Lady Sings the (mid-summer) Blues

The past few weeks have been oppressive here in Michigan and I have taken this time to play in the studio and on the patio with my newest project.  Billie Holiday does a good job expressing the discomfort I feel in this sizzling weather.  I wilt in a similar way to the potted flowers I have been semi-neglecting.  I have been wanting to play with beeswax for some time and am pleased with my initial attempt but feel I need more practice.  All in all, a fun experiment, and very forgiving.

I have been avoiding the extended heat wave by revamping my studio & workshop areas.  Since moving my studio space to my (former) dining room, I have lost track of many inspirational items.  The space, although much brighter than the former dungeon space, is also much smaller so I have decided to create a workspace in the dungeon to create an area for some of my messier projects and also to store some of my supplies.  While going through my inventory, I have happened upon many Etsy-worthy items that are either finished or nearly finished and I hope to start listing them soon...

like this vintage Vera throw pillow cover.  So bright and colorful!

 I have also rediscovered some vintage publications that will certainly find their way into my work.
The above book was a trash find and contains many vintage photographs that could be fun to recreate...

Jack Dempsey

and illustrations that may be perfect for a collage background...

Who knew women's boxing was an appreciated sport in the 1800's?

I always keep an  eye out for vintage yearbooks.  They often contain photographs that bring inspiration.

The 1920's editions contain many art nouveau illustrations.

These cheerleaders are begging to be included in a new piece.

These yearbooks always contain amusing shots and quotes.

Nothing like a week of organization to bring back the inspiration.  

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"New" Vintage Finds

Arturo had the day off today and the kids didn’t,  so we decided an outing was in order.  We began with a wonderful brunch at Victorias Delights in downtown Oxford.   The crabby benedict was fantastic (not exactly what I needed after yesterday’s Easter Feast, but I could exercise no self control).  After plying my consort with a wonderful meal, I was able to convince him to escort me on an antiquing mission.   

The birdsong has had my attention lately as it seems spring has finally arrived, and I'm crazy about colorful objects,  so I was immediately drawn to this piece...

It is vintage venetian glass and very evocative of spring.  I had to have it.

My favorite items to shop for at these vintage/antique shoppes are embellishments to add to my art pieces.  I scored with the following items

Vintage letter and number cards.

Lacy hand-tatted doilies.

These vintage Vera linen kitchen towels won't be embellishments, but may show up on my Etsy as fun decorative pillows.  I'll keep you posted.

I love the little ladybug, it is a good gauge when trying to determine the date of her pieces - 1960's - 70's.  The ladybug was discontinued in 1976.