for an adventure like this. But I'm scared. One thing you learn when you grow up without money is how to save it. The other thing you learn is that even a small emergency can leave you with nothing, so hold onto that money with a death grip.<br />
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I'm just going to keep holding on and stashing away and dreaming.<br />
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In other news I've been working on a new illustration and a commission. The commission piece is for a shop in New York located near Chautauqua Lake. I'm really happy with how this turned out and so is the shop owner.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAaPUcXJsFhPngRXQekpcbA0lgLaMVkGnXSgi2qhhvtnIpwqeSVCGpQqmEFdzykNaODgCVNgV91n9V9u-7N3BqTcT7NJq45K918Rm3vv365oPIerApxaiNhqTB2i0E7IjQQwgXGZJ3j8I/s1600/crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAaPUcXJsFhPngRXQekpcbA0lgLaMVkGnXSgi2qhhvtnIpwqeSVCGpQqmEFdzykNaODgCVNgV91n9V9u-7N3BqTcT7NJq45K918Rm3vv365oPIerApxaiNhqTB2i0E7IjQQwgXGZJ3j8I/s320/crane.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Blue Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-59869428002522610352013-04-03T14:39:00.000-07:002013-04-03T14:39:10.087-07:00New things are happening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7257QZfYRE3elG9hxZ2lEjV-xM9ORGn83aToiEYGRbwHsyxvWqEWjZC4YRrIpz7BaZmmrEHeC8199QQkL4Fo82rQWRIlM6tM2FTPnQFhMo6ilHbv-DpfI2LZH6FIJrta-B1p9fPkuYmzm/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7257QZfYRE3elG9hxZ2lEjV-xM9ORGn83aToiEYGRbwHsyxvWqEWjZC4YRrIpz7BaZmmrEHeC8199QQkL4Fo82rQWRIlM6tM2FTPnQFhMo6ilHbv-DpfI2LZH6FIJrta-B1p9fPkuYmzm/s320/photo2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framed Illustrations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hung my show up at <a href="http://www.tildeshop.com/" target="_blank">Tilde in Sellwood</a> yesterday. It's on SE 13th, if you're in the area and would like to stop in and see it! If you can't stop in to see it, you can see the pieces <a href="http://www.tildeshop.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=572&zenid=bra76hmnl8ojocr51fudunt455" target="_blank">here</a> (and even purchase them!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGxyvUushnKUqhGy655RUpDCpUYZfF7GuKRHzYHwrBesJ9cGWfxXDn40fMxjarGhJqVvxk190m38FKYCyO4SMdwj6DfGFJl3_4UWkcwpyD4DqWoyBaeRj72YEKPimVhyi2RiVPJh7P7kK/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGxyvUushnKUqhGy655RUpDCpUYZfF7GuKRHzYHwrBesJ9cGWfxXDn40fMxjarGhJqVvxk190m38FKYCyO4SMdwj6DfGFJl3_4UWkcwpyD4DqWoyBaeRj72YEKPimVhyi2RiVPJh7P7kK/s320/photo3.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framed illustrations and etchings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a last minute show, and I'm so glad I had enough work to fill the space. I almost wrote that maybe it was too much, but you can never have too much work. Right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7jp6PknPxQr5HO-jwc3xXPxvZiEbxY2WUuctQsMUNYCPNPvTc2I68n_RAw2RRO07bLoh-X150zj2WrNNW4hnZb-_vI2Oxg39bLD1FaOmaHeuGC_v5ttZ1Kr2WE1_4jSmW_CD1V4kGHlX/s1600/photo6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7jp6PknPxQr5HO-jwc3xXPxvZiEbxY2WUuctQsMUNYCPNPvTc2I68n_RAw2RRO07bLoh-X150zj2WrNNW4hnZb-_vI2Oxg39bLD1FaOmaHeuGC_v5ttZ1Kr2WE1_4jSmW_CD1V4kGHlX/s320/photo6.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original paintings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I hope the show does well. I think it looks great.<br />
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I also have two new pieces listed in my shop!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNrPVULra-LiUAFRpDt8TIzvRzr6BTc_nN4jswKzy_Lsn8nX_IF6dC8WbvnG8gyDhxxqO8FMguL43pJBLnuksJrv8nPgLccwoPng5d-8SF9aBck7sPixbsUoiwwVk8XfMcOY-vQtieuiH/s1600/blossom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNrPVULra-LiUAFRpDt8TIzvRzr6BTc_nN4jswKzy_Lsn8nX_IF6dC8WbvnG8gyDhxxqO8FMguL43pJBLnuksJrv8nPgLccwoPng5d-8SF9aBck7sPixbsUoiwwVk8XfMcOY-vQtieuiH/s320/blossom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128347616/mixed-media-art-collage-on-paper-blossom?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Blossom</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A new mixed media piece and a new cat etching. I love working on these little collages. It gives me a place to work through ideas and think of new ones. I can sit down and tear and glue and not think too much about what's going on. I like it. Expect to see more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iiFKGWz-0RhPpLGFHYPNAGoGlygGKPKQ-i8VTXQfE6SWYyE137bPEUEwinN3GZpSsM2nu3WK4SdIjYZ19Yi_hSlMC6I_qMM_YIWBFZUObOaaW6i6jmb9btIdL23ik0fDI7BKfsIaIc_j/s1600/cat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iiFKGWz-0RhPpLGFHYPNAGoGlygGKPKQ-i8VTXQfE6SWYyE137bPEUEwinN3GZpSsM2nu3WK4SdIjYZ19Yi_hSlMC6I_qMM_YIWBFZUObOaaW6i6jmb9btIdL23ik0fDI7BKfsIaIc_j/s320/cat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128348512/drypoint-etching-cat-art-limited-edition?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Dancing Mountain Cat Etching</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The cat etching is a new item too. I plan on making more animals too. So many ideas, so little time. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-4516635393092524102013-03-26T19:39:00.000-07:002013-03-26T19:39:14.517-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaBCrdNvjDVnYMjD2-PNTaw1oIq-5vVOe7FKK_lx934XqcG5GzyXTVdfdeUV1KEUkC32nTonc9m0GpGueSnkmNBJRyIvVdr7Z8goLzgu60H29gax-tBvpEQlJvgm1TnNd-5IVGWprno1O/s1600/powells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaBCrdNvjDVnYMjD2-PNTaw1oIq-5vVOe7FKK_lx934XqcG5GzyXTVdfdeUV1KEUkC32nTonc9m0GpGueSnkmNBJRyIvVdr7Z8goLzgu60H29gax-tBvpEQlJvgm1TnNd-5IVGWprno1O/s1600/powells.jpg" /></a></div>
The past couple of weeks I've been e-mailing shops around town that might be interested in carrying my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/michelemaule?section_id=7977535" target="_blank">postcards and greeting cards</a>. Wow. There is some serious card competition in Portland. Many shops say they love my cards, but just have too many card lines at the moment.<br />
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On a very happy note I was able to get a few cards and postcards into the Powell's on Hawthorne! I was so excited to drop them off on Sunday! I bought two new books to celebrate.<br />
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I know I should branch out past just selling in Portland. I'm not totally sure how to do this. I've been thinking about just going on Yelp and searching for card shops and cute boutiques.<br />
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I've got a few more stores in Portland I want to contact, then I'm going to start on other states.<br />
<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-12184868402195837482013-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:002013-03-21T17:10:01.658-07:00<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61oRLFRqAfK6GoaV00P9PR1y6kEXVmhpRB34B3rHPKtjZxRbiUKNHKOF0geqGnZDil4Pc7EFKLVF5CdM9D6jCPMunZD8t325crNN-O0deVF6veBjeX56fTWr5HvMsUBu81EhXT_hQwkRD/s1600/kimandmichele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61oRLFRqAfK6GoaV00P9PR1y6kEXVmhpRB34B3rHPKtjZxRbiUKNHKOF0geqGnZDil4Pc7EFKLVF5CdM9D6jCPMunZD8t325crNN-O0deVF6veBjeX56fTWr5HvMsUBu81EhXT_hQwkRD/s320/kimandmichele.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend of 18 years right before running the half marathon. </td></tr>
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Like most women, I've always been self conscious about my weight and my body. It started at a young age for me. Maybe about 11 or 12. I developed quicker than most of the other girls in my class and it made me feel so awkward. <br />
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Around 13 I started to feel even more self aware and I started to feel like I was over weight. I wasn't by any means. I dieted. I starved myself. I wished I was thinner.<br />
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It didn't get any better as I got older. It got much worse. Throw in a cross country move to California and my body image anxiety skyrocketed. New school, new friends, CALIFORNIA (!!!). That was a bad combination for a 14 year old girl. I hated my body and I thought I was one ugly lady... <br />
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Anyway, I didn't start to get better for me until I moved to the Portland area when I was 17, and even then I still struggled with my body image. Even though I was a totally normal body weight. Thank you unrealistic media ideals and Photoshop. <br />
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Fast forward to yesterday. I was running a 6 mile run in shorts. My thighs almost started a small fire with the friction they were causing. It hurts and it's uncomfortable. I thought to myself, "Well, I should probably invest in some Body Glide."<br />
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Then I thought about that for a minute. I thought about how my 20 year old self would have criticized herself for being too fat. She would have told herself that she had to cut out calories and fat grams and eat only rice and steamed broccoli for weeks.<br />
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Wow. To think about that. To think about how far I've come in my thought process, in the way I see myself and my body. For the first time, in I don't know how long, I like my body. I love my body. I have worked so hard to get where I am today physically. I have put in countless hours and miles running, and working out, and I really love the way I am. Right now. It's such an amazing feeling. To like my thighs. To just like me. So what if my thighs rub together? Most peoples do! It's what thighs are for. Well, not really, I just liked where that was going for a minute.<br />
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Anyway, I know I will struggle with the way I look in the future. I feel like it's almost inevitable. But, right now, this minute, I truly love me, thighs and all. <br />
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In my last post I wrote about how I had this sketchbook now, and that maybe I share too much of myself through social media. How I was going to just use my sketchbook for really personal things. Well, I lied. Kinda. I feel like there are certain things that do need to be shared. Like this. Because it's something that I just feel so great about and I want to tell everyone about it.<br />
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Thanks for reading about it. I feel pretty proud of myself. Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-57813295841747459592013-03-20T14:43:00.001-07:002013-03-21T11:16:21.127-07:00Working in my studio this morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9xoHrDlHD5uXEZcPPwhdv3b1OswdDNbPcQmDAEQk1WbSl5S7496eI-x2ZPqcq56B7V71djoD7qOcksmDe38OGL6QqqlTlQC4I7Px7nxBCit9xGpf1nmAHMT3nj9LL_TTI02wm7G1d8Iw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9xoHrDlHD5uXEZcPPwhdv3b1OswdDNbPcQmDAEQk1WbSl5S7496eI-x2ZPqcq56B7V71djoD7qOcksmDe38OGL6QqqlTlQC4I7Px7nxBCit9xGpf1nmAHMT3nj9LL_TTI02wm7G1d8Iw/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I bought a sketch book at the beginning of the week. It's the first sketch book I've owned in years and I have to say, it feels really good to have one again. I often feel compelled to share everything on social media. Having a sketch book let's me say what I want to say, without worrying if I've crossed a line. I worry too much about things like that, I know. <br />
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I also feel like maybe I share too much about myself, and I don't know if that's always a good thing.<br />
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I can also sketch things out, get ideas out, work through problems and write whatever I feel like writing. It's freeing. Very freeing.<br />
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I think I stopped having a sketchbook because I never used it, but I've found myself craving a place to jot things down the past few weeks. So, I thought I should really invest in another.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0MHRxBnqNnxcWLdWLwMNKF47KbNJ9CGnlKSqj8H7aYF_Yxw5VuGLo8xBcwM381Fi221ibyN4NlDFGFm3IZYMaC-7AumsYx11d95Dqyhd1ndOEVcOuQhhqI3VfeMv6jrjh1CcsKOgvdTP/s1600/wolf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0MHRxBnqNnxcWLdWLwMNKF47KbNJ9CGnlKSqj8H7aYF_Yxw5VuGLo8xBcwM381Fi221ibyN4NlDFGFm3IZYMaC-7AumsYx11d95Dqyhd1ndOEVcOuQhhqI3VfeMv6jrjh1CcsKOgvdTP/s320/wolf4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126922777/wolf-hand-pulled-dry-point-etching-dont" target="_blank">Don't Hold Back </a></td></tr>
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So that's what I've been up to today. I've also been working on a new etching plate. I'm hoping to get it ready to print tomorrow. I finished my wolf print last week, and I'm pretty happy with it.<br />
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I've also completed a new fox illustration. Those darn little foxes. They make me so happy to draw. The colors and the shapes in this one are inspired by Spring and warm weather. I'm so ready for some more sunshine and looking forward to wearing shorts and tank tops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpZr8ieKCyNu82GSIIaBbWqS9juZg_qMXI4UYSGSE0fU-aWZs7IEbOkdeqx0DNbax7maozNE6M35FJh_zThOu454wzM-MKfqdrhUcjy7JciiE5a1MrNsVOSyQT3vpJcGlDyHsOZPu7aaW/s1600/redfox3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpZr8ieKCyNu82GSIIaBbWqS9juZg_qMXI4UYSGSE0fU-aWZs7IEbOkdeqx0DNbax7maozNE6M35FJh_zThOu454wzM-MKfqdrhUcjy7JciiE5a1MrNsVOSyQT3vpJcGlDyHsOZPu7aaW/s320/redfox3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127013352/red-fox-art-original-watercolor-painting" target="_blank">Red Fox</a></td></tr>
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Happy times. Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-61411563771290039452013-03-19T18:06:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:53:18.504-07:00<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J91ti_MpdHA" width="560"></iframe> <br />
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Sometimes some fresh air and some good music playing in your ear phones are just the medicine that you might need.<br />
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I really didn't want to go for my run today, but I made myself go anyway, and I'm so glad I did. It picked me up and helped me get out of a little funk today.<br />
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I'm a sucker for over produced, pop music for running. I'm not afraid to admit it. However, I am afraid of playing my iPod on shuffle at parties...<br />
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Here's the playlist I've been listening to lately:<br />
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Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys<br />
Wake Up - Arcade Fire<br />
Halo - Beyonce<br />
Song 2 - Blur<br />
Spanish Bombs - The Clash<br />
Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper<br />
Let's Dance - Lady Gaga<br />
How it Ends - Devotchka<br />
Home - Edward Sharpe<br />
Dog Day are Over - Florence and the Machine<br />
Need You Tonight - INXS<br />
Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys<br />
Stronger - Kanye West<br />
Stronger - Kelly Clarkson<br />
Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order<br />
Hit it Hard - Peaches<br />
One Step - Yacht<br />
Down Boy - Yeah Yeah Yeahs<br />
Sheena is a Punk Rocker - The Ramones<br />
We the Common - Thao and the Get Down Stay Down <br />
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I have to say, that Alicia Keys song, "Girl on Fire" really gets me. Especially when I'm on my last mile. Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-22318380425470145172013-03-13T18:24:00.000-07:002013-03-13T18:24:04.961-07:00The warmest day of the year, so far, was today! 63 degrees and wonderful!<br />
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I went for a 6 mile run, worked on some new pieces and played with Chloe in the back yard. It was fantastic.<br />
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Our garden is starting to really take off too. The Euphorbia is getting ready to bloom and the Forsythia has already started. I plated some kale and some lettuce, and I planted some lupine seeds and some poppy seeds on Sunday. I'm afraid I might be too late/too early with the flowers, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Fingers are crossed.<br />
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I was lucky enough to get quite a few art related things started this morning. I don't really know where the fox is going but I like it so far. I love making all of those tiny marks, and there is something about this little fox that I can't let go of.<br />
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The butterfly and moth are new too. I've had these little collages hanging out in my studio for weeks not knowing what to do with them. I've always felt a connection with things that can fly, butterflies and moths included. The fact that they are free to flutter about, but at the same time have to be so careful with the outside world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKWjZyB6A9VWczmnuK4sozB04bAT2TxyohO1ri3kwt9EoUS1LdJiYRmXldJrEN4Ziu9Rh7TG3bpu1e3eMUjNkydnqeBOyIt7RFOW6HTdX2yvLwwxhioR5PtyROJplNbHj15DlIMyJFCNJ/s1600/butterfly5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKWjZyB6A9VWczmnuK4sozB04bAT2TxyohO1ri3kwt9EoUS1LdJiYRmXldJrEN4Ziu9Rh7TG3bpu1e3eMUjNkydnqeBOyIt7RFOW6HTdX2yvLwwxhioR5PtyROJplNbHj15DlIMyJFCNJ/s320/butterfly5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126345687/butterfly-art-mixed-media-collage" target="_blank">Sweets. Mixed Media Collage and Illustration</a>. </td></tr>
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I'm currently reading <a href="http://www.kingsolver.com/books/flight-behavior.html" target="_blank">Flight behavior by Barbara Kingsolver</a> which is story about butterflies and climate change. <br />
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Also, have you ever seen a moth's face up close. They're scary, cute and amazing. You should Google it right now. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=moth+faces&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=sbd&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=WCZBUZG6ENDTqQHynIDQDg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1787&bih=860" target="_blank">Oh wait, I did it for you</a>. <br />
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The butterfly piece is done and already <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126345687/butterfly-art-mixed-media-collage" target="_blank">listed in my Etsy shop</a>! Look at me being productive. <br />
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<br />Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8594913121104990120.post-17180357064941977892013-03-11T08:01:00.001-07:002013-03-11T08:01:58.155-07:00It's Monday.<br />
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I actually don't really mind Mondays. Work is slow, we don't receive very much freight and things just seem more relaxed.<br />
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I also have three days of art making to look forward to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rG5x6AMbIUOLAqsdZxthWRUZTiFsAGrgX9ftS5ONGF5ctFJBjtLWqDrRZqmfHM54isTjEK-598adh9RqpjU4BEHZgzgcGCdOZVu-9UAVKisB0_VOcVvIkxafvXu7SxjBb3khyphenhyphenOHuY6IJ/s1600/squirrelbaby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rG5x6AMbIUOLAqsdZxthWRUZTiFsAGrgX9ftS5ONGF5ctFJBjtLWqDrRZqmfHM54isTjEK-598adh9RqpjU4BEHZgzgcGCdOZVu-9UAVKisB0_VOcVvIkxafvXu7SxjBb3khyphenhyphenOHuY6IJ/s320/squirrelbaby2.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123338142/squirrel-illustration-watercolor-art" target="_blank">Little Squirrel</a></td></tr>
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Last week I received an e-mail from local shop Tilde asking if I'd like to be the featured artist for April. One of their scheduled artists couldn't make it and so I was asked and of course I said yes!<br />
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So, I have a couple of weeks to put together a show from all of the animal pieces that I've been working on. I'm really excited to show the originals. I've been loving this series and I want to share them with everyone.<br />
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I do want to create a few more pieces the show. There's always that chance of added pieces looking awkward with the rest of the series, but I'm going to try to avoid that as much as I can. Maybe I'll set all the pieces around me while I work. And maybe if I'm aware of the weirdness that sometimes happens, I can avoid it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6wkrJ5np9oXdCJJIAEDxIqc0Q7rtf9DiEt_YmdYzESnCmuWC-OOMpftB-REqmIZ5UTsvRFfCtMtRAqfX6-Iq_s9LVCK1YQOihGvsjuyLOvi_sZNHoizA6SA31my_ch3B68I2pJpzsTCA/s1600/narwhal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6wkrJ5np9oXdCJJIAEDxIqc0Q7rtf9DiEt_YmdYzESnCmuWC-OOMpftB-REqmIZ5UTsvRFfCtMtRAqfX6-Iq_s9LVCK1YQOihGvsjuyLOvi_sZNHoizA6SA31my_ch3B68I2pJpzsTCA/s320/narwhal2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/125382292/narwhal-dry-point-etching-print-little" target="_blank">Narwhal Etching</a></td></tr>
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I've been working on some new etching prints, and I'm experimenting with collage and maybe beeswax. I don't really know where I'm going with it, but I love the juxtaposition of the etching with the collage. I'm going to keep working with it and see what kind of results I can achieve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1y58FzMEfgym9h3xAiaTMw2f0dILnUTce_Nw2_na3Jujeup-UKJ3gn72zGo2AXRp52FXFviHE8ALDf2K2z9ZDAujPMKgCDq6nzUIhomgcPIkawt7qXyqkXO-sHxo65ZGLVxIG247SzKv/s1600/foxy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1y58FzMEfgym9h3xAiaTMw2f0dILnUTce_Nw2_na3Jujeup-UKJ3gn72zGo2AXRp52FXFviHE8ALDf2K2z9ZDAujPMKgCDq6nzUIhomgcPIkawt7qXyqkXO-sHxo65ZGLVxIG247SzKv/s320/foxy3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/125807069/mixed-media-collage-printmaking-i-see?" target="_blank">fox. Etching with collage and paint</a>. </td></tr>
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I'd love to make a book with the etchings and maybe include some sewing. I have a lot of ideas about this and I wish there were more hours in the day.<br />
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Well, Monday calls and I have work to get ready for. Happy Monday, friends. Michele Maulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05366692397354728890noreply@blogger.com0