Working in my studio this morning.

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.

I also feel like maybe I share too much about myself, and I don't know if that's always a good thing.

I can also sketch things out, get ideas out, work through problems and write whatever I feel like writing. It's freeing. Very freeing.

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.

Don't Hold Back

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.

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.

Red Fox

Happy times.

Behind

Yesterday was going to be the day that I busted out the art making for Crafty Wonderland. Yesterday I was going to get so much done it was going to blow your mind. Yesterday was going to be the day I took care of business, and then some.

Making messes

However, I got hit with the mother of all migraines. I couldn't open my eyes. I couldn't keep anything down. I was down for the count pretty much all day. Thankfully, I started to gain consciousness around 3, and the migraine slowly loosened the death grip it had on my brain.

Things I got started on today.

I didn't get anything done. Well, unless you count watching a marathon of American Pickers doing something. We also watched the second disc of the first season of Downton abbey as well as the newest episode of Mad Men. But that was much later, when I light didn't cause piercing pain behind my eyes.

Needless to say, today has been the day of playing catch-up. I'm halfway done with my to-do list so I must stay focused!

to-do!

Other than yesterday we had yet another wonderful weekend. We planted a new forsythia bush, a peony, and we mulched! We also went to see our friend perform in a Night of Comedy put on by a small play company, here in Portland, called Monkey with a Hat On. The whole idea behind their theater company is that going to the theater should be enjoyed by everyone, not just those who have a lot of money. It was a fun night.

There is a torrential down pour happening outside as I type this. Chloe is snuggled under a mass of blankets and I need to continue on with my list o' things to do.

This little thing.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

Workin it Today.

Workin it today.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

I feel like with the nice weather we had this weekend, I am really falling behind on making things.

Crafty Wonderland is a couple of days away and my Etsy shop is a bit at a stand still. I find that when I list new items, my views and sales go up a bit. So I try to add new things weekly.

So, today I started, and completed, three new collages! If I can keep this momentum up I think I'll be just fine for Crafty Wonderland, and hopefully I'll be able to pick up some sales in my Etsy shop.

also, it's Tuesday, and I have to say, it's been a really great day. Two great Tuesdays in a row. I'm starting to feel like I've got this terrible Tuesday situation under control! woot!

Vacation

Today is the last day in Portland for a few days.

We're leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow and I'm excited about it! I've heard that there are some cool bridges, and lots of industrial areas. I'm hoping it helps jump start my creativity a little bit.

We decided to leave Chloe with some friends of ours. They have a little dog named Carly whom Chloe gets along very well with. This is the first time in a few years that I've been without my pup. It's going to be weird at first...I miss her already, but it's good. You don't realize how important they are to you until they're ill, or you have to leave them for awhile.

I tried to get as much work done as possible before our trip. I did manage to get quite a few things listed in my shop, and I added a lot of work to my sale section. I've been including some originals, so if you haven't checked it out in awhile, you should!

I doubt I'll be blogging while I'm away...so until next week!

Oh Hello!

It's been awhile, huh?

I've been out enjoying Summer as much as I can this month.
My Birthday was last week and we went hiking, played Bingo, had dinner with friends, drank great wine, ate good food, and generally had an amazing time.

I've also been back to my studio for some printmaking time. I have also been getting back to screen printing! It's so much more physically demanding than painting, or drawing, but I'm really loving it. It's helping me with this block that I've been having lately and it's been forcing me to re-learn some things.

all in all I've been trying to stay away from the computer as much as I can and redirecting myself to making things and enjoying the sunshine as much as I can.

Hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer!
I may, or may not, be posting more this week ;)

kitties

I was finally able to get into my studio for the first time this year.
I started a commission piece for one of my co-workers. It's of her boyfriends cat. Sweet!

I have to say, I've never painted a cat, and so far it's been fun.

In other news, I have a show in July in Arkansas! I've been thinking about ideas and racking my brain for images to use. Every time I think of something, and go to execute it, I feel like it's not good enough. I feel like there has to be some big meaning and some explanation to what I'm choosing to paint...

It's been frustrating. Then, last night, I was watching American Masters on Jeff Bridges. What an incredible dude. I'm getting off topic...but anyway, he said something about acting and Hollywood, that really struck a chord for me. He said, "Don't take it too seriously."

I know I'm not an actor, nor do I live in Hollywood, but for some reason that really resonated with me. I'm over thinking things and making it too difficult...

So, next week, when I'm back in the studio, I'm going to carry that idea with me.