A Little Halloween

So, it's been so long since I've had a blog, but I'm stepping back in.  It's October, fall is beginning to arrive here in Northern California and Halloween is in the air.  I want to post my projects, my life, my thoughts, my feelings, here on my blog.  I won't have any followers for awhile, but that's okay.  It will allow me to post something at a minimum once per week, something I've been working on, maybe something that's on my mind, what's going on on my side of the world, whatever I feel like.  I love to be creative.  I tell my friends it is what keeps me off the streets at night (hahaha).

I've  been creative my whole life.  When I was younger (I'm in my 60's), my grandmother gave me my love of crafts.  She taught me how to sew, bake, make resin grape lamps, how to tile, embroider, knit.  She gave me my love.  Then when I was in high school, I started to paint.  My brother, Gary, took me on a shopping trip to San Francisco and we bought all the art supplies: paints, brushes, canvas, carrier, and he was the one that encouraged me to paint.  I've been painting all my life, in one form or another.  Oils, water, acrylic, china (china painting is my all-time favorite, and I still want to do more of it). I've sewed clothes since I was 10 for myself throughout my life, frilly dresses for my daughter and niece, and more clothes to be made for my 4 year-old granddaughter.

I love to scrapbook...I have more paper and pictures than I know what to do with.  It's hard to keep up with everything, but I try.  If I never bought another piece of paper, I'd probably be fine for 8 years or so, but what's the fun in that?  I love art journaling, love the creative process, love learning new techniques, love teaching classes, love sharing my art.  I am retired and want to do more art, but some days there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day...oh, well, as long as I do the best I can, that will have to do for now.

I'll try to do my best to post something here at least one a week, more if I have time or if I want to share something that I'm working on...so we'll chat again later.

The picture above is of a tall candlestick holder that was painted an ugly gold with some sparkle paint on it.  I decided to paint them (there are 2) black, with silver highlights.  It turned out just like I wanted it.  I ended up putting pumpkins at the very top, but it could easily accomodate an eerie candle.  I loved how they turned out, so thought I'd share.