Folk Art by Kerry

Art Collage Techniques

2009-08-23T22:33:00.007-04:00

Paper Quilting Technique
Mixed Media Collage

I am excited to share a new (for me) technique, which I love. It is kind of like a quilted paper collage. I've always wanted to try "quilting" and thought I'd start with something I felt comfortable with~paper and mixed media. I love the sense of freedom that mixed media collages give when I create compared to my acrylic painting where I feel it isn't so free-more structured.

Here are a couple of pieces that I created using this technique. I started with the paper quilted background and used neutral acrylic paint over top. I then added ink to create an aged look and added the cardstock image, again aging with ink and paint. I added stamping in some areas as well and sayings to add to the piece. Keep an eye out for future blog entries where I will show you step by step how to create using this technique!

Creative Muse

2009-08-17T23:59:00.006-04:00

I had a spectacular weekend. The creative muse has definately been working her magic.

I had a very succesful art show this weekend and also opened a brand new Etsy store which is already proving to be very successful ~ http://www.afternoongarden.etsy.com/ . I am having fun creating new mixed media pieces and jewelry. So much fun that it is difficult to keep up with taking photos and posting them on my Etsy shops. Look for new art pieces in all of my shops. I have included an Etsy mini of my new shop. I hope you like wandering through the garden. I am also going to add free tutorials on my blog of my creative musings. Enjoy coming along on my creative journey! Here is one of my favourite art dolls that inspires me every day and reminds me to play and have fun!

Time For A New Look

2009-08-07T20:16:00.013-04:00

I've decided to re-style my Folk Art by Kerry blog. It has been quite a stretch of time since I last blogged here and it has been an amazing year. I've learned so much since I first set up this blog. I have established two shops on Etsy that happily fill my time as well as another blog that is growing each day. Etsy is an awesome online "store front" that features and sells everything hand made. My Etsy shops are http://www.folkartbykerry.etsy.com/ and http://www.thereddoor.etsy.com/. Both shops feature affordable original art and make great gifts.

I also enjoy featuring other Etsians and their creative work spaces on my Etsy Studios blog
http://www.etsystudios.blogspot.com/.

Please take a peek at my shops and my other blog. I have been on an amazing creative streak lately and I plan to share some of my new creations in just a few days. I have a big Art Show on August 16th and have been busily getting ready for that. I look forward to sharing my work, discoveries and new creations with you.

Enjoy your time on my blog and feel free to leave comments!

Where have you been!!!!

2008-08-12T00:01:00.008-04:00

Hi,..... It's not you......it's me !. I have been having a hoot of a time setting up my new websites. Yes I did say websitesssss ! Not one but two. How crazy am I?

I decided as an artist to promote my work. To have my work available for others to view is important....aside from shows and exhibitions. I decided to set up a website.
Well.... that was a week and a bit ago.
Things are going very well. The set-up was a breeze. Go to http://www.etsy.com/ ,they provide user friendly instructions to set up a website for handmade items. It's really easy. Another site www.finerworks.com is a really great art website for beginners and veterans.

The more time consuming parts are making a banner & avatar. If you don't like doing it yourself there are others you can pay to do it ~ a good option! The other time consuming jobs are taking pics and listing your items but when you are done they look great ( you can't pay someone to do this ~ hmmm... a good business idea!). You can even go to the Forums to chat and ask people what they think. Don't worry~ all are very friendly and supportive.

So check out all of my hard work ~still in progress~. Send a comment and tell me what you think!

www.folkartbykerry.etsy.com

www.thereddoor.etsy.com

Quote~Give yourself rewards for getting through various stages of a project.

Treat yourself to a movie, call a friend, or go for a walk.

Julie Morgenstern

I think I'll go see a movie!

~Kerry~

Oh my... It's Been Almost A Year

2008-08-02T23:52:00.003-04:00

Almost a year for what you ask? Since I've started painting... what were you thinking? It has been almost a whole year since my painting career has exploded. If you had asked me last July about painting and having exhibitions I would have told you that you were crazy and you have the wrong person. I have had a great year... and plan on riding the exciting roller coaster where it intends to take me. Sometimes life leads us on the most unexpected paths. Now that I look back I had been wishing for something more fulfilling and my wish came true.

Quote~ Be willing to let anything happen.
~Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

My First Blog! (a.k.a. Bug Eyes)

2008-08-01T21:39:00.003-04:00

My First Blog

Wow... my eyes are buggy from all of the time I just spent staring at the computer. As I write this first blog I feel a sense of accomplishment and exhaustion. I have to say that the Blogspot Blogger program is very user friendly. When I did make mistakes...and I did ( thus the buggy eyes) there were simple explanations to help out. Are there "buggy eye " pictures to include in a blog? As my eyes are focusing I am praying as I spell check that I am spelling Blogger and not Booger . Did I get it right? Can you tell I have a 5 year old at home?

o.k.- Here is the adult content which doesn't get too much more "adult" than this. I look forward to sharing my first year discoveries as a new "professional" artist... my experiences and helpful tips that will hopefully help other "newer than me" artists. I hope that you find this blog useful and maybe a bit entertaining.

Quote - Whether you think you can or can't, you are right!

I think I Can- & I Did!

~ Kerry Grbich~