Denise Clenney's Changing Designs

Spring Bunny

2009-04-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share with you one of my new creations. My spring bunny! This stained glass bunny has a nice selection of glass in a variety of colors and textures. Pretty pink and red flowers with varying colors of green for the grasses and stems. The bunny is browns and creams. It has been . with a great green patina just love this little guy. The size of the project is 8 1/2" x 11". This comes ready to hang.

Hurry up Spring...Sunflower Panel

2009-02-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

I am anxiously waiting for spring to come! To get me in the mood, I made this sunflower stained glass panel. It is 8 1/2 x 11 in size and done with some really fun textured glass. I decided to use the antique green patina over the copper foil. I love all of the bright colors and the cheery look of this panel. I think I may even plant a sunflower this year!

There's a cardinal in my tree

2009-01-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

I recently bought a bird feeder to hang outside near my kitchen window so I could watch the different birds that hang around the midwest in this horrible weather. As much as I know about cats (little) I know even less about birds. But, surprisingly, I am having a blast watching these things! I now keep the camera right next to the window. They are so pretty. I decided to do a stained glass window of the cardinal. I am including in this post a picture that I took in the tree as well as the newest stained glass piece of artwork. I used some etched clear glass for the background that really looks much like ice/frost. The branches are done in a glass that is very textured and has the look of a branch I think. The berries on the branches are made with glass globes and add a dimensional look to the piece. It was really fun to do.

The Gallery at 9 East Coffee House

2009-01-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I received a phone call from Brenda Myers from 9 East Coffee House. It is a wonderful coffee house in downtown Freeport, Il. She offered me the opportunity to show some of my work in her gallery area. How fun is that! The gallery gets changed every month, so you will have a chance to view a lot of artists work.

I had never been into 9 East. I did not realize what I was missing out on! 9 East offers not only coffee and other beverages but wonderful food of all types. While I was in there a lot of people came in to enjoy their morning coffees and snacks. It was a real friendly place and I recommend anyone to give it a try.

While I was there I met Steve! He goes in there often to read his morning paper. So, I thought I'd snap a picture of him to share. Hi Steve! He said he would check out my blog. So, if you have a few minutes and want to come in and check out some of my work or need some refreshments come on by 9 East Coffee!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful New Years Celebration! We went to my brothers house (the taxidermist) and had some wild boar which he bow hunted! We played a new board game, listened to some tunes, had some laughs and the big partier that I am was home and asleep by 10:00! The party continued, but me...zzzzzzzzzzz. The picture above was done by me. It is an elk that my brother mounted and I extracted it from my photo and then placed it on a close up of the New Years Tree that my brother had decorated really nicely for the party. Very Festive.

We had to get up early the next day to travel to my friend Lauries house. We were suppose to go there over Christmas, but because of the rotten weather, we haven't been able to go before now.

Its always fun to visit Laurie and her family. We got to stay in the guest bedroom, which really is all set up for Matt and his wife Maureens visits. It is to be kept "fur free". So my one and only job was to keep the cats and dog out of the room. Now I know she has one dog, but the number of cats changes and since I'm not so much a cat person, it is hard for me to tell who is who...

We went to bed fine and dandy, but I am one of those wander through the night people. I went to the bathroom, came back, went back to sleep and I hear this noise. I didn't pay too much attention until I had a cat jump on me in the middle of the night. Obviously, I had left the door open. I checked no..but maybe this cat came in while I was out for a brief moment.

So, I try to catch this cat. It goes under the bed. I reach for it, it reaches for me, I reach for it etc. I was not able to get her. I grab my husbands t-shirt to, I don't know what... swat it out from under the bed. The cat thinks I'm playing. I really don't know WHAT I'm doing, since I know nothing about cats. All I know is they are not suppose to be in there.

I gave up and went back to bed, hoping that 33 years of a friendship will be enough for Laurie to forgive me for letting the cat get in.

I fell back to sleep and it wasn't long before I hear scratching at the door. It's the cat wanting out. Oh good! I get up, the cat runs away from the door. I open the door in hopes that she will see the open door and run out. Just my luck another cat runs in! OMG! I turn on the bedroom light and try to collect these cats. My husband is a bit annoyed and says "Can we do this in the MORNING!" I explain WHY I can't wait until morning. He gives up and rolls over.

I get the cats out the door and look in the connecting room. Something like 15 more cats were waiting on the back of a chaise lounge chair ready to leap into the bedroom!

I am now trapped in the bedroom the rest of the night because I know there is no way I can escape the pack of cats waiting to rush me.

When I finally came down in the morning, I tell Laurie my story. She laughs and says, "Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you that they would do that."

Yep, you forgot to tell me that!

Updated Glass Shop Open for Business

2008-12-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

There is good news and bad news. First the bad. We were suppose to be on our trip south to see a great friend of mine, Laurie of The Looking Glass to celebrate the marriage of her oldest son Matt & his new wife Maureen. But, due to the horrible weather that we are continually getting, we are not going to be able to make the trip. I am really bummed about it, but I guess you can't fight Mother Nature. So far yesterday we received 8" of snow and more to come tomorrow!
Now the good. I came upon a really great deal of stained glass materials and my husband decided to surprise me with a new work table complete with slots for my glass and some cubbies where I could store the smaller pieces. As well as a section up the middle that holds the came and lead. It has this neat top where I can solder on. We are also planning on adding some more lights and he has already built me a light box. So,the room is coming along.
Now that things are a lot more organized, I can begin my glass projects again!
So, hopefully, soon, you will start seeing some new glass projects of mine! I am thinking Spring right about now! Hope you are all staying warm and have a wonderful Christmas!

My Little Chickadee End Tables

2008-12-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have added a new pair of black end tables to my collection of things for sale. These were reworked from some vintage end tables. They have been painted black and then I added a little chickadee on each outer edge of the end tables. I just think these look so cute. This bird painting thing is fairly new for me, but, surpisingly, fun.

These tables would go well with most decor.

Four Bird Families

2008-12-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

I was recently commissioned to paint four different types of birds on a vintage lamp. I painted a set of Cardinals, Blue Birds, Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. I used a special paint for glass that when it cures, it will be fine to clean as you normally would. This was a fun project to do and has inspired me to do a few other projects with the bird theme as well. I will post these when I finish them. It has been a challenge to get ready for Christmas as well as keep us with my projects. But, bit by bit I'm getting it done!

I hope you are all enjoying the preparations for Christmas as much as I am.

It's Game Time

2008-11-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love to get the family together and have a fun "game night". We do. It's getting harder and harder to spend time together doing something fun. This new game table that I painted has a nice collection of some of our favorite games, monopoly, backgammon, Yahtzee,cards, dice, scrabble etc. This table comes with 4 wooden chairs. I hope that the person who buys it will have just as much fun with their family on this table that I had making it.

I've Been Monkeying Around

2008-11-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share what I have been monkeying around with!

I made a bed and childs chair to go with my "It's a Jungle Out There" bookcase!

I just love orangeutans and chimps! I am hoping that some lucky child gets a chance to enjoy this furniture!

As you have heard by now, the open house is coming up quickly and the showroom is full!

I wish you could all be there for the Open House.

I will post pictures of the event!

I can't breathe and it's not even me!

2008-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

I did a web site for a friend of mine. (http://www.preservingheartandheritage.com/, I received some pictures of the blizzard that hit her yesturday. She lives in Alliance, Nebraska.

I felt as if I couldn't even breathe just looking at the pictures of her house! She says that they had only a 12" space under the outside overhang and had to crawl out onto the top of the snow drift.! That is what is shown in the first picture. The second picture is what they saw out of the upstairs window! This is where I couldn't breathe!

They then made the hole wider, and she cut steps into the hard packed drift. Her husband brought the feedlot payloader and started breaking apart the drifts.

In the third picture, can you see the cars?

The fourth picture is their house! yes, it is in there somewhere! I would have just waited for summer to arrive!

They did have food, but no water for flushing the toilet and no electricity, which means no heat!

In the fifth picture, you can see the amount of snow that was on the truck. They plowed around it first so you could see how deep it really was!

I think this is amazing!

She said she is thankful that they don't have many 60 mph blizzards!

I was just wondering, how do you let the dogs out in that??

Farm Animals Everywhere!

2008-11-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

A quick post to show you my new farm inspired bookcase complete with some lazy pigs, cows, lamb and chicks and hen.

Then there is the new childs rocker, the cushion is a red paisley handkerchief design, perfect for reading their books in. I added the words of what each animal "says".

I also finished a new picture frame with the paintings of three unique chickens. It has been a very busy time here.

Busy Times At Changing Designs

2008-11-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

Hi! It has been a very busy time here at Changing Designs. I have been getting ready for a Open House at a really cool store near me called "The Hollow Fencepost" They specialize although are not limited to barnwood furniture. You should check out their web site at http://www.thehollowfencepost.com/ You can see what they have to offer and it is constantly being updated. Here are a few of my contributions to the store, they are also available for purchase on line!

Hope you enjoy.

Scarey Goth Girl

2008-10-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to Oklahoma to visit my sister, her husband and my niece for the occasion of my nieces 9th birthday, we got a chance to plan for Halloween. My niece wanted to be a goth girl.

Oh my! I suggested maybe a fairy princess, ballerina, poohs honey pot, etc. But, she had her mind set on this way to grown up theme. She will always be my baby and therefore, never grow up. I have my mind stuck on this! Even though she is as tall as me and wears larger shoes! UGH!

We had such a wonderful time shopping for clothes, make-up and accessories! My sister, who USE to be a bit wild herself, REALLY, wanted the stuff her self! (I can hear her screaming now, but, it's true! :) ). Anyway, I wanted to share a few pictures of our fun day.

When we got home, we did a practice run. I did her make up and we then surprised her mom and dad with the "Scarey Goth Girl"

Have Fun looking at these fun pics!

I entered a contest and you can help me win!!

2008-09-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

This was my entry!

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that I entered a contest and I would love for you to vote for me and help me win!!

Please go to http://www.charmingsam.blogspot.com/ to vote!

The rules were that we could create anything we wanted as long as we incorporated this beautiful image called "Beauty's Lot" published in London sometime between 1760 and 1810. The inscription at the bottom is in French. The image "Beauty's Lot" shown above was to be incorporated in to an "original" piece of art work done by the artist and owned by the artist. We could incorporate it any way that we wanted whether we transfered, scraped, painted or whatever into our oun piece of work. The art can be any size and medium.I did an acrylic painting. I wish that we were able to click on each entry to enlarge them and see what medium they picked to do theirs in. But I am putting mine on here!

Thanks for your vote!

A face only a mother could love!

2008-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

A face only a mother could love! When I was recently at my friends mom's house, they had a surprise. After laying 10 eggs, that never grew, her cockatiels had two new babies! They were so interesting to look at. Thought I would share this unusual sight! It was interesting to see that both the mom and dad took care of them. Very cool stuff!

Last Sick Blog

2008-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ok. My sister has just called and said That was Sick and Twisted!! (my last post)
Just to assure everyone, I am not really a weirdo. I do however have kind of a strange sense of humor!. Hope that wasn't offensive to anyone:)

My Famous Ending

2008-09-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Let me just start by saying that I have not blogged for a long time. My life lately has been hectic, caotic and basically a real roller coaster. But after spending time with a very close friend in the hospital yesturday, of course, I was reminded how grateful I should be and am that I am basically healthy and have a blessed life.
Another friend called last night to tell me about a project that was coming up that I may be interested in. It is a large project where I would be able to paint a series or at least one mural for a town that sounded very exciting. I want to do some research on this and make it happen. I was sharing this with a friend (boy, I do have friends :) ).She told me that even if I didn't "make the cut" for the painting of the murals that I could always be a part by getting coffee or cleaning up after the artists. I was thinking what is wrong with me and why wouldn't I be considered for the "making it group" when I started talking with my sister Chris, as we were talking I decided that one day I would be rich and famous. (This is my positive spin :))Of course, that day would be when I was dead! That is when most people get famous right??
People would one day read about me in their Art History classes and learn how very tragic my ending was. This makes you even MORE famous I believe! I can't do the ear cutting off thing. I must be unique in this. I think I will be found in the corner of my art studio, dead from chewing off my own arm!. Of course, it would have happened years before my body was found, as having all guys in my house, no one will notice! My faithful dog would be at my side. He would have not lost much weight as he would have found my chocolate stash and sparingly ate that.
People, in going over my personal belongings would then take notice of how my drawings were really nice and yes, maybe they should have bought some. Oh, that painting is good. Maybe the pantry was NOT the place to hang it that the mice really didn't get frightened from it!
And that yes, in fact, I WAS good enough to be in the mural painting catagory!
Have a wonderful and thanks for reading! :)
P.S. I'm really not a meat eater, so I may have to alter the death ending. I'll keep thinking.

A Hen and her chicks!

2008-08-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

Just finished my newest mosaic of A Hen and her chicks! It is hard to tell in this picture, but the window frame is done in a dark wine color. This was a really fun project. The stained glass pieces are appliqued on the reclaimed window then grouted in a black color. I also painted the eyes on the hen and chicks since it is very hard to make a great eye that small from pieces of glass. I plan to put this on my Etsy shop, hopefully tomorrow.

Hope your Labor Day Weekend is a nice one!

Time Out Chairs Ain't What They Use To Be!!

2008-08-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a new mosaic "Time Out" chair that I made for a client.

This is made out of very solid oak with some vintage china, with a black grout.

I think I would have loved to have been in "Time Out" with this fun stool!

I am also finishing up another fun project and hope to get it on here in a day or two.

I just love it when I get something accomlished! :)

Hope your day was a happy one!

It's an honor just to be nominated! :)

2008-08-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of the blogs that I like to keep up on, Mana Moon Studios, she, Sharon, makes some really beautiful jewelry, when I noticed that she nominated me for a Brilliante Weblog Award!

How cool is that! Now, I realize she had to nominate 14 people, because she was awarded not once but twice!! but, it was very exciting since this is my first award! I'd like to thank all of the people that made this happen....:) Actually, I am pretty new to this blogging thing and I don't really consider myself too much of a writer just yet, but am giving it a good try! I never run out of things to "talk" about, but typing is another story!

It is fun to get people to comment on my blog occasionally. So, I want to thank Sharon for doing that and to let her know that I do enjoy reading her blog as well. And seeing her new jewelry.

I have a daughter in law now, that loves jewelry and I will have to start planning my Christmas shopping list now. I was talking to her yesterday and her eyes perked up when I asked her if she enjoyed jewelry. I describe her as funky vintage if there is such a thing. So, Sharon, if you have anything to fit that description, we need to talk!

I get to nominated some people now for this award, so here goes:

1. My dear friend of 34 years, Laurie of TheLooking Glass. We have been friends for so long, she knows how much I love her and believe in her and her artwork. You should all check out her blog and her wonderful artwork. She is exactly as she writes!

2. My new friend and new blogger, Sandi of Our Enchanted Children. Sandi has a great new business that has so many children's items and accessories that you really all must check out! She continually updates her store and is happy to help you with whatever handmade item that you may need for your special little one. These items come from all over the world! And are meticulously made.

3. Enzie Shahmini of Enzie Shahmini Portraits & Fine Art. I have started checking out her blog and I love her artwork. She is fun and just does beautiful work! Really awesome stuff.

4. Lisa from Human Touch Designs, she makes beautiful custom jewelry for any occasion. Her blog is a fun read too! She has been sweet and checked out my blog and I thank her for that!

5.Maureen from All Thing Jewelry. Of course she makes very nice jewelry, but I like to read her blog. She has lots of interesting topics and has some nice info. on there as well. She has been supportive to me in my new blogging as well.

6. Pass It on Plates blog Pam. She has commented on my blog as well and I have started checking out her blog. She has this wonderful idea of these cool plates that each person signs or does a design and you put special treats or goodies on the plate, then pass it on to your friend who eats the treat and does the same thing. The point is, to see where this plate ends up and enjoy all of the places and people that have had it before you. (I hope I explained this the right way!). Anyway, I am excited because my friend is giving me the plate next! Yea! I only worry slightly about what to put on the plate that I will pass on, as I am not a great baker, but I am a pretty good "drawer" so maybe that will make up for it! :)

7.Tracy of Musings of a Domestic Gourdess, she does some great artwork on gourds!

Hers is a fun blog to read and she has inspired me to try some gourd art out. I may or may not be sharing that one! :)

So, this is my list of people who I am choosing!

For the nominees here are the rules:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog

2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4) Add links to those blogs on your blog

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

I made a new sale!

2008-08-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

I made a sale today! Yeah me! I was in a bit of a small slump and I am now revived!

I have some of my things for sale at a nice store called The Hollow Fencepost. They specialize in custom building furniture primarily built from reclaimed barn wood. They also create furniture from reclaimed cabinets, salvaged architecture from buildings being taken down, and new lumber (if specially requested). I work with them when they need some custom painting done. Anyway, just thought I would share my slanted table that is no longer mine! Hope they enjoy it.

It's been a hard days night!

2008-08-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a hard days night, and I've been working like a dog!

The storms came in and mixed things up in the neighborhood. Thought I would share some of my pictures! I was home alone, well, me and my trusty dog Gunner. We paced back and forth for quite awhile while the trees fell around me! Yicks!

We had no power until the next day. It could be worse of course, so we are thankful that no one got hurt. My husband and son were up on my sons roof for the beginning of this as they were replacing his roof. This came up very suddenly. It was a scramble to get the tarp back on his roof. So, after the limbs get cleaned up, its back to networking and yeah, maybe get some work in! Have a good one!

Networking and the Inchworm!

2008-07-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

Networking has been on my mind a lot lately. I seem to never have enough time to network AND do my artwork. The more networking I do, the more it seems, I fall behind and find more things I have to do. What is the answer???

As I was leaving my house the other day, I looked down and saw an inchworm!

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH NETWORKING YOU MIGHT ASK???

Well, it reminded me of this old saying:

Inch by Inch Life's a cinch

Yard by yard, it's really hard.

So, the new plan of action is to slow it down a bit. Do the networking as I can without making myself crazy. Allow myself an amount of time each day and then STOP.

Put the fun back into my artwork and not to concentrate soooo much on the selling of it.

Although, I really want and need to sell my work. Hopefully, it will all come, in time.

If you have been "bugged" by this same thing, just remember the INCHWORM!

Have a wonderful day!

Denise

It's a Jungle Out There!

2008-07-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

It really is a jungle out there! A jungle full of fun animals that I painted on this childs bookcase. Done for a company in my area (The Hollow Fencepost), it is sure to add a great focal point to any childs room. I had a fun time painting these! Of course, I can paint anything that you have in mind for that special person and/or occasion. Just get in touch with me!

Enjoy my pics!

Networking with my old classmates!

2008-07-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

The class reunion was great! Why or why did I worry so much? Anyway, we all had a fabulous time and are already planning for the next one, five years down the line! While talking to my old classmates, I had a great opportunity to network with them. (I wasn't really thinking of it that way at the time) but that's what I was doing. I found out a classmate of mine is renovating an old historic home on the Ohio River. He wants me to make at least 16 stained glass windows for his home! What a thrill that is! We will be beginning the project very soon. We are now in the discussion stage of what he is looking for. He has many ideas right now and it is up to me to make it all come together!I will begin with some photos of his home and rooms that the windows will be going into. He wants at least 10 transoms made. I will sketch out some ideas and give some samples of some glass that I have in mind. I am very excited and anxious to get going on this. I will keep you all posted on the progress of the projects.

The Night Before

2008-07-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Less that 20 hours before the big class reunion! My stomach is upset and I can't find ANYTHING to wear!. I'm sure everyone will look much younger and be thinner than me!
I am trying to think of excuses of why I should not attend. I think I may have the flu!. Yes, I'm sure of it now.

Back from a fun vacation

2008-07-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hi!, Its been a long time since I have blogged. We have just gotten back from a nice vacation to Colorado and Oklahoma to see family and friends. It was a good time. While we were gone I got to go the Denver Botancial Gardens. I am including some of the fun pics that I took while gone.

I am going to try to be more faithful about keeping up with this and finally putting more time into marketing my Changing Designs business. Keep checking back and visit my website at http://www.changingdesigns.com/

Enjoy the pics!

Denise

Bringing the Homestead Home

2008-04-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I would add a few of my newest additions to my portfolio.

These are some room dividers that I made from some reclaimed doors out of our families old homestead.

The first one is a double door set. I made some really fun stained glass windows and put them in place of the old windows. These are done in the "tiffany style" copper foil method of doing stained glass. I used a black patina over the solder. I used a collection of different colors and types of glass for this, as well as different textures. These are some very rich colors and I love just sitting here looking at it!

I also made a single room divider in the same way using English Muffle Glass. On both dividers I added glass "crystal cut" door knobs that really add that special touch!

Enjoy!

2008-04-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Zen Sarcasms
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
11. If you lend som eone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Antique Mosaic Table

2008-04-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

My latest mosaic table! I really had fun doing this mosaic. It is done on an antique table using a variety of different textured glass pieces. The colors are very rich. It was grouted in black which goes nicely with the black painted table legs. The legs are very ornated and FUN. Enjoy!

Van Gogh Inspired Still Life

2008-04-15T09:54:00.001-07:00

I wanted to try out a new style of painting. This one was inspired by something Van Gogh may have done with his color palette and brush strokes. It was very fun to do and was a challenge because it was very different than things that I have done before! A Still Life was set up for me, I did not choose the subjects, but it was a challenge, especially the skull, but after all was said and done, I think I like the skull the best.

To be, it looks amused by the whole thing. I love the bright cheerful colors.

A View From My Window

2008-04-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

What a surprise when looking out my kitchen window yesturday morning!

I was "cracking" myself up finding my camera and taking this. Okay, it is my fault that I zoomed in on it, BUTT, I couldn't help myself.

My neighbors were having a few of their trees cut down at the time.

Thought I would share this.

I bet you are all thanking me for sharing this! Well, Your Welcome! :)

Then and Now

2008-03-27T00:58:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd add another painting that I've recently done. This is an oil painting on canvas that I made. (Very fun to make my own canvas!). This painting is of me and 3 of my brothers when we were 1,2,3 and 4! Now that's a handful. I actually remember the day this was taken. My dear aunt was watching up and she scrubbed us all up and put our p.j.'s on and took the picture. We always had fun with my aunt. Then I decided to paint what we look like today. It was kind of fun to see the differences, and sad too. I think year 24 was my best! :)

This painting is 4 feet by 3 feet.

Putting the Pieces together

2008-03-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

What to do with my pieces of stained glass?? I know, I'll make a mosaic piece. Not just any piece. A coffee table. yeah, that's it. Hours and hours later....taa dahhh! My mosaic coffee table!

Hope you enjoy it. I had a great time working on it. My back, however, not so much!

I love the colors that are in this. I used black grout which really made the colors pop that much more. This is a very heavy duty solid wood piece of furniture.

2008-03-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

The painting I wanted to talk about today is an oil painting 2 ½’ x 3’. It is of my brother in law who is currently serving in the military and made two tours so far in Iraq. He is a very patriotic guy and loves his country. I wanted to do a special painting for him to show him that I appreciate all that he and his family has sacrificed for me. He really is a special. What he did in Iraq inspired the meaning behind this painting. He received the bronze star this last time there. When I asked what he did to receive it, all he has ever said was it was for a particularly loud day.
Of course being in the military, they have to wear “who yah” clothes over there to protect themselves. I saw a picture of him with this uniform on and wanted to use it in a painting. The children that are placed around him are not necessarily the children of Iraq although that is what it may appear to be. I meant it more as children of the world though. He loves kids. He is fighting for the freedoms of these children. I wanted it to represent more of what these kids will hope to have as a future because people like my brother in law have gone and do go over to Iraq and other places as well to fight for freedom.
My brother in law is proud of this country and I wanted to show him I was proud of him.
The green colors were used mostly because it went with his uniform, but if you want to get real artsy, I guess it could be for the growing and living feeling that green gives us.
I am not particularly deep, so that’s about as good as it gets!
I do know I love the guy and all he does for our country.

2008-03-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Feb. 29, 2008
I decided I would start talking about some of my paintings to keep track of what actually made me do some of them, or the idea behind them.
The first painting that I thought I would write about was one I finished in December.
It is actually a picture of my niece Mackenzie. I did it for my sister. Mackenzie is a special little girl to me. I was there the day she was born. I was the first one to see her. Perhaps it’s because I was butting my way in front of her father, I’m not really sure! We were in the delivery room; I had traveled from Illinois to New York to be with my sister for her birth. I had already been there for two weeks and I had to leave. I was trying all sorts of things to get that child born before I had to leave. I will only talk about one or two. My sister would kill me if I divulged much more. I had that poor girl drinking cod liver oil and well, doing things she’d really rather not be doing J
Anyway, finally, it was time. The room was so dry, that each time I tried to comfort my sister I would give her an electric shock. She was getting annoyed at me; I was trying to “be there” for her. And well….let’s say, we needed a humidifier in there. I would touch her or try to rub her back and she would yell “Owww!” Occasionally, giving me dirty looks.
Long story short, my darling niece was born. I will love that child till the day I die. So, back to the painting…Her wonderful daddy was sent to Iraq for the second time. Now those two are extremely close. I wanted to give them both something to keep with them. I had one of those little lockets made where the heart is broke in two. On one half I had Dad engraved, on the other half, Kenz. She had dad, he had Kenz, then they would have each others heart and when he got back they could connect it and their hearts would be one again. Notice in the painting there is a locket on it says the word “Dad”. He ended up putting it on his dog tags. Mushy yes, but hey, it was an emotional time. Anyway, I bet your wondering where the painting comes in….patience, this, is how I talk J my niece has always been a pink fan. Everything pink, and of course, she is a princess. Now that she is getting older and because she wanted her room repainted, she decided to be a teal fan. When you look at the painting, that is why there is now a pretty teal shirt, but draped around her neck is a pink necklace with the words, I love mommy. She does love her mommy and they are the best of buddies, that is, unless daddy is around! She is meant to be laying all sprawled out on the floor because, this is Kenz. She has long beautiful dark hair, she is full of energy and her eyes just dance, especially, when she is up to something!
As you can tell, I put a lot of thought into this painting. If you know of someone who would love to have their special story told, we can talk and work up some ideas. My sister says she takes her friends into the living room and says, with her arms stretched out like a museum curator, Now, this painting, was done by my aunt!
I believe it will be around for quite a while!

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!
I hope everyone had a nice day with their sweetie!

2008-02-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

Feb. 13, 2008
Well now...What a fun day I've had. My phone was happily in my pocket, and then all of a sudden, it was in the toilet! I am cut off from the world!! I have had to e-mail my family and friends and try to get their numbers. I think I will write them down this time! Has that ever happened to you??
I am slowly getting use to We Love Etsy, Etsy Bloggers and Indiepublic. So far, its fun. I wish I had more time to check everyones shops out. But, I'm afraid I will be wanted all of there things!
There is so many nice items for sale.

Feb. 12, 2008

2008-02-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Brrr, from the snowy midwest!
I have just joined We love Etsy and Etsy Friends. Hopefully, this will be fun and I will be able to meet some nice people. There have been 5 who have joined with me already!
I'll be checking back.

Let the Blogging Begin!

2008-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

So, I'm beginning a blog page tonight!

I have never done this before, so bear with me!

I am a graphic designer with a business that offers graphics work, as well as painting and stained glass custom artwork. I LOVE being creative. I love meeting new people and sharing ideas.

Now, time to see how this works.

Until later,

Denise