I had all these painted canvases I had created after taking Chris Cozen's class. I needed to do something with these canvases so I started turning them into works of art with the various bits and pieces of other classes I had lying around. The piece of gourd was from a class where we learned how to burn designs in the pieces of gourd, the fiber covered pipe cleaners were inspired by Sherrill Kahn, the black buttons were created using paper clay from the button mold from Krafty Lady, and I had to add some Angelina fiber because I wanted to try it out. Anyway, I am going to be drilling some holes and applying wire work to the gourd piece but I am not sure where. I have tried a number of ideas but nothing has screamed do this as of yet.

This was a mask that I did with another online group as a round robin. It was really a lot of fun and I loved the end results. It is hanging on the wall in my living room.

I love making jewelry of all kinds. I have taken a number of classes through the Shepherdess in Old Town located in San Diego, CA. They have had some of the most wonderful teachers come in: Ana Garcia, Leslee Frumin, Marcia de Coster, Margo Field, Maggie Meister, Richard Salley, Dallas Lovett, etc. not to mention the staff at the Shepherdess who have their own specialties. This particular piece "My Several Pearls" was one I made during a class with Margo Field. I completed the alternative necklace and made some earrings to match.

This painting was done during a class with Chris Cozen from Golden Paints. It was one of my first attempts at using acrylic paints (I prefer oils). It has always been a challenge for me since I am a realist and this work is primarily abstract. I am beginning to loosen up a bit though. The background was painted with various fluid acrylics (made into glazes). As each layer was applied it was then wiped off so that the layers underneath would add depth. Three paper hearts were colored and then applied to the canvas. A gel medium was applied around the hearts giving them a three dimensional look. Overall, I liked the piece.

I took a class with Leslie Altmann at the beginning of this year and this was one of the projects we did in her class. She provided the imagery and the wallpaper pieces to go on the frame but I added the wooden heart, silk cocoon, various pieces of paper clay painted with Lumiere paints, all the wire work, and the beaded and pearl elements. It was a wonderful class and if you ever get a chance to take one of her classes do as it will inspire you. She is a fabulous instructor. I always lover her color schemes as she chooses the most lucious colors.