Moon Stumpp

New Mixed Water Media Series...Bast on Yupo...

2012-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

What you see above is how a mixed water media series starts. Lots of small work getting the shapes and colors down. There are a couple more drawing steps but...I didn't get pics of them. :-)

The above is the last phase of the painting but the first in the series. The work is done on Yupo...I love working on Yupo but a lot of watercolor artists have told me that they don't. That's the wonderful thing about art...everyone has a choice.

I will hopefully finish up this Bast Series by the end of the month...then frame it. So it should be in the Art Bank in either March or April.

Later Gators,
~Moon

Super Bowl...First Friday...Events at Art Bank

2012-01-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

It has been very busy around here with the NFL in town. It's not everyday that the Super Bowl comes to your home town.

Art Bank Art Gallery’s (the gallery that I am in) February event will feature a wine tasting courtesy of Buck Creek Winery. Buck Creek is no stranger to high accolades for their wines. Come and enjoy a wine tasting then view the work of local artists. This multi-day wine and art event will take place Feb 2nd-4th from 12 to 10pm. Art Bank is located at 811 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Here's a small section of Art Bank:

Things are getting exciting and we want to let everyone know our schedule this week and our events from now through Super Bowl Sunday.

We have extended hours to be open (10AM-10PM).

Mon-Sun, open to public with Hot Chocolate and Cookies. Hot Custom Blended Teas from Humboldt County Tea Company. Our Book Nook book store will be functioning with books about Indiana and Indiana authors as promoted by Book Mamas. of Irvington.

Wed-Sun, Shuttle bus will tour from downtown to Mass Avenue and Fountain Square. With a stopping point here at the Art Bank.

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Noon - 10PM. Buck Creek Winery will have a wine tasting for our visitors pleasure.

Friday, the (TURF), IDADA "First Friday Art Tour" a monthly event that celebrates the arts and promotes a social gathering of the Downtown art galleries. The TURF is our link to the IDADA Art Pavilion located at 200 N. Alabama and headquarters for our Super Bowl IDADA art membership.

As for my part in this...you can drop by just about any day this week at Art Bank and see me. I have also added a large amount of mini works. Those are 5x7, mixed water media originals that are already matted and signed.

Later Gators,
~Moon

First Friday at Art Bank...Hanging a New Mixed Water Media Series...Yeah Yupo...Early Fine Art Friday

2012-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

I've been in the middle of a new series...Urban Totems. The above is titled "Thought Stalks" and the below is titled Bran.

My Urban Totems series has been inspired by two ends of the apex, Celtic myths and urbexing. The rise and fall of civilizations have always intrigued me, along with the myths and legends of the culture. Urbex is continuum of allegory within today’s world; the exploration of urban decay communicates the beauty of the abandoned ruins. Together, they reverberate of modern canon of urban myth mixed with conceptual archetypes.

On a side note...Urban Totems sometimes also have a playful favor to some of the ancient icons. :-) There are also forgotten spaces, modern ruins, that inspire me to paint.

Well, back to work...I'm running behind...AGAIN!!!

Later Gator,

~Moon

More Mixed Water Media on Yupo

2011-12-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm still in the framing mode...I didn't realize just how many pieces I painted in the last month. Anyway, the above is one of my favorites. It's matted and framed out to 16x20, mixed water media, and on Yupo. Titled...Men of Columba.

Later Gators...I'm back to framing!
~Moon

New Mixed Water Media...YUPO

2011-12-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have found YUPO!!!! Love it, even though it is a pain to seal. The paint pops and it's sooooo smooth. It's also the green way to go.

These are matted framed out to 11x14's. Sealed so well that they can even go into a bathroom or kitchen. That's what I like the most about Yupo, if sealed correctly, it's totally timex (takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin').

Today, has been a framing day. I've got 7 done so far with another dozen or so yet to go this evening. Most of the sizes are 11x14s with some 16x20s...even some 8x8s and 8x10s. I am going to frame some 5x7s too. I use that size to perk up my bookshelves and over the fireplace....hint, hint, hint.

I will be bring out a lot of new work on First Friday, at Art Bank.

Later Gators,
~Moon

New Series...Why I Paint...

2011-12-05T08:26:00.001-08:00

This is the new series I'm working on...well, it's the first phase of the series. It still needs a bit of work.

Last Friday was First Friday…yep, I’m sure you have heard me speak (read) about his happening before. It’s more than a way to sell my work; it’s also a way to connect with the general public. Sometimes about my work but much of the conversations I have, no. It’s about art in general. Last First Friday, I was chatting (which I do a lot of) with a gentleman that was interested in my work. He wanted to know if I also painted still life and/or landscapes. Yep, I do…not well but that’s not the reason why you won’t mine in this gallery (Art Bank). I paint/draw/sketch vistas and still life in my sketchbook mostly…as a way to grow as an artist. Do I enjoy painting landscapes, no. That’s why I have a digital camera.

I’m not saying to I do not appreciate the works of others that paint realism (or a better term is representational), I’m just saying that I don’t enjoy painting them nor having that type of painting in my home. It’s also the reason why I walked away from painting over 20 years ago. In that era, if I wanted to paint, it had to be realism. That was what everyone taught. I told myself then and still hold on this, if I had to paint big red barns and flowers for a living, I won’t paint. So I didn’t then, and I won’t now. That does not mean that I don’t work on portraits and landscapes, it does help me grow and enhance my skills. That’s also why I work in visual journals and in sketchbook.

I was asked why I paint abstracts. Well, where as I have seen such well done copies of nature (landscapes) that have left me with my mouth hanging open BUT I’ve never been moved emotionally by those works…nor has one ever sparked my imagination.

So…if I can paint so that either someone’s emotion or imagination has been engaged, I have done what I’ve strived to do as a painter. Mmm…I still have a long way to go yet.

For the time being, this series is finished...I will come back to it in a couple of weeks but I need some fresh eyes to move forward with it.

(Painted on cradled panel in acrylic with lots of texture and mediums; 10x20)

MoonWorld kitties are going to be a long term series...the works are on 140lb Arches paper, 11x14 matted, and are mixed water media. I've painted many smaller but I'm thinking that I would like to take these even larger with more details.

Ok...I'm off to get a few things done.

Later Gators,

~Moon

Early Fine Art Friday...First Friday...New Mixed Water Media Series

2011-12-01T09:38:00.001-08:00

I'm going to be a bit busy tomorrow so I'd thought I leap over Thursday and right into Friday. I've spent so much time in the studio recently, that I've lost track of the days. It happens to me once in a while.

Anyway, I'm working on a new series. The above is a sample...but I really couldn't get a good pic of it. There's a lot of texture and raised sections plus the port holes are raised with a poly gloss. Oh well, I do not think that this series is designed for prints.

Tomorrow is First Friday at Art Bank. I'll be there...with lots of jewelry and some new smaller works of 5x7's. They make great stocking stuffers.

Well, that's its...I've got to get some work done today in the studio.

Later Gators,

~Moon

Lots of new watercolors

2011-11-28T13:00:00.001-08:00

I've been busy working on watercolors and mixed water media. These started in my sketchbooks and then I moved them on to works on paper.

The below is one of my favorites...it has been matted out to a smaller work of 8x10. I'm thinking I will enlarge the piece to a larger work that I want myself. Yep, I do keep a few pieces.

The below is the end of my MoonWorld Cats series for a while. I have a couple more that I haven't photographed and a handful larger pieces.

That's it for today...I'm off to design some jewelry...then I'm going to do a bit of reading.

Later Gators,
~Moon

Fine Art Friday - New Watercolor/Mixed Water Media Series...Maybe...

2011-11-25T07:35:00.001-08:00

I've been toying with a new series. I love the way the colors turned out but when working with mixed media, a lot depends on how it looks under glass. These will be matted out for a 16x20 frame.

The pieces are very textured but the camera lens doesn't pick it up well.

There's a long list what I used to create these pieces but...they are stable and will last a several life times. Since anytime I use paper (this is 140 lb Arches), I also seal the work.

I've been asked if I'm going to make prints of some of my work. The answer is maybe...the issue that I'm coming up with is the amount of texture I use. Photography just doesn't do justice to texture.

Anyway...I'm off to clean jewelry all day. I need to also do some matting. First Friday is next week and I gotta get my stuff together.

Later Gators,

~Moon

Quite Turkey Day for us....New Photography Lights and New Lampwork Beads

2011-11-24T17:47:00.001-08:00

Bob and I stayed home for Thanksgiving...we needed a quite, stressed free day. It's been rather busy with all the gathering of quotes, calling in a real estate person, and everything else it takes to decide to do an addition to a house.

Plus there is the end of season stuff. I spent yesterday at Art Bank, trying to get things looking decent for tomorrow. I've still got jewelry to clean, etc, etc, etc. Plus there's also all the customs to get done as well. I'm not really complaining, I just need 36hr days.

Anyway, I've decided to focus a bit more on my online presence. That entails photos, the bain of my existence. Last weekend, another artist was using a light disfuser box on her photos. The light is fabulous. Sooo....

Here's my old setup:

Here's my new set up...well, I'm still working on it...but it's GREAT!!!! No hot spots, no spending hours processing in Elements because it's pretty much a crop and go.

The below is what good lighting can do. The was just a crop and go.

Same here...

With Indiana's weather being so dark, grey, and cold in the winter...I was having issues getting photos. Also I've got to take photos of my 2D and Bob's baskets. So we made the investment. The lighting has come down in price from a couple of years ago, when I was looking at them before.

Later Gators...hope everyone had a wonderful Dead Bird Day!!!

~Moon

MoonWorld and Imaginary Friends…New Watercolor Illustrations

2011-11-22T09:21:00.001-08:00

Somebody once asked me what I like most about being an artist. Was it the flex time or being about to work for your self? Yes, flex time is wonderful but it’s not like I have vacations, sick time, or holidays off. Yes, being self-employed is wonderful but…there are disadvantages as well. Those answers were from my adult, politically correct hat. The reality is…I get to indulge in conversations with my imaginary friends.

The above and below are friends from the Blue Dot Egg Clan...

Blue Dot Egg Clan...

Blue Egg Warrior Clan...

Jester-I wear weird hats-Clan...

Bitchy Birdy Clan...

That's it folks...photos worth a 1000 words???

Later Gators,
~Moon

New Etsy Treasury...great color

2011-11-20T05:55:00.001-08:00

Last show of the season today...we tear down and come home!!! Then I'm back on the torch and painting a new series.

Here's a lovely Etsy Treasure:

Later Gators,
~Moon

Autumn Art Fair at Garfield Park Arts Center...lampwork bead photography...trying to do it all

2011-11-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

This evening, Bob and I will be setting up at the Garfield Park Arts Center for the Autumn Art Fair.
If you are of a mind to stop in, here's the info:
Location: 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis
Time: Nov 19th, 10am-5pm
Nov 20th, 11am-4pm
Bob will be there with his baskets in mass!

On the beady front...

I'm back playing with different backgrounds for my indoor photo area. The above is a grad grey, the below is an etched mirror.

Depending on the bead set (color scheme and shape), will depend on the types of backgrounds I use. I'm sooooo happy that I finally figured this out. It doesn't sound like much but photography has been the largest obstacle for me expanding my online presence.

I can't do it all, it's taken a while for me to realize that I ain't getting any younger and sleep is GOOD. :-) So instead of working longer hours and harder, I'm working towards working smarter.

Next week...Mooner's Rocks on Etsy. I've got about 4 dozen sets to upload to my Etsy shop. What I like about Rocks is that they make wonderful accents beads in jewelry designs and they are affordable. They are also mix and match, so there's less orphan beads that designers have to figure out what to do with.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Moon

New Lampwork...working with Focal Sets...

2011-11-17T18:04:00.001-08:00

I've been working with focal sets...I just listed the above sets on Etsy this evening.

One of the biggest things that I've soooooooo pleased about is the beady photography. This afternoon, I was working outside (natural light) but it got very windy and it was cold. So I gave up...I was also frustrated because I've got almost 80 beady sets sitting on my desk. So....I decided to try my indoor studio. I used a graduated varitone background panel under a matted plastic sheet. The etched/matted plastic seems to take way the glare. Poof...it WORKED...shocked the shit out of me...so I get to take pics and still stay warm!!!! Yippy skippy, so I've been taking pics and will list some everyday for a bit.

I'm also working on a new series...more later...

Later Gators!
~Moon

New Etsy Treasury...GREEN

2011-11-16T16:25:00.001-08:00

This is a lovely treasury...more than I'm in it...it's the flow of the color green.

Later Gator,
~Moon

New Lampwork in my Etsy shop

2011-11-16T15:10:00.001-08:00

That's it for now...Etsy isn't behaving well right now. So I'm only posting a handful this evening. More later.

Later Gators,
~Moon

Sketchbook...Watercolor Cats

2011-11-11T10:02:00.001-08:00

The above is a close up of one of my kitty models. There's just something about cats. :-)

The above show the layout of my journal.

Cats seem to be my new passion for models. It’s the facial expressions, the colors and texture of their fur, and …well, the overall movements of their bodies. Maybe I’m also just a ‘cat person’.

Ok...gotta go get ready for a show this weekend!

Later Gators,

~Moon

First Friday at Art Bank-Gina Soo Golden

2011-11-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

It is time for the IDADA "First Friday Art Tour" Tomorrow night November 4th. 6-10 PM here at the Art Bank at 811 Mass. Avenue, Indianapolis. There are several new artists on display and many new presentations. Bob and I being one of them.

Gina Soo Golden will be our "Featured Artist " with a new display in the main gallery as well as several new fine art paintings. Gina Soo will have an expanded display during the month of November and be available tomorrow night to meet with the public. You can see more about Gina Soo at: http://www.ginagolden.com/

So pass on the information about a fun evening. We always have fun here at the Art Bank.

P.S. Please make note of our new hours (we are now open on Sundays). Open Wed - Sat 1PM to 8PM. Sundays Noon to 4PM

Later Gators...I've got to spend some time cleaning beads and hitting the torch...
~Moon

Yep, more lampwork

2011-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

I'm still processing more photos of beady babies. Hopefully, I will get some more sets up on Etsy. The shop is still kinda lean.

I've also have a pile of Mooner Rocks...to list as well.

Here lately, I've also been working with Bob (the hubby) with his show schedule too. Plus I'm now showing jewelry, 2-D work, with Bob's baskets at the Art Bank. So I've had to break away to set up the display there. Plus...well, it will be great to be back in the swing of First Fridays again.

Later Gators,
~Moon

Drive By...working in my Etsy Shop...FINALLY

2011-10-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

It's good to be back...I'm in the process of filling up my Etsy shop.

Later Gators,
~Moon

New Watercolor...well mixed wet media is more like it...Mouse, my cat

2011-10-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

I've been working with Mouse, my cat, as a model with many of my drawings in my sketchbook. This time I decided to work on loose paper instead.

Arches 140lb with Daniel Smith watercolors, pen & ink, and Turner Acryl Gouache. The gouache is fabulous to work with!!!!

Later Gators,
~Moon

Sketches at Fall Foliage

2011-10-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

I've recently had to ask myself, is visual journaling worth the time? The answer is yes. It has made a huge difference in my creativity but even more so to both my paintings and drawing skills.

Onsite drawing differs from only drawing from a photo. Mostly because of the way our eyes view the vista. A camera lens will turn the photo into a 2-D image...anyway, it does make a difference. My work isn't as flat as it used to me.

The above and below are close ups of the spread. With the weather changing though, I will most likely be working off of photos.

Back to work with me...I've got lots to do...back to glass.

Later Gators,

~Moon

Sights of Fall

2011-10-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

It was a busy week...into a busy weekend. Bob's first outdoor show was at Fall Foliage...which had very low gate attendance. It was still nice to go to a festival. I've got lots and lots of rough drawings to finish up in watercolor, sketchbook only. I've taken enough pictures to maybe do a large watercolor of a couple of scenes.

The below is in a Moleskine sketchbook that I finished up yesterday. Currently, since I've put bird seed in the feeders, I've been almost under attack sitting outside. They are fearless. :-) They also pay no attention to Briggs...the wonder Sheltie.

The colors of fall are wondrous this year...

Ok...back to getting some work done.
Later Gators,
~Moon

Today is a Cat day...the yarn harlot...entry in my visual journal

2011-10-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

Today is a Cat day...the yarn harlot, originally uploaded by Moon Stumpp.

She sits in sunbeams, fully relaxed yet fully alert...listening to the sounds of the sidewalk.

She is curious with a tail a quivering, and wonders of her stratosphere.

She is an explorer and hunter; she wants to chase crickets -or- be the yarn harlot she is.

Now for what's happening...I'm helping Bob get ready for his first outdoor show with baskets. Plus photography...beady photography...so I'm not in the best of moods right now. Photography is the bain of my existance...when when it comes to glass.

Later Gators!
~Moon

ZIG Calligraphy Pen Review...Coffee...Mouse, the wonder kitty

2011-10-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

I'm normally overjoyed by certain packages…things that contain either glass or paint. Pretty much all my raw materials arrive via by USPS or FedEx sometimes UPS. I live in the art supply store wastelands of Indianapolis. The closest is a drive to Evansville to Dick Blick or for glass, Bloomington to ABR. Anyway, I splurged this time and ordered some ZIG Calligraphy pens.

They are acid free, archival, pigment ink, nice color selection, double ended (2mm and 5mm), and will work on watercolor paper with great ink flow. The last one, well, is one the harder traits to find. They are a quick dry, waterproof, fade proof, and lightfast per Kauetake. They don't bleed or feather either. I have tested for some of these claims and I’m really impressed with them so far. The only thing is that they need to be stored horizontally to keep both tips well inked. Also, make sure that you hear a snap when you put the cap back on...they don't always catch well.

These pens are wonderful in journals and sketchbooks. More so when you have handwriting like mine. I’ve never really been into fancy letters…great to view but I really didn’t want to spend the time learning. These pens make it much easier for me.

On another topic, I've been working more with pen and ink studies...then sometimes adding watercolor. The above is a sketchbook spread with Mouse being the main subject matter. Normally she's quick and playful...but she can be bribed with with treats. :-)

Gotta go...time to get some work done around here.

Later Gators,
~Moon

Update and Wild Things...

2011-10-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful today...no rain, cloudless sky, and a bit cool. Perfect beadmaking weather. Bob and I have a couple of things to get done...off to Pet Smart for cat food, those sort of things...then I'm on the torch. I was on the torch until late last night.

Hopeful...I keep saying that, I will get the 100 or so beadsets photographed this coming week and get them posted on Etsy.

I finally got to the eye doc...yep, new glasses. Ya know, sometimes it really sucks getting old.

The below is something that I painted in my sketchbook this morning...it was quick but interesting.

There is a beauty and grace to wild things. Some like big cats, bears, and hurricanes are better seen from afar.

Later Gators!
~Moon

Rainout at the Paintout

2011-09-28T11:47:00.001-07:00

Rainout at the Paintout, originally uploaded by Moon Stumpp.

I have decided, that I prefer stetching places that don't include rain. :-)

On the way home from the paintout, I stopped at this pond by the house. I was a bit surprised to see ducks...even more surprise to find out that they were very friendly.

Later Gators,
~Moon

TICA Cat Show...my Birthday...Sketchbook & Watercolor with Pen & Ink

2011-09-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the sketchbook pages from the cat show...

Most of the work was quick, in pen, and I was in a hurry but it was interesting sketching people. I normally sketch places or interesting tid-bits that catch my eye.

The above was a quick sketch in pen, that I lightly watercolored. I'm not sure he was really happy by the end of the day. I don't blame him...he had to travel to the show, then it was two day of judging, and by the time I saw him...he was looking like he really wanted to go home.

The below was a pic of the Bengal kitten judging...one kitty wasn't happy and made it very vocally well known. He/she was beautiful.

Location: Hendricks County, Danville, Indiana: the TICA cat show was interesting. The below was a winner and had a kewl traveling kitty condo.

Later Gators...I'm off to the torch today,

~Moon

Drive by Watercolor Sketch....Well, I guess you would call it a Visual Journal....

2011-09-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Gotta go...later Gators,
~Moon

Watercolor sketching...walking around Danville

2011-09-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Walking around Danville, I found a really kewl spot in an alley. The bright colors, the flowers (plastic), and Christmas lights did it. Danville is a really small town...so I was a bit surprised. It reminded me of a place in NYC that I came across one time. It was a happy place so I just had to sketch it.

I've been trying to get out more for on site sketching....when the weather is good. Winter is coming so...it's now or never.

While I was in Danville, I also spotted this car with a flat tire. There was a guy also in the front seat, Dad?? I guess it was too much for the little fellow, I'm guess about 4 yr old, he was going to make a break for it. The scene just caught my eye...another one of those...I don't have the time, but I just have to draw this one.

Tomorrow, I'm off to a "Create Your Heart Out" event with SALI. Most of the artists will be painting...me, I'll be sketching.

Later Gators,

~Moon

It's been a BUSY week...New Sketchbook Pages

2011-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

During my tooth extraction down time, I spent some of it drawing and painting. I was a bit grumpy...the lack of 'real' food was getting to me.

The below is in a new Moleskine...these are wonderful. Watercolor glides on but they are still smooth enough for pen & ink washes. I also like the cream color instead of the bright white.

I spent over two hours last Thursday evening in the ER with Bob. He was cutting a squash of all things and ended up with five stitches in his left thumb.

I had almost forgotten just how sad an ER can be. So I mostly tried not to listen to other families and work on my sketchbook. A few people were interested in what I was doing, but only one came over to chat.

The below reflects time...plus a sun dial that I saw in Plainfield. Some of the sketches I might put to a larger piece. I like doing the composite type of work. I didn't think I would but...

Saturday was a beautiful day...it was 70 degrees with a cloudless sky. So Bob (with is pulled hamstring from last week and his stitched up thumb) went to University of Indianapolis' campus....for a little while. Bob was beginning to limp within an hour but his newphew offered up lunch.

This was a quicky pen sketch that I later added some watercolor. That red tailed hawk landed in a tree within 20 feet of the back deck and sat and sat and sat there. If not, I wouldn't of gotten much details. For a while, I was wondering if he/she was ever going to leave. They normally don't do that. Maybe it was wondering if it could eat Briggs, the wonder Sheltie, or not.

Ok...I'm off to study for my driver's test. Yeah...it's that time. It expires this week. You ask why...well, if you move to Indiana, you have to take the written test. So, lets hope that I pass it. I'm pretty sure that I will.

Later Gators,

~Moon

9/11/10 - 9/11/11 What I've learned...

2011-09-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

9/11/01-9/11/11 9/11, every year is a day that I remember and I will for the rest of my time on this Earth….but what have I learned over this decade? That life is short, sometimes hard, but its still life and nobody has the right to take that way from another person. That there are very few things in this world I don’t respect but faux martyrs, zealots, and fanatics are at the top of my list. That the collective global abuses to our peoples and to the Earth are a direct path to destruction. That technology has made the world smaller and there really aren’t any secrets anymore…just connect the dots.

This blog post isn’t a political stand…but I’ve learned that people like Rick Perry and Sarah Palin still scare me. So do the Teabaggers. All have all the answers but forgot the question during the process. What I mean, it’s overwhelmingly clear what the problems are, and it’s not like its quantum physics. I’m still waiting on working solutions.

I have learned that though the maelstrom of financial mismanagements, the dishonesty, and cover-ups of the few, have changed the course of our futures. That a decade ago, I wouldn’t think twice about Wiki leaks, now, I applaud them for their journalist endeavors. I have learned I’m in favor of global transparency.

Most important of what I have learned in the past decade…beware of those who seek personal gain at another’s expense and a laissez-faire attitude can bite you in the ass.

Have a nice day!
~Moon

Road Trip

2011-09-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

We stopped at Beasley’s Orchard & Gardens today for tomatoes, apples, peaches, and homemade bread. Great chow! It’s also a lovely place to visit.

That's it for today...yep, I'm still playing with the new camera. I can't help it, it's just so easy and it's light enough to carry in my purse.

Have a great weekend & holiday!!

~Moon

Briggs, the wonder Sheltie poses for the new camera for the sketching bag

2011-09-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

The above...Briggs, the wonder Sheltie...was an experiment with my new camera. I decided I deserved a treat, so I got myself a birthday present. It doesn't happen that often and...

in the last three weeks I've had a sinse infection, my allergies kick me for a loop, and have been in and out of the Doc's office several times. Then it was the 'yearly' time...yep the pap and mammogram plus a DEXA scan and typical labs. Then I cracked a tooth. I mean really cracked it, like in half so bad that the tooth can't even be crowned. So I go in on Tuesday for dental impressions and then a trip to the oral surgeon on Thursday. I also need to study for my drivers licence because I still have my Texas one and Indiana requires I take the test. (yippy, skippy I'm overjoyed on that one) So I deserved a present.

I do have a camera...there are pics posted on this blog :-) but it's a big camera (Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50) which sooner or later I need to upgrade so I can get better macro lens but I'm not sure what I want yeah. The thing is that it's large, bulky, and heavy. That's the reason why I got this one. It's itty bitty, has good macro, the zoom is X8, and it's the size of my iPhone.

It got to the point when I was sketching on site or was gathering up pics to paint, it looked like I was moving out for a couple of days. So I've been in the process this week of slimming down my pack/sketch kit. More on that later.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Moon

Late Roses-interesting color-sunshine

2011-08-26T12:03:00.001-07:00

Late Roses-interesting color-sunshine, originally uploaded by Moon Stumpp.

We've had some rain...now we have sunshine...what more can I ask for???

This rose interested me, it's the color. Hopefully I will get some time to paint next week. I'm still suffering from a sinus infection...I haven't had one of these for years. It kinda knocked me for a loop. I finally broke down and saw the doc. There is a light at the end of the tunnel now, the meds are doing their job and I'm feeling better. The headaches are less and I'm not a tired all the time.

That's it...have a great weekend!

Later Gators,

More Lampwork Beads...Mini Series...what I'm doinn' today...

2011-08-16T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, I still miss Austin, Texas. I know it's really hot down there right now but...well, it's the people that I miss. Anyway...

These are part of a mini series...Austin City Limits. I think they will make up into some lovely pieces of jewelry. I only did 3 sets, that's enough for right now.

I will be uploading a few more sets today but the weather is perfect for bead making so I'm going out to the garage and hitting the torch first.

The below set is silvered glass...and is what I'm working on today.

There's something about this glass that makes my Muse do cartwheels.

Later Gators!

~Moon

Etsy Treasury...and update

2011-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is more than a drive by...I'm catching up on emails and processing beady photos. I hope to be listing some beads soon. Like in the next couple of days. So far the beady photos are going OK.

Art Show Booth Pictures

2011-08-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

This was the first time that Bob and I showed together, other than jewelry. Bob created the baskets and I, the 2-D work.

We had a double booth and won the Best Booth Award at the show.

That's enough of the self-pats-on-the-back...back to beady photos!!!

Later Gators,

~Moon

Thought I'd Give it a Try...

2011-08-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing all these lovely Etsy Treasuries, so I thought I'd give it a try...

What I like about Etsy's Treasury...

2011-08-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

It's always interesting to see what people pick...I'm always honored when my work is picked.

It's good to be back up on Etsy...love being in a Treasury

2011-08-05T21:34:00.001-07:00

New Lampwork...time to fill my Etsy shop

2011-08-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

I finally got half caught up....I'm getting ready to upload a bunch of new lampwork sets on Etsy.

Later Gators,

~Moon

Testing...1,2,3...New Lampwork

2011-08-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a bunch of photos right now. The above is part of the issue. How to take silvered glass photos...I'm hoping this work. This set is lovely (it's not me, it's the type of glass that makes it that way) but I'm having troubles getting the lens to pick the different shades and tones of the beads.

Ok...back to the drawing board.

Later Gators,

~Moon

I'm Progressing...Saucer-Disk Shape

2011-08-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

Having the computer fixed has worked wonders, things are soooooo much easer. Geez, I may even venture back to Facebook. There came a point, time wise, that I had to cold turkey FB. I was spending a couple hours a day that I just didn't have. I needed that time to either be working on sketchbooks or painting.

The above looks much better in hand than on the screen. Anyway, these are my favorite...it's the color combo.

Well I'm back to work...I've still have a huge pile of bead sets to photograph. I am hoping that I won't do this to myself again. When the pile gets this large, it's almost overwhelming. :-)

Later Gators,

~Moon

Up working again...new Lampwork bead sets...

2011-07-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I get stuck on a shape or a color or some odd abstract concept. Normally, it’s color but this time it is a concept...a focal with accent beads. I've made a dozen or so of these strands for jewelers that want a bit something special.

I looked for color combos that would span all four seasons...that would photo well. (There are some beads that look GREAT in hand but getting photos of them are a PITA, like the color shifting glasses.) The sets have been torched for necklaces and accent pieces like earrings.

I normally torched these types of sets when I'm getting ready for show season. The reason being, if I'm going to jury into a show, pay the jury moola, I want to get in. :-) So I work up a handful of 'photo' pieces of jewelry that are the ones that I photography for my photos.

The above is silvered glass...normally hard to photograph but the trick for this set is to take the pics outside on a cloudy day.

On a side note...

It's good to have a operation computer. It wasn't totally broken...it just was running so sloooooooow. I was even timing out when I was trying to upload pictures. Anyway, the hubby, working and working on the puppy. He thought it was some sort of spywear, or malware, or some sort of software issue. After months (seriously, because it would happen off and on) of re-booting and whinnying, Bob started looking at the hardware instead. Poof...the issues were found.

Ya know, once you get a new motherboard and processor, there's not much else that can fail. There is, but those are the big ticket items. I still have another year warranty so I'm hoping either it happens soon or doesn't happen at all. :-)

OK...back to photo processing. I've only got 30 or so sets ready to go. I still need to photograph another 60 plus sets. I also need to get some jewelry photographed as well. More on that later...

Later Gators,

~Moon

Yippy, Skippy!!!!

2011-07-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Life is getting much better!!! The Dell Man just left...I have a new motherboard and processor. So, I will be working on beady photo processing and my Etsy site in the next couple of days. After I answer, mongo amounts of email.

Later Gators,

~Moon

Lampwork Beads...new shape

2011-07-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

During my time on the torch, I found a beadroller that I rarely use...thought I'd give it a whirl. I love these saucers!!! They just scream 'design jewelry'. Or course I can picture them in earrings but the options for necklaces and bracelets are wild. If you can't already tell, I'm kinda excited with this new shape (for me).

Currently I'm working on beady photography. I've got over a 100 bead sets that need to get uploaded in my near-naked Etsy shop. I'm working as fast as my little beady finger will allow. I am making a promise to myself...I will never do this to myself again. The whole idea of doing the photos for this mongo pile of beads is kinda overwhelming. This is what happens when I decide to torch and paint for weeks on end.

Anyway, hope everyone's summer days are fun filled!!!

Later Gators,
~Moon

Lampwork...Color!

2011-07-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Oh...I do believe that color makes the work go round. Anyway, I've been working on my Color Gizmo Series. Some brights...some organic color combos...and some 4-season hues as well.

Later Gators,
~Moon

Watercolor Watchers...Crows...what I've been doing

2011-07-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

I know that I've been out of touch lately...I've been kinda taking a hiatus from the computer. There comes a time that I kinda have to cut certain things that take up my time...like surfing, Facebook, chatting on email, etc. So it was a 'all or nothing'...yeah, I slipped once in a while. :-)

What I've been working on is a new series, called Watchers. Well, Watchers are a mini series within a larger series called Tall Tails. Watchers are the mystical crow birds that keep the peace within the lands. More later on the story.

The pieces aren't that large. Matted out they are 8x10, fitting perfectly in a frame that can be picked up at most stores. So that these can be easily shipped. So you will start seeing some of my 2-D work on Etsy soon.

Speaking of Etsy...well, I've neglected my shop. My bad. Anyway, I've got over 100 beadsets that I will be photographing soon and be uploading them soon. I've been on the touch as well. It seems all I've been doing is working lately.

I'm finding that it's hard to do several mediums. Yes, I had that issue with jewelry but since I've been painting, I'm running out of time. I think that if I can get on some sort of schedule, work on my multi-tasking, and pare down some of my social life...I just might be able to do this. Is there really a choice when one enjoys all the mediums and is unwilling to give one up. So that's the main reason, lack of time, that I had to stay off my computer.

Ok...I'm off...time to hit the torch!!!

Later Gators,

~Moon

Aren't these kewl fllowers!!!!

2011-06-24T19:18:00.001-07:00

P1200002, originally uploaded by Moon Stumpp.

I don't know what these are but they are kewl.

Later Gators,
~Moon

4th Annual Irvington Art Wallk...also another watercolor series

2011-06-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, June 25 from 11 AM to 4 PM is Celebrate Irvington. Events include the 4th Annual Irvington Art Walk featuring over 35 artists, including me. I will be at Bookmamas located at 9 S. Johnson Avenue, Indianapolis. Besides visiting me, there lots things going on...a grand opening and anniversary celebrations of local businesses, the annual fish fry at the Irvington Presbyterian Church, the Irvington Guild of Artists Collectors Show at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, shopping, dining, games, and much more.

I'm still ~~working~~ playing with the scanner...here's another series that I'm currently working on.

Later Gators...gotta get back to work.
~Moon

Watercolor Eye Candy...yep, I'm still scanning

2011-06-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

I still don't have this new scanner down...I'm still getting a dark line on the left side....gotta work on that.

Back to work!!!
Later Gators,
~Moon

Testing New Scanner

2011-06-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of getting ready for another show...so I'm playing with the scanner again. Not make sense????...well, this is what happens when one (me) is matting up some watercolor paintings and did not scan them before I put them in the file. So...I'm scraming around like a big rat trying to get everything done.

Anyway, the above is from my Tail Tails series...that I'm still working on and enjoying very much. It's one of those that it's pure pleasure to paint.

The above and below are part of a very mini series in mixed wet media. I just finished these two pieces this week and haven't made up my mind if I'm going forward or not yet.

Have a great weekend...hopefully, I won't stay out of touch for so long.

Later Gators,
~Moon

No Rain...for once

2011-05-30T13:37:00.001-07:00

P1190927, originally uploaded by Moon Stumpp.

The lack of rain, got me out to take a bunch of pictures. This is a wild blackberry bush in bloom.

Later Gators...enjoy your holiday!!! I'm still processing pictures from last week's adventures.

~Moon

Turning in my keys...Plus a solo show

2011-05-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today is the day...I'm turning in my keys to the old studio. So now, I get to attend 1st Friday like the rest of the masses instead of being trapped in my studio during the event. This month, Bob and I are going to Mass Ave...to Art Bank really. Gretchen's opening reception of " Twisted" is Friday Night , May 6, at the Art Bank Gallery , 811 Mass. Ave., Indianapolis. If you want a sneak peek...click here.

Everything is now at home...the painting studio is totally operational...Bob's basketweaving area is just about totally organized...even the office is lookin' good. The lampwork, glass, and metal areas (garage) needs work. It's not too bad, I've just got to get my displays stored and go though a few boxes. Then, I can go back to lampworking.

I'm hanging a solo show at BookMamas in Irvingtion on Wednesday. I'm kinda excited about it and will hang for about 2 months. I will also be their guest and demo (I'm going to paint while getting stared at) during Celebrate Irvington and the 4th Annual Irvington Art Walk on June 25, 2011. No, it's not the top of the top sort of show but it's in a location that I enjoy hanging out in. It's a bookshop in Irvington. There is something to be said for hanging artwork at alternative show spaces too. It's rather helpful for both the checkbook and networking.

BTW, it's raining again. Yesterday for the first day in weeks that I really saw sunshine!!!!

Later Gators,
~Moon

Ooooo....Lampies (lampwork) Fest Plus the studio move update...

2011-04-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance, stop by RandomCreative's Blog...her Friday Feature is totally fab! I missed it on Friday because of my studio move sale. More on that later... BTW, Rose (Randomcreative) Etsy shoppe is filled with beauty!!! Her art jewelry is unique, detailed, and a feast for the wrist...or any other body part you decide to adore. :-) All kidding aside...her work is lovely...so stop by and take a peek.

I promise I will be back soon...I'm still digging out. I think we moved too much stuff and I've got it piled in the garage. Geez, it's like a bomb went off in there. So I'm going to sort and organized before we bring anymore in. It's got to be done...even though there's sunshine and bird song outside.

BTW, the studio sale was a SUCCESS!!! We don't have that much to bring home now and we made moola in the process...all is good.

Later Gators!
~Moon

Etsy Treasury

2011-04-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

Etsy Treasury is one of those perks that I love being in. I really need to make some more myself. There's just so much kewl stuff on Etsy right now!!

Later Gators!
~Moon

MOVING SALE AT STUDIO 204, at the Murphy– APRIL 16

2011-04-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

MOVING SALE AT STUDIO 204 – APRIL 16

1043 Virginia Avenue
Murphy Art Center, Studio 204a
Indianapolis, IN 46203

If you get lost, give us a call at either 317-402-4999 or 317-525-2100

Bob and I, along with our studio mates (Marti & Tina) have decided to move our respective businesses online and are moving our studios home. That means that we have things that we will no longer be needed, so we are holding a moving sale on Saturday, April 16 from noon to 5 pm. And, since we don’t want to move these things they will be priced to sell. What will we have for sale? So far in the list...we keep adding to it as we find things. :-)

• All of Marti’s fused glass and fine silver jewelry on sale for 50% off the marked price.

• Lampwork Beads

• Stands of gemstones and sterling findings

• A variety of jewelry displays—primarily the velvet neck displays for neckaces and pendant and a couple of the spinning earring displays.

• Aluminum artist’s easel

• Knitting machine—never used

• A miscellaneous assortment of storage items—including a couple of stacked rolling drawer units

• Variety of hand tools for use with metal clay and/or polymer clay.

• One small bookcase

• Padded stacking chairs

• Wooden folding workbench

• Glass beadmaking books—including Contemporary Lampworking (the 2 volume set)

• Lots of miscellaneous...I'm getting rid of lots of crafty stuff and lots of jewelry making stuff.

So stop by and see us on April 16 and take home a few good deals.

Later Gators,
~Moon

36 hour days?? How do SRAs do it???...New Lampwork

2011-03-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

I've been spending lots of time on the torch but not a lot of time taking pictures. I've come to a point that I can't even find my top of my desk. So it will be photography time again. Why do I do this to myself? I stay on the torch, the part the I enjoy...then when I start drowning in beads, then I will start the process of photography and then filling up the Etsy shop. If I would just keep a handle on it...I wouldn't dread the selling part of this business.

Anyway...my question is...how do ya'll do it all? (run on sentence alert) I mean how does one do the creating (beads and/or jewelry), then do the photography, then do the listings, keep up on the website, so the social networking, keep the blog updated, upload on Flickr, etc?

Now that's just the online sales. Then there's the art shows, bead shows, wholesale, gallery, and consignment. Which consignment can be one of the biggest time suckers there is or it can be great! Then there is the custom work and the amount of communication it takes.

Then there's the typical small business duties...paperwork, taxes...well you know the drill.

Normally, I am pretty good at managing my time and decent at multi-tasking but I'm coming to a point that I almost need 36 hour days.

So be careful what you wish for, sometimes you get what you ask for. :-)

Later Gators...I'm off to the torch! :-)
~Moon

New Lampwork Series...Escapes; DH's Psyche

2011-03-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

This series started with a spark of an idea…then I read though Michael Barley’s Baleen tutorial…then I pondered some more…then on March 24th, it happened. All the pieces fell into place. So the birth of this series is also Harry Houdini’s birthday (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926)…hence the name, Escapes. To make it more interesting…regarding color combos…I enlisted the help of a globe. I spin the globe, close my eyes, and pick a spot on Earth. Then figure out what is in that area that interests me.

What this all boils down to…is when you have made as many beads that I have in the last decade, it’s good to still have fun with the creative process.

The global pick…drum roll…is Venice, Italy....

When I think of Venice, I think of canals in the late evening with the play of shadows and lights from the city on the water. Italian renaissance is rich in history and art but it’s the little things that intrigue me.

Anyway...the set is highlighted with Double Helix's Psyche. Yeah, there's some oil slick sheen that I couldn't get the camera to pick up but...Psyche does other things than just the typical silvered glass.

Yeah, if you cycle the bead though a O2 flame then an light reduction flame, then repeat a couple of times...poof...you get oil slick hues. Yep, it's pretty but its not the look I was going for. Psyche also other kewl stuff too...like it fumes the glass around it...it can be layed in clear for a lovely shade of purple...it creates glass reactions that I can't get with other glasses and it doesn't react with other glasses...it also reacts well with Double Helix's RE391, a clear catalyst...plus it doesn't pit like some of the other silvered glasses (depending on the batch).

Glass used: Psyche, River Rock, CiM Celadon Unique, Opal Yellow, DH Gaia, DH Aether, DH RE391, Lauscha Clear, CiM Thai Orchid, and Reichenbach Multicolor.

I've got a handful of these type of sets...focals with accent beads, that I will be photographing this week for Etsy. Some are larger (necklace, bracelet, & earrings) and several are smaller. It depended on my mood but most are very organic and will mix well with natural stones.

Later Gators!
~Moon

Playing with my Template

2011-03-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Some how, some way...I've knocked out...tipped over...several of my blog widgets. One of them was followers. There is a very good chance that if you were once a follower, you are not now. Sorry! That's what I get for playing with the HTML code. I'm not sure what I did...but I think it happened when I was working on the banner. It's not the first time I've done something like this and I doubt it will be the last.
Other than that, I will do some updates soon. I've been at the torch almost nonstop and have some interesting bead sets.

Have a happy, creative day!
~Moon

Lampwork...Color! What I've been up to...and the art jewelry buyer

2011-03-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yep, I've been at the torch for hours...and enjoying myself as well. The beady piles are growing so I do need to get some listed on Etsy. I've had some requests for necklace sets but, in today's economy, price point is a big deal. Anyway, I've been designing sets that have a kewl focal and affordable accent beads. An example of one is below. I've been doing mostly custom sets but, I'm thinking that I will get some made for Etsy as well.

I've also been doing a large amount of research when it comes to doing bead shows. I've done lots of art shows...geez, one year Bob and I did 34 of the suckers. Never again, will we do that many in one year. The thing is, bead/trade shows are different. They are almost always inside, which appeals to me greatly. They are low stress and also help me with increasing my beady customer base. I also have an entire bead show set up...lots of custom displays, lights, and the fu-fu that goes with it. The only things that I need to pick up is banners and and a few more interesting displays...whatever shows off a current series that I'm working on.

My current customer base has certain prefs...mostly ones that I enjoy accommodating like brights, nuggets, barrels, and some organics. Most of it comes to price points. The thing is that I'm getting a bit bored...I like more complex bead sets and focals. I really like silvered glass. Where as silvered glass could be sold online, it's a bitch to photograph and not worth my time because of my photo skills.

So if you have any comments, hints, suggestions, or opinions on bead or trade shows...send me an email. I would be interested.

I guess I'm also tired to staring at a computer screen or a torch flame. :-) Interaction also charges my inspiraton too.

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve gotten some questions regarding lampwork, natural stones, and art jewelry. This is a blog…and I’m always looking for interesting topics to write about…plus it’s interesting what folks think of art jewelry, either as a buyer or a jewelry designer. I think it’s one of the best ways to stay in touch with one’s customers in some ways too.

Anyway…one of the questions intrigued me:
What to look for in art jewelry when I’m looking at a piece to buy? I always say, buy what appeals to you. If pressed, I also add…look for jewelry that has high grade raw materials, that is well put together, and wears well. There’s a huge selection to choose from and from all different price points. The thing is, if it doesn’t hang correct or the style doesn’t look good on you…even if it’s on sale, why buy it? If the piece is made from either base metals like brass or copper, and you have issues with either one of the metals, it’s not like you are going to be able to wear it for any length of time. There are a lot of people who can…but many of my customers can’t tolerate base metals. They are precious metal people.

I’ve also been doing a bit of education when it comes to lampwork as well. The thing is, if someone is in the market for art jewelry and it’s not a impulse buy or ‘oh this is so pretty’ type of buyer…the customer knows what the price is for that strand of pearls or blue kyanite or fire opal. They even know that prasiolite is green amethyst. The different grades and types of turquoise is more than most customers know unless Southwestern pieces are their primo interest. It’s the same way with lampwork.

One of the most interesting things that one of my customers mention is…she can’t figure out why designers mixed lampwork with brass or base metals. After chatting about the kewlness of mixed metals (like adding copper or bronze with sterling), she kinda understood but she doubted she would buy the pieces. I just let it pass…mostly because I’m not designing jewelry right now.

The point to this post is to bring about the concept…that the internet has brought many changes. It has opened up the art jewelry venues to sell online and it keeps costs down so the average person can afford to buy these pieces. It has also opened the eyes to many buyers. They have huge amounts of information at their finger tips. The average art jewelry buyer is becoming more and more sophisticated. There's more to this line of thinking but this is turning into a novel.

Later Gators...I'm off to the torch!!!
~Moon

Lampwork Eye Candy...and Indifference, issues in the world...

2011-03-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've blogged...so I thought I'd share some beady babies. These are already sold...thank you...but I've moved into my bright days. :-)

The world news is depressing…the Middle East, namely Libya. The disasters in Australia and now, Japan, are heartbreaking.
Our world systems of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are based on the concept of ‘doing the right thing’ …not ‘what’s in it for me.’ So the reality score card isn’t very sterling in regards to the UN. I’m looking at the failures. In viewing the big picture of Rwanda…Darfur…the Balkans. We, as world citizens, even failed to stop 1995 Srebrenica massacre. The UN’s peacekeeping missions are plagued by abuses. How about those 2004 reports of alleged rape, prostitution and pedophilia in the Congo. So now what is going to happen in Libya?? It took long enough for that no-fly zone...

When the world’s protectors are the world’s abusers, be is by their own hand or by lack of action…what are the end results?

What is happening is Libya is very sad is some ways. It shows that a ‘World’ organization has become a ‘world’ organization. I do understand that it takes communication and shared info to determine the correct decision but does it take this long??? While the Security Council is discussing the matter…people are dying and for what? Talking?? So when diplomacy becomes the escape for lack of action, then what action must be taken??

We all know right from wrong…it’s not like this situation (or Rwanda) is nuclear physics. Either the UN is a “World” organization for the people and human rights or it’s not. If it can not act in a swift and a conscious manner, then why does it exist? Didn’t we learn from WWII??? Sounds like we are bolding going nowhere.

Also reading about world disasters, namely Japan…but it also makes me think of the failures in Katrina/New Orleans, Haiti, Indonesian etc.

Now what does ‘all of this’ have to do with lampwork and art??? (because as soon as I write one of these rants, my email reader normally hacks up a hairball with all the responses I get) Well, it goes back to the old saying…”Artists are here to disturb the peace”. It also does pertain to everyone. You have a voice, use it or be willing to take the consequences.

It’s really easy to sit back and bitch about the issues that are taking place. I hear/read, on a daily basis exactly that happening. (it’s even easier to maintain an ostrich type mentality of apathy)

I also know that there are a huge number of issues taking place…so pick one, any one issue….campaign for change. It doesn’t have be one of those reality shaking biggies either. There’s plenty of issues to pick from…there’s plenty of causes to support…there’s plenty of ways to get involved. Write a letter…donate time or money…recycle…blog…spay or neuter your pets…the list goes on and on! In other words…get up off your butt and do something…take responsibility for your world.

Freedom does have its price, nothing is free in this world. In my opinion, knowledge/information carries a price tag of responsibility and accountability.

For the quote loving folks…here’s one by Elie Wiesel (if you don’t know who he is, try Google)
“The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.”

That's the end of my rant...back to business.

Later Gators...have a great weekend!
~Moon

New Look

2011-03-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of spring...it's time to clean up the blog and my Etsy shop. So I got a new banner...somthing bright!!!

I'm currently working on my Color Gizmos series. Hopefully, I will have a dozen or so sets to post on Etsy before the end of the week. The shop is lookin' a bit lean. Naked is more like it.

Later Gators...I'm off to the torch!
~Moon

Bright Lampwork Sets....and things that make you smile

2011-03-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with bright colored combos lately...BTW both are already sold...but I'm thinking that I will make more in the future. Currently I'm working with shards and not having the best of luck with them. I think the reason is that I'm more geared towards sets. The shards that I'm working with are rather unpredictable....so that alone makes them geared more toward focals. So...I will keep trying. I'm thinking that I might want to move on to silvered glass shards....at least it would be a bit more entertaining.

Every once in a while, I find something on the Internet that makes me burst out laughing...I found this reading Kate McKinnon's blog. It's been in several places but it just stuck me as totally funny.

Things that make you wonder...

Later Gators,
~Moon

Had to share...

2011-03-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Things that make you say, mmmmmm....e'nuff said.
Off to the torch!!!
~Moon

Lots of Lampwork Beads...it's a party on Etsy

2011-03-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Yep, I've been busy taking photos again.

I make beady lampwork sets for jewelers but...I also enjoy focals and torching matched pairs...but...it seems that I've gotten kinda stuck in the same ol', same ol' for the past couple of years.

So...how do I break away from just making sets?

That's what I've been pondering on the last several days. When I find an answer...I'll share. :-)

The below is one of my favorite, all time sets that I've made. I really wish I could of gotten a better pic of them.

The below is some of my retro beads...

When I pulled these (above and below) from the kiln...well, they are smile makers. I got the color from layering glass...plus some fine silver. Every once in a while...I even amaze myself. Not me personally...it's the glass. The way it moves and melts, how it comes together in the flame.

Have a happy, creative day!
~Moon

Feeling Better...Gallery Show...a bit of watercolor and some mixed media work

2011-03-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Warning...the pics are kinda lousy...they were taken at the show. The above is under glass and it's a PITA to get a good image. The rest have the same issue or weird angles because I snapped them at odd angles. It's a learning experience.

Last Friday, I hung my second show. I'm feeling a bit better about my painting...I know, I know, an artist is their worst critic but the feedback was good. Even a few sales.

The below is one of my favorites that I've painted...

Here's a wall view of a series grouping...

The above is an experimental piece in watercolors...I got a lousy pic of it but...it's one that I would like to expand on in the future.

I've got another show in May & June....then another in August.

No, I'm not walking away from lampwork but it's good to have other creative outlet. I'm secure in my beadmaking abilities but painting is new to me. It will take a bit longer to feel comfortable with my work.

Later Gators!
~Moon

Back to my Color Gizmo Series...Colorful Lampwork Bead Sets

2011-03-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

I have returned to the Color Gizmo Series for a while. The beads are ok to me but they make up into lovely jewelry. That is my focus right now.

There comes a point when the beads can overshadow the jewelry design. There is something to be said for too much, is too much.

I also made some larger sets for those jewelry designers that want to create collections or a series. I don't do large amounts of them but I'm having more and more call to torch them. Mostly customs but sometimes I also get on a roll. :-)

The above is a lovely set with dept...this is where it's a great bead set but I just couldn't get a decent pic of them. I will go with what I've got and then retake later.

What I'm trying to do is get my Etsy shop nice and full with some of my staples. Then I can take some time off to paint and to torch some ideas that I have. My biggest issue, when it comes to new designs and new glass, is coming up with interesting sets that are wearable, usable for the jewelry designer, and affordable.

Back to processing pics....maybe I'll post more later.

Later Gator,
~Moon

Drive by Lampwork...Yep, more bead sets

2011-03-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

The above is my fav...it looks so much better in hand, than in the pic.

Ok...I'm back to processing pics and will be uploading a few on Etsy!!!!

Later Gators!
~Moon

New Lampwork Beads...What's Happenin'...Lets Count the Beadsets

2011-02-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY sat down at the command center (my desk) and posted some beads on Etsy. The shop was looking a bit lean.

I'm in the beginning phase of having to raise my prices...I'm hoping to keep it small and non-painful. So far, so good.

Yesterday's 'filling of the shop' were mostly silvered glass of one form or another. I really like how these encased twistie beads turned out.

There were painful to photograph though....well, fo rme that is. :-) I torched a handful of sets, mostly to see if I could do it. I can, so I will be moving back to my brights and rocks.

The below is a set of 'rocks' that I used silvered glass frit....are are some minis. I did a couple of these sets...they look sooooo much better in person than in the pics. In the future, I will make more of these but not for a while.

Here's a full sized set. :-) These are etched...I'm thinking that I might do some more etched...they turned out great. Where they would good great with all types of jewelry designs but I can picture them within several different types. Anyway...I will go back to rocks but I really need a break from them for a while.

I've been making beads for over ten years now...professionally since 2003. Ever wonder how many beads I’ve made…ever wonder how many beadsets? I have couple of times but the numbers seem to get lost when I’m trying to think of new color combos or a new design or testing new glass.

I’m not one of the big names in lampwork…I’m a Larry Scott or Corina or….well you get the point and it’s a long list. I don’t teach…I don’t do e-tutorials…I don’t even talk on the forums. I don’t have time. Speaking of forums and online social networking…I’m trying to figure out how anyone has the time to be self-employed like an artist and spend time chatting on the forms or places like Facebook. It’s addictive….I had to take a full hiatus from FB and I’ve make it clean break from forums. If not, I don’t think I would get anything accomplished.

What I’ve figured out, in regards to what type of beadmaker I am…I’m more of a jeweler’s support staff.

Since I don’t have support staff, I need to get busy packing up all my Etsy orders and customs. Then I’m going to work on the torch today. I’ve got a lot of new glass that is calling my name.
Later Gators!
~Moon

New Lampwork Bead Sets...Bead Photography Backgrounds...Silvered Glass

2011-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

The above and below pics are the same bead set. The above was photographed inside, within a EZ cube and sparkle lighting. The below was photographed outside, in muted sun, on a piece of white matt board (what I use to matt my watercolors). The details have been blown up because the actual size of each bead averages 7.5mm by 13mm. The background makes a huge difference in what the beads look like in reality. In hand, they actually look some where in between the two photos.,.but...if I add any light or companion beads like sterling or a gemstone, that will change the colors as well. I think it has a lot to do with the encasement and the properties of silvered glass.

I spent 8 hours yesterday working on photos and I only have 19 sets ready to go. So my decision is to try to do both in studio and outside photos....more so when it's silvered glass, fumed, or encasements.   The opaque beady sets really about about the same in either light or most backgrounds. The colors really don't changed much.   So I could photograph those sets on rainy or cold days that I don't want to do outside photos.

Jewelry, that includes shiny sterling, really needs to be photographed inside. I think that has to do with my meager photography skills.

Now what does all this have to do with beady sets??? The thing is, the one thing that I dislike the most (about buying online) is that there have been times that I've purchased beads in a certain hue and they weren't when I opened the package.   That has to also with monitors too but it also has to to with backgrounds as well...plus lighting...plus a few other things too complex for my merge Photoshop skills. :-)

Anyway, to make this ramble shorter...I'm going to try to do both inside and outside photos for certain types of glass. It might take a bit longer but I'm betting that my customers would prefer it.   I also will try to make sure that I have 5 views as well.

These are also part of the silvered glass that I've been playing with. The beads have both American silvered glass and fine silver. I didn't think they would turn out as well as they did when I was torching them...but...when I opened the kiln, I was surprised. The Double Helix that I used is one of the kiln striking kinds.

I've kinda stayed away from encasing silvered glass. For one, there's a lot of lampworkers that already do that. The main reason is that I couldn't figure out how to photograph the sets. Since I kinda have that down, I will do some more. Previously, I just kept them and made jewelry from them. :-)

This year, eclectic natural/tribal jewelry is very popular. It really never goes out of style but for the next couple of years, it's gonna be hot. That's were the more organic lampwork seems to really shine in jewelry designs. So maybe it's encased silvered glass that I shape into rocks. :-)

I've rambled enough...I'm off to get some work done.

Have a happy, creative day!

~Moon

Lampwork-Photography-and my Studio Cleaning Sale on Etsy

2011-02-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

I’m in the process of moving my studio home and cleaning at the same time. So I’m clearing out all my work created in 2009 and 2010 to make room for my new work for 2011. The studio sale jewelry will be discounted 70-50% off original prices. When I clean, I clean.

There comes a time with enough is enough...I've just got too much stuff. I will do a few shows this year but I feel like I'm being weighted down by all my inventory so I don't create more.

So it's time! As I take the photos over the next several weeks, I will be listing them in my Etsy shop.

I think one of the reasons why I haven't surged forward regarding new lampwork bead designs, is that I'm stuck. This sale will hopefully unstuck me. :-)

After all these years, I've finally figured out how to take decent pics; not great but decent. That's another reason for the sale on Etsy...I need the practice.

These bracelets are part of my of the 'Everyday' line. The whole object was to showcase the color of the lampwork beads without overwhelming them. Just my lampwork with sterling. These are to be sleek and wearable for everyday wear. I mean in the shower, doing dishes, playing with the kids or furballs, and of course, working the 9-5 grind. The sterling is shiny so it's very easy to clean...the design isn't complex or has anything to catch on...I used a trigger clasp so that even during wrestling match with the dog won't pull it off your wrist. This is the design that I wear daily and I'm tough on jewelry.

That's what I'll be working on the next several weeks...along with taking pics of the 100 or so bead sets that I also have sitting on my desk. I will also have orphan sets as well.

I've been avoiding the camera and just working on the torch as much as possible. Which is great in some ways but now I seem to be drowning in beads...jewelry...and assorted other stuff. I've also have several orders of glass coming in...so I know if I don't get this started, I will hide in the garage and just work away; trying to forget the piles waiting for me to photograph.

BTW, I'm still taking a break from Facebook. The social networking sites are great but I spend too much time on them.

Ok...I've got to get my packages out...yep, that means all customs are done!!!! I'm also not taking any more customs until I get my desk cleared and my studio fully moved. I've got two more open studios left then I can finish up. Hopefully by May 1st, not only will the studios be moved...the photography caught up...I can start doing some work that I've got in mind.

Have a happy, creative day!

~Moon

Photo Experiments

2011-02-18T10:15:00.001-08:00

MMJ Lampwork, originally uploaded by Moon Stumpp.

I've been trying to find a new, anti-glare background for my jewelry. That's what is holding me up for my studio cleaning sale.

There's still a bit of glare but not bad. I'm working on it...but photography is still the bain of my existance. :-)

Later Gators!
~Moon

Wire Style 2

2011-02-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

Cindy Wimmer, from Sweet Bead Studio, let me know that my beads are on page 82 within one of her designs. Wire Style 2 is also currently on pre-order from Amazon.

Yeah, two blog posts in one day...I figured I better or I will forget to share. Which does happen sometimes.

Have a happy, creative day!
~Moon

New Lampwork...Tide Pools

2011-02-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

With all the sunshine and warmer temp here, I got into the ocean theme while making beads. Yeah, I know...it's a bit cheesy but hey, I enjoyed torching the above strands. I will say, they were a bit of a PITA to make so this is a very limited mini series. :-) The focals are visually interesting to stand alone in a piece of jewelry, that's why the companion sets of basic mini rocks. The focals are so busy that too much fu-fu will muddy up the visual field. They would look great with just sterling, or with seed beads, or a very simple gemstone strand.

The below...is my last strand with 96 COE for a while. I thought I really wanted to do a mini series...I changed my mind. If I'm going to do this, I really need to change my set up. When we moved the glass studio home, I added another modified oxycon. So I'm running between 25-30 lpm...it helps to be close to Unlimited Oxygen....with a larger torch. So I'm really running rather warm. My pref is to run hot and work quick, but I just can't do what with 96 COE glass. So I think that this mini series that I wanted to do is going to be put on the back burner, until I have more patience.

Well, I great ambitions for the torch today. :-) Bob is working away...so it's quite here. All the beads are cleaned...I'm staying way from Facebook and every other of chatty forum (time killers)...and I really don't want to do photography today. It's not even on my 'To-Do' list today...which it really should be added. I'm drowning in bead sets right now. There well over hundred of them that seem to be looming over my head. Plus I've got all the bracelets cleaned and ready to go for the studio cleaning sale...I just need the photos. :-) Well, it seems it's not going to happen today. I've got the torcher chamber calling my name...rods are just siting there waiting for me.

Later Gators!
~Moon

Yep, more Lampwork Beads...Beyond the Beta Version...found odd lots

2011-02-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on the 'Beyone the Beta Verison' of the rock series. These are much more interesting to torch. The are completely 96 COE, which I have to work either very high in the flame or a high O2 flame...or both. If not the color will burn out, boil, bubble, and pit. Since I normally work hot and quick, slow and cool is kinda getting to me. I didn't get a great pic of the above. They really are beautiful in hand. They have the color combo of old carnival glass. I made another rock set that is very similar that I'm going to etch. Both have come out of my 96 stash. I've got some really old glass from Zimmerman, Gaffer, and Kugler...plus some handpulls... that I've been playing with. Ya know, I've got this horde of glass that seems to be breeding. It's not really...I guess I just keep on adding to it.

When the studio was moved, I didn't pack it. A bunch of family and friends came over...they did it. I just stood around. At the time, I didn't have any grip in my hands so I kept on dropping things. Yeah, that was really kewl when dealing with glass rods. Anyway, I finally took an inventory of what I have to make a few orders because I was out of a few things. I also found a couple of boxes/tubes that either were not unpacked yet or sitting in a very dark area of my glass storage area. I found things like a bunch of Gaffer and Zimmerman. For those that aren't lampworkers or glass people, Zimmerman is now out of business and Gaffer does limited pulls of their veiled glasses. I also found PI glass...another company that is now out of business. Too bad too!!! OMG, their glass is 96COE but it melts like butter. Their factor is now the new CiM factory.

I also found several pounds of River Rock...Poppy Coral...Sea Green...Amber Rose...Garret trans...Terra...several different types of odd lot silvered glasses...lots of old ASK. So, it's time that I use some of this...why save it??? I can hear the glass calling to me...'melt me, melt me, melt me'. :-) Why do I need over 5 lbs of pineapple sparkle or key lime or yellow ice or the really old yellow opal???? I've got odd lots that I've never heard of before. Like a couple rods marked, blue amber rose???? Or sunshine coral???? I doubt that they are real because I got them from a supplier that gone out of business. I have no idea what they really are...hell, they are pretty and they are glass, I'll just melt them and find out. :-)

I've still have all the 96COE glass sitting on my torcher chamber so that's what I will stay with for the next couple of days. After that...well, these are a bit time intensive so I will move back to my same ol', same ol' for a couple of weeks.

Ok...time to hit the torch now. Next week, I've got to get busy with photography. I've got close to 100 bead sets to get pics so. So hopefully, in the next week or so, I will do an Etsy shop upload.

Later Gators!
~Moon

New Lampwork, beyond the Beta version...and Changes in the wind…price increases

2011-02-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

The above is a new set...beyond the Beta version of Mooner's Rock series. I will keep making the old series...a lot of people like them plus they are cheap. Or should I say, affordable. :-) There really isn't that much to them and I don't use the more expensive glasses on them.

I did get a bit bored with making them but they are just so many different options for a jewelry designer. So I kept the same shape and added a lot of extras...fine silver, frits, and raku. I think the next version will also include fumed beads. They are just so easy to design with...they work so well with natual stones and metals. So it's going to be hard for me to stop making them.

Changes in the wind…
I think (just my opinion) that there is a change in store for several of the creative arts. The areas that I understand, are clay, paint, and glass. Mostly in the prices of raw materials. There are several rare earth minerals that are used, like Erbium…my pink of choice, a rich cranberry, uses such rare earth mineral. For example, I have a several rods of cranberry that I paid $36-39 a pound. I went to replace some of it last week and it’s now $85 per pound. Eye protection glasses for both soft and boro, utilizes a rare earth mineral/oxides. Lanthanum is used in both lampworking glass and ceramics glazes. So is thulium, in glass and ceramics. I’m just beginning to do the research on this tangent but I see the prices go sky high soon.

For example, when I started making jewelry full time, the price of silver was running about $3 a troy ounce, currently it is $29.88. So I’m betting that the same thing is going to happen to many of my raw materials that I’m currently using in both painting and glass. I knew it was only a matter of time.

Now what does all of that mean…I’m not fully sure yet. I do know that I will in the process of figuring out how to keep my costs down…but I’ve already taken it to the bare bones a couple of years ago. So I really don’t have many frills left to cut. I also buy in bulk as much as possible, which I will keep on doing. So bulk purchases and cutting frills several years ago is the reason why I haven’t had to raise any of my prices in the past 4-5 years.

So if you have any ideas on how to keep costs down, please pass them along.

The thing is, I’m above average lampworker, not one of the great ones mind you…but….many of the more interesting beads, you don’t see. They mostly sit on my desk because of the price I have to charge for them. I’ve found myself ‘dumbing down’ my work to stay within the confines of what the market will bear.

So all of this has me pondering...what is in the future for the arts? Or is just me?

Anyway.... will leave you with those questions, if you decided to read this far. :-)

Later Gators!
~Moon

Etsy Treasury....Crazy for Giraffes

2011-02-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

This is such an unique Treasury...by DOOHICKIES & SUCH! I was flattered she added a bead set of mine.

'Crazy for Giraffes' by Doohickiesnsuch

Just a cute little collection of things with giraffe print

Gary The Giraffe - A St... TwoLittleDoves $32.00	Organizer Basket Fabric... thespottedbarn $18.00	MMJ Lampwork Bead Set-T... mixedmediajewe... $44.00	Animal Adventures Giraf... roseyposeybowt... $3.60
NEW DESIGN Wall Art Ki... walldecors $29.99	Kissing Giraffes - Ster... treasuredcharm... $28.00	FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE... BlackBaroque $10.00	NEW Arrival-Decorative ... nenavon $25.00
Minky and Satin Baby Bl... Chicmonkeybb $44.95	The SQUEEZE - Wild Anim... dizzlePOP $6.50	Spice Brown Glass Antiq... GlitzGlitter $17.00	Giraffe reversible Apro... Claudiascrafts... $25.00
African Landscape Sunse... HipsterDesigns $4.95	Large Giraffe Print Saf... LapDeskLady $44.95	Mr. Giraffe Baby Onesie... ZooBerry $15.00	Wrist Key Chain - Key F... PuppyDogsNPolk... $6.25

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

New Lampwork Bead Sets...new color combs

2011-02-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

I'm trying something a bit different...I'm still playing with color but thinking that the Mooner's Rock series needs to jump out of it's beta version.

The above is color combo is kewl...I was hard for me to get the photos but in hand, they really are kewl. I would like to expand on this design concept and expand this color combo to other shapes.

The above are some betas that I will also be expanding on. The concept goes back to be able to mix lampwork, natural stones, and metals. I think my beadmaking style is related to my jewelry design background.

Ok....I'm off to take some photos!!!! Wish me luck. :-)

Later Gators!
~Moon

New Scanner...New Watercolor SmallWorks

2011-02-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

With all the snow and ice, I was stuck inside playing with my new scanner. I got an Epson Perfection V33...it's a wonderful photo scanner and not expensive at all. I've just got to learn how to use it now.

The above and below are part of my Window Series. They are small, 4X6, on Arches 300lb watercolor paper, and matted out to 5X7. The whole idea for these mini watercolors is that they are affordable, collectable, and colorful. They are made for groupings but they look great on a bookshelf or a couple in a bath.

Yes, I do larger pieces but with the current economy and as an unknown painter…many people want to buy smaller/cheaper work of the artist to test it out. That’s OK with me. The other thing is that 5X7 to 11X14 are rather easy to ship. Which after the move from the studio is complete, the two shows that I’m hanging at are done, and I decide on the few shows that we will be doing…then it will be time to work on Artalope, the second website and open up the second Etsy shop as well.

The website and shop has been already reserved…now I’ve got to come up with the time to get it up and running. There sometimes, just not enough time in a day. I also just got back to the torch after months and months of being idle. When my hands don’t do what I want them to do, it’s frustrating. I also found that pushing too hard, is painful. That I could live with...it's the numbness that got to me. I'm happy to say, that it mostly comes and goes now.

The above is from my Heart on a String Series...again, they are small. I've done some larger as well.

Ok...I've got to get some things done and hit the torch. It's been almost a week since I've been out there. There just isn't enough room in the garage for both the car and me. It gives me the willies and it's just not a good idea.

Later Gators!!!
~Moon

We Dug Ourselves out...We are Free!

2011-02-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

The above is a picture of Briggs, the wonder Sheltie, helping to clear the snow and ice out of the driveway. Bob did most of the heavy ice removal with a spade. It took two days, off and on to get it done. Our drive is on an incline so the ice near the garage door was about 2.5 inches thick. Down by the street, it was closer to 4-5 inches thick. The we were graced with a couple of feet from DOT. Some nice person with something like a snow blower took a nice section of that away. Anyway, we can make it over the hump. Bob will finish up tomorrow to see if he can chip some of the last away. We have more snow coming tomorrow night...isn't this weather lousy...and then we really dip in temps.

We have been freed!!!! I just had to say that again. I've been trapped in the house since Monday. The car can make it out of the driveway now. Bob even made a run to the ‘Happy Dragon’ for dinner. Yippy skippy, life is good!!!!

Why is it such a wonderful thing for the car to get out of the garage...that's where I make beads. Tomorrow, while the US is watching the Super Bowl, I'll be on the torch.

Later Gators,...stay warm and stay safe!!

~Moon

Happy Fine Art Friday-New Watercolor Series-Fish

2011-02-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my watercolor skills. These are small...like 4X6 that will be matted to 5X7. I'm also playing with my new photo scanner. It might be a while until I get the process down. :-)

Ok...back to work with me!!!!
Stay warm....stay safe!
~Moon

First Friday-Open Studio Tour-Feb 4th

2011-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know that studio 204a will not be open on this First Friday at the Murphy Art Center. The ice has won, we are staying home to preserve our old bones. We will be open next First Friday with peeks at our new work of 2011. Hope to see you next month.

Stay warm...stay safe!

~Moon

Etsy Treasury....My First that I Made...

2011-02-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

I finally took the plunge...I made an Etsy Treasury. They aren't hard to make but there's so many choices...

'Black and White with dashes of RED!!' by mixedmediajewelry

Classic...Timeless...my favorite color combo. Enjoy! ~Moon

ORIGINAL Vintage DICTIO... RococcoCo $	Set of 4 Porcelain Tumb... kristenkswanso... $72.00	BOGO SALE Cardinal in t... ara133photogra... $15.00	SNOW FLOWER Lampwork ... DonnaMillard $49.99
Miranda - wool felt flo... PolkaTods $7.00	Edgy Aztec Faux Fur Tue... tuesdayshop $65.00	Flower With Red Moons (... dashbyart $100.00	red white N black RINGM... sparkleyes $30.00
Red Love paperie a gar... PaperPolaroid $38.00	Valentine's gifts -... DaisyEzyCraft $19.00	Ready to Ship -PARIS-Am... ikabags $89.72	Fear's Uncloaking f... studiomme $12.00
Wall Art Home Decor Mur... walldecors $27.99	Be Mine - 5 x 7 Art Pri... franticmeerkat $10.00	Quilt--Black, White and... nhquiltarts $325.00	Checkered Fused Glass P... RoxCreations $50.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

The below is happy colors...in my favorite item...beads!

'I love lampwork BEADS...can you tell???? ' by mixedmediajewelry

Color makes the world go round.

Cocobeads Peace Love Ha... Cocobeads $31.99	Artisan Glass Dread Bea... burntfingerbea... $30.00	Lampwork Beads GLOSSY P... radiantmind $90.00	Lampwork Glass Heart Be... hippkittybeads $19.88
Acapulco sunset Lampwor... pixiewillow $38.00	Folk Art Imagination Bi... lissa $48.00	Spacers in Rainbow marshalljodie $9.00	Lovebones flamekeeper $55.00
poison love LOOSE heart... LORiOLA $20.00	Natali - The monsters- ... rhnatali $15.00	Juicy Lampwork Bead Set chestnutridged... $48.00	Totally Tabular beadygirlbeads $8.00
Handmade lampwork bead ... suuzdesign $69.00	TASTY Handmade Lampwork... desertbugdesig... $25.00	Rainbow Dots Focal Bead... carolinedousi $34.50	MeadowSky - Wild River ... MeadowSky $17.50

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Today...well, I'm still iced in and I don't see me leaving any time soon. The sun might be out but it hasn't made it over 10 degrees yet....the back yard still looks like a toothpick factory blew up...and the dog keeps sliding in his butt when he tries to pee on the ice. There's still a Severe Weather Alert in place....so why fight it. I'm staying in.

First Friday, open studio at the Murphy Art Center, is tomorrow. Am I going to brave all this ice...NO! I'm staying home and not worrying about opening the studio. The way I figure it is, better safe than sorry.

So what have I been doing while all this ice has been happening? I did make a few Etsy Treasurys. :-) I did watch a few movies, which is rare for me to do. I didn't paint for some reason. Which is kinda odd...well maybe not. It was rather gloomy and grey skies here.

I also cleaned and polished jewelry...I never realized just how much of an inventory I have. So...I guess, I'm going take pictures and see what Etsy does. I alot of it has to do with...if I can get the photos decent or not. If i do, it will be a huge sale. I've got to clean out my home studio...there comes a point, when too much of a good thing drowns you. It also distracts me as well...so camera time here I come.

I guess I better get busy. Stay warm...stay safe!!

Have a happy, creative day!

~Moon

Punxsutawney Phil, Indiana's Ice Storm...and my views on winter.

2011-02-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

These are photos from yesterday....it's looks much the same except that there's more ice. Now it's snowing.

It's beautiful if you don't have to go outside in it. I understand that winter is part of nature, when you live in the Midwest but I'm cold and snowed out this year. As for ice, I don't do ice. I really can't drive on it and it's such a pain to clean off. So I'm staying home today...maybe for several days.

Currently, my back yard looks like a toothpick factory blew up. I didn't get any major limbs...just bunches of little ones. Mostly sticks with three or so dozen small limbs. Not bad considering the ice and wind we had.

Punxsutawney Phil came out of his burrow...didn't see his shadow so the end might be near. I'm hoping that this rodent's prognostication comes true.

Since I'm staying home today...I haven't decided on what I'm doing. I'm torn between painting, processing pictures, or watching a movie and calling it a 'snow day.'

Stay warm...stay safe...and have a Happy Groundhog day!!!!
~Moon

Creative Rain Watercolor Series

2011-02-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

I've started a new series, Creative Rain. They are small...4X6 that will be matted to 5X7.

The series is just pain fun...they work well for color in a bath or a studio.

The back yard is ice...I mean icy. It's everywhere....we have about 1.5 inches of ice, with more coming in with the second wave of storms.

Ok...I'm off to paint today. Later Gators!
~Moon

Mooner's Rock Sets...I think it's time for another project

2011-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:00

There's the eye candy...I'm pretty sure you won't be seeing this series any time soon. Sometimes, I get on a roll (series) and over do it. I am sooooo done with making these beads. They are out of my system but I will return in a future date. They just look great with stone and metal.

I've still got two piles of beads that I need to get photographed but...I'm photographed out today. I think I'm must missing painting. Which it looks like I won't be doing for the next couple of days either. I've got a pile, I mean a huge...mongo pile of jewelry to get cleaned. First Friday is coming up and I haven't even started getting things done. Oh well...it's just the nature of the beast for the self-employed. There are days, that I miss the days that I worked for someone else. Mostly when I've either worked a long day...or when I'm sick. Who am I going to call in sick to...nobody. :-) It's easier most of the time but I'm glad I do what I do.

We have a huge snow storm coming in tonight....I am soooooooo done with snow...and hopefully will be gone by Thursday morning. Yippy, skippy...more snow, ice, and sleet. Geez, it's already icy on the back deck.

Ok....time to light the fire in the fireplace and sip some tea.

Later Gators...stay warm and safe!
~Moon