Seashore Assemblage

Created using a small 5" square canvas as the backdrop

and adding a bit of turquoise paint 

haphazardly for the background,

a ripped piece of paper decoupaged at the base for texture

then rummage through the studio for small treasures 

to continue the creative venture.

Beginning with gluing on the sand dollar and seahorse

the rest just called out to be added in 

and just seemed to fall into place.

Ceramic seashells, pearls, bits of sea glass 

and the charming heart with the crown

became my favorite.

a little creative fun while at the seashore

Anthropologie New York City

This is one of my all time favorite haunts for inspiration!

Hand crafted owls, perched on tree branches 

greet you as you enter...

The layered abundance of displays are a feast for the imagination!

I would love this cart to store all the ceramics I've created 

that are taking over my studio!

Great use of plumbing pipes and the amazing paper background!

Sweet and unexpected lace insert on this sweater!

I have a thing for boxes and drawers...

and these are so fun!

Fabulous layered frame wall!

I love the feminine feel of this display!

This is such a great table for a working studio!!!

Even the employees and customers add inspired style!

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Just wanted to share the creative inspiration...

for more New York fall window displays click here

Mermaid Collage

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I had the pleasure of hosting a workshop

with Julie Nutting

here at Summerland Cottage.

Since the studio is a bit messy we enjoyed the fun alfresco, in the courtyard.

Julie taught us how to create the mermaid decoupage you see above.

First we painted our backgrounds completely on blank canvases

and Julie provided patterns for our mermaids to cut out of any paper we liked.

After decoupaging them in place with modge podge

we ripped all sorts of different papers into interesting shapes

and glued them into place to add interest to the collage.

When the glue dried we painted the hair.

Glitter and tiny jewels were added here and there.

Always in art classes you will find each piece is as uniquely

different as the individual.

After a delightful lunch I had the opportunity to demonstrate

painting seashells with acrylic paints,

and encouraged adding values to give them depth and add interest.


Recently I added some of my own ceramic seashells and

a few more pearls using e6000 glue.

Every one had such a great time, the weather was

perfect, and all have creative seashore inspired tokens from

our day spent together.

Found Object Assemblage

After the contractor replaced the damaged doors

I had him salvage an undamaged corner from the original one.

I primed and painted the front and sides white.

Then I pilfered through a drawer with miscellaneous odds and ends.

Here is a look at some of the pieces that ended up being incorporated.

Vintage glasses, bits of tile, brass buttons, an old wooden handle,

a chandelier crystal, vintage wooden clothes pin, a bamboo reed,

small glass vial filled with sand, tiny brass clock, a leaf brooch,

a broken piece from a fan and a color copy of a sweet saying.

Making time for a little weekend creative collaging & blogging!

Thank you to Jana Holstein,

Managing Editor of Somerset Memories for asking to include it

in the Spring 2013 issue!