SooZeQues Arroyo Junkers and Other Resurrections

Repurposed - Repainted - Resurrected Trivets

2012-01-30T16:36:00.004-07:00

I've been stockpiling old antique Trivets for sometime now. I have large to very small. I was drawn to their ornateness and of course they are steel or cast iron and I knew I could use them in different aspects of my art. I've used them on my license plate butterflies as part of there tails (do butterflies have tails?), like this one.

There are so many things you can do with them, transfer photos to them, cut stencils in steel and replace the tile.
So today, since I wasn't in the mood for welding and getting dirty I figured I paint on one. I really love how it turned out. You have an instant frame for one of your paintings or pictures.

Just scuff up the tile, paint an acrylic base coat color of your choice then, draw your picture on it. It's instantly ready to hang up.... well after it dries and you really should put a clear coat over it for protection.

Did you know

I LOVE DONKEY'S!!!

Shovel Art #4 - Hippie Zen Love 3D

2012-01-24T04:00:00.001-07:00

Ok - so I've always been a hippie at heart. Would love to run around in long skirts and short shirts with no shoes. Wear a headband of flowers - I've got the long hair still so that will work, but sadly when you get a certain age you just can't pull off that look anymore. So, in memory of those Hippie days long past here's a Hippie/Love/Zentangle/Peace Shovel with a few flowers thrown in... you know the headbands of flowers we used to wear.

I'm still working on the stand - have to just meditate on that for a while. Ideas Anybody?

Just Hangin With Friends

2012-01-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been two weeks since I posted. Truly I haven't been loafing, but if truth be told most of that time I've been dealing with botched dentistry. My dentist who I've been with for 28 years retired and my first experience with the group that took over has been horrid! Needless to say I shall be finding a new one!

Since I haven't been real busy in the shop I'll just share a few pics from my days out and hopefully next week I'll be back to welding and cutting.... I HOPE!

Last week I was finally able to take my mind off of the tooth problem and hang out with some friends. On Thurs, with my old friend Meeg who I've know since high school, we did some window shopping, lunch and threw in a few thrift stores for good measure.

Then on Friday, headed off to the Tucson Quilt Show with my Friend Anna - and of course there is always time to scout out the Tucson Thrift stores. Good thing most of my friends enjoy thrifting - cuz if they didn't I'd have to drag them along kicking and screaming!

I'm not a seamstress and never will be! I admire all these folks that have the patient to put these beautiful quilts together. I prefer to sew with steel and if I had to sew something needing a straight line... I'd be in big trouble.

Shovel Art #3 - Here Kitty Kitty

2012-01-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a crazy one my friends! I love the shadows that these cast. This still has a lot of rusting to do, but why wait for a showing. Found the old gear for the base walking down the road to an old Mercury mine that we attempted to get to over the New Year Holiday. Unfortunately, we're gonna need more energy for the hike, or an ATV to traverse the rough road. It was late in the day and we were unsure how far it was. I wanted to go there to photograph all the old equipment that's been left behind from the early 1900's. Hopefully we can reschedule that hike.

Oh Naughty Bird - stole Kitties Bell

Hope you're not tired of these yet?? .... more coming. I guess I'm on a roll - huh? I'm getting thru that shed of shovels one by one. May have to take a break soon and work on a wheelbarrow! Not much of a break though. Have a great weekend!

Passion Flower - Resurrection

2012-01-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you've noticed that I tend to lean towards "garden art". I love flowers and I love creating them. I've filled my backyard with so much "garden art" that it's ... dare I say.... Overgrown! Honestly, I can't imagine surrounding myself with anything else. How lucky I am to be able to create what I love.

As mentioned in my post last week I found this crazy looking object aka candle holder. Funny story - I didn't realize what it was even though one of my addictions is candelabras, candle holder, candles and such so when I came home and ask my husband what he thought it was and he immediately said "it's a candle holder", well I felt really stupid and then was like.. Oh Yeah, it is huh? Duh. Well we are all entitled to a senior moment now and again!

So here it is - a huge 12ft tall Passion Flower for the garden. Everything is made from other pieces of various things I had laying around. See it's good to never throw things out! or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Being in the Moment

2012-01-08T03:00:00.003-07:00

These last few days here in sunny AZ have been so beautiful. Yesterday, I just sat and revealed in the sunshine, the beauty of my garden, the singing birds and other furry creatures and just soaked it all in. Sometimes we just have to relax and do nothing... and BE in the Moment.

ART FOR HEALING - Obsessive Beauty

2012-01-06T14:58:00.001-07:00

Now I know there is hope for all the various articles of junk I collect - Sometimes you just need someone to show you that you're not crazy and that there is a mission to your madness. I believe I have found that someone.....Her name is TAYA DORO MITCHELL and she is my new hero! What an interesting story she has. Please do read about her HERE.

But to truly see what I'm so over the top in love with you have to see THIS video. I'm just in awe of what she has done! What an inspiration! What a talent!

Shovel Art - Two

2012-01-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've completed the Church windows I showed in my last post. I decided that the Hoe did not fit the beauty of the window - so instead I cut up an old stump of Pinon that I absconded from my Dad's wood pile. He just couldn't figure out why I wanted that old wood - and basically at the time I myself didn't yet have a plan for it, but we all know how that works, Right? We all have a pile of trash just waiting for resurrection

You can display the front (below) or the back (which I prefer)

And the Antique Hoe....

well it was better suited as the base for the flower shovel, added some flowers & leaves growing out of the bottom and a butterfly, because what is a garden without a butterfly.

What Is This??

It's very heavy, about 16" across.

It has prongs underneath it

hubby said it's a candle holder upside down ... I tend to agree.

It's gonna look so much better when I'm done with it!

Stay tuned for its Resurrection

Next Week

Shovel Art Sculpture

2011-12-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well I'm still sort of in my hibernation state after the holidays. Too much good food, way way to many goodies and a few more inches on the waste line! I'm sort of in an over indulgent coma. However, I'm needing to get out in the shop again and shake off the cobwebs and indulge in a little creativity. Days are beautiful here, weather is perfect so I started drawing and cutting on a few shovels. You know no shovel is a bad shovel even if the handles are broken - as in the one I'm working on. I love church windows so that's what I've cut out.

I'm currently looking for a nice thick piece of dark wood to possibly mount it on and may even add a leafy vine climbing up the shaft of the shovel. Sometimes you just have to let these items speak to you. Especially when you are in a semi-coma state.

It's temporarily mounted on an old antique Hoe blade. I found out recently that these particular cast iron blades may have been called HOE because they where used by slaves in the USA to cook so-called Hoe Cakes. Whether that is true or not I can't be sure.

Don't Be Jealous - I'm an Addict

2011-12-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's in the air, but I tell you I've been on a binge these days and can't seem to stay away from the thrift stores. Perhaps it because of all the cool things I've found lately - it keeps me on a thrift store high and then I come down and I've got to get some more and I head out the next day to see what else I can find. It's a bad, bad habit and one I keep saying I'm gonna kick, but I think I need Rehab in order to stop - Seriously! Of course I'm always looking for junk to resurrect and use in my art, and of course I always find other things I don't need, but I can't leave them behind. Do you know what I mean?

So without further ado.....I thought I'd share a couple of awesome treasures I found

Don't Be Jealous

Antique Christmas Tree Stand - $15

I may use it as a stand for a special Shovel I create

Heavy Copper & Brass Plates & Bowl - $5

Heavy 5ft Wrought Iron Candelabra - $23

Antique manual copper-brass air pump used for providing an air supply for deep sea diving. Manufactured by Wm. Boekel & Company of Philadelphia. Pat.1904. $43

And these... OMG! Such beautiful WoodCuts that I found (15 in all) at the Habitat for Humanity are beyond unbelievable. Half of them are about 17x23, a few are not finished, but are still beautiful.

These made my Day! $10

The pics don't do them justice for sure.

Weird Signature - What does it mean?

Woodcuts have been around for a seriously long time and many years ago my Mother found a beautiful one in the trash and later gave it to me. Come to find out it was done by a very famous artist Margaret Jordon Patterson, it's dated 1921 and the current value is approx $2100...... so maybe these will be famous also!

Stay tuned for the next showing of Hoarders - I may be on it!

She is named - Zia

2011-12-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Zia

Often described as a symbol of perfect friendship because it has no beginning and no end. The rays on the sides of the symbol are a reference to the powerful number of four. The symbol originated with the Indians of Zia Pueblo in ancient times. It's design reflects their tribal philosophy, with its wealth of pantheistic spiritualism teaching the basic harmony of all things in the universe. It's also the New Mexico symbol for their flag.

I didn't want another animal, I Love animals - but I didn't need another stray deciding to be part of our pack. That seems to be something that keeps happening over here (the last one I gave to a neighbor). Stray cats - they decide that This is Home! That last one I took in is now 20yrs old. I'm a sucker - I feel bad for them, their hungry, their scared, their lost - I post ads and no one every claims them. So I feed them, talk to them, give them a bed and they stay! Go Figure!

So now we are Four... just like the Zia - 2 dogs - 2 cats

Only problem - she may be pregnant! I'll keep you posted.

Tejano Night Before Christmas

2011-12-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'll be signing off my blog for the rest of the year, but before I do I just wanted to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas, Holiday and celebration with your family and friends. I've enjoyed your company all year and have truly met (even if only over this vast internet) some wonderful kindred spirits. You have inspired me with your beautiful art, touched me with your open hearts and encouraged me when I needed it. Thank you for sticking with me on this ride!

May you all be blessed in the New Year and may we all

Prosper in Life Spiritually, Physically, and Financially!

I leave you with a Christmas poem my Uncle always recited by heart to us during the Holidays

Tejano Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the casa,
Not a creature was stirring -- Caramba! Que pasa?
Los ninos were tucked away in their camas,
Some in camisas and some in pajamas,

While hanging the stockings with mucho cuidado
In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado
To bring all children, both buenos and malos,
A nice batch of dulces and other regalos.

Outside in the yard there arose such a grito
That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera,
And who in the world do you think quien era?

Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero
Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados
Were eight little burros approaching volados.

I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre
Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre
"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Chucho, ay Beto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!"

Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho
He flew to the top of our very own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea,

then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,
With soot smeared all over his red suit de gala,
He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos--
For none of the ninos had been very malos.

Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento,
He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad,

Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!

Am I Super Late or just So Way Prepared?

2011-12-01T11:25:00.001-07:00

For Thanksgiving 2012 that is! I'm gonna opt for "SO WAY PREPARED"! I saw velvet pumpkins on someone's blog a few weeks ago and fell head over heals in love with there velvety, sultry, elegant look and I just had to figure out how to get some. If you look at the prices of them you kind of go.... Oh Hello... Expensive. So, I had to figure out how to make my own. Let me just say I can't sew, so anyone can do these.

I started searching for how I was gonna find Pumpkin Stems to make them look Real.... but Halloween and Thanksgiving were over and alas could not find them. However, all autuum stuff at Hobby Lobby was 90% off!!! Eureka I found something that I feel worked great. Notice the little spark-a-lee crocked neck squash as the stem.

Please don't look at the trashed kitchen table in the background - Artist at Work!

I'm totally in Love with these! Now I just need to find Velvet at 90% off and I can go crazy! Now that I've got this one last thing I wanted/needed to do I've got to get busy finishing up the Christmas Shopping Extravaganza! Well, perhaps it's not an Extravaganza ~ but I can dream!

I Won ~ I Won ~ it's like Christmas morning

2011-11-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Uplifting and Inspiring Designs by Valentina!

I was so excited to discover that I won this beautiful phone cover this morning from Valentina.

She has the most beautiful intricate art designs and has definitely made her art work for her. I admire all those artists that can take their craft and turn it into multiples. She takes this Zentangle drawing to such a wonderful level with all the over the top colors and designs. Then of course you can also get it on a duvet cover, a pillow, a wall mural etc. Check Valentina out at Feeling Inspired, I think you'll agree her work is GorGeous! Hmmm, wonder how I can mass produce those shovels of mine!

Thanks Valentina!

Sometimes I Embarrass my Dogs

2011-11-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

I've been working on lots of stuff over here, but due to the fact that someone I know might see this blog I can't show you the goofy things I'm working on for xmas gifts - so instead I will show you some other less important projects.

I recently picked up a couple of hand carved masks at the thrift store: One because they were hand carved and two because they were $1.00. I figured even if they were painted ugly perhaps I could transform them and embarrass my dog! I think a did a good job on that last point! Since I've been doing a lot of the Zentangle Art drawing I figured I'd try that on the masks.

Such a patient dog!

And because it's Christmas time why not get them in the Holiday Spirit

Harley on the left (he's a Pembroke Corgi) - Jaydee, she's a queensland healer

See the mortified look on her face!

She's so embarrassed!

That's it folks - It's gonna be slim pickin's on this blog until after the holidays. Seems getting my act together to get xmas figured out before it gets here is always a chore and seems to get more and more difficult the older I get. There's too much to do, too little time, and too many kids sooooo, if I have something of value to share (not like this blognote was of value) I shall return at a later date.

Stay well my Friends, Stay Healthy and

Happy Holidays!

I'm Thankful For.....

2011-11-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am thankful that I’m stubborn ~ it pushes me forward to keep trying.
I am thankful that my art has saved my life on a few occasions.
I am thankful that from my children I have learned valuable lessons.
I am thankful for my husband surviving the fight for his country.
I am thankful for my pets for their unending crazy antics that make me smile and their never ending devotion.
I am thankful for those that have gone before me that are watching over me, waiting, but hopefully for my arrival long from now.
I am thankful for surviving cancer ~ it guided me to this place of inspiration.
I am thankful that I’m still doing OK in spite of this economy and the money mongers.
I’m thankful that every day is always a new day to start over, be better, grow and hopefully those that matter understand the process.
I’m thankful for all those in my life ~ without you I would not be who I am in all aspects of my soul ~ good, bad and flawed.

And You ~ What are you Thankful For?

My Marlboro Man Knife Maker

2011-11-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

The weekend show is over! Amazing how long a weekend can last sometimes! We came home with a little less than what we took to the show so I guess that is a good thing. We can tell the economy is hitting hard for us "starving artists". My husband however, hereinafter referred to as "The Marlboro Man Knife Maker (MMKM)" did very well this weekend. Seems like the only folks buying this weekend were the men... and for themselves. I can't blame them, MMKM makes gorgeous knives!

Unlike myself, he's a perfectionist!

He spends hours backfiling designs and names into these knives

hours sanding and sanding and sanding

hours sharpening and sharpening

However, I do cut his knife blanks out of bars of Damascus

This beauty he made for my birthday a few years ago!

Everything I love ~ turquoise, crosses!

He always has a lot of custom orders to fill and gained another three from the show.

So, if you're in the market for a gorgeous custom knife you can find him HERE and send him an email he'll put you on his list!

Arroyo Junkers & Their Lovely Ladies

2011-11-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

This week ended in no direction I had started off in and so as usual I did not get out but one day to finish up the dragonflies for the Big Show this coming Saturday - I guess there is always tomorrow, if it doesn't rain again.
My husband went hunting for 4 days, so I figured man I'll have so much time to work and not worry about cleaning up or get dinner, or taking a shower.. you know those mundane things, but unfortunately, I somehow thought it would be a good time to organize my "too many to mention" projects that I rotate around when I'm working in the house. I have things stuffed in any available space so I can work on them on the kitchen table, but it was all over the house and then I could never find anything when I needed it at a moments notice because it could have been upstairs or in the laundry room, or was it in the big credenza in living room or or or.....and so the story went for 3 SOLID DAYS!!!! Perhaps I was feeling a little guilty after seeing some of my friends getting there places so organize like Lady D and Jerry@Hang Art and so they were my motivation. I'm happy to say I think I can now find things easier and I also discovered (not really new information) that I have way to many hobbies..... or is that possible?

So really I just popped in and wanted to share some Arroyo Junker Beauties I recently drooled over.

This must be the oldest Arroyo Junker I have ever seen - too bad they don't make tires like those anymore!!

Ahh and these lovely ladies - those Arroyo Junkers would be nothing without them!

Hope you all had a terrific week and we'll see you soon!

Playing with Leaves

2011-11-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

My friends... other than baking I've done nothing that I should be doing. Starting tomorrow I'll have to get real busy creating some more Dragonflies for the upcoming show!

However, before I went on vacation I posted on my "Gifts from Down Under" that Barry Smith sent me. Well, his leaves were so beautiful they inspired me to see if I could also make them. So, I did a little research of how to achieve this and of course Youtube is always an informative site for making things. So, here is my attempt at making a few leaves.

They certainly don't compare to Barrys, but they sure are fun to make. For my first one I used very thin roofing metal that is always available at the hardware store, cheap and I had some laying around. As you can see the first attempt at heating the very thin metal was too hot or rather too long heating it up. I sort of singed the edges. The other sort of brassy leaves were of the same material. Next I moved on to some scrap steel. Those turned out great and then I sprayed them with a little vinegar and you have instant Autuum rust. Now all I need is another 1000 so I can make a tree! Wouldn't it be cool to hear the wind blow thru them making the slight tinkling sound of metal sort of like the breeze thru the cottonwood tree. One of my favorite sounds.

SooZeQue's Arroyo Lime Coconut Banana Slammin' Bread

2011-11-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

OK.... I don't usually ever or actually never have I posted a recipe on my blog, BUT because I've been baking like a mad woman cuz my son is coming into town and I want to send him off with a few days worth of Mom's Cookin' (in the way of Cookies etc) to get him back to Bellingham, Washington (where he took my grandbaby!!! whaawhaa whaa) I stumbled upon the most fabulous Banana Bread!!!!

Officially now referred to as

SooZeQue's Arroyo Lime Coconut Banana Slammin' Bread

This week I'm a food Artisan - not a welder. :)

Seriously, this is to die for ~ It's not your typical tasting banana bread ~ it's heaven TRUST ME!

Look, look at the lime glaze dripping off the side - smell the freshness.

Look closely.... I know you're headed to kitchen as you see this heavenly bounty!

So I guess you want the recipe, Right.... RIGHT? Ok Ok tis the beginning of the season and cuz I love ya..... here it is!

SooZeQue's Arroyo Lime Coconut Banana Slammin' Bread
2 Cup all purpose flour
3/4 teas baking soda
1/2 teas salt
1 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup (4 Tbs) real butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 Cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
1/4 Cup sour cream or plain yogurt (I used that awesome Greek Yogurt)
3 Tbls apple juice or milk* If you don’t already have some, just use milk!
1 teas vanilla extract
1/2 Cup coconut

(Nuts are optional)

Topping: 2 Tbls additional coconut
Glaze: 1/2 C powdered sugar whisked with 1 1/2 Tbls fresh lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended. Add eggs and beat to combine. Add banana, sour cream or yogurt, apple juice (or milk), and vanilla. Beat until blended.
Add flour mixture and beat at a low speed until just combined. Stir in 1/2 C coconut.

Pour batter into a 9×5″ loaf pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Sprinkle additional 2 Tbls coconut on top.

Bake for One (1) Hour or until a knife or skewer inserted in center comes out clean.

Note: Check bread after about 40 minutes. If the top has browned and the coconut pieces are looking toasty, cover top of bread lightly with a piece of foil. Continue baking until done.

When done, remove pan from oven. Let cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes and then carefully remove from pan. Whisk powdered sugar and lime juice together for the glaze and then drizzle over top. Cool for another 15 minutes before slicing. Wrap in waxed paper then in tin foil.

Bon Appetit my Friends!

An NO it's not fattening! Seriously!!!

Vacation is Over

2011-10-30T20:14:00.001-07:00

Well we had a wonderful time on our vacation visiting family! I'm not sure I'm glad to be home, because that means I have to work, clean, cook ~ you know all that stuff you have to do when you'd rather be doing something else. It's back to the grind for the the next show in two weeks, but here's a few pics of what I saw. I hope to visit you all soon and see what lovelies you've all been up to!

I love the ocean, the sound, the smell, the peace, the discovering of so many treasures. Watching the wildlife, which surrounded us day and night. I know there are a lot of pictures to see, but it could of been worse .... another 400-500 I have.

The OCEAN

The SCULPTURES

The Wildlife

The Beautiful Chapel
go HERE to see and read more on this little Gem.

We saw all the signs of the seasons change to fall that we never see here in our part of Arizona. Everything stays the same so to experience all the color of the trees was awesome.

The water was so still early in the morning the reflections were magical

Fog never looked so beautiful

Another unreal reflection

Headed to Sea Ranch

2011-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Had a great sale at the Botanical Garden's this weekend and as always it's a double edged sword; when you sell a lot you have to start all over creating and since we are headed on vacation for 10 days that makes my window for recreating some items very small for my next upcoming show Nov 19th, but that's life and all I'm thinking about is heading to Sea Ranch on the Northern California Redwood Coast on Thursday.

Sea Ranch Chapel (isn't it wonderful!)

I can't wait to see family and walk the beach, smell the ocean and just do nothing! I hope to catch up with all of you upon my return!

Gifts from Down Under!

2011-10-11T08:12:00.001-07:00

Oh what beauties did arrive for me today all the way from Australia!

The most lovely of recycled metals transformed into leaves ~ one from a Jardiniere (urn or pot ~ I have to admit I had to look this word up as I did not know what it was) and the other from an old copper laundry boiler!

Are they not GORGEOUS!

Barry Smith from Maleny, Australia does lovely sculptural pieces with found materials. You can see is beauties here. His creativity always inspires me and amazes me.

Barry - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I will treasure my beautiful gifts always. They are in the perfect glass bowl made to look like leaves on my coffee table for all to admire and hold.

CROSS Pollination

2011-10-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well, my box of Oak Barrel pieces is a little smaller and has slowly been Resurrected!

Here are the latest of my endeavors in the junk pile.

Brass braised flower I made in the first welding class I took

Old nails & old coca cola sign

This one is from the Leaf Springs of a truck.... and remember those railroad numbers I found!

Did you notice .... I love Rust, Crosses & Hearts!

Resurrected Crosses

2011-10-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

If you've stuck with me long enough on this blog journey of creativity, you've noticed I like to play with a lot of different art mediums ~ I get a little bored if I'm creating too much of the same thing so I veer off the path often. This weekend was no different. We went out to Cave Creek to their monthly flea market called Thieves Market - sometimes I'm the Thief and sometimes they are.
I stumbled upon a box of OAK slates from a wine barrel that had fallen apart and because I love RUSTIC I had to have it. It had beautiful rust patina where the metal circle used to be and that wonderful gray patina that only get prettier the longer it's left outside.
So today, I RESURRECTED some of those slates to one of my favorite things that I collect ~ and trust me I have so many they take up an entire wall...................and I'm not even religious!

CROSSES

These have some old rusted pieces from previous projects - I never throw scrap out once it gets this beautiful patina on it. I'll eventually use it on something.

This one has some old horseshoe nails and a piece of red metal from a Coca Cola side panel ~ Lots of rusting still left to do on this one

This of course was the beginning.

We'll see what comes out of tomorrows batch.

I'm in LOVE

2011-10-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure when the exact moment was that I fell in love with beautiful old trucks and I don't know when it was that I wanted to trade my beautiful BMW Roadster in on something quite different & quite old (sadly it's an SUV right now). I thought for sure it was a 1936 Ford Truck that I wanted ~ but now after I stumbled upon this beautiful old 1940's International Harvester this weekend, I'm smitten. I don't like working on vehicles, even though I've done so many times, so someone else would have to Cherry this baby out for me. Nothing would suit me better right now then to drive this to my shows and everyday after that. I'd even have to Plasma cut the door or fender just to put my signature mark on it.

Funny how things change in your life - you go from Hi Heels and fancy cars to flip flops and Arroyo Junkers! I LOVE IT! I guess you can take the Girl outta the Country, but you can't take the Country outta the Girl.

Ive Been Invaded by Flying Insects

2011-09-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to take a bit of a break and just make something for no reason. I do that a lot. I had a bunch of flowers I cut out awhile back and never put them to use....so I threw together a plant for "someones" garden just for fun. I'm usually working on at least three different mediums of art at a time. I get stale if I just stick to one thing too long. Guess that's why I'll never Mass Produce anything - I would go bonkers.

Hopefully you're not tired of seeing these winged creatures that I've been working on for my upcoming show, but I think I've finally got enough complete. If not, Oh Well. I'm really enjoying the dragonflies. I scoured the shed for old pieces of metal junk to recycle. Some legs are made with barbed wire and the tails have old tools, old drill bits, rebar ~ whatever looks fun. I dug up an old electric line that I found out in the forest - it finally was put to use.

Then I had to play with "Picasa" and manipulate some of my photo's of the butterflies. I love that program. So Easy and Fast. If you haven't tried it.... You Should!

Then I had to give the Dog's a bath! Seriously.... this is not an altered photo. He was shakin' his head and I had it on high speed and WooHoo.... cool picture!

Now... Unfortunately, I have to go figure out what's for Dinner

I HATE THAT PART!

Never regret anything that made you smile

2011-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Mountain Air, New Mexico

Green Chile BLT on Green Chile Cornbread

Red Chile Burro

Pasqual's

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Be Still My Heart

2011-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

As many of you Junkers and Rust Lovers can relate when you're on the prowl for your rusty junk fix you know your heart skips a few beats, you breath a little faster and your eyes are all over the place waiting to land on a found treasure..... well on our recent trip to Santa Fe, my hubby and I decided to walk the railroad track which is really close to my Dad's house and ...

What Did We Find - You Ask???

OH YEAH... These beauties!!!

Be Still My Heart

These of course (if you didn't know) are railroad nails. The numbers indicate the Year they were pounded into the railroad ties. Seem they just throw them to the side on old broken up ties and some are just laying around. I'm gonna have to sit and marinade on what I will use these on. They're so gorgeous I'm gonna have to just look at them a while. We also found quite a few railroad spikes and of course I'm putting them to good use in my new creations......

DRAGONFLIES

Found these wonderful vintage auger drill bits. Makes a mighty fine tail... if you ask me. The butterflies are multiplying also. I can hardly get thru the backyard. There doing a good job of rusting naturally.

CALLING ARIZONA ARTISTS!!!!!

2011-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

SunDust Arts and Craft Festival

November 19/20, 2011

SEEKING LOCAL ARTISTS

SunDust Gallery is proud to announce the 1st annual SunDust Arts and Crafts Festival to be held the weekend of November 19/20, 2011. The festival will be held in historic downtown Mesa, converting Main Street into a sea of tents, music, and artsy activities. The festival is expected to draw a showcase of local artists and thousands of visitors. The focus of the festival will be on you, the local Arizona artist.

Mark your calendars, get your application in early to avoid the possibility of being left out of this new festival. If your an Arizona artist or crafts person - this event is for you.

The festival is located in the heart of the historic district of downtown Mesa, which features wide sidewalks, turn of the century architecture, a variety of popular restaurants and bistros, dozens of sidewalk sculptures, a small town ambiance nestled in a bustling metropolis. This popular area is also home to the world famous Mesa Art Center, the Arizona Museum for Youth, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

No Late Registration Fee - Low 2 Day Event Fee

SUPPORT THE LOCAL ARTS

For applications please go to

SunDust Gallery

48 West Main Street #100

Mesa, AZ 85201

480-464-6077

www.sundustgallery.com

Hope to see you there!

BURN HIM, BURN HIM, BURN HIM!

2011-09-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

That was the chant repeated by all for the 87th burning of ZoZoBra that thrilled crowds in Santa Fe last Thursday. Fun was had by all. Old Mr. Gloom was almost 50 ft tall and 1500lbs, but it went down fast when the fire dancers finally lit him up. I had hoped to video tape it, but my camera died even before it was over (nothing more upsetting than losing some of the best shots to a dead battery).

We had a great 10 days visiting family, buying fun things, eating, eating, eating (especially the green chile!) and relaxing with family & friends. Now it's back to work and getting on track with getting ready for the October Show.

Ranchito De Cuervo

2011-09-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

" Little Ranch of the Crow "

This is the name of my Mom's "Little Ranch". There are no cows, no horses, no pigs..... just CROWS and Iris. Although, there was a Black Bear with her cubs that decided to tear down all the hummbingbird feeders and drink the sweet nectar last week. Due to the terrible Fire up towards Los Alamos lots of animal are headed down the mountain in search of food. Bears are not at all something you see in her backyard.

Anyway, It's Mom's Birthday, (posting this a little after the fact so she can't see her present) so we headed to New Mexico to celebrate another year and of course for the ZoZoBra celebration (pics to come later). I thought she should have a little gift that represents her 'Little Ranch" with all it's crows and of course all the beautiful Iris that she grows.

Happy Birthday, Mom ~ I Love You!!!

The sign measures about 19"x24"

There's Mom in her old Jalope!

Its Rainin Sparks and Butterflies

2011-08-30T15:19:00.002-07:00

I know you think I've been sitting around eating bonbon's ~ you'd be wrong...... it was Triple Ginger Snaps from Trader Jo's!... my favorite!

In between those little gems I have been getting busy ~ I've got two shows coming up and two vacations and I'm finding it hard to find time to create and deal with the 113 degrees here. As you know I love METAL ART!!! I love creating Butterflies with various recycled items, so I'm working on more garden art, which I'm hoping will be a big hit at the Phx. Botanical Gardens Annual Fall Plant Sale coming up. I always have a booth there in Oct. If you're in the Phx area come on down ~ I've got some goodies I'd like to show you.

Metal Art you fool ~ what did you think!

Everything I do is by hand - hand drawn, hand cut & hand welded. It's time consuming, but I love it. It starts with a big piece of steel, a few markers.

Here's a little video of me cutting out some butterflies just to show you what it's like.

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was HOT like me!!!

Don't CHA!

I'll bet she doesn't have an outfit like mine either!! YEE HAW

Here's what they look like after I've welded the wings onto old Railroad spikes. Next step will be the rod they will stand on and the rusting and/or painting stage.

Here's one in the early stages of RUSTING. It's got a ways to go.

I'm off on my Santa Fe Vacation this Friday - Have A Great WEEK!

ZenTangle, GooGLE DooDLE

2011-08-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, if that Title didn't get your attention - I give up!

I'm on this kick of ROCKs you know ~ remember these. So many fun things you can do with them ~ it costs nothing ~ they're free! In this economy isn't that wonderful. Something I've always done is "Doodle", especially if I'm on the phone and there is a pen handy..... I doodle on anything, sometimes on things of course I shouldn't have doodled on, "sorry honey". Sooooo, what better thing to doodle on then ROCKs. Then, of course, when you GooGLE DooDLE (sounds like a new recipe) fun things pop up...... like ZENTANGLE go here!!!!! WHAT!! I must of been hiding under a Rock cuz I've never heard that word. I was ZENTANGLing and I didn't even know it! How Fun.

I'm gettin' my ZENTANGLE on, baby!!

And just for fun ~ let's add some quotes and words of wisdom just to finish them off.

What I've learned......

Zentangle ruins sharpies fast!!
Everything I know I learned in Kindergarden!!

I'm off to find more flat rocks - that's harder to do than you think!

Dumpster Diving Weekend

2011-08-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Friends and Family know I have a problem. They know I can't stay out of Thrift Stores, they know I hate the Mall and everything in it! I go to the thrift store at least once a week maybe twice. I'm trying to cut back ~ it's hard. It's gonna be ten times harder when I have to move. I'll be cussing out every Ginormous thing I've hauled back to this house. I've filled 2700 sq. ft with so many lovely things I guess I just can't help myself. Recycling and Reusing it's what I've done forever. Blame it on my Mom, she hauled me to thrift store my entire childhood.....everything wrong with us is our parents fault,.... right?

Yesterday ~ 50% off at Goodwill.... You know I had to go. It was a glorious day of fabulous finds:

Check out this over-the-top beautiful Persian 9x12 rug..... $50!!!!

What was the person smoking that got rid of this.

This mexican silver/pewter tray must weigh 40lbs. It's almost 4ft x 2ft.

My dining room table is 9ft long and it takes up over half of it.

Picked this gem up for .........are you ready?........... $24.00!!!!

Somebody slap me I must be dreamin!!! can you tell I get a little excited about bargain hunting.

Found these two (2) large hanging candelabra's.... I'll probably take the chicken's off (not my thing)

Still had the prior price tag on of $59.00 each
I paid $2.50

Picked these up a while back - Stunning Teak foot and headboard from Bali.......$80
Later saw in an imports store for $500 ea!!!!!

Another glorious rug 9x12..... paid $100

per Karastain value is $2200!!! SCORE

Hope you all had a great a weekend.

Who Wants to go Dumpster Diving with Me!!!!

Unexpected Gifts!

2011-08-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

I love this world of blogging friends, friends you've made literally without hearing their voice, but listening to there heart, seeing their heart in their words and the beautiful art that they create.

Last week I received a most unexpected box of lovelies from a wonderful artist, Soraya Nulliah, you can visit her here. She has an open He(ART)full spirit, and a gifted hand. She speaks from her soul not just her lips. She struggles like all of us to grow and to overcome our past and present challenges that we all carry. I know she has carried those that perhaps could not carry themselves with her words and her open spirit to grow.

She sent me the most beautiful gifts ~ a lovely party dress for my little granddaughter Stella, a beautiful sequined journal book for my thoughts ~ a most spectacular painting from her little Tara~Poo and a piece of her art work that I will treasure always.

Sometimes we just have to stop and breath and appreciate all that is good in this world and that everyone out there struggles, needs, wants and searches for the meaning of their life

~ isn't it nice to know we are not alone ~

Thank You My He(ART)full Friend

ZoZoBra - Old Man Gloom

2011-08-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Zozobra is a hideous but harmless 50 Foot bogeyman marionette. He is a toothless, empty-headed facade. He has no guts and doesn't have a leg to stand on. He is full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. He never wins. He moans and groans, rolls his eyes and twists his head. His mouth gapes and chomps. His arms flail about in frustration. Every year we do him in. We string him up and burn him down in ablaze of fireworks. At last, he is gone, taking with him all our troubles for another whole year.

We are headed to Santa Fe, New Mexico for a little vacation at the end of the month to enjoy this annual Fiestas de Santa Fe celebration held every autuum right after Labor Day. It's been a long, long time since I have enjoyed this celebration and I'm really looking forward to it and to seeing family again.

The burning of Zozobra dates from 1924. William Howard Shuster, Jr. came up with the idea of creating the effigy, also called Old Man Gloom, and ritual burning. His burning marks the start of three days of celebration that includes traditional mass at St. Francis Cathedral; a reenactment of the Entrada, when Don Diego de Vargas returned to the city; a Children's Pet Parade; and the Historical/Hysterical Parade.

I'll be taking a little break from blogging for a few weeks while I finish up some small projects I've been working on. I know I've been bad about posting the last month. Stay with me and I'll report back after our little get away and hopefully share some great video of the demise of ZoZobra and hopefully I'll be burning all my sorrows away along with him.... that's part of the ritual to list any problems you are having and then place them in the stomach of ZoZoBra and burn them all away to welcome in the New Year.

Viva La Fiesta

Squirrel!!

2011-07-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

You know that sight, sound, or feeling you get when you're walking along with your dog, having a perfectly good conversation and he bolts ~ he's got a bead on something important with the hopes of coming home with a prize..... well that's me and I say SQUIRREL a lot and bolt! I'm all over the map of what I'm working on, what I'm doing, and what I'm feeling. It's like a scary roller coaster ride over here..... DO Ya Wanna Go Faster!!!!! the carnival man says.

Here's a few of my SQUIRRELs!

Found this beautiful cedar lined Hope Chest at Goodwill for $10.00 ~ I couldn't leave it there! I didn't need it! I had no where to put it! Honey load it in the Truck! Gave it fresh paint job, moved some furniture around to accommodate it, (well I moved the other furniture in to junk room only to have to deal with it later). All reason leaves me when I ferret out a good squirrel.

Then hubby trimmed the front Mesquite tree and what do I spy... a lovely branch in need of decoration.

Then on to watercolor painting again ..... enough of doing spiders. It's been too long and I always have to start over, but I shall try and attempt to paint the truck on my header of this blog...

Then I think about my Son, who just moved away to Bellingham, Washington two weeks ago and all creativity leaves me momentarily... and I cry!

Sometimes you can't keep your little Squirrels ~ These are the Squirrels that got away!

and I Cry.......

Arroyo Junker Beauties

2011-07-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

If you hang out with me long enough you begin to realize (and it doesn't take very long) that I love JUNK, especially metal junk. The one project I work on whenever I travel is photographing old junked cars. That was sort of the reason I started this blog ~ to showcase those junked cars and all my other JUNK that I resurrect. That other JUNK I resurrect certainly gets more air time so today I'll share a few more of those rusted out, patina beautified ~ Arroyo Junkers.

Blacksmithed Hardware

2011-07-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Last summer I was invited to a blacksmithing class in NM GO HERE & HERE . I don't think I ever talked about a few of the things I made. Blacksmithing is awesome, however it is just to labor intensive for me and I'm not set up for what it takes to make it a lucrative business. I did learn some easy techniques for making a few items that I could do later if needed. I loved twisting rods and making them so much more interesting, like these hooks ~ they were the first thing I made.

Believe it or not, it takes awhile to learn just to make a pointed end on a square bar. There is a lot of heating up to a red hot stage so pounding is easier.

After learning a few of these techniques we were off to make something on our own. It took me all day, but I made a huge handle for a gate that someday I will make. I was so happy to walk away with something that started out as a 1/4 inch square rod and turn it into a beautiful iron sculpture and an experience I will never forget, especially every time I open that gate or door this handle will go on. I love those memories that surround you of something special.

My final piece was something I had seen our instructor make out of a piece of steel pipe ~ it was a hummingbird. I could never have imagined that by pounding a piece of pipe in many different angles would produce the shape of a hummingbird, but sure enough it worked! It was impressive to watch and amazing to see the transformation. In order to do this you needed a power hammer, alot of heat and a continuous motion and attention to where the hammer was slammin' down. I didn't get mine finished and will add the wings and shape the tail feathers at some point, but you can see the results.

I'll always treasure that month and remember that stepping out of your comfort zone always gains you insight.

Lace Wrapped Garden Rocks

2011-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Texture and Design

It's everywhere

It's what I surround myself with

It's something I can never get enough of

I saw a lovely idea where someone who could actually crochet did so over Rocks. Well, I can't crochet but I loved the look it gave the rocks and it reminded me of the way I cut out steel. As always I was drawn to the contrast of these delicate and hard surfaces, just like my shovel art.

I had some old crocheted doilies laying around and what better way to use them than to wrap them around rocks. The thrifts stores are loaded with them so they are always available. I've got at least 20 more to make and then I'll place them in the garden ~ they'll make such a beautiful contrast amongst the flowers.

Did you know that the doilies make the most beautiful patterns when you spray paint over them onto something else. I use them quite often in my Art.

Take something OLD and make it NEW again

Spider Webs

2011-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

Luckily I have an order from a friend for some of my spider webs and I don't have to be outside. Sometimes it's just too flippin' hot here in AZ to possibly work outside. Currently around 112 and 65% humidity. It's ugly and even uglier with a welding helmet and protective gear on. So, I opt to stay indoors and create smaller items. I've always loved spider webs, not so much real spiders, just the beauty of their webs, so I create these little webs to place in windows and on mirrors, up in a corner of a room or wherever else you may want them. I'll be working on a REALLY big one for outside as soon as it cools off. They are all over my house and sometimes I forget where they are and they'll catch the corner of my eye and I'll have a quick feeling of "What's That!", then relief.... Oh yeah, spiders.

Some have crystals in them to catch the light

They have glass beads with long legs

and some are just the webs

HOLY MOTHER OF STORMS!!

2011-07-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

We were headed out the door last night for our nightly walk and this was at the front door the HOLY MOTHER OF STORMS. Looks like I'm gonna be cleaning up after this massive wall of dust tomorrow. Our homes aren't built for high winds and this dust storm hit at almost 70 mph.

Textured Beauties

2011-07-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Kim Klassen she has given me new hope for old photo's. Check her out and do some wonderful tricks to your photo's.

Boot Hill

2011-06-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Boot Hill it's a place I go often when visiting my Dad ~ It's the perfect guesthouse. It's across the courtyard not connected to the main house. One wall is mostly windows to breath in the beautiful landscape, to watch the birds, listen and see the coyotes. It's the landscape I long to go back to and it keeps calling me and the call is getting louder to go HOME.

I created this Metal picture for Boot Hill, for the next time I do go HOME.

No matter Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall ~ it's always beautiful.

Shovels!! You Know I LOVE Em'

2011-06-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

My first customer to ever buy one of my shovels was my welding teacher, Wayne! He bought the first 3 out of 4 that I made. I was so excited ~ I couldn't believe my welding instructor was interested in what I was doing. His Sister's name was Rose and he bought this one especially for her.

I laugh at these two now, but I guess whenever you're starting on something with no training there is always a learning curve.

After my first few classes of learning the HAZARDS of welding and the possibility of explosions and fire I finally got to get busy with the business of welding. We were suppose to find a piece of steel and weld these nice straight beads of weld that looked like fat worms. Well, I did that for about 2 mins and of course was bored. I don't do well with those types of lessons so, I went to the scrap pile and gathered a bunch of scraps so I could do the instruction, but in a different manner, so I welded my pieces together and did the worms on the petals. This was my very first welded piece..... Crude but it held! I was the only one in class to leave with a project that day ~ the all male classroom just sort of stared at me. I must of had some dirt on my nose or something!! :)

The second week into class I was introduced to a "hand held PLASMA CUTTER"..... and the heavens opened and my heart beat faster and there were angels singing Hallelujah! Seriously!!!! My instructor showed me how to turn this machine on, how to ground it and said "whatever you do.... don't put your fingers in front of the flame if you want to keep them", then said "have fun"! Well the next day, Friday, I had to have my own plasma cutter and went out and bought one ~ From that moment on I've been cutting out shovels and steel.

I came back to class on Weds after my big purchase with my first piece of Art - My cut shovels! My instructor was floored and from then on he sort of let me do my own thing. No more practicing welding techniques for me.

I've sold a lot of shovels since then ~ here are a couple of my favorites.

I love church windows and this one was a challenge because trying to cut intricate designs close together is really difficult because the cutter cuts at about 2500 degree Fahrenheit and fries everything in its path and the surrounding area. You have to move fast and try to be accurate. I've learned a lot since this one.

This was for my best friend ~ she found an old scoop shovel on her property and gave it to me. I didn't have the heart to sell it, so being the horse woman that she is and an Irish Lassie I gave it back to her with the Irish Symbolic image of EPONA, the horse goddess.

This one gets the most attention ~ DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ~ Day of the Dead. It has a crazy candelabra on it and it truly fun, fun, fun.

This one is another favorite and I gave to another friend who's always helping me with garage sales and always willing to dumpster dive in the worst of places with me.

I have such fun making these and I've got about 40-50 shovels in the shed that need to be cut so I'd better get to it!

Foto Fun

2011-06-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

I've always loved Photography and at last look I had over 22,000 pictures on my computer. I've been staying inside playing with Photoshop, which I truly muddle thru and couldn't recreate what I do to one picture because I have no idea what I did to get the effect ~ All I know is I love playing around with my many photo's. So here are some before and after photo's of some I've been working on. I hope you enjoy!

BEFORE

This dragonfly comes around everytime I take my dogs swimming ~ today he poised for many pictures.

AFTER

I took this one at the Tower of London in England ~ the Crows there are huge!

AFTER

This is the Penitente Church that is just up the road from Georgia O'Keefe's

house in Abique, New Mexico

and a Hollyhock from my Mom's Garden

AFTER

This is a beautiful abandon church in Lamy, NM built in 1924

AFTER

A beautiful hummingbird in my backyard

AFTER

Deer Skull (Finished) & River Otters

2011-05-31T12:56:00.001-07:00

Well I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing 3 day weekend. I worked a lot on my deer skull, but also spent time by the pool with our local river otters, going to movies and just kicking back. I'm never able to swim by myself as friends are always here requiring a dip!

I finished up the deer skull (deer skull) and I think it turned out pretty good, being that it is really my first 3D type of sculpture. It measures about 3ft across and 2ft high. I'd still like to bend some of the antlers a little, but for now I'll sit back and look at it for a while. We artist can pick apart our creations far too much. I'm trying to be better about that self defeating act.

Deer Skull

2011-05-27T04:31:00.001-07:00

This past week I've been working on a new project. It's a little different from my delicate cutouts, but something I've always wanted to figure out how to do and that is make sculptures. I don't have a fancy power hammer to help me mold steel ~ I just have a very old arm with three frayed ligaments in it so I can't always do what I really want to do. So, bear with me as I try to figure out how to make this Deer Skull.

I started out with a couple of scrolls that I bent that I use for my stands when I mount some of the Shovels I make.

See if you look at them sideways they kind of look like eyes.... right? OK maybe it's just me. Then I sort of angle them to get the gest of the skull. Add a scrap piece of steel to mimic the head and old horseshoe for the long nose.

Here's sort of what it will look like with some antlers. I'll be using three different sizes of rebar for that. That may be the hard part.... trying to bend those suckers!

I guess you know what I'll be working on this Memorial Day!

Stay safe my friends and please Kiss A VET! They have sacrificed so much for us.

Luckily I won't have to go far to accomplish that since my ARMY VET is in the next room.

GO 101st Airborne!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-05-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Growing up in New Mexico and being around a very religious culture, I’ve always been drawn to the images of Saints and the retablo’s that you find throughout New Mexico.

I love the style of these images where they look old and weathered and are made in funky old frames and boxes of reused items.

So, I decided to make my own religious item using the patron saint of Mexico, Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is also the Patron Saint of the Americas, for all favors in sickness, all evil and War.

I took and old board cut it to size,

painted some beautiful turquoise blue on it,

cut out my pattern with my handy dandy plasma cutter

and held it there with some rust painted tacks.

A humble adobe structure The Santuario de Guadalupe is located in Santa Fe and was built by Franciscan missionaries between 1776 and 1795, this is the oldest shrine in the United States honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2011-05-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day has winded down and all the kids have gone home. Had a lovely breakfast made by all my boys, not just for me but all the Mother's in our family. It was a crazy, hectic kitchen indeed. I just sat back and watched. I was very thankful I didn't have to clean up today!

Although I wasn't with my Mom she was of course in my thoughts. I painted her a picture of a little corner window at her house, flanked by the biggest old apricot tree I have ever seen.

Mom, I love you and I hope your day was as beautiful as you are!

Here's a little walk down memory lane

Wow, Mom don't you wish we had these days back!

Blue Heron ~ Osprey ~ No Fish

2011-05-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

We headed up to Willow Springs Lake this weekend ~ finally getting the fishing boat out of the garage. What a beautiful day it was. No Chores, No Phones, No Crowds just soft breezes, brisk air and sparkling water and the promise of catching some fish.

Spotted this lovely Great Blue Heron ~ I think he had better luck fishing then we did.

Then the Osprey ~ scouting for when we actually caught something he could swoop down and snag an easy dinner. To his dismay that never happened.

Local River Otter scouting for Fish

Me & River Otter Giving up on the The Fish That Got Away

$80 for Fishing License's

$60 for Diesel Gas

$30 for Lunch

$20 for Umbrella

Time Together Alone ~ Fresh Air ~ Beautiful Scenery ~ No Fish

Priceless

Easter Design - Not just for Eggs

2011-04-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

How about these for Easter Decorations!

I finished the other barrel, added a few little "stars" and was totally entranced by the shadows that these cutouts produce. Junk is beautiful!

I see shadows a lot these days, in fact when I'm on walks or driving I always look for the shadows, sometime they are more beautiful then the object itself.

I hope you all had a lovely Easter - I miss the days when I used to get a bunny or baby chick for Easter.

How come I don't get one of those anymore?

Here's a few more shadows to share with you.

This is the Easter Bunny of Lochness!!!

Resurrected & ReBorn Morrocan Inspired Barrel

2011-04-19T16:05:00.001-07:00

Finally!

This barrel has been REBORN

I've got one barrel done, another waiting in the wings. It took me awhile to make some stencils, decide on how I wanted it to look and get the time to play again. I honestly don't put a lot of time into thinking of design, layout, etc. I may wait awhile to do something because I just don't feel it at the time, but I'm just not a big planner. Sometimes that to my benefit, sometimes not. I kept this fairly simple and I'm likin' it.

I had orginally thought of using these as lights in corners of my garden, but after seeing this barrel and the possibilities of what I can do with it I may transform it into something much larger. I'm thinking if the two barrels were side by side with a steel table on top, it could be the front of really cool bar/table, or a display table for all my plants. I'll be thinking on that one for a while.

If you have any ideas - Please do share!

InSulaTors ~ What do you do with Them?

2011-04-12T14:14:00.001-07:00

I've been Spring Cleaning getting rid of stuff I've grown bored of looking at ~ it's really so I can go find more treasured junk, but truly I'm just purging a little. Anyway, I had all these old InSulaTors in my window sill that I've collected for a long time, but you couldn't really see them.

Can you see them? Exactly my point!

Since I love glass and colorful bottles, which are all thru my house I just had to figure out how to showcase these beauties....sooo here's what I did.

I gather some old wire, old beads and crystals

and I twisted and beaded and pulled all those items together in crazy designs, nothing is every thought out with me I just jump into it. If I was a jewelry maker I'm sure I could of rocked these out, but I like Funky, Organic and Whimsical designs. So after twisting, and twisting and twisting things

Here's how my window looks now!

Whalla, TaDa, Viola

(those are weird words)

Can you see them NOW?

I'm really aspiring to do this

This Beauty makes me Weep

2011-04-06T10:30:00.002-07:00

I've been struggling with life these days, feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed. Creativity is eluding me and avoiding me. I looked at my biorhythym and it was spot on - my emotional state had bottomed out.

I do this when I don't have a carrot hanging in front of me to chase and the world seems bleak. Now I'm not trying to make you guys depressed, but sometimes we all have our ups and downs, right? We all struggle with our reasons for being here, for getting up and the way the world has felt lately it has been more difficult for many. So we take it day by day and hope that tomorrow will be better.

Then, this beauty is mine for the day - and she does make me weep every time I see her ~ because of her beauty and innocence and she reminds me of when my son looked just like her.

My son always laughs at my weeping saying... "Mom, are you ever going to stop crying when you see her?" I say, probably not, because in my heart she embodies the beauty that nothing else can compare to, she reminds me of when I was a new Mom relishing in a love I could never have imagined could be. Life is a constant transition and I have to go with that and adjust. I saw this poem somewhere and perhaps that's the trick.....

Live to the point of tears.

Life is not a Path of Coincidence Happenstance & Luck

But rather an Unexplainable meticulously Chartered course

For one to touch the lives of others and make a difference in the world.

Live to the point of tears.

Junked Steel - My Drug of Choice

2011-03-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

I'm addicted - I have a problem - I need to go to rehab!

I'm a Junky

If it's steel it calls me from all corners of the junk pile - it sends out just a little shine to catch my eye.

It starts out weathered, dirty, old, but with that beautiful rust I love, but then I go crazy and take it off.

THE RUST!!! What did you think??

Then it gets the bottom cut off of it and gets all polished (I hate that part), and

gets a cool design welded on it - just for fun.

It gets a paint job and a truck hitch welded on for hanging

Then I hang it in the tree right next to the neighbors' bedroom and when the wind blows it goes

BONG, BONG, BONG

really loud!!!!! hee hee

My BAD!

50 Gallon Drum Project

2011-03-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

We recently drove up to our land in the Superstition Mountains,

it's only about 25 miles from where we are now

This mountain is called Ship Rock..... humm wonder why?

(This snow isn't typical - I've only seen it snow like this on these mountains twice in 43 yrs.

The pic below is our view from what would of been our living room.)

where before the housing market came crashing down, we were going to build our dream home (don't get me started!!!) and I remembered this awesome rusted 50 gallon drum barrel that was cut in half that we dug up while trying to move a culvert.

I got very excited about it because the natural patina was so beautiful after it weathered for 2 years, so I decided to haul it home. I don't know why my husband had a funny look on his face when I mentioned that, but with me and the things I drag home, that look isn't anything out of the ordinary. I usually just glance at him, bat my eyes and say "isn't it beautiful" and he just smiles. If you keep up with my blog you know RUST IS MY FAVORITE COLOR and I can't resist it. It draws me in like a moth to a flame

So, I've decided that these will be very large lights in the corners of my yard. I think they can be used in many different ways as lights, so I'll just have to work with that part later. After I decide what pattern I'm going to place on them and cut out with my plasma cutter, I'll post. It's gonna be a long project - sort of like the wheelbarrow (on the right side) I cut out. I've got some old lace that I'm going to try and duplicate on it, but I'm also torn on Moroccan design ~ decisions, decisions. I'll have to make my own stencils so this will be a project and a half.

What do you think..... Lace or Moroccan?

I'm Tired So Join me and Relax

2011-03-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a long show weekend, and I'm tired so today I post this for your enjoyment and mine to regroup and relax.
This beautiful video by Terje Sorgjerd of The Aurora Borealis.

PS.... Mute my Music & be sure and click the little 4 arrow to enlarge to get the full effect. It's Glorious.
Hugs to all.

The Aurora from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Garden Jewelry

2011-03-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

Put a fork in me - I'm done!

Two days before the three day show and I've done all I can do. I'm always torn with the option of painting steel and letting it rust naturally.

I love, love, love rusted metal so it's always a tough call, but I also know that others love the colorful stuff, so of course I have to throw of few of those in and all with a little birdie. The birds above are still hiding a little since they are waiting to Rust more.

These are all one of a kind and you certainly can't buy them at your local garden shop where most items are imported, but if you're in the Phoenix area head on over to the Botanical Gardens this weekend and pick one up along with some butterflies, ocotillos, winged hearts, shovels and last but not least Lace cut wheelbarrows. Support your local Artists

Please stop in and say Hi

I sure hope to see you there!

Crazy Flying Licence Plates

2011-03-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy two weeks. I'm getting ready for my show in 2 weeks, been working hard on getting the butterflies made and all the other items. I'm also taking care of hubby who had a total knee replacement last Tuesday. He's doing really good, but still hobbling around and I'm doing more than my fair share of duties this week. I'll be hitting it hard tomorrow in the shop as my days are getting shorter with being two people. It's amazing how much we depend on each other for our various chores and then when one can't do them, man it's a lot of work. Ok, I'm done whining now. I'll feel better tomorrow since I don't have cleaning, shopping and therapy to do - I'll be in the workshop all day! Yeah

I hope you aren't getting tired of seeing these big butterflies, but I sure have fun making them. I've been experimenting with the rusting processes. These came from the same piece of steel, but yet each one reacted or colored differently. I always try to make each one unique. Some have steel leaves on them, this one below has a door handle on it, others have cut designs and some have glass beads incorporated and they always have long antenna's or as I call them Antlers; What you've never seen a butterfly with antlers!

Mission San Xavier

2011-03-01T21:41:00.001-07:00

On a little road trip a couple weeks back, I went to one of what I consider one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Arizona. It had been at least 25 years since I last was there.

San Xavier is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. It has a very long history and dates from the late 1700's when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain. Then following Mexican independence in 1821 it became part of Mexico and then again with the Gadsden purchase of 1854 the Mission joined the US and now it is ours!

The Baroque architecture style features playful dramatic elements such as theatrical curtain displays, faux doors and marbling and an overall sense of balance. It is constructed of low-fire clay bricks, stone and lime mortar, the entire structure is roofed with masonry vaults making it unique among Spanish Colonial buildings with U.S. borders.

See the "shell" in the windows, it's a symbol of pilgrimage after the patron saint of Spain, Santiago or St James the Greater. It is replicated all through the structure.

I was mesmerized by the shadows that I saw. The sky was an incredible ocean blue and the sunlight bounced off the pristine white walls and was blinding. It was totally beautiful.

If you ever visit Arizona please put this on your list of beautiful places to visit. It remains a testament to the endurance of culture throughout our history.

Women Can Weld – Get over it!

2011-02-22T19:42:00.001-07:00

What is going on in the 21^st Century folks! 1998 was the 150th Anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement and we've come a long way baby! Women have been voting, running Corporations, flying planes and WELDING for a very long time, so why is it that when I’m doing a show and my husband just happens to be sitting in my booth that he’s the one they think makes my ART. What’s funny is my ART is delicate looking, whimsical; it’s got flowers and butterflies and could even be considered girlie, in a way. My husband is 6’5 and looks like Tom Selleck and in no way portrays anything delicate. He makes knives, hunts and shoots, he doesn’t make “whimsical, flowery art”, and so it makes it even wierder that they think he does my ART.

It never fails someone walks into my booth and we are both sitting there and every single person looks at my husband and says “how do you do this”? He points to me and says “Ask her, she does it” and they gasp and reply “YOU DO THIS”!! Like being a Woman Who Welds just doesn’t happen in this world. Then for some strange reason they continue to ask my husband more questions while I’m just standing there. At first, I thought it was really funny that this kept happening over and over, now I’m not laughing. I even had a friend helping me set up at my last big show and she sat with me for a while and I’ll be damned if they didn’t look straight at her and think she did it.

What is it about me that makes me look like I can’t do this? Maybe I need to not wear makeup (can’t do that I’d scare them away), get a tattoo, or cut my hair short – I know I’ll wear a Rosie the Riveter T-Shirt and just for the heck of it I’ll get one of those temporary skull tattoos and an earring in my nose. Then I'll look like a bad-ass that can weld!

Valentine's Weekend Tradition

2011-02-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Every Valentine's Day it just so happens that the

Tubac Art Festival

always falls before or after V'Day and every year my "Love" and I always go to this beautiful place.

Of course I make it easy on my "love" because I always find some special piece of art

Like THIS

and THIS

to add to my very diminished wall space, garden area or patio and my "Love" always says "I'll get it for you for V'Day". It always works out perfectly that I always get what I want! Plus the annual Gem and Mineral Show also happens that same weekend, so it's a wonderful treasure hunting 2-3 days.

We are headed there tomorrow to stay the weekend I'm so excited. It's a little early, but

Happy Valentine's Day All!

Icicle Cactus & Ocotillo's

2011-02-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ok folks it is flippin' freezing here in Sunny Arizona .... really!

Look

We don't do ICE!

only in our Ice Tea!

We have very thin blood here and this is just to cold for me. Remember we fry eggs on the sidewalk here. I'm trying to work outside and my hands have lost all feeling. I know many of you are in really cold country, so don't laugh at me but, for me this is really cold.

Desert Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale

I'm getting geared up for the annual BG Sale and creating some Steel Garden Art Ocotillo with lots of flying critters on them. I've got another 5-7 to go.... As soon as I can feel my fingers!

This dragonfly is made with a Railroad Spike.

and Here's a Butterfly

of course I have to throw in some

Licence Plate Art Dragonflies

Three Sisters & a WASP Tribute

2011-01-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

Marguerite (Ty) Hughes Killen

Born ~ May 16, 1924

Died ~ Jan. 17, 2011

WASP: Women Air Force Service Pilot

Ty, as I called her was my very best friends Mother. She was a character and a hero in her time. She was one of the first WASP's to fly in World War II. She attended civilian pilot training and received her commercial and flight instructor ratings on her 18th birthday and at 20 she graduated as a WASP. As a teenager she spent most of her time at Fly Field in Yuma, AZ servicing planes and learning all about them. She was flying planes when she was 15. She later was a flight instructor and a teacher.

All records of the WASP were classified and sealed for 35 years, so their contributions to the war effort were little known and inaccessible to historians. In 1975, under the leadership of Col. Bruce Arnold, son of General Hap Arnold, the WASPs fought the "Battle of Congress" in Washington, D.C., to belatedly obtain recognition as veterans of World War II.

On July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal.

Ty and Shauna (my BFF) before the award ceremony

As a small tribute I created Three Flying Hearts one for each daughter with three roses that were Ty's favorite flower and also representing her three daughters.

Flyer's Prayer

When this life I'm in is done, And at the gates I stand,

My hope is that I answer all his questions on command.

I doubt He'll ask me of my fame, Or all the things I knew,

Instead He'll ask of rainbows sent On rainy days I flew.

The hours logged, the status reached The ratings will not matter,

He'll ask me if I saw the rays

And did you see the twinkling eyes,

Of student pilots keen?

The way your heart jumped in your chest, That special solo day -

Did you take time to thank the ones

Who fell along the way?

Remember how the runway lights Looked one night long ago

When you were lost and found your way, And how - you still don't know?

How fast, how far, how much, how high? He'll ask me not these things

But did I take the time to watch The moonbeams wash my wings?

And did you see the patchwork fields And mountains I did mold,

The mirrored lakes and velvet hills,

Of these did I behold?

The wind He flung along my wings, On final almost stalled,

And did I know it was His name,

That I so fearfully called?

And when the goals are reached at last,

When all the flying's done,

I'll answer Him with no regret -

Indeed, I had some fun.

So when these things are asked of me, And I can reach no higher,

My prayer this day - His hand extends

To welcome home a Flyer.

by Patrick J. Phillips

Drop a Love Bomb & Others

2011-01-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely comment today on my Art and wanted to share with you what I discovered on her blog http://creativelysensitive.blogspot.com. This is why Blogging is so wonderful ~ strangers stop in and out of your blog, say wonderful things, spread their love and make us aware of a bigger picture then the one we see just outside our windows. I know this new "socialization" changes lives everyday. It has changed mine forsure. It makes people who may not be able to get out and about bring the world to their little piece of heaven. It teaches us, it makes us believe and it saves us.

I'm so thankful to all of you that share yourself with me. I learn so much from all of you!

If you do nothing else today go here!

http://dropalovebomb.com/

http://www.itstartswith.us/blog/

http://payitforwardday.com/

Thank you "Creatively Sensitive" for sharing these posting on your site.

Repurposed ~ Resurrected ~ Shovel Art

2011-01-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

One of the crazy Recycled Art Resurrections I do are Repurpose Old Shovels into delicate, whimsical sculptures and the older the shovel the better. In fact, I won't use new shovels their ugly! They have no character plus they don't smell like cow manure when I fire up my plasma cutter! OK I know that sound weird because SHOVELS as delicate, whimsical art doesn't really match. I made this for friend of mine who I've known for many years who always helps me with my garage sales & loves dumpster diving with me whenever she's in town and she's just a really good friend. It's one of my favorites.. one because it's a scoop shovel and they make the best wide palate for cutting out designs on and two because of the butterflies. The bottom has an old curtain finial since the handle was broken. I hope she likes it.

Modern Monster!! then my salvation :)

2011-01-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'm about to finish the fireplace cover I mention a few posts ago.... can i just say now NEVER, EVER AGAIN will I agree to do something I HATE!!!

He caught me in a weak moment, although I tried to get out of it by placing the responsibility on the customer to email me with what he wanted and a drawing, (I was hoping he's lose my bus card) then I quoted what I thought would be a price to high to accept and HE BOUGHT IT! In the end of how long it's taken and all this issues of this project I think he got the better end of the bargain. OK I vented enough .... on to things I'm passionate about.

During the process of this MODERN MONSTER ~ I had to clear my brain and paint another IRIS. It made me feel so much better.

Rebirth, Rust & Transformation

2011-01-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

Ojo Caliente was one of my many stops thru the Tewa Indian Territory of New Mexico were I lavished in many old Arroyo Junkers that filled the front and backyards of old adobe homes, like flowers fill an English garden with their many colors of blue, green, yellow and orange. The only other major attraction is the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, which is actually one of the oldest and most sacred springs and health resorts in North American.

This relic of an oil rigger has certainly been out of commission for a seriously long time, who knows perhaps it was a mineral springs rigger. There is an endless supply of Junkers in this part of the country ~ which makes me wonder why? Perhaps nothing really dies, it's just resurrected & reborn through a lens or a rusty piece of art. I hope to make a book of Rustic Resurrections someday of all the beauty seen in these old pieces of history (one more thing on the list of Things to Do). I'd also love to reproduce these beautiful patina's in my metal work.

Old Oil Rigger

Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

1942

Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Cuyamunge, New Mexico

Tewa Indian Territory

Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico

"Place of the Strong People"

Eating... Painting... Sanding

2010-12-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

EATING: The New Year is almost hear folks and I'm sad to report I'm 10 lbs heavier than I was 3 months ago! ARRGG. Really I'm 5 lbs lighter than I was last year at this time. I lost 15 lbs earlier this year and since the end of Oct I've gain 10 back. Bizcochito's are the reason why!!! Well for sure one of the reasons. They are my demise, they are addictive, they are almost gone! Since I'm from New Mexico we make these every year before Christmas as it is a long held tradition in my family and they are one of my favorite holiday cookies.

Bizcochito's

Bizcochito or biscochito is a crispy butter or lard based cookie flavored with anise and cinnamon. It was developed by residents of New Mexico over the centuries from the first Spanish colonists of New Mexico.

PAINTING: I couldn't take the sanding anymore so yesterday I started a watercolor painting - this afternoon I completed it. I think I'm finally getting the hang of leaving the paper white for light. I love painting Iris ~ my mom was an iris breeder in her spare time and so there were many gorgeous ones to pick from. You should see her garden in the spring time.

SANDING: Today I have been working on a "MODERN" fireplace screen that I really shouldn't of excepted doing for someone. 1st Reason is I don't do this type of work, 2nd I don't do MODERN! All day I've been sanding this thing (I'll post when I'm done). It's actually fairly simple, but it's so not what I do. Note to Self: Don't except work you're not excited about.

Iris Weaved Hearts & The 12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just finished a really fun project. I saw weaved metal online and thought it was so beautiful, so I tried it. It was challenging and I didn't get it exactly straight, but I guess everything I do is never perfect ~ I like flaws. The iris was fun trying to make it look real. I used a purple patina on the final flower and red patina for the weave.

This will be the last project I'll be working on until after the holidays. It's time for baking, shopping, cleaning & decorating. Yes I am that behind! Yikes!

Merry Christmas to all

and may Santa bring you Abundance

Love, Blessings, Kindness, Understanding

Compassion

or may he bring you just what you need

12 Days of Christmas..... explained

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.