Altered Arts E-magazine

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Inspiration..finding It

Lately, I have been very elusive and working on my art from many different locations. I was having some problems with concentration and not using all of the creative avenues available. I seemed to be focused on just the everyday worrisome events. I finally realized the pressures and worries were actually providing me with the inspiration I needed, but did not recognize. Lesson learned, when you are down, look UP! or around you, and find the needed "ump" to get back to the art process. I found this picture below and decided that it was a perfect portrayal of me!

When I started working on some simple techniques to boost the muse, I began to really create again, and I think I have done some of my most satisfying creations. I joined some swaps and cranked them out in record time. I finished a deco book and began work on a new studio space. I also worked on future artwork for Altered Arts magazine, took care of my 2 perfect and adorable grandchildren, and got the wonderful news that my oldest daughter's health issues seemed to be subsiding. Now that I am home from my 3 week visit behind the Redwood Curtain, as I like to call Humboldt County, I hope to get even more inspiration from the sheer joy of being back among my favorite art supplies which offer me comfort and security.

It's Spring!

Can the weather in Southern California be any nicer? I feel so lucky to be able to work outdoors again! It definitely is making my muse happy and I find myself paralyzed with projects! I seem to be chasing myself into a small tight circle having 3 projects working at the same time! I am wishing all of you a warm and wonderful holiday weekend...Robin

Research and Development

I have recently rejoined the ISABA, and I am doing a little research and development for a company who is asking questions regarding altered book artists. I was wondering if you could give me your general opinion on a couple of questions.

1. How many altered book artists do you think there are in the USA? Canada? Europe? Asia?

2. Do you think that, in general, altered artists have been neglected by the arts and crafts companies; specifically, is there a need for direct marketing with tools and such that are made with book artists and crafters in mind; items to ease the work of making your projects?

Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Robin

Arts de Mer Cruise-Making Trades

Well, here they are ... our costumes, my trades, and my class sample for the cruise this weekend! Whew! I had to make 80 trades; that usually is enough to send me to the edge, however this year I was asked to be a headline teacher as well! I am so honored to be doing this and hope that I do not pale too terribly alongside the wonderful MaryJo McGraw, Tim Holtz, and Terry Tyson!

Every year we have a theme and in the past, we searched for artful treasures (pirates), The Queen of Arts, Mardi Gras; you get the idea. Well, a few years ago my friend and I decided to make a themed costume and BOY! did we start something! Now it is expected! SO the 4 of us in our little So Cal Group are going as bingo cards! (We lost our 5th player due to a new baby arriving in her family any day now.) We have one of those invisible dogs on a leash to be our little bingo dog! I will post pictures of that later!


My trades are altered Rummikub pieces and are pins! I had a lot of fun making them as I changed them up and did not get tired of making them!

So wish me luck and enjoy these pre-cruise pictures! Thanks to Cyndi Duncan for her donation of past issues of the Altered Arts magazine!

Bon Voyage! Robin Knutson

New Challenge

OK, Jeni has challenged us to take something we have that is crying out to be used and make art with it! Ok, so now I will have to pick from many of those things that are not crying, but are screaming at me to use them! Anyone else up to the challenge? ROBIN

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PACKING TAPE TRANSFERS

WOW! I am so happy to have had so many positive responses to my ATCs! Thanks to everyone who emailed me! Here are the instructions for the transfer technique.

Choose image and cut out leaving a small 1/8 to 1/16 edge around it.
Cover with clear packing tape and burnish, especially if the image is large and you have to have a seam.
Trim tape to cover just the cut out image with the 1/8-1/16th edge.
Immerse in water for about 1-2 mins.
Remove when the paper backing is wet. Sometimes the image begins to curl up.
Gently rub the paper backing off of the image. Be sure not to rub too hard or all of the image will be removed.
Having some of the image rubbed off will enhance the background you place the image onto. A little of the background will look cool coming through the image.
Let piece dry completely.
Adhere to the ATC or art piece with clear double sided adhesive of your choice.

Till Next Time ROBIN