Geri's Creations from the Stolen Moments Studio

The Ants Go Marching...

2011-02-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Claire's Birthday Party

2010-05-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Asian Swap Artist Trading Cards

2010-02-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

Just finished the ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) for a swap related to the Asian New Year. I decided to make them all different this time (I typically make ATCs for a swap all the same). Some of these I like better than others. Plus, I made an extra that I can keep for myself... not sure which one I want though :)

The backgrounds of all the cards are the same - I used a Korean text wrapping paper (from a gift from one of our Korean "daughters." On top of that I included bird and foliage images cut from Japanese rice paper napkins that are very delicate.

Year of the Tiger - 2010, I used the tiger from a Chinese "red envelope" that Claire got at school as one of her classmates shared her Chinese heritage.

I like this ATC a lot, even though it is not complex in its design. The dragon comes from some cool wrapping paper I have used in other artwork. The tassel is Korean and one we purchased when in Korea.

For this card I used "sea glass" found on Milwaukee area beaches on our annual Father's Day walk on the beach. Although not Asian (I wonder if sea glass washes up on Asian beaches too), the green color was a nice complement to the bird picture and adds some dimension to the card.

Seol Nal - Korean Lunar New Year 2010 - Year of the Tiger

2010-02-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

Here is the annual picture from the Seol Nal - the Korean Lunar New Year Celebration our Korean adoptive family event. Claire is wearing a new hanbok this year, as her "baby" one didn't fit any longer. Jaden will need to get a new one next year.

The kids enjoyed the various crafts and activities - as always. Here they are making spinning tops.

The kids and I, posing in front of a beautiful tiger painting done by one of Mrs. Min's friends, just for this occasion.

Beauty in a Snowstorm

2010-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of a winter storm warning- 24 hours, 12 inches. Saw this little guy watching me, very resplendent surrounded by the white snow.

Valentine Swap

2010-02-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Here is the valentine I created for a swap. Looking forward to getting one back that was made by another artist. I'm not overly pleased with mine. There were a number of requirements: a button sewn on, doily, lace, use of the color red, addition of music/notes.

New Photos of the Family

2010-01-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Jaden participated in his first Boy Scout Pinewood Derby Car race this past week. Jim and him took weeks in making this beautiful car that won 3rd place overall out of 34 boys and their creative cars. We were so proud of him (and Jim) for the work he did. Grandma and Grandpa came and cheered him on as well.

Claire and me at the Milwaukee Admiral game on Friday. We went along with Jaden and Jim and his cub scout troop. Even though it was mostly the boys and their dads, Claire and I had a fun time. You also get to see Claire's new haircut. She had been begging for bangs for months. Finally we had them cut and we all think she looks so cute (and older too)!
Jim and I went to the American Club this past weekend, in Kohler, WI. It was a Christmas present I gave to him - a "five diamond rated hotel" in WI. We had a fantastic time. The grandparents stayed with the kids and we enjoyed time together, just the two of us. This picture is of us at breakfast - didn't think you'd want to see the picture of us in our robes and slippers in the cool Kohler designed bathroom with whirlpool and heated towel bar - even though it is cute too :)

Holiday Jammies

2010-01-06T15:47:00.001-08:00

Couldn't Resist Posting

2009-11-12T10:11:00.001-08:00

This is a picture Jaden recently brought home from school. He said it was from kindergarten. Maybe it was something his last year teacher found and sent home with him. However it got it home now, I was tickled when I saw it. The translation for the words... "I want to go upnorth." It was nice to see his plans for the summer and that he loves upnorth-the place we go for a week each summer. The two main components of the picture (besides his family) are the cottage and the fire pit AND the wood wagon we use to get the firewood from the woodpile down the hill to the pit. How cute is this that he included this! The yellow light is coming from a big round sun that didn't scan. But I loved how the sun goes into the house and illuminates it as evidenced by the yellow in the windows! This picture provided a little light into who he is and what he loves. I love it.

Making Salsa

2009-09-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

My wonderful gardnerer neighbor Bob, gave me a load of his beautiful tomatoes - all kinds and colors. To use these ripe little guys before the fruit flies overtook them, I made salsa. Here is the process...

First, the tomatoes - lemon boy, green, red plum and lovely orange. Fresh flat leaf parsley and a bit of fresh basil.

The tomatoes, cut up and oh so beautiful...

All the ingredients mixed in - including garlic, a bit of onion and a splash of fresh lime juice.

Delicious.

101 Posts and Latest Korean Drama I'm Watching

2009-06-23T12:05:00.001-07:00

I now have 101 posts on this blog! Kind of a celebration, I think.

I am watching a Korean drama online (no more buying these expensive DVDs any longer!) now that I have found a site where I can see so many! This one has my favorite Korean actor/singer - Rain or Bi. He is so young in it. It is called, Let's go to school. I like that the episodes are broken down into 2 or 3 sections of about 20 minutes each. Just enough - during lunch break or for a short mid afternoon break!

Our Korean Daughters - All Grown Up

2009-05-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture Kyung-Yeon sent from Korea. It shows our three lovely (and oh so missed) Korean daughters. Yoona, Kyung-Yeon and Eun Yeong!

Me and My Kids

2009-05-22T15:39:00.001-07:00

Jim and the kids took me out for brunch downtown on Mother's Day. Here is a picture from that day. A nice one of me and the kidlets!

Our Ballerina

2009-05-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Ballerina

Silly Ballerina

Easter Blessings

2009-04-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter yesterday. It was low key, as planned. The kids were up by 6:30, anxious to see if the Easter Bunny had come. He even put some eggs with candy in them upstairs and in the bathroom so of course the kids found them as soon as they were up. J peeked in the tub and found his Easter basket right off the bat.

C was so excited running around the house loudly yelling. We got it on video. It was fun watching the kids' excitement. Had dyed hard boiled eggs for a quick breakfast.

We went to church - a beautiful service with trombones and trumpets and great hymns. Beautiful flowers at the altar - I had donated in memory of my my parents - after the service the bouquets were broken apart and we all could take some of the flowers home - our kitchen table has a vase of pussy willow, tulips, Easter lilies and yellow forsythia. Gorgeous.

Since we were all dressed up so nice (C with an Easter bonnet and matching purse) we took a family picture in the yard. The sun was gorgeous with a cold nip in the air - not even 50 degrees.

We went to the park and played ball, frisbee and climbed on the playground equipment. It was fun and good exercise for us all! Afterwards at 2:00 we had our "brunch" of Jim's awesome french toast, bacon minus nitrites and a fresh fruit salad. J then said, "I want to go outside." So we played outside in the front yard (the kids pulled out all the outside toys, including the croquet set we got Jim for father's day last year) for the rest of the afternoon - about 2 hours. Warm in the sun and everyone was happy! (Surprising since they were up so early and C didn't have her regular nap.)

At about 7:00 we watched the new DVD J got from the Easter bunny - Bolt. It was really cute. About half way through C began to lose it... she was so tired. We had popcorn (dinner) and were lucky to finish the movie and drag the kids to bed exhausted.

It was a great family day - laid back and fun, just as I had imagined it would be. I am glad we had the day together, just us. It was really special.

Some pics from coloring easter eggs the day before... tie dyed!

Weekend Getaway

2009-03-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Spent a few days at a waterpark with our good friends. The kids all get along swimmingly (pardon the pun). Here they are mugging it up for the camera.

Trip to Phoenix

2009-03-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Returned last week from a few days in Phoenix for the IRA (International Reading Association) conference. I presented on one day about altered books. Jim came along with me. It was our first trip alone since before we had kids, 6 years ago. It was a nice stress-free trip to a warm (85 degrees) place. Here are a couple of pictures.

Clean Eating

2009-02-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

Been eating clean since the beginning of January. Here are some photos of food that I have made for dinners since then. All are officially clean! I've not been hungry at all eating clean - We all are feeling and looking better from this new lifestyle change!
First up - Polenta with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach, Baked zucchini strips with parmesan cheese and French Onion soup.

Yummy Pizza with tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, black olives on an organic wheat crust.

Baked tilapia on a spinach, strawberry, pine nut salad. Mini bow tie pasta with peas, carrots and corn and steamed broccoli.

Korean Lunar New Year

2009-02-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Our family, celebrating Korean Lunar New Year - January 2009

IVLA Upcoming

2008-10-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for my presentation at the International Visual Literacy Association Conference in a few weeks. Spending time putting together my powerpoint with my students' and past students' altered books. Great motivation to keep creative myself everyday!

This is a page from my student Mark's altered book - he describes what many people need to get over when beginning to alter books - or even consider the notion. Love it.

Busy Busy Summer - Now School Begins

2008-09-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe summer is already over and school has begun. Here are the kids - the boy's first day at five year old kindergarten. Excited, nervous, anxious. The little girl back to the daycare, preschool, new teacher. Excited, confident and happy.

Little Girl - Almost 3

2008-05-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

In about a week our little girl turns 3. Both hard and easy to believe, all at once. She seems much older than 3 already. She thinks she is ready to get on the kindergarten bus with her brother in the fall - and I think she'd do pretty good academically. Thought this was a cute picture of her watching Dora the Explorer in her jammies. Such a beautiful little girl, isn't she?

New ATCs - "Time" Swap

2008-04-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

I finished 9 ATCs for a swap. All are a bit different, only in the photo I've used. Otherwise, the techniques are the same. I began with a background of tissue paper with clocks on it. Patterned paper on the left, swiped with brown ink. The ornate embellished "arch" is from a brown frame I cut apart to make at least 9 parts. Vellum vintage photo. Embossed stamp with words. Lastly - the finishing touch - tiny watch parts.

First day of Spring - Weather Warning!

2008-03-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love the weather alert I received today... especially the line that reads, "A winter storm warning is in effect - heavy snow (6 - 9 inches), sleet, freezing rain - to combine with strong winds ...to cause major impacts to society."

Funny - I think it the major impact it will have on society here in the Midwest will be squashing our morale and thoughts of the weather warming up and spring REALLY coming!

Baggie Swap ATCs from Others

2008-03-20T12:51:00.001-07:00

The ATCs from the swap I was involved with have arrived. They really are cool. I love seeing what others have done with my "stuff." I especially love the "WILD" atc - very clever use of the stuff I sent. Cool to think that the leaves are from an old placemat I loved and the animal print wrapping paper came from Julie on a present. The "Tea" atc lower right is very similar to the one I created for this person. We both used the tea flower, words and heart clip similarly. We even used a similar color scheme. Very fun and a big thank you goes out to all the women who made these: Alison, Caroline in CA, Jenny in TX and Judy.

ATC Baggie Swap

2008-03-08T15:11:00.001-08:00

Here are the ATCs I created for the baggie swap. Looking forward to getting the ATCs made with my own materials I sent. Will post those when they arrive.

One World One Heart Winners

2008-02-19T11:40:00.001-08:00

We have two winners:
Rita and Geri
** Still waiting for Geri to contact me so I can send out the ATC! Congratulations

New ATCs

2008-02-01T20:15:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed some stolen moments this evening and created some ATCs.
This ATC is titled, "On Strike."
My Bird Series (thinking of spring)

One World One Heart

2008-01-31T12:57:00.001-08:00

I am a participant in the One World, One Heart Blog Giveaway. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am giving away an Asian ATC I created. There will be two lucky winners. Please leave a comment and I will pick two winners on February 14.

Please check out the rest of my work on my blog - just click on the header. I've recently made some new ATCs. Thanks for looking.

Baggie Swap

2008-01-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

Joined an ATC yahoo group that does a lot of swaps. I just joined a "baggie swap" where you put four things in four baggies for someone else to use to create and ATC. Then you get four ATCs back, using the stuff you sent. Love it. Here are two of the baggies I am sending. Includes such things as: animal print wrapping paper, botanical print napkins, silver stars, fibers, netting "paper" small, flat rocks, feathers, fabric leaves cut from an old placement, etc. Looking forward to seeing what someone does with my "stuff." Had fun filling the bags. Looking forward to seeing what I get to create from someone else's stuff.

Art Doll

2008-01-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

Feeling in a funk this morning and didn't want to do scholarly work. But my studio was calling and I thought I'd enter, guilt free. I pulled out the materials I've been saving for quite a while to begin an altered book on my literacy... something I've had students create in the past, but never did myself. Well, I have a start... I chose a book and began preparing it - taking out pages, gessoing pages.

I also made an art doll focused on my literacy - been wanting to do this for a long time. She is done. Isn't she great? I think I could get into making art dolls. She will go in my altered book.

{Snow Day - December 28, 2007}

2007-12-31T08:21:00.000-08:00

Holiday Pictures

2007-12-31T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some highlights of the holiday:

Christmas - The kids always pose with Grandma's Santa to see how much they have grown since the previous year. Both now tower over him!

Here is the delicious Christmas morning brunch we had. 2 different egg dishes (a la' Peg), Potato Parmesan Pave (a la' me), Salad, Coffee Cake. Beautiful plate.

We also had Eun Yeong spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with us. It was nice to have her. She now is in Korea spending the break with her family.

Studio Friday - 7 Random Facts about My Studio Habits

2007-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

Stolen Moments Studio

1. Pieces of my creative past - This little guy is something I made in kindergarten that sat in my dad's office at work all his years. When he passed away a few years ago, this creation finally came back to me. I love that my dad kept this among his things at work.

2. I always have something piled on my studio table. Sometimes it is art related, often it is clean laundry that needs to be put away. Chester, my cat, climbs on my table every night in the middle of the night and purposely bats at things to try to wake me up. (My studio is in the corner of our bedroom.) It would be best to have it cleaned off all the time so he can't do this to me, but this is near impossible.

3. My Mom - I have a photo of my mom on my shelf above my table. She was the one who helped me to free my creative spirit. I miss her and love that she watches over me here.

4. I use materials from passed on loved ones in my artwork. Here is my Mom's button box that I remember fondly from when I was a child. The little box of "oddities" contain all kinds of things I didn't know where to put, so this box contains them. Many of the things inside come from my husband's grandma's craft stash that I happily helped to pilfer (er, I mean clean out).

5. This is my official sign that I made that hangs in my studio. It is not the most eye appealing to me and it took me many months to finally complete it. This will stay until I get a better idea.

6. I love to be organized - but things don't always work out that way. Here is a peek into one of my drawers, but also you will see the piles of stuff that lay on the floor that need a place to go. I would love to stay on top of putting things away instead of having this PILE that never seems to go away.

7. Random Studio Habit 7 - I so hate to admit it, but I am thoroughly challenged to find any moments lately to work creatively. This frustrates me so. Hopefully I can get back soon.

Kim Bap - Korean Sushi

2007-11-20T17:39:00.001-08:00

Can you believe I helped to make this beautiful Kim Bap?? For the international potluck at the College, our current Korean daughter, Eun Yeong and her friend (Kyung Hee) and I made these to take along. I have to say that they were the best Kim Bap I have ever eaten.

Here is Eun Yeong (on the right) and Kyung Hee (she calls herself Willy) in their hanboks at the dinner. J and C wore their hanboks too.

Inspiration for Daily Living

2007-10-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Love this song and lyrics!

YouTube Video

We Live by Superchick

There's a cross on the side of the road
Where a mother lost a son
How could she know that the morning he left
Would be their last time she'd trade with him for a little more time
So she could say she loved him one more time
And hold him tight
But with life we never know
When we're coming up to the end of the road
So what do we do then
With tragedy around the bend?

Chorus:
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love

There is a man who waits for the tests
To see if the cancer has spread yet
And now he asks, "So why did I wait to live till it was time to die?"
If I could have the time back how I'd live
Life is such a gift
So how does the story end?
Well this is your story and it all depends
So don't let it become true
Get out and do what we are meant to do

Chorus

Waking up to another dark morning
People are mourning
The weather in life outside is storming
But what would it take for the clouds to break
For us to realize each day is a gift somehow, someway
So get our heads up out of the darkness
And spark this new mindset and start to live life cuz it ain't gone yet
And tragedy is a reminder to take off the blinders
And wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up
Moving forward with all our heads up cuz life is worth living Chorus (to fade)

Baby Me

2007-10-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Was cleaning things out and found this baby picture of me... one of the only "baby" pictures I have. Thought I better scan it and keep a copy on my computer. And why not share it with the world too ! Aren't I cute?

Horsey Ride Dad

2007-10-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Picture taken late summer upnorth during our yearly week-long trip to relax and hang out. The kids loved making Daddy give them a "hersey ride, dadda"!

Update on kids

2007-10-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Two recent pictures of the kids. Both adorable. J and his friend S, both with their identical fish even though S's fish is like new, and J's fish is chewed on, dirty and well loved. The picture of C is her sitting on a chair in the garage, trying to escape our neighbor's new puppy Rudy who she is afraid of. She just doesn't know how cute she is - the little lady with her purse and hat.

First ATC and First Swap

2007-09-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

I made my first ever artist trading cards! I saw a swap with an Asian theme and knew this was a great thing for me with my asian interest and my many asian related materials I collect. Here are the results. I made 11 cards that are almost identical - a few variations here and there. I'll send them out this next week and get new ones from other artists. I like the way these turned out.

Background - asian themed napkin (bamboo)
Origami paper (red and green)
Mesh like "paper" from Loose Ends
Leaves that fell from my neighbor's tree
Off white Korean writing - from a tea bag - "Korean traditional tea"
Seed beads

Finally Another Post

2007-09-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Finally stealing a moment to update my blog. Wish I spent more time on it, documenting the important moments. Maybe now that I have a new job and seemingly a bit more "free" time. Hard to believe a new full time job will allow me to have some me time, but that is exactly how it sounds it will be. Back to my artwork... need to get the inspiration flowing. This photo is our boy on our summer vacation in a park by a lake in a small town. Loved the tree, J loved the freedom of bike riding like a madman!

How He Has Grown

2007-07-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Awesome picture that Jim took of our boy! Four years old and getting so big - he is so adorable and is beginning to know it I think. Had to post this and brag of his cuteness.

Bathroom Vignette

2007-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is a view of one of the walls in our tiny, tiny powder room right off the kitchen. All the pieces here have significance. Although the room is small, it is decked out in things that speak to me.

The paint color is "Stone" - I love the color and name. The shelf I painted myself years ago after we had the bathroom redone. I used green acrylic paint and wiped on some gold paint. To make a towel holder, I attached two hooks which you can't see well from this photo - but a gold beaded tassel hangs from one hook and the handtowel from the other.

The hanging clay piece of artwork has wheat sheaths embedded and pulled out to leave an impression. Jim and I bought this piece years ago at the Cedarburg Wine Harvest Festival - a yearly event for us. I love the naturalness of this piece. The topiary came from my brother in law many years ago at Christmas. He had it decorated in a holiday theme, but I dismantled it and attached many, many paper rose heads and leaves.

The wire basket includes a variety of pears made from natural items - not all of them identifiable to me. I think I bought them at Pier 1. The natural feel of this vignette in my bathroom is very calming to me. I'll have to post a picture of the leaf print/poster I made based on a project I saw in Martha Stewart Magazine years ago that hangs opposite of this vignette.

Paper Beads

2007-07-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted anything here... but have been on a bit of a creative run. I tried out a "new" craft - paper beads. I read about them in Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine I now get in addition to Somerset Studio, as well as saw a tutorial online at Go Make Something. Here is my first run - using a decorated paper of a neutral pattern and color. I added some glitter glue, stamp pad ink and some wire. I added a few extras as well.

Take a look at the bluish bead near the top center that is wrapped with turquoise wire. Do you see the blue bits of things that are embedded in the UTEE? These are fragments of a robin's egg that my kids and I found in our yard. I'll have to use this bead on a bird themed piece of my artwork.

Here is what the beads looked like before I used UTEE on them to make them "bead-like." Very easy to do this stage - and fun. I'm not as excited about adding the UTEE, because I was trying too hard to be perfect, and this medium does not allow it when you add many layers of the goopy stuff. Overall, a fun project and one I think I may use often to add a personal embellishment to my work.

Bi - Rain

2007-06-11T11:08:00.001-07:00

My husband and I have been watching this fun Korean drama - Full House that I bought online. Of course it is English subtitled. The two main characters are so cute and funny - this is the male character Young-Jae. He is an actor and singer and famous in Korea and calls himself Bi or "Rain." Is it wrong for a 40 year old woman to think such a young guy as this is HOT!! I wonder if my Korean son will be as handsome as this young man.

2007-06-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day

2007-05-11T17:38:00.001-07:00

Define yourself by who you are, not the roles you play.

Appropriate today - I need to focus on who I am, not the roles I play. I am a mom and a teacher, but who says I need to be a college professor anymore? Can't I just be a teacher in other ways and find satisfaction as well? Can't I teach altered books and feel the highs I teach when teaching teachers to be? I need to focus on this.

Spring Perspective Journal

2007-04-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

I decided to finally do something with the children's book on "perspective" that I have had for a while. I love the size and square shape and the pictures are all about how you look at something. Why not use it as a journal for spring - it's short and with spring just peeking out, I have myself a new project! Something that will have an "end." So here is the front cover and the back cover.

I like the cover because it includes part of a discarded book jacket from a children's book, "Seeds and Leaves." It is from the book my Auntie Joan used when I taught her how to "do" altered books. She had me keep the jacket - as she quoted me, "Keep everything - you never know what you will use with your altered books." And I did - it was the perfect starting point for my journal. Also layered on is printed tissue paper and some "garden" ribbon from the $1.00 rack at Michaels. Rub ons used for the title.

The back cover includes some "scrap" paper I used for a scrapbook page ions ago and a great leaf cut from a magazine. I just don't use magazine pictures enough - there are some great things that can be had.

The inside of the book is altered as well, ready for my journaling - which I did start this week. Maybe will post some of those spreads when the writing is done.

My Gang - How I Love Them

2007-04-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

These are the kidlets and Daddy. This picture taken as they were eating string cheese. What a cute bunch, hey?

The NO TRAINING WHEEL bike King!

2007-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, J has now conquered the "no training wheel" step in his life. One day last week he asked Daddy to take off his training wheels. Lo and behold, with just a few times up and down the street to catch him if he fell, off he went, all on his own. He has awesome balance. Just as these pictures show, he is proud as punch! The first picture shows him wearing bunny ears he made at school - as it was right before easter. He just turned 4 only a few weeks ago and LOOK AT OUR BIG BOY! Very exciting.

Spring Thinking

2007-04-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

A fresh day, lots of rain and water in basement. But the buds are on the trees and daffidils are sprouting everywhere. Spring brings such a newness. This "mental health" day has turned out to be very cathartic for me.

A picture of the cool dude on his skateboard on his birthday. Will need to get a picture of him riding his bike without training wheels! That is his big accomplishment - just four years old and riding like a pro!

:: Quote::

2007-03-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Do not act as if you had a thousand years to live.
-Marcus Aurelius

eVer HAd a DAy LiKe tHiS?

2007-03-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

Three More Books Read - Cards Finished

2007-03-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

I've finished three more books and finally have gotten around to making the cards to document my reading. I definitely have not had time to be as fancy as my first few cards, however, I AM making the cards so that is good. I'm trying to make the fronts a bit more decorative and give a picture into the book themes a bit.

Princess June is an adult novel that I enjoyed quite a bit. I read this for the Korean book club and unfortunately not enough of us read it completely to have a good discussion. Kira Kira (Newbery Medal winner last year, I believe) I listened to on tape in my car over a period of two weeks. Really enjoy books on tape. Even if I only get to listen to a few minutes each time, I love to "live" the lives of the characters throughout my day.

The Best Bad Thing is a book by Yoshiko Uchida, one of the Asian American authors I am writing about for the encyclopedia entries I signed on to do - I really must get to the writing part! I've been enjoying her books, as I do of many of the Asian children's book writers.

Card Generator

2007-02-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

Great new website that I can see myself using all the time. Love the look. Catalog Card Generator. This was our breakfast conversation. I wasn't awake enough for it, but think I answered his question pretty good. His response to my answer - "So I pushed out like poopy?" How do you answer that??

2007-02-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

I feel the "need" to create - especially on weekends when I have a chance to breathe. Kids napping, sun shining, a day with nothing that really HAS to be done (except pay bills, do the dishes, do the laundry, walk the dog, begin my entries for the Asian encylopedia...) and I stole away for a while in the stolen moments studio - more like a couple of hours!

I made good on my new year's resolution to do more scrapbooking of our families memories - after a few minutes with altered booking :) I am proud to say that I made 3 new scrapbook pages - 2 of J and 1 of the family on father's day 2004 biking. Feels good. Off to do the things I don't HAVE to do, but really need to for the sake of a happy, healthy family.

Oh, and the "g" is my playing around with a photo program of a letter from a scrapbook paper that has the entire alphabet.

Orange Leaf

2007-02-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is an orange leaf, nestled among the pine needles on the ground - upnorth, Wisconsin 2006.

* Happy Valentine's Day *

2007-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day - Red Velvet Cupcakes. Why cupcakes? I ask myself that question too. There seems to be a cupcake craze lately, don't know why.

Mourning the Loss of His Friend

2007-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is Lewis - my dog.

This week his friend Mickey, the sweetest Sheltie, had to be put down. He was having medical problems and was over 15 years old. Mickey was the neighbor's dog and the best dog anyone could imagine. We all will miss him - especially Lewis, as Mickey was his first and best dog friend.

Studio Friday - Artist I Admire

2007-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

This week's Studio Friday topic for Friday January 26th suggested by Janet:

LOOK WHO I FOUND... ! Discovering "New" artists and Inspiration for our own work:

This is a piece of artwork that my brother in law, Gary Schappe, made. He is a metal artist and creates jewelry and large metal sculptures. He is amazing. I will post the leaf man mask he made as well. I am inspired by his creativity first of all, but also I LOVE his studio. It is built on top of his garage and it is gorgeous. Next time I am there I will have to take pictures.

New Family Member

2007-01-24T08:36:00.001-08:00

Last night my sister Bunn had a baby boy - Jacob. Went to visit today... a real cute little guy. I forgot my camera and cannot post pictures yet. Instead I'll put a different picture so to keep the post eye appealing -- Korean pots.

Books Read Box

2007-01-21T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here is the box I altered to put all my finished book cards in:

Reading 2007 - Memory Cards

2007-01-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

So far so good on my goal for keeping track of the reading I do in 2007 and creating a "tag" or in this case, a "card" to highlight the book and my feelings. I have read 2 1/2 books so far. Here are my first two cards. I began another book that I forced myself to read 1/2 way because it was a novel about international adoption, however, it was so poorly written and so off the mark, I just couldn't finish.

Reading, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived:King Solomon's Secrets of Success, Wealth and Happiness by Steven K. Scott right now. Interesting and thought provoking. I find myself thinking about the card I'll make for the books while I'm reading - fun.

Missy Fish

2007-01-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

This is Missy Fish - She is our son's favorite friend.

Mom: "Hey, stop kissing Missy Fish! :)"

J: "I not kissing Missy Fish, Missy Fish is kissing ME!"

J - 34 mo. old

{Flowers}

2007-01-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today the doorbell rang and flowers were delivered - along with a small bottle of champagne and a little box of Godiva chocolates? To what do I owe this wonderful gift?? It's not my birthday, not our anniversary... but no, not from my husband, but from a friend. The flowers came from a friend who I SHOULD be thanking, not her me! She is thanking me (and my coauthor) for allowing her to be a part of our success. Well, she and her students ARE chapter 10 and we should have sent HER the flowers for her time and expertise.

They are gorgeous - I love the orange and yellow combination. What a beautiful way to brighten a cloudy cold winter day. Thank you so much Kathi. You are an inspiration to me with all you do in your classroom and beyond - hope to see your book about your professional endeavors published soon.

Studio Friday - Travels

2007-01-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

I don't travel too much, but when I do, I notice the natural environment, especially the trees and flowers. I love seeing those I've not experienced before and learning about them. I have been known to strike up conversations with taxi drivers and shuttle bus drivers asking about the local flora. They often cannot tell me what kind of tree or flower it is that I spot, but I think that is because when we live with something so long we often take it for granted.

This collage is an altered book spread that I made in August of 2005 while in Northern Wisconsin at the cottage we stay at every year and have since I was a young girl. I've always loved the trees, leaves, bark and ferns in the area. It's held up pretty well since I just glued things down fresh from the ground or tree! I love this spread as it reminds me of travels I do every year and hope to do for the rest of my life - to a favorite place that is gorgeous!

Artists Changing Names

2007-01-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

This week's topic at Studio Friday is Changing Names

"I've been reading Twyla Tharp's book The Creative Habit and here's an idea from her book - " the ancient masters of Japanese art were allowed to change their name once in their lifetime. They had to be very selective about the moment in their career when they did so. They would stick with their given name until they felt they had become the artist they aspired to; at that point, they were allowed to change their name. For the rest of their life, they would work under the new name at the height of their powers." So let's presume we are at the height of our careers - what name would you choose and why? "

As an undergrad in college, taking a creative writing course, we were required to take a pen name so that others could critique our writing authentically without each other knowing whose work we were reading. I loved the idea and named myself, Sunny Ellis. It sounded like a writer's name to me - especially the Ellis part. Ellis also seems too "sophisticated" to me - like the name of someone important. As I look at it now when I write it, I am struck by my fascination of Ellis Island - I was absolutely intrigued with Ellis Island when I visited New York as I knew that my Italian grandparents came through Ellis Island when they came to the United States. To know that I was walking on the same ground as my Grandpa when he was a young man just gave me the chills.

I've continued to use this name and still do when I submit writing to places where people would know me and I would rather be incognito.I don't really remember why I chose the Sunny in my creative name - maybe because it speaks to brightness, to newness to beginning anew each day.

When waiting for our first child, I even thought about naming her (if it would be a girl) Sunny. Glad my husband didn't like it. I guess he associated the name with me too much as my pen name. I'm glad I didn't share it with my daughter, because in a way, after 20 years or so, Sunny Ellis IS me. I have become her. She is me.

{New Year in my stolen moments studio}

2007-01-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have been reading everyone else's blogs stating their resolutions and their plans for the new year, but have been hesitant to post my own (or even do too much reflecting on them). I guess I better, though, as I typically like to focus on the direction I want my life to go. Without doing this, I might just be letting things slip by without giving it my attention and the energy.

Above is an altered book spread I made within the last week - taking stolen moments to complete it between Christmas and New Year's day. My sweet husband had the "stolen moments studio" stamp made for me for Christmas. The patterned tissue paper is what it was wrapped in and I thought I should made a page that immortalizes my small, but happy studio. I also discovered two colors that I like together while making this page: black and pink.

So, on with my new year reflections and goals:

Get new job - I have a good prospect on the horizon - I'm cofident, but don't want to be too confident, however.
Although this is not something I really want to do, my husband is telling me it should be done: get back to scrapbooking our family's life. I really have let it go by the wayside since doing altered books. But he is right, it needs to be done as we have tons of pictures and we want our children to have memories. I just won't make them as elaborate as I have in the past. Although, I do credit my work with scrapbooking as one of the impeti (impetuses? :) for getting into altered books.
Relax more in a productive way - this may sound contradictory, but I mean it in a way that is beneficial to my family, not as a lazy way. I want to relax and play and enjoy the kids more, not think that relaxing means time only for myself. This time is important too, but I need to "play" and just "be" more with the kids.
Get back to gardening - my veggie and herb garden especially
Creative goal: Get started on keeping track of all books I read in 2007 by making a "tag" for a book. I discussed this in an earlier post, but since I am in the process of reading the first book of the year, now is a good time to (re)start.

That's it for now... as I think more about this, I may post more - however, I don't want to "blog" :) myself down with too many goals that may not get accomplished.

Smiley Girl

2006-12-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Our happy smiley girl! She is fun when she is being happy as she is in this picture. This photo was taken on my new camera phone and I wanted to see the quality it produced. Back to work tomorrow.

Color Combinations

2006-12-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

Funny, a few weeks ago the Studio Friday prompt was to share the color combinations that are distasteful for you. I posted the bright florescent purple and green, but yet I find that I am drawn to the bright almost florescent colors that Koreans use in some of their cultural products. Here are some Korean knots that I am drawn to - so I guess it's all in how the colors are used, in what context, that can make me like or dislike them.

Christmas Sweeties

2006-12-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids, posing for our Christmas card photo. This isn't the one we chose, but it is cute nonetheless. After taking them to Target for pictures and having C scream and writhe about, we ended up leaving with nothing. Therefore, we had to pose at home - right before bed on a Sunday night. They turned out better than professional pictures I think. Christmas 2006!

Studio Friday - Color Combinations that Make Me Crazy

2006-12-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about this prompt this week and thought of all of the times I've worked with images on my computer. Whenever I go to the color wheel to choose a color, I find very distasteful the bright almost flourescent colors. They look so garish to me. When choosing two of them to highlight, I questioned why it is that I dislike them so much... Then it came to me. I like more natural, earthy colors and don't like "fake" colors that don't necessarily appear naturally in the world around me. So here is a peek at two of the colors I do not use in my artwork and that I am turned off by.

Now if these colors were more muted and not so bright and "in your face," I would like them. I'd like to learn more about the color wheel and color theory to more fully delve into this phenomenon.

My Favorite Color Palette

2006-11-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

This week's Studio Friday Prompt - Color
I perused some of my altered book pages and found that there IS a pattern to many of my pages - earth tones, but especially golds and browns. Here are some pages that show this pattern:

{Leaf }

2006-11-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

Thinking about my obsession with leaves and trees. I especially love trees in the winter when all the leaves are off - you can really see the structure of the tree. I think they are gorgeous when they are naked. Peg says she thinks its sad - but I see them as being exposed, their structures bared for the appreciative observer like me. Thought I'd post my tree/leaf wall in our family room.

The leaf mask was made by my brother in law - a metal artist. Jim won it for having the best costume at their Halloween party a few years ago. It is so cool. I'm so glad he won for his "head on the table" costume he spent much time creating (and is sitting in our attic).

The Gallerie Michele poster is special. We saw it in Williamburg Virginia when we were dating and taking a day trip from Jim's place in Baltimore. I admired the "naked" trees and we walked on. For an upcoming holiday, I received it as a gift. He traveled all the way back to buy it for me! So sweet.

The oak leaf is a real leaf found in my yard... don't know where it blew in from, as there are no oaks I know of close by. It's been stuck up on the wall for a couple of years.

I plan to let leaves and trees begin to impact my artwork as they are truly a reflection of me.

Studio Friday - This is Me

2006-11-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am not techno savvy enough to know how to make a collage of images/photos, but can take individual pictures and upload them. This is me... an altered book artist. I love books in general and love to take a book and alter it to reflect me. Here are a few books I've done.
A little snippet of one of my bookshelves... Books, writing, creating... putting all three together is me, is my passion.

Our Book is Out!!

2006-11-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

Our book is being published as we speak! Funny after these almost three years of work on it, it's not as exciting as I thought it would be. It is a huge accomplishment, yet I am not as excited as I thought I would be to publish a book. Oh yes, I am very proud, but I can't describe why I am not dancing with glee as I thought I would. Now comes the waiting time to see if anyone will buy it and use it with students. I hope someone finds it valuable.

If you want to buy it or find out about the details of the book, go to:
http://www.sagepub.com/textbooksProdDesc.nav?prodId=Book227645

Studio Indulgences

2006-11-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

My first post to Studio Friday! I've admired all the other posts for months, now it is my turn to get involved. My studio indulgence, based on the photos here, is that of time to organize my studio. As evident here, I have a ways to go, but have started and steal as many moments as I can to get organized so I can create art without being overwhelmed by my surroundings.

The other studio indulgence is just the fact that I HAVE a studio to work in... after having to sacrifice my office/studio at the addition of our daughter, I worried I would not be able to indulge in art without a designated space. But, I do now have a cozy corner in our bedroom that my husband doesn't object to too much, if it is not too messy.

2006-11-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

November is here and today a gorgeous 50+ temperature - perfect day for cleaning out the garage. I still had all my teaching materials stashed in boxes waiting to be sorted and thrown out or placed in the attic. It took all day to go through things and my 20 boxes are now winnowed to 12. Still too many, but I'll need time to get over my past life and a few years to feel good about tossing things.
I have posted this tag here as a reminder and commitment to myself - I would like to create a "tag" for each book that I read. I read about this idea and thought it would be a great way to immortalize my reading and my literate life. I think it would give me a good excuse to find a few "Stolen Moments" and create. So, here is my pledge. With every book I read (over 32 pages - no children's picture books unless I find one so motivating and scintillating) I will create a "tag" and display them in some way, possibly including them in my altered books.

Our Children Together

2006-10-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to see the kids spending more time
together. The older C gets, the easier
it is for J to do things with her. One of
the last walks of the early autum, warm enough for shorts.

2006-10-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Scenes of Autumn Harvest

C sits pleased with the pumpkin she picked from the "manufactured" pumpkin patch we visited on a horse drawn hayride.

Work Done During Summer

2006-09-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Finally a chance to post some of the work I did over the summer months related to altered books. Not much, as it was a busy summer. But as the days lengthen, I am going to get more art done. That is my goal.

This first picture is the cover of my latest AB. It contains a poem, Dare to Dream, that my mom gave to me. It is a good reminder of the need to not be afraid of pushing for what you believe, for reaching your dreams. Over the poem, I used a mustard colored glaze and then added motivational stickers.

This is the most recent spread. This picture comes from a magazine and I had been waiting to use it... The quote just seems to fit. Background color is a cat's eye stamp pad. I am finding I like the grey-green and rust colors in my work.

Another of my Asian inspired spreads. This one has a lot of meaning and history, as most of the items on the page came from my box of Japanese artifacts I used when teaching 4th and 5th grade. The background with the trees and birds is a rice paper napkin that when adhered, it is impossible to tell that it is not just drawn on.

The background beneath that is done with Korean tea bag wrappers.

The rich green ribbon in the middle was used to close the gap that was starting to show in the spine. Mistakes can easily be covered - with nice results. The dolls were decorative on chopstick boxes. The Asian writing - Korean, from paper I bought in Insadong in Seoul, South Korea.

This spread is meant to be a background, done in a book that I think will someday use as a journal. All of the spreads are done so that writing can be done over it. It is a mixture of various papers -- the right side top is a piece of coffee filter that Jaden "colored" in preschool and the purples and blues were really the inspiration for this page.

I like that I used torn out pages from a book and serendiptiously included a page on the left top entitled, "The Professor." Not seen easily, but I used lumiere purple on top of the spread - it glitters nicely in the light.

Ah, summer... this page is not "finished," but I don't think I will finish it. A bright, bold statement of the summer now past...

My Son, the Artist

2006-09-09T07:49:00.001-07:00

I now have to share my blog with my son who is an artist himself. Yesterday he wanted to play with scissors, markers and a glue stick and he created the right half of this piece. He called it a train. This morning he got out his art supplies and added on the left portion and "hooked up" another train. I think it's wonderful and love that he is utilizing his artistic talents. He is only 3 1/2, but on his way! He is into trucks, trains, diggers - all the things little boys typically like. Here is a favorite picture of him sitting on a digger and loving it.

Almost the 4th of July

2006-06-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sad to see that I haven't posted since spring and now it is almost the fourth of July. Goes to show how busy I am with work. I haven't spent a lot of time in my "Stolen Moments Studio" since spring, so I have little to show. I plan to get back to this blog soon, as I do have some cool altered books that my students created that I need to showcase.

Beginning of Spring

2006-03-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

Spring ...

Went on my walk a few days ago - the same area I walked and took photos on my sabbatical in 2001. So good to get out alone (with the dog) and just be free to see and photograph. There was a chill in the air and the sky was a pure blue - just gorgeous. I've added two pictures I took which I think are nice - The first picture, the way the trees are in front of the puffy cloud, intersecting it in the middle.

This second picture I like as well. I am finally getting the kind of shot I hope for - I used the macro setting and did a "close up" of the berries and got the "fuzzy" background as I always want. It finally worked for me.

The trees and bushes I like the best in winter and spring before the green comes out, are those with berries such as this, and the red stemmed bushes. I don't know what they are called, but they are such a sharp color contrast to the browns and greys of winter.

Valentine Spread

2006-02-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

I created this spread to honor Valentines day... wanted to do a vintage-like spread.

I created the valentine from a doily and sequins and ribbon. The woman is a packing tape transfer, the flower bouquet comes from a book on flower arranging.

Two New Creations

2006-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have completed two new AB spreads in the last few days. Both I had been working on for quite a while - a little work here, a bit or bob there... But is sure feels good to get some artwork done. I especially like the nine sectioned spread that I put a lot of myself into - a lot of bits of me are represented and a lot of new materials/found materials incorporated.

New materials used: Slide mount embellished with stamp pad ink, turquoise glaze I recently bought (love the color and bought a large bottle) and a wash of Gold PearlEx powder over that.

The stem of leaves on the top right is from a placemat that I had on display on a shelf for many years. When it got ruined with water spilling from a plant, I decided to cut it up and save the applique leaves. The "G" is a metal letter purchased which I embellished with inks and embossed with powders. The sequins come from a collection I inherited from my husband's crafty grandma. And everyone asked me "what will you do with all that junk?" Junk it is not, it is now keeping me creative, just as it did for Grandma.

The puzzle piece is something I am proud of - I just inked and embossed it today using the puzzle piece colors (purples and greens) to inspire it. There has been a lot of discussion about using puzzle pieces in AB's on the AB listserv so I have been anxious to try using the puzzle I bought just for this purpose. The stamp seen in the same box is from a recent purchase through a "Stampin Up" party. Fun to use new tools immediately.

The third box on the top includes a packaging tape transfer done - This is such a cool technique. Owls are fascinating to me and I often hear (and sometimes see) them on my late evening walks with the dog. "Great things in small packages" is wording that came off of a package of Revolution Tea (see bottom left corner box) - it reflects my lifelong love with small things - dollhouse minatures being one of my first crafting passions.

Box 4 - Time and the Clock - such a theme in my life currently and always. I love planning and looking ahead and looking behind (the other new spread I uploaded is a good example of my thinking of time - past and future). I have been experimenting a lot with altering images with stamp pad inks and this clock and word "time" are examples of this "aging" effect.

Middle box - the face stamp is one of my favorites and represents so much I think. The squished bottle cap is something I found on the side of the road and was going to use the other side that has writing on it on this spread, but as I turned it over and saw the back with the rusted orangy color, I had to attach it bottom side up.

Box six, far right middle - the first box I I filled as one day I was punching tags from my tag punch from paper I had laying around. I was fascinated with the cool images I could use as tags. The map/time/travel theme of these tags reflect my life since adopting from Korea. The "one" brad I used to attach the tags is remniscent of our "One" family that has now been complete. The fibers and bead attached to the tag add a lot of dimension to this "box" in my opinion.

Box seven, far left bottom corner - I LOVE OFFICE SUPPLIES and especially love the mini file folders I found. I used my favorite face stamp to embellish and used PearlEx powders - a new favorite of mine now that I know how to use them. The mini tag inside says "family."

Box eight - middle bottom - the Korean Gingeng tape I have been holding onto since our first trip to Korea that came off of the box of Korean Ginseng traditional tea we bought. Korea - my children - my new life that includes this culture... what more need I say.

The last box, box nine, far right bottom - A part of the Revolution Southern Mint Herbal tea box and a picture of mint. My favorite tea. I like how I embossed the box/tag and have it hanging over the edge of the page.

Hi Nahyun!

2006-02-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Nahyun -
I just sent you an email telling you about my blog. I hope you come visit and see what I do with my creativity. Scroll down to "Green Tea Treats" to see pictures of our memory of O'Sulloc Tea House with you!
Geri :)

Latest Altered Book Pages

2006-01-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

Finally I am getting the opportunity to post some new pages I've created in the last month or so. I have little time to create and whenever I get new "stuff" I only have the chance to set it on my work table and then I have no room to create even for a few short minutes. So, I spent a little time cleaning it off and can take five minutes here and there to get some creative work done.

This spread is Asian inspired - I've collected a lot of Asian materials. The background is wrapping paper I have been dying to use - I love the colors and dragon design. The large fan is from Martha Stewart Living magazine, from an article on decoupaging. The fortune - appropriately about "family" comes from a fortune cookie I opened after a Chinese meal.

This spread was inspired by the "ball" ornament that was in a scrapbook magazine ad, advertising a new line of scrapbook paper. I loved the colors and they were not something I typically use in my artwork. I painted the background with a matching cranberry acrylic paint, painted some paper with colors that were similar to the greens and blues in the ornament and then cut tags out of the papers. I found that I had ribbon that matched and used a buckle that appropriately said "spirit." I think this spread depicts the Holidays quite well.

I love this spread - the photo does not do it justice unfortunately. I began by gluing down circles cut from an ad in a magazine that had great "vintage" colors. I then glazed with a turquoise-like green color. I added metallic purple with a nailpolish color that really is more appropriate for young girls than "old" women like me. I loved the effect on paper - not so much on my fingernails. I don't really feel like this spread is done yet, but I just cannot make myself ruin the background look to it that I love so much. Maybe this is the way it will stay.

This spread is a tribute to my dog, a cockapoo named "Lewis Charles." The pictures are cut from a children's book from the 1950's my sister in law gave me. I used silver inkpad to create the "vintage" look background.

This spread has a background from a magazine that was very peaceful and looked like a place I would like to spend time... The orange flowers made me think of the orange leaves that were on the trees at the time with it being autumn. I pressed some leaves from our yard and attached them with matte medium. I love the effect. The other part of the spread it my journaling that day.

Holiday Season

2005-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve Today

Holiday Season coming to an end. Setting resolutions for myself to allow more time to relax and create - if not physically create, create mentally. Two children are making it hard to spend too much time creating ABs, but I can always THINK about my creativity and spend the few moments each day or so DOING it... That is my newest way to work - it has to be.

December - no November Posts

2005-12-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Visiting my blog today I was very surprised that I didn't post anything in the month of November. Kind of a rough one with the acclimation to the newest family member. However, I am back, feeling good, and actually doing some work in my studio.

I am excited for the holiday season - it feels good, something to really embrace. Some years I don't feel ready for it, this year, with our little boy almost 3, his excitement is contagious.

My goal before Christmas is to post at least 2 pages from my latest altered journal - which is really becoming just an altered book and less of a journal than the first one. But I'm liking it a lot!

Altered Journal #2

2005-10-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Began my second altered journal. Here is my title page, made from an advertisement from a scrapbooking magazine. I loved the color and pattern combination. The end papers were a dark blue and I eased them down with a wash of white acrylic paint. The collaged materials are from a paper lunch bag I bought at the dollar store around valentines day.

Images of Autumn

2005-10-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

A burst of bright orange radiance peeking through some still green leaves. Autumn beginning to paint our backyard view.

Sweet Baby Girl

2005-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Does it look like our baby girl loves her rice cereal? Yep! Life has surely changed with another child in the house - but has definitely been a wonderful change.

Have had a bit of time to work in my studio - sometimes with her in her little chair watching me or drinking a bottle. Finally finished my first altered journal and began a second. It was a freeing process to finish up the one - although I am still trying to get inspiration for completing the cover.

Starting the second journal has been fun too. I have been using some of my clippings from my files and using images that are pleasing to me - trying to keep myself upbeat and awake - sometimes I can get so tired these days!

I hope to photograph some of my journal pages soon and upload them. I just read about creating a book/journal using a magazine. This sounds interesting and something I'd like to try.

I am also back trying to get my studio organized since I mostly just stuffed things into drawers and cubbies as I was setting it up before our trip to Korea. Now I want to really get organized so my limited time working in my studio is productive and creative without feeling unorganized.

Green Tea Treats

2005-10-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

A memory from our trip to Seoul, South Korea... Green tea desserts from O'Sulloc Tea House. Everything was delicious and I fell in love with green tea, especially in an ice cream and sweetened dessert format...

THE CALL CAME- WE ARE GOING TO KOREA

2005-09-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

The call came yesterday, Sept. 22, 2005, to tell us that our daughter is ready to come home! We leave on Monday to go get her.

Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting...

2005-09-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting for the call. With each passing day, our daughter is getting older and we are getting more anxious to get her home. I feel better this week about the wait - last week was horrible. I was sure we would hear last week and each passing day was pure agony. I guess the time waiting and not hearing has helped me to relax and know that the call will come, but only when God deems that it is time.

My "Studio" is pretty much all set up - this only means the structure is there. The materials I have are somewhat organized, but mostly they are just stuffed into drawers and piled on my shelves until I have some time to really spend some time organizing. My work table is pretty much continually piled high as I try to begin sorting through things. Then I find time to clean it off and complete a little project ( a page in my ab journal or starting to create Claire's birth announcement) but then it gets piled high with stuff again.

I am looking forward to getting the studio area organized so I can do some really fruitful working there, even if it is only for 10 minutes a day. Ok, off to do my real job - teaching.

End of Summer Has Come

2005-09-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

Summer ends...
Supposedly summer has ended - but we are now in Indian Summer - the weather is hot and humid. I miss the cooler days of autumn. Some of the leaves on the trees are turning.

It looks like we'll be in Korea the last week of September to get our daughter. A nice time to be there I hear. I am looking forward to the travel and gathering up some great "objects" to use for altering. I have a travel journal and a glue stick ready to take along so I can make a page or two a day to record our experience. Off to the weekend - one of last to prepare for the coming of our daughter.

Home from a much needed vacation...

2005-08-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Home from a relaxing week - One the whole family needed. Here is a picture of our sweet boy in a beautiful garden in Minoqua, Wisconsin. We came home to find out that all of our immigration paperwork is done and we are just waiting to hear that our daughter who is almost 3 months old, is ready for us to come to pick up from Seoul, South Korea! We could get the call anyday and we are getting very anxious thinking about all we need to do yet to get ready for her!

The Day Lewis the Dog ate a Baby Bunny

2005-08-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

The day that Lewis attacked and killed a baby bunny was the day that my journal listed the book "Death and Dying" by Elizabeth Kubler Ross (1969). What serendipity! Although I was horrified by what Lewis did and felt so bad for the bunny, I made a page as a tribute and a sympathy note to the bunny. The tag in the envelope is my apology to the cute little guy I had to bury.

Altered Box

2005-08-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight I altered a box that I am going to use to store all my folders with magazine clippings and ephemera for my ab'ing. I knew I saved old calendars for a reason! I covered the sides of the box with the prints from the calendar, "The Reading Woman."