Psalm 90:2
From everlasting to everlasting, You are God

There is no trouble or struggle that is as big as God.

Here are all three of my Winter pages together: December, January, and February

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

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Bead Journal Project: February

Finding creative uses for old items is nothing new to artists, but the spirit of preserving the planet is more important than ever before and GreenCraft Magazine is here to honor and inspire those who find artistic applications for normally discarded resources.

GreenCraft Magazine will provide ideas for repurposing trash to treasure by showcasing projects where waste is repurposed into ecologically chic creations.

To be considered for our Publication, please submit your recycled, reused and repurposed items to GreenCraft Magazine no later than April 14, 2009.

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Call for entries: GreenCraft Magazine

500 Found-Object Works
Juror: Suzie Millions
Editor: Suzanne Tourtillott

Entry deadline: March 15, 2009

Lark Books seeks one-of-a-kind images of found-object art to publish in a juried collection representing the most creative examples in this exciting genre. While material options are endless (recycled/repurposed wood, paper, plastics, electronics and the like), we will accept only professional quality photography. Due to trademark considerations, very few works featuring recognizable brand names or logos will be accepted. This publication is scheduled for release in Fall 2010. There is no entry fee.

Download an entry form here.

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Call for entries: 500 Found-Object Works

Frost At Midnight

Here are a few more projects that I’ve rustled up that deal with snow and snow imagery:

15 Minute Snowglobes

Make-a-Flake online toy

Frost at Midnight mixed media collage

Bead Journal Project for February 2008

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Some more fun snow art!

Altered Couture
A hand-me-down sweater … a raggedy old skirt from the thrift store … a plain T-shirt … Using just a few tools coupled with your creativity, all of these items can be transformed into fantastic works of wearable art! The publisher of Belle Armoire and Somerset Studio invites you to submit your own altered and embellished clothing and accessories to be considered for the second volume of this exciting publication. Chapters will include Skirts & Dresses, Pants & Overalls, Jackets & Vests, Shirts & Tops, Children’s Wear, Sassy Shoes, and Accessories.

Deadline for artwork to be received: March 15, 2009. Please read submission guidelines before sending your submissions to: Stampington & Company · C/O: Altered Couture · 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B · Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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Call for entries: Altered Couture

Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God

No need to struggle…just let go of your self-will, and know that He is there.

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Blisstree

Bead Journal Project: January

Artist: Andrea L. Stern
Business name: The Embellishment Cafe

Website & Blog:
Embellishment Cafe
Andi Beads blog

How do you describe your work, Andi?
I work in a multitude of media but the main focus is always fiber. Each piece is made of discrete parts, whether it is an embroidery (individual stitches), quilt (individual patches) or beadwork (individual beads). I think I’ve always liked mosaics, the look of millions of tiny parts making a whole image. The Embellishment Cafe was named because at the time (1998) there were lots of “internet cafes” starting, and I liked the idea of a cafe with beads and parts. The focus at the time was on beads for embellishing, but has morphed over the years to where the main focus is on completed work with a side of beads.

What is your creative process like?
Cleaning the studio leads to some works, as with my beaded baby dress Back to School where finding a yellow and black striped button while cleaning led to a whole dialogue of yellows like first day of school pencils, etc. Usually it is that I want to do a specific process, like feel a needle moving through fabric, or making specific hand motions (weaving beads or knitting). I am constantly working, except when I am not. There is no real routine yet. I would like there to be, it is one of my intentions for 2009. I also work to the current situation: when my children were small I had to make smaller works, or chose to make smaller works, I suppose, because then I could see progress more quickly. Now that two of them are grown and the other two are housebroken and fairly self-sufficient in terms of most things I am making larger work again. It also helps that they can work on their own work in the studio while I am working on mine, the need to facilitate their creativity has dropped off with time as their skills have grown.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I grew up with artists and women who made crafts, and I have a BFA in Art History. I am primarily self-taught with the beads and knitting/crochet, though I took a workshop with Joyce Scott in 1997 that helped me become more bold with my beads and a Turtle Art Camp with Susan Shie that helped me be more bold with the quilting. Lots of that old writer’s question “What if”.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Pen and paper if I could have nothing else.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
That old show Grace Under Fire, the main character was trying to paint and she talked to her friend Wade. He told her the story of a zen master who was sitting meditation when a fly landed on his nose. No matter how much the master swatted, the fly did not budge. He said “Be the fly.” When life gets crazy, I remind myself to “Be the fly.”

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
You learn from everything. If you are wanting to get better with a specific skill, like knitting or making a plush animal, it is ok to learn by using someone else’s pattern first (not for sale or show, just for your own skill building). Be persistent. Don’t give up.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
My kids.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Homemade banana pudding with Nilla Wafers and Cool Whip.

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Artist Profile: Andi Stern

In western North Carolina, the John C Campbell Folk School is only two hours from Asheville, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, with a shuttle that will pick you up at the Atlanta airport if you make arrangements! How nice is that? Dozens and dozens of classes are running all the time. You can browse the list by date and by subject! There’s not much going on in the craft world that this school doesn’t know about

From Basketry to Writing, you can choose from over 860 weeklong and weekend classes each year in a broad variety of areas. Your creative learning vacation is enhanced by knowledgeable instructors and small classes. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will find the class that’s right for you. Come explore your creative side in our non-competitive, hands-on learning environment!

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John C Campbell Folk School

Psalm 42:7
Deep calls to deep

The deepest and most satisfying relationship in my life is my spirit’s communion with my God.

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Blisstree

Bead Journal Project: December

I’ve told you about the WCA before: it’s the Women’s Caucus for Art, and I belong to the Central Massachusetts chapter.  I’ve found it to be a wonderful group to be involved with.  We have several shows throughout the year: some are juried, some are invitational, some are open to all members.

Our current show is called H2O, and is being sponsored by one of our favorite venues: the Fitchburg pulic access TV station!  They’ve been so accomodating to us that this is our third show at their facility. 

Avian Oasis by Jan Queijo

This year, I was the only mixed media jewelry artist in the show, but I was able to snap a couple of pictures of two of my quilting friends.  Every medium that you can think of was there at the show, but I spent more time yakking than snapping for a change!

Fish in a Barrel by Cindy Walter, one of the show organizers

Besides the shows, and just being able to occasionally get together with other local artists for fellowship and encouragement, we also enjoy taking the time to do workshops for each other.  If you don’t have an art support group already, I highly recommend that you look into WCA.

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Local WCA art show