The Art of Abandonment

Art Abandonment

"... art is a great way to make people's lives richer..." 
- Michael DeMeng, artist

About a week ago Michael DeMeng started the facebook group Art Abandonment  after leaving a few of his unique sketches around Eugene, Oregon. 

photo courtesy of Michael DeMeng

In a recent blog post (click here to read), Michael talks about how he has left random bits of art here & there for years, in hopes that the pieces find a home. A week ago he started this facebook  group for anyone who want to play along - to create & abandon something on the off chance it finds the right person. In less than a week, the group has over 3100 members (& growing). I think I was around number 200-wowzers!!

How does it work? Basically you make something, leave it somewhere (with a note stating that it is free for the taker) & post a photo in the facebook group. Taken from Mr. DeMeng's site:

1. All you have to do is make a piece of art.  (as simple or as elegant as you like)
2. Write a little note on it explaining that it is a gift 
3. Also mention that if the finder would like to share info about its fate they can contact the FaceBook group by emailing ArtAbandonement@groups.facebook.com
4. You should also leave you're web address contact info…you never know…you might have created a new patron.
5. Photo what you're leaving
6. Then leave it…walk away…run…try not to get caught.
7. Then on Facebook share the location and photo of your gift with the rest of us.  Here's the group address: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/
8. Keep your fingers crossed that someone lets us know what became of it.  I certainly doubt that everyone will take the time to inform the group, but I'm hoping we get a few periodic bites.

I haven't abandoned any art yet but I am  making plans to start next week.  I am leaving on a trip soon and will be abandoning it all along the way.

If you like to create and share, listen to these words straight from the man himself:O)

Also,  check out the facebook group here, DeMeng's blogpost here, or just drop me a note & I am happy to chat with you about it. In the meantime, never leave a stone unturned!

We now have a beautiful logo, compliments of Andrea DeMeng.  Thank you Andrea and Michael for providing so many people so many reasons to smile:O)  This whole thing is truly incredible.

TGIF

I am so glad that Friday is finally here.  This has been one crazy week.  I've been busy as a bee and don't feel like I've accomplished much.  Do you ever get that feeling?

I am pretty happy about one thing I accomplished.  Today, I stepped out of my comfort zone and did some soldering.  I've taken about every class ever offered on soldering and it still rules my life.  I either melt the metal or apply fire scale so thick I don't need to patina the piece:O)  Today, I needed to solder six balls on to the piece I wrote about yesterday.  I knew that I had to do them all at once or not at all because when one is soldered in place and you go to solder the next one, you take a chance of the first one coming loose.  This afternoon, I finally sucked it up and set about accomplishing the task at hand.  The first attempt failed!  Into the pickle pot everything went.  Second attempt a success!!  I was so pleased with myself for trying something that I considered extremely difficult.  THEN, I realized that I needed to solder my maker's mark on the back - yuck!!  With the balls all tightly in their place, I had no choice if I wanted the maker's mark on this piece, and I did.  Into the pickle pot again to be certain that everything was as clean as a whistle.  Now for the big move - turned her over and squirted four little dots of solder on the tag, lit the torch and SHAZAAAM......soldered in place!!!  I sat there for a minute, smile on my face, enjoying the best moment of the week.  I had taken a chance and won!!!

Tomorrow I will decide how I want to proceed with this piece.  Do I want to just attach a jump ring to connect the 2 pieces or do I end up creating a more complicated attachment?  I can almost guarantee you that it WON'T be a jump ring - way too simple.  I'll also add a nice patina to her and I think the old girl is going to be beautiful!  Do you think these two piece look good as is or should I split them up and  have 2 separate pieces??  So many questions, so many decisions to make, so little time.

I really need to start thinking about packing for our trip soon.  We leave on the 27th for Ohio.  Oh, what the heck, I can do that next week. 

Nite everyone.....tomorrow is another day 

I'M GOING BLIND!!

I have just spent the last 4 hours trying to organize my computer.  I have "stuff" sprayed all over the place and half of the time, I can't find what I'm looking for or it takes me way to much time searching for it.  I have a new Mac computer and I am experiencing quite a learning curve - to say the least.  I suppose it will all fall into place eventually but today was a blinding experience!!

On top of that adventure, I have spent the day trying to organize myself.  I say "trying" because I seriously think I am suffering from SADD - senior attention deficit disorder:O)  I start doing one thing then ten minutes later, I'm off on another project.  One minute I am taking pictures of my jewelry, the next minute I'm cleaning my studio, and from out of nowhere - I'm now on my computer.  I need to start a list and follow it - that's the only answer I can think of.  Any suggestions?

I'm kind of in a funk today anyway.  My class is having our 50th class reunion July 1st and I can't attend.  We have never had a reunion in all of these years and now I can't go!!  Why, you ask.  Because John and I are leaving on a 2 month RV trip in our Airstream Trailer June 27th.  We are headed to Camp Perry, Ohio again for his shooting competition.  We will be visiting friends along the way and when he is finished, we will go spend a few days with Dave and family.  I'm looking forward to that part but will miss not re-connecting with my classmates after all of these years.  I'm putting together a goodie bag to send to each of them and I'm going to include one of those cheap, disposable cameras.  I'm thinking that they will take lots of pictures for me and mail the cameras back so I can develop them and enjoy the moment that way.  I am planning a trip to Idaho next year sometime and hopefully will be able to connect with some of them at that time.  I love Idaho and there is so much beauty to be enjoyed there that I think it will be a great trip.

Here is a project that I'm working on.  I've been playing with these two pieces of sterling for weeks and just can't seem to come up with a good idea.  I think I am on the right track now and will be working with it some more tonight.  What do you think?  Any design ideas for me?

I am going to add silver balls along the right side of the oval where you see the black dots.  I am just trying to thing of some other way to connect the 2 pieces other than a jump ring......HELP

The silver was hand etched with a random pattern, but I see a coyote howling in the top piece and the swirl pattern is his tail - ok, maybe I have a big imagination but it looks like that to me:O)

Just received an email from a dear friend in Dayton, OH.  She already has a party planned for us when we arrive July 3/4.  We have several military friends in the area so it will be a good time.  Can't wait to see them.  I miss our military days.  We had a wonderful career and made the best friends in the world.  On a sadder note, I also received an email from John's secretary - when he was on active duty at Edwards AFB, CA - that another dear friend is in serious condition in the hospital.  No one seems to know what the problem is but she on a feeding tube and being given radiation.  It has something to do with her throat, and I hate to say this, but she has been a lifetime smoker.....Please say lots of prayers for her comfort and recovery.  I am just sick about this news;o(

Well, I guess I've rambled on long enough now, I need to refocus and get something done before it gets dark.  Thanks for reading and if you have a minute, I would love to have your feedback on this piece of mine.  Hugs to all.

It's Been a Long Dry Spell

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since my last post.  I will admit, I have been busy.  I got myself in over my head this spring and signed up for 4 art/mentoring courses.  I loved each and every one of them but really, there are only so many hours in a day.  I've always said that if we didn't require sleep and food, we'd have more time for the more fun things in life.  I know, eating can be fun, but let's face it, it can also take a lot of time to prepare, consume and clean up.

I mean, really, I'd rather be playing with fire-like in torch fired enamel.  This was one of the course I just completed.  Barbara Lewis and her fabulous book, Torch Fired Enamel just captivated me and I had to learn how to do it.  Here is her website:  http://www.paintingwithfireartwear.com.  Check it out, you will be glad you did:O)  Her class is online and it is well worth your time if you are interested in this sort of thing.  I personally love it and most recently placed an order to China for 16000 iron beads........did I say I LOVE it.  Well, I didn't realize how many beads I had ordered until the order had been submitted and I was a bit frazzled at first.  Once I told my torchy friends what I had done, they all placed orders with me.  You see, these beads are hard to come by in the states and if you do find them, they are expensive.  Whew, I think I might survive this online order yet:O)

Well, I have so much to tell you but it is late and I need to go get this sleep thing over with for another night.  Until I can figure out how to survive without it, I am forced to comply.

Cheers my little chickadees and thanks for stopping by.  Please leave me a little comment to make me feel like someone is reading my ramblings once in a while, I'd love you for it, really I would.

A Creative Blessing from Tonya Davidson

A Creative Blessing for You

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In my daily readings, this blessing came to me and I wanted to share with you.  It’s my goal to share the goodies in hopes that it makes someone else’s day more beautiful, joyful or inspiring.  

It is from Julia Cameron’s book of Blessings: Prayers and Declarations for a Heartful Life.

I recommend her book to you, with love.

“My creativity is an act of my soul.  I am rooted in the creativity of the entire universe.  

My dreams and desires are funded by divine power, intended to bring divine good and harmony into the world.  

As I lovingly act in the direction of my dreams, I help manifest the dreams and desires of those whom I meet along the way.  

My dreams prosper and encourage the dreams of others.  There is no competition, no devaluing of others to reach my goals.  

As I flower creatively, I give to others the gift of my example.  As I become larger and more magnificent, I am a show of the power of Spirit to make all of us fuller and more abundant.  There is in me only goodness, only grace.  

My creative dreams are blessings for the world.  As I bless others through my art and artfulness, others are encouraged to flower in return.  

We are a garden growing into glory.  I am a bloom whose glory brings beauty to all.

My dreams are important to the unfolding of the world.”

If you love it, please share with your Facebook friends, your email friends, your Twitter friends and don’t forget to leave me a comment!  Reaching out to you….

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About Tonya Davidson

Teacher, mentor and founder of the Artful Success Program as well as the CEO and founder of Whole Lotta Whimsy, a mixed media, jewelry tool and supply company.

View all posts by Tonya Davidson »

This entry was posted in Personal Growth and tagged art, blessings, creativity, divine power, gifts, Julia Cameron, spir

Social Networking

Social networking has become a full time job for most of us.  If you are trying to promote a business or just get your name "out there", you need to know how to do it in a clean and speedy manner.  Lisa Larter is the queen of social networking and she is offering, in addition to her three free videos, a webinar today to help make the job easier for those of us who are somewhat techni challenged;o)

Check her site out and make a reservation.  NOW.

http:www.LisaLarter.com for more details.

While browsing through my emails this morning, I found this bit of inspiration on a friends wall and wanted to share it with you


"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." — The Velveteen Rabbit

Always remember that it takes a long time to become Real so enjoy the journey and surround yourself with people who understand;o)

Have a beautiful, creative day and as always, much love from my heart to yours.

https://www.facebook.com/myartandmysoul4sure

https://www.facebook.com/therealsallyhoffman

https://twitter.com/#!/myartandmysoul

Sedona and Her Beautiful Red Rocks

We arrived here late Monday evening.  I don't like driving through Oak Creek Canyon at night.  It is very twisty and turny.  We got settled in our room after a fashion.  The first room they offered us was small and dark.  John asked for a better choice and this is the view from our deck!

Beautiful

The weather is cool and breezy but after the storm passed over, it is pure sunshine and calm today.  Here is what we watched from our room last night;o)

Yesterday, we walked around town and checked out all of the new shops.  I stopped a minute to talk to my friend and share some chocolate.  He was most generous as long as he was in control.

You meet the nicest people in Sedona;o)

We spent the remainder of the day relaxing and enjoying the beauty of this awesome land.  It is truly incredible and something everyone should experience at least once in their lives.  We try to come here often and never get tired of the scenery.  Stay tuned for more.

A Fashion Statement from Rena

I have been so busy lately setting up my website and traveling that I have sorely neglected my blog and I apologize.  I am sitting in beautiful Sedona, AZ at this very moment enjoying the natural beauty of the red rocks.  I wish you could all be here with me.

I am a big fan of Rena Klingenberg and her many publications for jewelers so today, I want to share one of her recent articles.  I will be featuring her in my blog regularly and I hope you enjoy and take advantage of her many wonderful ideas.

An Example of Wearing Jewelry that Contrasts with Your Clothes

by Rena Klingenberg on September 5, 2011

In the latest issue of my newsletter, I talked about wearing jewelry that contrasts with your clothes vs. jewelry that matches them.
I saw a perfect example of this a couple of days ago, when my mom and I were on an early-morning exercise walk in the mall.
These two mannequins in a store window kindly demonstrated the difference between jewelry that matches your outfit (on the left) and jewelry that contrasts with it (on the right):

Even though the gal on the left is wearing more jewelry (a double-strand necklace plus a bracelet and ring), you can hardly see her jewels at all.
Meanwhile, the fashion-savvy gal on the right wears just one piece of jewelry (a single-strand necklace), but it really makes a visual impact – even from farther away:

Now if only these two gals had good heads on their shoulders, the fashion-savvy one on the right could drop a hint to her friend on the left about accessorizing.

I love hearing from you so please post a big "hi and hello" to me if you like what I post;o)

Gathering of Friends

Tonight was a special treat.  We enjoyed a gathering of my husband's high school friends in North East, PA.  We haven't made it back for the last few reunions so it was nice to reconnect with everyone.  So many had suffered health issues, loss of a spouse, returning to the nest children/grandchildren, and just generally letting themselves become out of shape.  It is sad to see these things happen to your friends.  It makes it even more apparent to us that if we don't take care of our bodies, who will.  I have become one of those people.  I am out of shape and overweight and my goal is to take control of myself and become a healthier individual.  I am commited to becoming a healthier eater and more consistent exerciser.  I will write these goals down on paper and initial them every morning and night just so I am accountable to myself.  I have 4 grandchildren that I want to be around to watch grow up and enjoy their pleasures.  Watch out world, I am on the way to becoming a healthier, happier me and I will not let anything get in the way.

I am enjoying my Artful Success Program so much.  If you are interested in learning more about this fabulous opportunity, please check out this website for more information.

Artful Success Program



I have also taken advantage of the extra time while we are traveling to listen to the wonderful downloads from this program.  I pop my little ear buds in and close my eyes, concentrating ever so hard on all of the information that Tonya Davidson has spend mega hours co-ordinating for us.  She is a remarkable mentor and I seriously wonder if she ever sleeps:O)

Until tomorrow, remember this:

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
Pablo Picasso

As always my friends, nothing but love and creativity from my soul to yours

Life is full of adventures

Can't Wait to Make Music With My Friends

It has been awhile since we had a visit.  I have been on a road trip now for about six weeks.  John and I left Pinetop, AZ on July 1 and our first stop was Pie Town New Mexico, Americas Friendliest Little Town on The Great Divide.  It's All Downhill From Here- literally.  We had lunch at the famous Pie Town Cafe.   

From here, we toddled on down the road to Tucumcari where we spent the night.  It was a beautiful day, weather was perfect and traffic was light on the interstate.  It was a long 10 hours of traveling, but the scenery was great and we had the first day of travel under our belts. 

Until tomorrow, from my soul to yours, nothing but love. 

A Work In Progress: SEND A FRIEND GIVEAWAY!

A Work In Progress: SEND A FRIEND GIVEAWAY!: "I'm giving away these two hand sculpted copper metal clay and semi-precious stone necklaces to TWO lucky ducks. All you have to do is get a ..."

Check out her beautiful jewelry and enter us in the most wonderful giveaway I've ever seen. Good luck.

A Stitch in Time.......

I've been away for a few days.  John and I took a trip to Sedona via our mountain home in Pinetop,Az.  Some good friends of ours were visiting from Georgia and we wanted to spend a few days with them.  Had a wonderful trip.  The weather couldn't have been nicer and we enjoyed our dear friends as always.

We returned to Green Valley tonight and I was checking my messages on the computer and I had one from ArtFire informing me that I had been selected by a fellow artisan to appear in one of her collections.  That is such an honor because as any of you that participate in these online shops know, there are millions to choose from.  I posted it here on my blog for you to check out.  It is on the sidebar so please check it out and let the artists included know that you saw their work.

I'm off to finish unpacking and get ready for the next few days.  Hugs to all of you and have a great evening;o) 

No Need for Twist Ties & Popsicle Sticks Just Yet!

Can you afford to still make jewelry? Will anyone buy it?

I'm sure you've given some thought to the market price and how it's effecting the price of your pieces and whether you sell them or not. Worry not. It's not yet time to bring out the craft sticks and twist ties.
A burning question I hear more and more often, is whether or not someone can afford to use metal clay. Yes you can!
I happen to love math. Yes, that's probably why I'm in business, right? I confess, I am a bean counter. I have to do price comparison shopping at least once a day and often more.
So I thought I'd do a quick little comparison for you of silver and it's pricing.
A 25gm pack of PMC3 is today $ 2.24 per gram (retail). Art Clay is $2.50 per gram retail. Remember PMC is net weight and AC is gross weight (27.8 vs 20gm)
If you make a pendant about the size of a nickel you are going to use roughly 7grams. That's about $15.64 for material costs.
On April 30th, 2009 PMC 25gm retail price was $1.32 per gram ($12.63 market) and 7 grams would have cost $9.24. Then over the proceeding year silver increased and on April 30th, 2010 the PMC retail was $1.50 per gram ($18.62 market) and 7 grams would have cost $10.46.
Over the last year, the price of your materials has increased $5.18. I think that it's safe to say you can still markup that pendant $12 and it won't change your market that considerably. Might you lose a few customers by charging $62 versus $50 for that pendant? Sure, but I'm guessing that you can gain customers too by changing many things in your work and branding.
Could you take a few new classes to learn to use a tool or technique that can lessen your labor cost (which is your highest cost), can you learn to combine materials to lower your cost of goods, can you find ways to trim other costs (overhead) that actually cost you more?
It's simply a marketing problem. Everything in life is a marketing problem. How can you sell this highly valued material without being "salesy" but conveying the worth, the benefits and the sense of urgency (handmade, OAK) that your customer will buy it?
It's all perspective. It's all strategy. Don't let the market keep you from buying materials. Let it encourage you to become a better artist by using your materials wisely, being a better marketer, and a better business person!

Teacher, mentor, artist and founder of The Artful Success Program, Tonya Davidson helps artists take their techniques and business skills to the next level. As the CEO and founder of Whole Lotta Whimsy she has passionately empowered artists to live creatively from the inside out. Her ezine goes out to over 11,000 subscribers. Create the life you love by subscribing to her free ezine at https://webmail.west.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.wholelottawhimsy.com%252Fwo%252Fcontent%252Fnewsletter. Be sure to check out her blog at https://webmail.west.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.tonyadavidson.com%252F for FREE tutorials and articles.

Thanks so much Tonya for this helpful information.

Be sure to check out my ArtFire Studio:

http://www.artfire.com/users/MyArtandMySoul

TED DEGRAZIA

The son of Italian immigrants, Ettore DeGrazia was born June 14, 1909, in the Morenci mining camp of Territorial Arizona. His early childhood experiences in the ethnically diverse community evolved into a lifelong appreciation of native cultures in the Sonoran Desert and a passion to create art depicting their lives and lore.

After the Phelps Dodge mine closed in 1920, DeGrazia was introduced to his parent's hometown when they moved their seven children to the Calabria region of Italy. The family returned to Morenci when the mine reopened five years later. Enrolling again in the first grade to relearn English, DeGrazia–nicknamed Ted by a schoolteacher–graduated from Morenci High School when he was 23 years old. By then he was an accomplished trumpeter who performed with family and friends.

After working briefly in the mine, DeGrazia hitched a ride to Tucson with his trumpet and $15 in his pocket. He enrolled at the University of Arizona in 1933, where he supported himself planting trees on campus by day and leading a big band at night. During one performance he met Alexandra, the daughter of Fox Theater owner Nicholas Diamos. They wed in 1936 and moved to Bisbee so DeGrazia could manage the Lyric Theater there, also owned by the Diamos family. The couple had three children during this time but divorced in 1946.

To learn more about this talented artist please check the website: http://www.degrazia.org/

I have loved and admired this man for as long as I can remember.  My mother was a needlepoint artist and worked on many of his creations.  I am fortunate to have many of them hanging in my home.  I have collected a few of his prints which he was gracious enough to autograph for me many years ago.  If you are not familiar with him, you will recognize his art when you check out his website.  He was a very generous and giving man.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun sponsors events throughout the year, including rotating exhibitions of original DeGrazia art, the annual fall opening of the Little Gallery to showcase visiting artists, and La Fiesta de Guadalupe every December.

My partner and I have been invited to be one of the visiting artists this December!!!  Am I excited you ask......OMG.  Ted DeGrazia had a passion for music and art that is still felt within the walls of his studio.  We will be exhibiting in his studio, the little studio with only a small fireplace for heat.  I am so excited that I am still in a fog.  I will keep you posted and wish me luck.  We will be there for ten (10) days from December 18-30.  What a magical christmas this will be for me---wow.

Good night my friends and from my soul to yours - nothing but love.

Check Out My New Diggs

Good day my little chickadees.  I know, it has been quite some time since I last blogged.  The truth is, I have been very busy setting up my new shop on ArtFire.  I still have my etsy shop but felt I needed a change.  Please drop in and check out my new diggs;o)

http://www.MyArtandMySoul.artfire.com


I must leave you now and get back to work on my new shop.  Please let me know what you think.  I will be hosting a huge sale along with a give away soon so stay posted and be sure to leave me a comment of support or give me suggestions as to how I can improve......I welcome your ideas and good words.  Perhaps my banner is too pink (I think so and am planning to change it later today) or my descriptions not exact enough.  Whatever you think, I welcome you;o)

From my soul to yours, mwaaaah!!

As You Grow Up

We were visiting our family last Thanksgiving and I spotted this sign in a quaint shop in Nevada City, CA. As I stood there and read it over and over I became so aware of life and how very fragile it is. We are not in control of our own destiny, only God is. We need to be reminded daily of how temporary this  life on earth is and make that special effort to hug someone we love, dance like no one is watching and love life to the fullest - we only go around once. Be happy and love yourself for what you are. Bloom where you are planted and always be thankful for every breath you take. I love you one and all.

My Newest Copper Bracelet Creation

I've been working on a favorite bracelet design this past week and today it all came together.  I'll post some pictures and maybe you can get an idea of what it looks like.  I love creating with cold connections because the designs seem to develop on the table.  I always start out with a plan and cut the base pieces and what happens after that is just usually a pleasant surprise.  Here is a look at this surprise.

The toggle clasp is hand forged by me

The piece on the left is acid etched and the piece in the middle is stamped and then the adornments are added

This toggle is cut out of a circle disk then the center is cut out and the remainder is stamped.  Difficult to see that in this picture.

Some of the pieces are etched and some are stamped but they all have little added pieces that give each one of them their own distinct personality.  I am really happy with the way this one turned out.   I'm sorry that the pictures aren't better but I'm working on that all of the time.  Thanks for looking.

What do you think??