More Art For Salvation Army

I have completed most of the work for the Salvation Army Youth Center commission. This is the most recent - a 2 ft x 4 ft paney with acrylic with uplifting messages for all. The images are bright and vibrant.

Here are a few close-ups . . .

If you like what you see. . .let me know. I would love to help you create a unique gift for someone for the Holidays.

Mirror, Mirror, Mirror

Sssssh! These are for gifts!

A client recently contacted me about some gifts for the members of a wonderful women's group - 7 Beautiful Women. . .each of whom represent a day of the week.

They have a tradition of exchanging gifts for the holdays each year and try to find unique gifts for each other. I am honored to get to create 7 hand-mirrors for each of these women. I was given a list of color preferences, personality traits, etc. and have begun the creation process. These are the beginnings . . .a few details left to complete on these and they will be ready to go.

Thanks, Kimberly, for letting me participate in your group in a small way! I am honored. . .

Where, oh where will I be next? At Hip Happening in the historic Sellwood Masonic Lodge on 7126 SE Milwaukie. Lot of unique gifts available! Hope to see you there. . .

More Salvation Army Pictures

This image will be one of two that will hang together in the homework/study area. It measurea 24" x 26" (approximately) and the pages of the are torn from an old book to give an added textural element.

Thanks for looking . . .

Salvation Army Youth Center

I am currently working on some pieces of art to grace the walls of the new Salvation Army Youth Center in SE Portland/Rockwood. This center will welcome youth after school and offer kids a safe environment to hang out, play, do arts and crafts, get homework help and music lessons. I was so impressed when I visited with what they are doing there. Here is a link to an article about the center:

http://www.oregonlive.com/gresham/index.ssf/2009/10/salvation_army_ready_to_open_y.html

I met Lorrie, the director, during the Gresham Art Walk and we began talking about some positive, bright art work to decorate the walls of the new center. Here are a few of the pieces that I have completed so far . . .

This is a welcom sign that will greet visitors when they sign in - it measures 24" x 6" and is embelished with some dangly's of beads and old jewelry pieces.

This piece measures 2 ft x 4 ft with a wavy profile. It is bright and whimsical and contains a quote by George Bernard Shaw that states: Imagination is the beginning. Imagine what you desire. . . and at last, you create what you will."

This piece, to inspire music creativity and says "Dream of all that can be" and "Share the song in your heart". It also measures 2 ft x 4 ft.

All of the pieces are created with artist quality acrylics on wood and contain three-dimensional embellishments.

There are more pieces to come . . .I will post pictures as they are completed.

Don't forget to come and visit me this weekend out in springdale - Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 - 3:00 both days!

Sisters to Springdale

Last weekend we had our Sisters Harvest Faire show in Sisters, Oregon. It was a wonderful experience with lots of new friends being made . . .and we even ran into a few old friends. It definitely marked the end of our outdoor shows for the year. Our last outdoor show, we spent the day in temperatures that reached the high 80s. This last weekend, we started out at 16 degrees and topped out in the low 60s - This picture shows how I spent the majority of my day! Dressed in layers, wrapped in a blanket, in front of a heater.

Despite the colder temperatures - we had a great weekend. We look forward to heading that direction again next October!



























My next show will be on October 24th & 25th out in Springdale in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. A group of about 10 exceptional artists will be joining together to show our work and spend a little time together. This is one of the only shows I will be doing in the greater-Portland area before the holidays. Come out and get a jump on some holiday shopping!

Let Me Check My Calendar

The other day I was surfing through some of my favorite blogs and I saw a post about "customizing" a basic calendar/planner. I was so intrigued that I obsessed over it for awhile. So earlier this week, when I was in the office supply store buying a planner for my daughter, I ended up with a planner of my own. Let's face it . . .the covers on them are so. . . bland. So this is what I created.

This is the book opened up to show both the front and back covers.

Here is the view of the back only. . .

And this is a view of the front. . .

I have tried the electronic calendars and planners. I'm fascinated by the iPhone and love my iPod and can't imagine life without it. But when it comes to my planners, I like to touch it, I like to use a pen. I think this will do the trick.

The cover of the planner was created on a basic file folder. First I collaged a variety of textured papers; then I painted on the images. A few stamped images were added. It has a wonderful feel to it.

Once I folded the cover and trimmed the edges, I covered everything with clear contact paper and packing tape. This should protect it from being packed around in my purse, my back pack or where ever . . .

And one of the first entries in my new planner is my next two sales. This coming weekend, on October 10th and 11th, my partner in business and in life and I will be traveling over the moutain to Sisters, Oregon. Sisters will be hosting their yearly Harvest Faire. It is a fantastic event with about 150 artist vendors, music, food, kids activities, etc. The whole town participates. If you are in the area, be sure and stop by.

For those of you in the Portland area, I will be setting up in Springdale on the weekend of October 25th . . .more details to follow!

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall . . .

A new batch of custom mirrors that I have just completed. Fall Harvest Festivals . . . here I come!

If you are in the area of Bend/Redmond, OR - I will be showing these mirrors and more at the Sisters Harvest Festival in Sisters, Or. on October 10th and October 11th. I have attended this Festival before, but this will be the first time I have participated as an artist. Come enjoy the art, listen to some music and stop by and say hello!

Missing In Action

I am looking at my last blog post and am somewhat appalled that it has been over a month! Where has the time gone. We are well into September; school is back in session; the days are still warm, but the evenings are getting cooler and there is no denying the feel of fall in the air. I'm afraid I am going to blink and it will be . . .dare I say it? . . .the Holidays. In fact, in many ways we are already into the Holidays full swing.

The last month has been spent getting family members ready for school and canning the fruits of our (and our local farmers) labors. We are feeling quite proud of the rows of jars we have put up. I can't wait to start enjoying home canned peaches, pears, applesauch, jams, pickles, salsa, and marinara sauce. It is such a satisying feeling to bring in overflowing bowls of tomotoes that we have watered and babied all summer.

As an artist that does sales and festivals, we are already preparing for the Holiday gift giving while the temperatures are still reaching into the 90s. Here are a few samples of some paintings that I have recently finished. These, and others, will be available in print form at our upcoming sales.

We are excited to do our next show in October in beautiful Sisters, Oregon. This will be our first time participating in the Sisters Harvest Faire on October 10th and 11th. If you are in the area of Bend/Sisters on that weekend, be sure and stop by and say hello!

A Chair for Joyce

I met Joyce in July at one of the Summer Art Festivals - she fell in love with one of my paintings as well as the concept of an art chair. So we combined the two concepts together and used a version of of the painting on a chair. She also chose some sentiments that spoke to her and made her feel happy and inspired.

I hope this brings you joy as it sits in your home. . .

ESCAPE THE HEAT -

Escape the heat this weekend and head to Lincoln City, OR. for a day at the coast, some shopping and some art! I will be showing and selling my creations at the Lincoln City Cultural Center as part of the Last Days of Summer Sale.

If you live in or around Portland, you know that we have been experiencing a bit of a heat wave with temperatures in the 100's. This has definitely been a year of extremes for weather. I am looking forward to a trip to the coast where the temps have been about 30 degrees cooler!

This will be our last sale for the summer -although we may take a stab at the Portland Saturday Market for one weekend! If you have ever been down there you know a what a great time it is. Amazing artists, lots of food, good energy . . .and all handcrafted. It has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager.

Then we will be working on filling custom orders and getting ready for the fall and winter sales. How did I get so blessed to be able to do what I love? I am very grateful.

Information for the Lincoln City Cultural Center can be found at:

http://www.lincolncityculturalcenter.com/welcome/

Here is what they have to say on their website about this weekends show: " Please consider our show this year held on August 1st & 2nd. Formerly Heartflame, we are now associated with the Lincoln City Cultural Center. It’s a really big event with artists & crafters from all over the Pacific Northwest – actually from all around the country! In the past we’ve had folks from as far away as North Carolina, Arizona, California, Montana, Utah, etc. Situated on Highway 101 with at least 300 feet of frontage and approximately 5 1/2 acres & a historic school building. We host approximately 20 inside vendors and 100 outside vendors.

Summer Sale

This Saturday is the Gresham Art Walk held in downtown Gresham, Oregon. This Art Walk is one of our favorite shows that we do throughout the year. There are all sorts of great artists - 100 this year; live music and entertainment, a kids area with crafts, face painting and balloon art, and a chance to see friends in the community. Located adjacent to the Farmers Market, you can even get some yummy treats to nibble on while you look at art.

Come see what we have this year. I have some new paintings, new chairs, and a few other surprises. We have been working hard on our booth and are excited to dress it up into a little boutique for the day.

The Art Walk runs from 9-5 this Saturday, July 18th. Check out the website for details. Hope to see you there!

http://greshamartwalk.com

SUMMER IS HERE!

I have been missing in action these last few weeks. I took a short vacation and have spent the rest of my free time working on building inventory for my next few sales. Add to that a computer that decided to go on the blink . . .well, you get the picture.

We are ready to officially start the summer festival season. This weekend (July 11th and 12th)is the Sandy Mt. Festival in Sandy, Oregon. This is an amazing festival that continues to grow every year. There will be approximately 150 artists, food, and live music on 2 stages. Admission is free and fun is to be had by all!

http://www.sandymountainfestival.org/

The following weekend, on July 18th, is the annual Gresham Art Walk.

http://greshamartwalk.com/

Another great event with wonderful artists - 100 this year!

Check out the web links to get information on hours, directions, entertainment schedules, etc. The weather is going to be great - come out for a fun weekend event!

The Next Sale is on June 13th

June 13th from 10:00-5:00 I will be hanging out with my friend Chris Tymoshuk http://www.ctymoshuk.com at the Springdale School. We are setting up on the lawn to show our work to friends, family, and passer-bys. Chris is involved in a wonderful project to "Save the Springdale". Originally, the building where we will be setting up was the home for the Springdale Elementary School. Several years ago, the school was closed down and the citizens of Springdale and Corbett created a grass roots effort to turn the building into a Community Center. They are moving closer to achieving their dream. Springdale has an active children's theater group, artist studios inside and local scouting groups meet there. They want to expand the building to be a true artistic for the community. And the best part is . . .

You can come next weekend and check out some great original artwork. There will be paintings, mirrors, furniture, lanterns, mosaics, jewelry and more. And we are donating a portion of our proceeds to the Springdale fund. Support the arts! To get to Springdale, follow the Old Scenic Highway - you can't miss it.

The surfboard coffee table has been a fun project. I love to paint. I love the beach and all things "beachy". I love family . . .put them all together and you have a really fun project.

Here's a shot of table after I worked on it for a few hours. But remember, it's not finished yet! Think of this as the before . . .
And here is the after. Full of color, details, words, and whimsy. The main statement on this piece is "Family is nature's masterpiece."

Other word strips that highlight the beachy scenes include "Make a new memory", "cherish simplicity", "make time to play" and "look for miracles".

The table is long -about 5 feet. A wonderful full "canvas" to work on. The only thing left is several coats of polyurethane to bring out the glow and make sure the beauty lasts for years to come.

Thanks Jeff and Julie for allowing me the opportunity to create this for you.

Look around your house - maybe you have something you would like to to have personalized with a touch of color and whimsy.

Upcoming Events - on June 13th I will be participating in a show with Chris Tymoshuk http://www.ctymoshuk/ in Springdale on the Old Scenic Highway. Chris has a great gallery in the old Springdale school and we will be setting up outside. chris does great laterns, mosaics, and paintings. Come and visit us - you will be in for a treat full of color and creativity.

July 11 and 12th - The Sandy Mountain Festival

July 18 - Gresham Art Walk

August 1 & 2 - Lincoln City Arts Festival

More details to come . . .

Tides out...I mean, FAR OUT!!!

Our weekend sale at Oceanside Community Center was Great! Thank you to all that attended. We were suprised with a minus two tide that weekend, exposing rocks and access to far reaches of the beach not easily reached. We all got a little wet, but what a great experience to see "Lost boys Cave," and other sites once seen when we were children. Don't forget our next sale at "Sandy Mt.Festival in Sandy, Oregon July 11-12. See you there!

Two Custom Orders . . .

One of my clients wanted a Lazy Susan to go with her set of dishes. She gave me a picture of the dishes and I took the idea of the blue and red flowers. Vines creep around and fill the surface . . .Pam, all this needs now is a couple coats of sealer to protect it and add depth and shine. Then you can use it in your kitchen.

Jeff wanted to get his wife a one of a kind gift for Mother's Day. We talked about a chair or an end table. In the end, they decided together that they wanted to update a coffee table that has been in her family for years. Julie's father built this table and she remembers that it was a part of her home growing up. It was sent with her when she moved out to furnish her first apartment. Now it is a part of her and Jeff's home and a part of their family.

The table is unique - it is approximately 5 feet long in the shape of a surf board. Unique features on the base make it a one of a kind piece of furniture.

Since this has been a part of Julie's family for as long as she can remember, she wanted it to reflect what means the most to her family - the beach. I worked on the base first - the colors are laid in. The details are yet to come!

Here is a brief preview of the top. A blue sky, a sun, the start of a beach. You will need to stay tuned to see the finished product. Check back soon!

A Give Away . . .

I want to win this! Take a look at this site - she has a great giveaway going on. Or then again . . .maybe you shouldn't take a look, because then you may want to win this. Hmmm - a dilemma.

http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/05/birthday-blog-candy.html

I love these little giveaways that other bloggers do - it's a great way to find new inspiration from other artists and help me to look at things in a whole new way. Check it out!

Surfs Up!!!!!

Here's my latest client's request! Take their old surf board coffee table and turn it into a massive amount of color and "surfer design" arrangment, with special word phrases that hold dear to them! What a treat. Can't wait to see the finished product. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you have any old chairs, dressers, dinning room table, night stands ect. that need a bright new look, please let me know.  Until then.

Another Sale down! Another one to go!

We're looking forward to another sale the weekend of  May 23rd and 24th at Oceanside Community Center. Starts at 10am. The little town of Oceanside is approx. nine miles outside of Tillamook, Ore. Easy to find, but if you want a little help with directions, just let us know.  This is what you'll see from the patio of the community center. See you there!

The Booth is ready! And setup at The Corbett Grade School. See you there!

Eleventh Annual Columbia Gorge Art Festival

Come join Laurie Miller Designs and a variety of wonderfully gifted artistans at the 11th Annual Columbia Gorge Art Festival. It will be held May 16th and 17th and the Corbett Grade School on the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway.





What a great way to spend a weekend day - drive the old scenic highway, enjoy the scenery and look at original art.





I really like to participate in this event. All of the artists contribute a portion of their sales to the Corbett Education Foundation to fund scholarships for the students. I hope to see you there. I have been working on some new designs and new products with lots of color.

35800 East Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Corbett, Oregon 97019
From I-84, take Exit 22, go up Corbett Hill Road to Historic Hwy and turn right.Art Festival is about 1/4 mile on left.

An Inspiration

This video was recently forwarded to me. I am not a big sports enthusiast. I am definitely not a golfer or even an appreciator of the sport. But I couldn't help but feel inspired, uplifted, and a little emotional after watching this. A lesson for all . . .

http://vodpod.com/watch/1165857-walk-on-espn-video

Finger Painting

So what do you do when you have a plain door, a sunny day and a nothing to do? If you are my daughter, you finger paint. My daughter is a creative soul - and she is finding her artistic voice. Recently she decided that she prefers large "canvases" to work on.

She uses just her hands to create her masterpieces - dipping her hands into the paint and using her fingertips to "drag" the paint around.

And when you are done painting the door . . .you paint your sister!

Oh how the sun brings out the sillies.

Goodbye To A Friend . . .

Life is about change. I have heard this since I was very young. Change is supposed to be a good thing - a necessary thing. But sometimes, change is just hard. In addition to my art, I have a full time job. An 8-5 job at a local college. We've all heard about the economy and all the "fatalaties" associated with it. Today one of my work associates was a victim. A wonderful person - he is a husband, a father, a friend. He was a key factor in why I accepted this job when it was offered to me. I will miss him as I go to work each day. I will continue to do my job as I am asked, but in my heart, I am sad at the injustice of the situation. He will be missed. It was an honor to work with him. It is an honor to call him "friend".

Our family, too, has been the victim of the economy. My husband was laid off a few months back. It rocks your world. But change can be good - Sometimes out of change, especially change that is unexpected, you find yourself exploring options you never thought of before. It gives you the courage to move forward into unchartered directions. I have felt the joy of this kind of a blessing. I hope my friend finds the same type of joy as well. Bon Voyage, my friend . . .I look forward to our paths crossing again.

On a more positive note. Included here are pictures of some of my orders I am working on. These are for a client in Kalama. The orders are for a chair and large mirror with an Asian theme. Bright colors are a must.

Last post, I showed the beginnings of the chair . . .here is the seat, finished up. The colors are rich. The pictures are full of texture.

Here is the full view of the chair . . .every color, textures, beads, and mirrors.

Here is the start of the mirror. A solid black surface to begin. . .then some blocks of background

colors.

A close up of the bamboo on the left side of the mirror. . .

and a koi fish . . .alot of the defining details still waiting to emerge.

This will be the top with the Asian symbols for "Thankfullness" . Of course - more color and more detailing to come. But the idea is there. Stay tuned for the final product.

So . . .here's to change.