Laboratory 555

So many beginnings! The beginning of Autumn, the beginning of ArtSoMoFo 2007, the beginning of re-entering the Lab555 project.

If you're on my friendslist then you might feel a little spammed by my cross-postings, and for that I apologize! But here is a modest collection of these little collages that I have been obsessed with lately:
More art. It looks like I'm making those series I spoke about, but these are just stitched together with software. I am eager to get out of the one-off mode and into making "story-boards" with nine (or more) arranged just so on bristol board or the like.

I've been sooooo embarrassed to poke my head in here and see what's going on since I "cut and run." Starting Lab 555 when I did was foolish (and, if you'll remember, assisted by my pain-killers), but I'm so happy to see that a bunch of you stuck with it, hung in there and are Makin' Stuff and posting. I hope no one is too pissed at me for not following through. I hope y'all have a sense of humor about it. It seemed like a good idea at the time...

*HUGS* to all of you, in any event. Perhaps, now that probate is wrapping up, I will join you before 2007 is over!!

The last project from the Metal Craft Discovery Workshop was an altered Altoids tin. I saw a spread in a stock photo mag about "The Grass Menagerie" and coupled with the fact that I had a small plastic (rein)deer kicking around the studio, I got the idea for this tin shrine. It was a fitting end to a delightful project. You can see all the pieces in one place here, if you're so inclined. I should point out that a couple of the projects didn't get photographed, either because it was part of a collaboration and "left the building" (metal purse) OR it was so hideous I just couldn't bear to have it online (metal mesh pages). And yes, it really was THAT bad! lol

Anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this challenge (originally started on lab555) and am looking through my books for the next one.

Wanna join me??

x-posted to meadowood

I've been diligently working through the projects with some personal changes.



For example, these were supposed to be part of a bracelet but as I don't wear jewelry (besides my wedding ring ;) I decided to make assemblage/shrine doodads using watchcase backs, small tins and even some shells (NOT metal but hey! I wanted to try'em!)



Another would-be necklace that I'll likely use as a shrine embellishment. This is made from tin cans and some rims from the brass plates I found at a yard sale. It makes a lovely cow bell jingle when moved!



Some metal ATCs - serendipitous because I had need for half a dozen cards to trade so these will be heading out on an exchange.

So lately I haven't been doing much in my studio. Instead I have been experiencing artist's block of sorts in that I get ideas but then get into the studio and can't do anything. I think I have too many possibilities.

So I got to thinking that I may just pare back to the stuff that I know I love to do and get rid of a lot of other stuff and see if my creativity resurfaces.

Therefore, in the interest of decluttering my studio I have listed a BUNCH of Crafting mags on ebay

There are Somerset Studios, Expression, Artitude Zine and a bunch more

If you are interested please check them out http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZoliveleafstudios

Also, I am going to be getting rid of a lot of supplies too. I have lots of game pieces, book pages, beads and other collage ephemera that I dont think I will use so I am probably going to be packing it all up to list on etsy. I would also be willing to make some trades (mainly for intersting papers) if anyone can use a bunch of random collage-y stuffs.

I know the point of this group is to make art and try new things but this artistic malaise isn't getting me anywhere!

Still working away at this. Made good progress the last couple of days. Finally finished this little piece:



The idea for adding the nailheads to the sides came to me in a dream. I love when my subconscious interacts with RL projects. :)

It's so QUIET in here. Did everyone leave?!?

... just wanted to weigh in and say, that "No!" I haven't stopped the Art Book Challenge. I'm in the throes of bike training but that ends next weekend. I have the next project on the table but am usually too tired at the end of the day to get into the studio. But I'm still doing this! Eyecandy, lab555ers! We NEED eyecandy!!

The second assigment was just to get color on to paper.  I gave myself a minimum of working for 15 minutes on this.  I had also wanted to try doing some ATC's which is another thing I hadn't done before.  I tried not to think to hard about the outcome and am trying not to be to hard on myself now that I'm done.

  I dumped out mah bukit to find the paints
 I got out my blank playing cards (ATC'S)
 I grabbed the spray bottle of water I keep in the studio for just such purposes. This is the results  There are more deatiled pics at flickr if you want to see them up close.

TTFN
Cheeky

hey lovely creatives!
I am starting a new on-line art project and would love it if anyone from lab555 would like to help me.
I have a website:
www.mymessage2theworld.com

would you like to help me by having your photo taken holding a sign with your message to the world?
You can e-mail me the photo and I will post it on the site.
All you need to let me know is your name and where you are, so I can add it as a caption.

My idea is to build connection by having the whole world have a chance to share a message that is important to them.
I hope to get photos from all over the planet!
So - if this inspires you, please help out, and feel free to spread the word.

thanks so very much!
-Em