The new year is almost here.....

Well, another year has just flown by me! I can not keep track and they say it just gets worse.

I have thought about what I should plan for my new year:


1. My promise to my kids is that I will TRY to be more patient .

2. My promise to my husband is that I will try to be more relaxed.

3. My promise to myself is that although I fall short of many of my intentions, it does not
equate failure.

4. My promise creatively is to try try try all the new things that I had on my list last year!!!!!


Have a great New Year!!!!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

As promised......

My yellow birds. I am in a bit of a bird obsession right now. I have two more little bird pieces and then I am on to something else. I have two visions in my head that I can hopefully put on canvas. They are a bit different for me and I think a bit more personal. I will keep you posted.

Well I am off to clean the kitchen and take the boys out to the park ( in December without their winter coats..... it is 55 warm degrees here in MD !).

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

What a Holiday!!!!

Well, we have been busy busy busy. The boys were sooooo excited for Christmas. I think this year they have been the most excited ever. My oldest is 8 and he is so cute, he found one of Santa's coat buttons in the hall . He is saving it in his " treasure " box. I have an entire week of putting together endless lego sets. The weather in Maryland is so strange.... it has been oddly warm and balmy .... not that I am wishing for snow , but it just does not seem like the Holidays.


In between my lego building , I am working on some new pieces. I have some dedicated to a shop in Florida and some for my favorite local spot " The Muse" and yes , some will go on etsy. I better get busy! I hope you all enjoyed your Holiday !!!! I should have something new to show you very soon!!!!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Unity....

This is a new chunky collage. I just took it to my favorite shop "The Muse" here in Frederick. I will have more originals online for the new year.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

So many things.....

These days have been strange. These months have been strange. There is so much going on in the world it becomes a sponge that drains you of all energy. Everyday something more outrageous is in the news........ it is almost like the world has become one of those crazy TV shows that I can not seem to follow or understand ( and thankful that I do not!). So many things weigh heavy on the shoulders of soooo many. I want to take joy in these days..... carry the spirit of this holiday to all the other days beyond it. I want to take the penny I might have and share it. I want to WANT to do this. I want to believe that perhaps there is magical moments left in the world. I want to not worry that the Chaos around us will permeate into our little home. I want to believe that the future of my children will be bright. I want to believe that in a strangers hand we might find hope. I want to pull faith from my heart and follow it.

I want to breath and feel relief..... I want to sigh in content and believe in tomorrow.


Join me.

Courtney

For a Friend.....

This is a new collage I have done for a good friend. I hope to deliver this to her this week. My scanner once again cuts off everything ( Santa are you listening!!!!).

Talk to you soon!

Courtney

The days are just zipping by!

This is a picture of a collage I am doing for a family member. It is of Nubble Light in Maine. Our family just loves Maine and this is a special spot. My scanner cut 1/2 of the collage off so use your imagination. I might add , it is not quite finished .

So , much to do. I am always late in getting out Christmas cards. After a zillion shots in front of the tree...... We decided to use a picture from November ! I sent them to Walmart ( not organized enough to to an online site.) and went to pick them up yesterday ........ and they were out of paper. They said they might have them ready by Wed.! So , my cards will be late as usual. My site has been pretty quiet so I have been working on some new things , but I do not feel the rush to get them finished ..... kinda nice.

Have a great day! Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Something new.....

This is a new piece I just finished. I am working on some more chunky canvas pieces and should have some updates soon. Where has December gone??? I hope you are all enjoying your Holidays thus far.

I started a tradition a few years ago...... although not original it is fun! For the last 12 days of Christmas little elves ( me!) deliver presents ( dollar store, socks, candy) under the tiny tree in my sons room. They rush in every morning to say " Look what the elves brought today!!" I get just as excited as they do to tell you the truth.

Talk to you soon!

Courtney

It was a hit!

The birthday was a hit. He did not even notice that he did not have a blaster gun..... we had plenty of nerf guns that worked . We topped of the night with Pizza and macaroni and cheese ( his fravorite . This is not a typo this is how he says it). Instead of cake ( which he has had last weekend and he will have Sunday at his party) we had sundaes !

Now ...... I have some handmade gifts I am making for my family. I am curious about what you will be making this year ?

The hunt is on.....

Today is my little guys Birthday. He is not so little anymore and is 6!!! I can hardly believe it. He is my guy that is entertained by a mere cardboard paper towel holder, I love how creative he is . So ........ being that he has a December Birthday, I do not want him to feel overlooked. I was on a mission to find the Clone Wars trooper helmet ( that has a voice changer ) and the clone wars trooper blaster ( Moms with boys this age , you know what I am talking about and how very important these two things are to becoming the best clone warrior possible!!!!) . The kicker in all of this is that I wait until the morning of his birthday to go shopping! I have gone to 2 Walmarts, Target, K-mart and Toys r Us. At the last store I found the helmet but no such luck on the blaster . Lets cross our fingers that Santa will come through!

So at ever store I put money in the Salvation Army bucket ( 4 stores). At the last store I quickly walk by , and the attendant at the bucket says " Hey lady , Thanks alot!" and then he smirks and says " You have a nice Christmas too!!" . How is this possible when I have given at all the other stores..... I even gave dollars to one. Is there sense in the Universe???

I am going to take a deep breath and realize that everyone is under pressure and in the end does it really matter if my guy gets a blaster......... he will have a full belly , a warm bed and lots and lots of hugs. To me that is the perfect gift.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New little birdies....

This is a new collage in my etsy site. Although it is winter my heart seems to be stuck in the spring. I love the calico birds. It was fun to glue together all my little scraps to make one piece. I think I will do some more of this in some upcoming things.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

What..... there are two!!!!

This is not the greatest picture , however it is off my two mini collages in one matte. I hope to upload a better one for my shop.

(This was a quick one!)

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

I just added this little chair collage to my shop. I have another to post tomorrow, however my pics were not good so I need to retake them. I have 2 original canvas collages to finish up and then I will be posting some photo prints later in the week. My pouches have been sitting just waiting for me to get a surge of creative energy ........ however nothing. I like to have them sit where I can see them and perhaps it will just come.

We had a great Thanksgiving. My kids, nieces and nephews ( a total of 7 from the ages 2-9 )all went bowling , roasted marshmallows in a fire and watched movies. A great time had by all.

Now on to Christmas. I started putting up decorations ..... My kids think that elves come in the middle of the night and place everything everywhere. I started this many years ago, because my son is very particular about where things go, and he believed that the globe snow balls and ceramic Santas would be great in the middle of the floor!!! Now that the elves magically place things..... he does not dare move them. The elves are Santa's friends so no need to upset them.

Plus the kids get so excited to see what new things appear ( the elves get a new decoration every year!) . Oh to be a kid again!!!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New in the shop

These minis are now in my etsy store. I am working on more chairs..... the others found a home in a local shop "The Muse". I will have some more things to post next Monday..... I am going to take some time to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family. I will only work when all are asleep!

Can you believe it is that time of year yet again?? Christmas... my littlest son will be 6 next week..... oh my has time flew right by me.

Enjoy your holiday !!!!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

The days are flying by.....

I can not keep up with the minutes in the day. I feel like I see them dangling before me and I just can not reach them...... and then they are gone! I just have to take a deep breath and realize that somethings will not get done and that is o.k. . I will have to let you know how this is going......

I have managed to get some new work done. Above are two of my mini chairs. They are original collage on paper. I will have these matte in black with some vintage paper as a background. I have 4 more of my mini works as well and I hope to have them in my etsy shop by Tuesday night.

Have a great day and remember all is o.k. in the end.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New block art

These are new and in my shop. I also added two new boxes and I will be putting magnets in tomorrow!!! I am trying some new things..... collage painted pouches for your purse, and I will be working on some more small block collages. As I have said before, I like to work small.... I have a short attention span. If something takes me too long.... I already start working on another piece in my head. It is sooooo cold here. Nice day for something sweet and hot to drink!

I started Christmas shopping although I really am not in the spirit yet. I need to get past Thanksgiving ( that wonderful overlooked holiday!). Enjoy your day!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New birdies....

These are my new collection of framed original ACEO's. I have listed 3 in the shop and will list the other 3 tomorrow . I love working in this size in a large group.

My show last night was ........ o.k. . I just do not think I am a show kinda gal. Oh well, nothing lost , I can now send out to the stores that have been asking me for work.

Have a great weekend!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

new collage

This is a new 10x10 collage. I tried some new things in this piece. Notice the sewing around some of the little houses. I have a booth at a shopping social this Friday. This piece will be there and if no one takes it home..... I will have it on etsy Saturday.

We found our Thanksgiving tree this weekend. We go up to Gambrill State Park and get wayward tree limb and claim it our tree. The kids did a pretty good job with the Thankful tags. I can not believe we are already here ..... a mere few weeks before Thanksgiving.

Enjoy what is left of fall because winter is coming !!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

And the winner is .......

The winner of my first blog give away is


TAU..... no one has the same favorite candy so I had to
do a random drawing ( my husband picked the name ).

My favorite candy is a peppermint patty!!! I love them and
love to drink a cool glass of milk really fast afterwards.

Tau please leave me a comment with your address. I will not publish it
I promise!!!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

This picture really does not capture this collage. It is long and thin and has a raised panel . My scanner cut part of the ends off ( sorry! I am hoping Santa reads my blog.... really because I will be checking under my tree for my new printer and scanner). I am going to post this later on etsy with better pics , I promise. I volunteered in the classroom this morning, ate lunch with my little guy .... had about an hour to check the computer , put dinner in the crock pot and I am off to pick up my son for his flu shot be back in time for dismissal and to have an after school playdate. Home by 4:45 and I will be ready for my coffee break!!!! I still have two loads of laundry to fold , homework , showers and by 9:00 I can have some creative time!!!

Talk to you soon! *** There is still time for my giveaway ( 2 posts below)

Courtney

Can you believe it ...........

First..... how about election night!!!! How exciting was that. I was so proud to have taken part in history and to have my two little guys next to me. They were so excited. My oldest wanted to stay up and see the results..... but it was way past his bedtime. After the very moving speech by Obama, I went to check on the kids and my son woke for a moment. I told him that Obama had won and he whispered " Yesssss!" and fell back asleep. I guess that says it all right. I did not want to get political on my blog , but I do think that no one person can deny what a powerful, moving experience these last days have been. To see a nation come together and have such a sense of hope....... a dream for all of us to have together.

Onto point 2: the above pic is from my bedroom and the area above my bed has been empty for the last 2 years...... we can not decide what to do with it . Only the back wall is navy and the rest of the room slants up and is painted sand. Hmmmmm. Any suggestions?

Do not forget to respond to my giveaway in the post below! I will be picking the winner this weekend.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

give away.....

Ok...... here goes. This is my first little give away. Just post a comment and let me know what your favorite candy is ..... if mine and yours are the same, your a winner. If no one loves my favorite than I will do a random drawing. The above is a little 4x3 collage that will come in a matte.

Talk to you soon!

Courtney

Those that I admire.....

My day could not end without checking out the following:

Jennifer @ Colorflystudio.blogspot
Geninne @ blogdelanine.blogspot
Carissa @ browneyedfox.blogspot
Tracey @ thevintagesisterstudio.blogspot
Jenn @ noodleandlou.blogspot

Thank you to all of you for sharing your world!!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

A 6th thing......

6. I still check noggin to see the show lineup ..... how I miss watching Max & Ruby, Little Bill, and Franklin!

5 things......

1. I eat tomato soup almost everyday with crunched up tortilla chips.
2. It is not a good day unless I have my good coffee creamer ( French vanilla )
3. I love getting up before everyone else in the house
4. I still am afraid of my own shadow
5. Every Christmas morning I still look for my gifts from Santa


Talk to you soon,

Courtney

I am trying....

These are new in the shop. I am really trying to do some small , inexpensive originals. I should have some more small things by the end of the weekend. Oh no! I just made a promise so I guess I better keep it. I think I am going to make something for a give away...... hmmmm. I will keep you posted. I will have it for view on Sunday.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New items

Well , I have finished two new pieces and they are in my etsy shop. I always get a big burst of energy when I have finished a piece.... ready to move on to something new. I am going to do some ornaments to put in "The Muse" here in Frederick. I am not sure if I will do a Christmas theme or just carry over my work as is.

Today , really this week is packed. I have a magic show to attend tonight after much homework with the boys ( alot for 2nd grade and I can not grasp this new math!! ). Do not forget that Charlie Brown is on tonight. I just love Charlie Brown . I always say to my guys " Your a good man Charlie Brown", and they look at me like I am crazy! My youngest always says.... Mommy my name is Reese like I have forgotten. We are doing our Halloween dinner complete with spiders , brains and mummies for dessert. The boys really love this and we have our neighbor , grandparents and friends over. I think this year being on a Friday it will be alot of fun.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

The above was sold at my little art show my sister in law hosted. I just love it and really struggled to let it go. I think I will have to do another similar just for me. It has been a busy week. I am working on a few things...... I am doing some small originals that are on paper. I really like working small. My brother just let me know that our childhood neighbor and mother to our childhood playmates has passed away. She had pancreatic cancer and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

The leaves are starting to change....

Well , we have decided as a family to do weekend hikes. This is a thrifty family fun time and it gets everyone out in the fresh air . We did a hike up to Cunningham falls and did some rock climbing. The boys loved it . We hit the apple orchard on the way home and have bowls of fresh apples, apple butter and cider. Now we just have to wait for the leaves to be in full color.

Enjoy your fall days! Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Hooray!!!!

Well, my party was a success. There was a wine tasting as well, so everyone was nice and relaxed ( including me) . I am always shocked when someone says " I really like your stuff". I am so happy to be making it that for someone else to appreciate it ...... well I am amazed. I think I need to be more comfortable in accepting compliments....... it might take awhile.

I do have some things I will be posting tonight and tomorrow on my etsy sight ( finally an update!!) . I really want to have at least 1 new piece a week , sounds easy however I struggle and I do not like to rush things ..... but I am a gal that needs deadlines to keep me on track!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Where is the time going??

This week the kids have 1/2 days for conferences...... not really 1/2 days because they are only in school for 2 hours each day. I love having them at home, however my schedule is a mess!!! It makes even more challenging due to the extreme fear my youngest has for Halloween. He will go no where if he thinks there will be decorations ( including the grocery store). We did manage to go to the pumpkin patch and I found the cutest apple gourd.... I just love gourds!

Am I ready for my show this Friday..... I am trying. I will have 9 canvas pieces and then some framed paper originals , prints, bookmarks, notecards, etc. . We will see. Now what to wear??

I hope to post before the event .

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Has it really been a week??

I thought for sure I had posted before now...... I am losing my mind. I have been so busy trying to get some new things for etsy, my show, the stores that have been so patiently waiting for new work. At times I see no progress...... and then slowly but surely I posted 2 new things on etsy, I will drop off 2 new pieces at "The Muse" and my show is on track !!!!! Perseverance my friends.
Now since last week , I have had an awful sinus infection ( down for 2 days with a fever, and my house has still not recovered!). I have 4 loads of laundry that still need to be folded and my littlest is home for 2 days with strep ( and you know this means obsessive cleaning of all shared items with brother). All in all....... I feel I am closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.

My son had his first wolf scout meeting last night, and I am one of the only mom's in attendance. The Dads come and have good intentions of participating with their son, however they can not help but collect in the back of the room talking shop or whatever men do when they try to out do other men in a group. Meanwhile, their children who have good intentions of being good little boys do what boys do in a group when eyes are not watching........ you guessed it Mayhem!!! Needless to say I had to have a real heart to heart with my son on the way home. I went to bed not liking myself too much ( I hate always being the mean mom or the bad guy). So , I put 2 desserts in my sons lunch with a note that said " 2 desserts just for being you! ". He hugged me extra long when he got home. I think I will sleep easy tonight!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

This is my latest.... I am keeping it for the party I am doing in October..... I have a feeling it will end up on etsy by the end of the month. I like this tree..... it is pre fall. The leaves still have greens and the greens have turned the slight shade of yellow. I like this time of year, and I really do not mind the rain. I have started walking each morning. Sometimes I walk with a friend, but most of the time I am with just me and my thoughts. I can not help but feel a bit awkward ( I am very uncoordinated my excuse for not taking exercise classes). I even thought that perhaps I would get the old stroller out and put a stuffed animal in it , this way I would at least have a prop ...... my neighbors would be sure to talk however, since both my children are of school age now! Funny how we ( really me) seem to worry about things like this. I guess I will be brave and walk with just me and my thoughts and work on being o.k. with being alone and perhaps tripping..... learn to laugh at me and know that it is o.k. . I think the neighbors will still talk, after all it is the suburbs !

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New little house

I just finished this piece and put it in my etsy shop. I hope to have a few more for next week.

Have a good weekend!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Keychains.....

I just finished these off and sent them on their way! They are going to a little shop in Illinois. I love working on small little things , and now I am energized to tackle something bigger.

The air is cool and crisp and I love it! Enjoy your day!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Here are some ACEO's I just finished. I plan on putting them in a Matte and framing them for a show I am doing. I love little things anyway , so working small is definitely fun. I think this way I can work on many things at once and not get overwhelmed by one big thing. Does that make sense? My sister in law is hosting a wine tasting /Art show for me at her home. I have done something like this before, and I am always a bit unnerved because I love being under the radar or anonymous . This is good for me though, and I highly recommend that if someone is to offer doing this for you , do it!!! I am trying to get work for that event and then to gear up for the holidays. My poor neglected etsy shop...... I have not updated that as much as I had liked. I am going to try to get something on by next week. I am loving this fall weather ...... my favorite season. It is bitter sweet however.... when my mother was ill , it was in the fall, and although her last months were filled to the brim with good memories , the crisp smell in the air reminds me that winter is coming and with that all things change. It is a reminder to me that although there is no permanence to much...... their is longevity in everything in our hearts.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Busy , busy, busy.........

This is a new piece that I am taking to The Muse tomorrow. I am experimenting with color or rather just pops of color. You can not tell from this photo , but their are several layers of white texture over French text. I really had to work on not wanting to add more.... less is more right?

I feel as if I am running and never quite catching the train...... I have so much to catch up with and I must say , it is stunting the creative process a touch. Funny thing , I would blame the lack of motivation to be stunting the creative process.... my glass is half full and in the blink of an eye half empty.

I am working on a piece for a gallery submission. My first attempt at a real "gallery" and I am so preparing for the rejection letter, but I will keep my hopes high. The work I am submitting is really different from my usual collages. It will still have my stamp on it, but I am not sure if it will have the likable factor........ and that is o.k., because it is good to step out of the box.

I am learning to say that " It is O.k. ". In the end ....... things are O.K. ............ in times of crisis and after the dust clears things can be again O.K. . Things may never be alright and sometimes we are left changed forever , but breathe deep and know that it is O.K. and never , not ever excuse yourself for feeling your truth. Deep breathe.....

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Now in my shop

As promised, new work in my etsy shop. I hope to add 1 more at the end of this week.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Sunday Morning...........

Well, I got to sleep in ...... the kids woke up happy , which always starts the day off great.
I am on my 2nd cup of coffee, I made a strata and it is in the oven. I love watching old movies or my favorite " Little house on the prairie" while I make breakfast and wake up. My husband said he would give me some time to work today. The day will be good. Don't you just love waking up and feeling anything is possible. Enjoy your day!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Ever feel like your in a circus??

I think that must be what inspired these new pieces. They are on canvas board and I think I am going to go out and get some twine or rope to make a hanger. The pictures do not show the background very well.... it is French text covered in white wash with off white and white texture added ( I used my very expensive art tool..... bubble wrap!). I needed to work on something a bit out of my comfort zone to re-energize. I am surprised at how much I like these.

Yesterday was a very exciting day..... two gals from a gallery in Scotland ( yes , Scotland) stopped by . They had purchased some of my work to hang in their gallery. They were so nice and made me feel so at ease. I was a bit worried..... I do not exactly lead the " artist" life. To me that is not important , however that little voice that has attendancy to bring you down was slowly getting louder . Why do we do that to ourselves??? Anyway the voice stopped and it was a good day.

I am off to have a much needed catch up with friends. Enjoy your day!

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New work hooray!

I love the way these turned out. The top is really a 10x10 on canvas. I like that I have tried a new hue of blue. The bottom one is some irregular planks of wood that I have attached together from the back. I really love working on wood. I love using the rawness as another element. I am going to try some more work on wood in the future. I think it gets me back into my roots a bit....... sculpture. I love making things totally from my own vision , maybe more boxes will be in store. I would love to put these on etsy, but I must wait . I have someone coming on Monday to pick up some things and they want to look at more new work. I am trying and I hope to have a shop update soon.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Rethinking , redirecting......

The kids have been back now a week. I have all day to work and do whatever I want. I was so looking forward to this time. The odd thing is that I am finding it harder to be productive. I was taken aback at first, not sure why I was not working with the fury I had with less time. I realized that I was always working before. I was creating the ideas in my head during all the mundain events, during all the car rides and school dropoffs and playdates in the park. When I finally got the time to be productive.......it was all right there. Now I struggle because I have the time , and I am not distracted ...... however I need to redirect my creative process. This is so much harder than I inticipated. I just need to put my feet on the ground and grasp this new life and not look back. I need to accept change.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney

Work ,work , work

Unfortunately you can not see the entire piece . This will ship out to Florida today. This is my first full week of the kids being in school. I have so much on my plate that I can keep myself busy enough to not miss them . I have been working on getting my work into more shop/galleries. A process that both scared me to death, and also very exciting. Now I have to follow through with the work. I also need to update my much neglected etsy shop. I promise by the end of this week I will have some things posted.

Hope you all enjoy your day! Talk to you soon,

Courtney

New work...

These are some new pieces ...... one I can not scan so I will post pics of them tomorrow. I am sending these off to a gallery shop in Tallahassee, FL. I am working on a few wood assemblages that I hope to have posted on etsy by the end of next week.

Talk to you soon,

Courtney