Book and Magazine Addicts

Yep, we are art or craft book and magazine addicts. I actually look forward to getting my Art Doll Quarterly magazine or any of the Somerset publications viewed at http://stampington.com/html/main_magazines.html . I read through my subscriptions many times and always find something that brings a smile to my face. My new favorite is the Stuffed Magazine. It is filled with adorable and sometimes creepy little stuffed creations.
I also like art books and art collaboration books as it is an easy way to see many artists in a short amount of time. I especially like them if they have cool and interesting projects in them. The one I received this week is Found Objects Art 2 by Tina Skinner. It is an awesome collection of found object artists. I look forward to getting the Found Object Art 1 book. What are your favorite art or craft books and magazines?

Woo Hoo!

Yes!!! We both were able to make several pots last night. Woo Hoo. This was very exciting since last week I would make a pot only to accidentally destroy it trying to make the top even or totally gauge it using a rib trying to smooth and shape the outside. Next week, they should be dry enough for us to shape the base of the pots. I'm feeling a giveaway....once they are fired and painted of course. Stay tuned for the details.

In addition to our art, DD and I have committed to exercising. I know what you're thinking....why would you want to lose weight and get healthy when it took you so long to acquire your current shape? Isn't round the new black?  Having my daughter turn 21 this week, just reconfirmed for me that I want to live a long and healthy life. I want to be there for her and I want to be able to play with any future grand kids and to be comfortable in airplane seats again (if that's even possible). So, we are up at 6am and off to the gym for swimming or water aerobics at least 3-4 days a week, instead of the 1 day a week we've been doing. Today, we swam in the outside pool....the inside one was too cold, brrr.

I usually have several projects going at once. Right now, I am working on 3 dolls and some other collage/painting projects. Plus my swap items for swaps I'm in at Swap-bot. I'm so excited about a swap in the Crafty Recyclers Group. My swap friend Terrie is hosting it and it is a swap where you have one partner and you send that partner an envelope or box of found objects. In return, you receive an envelope or box of found objects for your own use. Sound fun.... come on over to the bot and join us. We are at almost 700 members in that group. In my Swapping Artist group, we have a Summer Time Fun swap and a Meteorology inspired swap happening. And in my Fantastic Art Doll Group, I have our first Icicle Doll Swap up and a Paper Doll Swap.....for any type of paper doll. 

DD and I hit the thrift stores over the weekend and came up with some great finds.  Everything from dolls for .50 to a bag of rubber stamps, and some cool metal pieces. Photos to come soon. I am so excited to re-purpose some of these items. I'm always on the look out for old broken toys, interesting bird cages, wool sweaters, soft or patterned fabrics and cool metal bits and pieces. So much so, that it looks like my craft room ate my guest room. Really...it's like a treasure hunt every time I enter. What will I find today....

Pottery Class Was A Blast!

Keeping true to our name, we were truly DIRTY girls last night.  My birthday present from Angee this year was a beginning potter's wheel class that started last night.  We had such a blast and were covered in clay almost immediately.  Well, some us more than others! ;-)  At the start of the class, the instructor said that we would need to have three things ready for firing by the end of the second class which is next week!  As everyone's clay was wobbling around uncentered on their wheels, I couldn't see how we were going to each produce three pieces that we actually wanted to keep.  Once I got my first one centered, I thought I was the bomb, so I tried to help the girl next to me.  Definitely not the best idea.  We started to get it centered and then...BAM... a huge chunk came off, with clay flying all over and pretty much ruined it.  It was pretty funny.  We were laughing all night yet, somehow I managed to create something that resembles a small cylindrical bowl so next week, I only need to create two pieces!  Since Angee loves getting dirty so much, she wore most of her clay home on her jeans, shirt, arms and face in true dirty girl fashion so she still has three pieces to make next week!  Stay tuned to find out if the clay gods will smile upon us.

We Did it!

Yay! We did it! We have created a blog and an etsy store. I am so happy. Now, to figure our how everything works and to put items in to our store. For any of you expereinced bloggers......feel free to leave us your favorite stories and tips.

Dirty Girl ARt Studio is the collaboration of myself, Angela Gue, and Diana Swalen. We so often end up working on projects together, that is seemed the natural progression was to do artwork as a team. I am the messy, silly girl who is usually covered in paint. For some reason, I always think I can paint something without getting any on me...nope, I'm usually covered in paint by the time I'm done working. Diana on the other hand, is happiest with power tools or beads surrounding her. We have always loved creating in clay and ceramics and we are starting a wheel class next week. So, keep posted for exciting hand thrown pottery.

We love swapping our art with other artists. I swap using http://swap-bot.com/ , under the user Wolfeagle. I would love to see you there. I am the founder/host of a few groups. They are: The Swapping Artist, Crafty Recycler's, and my newest group Fantastic ARt Dolls. I welcome new members so if swapping ARt Dolls, Monthly Art challenges, or creating projects from trash sounds fun then please join us.

We both love art, in all its forms. And look forward to sharing our journey with you.