mechelle's art

Who!

2012-01-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek of my latest painting in progress

New Painting

2011-09-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever since I gave this blog some attention. I painted this little still life on watercolor paper last week. I am making some practice pieces for a few paintings I have in mind.

Have a great week!

Fall Ornament

2011-07-25T18:04:00.001-07:00

I am working on some more designs for the fall that I wanted to show you all. During these hot summer days this ornament reminds me that cooler days are coming soon. Even though it doesn't feel like it right now,.

New Ornament

2011-06-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am working on some new designs for the fall season. Even in the midst of the summer heat I need to get going for the fall shows.

Artsy ornament

2011-05-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have not posted this long about my work on my art blog. I made this artist palette for the president of my arts organization. She along with our group of artist hosted the Arts in the Park art festival this past weekend. I used Sculpey and acrylic paint.

Spring is Coming!

2011-02-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that Easter and the spring season are almost here! I wanted to give you a little peek at the spring ornaments I created from my sketchbook ideas. Wait till you see the handles I chose!

Sketching Away

2011-02-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have shared some of my latest creations to you. I am getting ready for the spring season with a few sketches, then the first few samples of my Easter ornament collection. I actually have a gallery and boutique that will be carrying several pieces in my area. What do you think? Any suggestions would be great!

Goals for the New Year

2011-01-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

As we ponder what we hope to accomplish for the new year. It is good to capture those ideas in some form. I prefer tho write them down on paper rather than on the computer. I created this journal book to write down notes, sketches, any sort of goals. Even if it a few minutes, or a half an hour, take some time to give yourself a sense of direction!

2010-12-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, for the first time I experienced my first white Christmas in Atlanta. I wanted to share a few ornaments that I made as gifts for a few people. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year!

2010-12-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

I was playing around with this design to offer to a friend who is looking for a personalized gift for family member. I also want to show a local gallery that carries some of my paintings what they think of my designs. Next, I will make an ornament for a little boy. What should I use for a little boy's ornament? A boat, car, or teddy bear. What do you suggest?

Frosty the Snowman

2010-11-20T17:00:00.001-08:00

I know many of you have been going to Thanksgiving programs and feast this past week. So have I, but in the midst of it all I find sometime to squeeze a few creative projects along the way. All I need to do is add some ribbon and this gift is complete!

Christmas is Near

2010-11-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

I have been busily working on Christmas gifts for teachers and neighbors. I decided to get a jump start before all the craziness of the season begins .

I even added a few of the ornaments to my shop. After I painted these little snowmen, I added some glitter to give it that frosty feel.

Christmas Gifts

2010-11-01T10:24:00.001-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of some teachers' gifts I am making before the rush of the holidays begin. I was inspired to create this gift when I visited my youngest son's classroom. The teacher had a framed picture with a nostalgic blackboard with an apple and a few other class items. I decided to try to make an ornament with that same feel. My mom who is a retired teacher gave me some helpful suggestions for my second sample . What do you think? I like the way it turned out!

Here is a little snowman who can't wait to adorn himself on a Christmas tree.

Mini paintings

2010-10-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you some of my new paintings that I prepared for my show this past weekend. I decided to make more mini landscapes that are similar to my larger paintings, so to fit every budget. I will be making more very soon. Enjoy your hopefully beautiful autumn day!

Art Blocks

2010-09-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

This week has been busy week getting ready for my show that will be in two weeks. I have been working on some new paintings and creating some art blocks from some of my existing paintings. I want to make sure I have different price points to fit every budget.

New painting

2010-09-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was experimenting with creating a flower with a patterened border around the edges. I am also thinking of using this design as a clock.

New Painting

2010-08-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am working a new painting that I had to show you. Just a few more finishing touches, then the painting is all complete.

New Totes!!

2010-08-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have last posted since I been busy keeping my kids entertained during the last month of summer break. Today is there first day of school, so I am able to start creating more while they are at away. Here are a few totes that I have worked on this past weekend. I will post them in my shop within a few days. What do you think?

New Mini Sculpture

2010-07-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

I wanted to show you a sculpture I submitted this for a holiday issue at Somerset Magazine. I will keep you updated if they decide to use it for their issue.

Block Printing

2010-06-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

I created a new block print with one of my designs that I just had to show you. I did not get a solid color all over liked I had hoped, but the sketchy effect turned the design into an interesting new image.

New Piece

2010-06-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you a few new seasonal pieces I am working on for my portfolio. I am hoping to get some freelance work in the near future with these new images. I will keep you posted on my future progress.

Art Journaling

2010-06-09T20:09:00.001-07:00

I have been taking this wonderful online calligraphy class by Martha Lever called Calligrafun. Here is my attempt to master this fine skill. I have always wanted to take a calligraphy class for a long time, so I finally decided to go for it. I made the book out of watercolor paper, folded it in half to make my very own journal book.

Tick Tock

2010-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about making my birds into clocks for a while now, so I finally took the time...hehe to put this idea into action. I will have these available in my shop later this week.

Flag Bird?

2010-05-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

I have had this idea in my head for awhile, so I had to finally put it down on watercolor paper. As you can see this birdie is very patriotic. Just a few more finishing touches then I will be all done.

Enjoy your day!

Studio Time

2010-04-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

This new painting was inspired by the upcoming Mother's Day holiday. I will probably make a card from this image to add to my shop this week. I painted the images on watercolor paper with acrylic paints.

Treasure Box Tutorial

2010-04-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

I painted a little paper mache box that I thought would make a great gift for Mother's Day or Teacher's gift. I wanted to share with you how I painted the box.

I applied purple and white Liquetex acrylic paint on the box. I made sure not to mix the colors together entirely, so you can see a little of the white to show through the purple. This gives it a sort of marbelized effect.

Next I applied the paint on the outside using angled brushstrokes.

Now it is all painted and ready to apply the image.

I glue the photo on and allow it to dry. The last step is to paint very carefully around the bird to cover the blue background. I apply a coat or two of varnish to seal in the paint.

New Painting

2010-04-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just a few more finishing touches on my painting before it is complete.

Doodling Away

2010-03-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am working on some new sketches and painting some new pieces on canvas. I will show you my progress in a future post. Have a great day!

Spring Treasury

2010-03-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of my fellow team members from Etsypaper chose my treasure box and other beautiful spring themed items from our group to be in this Etsy treasury. Have a great first day of spring!

Packing Up an Order

2010-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

I am packing up this order to go to the Netherlands in the mail today. It is such an honor to know someone appreciates my work and to think that a small part of what I created will be all the way across the Atlantic! Thanks Etsy for this global handmade community!

New magnets!

2010-03-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some new magnets that I have available in my Etsy shop. Just in time for the spring season. Come spring come!

Back to painting

2010-02-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have painted I am ashamed to say. I have been focusing on my design and leaving my poor painting on a shelf for some time. I have been floating some ideas in my head but have not taken the plunge to put those ideas to the canvas. Hopefully I will allow life to slow down just for a few, to explore my passion for painting. I will keep you posted!

Design Work

2010-02-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

I used an existing design, changed the color to make a new journal book. I'm also thinking of creating some cards with this pattern design. Look back at your old sketches or designs change or alter them some way to create an almost fresh new design. I will show you the finish product later.

Journal Book

2010-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying working on another journal/notebook. I am using the Japenese stab binding technique. This journal will be available in my shop by the end of the week.

New Valentines Card

2010-01-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner I created a card for the holiday. I also have stickers. They are available in my shop now.

Doodle book

2010-01-14T04:36:00.000-08:00

I got this cute little book at a gift shop several years ago. I decided to add a little flair to the notebook with one of my images. It is available at my Etsy shop.

Desk Calendar for 2010

2009-12-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

I wanted to create a desk calendar for 2010, but unfortunately I did not get it ready in time to have in my shop. I will however use it for a few gifts for some special people that I know. Let me know what you think of my first attempt. Have a happy and safe New Year! God bless

Customized note cards

2009-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

I created these little cutie birds with two different colors of decorative paper. I will offer them in my shop as a customized cards. They will be available in the next couple of days.

I'm in a Treasury

2009-12-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

My Team CAC friend Dionne featured my peppermint bird gift tags in a treasury along with some other great Etsy shops today!

Candy Cane Birds

2009-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

new gift tags

family tree art

After the Thanksgiving day I was busy creating some new designs. It was fun taking time to relax and brainstorming new ideas. Here are two things I worked on. The family tree idea has been floating in my head for some time now. The candy cane birds just popped in my head this weekend. These items will be available in my shop this week.

More Gift Tags

2009-11-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some more handmade gift tags! These tags are more funky with the marbelized paper. I backed them with a solid green card stock. Let me know what you think.

Gift Tags

2009-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show you some new gift tags that I am working on to add to my shop. I hope you all had a great weekend!

Countdown to turkey day. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday!!!

New note cards

2009-11-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

I found this cardstock that I had used for my previous business cards. I thought my designs would look great as note cards on them. The nutmeg color is perfect for the fall season, and would be great for personal use, or as a gift. They will be available in my Etsy store within the next couple of days.

Stamping Away

2009-11-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have showed you before my attempts to silk screen on fabric. To be honest with you, I am still trying to perfect the technique. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Yesterday, I purchased a Speedball stamping kit from Hobby Lobby. The stamp is made out of an eraser like material, which is much easier to cut than linoleum block. After I stamped the image, I embellished it with a line drawing. I am experimenting a few ideas to use for Christmas cards. It is so much fun playing around with this technique. I feel like a kid in art class!

Taste of Suwanee

2009-10-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you some pictures of my show at the Taste of Suwanee. The day was cloudy and cold the entire day. The attendance was good but everyone was not expecting the weather to be this chilly. The staff was great, and the volunteers were fantastic, and my family was such a great help to me.

Eggie Sale

2009-10-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

For the rest of this month the eggies in my Etsy shop and 1000 Markets will be on sale. They are 20% off. These cute little colorful, collectible eggs will sure to be a great accent on your shelf.

Collectibles

2009-10-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to highlight some of my images that I have in 3D. These figurenes are available in my 1000 Markets shop, and I hope to have some more available in the future. I never really thought of myself as a sculpture, but it is good to stretch and grow as an artist. At times we need to get out of our comfort zone, and try different art mediums and still maintain a consistant look of your art.

Fall Is In The Air

2009-09-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

I have been working on different colors with my gift tags that will be in my shop soon. Fall is finally here so I am starting to get inspired about the leaves changing, the weather getting cooler, and soon Thanksgiving holiday will be just around the corner.

Screen Printing

2009-09-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was practicing screen printing on some fabric and a tote bag that I failed on miserably. This time I used my husbands clamps to make sure the screen was secure to the fabric and it worked! The result turned out much better than before. I am so excited! Yeah!! I will show you a finished piece after I perfect this better. I am using a Speedball kit that I purchased at my local craft store. There are so many ideas swirling in my head that I can't wait to try out.

Another Mischievous Bird

2009-09-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here is another one of my fanciful birds that I wanted to show you. This little guy can be such a trouble maker, so please keep your eyes on him at all times!

Doodle Doo!

2009-08-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

I had fun yesterday playing with different designs with just a black marker. Crayola none the less for fun. This fun drawing session brings back memories of art school, and the assingments we used to do on positive and negative space. I think these designs would look really good on fabric, I have played with the idea of using Spoonflower to see what my designs would look like on fabric. The designs I am working on also may be used for a collaborative coloring book with some World of Whimsy artist. I will keep you posted.

Tote Bag

2009-08-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you my tote bag that I stenciled one of my birdie images on. The process was achieved by cutting out an old coated gift that would resist the paint. I am also attempting to master silk screening my images on the bags. That is still a challenge that I am trying to perfect a consistant ink color. I will show you once I get the hang of it better.

Buttons, Buttons

2009-08-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

I wanted to highlight some buttons that I have available in my Etsy shop. I am thinking about making some magnets of these images, and selling them with two more birdies as a set. What do you think? I would appreciate your comments.

My latest creation

2009-08-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy making these interesting rows of pattern of different color in my piece.

Sketching new ideas

2009-07-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am already starting to think about some ideas for a new landscape and Christmas...yes I said Christmas. It will be here before you know it, so I may as well plan ahead. I will keep you posted on my progress.

World of Whimsy

2009-06-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have been painting landscapes for two years now. I never really thought of myself as a landscaped artist, but I am enjoying learning more how to grow as an artist. This painting is the logo for the market I manage World of Whimsy.

My art on a t-shirt

2009-06-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am pursuing licensing my art to manufacturers. I have been experimenting with some of my images on Cafepress. If you want to see more images go to my site.

Featuring my versatile Style

2009-05-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

This blog will showcase my versatile style of work that would be great for commericial uses.