Carnival Mini Frame Assemblages

Here is a fun project I have been doing for ages, using frames of all sizes as the base for an assemblage. The frames in this post are smaller in size and available at Michaels Craft Store, if you don't find a color you like, paint it with a nice enamel or multi purpose paint, I like the consistency of Marth Stewart Paints or latex paints found in the discarded section of your local hardware or paint store.

The frames are then layered with scrapbook papers, trims and trinkets. The main embellishments are from my line: Cupieology, Lisa Kettell Designs.

The embellishments I used from the Cupieology line are;

•  XL Cupie Head, Candy Pink, 

• Mini Carnival Cupies.

I further decorated my mini frame assemblages with additional trinkets and handmade banners created from scraps of paper and floral wire.

You can purchase the Lisa Kettell Designs Embellishments to make your own mini assemblage frames and other projects at: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/MoonfairesWorld/1/1/16631//

Along with other fun stuff to spark the creativity in you!

xoxo
Lisa

Book Review: I Just Like To Make Things

Every time I see a Quarry Books Publication I get excited and not just because they are my own publisher, their quality of topics, authors and book design are really outstanding with rich content. With that being said, I just had the excitement of reading a new publication printed by them called; "I Just Like To Make Things" by Lilla Rogers.

Before even opening this book you read the captions; "A Top Artists' Agent Tells All" and the luring; " Learn The Secrets To Making Money While Staying Passionate About Your Art and Craft" which instantly grabs your attention and lures you into grabbing a cup of coffee and opening the book, which I did.

The Paper Goods Market, The Gift Market, What is Licensing and the Tips for one trying to break into it, Finding the Market and previews of Lilla's line w/ Ruby Violet and Ruby Violet w/Prima, were some of my favorite topics discussed in the book. While you won't become an agent or be an instant success after reading the book, you will however become better educated about the design and parallel industries which can lead to better preparation before shows, events and sending in your submissions. It will act as a good guide to refer to if getting started or a good refresher for those looking to advance themselves.

I've been in this industry for over 21 years before online social media, before blogs, websites and ebay, when artists/authors had to write letters to professionals via word processors or type writers, recognition came through mailers, print publication and shows. On the climb to social media explosion, I took advantage of the technology and joined every start up web company which promoted works such as Flickr, My Space, Blogger and Ebay, setting up groups within these sites to promote other artists and creating magazines to help them get noticed, today my own recognition has come from my presence in the industry and the technological advances I took advantage of all these years.

After reading this book, I became re-acquainted with my own works, and began to self critique myself, to see where I was lagging, where I was excelling and how I could fix my own business issues. I'm at a new level in my own career with the advancement of product lines and new books, which are taking me on new adventures.

To conclude, I'd recommend this book for all levels as a guide, a reference and a refresher on how to advance in your field, narrow in on your signature style, how to promote it and excel with it.

xoxo
Lisa

Relic Photography Project, Plaques of New Orleans

I used to always have my camera with me wherever I go, now I only bring my Iphone 5 which has a better camera then my digital cannon or Olympus camera, the colors are more detailed and vivid, then the cameras I used to bring with me everywhere. Now I point and click with the Iphone 5. I recently was on a trip to New Orleans for 10 days and became so inspired by every thing down to the smallest of details which made up the whole city. I took so many pictures that I started to run out of GB on phone camera memory, there was just so mcuh to consume and take photos of. I found bringing the city to life would be task, overall views couldn't really bring it to life, but the details could, the relics and found architecture hidden in the city would really help you to see the magic that I could see while I was there. Since I am in love with so many themes and color palettes, filtering these photos was a tough job, fun, but tough, as I loved the black and white look, the sepia, soft focus pastel and vibrant detailed color, each one was beautiful and gave a different effect to the photos. For this project I decided on black and white coloring, since it was for Dave's birthday, the black and white coloring gave a more masculine and professional feel. I choose specific photos which symbolized how we felt about New Orleans and the magic we found there, the result these photos: 

•   -Carousel details from the Carousel Bar 
• -Mardi Gras parade float icon from Mardi Gras World
•  -Typical French Quarter Architecture 
•  -Court of the Three Sisters, Bourbon Street -Nola Trolley Service
•  -Catholic Church, St.Louis Cathedral  

Each of these photos were taken from my Iphone 5 and enhanced with filters using Snapseed on the Iphone, the final resolution for each was over 5 megapixels, which were perfect for printing in 8 by 10 inch size with complete clarity. I used a medium weight paper to print them on from my HP ink jet printer, black plaques, foam brush and modge podge. Below is the exact supply list and directions to make your own.

•  Supplies: 
• -Ink jet or laser jet photo (a photo from your most memorable place) 
• -8 inch by 10 inch black plaque (Michael's Craft Store)
•  -Mod Podge,By Plaid 
• -Foam brush 
• -Rolling pin 

-Heavy books
 Directions:

1.  1. Print your photo or have printed at your local print store to an 8 by 10 size, cut out, set aside.
2.  2. Spread Mod Podge onto a 8 by 10 plaque using foam brush. 
3.  3. Lay cut photo onto the plaque making sure its lined up with the edges, and the hanging portion on the back of the plaque is at the top, not bottom, so that you can hang it on the wall. Then press down, use a rolling pin to roll out any bubbles, lay a stack of books onto it until dried flat.  
4.  Tips/Tricks:
5.  -For an even faster, less mess version, use spray adhesive in place of the Mod Podge, roll flat, let dry. 
6. -Paint your plaques in various colors, mix and match with colorful imagery from your travels or most memorable experiences.
7. -Follow this technique and apply small instagram sized photos to wood blocks and scraps.

Metal Automotive Jewelry

In addition to creating various styles of sport cuffs and rock star jewelry, I decided to add some new styles and designs to my line of wares which was inspired by race cars, vintage gas stations, oil signs and metal travel signs, this line is called: Metal Automotive Necklaces and Jewelry. Each of these pieces was created from vintage style medium metal gas station and motor signs, that are threaded with basic ball chains, link metal chains, blinged out with rhinestones and jewelry components, or leather. Each of these pieces are handmade and focus on the motor elements, for the race car or oil nostalgia in you. When ordering make sure I have the car, oil or travel sign pieces of your choice in stock, custom orders are always accepted. The most popular of the pieces seems to be the Route 66, Phillips 66 and Chevy Corvette ones, these icons sell out faster, so again please inquire about their availability. Thanks so much for stopping by, xoxo Lisa

Football Season Starts, Thursday Sept. 5, 2013

This past Thursday marked the official day of Football Season w/the Bronco's vs. the Ravens, which I was lucky enough to witness at Jerome Bettis' Grill 36, across from Heinz Field in the heart of Steelers Country. No trip to Steelers Country would be complete without wearing one of my original football cuffs in Steelers yellow and black, then watching the game on several tv's at local stadium favorite, Grill 36. Everywhere I looked, I was surrounded by yellow and black, this area of the country is so sports oriented, right down to the business colors and fans, they truly love their teams, with extreme team spirit, more so then any area I have been too. However I did see two people at the grill wearing Giants Jersey's and Yankee's Caps, which I just love. This was an historic game, where the one and only Peyton Manning tied the record for 7 touchdown throws, and the first one in NFL history with 6 plus touchdown passes in multiple games, he proved his skill and excellence as a quarter back in this opening game, shutting out last years Superbowl Champs. Although I am an extreme Giants fan, my favorite player is Peyton Manning, thus making his team my back up team if the Giants lose, while I hold respect for the Steelers since I love the city of Pittsburgh and their team spirit. Every time I visit Pittsburgh, I'm there during symbolic times, last was when the Penguins were in the Stanley Cup playoffs, now with opening football day. I hope to get back there again to watch the Steelers play live and to enjoy another Hockey game. If you are a Steelers Fan or Football Fan, you can acquire one of my original football sports cuffs in the team colors of your choice at these links: www.sportscuffworld.com http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/MoonfairesWorld http://www.artoperanj.com/category_38/Baseball-Football-Basketball-Tennis-Cuffs.htm Soon you will be able to purchase my cuffs in stores across the country, stay tuned for details. Let the Football season begin. xoxo Lisa