Anali's Art Blog

Skull Wood Burning Commission

2012-01-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

I just finished this wood burning this week and shipped it out today. Hopefully the commissioner will be as happy with it as I am!! It reminds me of a tattoo which would be a fun theme to pursue, it would translate well to wood burning.

Aqua & Lime Shelf and Jewelry Hanger

2011-09-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

A little project I wrapped up today.

As usual... :) it's for sale here.

Sea Turtle Painting - Finished

2011-09-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

Here is the finished painting that I made for my parents. It's sealed and ready to hang up!!

Chalk Board and A Jewelry Hanger

2011-09-08T16:57:00.001-07:00

Two new home decor projects. I always have multiple projects going that are all at different stages and these two happened to be finished this week!

Both are up on my etsy shop here.

Butterfly Rustic Chic Organizer

2011-08-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

I just got back last night from a trip to see family in western New York. I had this piece finished before I left but didn't have the time to post it. We are now back to Bellingham and back to work. I'm half way through another wood burning project also, should be posting it next week.

The Butterfly Organizer is up on my Etsy shop here.

Two Projects for Etsy

2011-08-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the two projects I finished this month that were my break from the sea turtle painting. They were a joy to make, the nice summer weather is great for wood burning on the porch.

Sea Turtle Update - 2

2011-08-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm really closing in on the sea turtle now, I'm hoping to have it finished with in the month. I was stuck for quite a while and took some time away to work on other project and I think that helped renew my joy for this painting.

Henna Caddy

2011-06-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Just finished this today! My wood burning tip broke right after this was finished.

This caddy is for sale here.

Three Wedding Cards

2011-06-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Recent Sketches

2011-04-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my recent sketches.

Sea Turtle Update - 1

2011-03-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the sea turtle painting after about two and four more painting sessions.

Sea Turtle Preview

2011-02-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Sea turtle painting is underway! Bought some new brushes today and I'm looking forward to my next painting session tomorrow.

Indie Leaf Cabinet

2011-02-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Found this little wooded treasure digging around at the thrift store. It desperately needed a style update but now it is the life of the cabinet party! Design is painted in a red-orange with gold accents.

Setup for a wall mount by hidden hole inside the cabinet. Dimensions are 6.5" width x 7" height x 4" depth.

Up on etsy.

Keep Calm and Carry On Hanger

2011-01-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

I finally finished this wood burning project I've been working on the past few months. I dive in to the ReStore (a local recycled housewares shop) bins looking for inspiration, this drawer front lept out at me. This is the first project that I've wood burned letters, I like the effect and can't wait for better weather so I can get outside and start wood burning again!

For sale on my Etsy store.

Aspen Haven

2010-11-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Finished painting I gave to my Aunt Rona.

Painting during the background phase.

Wood Burnings Summer '10

2010-08-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

So far I have made two wood burnings this summer. The process has been so much more fun with my new Red Hot Wood Burner. Here are a few shots during burning and the finished products.

Decoupage Beads

2010-08-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

I had fun the other day making this batch of decoupage beads, then I made this bracelet from the beads. The beads are wooded so the bracelet ends up being very light and comfortable. This project was very fun and I have a few more ideas for other paper and color combos I want to try out, so more to come!

If interested, some of the extra beads are up for sale on my Etsy site.

Sketches for Yellow Aster Butte Backpack

2010-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

I had a plenty of time to relax on our backpacking trip two weeks ago and I luckily remembered to bring my mini sketch book. Drawing out there was supremely enjoyable and really helped me soak up the landscape and atmosphere. If you are interested in photos from our trip go here.

Looking north towards Canada, the peaks are Mt. Larrabee and American Border Peak.

Looking southeast at Mt. Shuksan.

On location

Mini notebook, sketch in progress.

Mammoth T-Shirt Finished

2010-07-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

Recently, I've moved and had a shoulder injury, so the art making has been little to nonexistent! I finally felt up to screen printing a few days ago and here's what the final shirt look like. It ended up being a rock climbing specific t-shirt.

They are my favorite shirts I've made yet!

I put two shirts up for sale today on Etsy.

South Twin Sister- 4 years later

2009-12-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

I started this painting four years ago, and it's just now finished! -unheard of for me! I got burnt out on this painting but it was such a nice start that I couldn't scrap it and paint over it. It's done, hooray!

Barrel Wine Rack: Before and After

2009-09-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

This was my most challenging decorating makeover yet. Usually I pick objects that I can picture their updated 'look' in my head. This wine rack my Mom picked out so I really had to think about it for a while. I love the end result but for a while I didn't know if this would be my first crash and burn project!

Harlequin Box

2009-08-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

I bought this box at a thrift store because it had good bones and I liked the frame on the front. The knobs came from a second hand hardware store in Bellingham called the ReStore. The front metal piece I made using a metal working kit I just got from my Mom.

Recent Card Projects

2009-08-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

March calendar page for the 2010 calendar I am making with my family.

Birthday card for my Aunt Rona. I think it ended up having a magical or mystical look.

New Painting: Hawthorn Berries in January

2009-07-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Two Recent Cards

2009-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Two Pieces of Refurbished Furniture

2009-05-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

The first piece is a hand-me-down chest of drawers that my husband's grandfather kept his piano music in. It had seen a hard life. I saw it, found out that it could hold 12x12 pieces of scrapbook paper perfectly and fell in love! Of course it needed a lot of elbow grease and many coats of paint but it is now a treasure :) I guess it would fit into the 'Bohemian Chic' design category but who knows about those things.

Before

The second piece is a thrift store book shelf that has been living with us for two years- I have been planning it's makeover since. It is a tricky little pice because it folds flat for storage or moving. Some of the designs are screen printed on others are stamped.

Before

Mural for My In-laws: Mt. Baker with Dandelion

2009-04-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this mural for about four months, painting on it about once a week. I would take a break in between sessions and study my next move. I really had to try and figure out how to paint everything on it- the whole thing was a big experiment!

Candy Land Trio

2009-03-29T21:57:00.001-07:00

A troublesome trio of Candy Land crusaders. For Mal:

Human Evolution Wood-burned Blocks

2009-03-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

These blocks follow the known progression of fossils in the 'human jigsaw puzzle'. I wood-burned these images on blocks so they could be picked up and compared freely. Each side has the scientific name and known dates of existence for each species. I used images from this online museum as reference- if you are interested.

Some people might call these 'creepy' but I thought briefly about being an anthropology major in college and I think the subject fascinating!

Two Home Projects

2009-03-09T16:05:00.001-07:00

Here are two interior decorating projects I've been working on the past month. First, my husband and I made a side table. It isn't made out of great wood and isn't perfectly put together but it is a practice piece and will hopefully lead to bigger and better things :) No it's not scratched, I distressed it with sand paper- it looks neat in person.

Second, I found this wall organizer thing at a thrift store and altered it. I spray painted it black and then added paper to the back of each cubby. It turned out super cute, I'm in love with it!

New Technique: Make Your Own Bows!

2009-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

I found this amazing tutorial on Craftster.org, a great craft community site for those who haven't heard about it. I took me about three tries to get the bow layers even but now I've got it down. This is highly addictive and I fully suggest everyone try it!

Craftster Bow Tutorial

Spring Challenge

2009-02-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Penguin Pants Stamping announced today that they are having a card or ATC contest called Spring Challenge. Entries need to have a spring theme and use at least one Penguin Pants stamp. Due March 1st, see the website for more details!

Penguin Pants Spring Challenge!

Climbing Screen Printed Shirts

2009-01-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

Here is my recent screen printing project. There is a piece of climbing gear called a Cam in half the orange (for those of you who don't already know).

This photo is closer to the real colors of the shirt.

Asian Inspired Jewelry Box Makeover

2009-01-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

I bought this jewelry box at a thrift store for $3, it was an ugly color but I liked the shape. First I spray painted it matte black, then I decoupaged it with some asian paper I've had for years. It was way fun to make and I can't wait to find another one and try a different design!

Maui Sketches

2009-01-10T17:48:00.001-08:00

Here are a few sketches I did in Maui followed by the birthday card I gave my Mom.

Red Knob Necklace Holder

2008-10-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

These fun red knobs came from an old dresser that made it's way into a dumpster but the lucky knobs were saved and transformed into this. I have three knobs left to make something else... some other day :)

Altered Earring Holders

2008-09-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best projects are derived from 'need': I came up with this earring holder project simply because I have a lot of earrings and needed a better way to store them. So far I have made 4 blank earring holders and altered two of them, and already I am thinking of ways to switch-up this design to hold necklaces and bracelets. For some reason I get the most satisfaction out of projects that are beautiful and functional!

This was my first earring holder attempt, I ended up deciding that I could go higher with the holder design after this one.

This is a basic and imperfect drawing of the earring holder design. If you try out this design keep in mind that I am never 'precise' when creating and it might take some tweaking... but it will get you started!
Here is an earring holder before it has been decorated.

Moving!

2008-08-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am crazy-busy packing and will be moving on Wednesday. During this transition I don't know if I'll be able to make or post much art. You know how it goes! So, until I'm settled down and have time to create, keep on truckin' :)

Wood burning: Time Worn Pueblo

2008-07-15T18:52:00.001-07:00

This is my newest wood burning based on a photo I took during my recent trip to New Mexico. I'm happy with the final product but not really the wood I burned on, I need to find a wood that will resist warping better than this one :( It will be okay, but when you spend that much time on something it's frustrating when it doesn't turn out perfect! Anyway, lesson learned. I don't think I'll have time for another wood burning before our big move from Alaska to Washington.

My Traveling Sketchbook

2008-06-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

I have been traveling around and visiting friends and family for the last two months. I've had an awesome time but it hasn't left me any time for art! Since I don't really have any new works I thought I'd share some sketches I've made 'on the road'.

My parents gave me this sketchbook for my birthday two months ago and it has been traveling with me ever since. I'm not sure why but I get very attached to my sketch books! For example, if a sketch book isn't 'cool enough' I use it for really rough sketches. This little book is 'too cool' for that, I sort of save it for longer, more complete drawings. Silly, yes.

I made these two drawings in Spokane, WA while visiting my parents. Looking at them reminds me of sitting outside on the porch swing on a warm spring day... ahhhhh :)

This little sketch I made while sitting on my in-laws' porch in Bellingham, WA. Porch and drawing correlation? Definitely!
These cat sketches are of my in-laws' cat Koci, he is a large round cat with a tiny head. I followed him around trying to draw him which was a challenge but cat-stalking is very fun (you should all try it). The second one I spent more time on because I caught him napping.

This sketch is the rough draft of a wood burning I am working on right now. It's coming along pretty good... (blog entry to come!)

Henna Inspired Table

2008-06-06T18:44:00.001-07:00

This little table was looking rather sad so I gave it a henna make over. I used all sorts of mediums: pen, color pencils, acrylic paint and even a spray paint gold marker. Right now it is in the varnish phase and still has a bunch of coats to go. It is crazy and fun, I'm excited to try it out!

Playing Card Beads

2008-06-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can strike from the strangest places...

I had two packs of cheap playing cards for craft projects and I turned them into beads earlier this week. I don't know if I will be making any more of these, they took quite a while, but maybe I'll use the same technique in another project. This poker bracelet I made for my mother.

Hiking Scrapbook Page

2008-05-26T21:39:00.001-07:00

These photos were taken on a trip to the south west in '05. This is one of my favorite photos of my Dad, he has an adventurous spirit and I think this photo captures it. Happy early Papa's Day Dad! :)

Tulip Memories

2008-04-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

This photo is one of my favorite photos of me & Peter. It was taken on a walk with my father and sister in one of the numerous tulip fields outside of Mt. Vernon, Washington. We visited the fields at the perfect time this trip, the tulips were in full-bloom and the weather was gorgeous. I have been digging up some old favorite photos and giving them some 'love' by putting them in layouts. I think this layout captured the mood of that day... what a fun memory!

Wood Burnings: Shell Triptych

2008-04-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

I finished this set of shell wood burnings last week. It is the triptych wood burnings I've done and it's pretty rewarding to have a group of finished pieces (instead of random individual burnings). I'm not sure what my next wood burning endeavor will be, maybe I'll get inspired on my upcoming trip to New Mexico... :)

Monster Bags

2008-04-14T14:20:00.001-07:00

I screen printed a bunch of monster doodle fabric and then sewed it into bags. These two are the first two and are sort of 'test dummies' for some more bags. I'm going to give some to my family members if they are good ;)

Wood Burning-Orange Recipe Box

2008-04-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

This recipe box was old, plain and lacked 'spice'. After it's 'make-over' it is as spicy as it can get!

First 2-Color Screen Print

2008-04-06T16:20:00.001-07:00

Here is my first ever two color screen printed shirt! It is not in exact registration but that would be pretty difficult- it's close enough for me. Two color shirts are twice the work but I sure like how they turn out.

My next project is a band shirt- the Punch Brothers, Chris Thile's new group. It's going to be the first front and back shirt yet. I'm also going to be doing a second run of the Penguin Pants shirt soon. Fun, fun... :)

Purple Wings

2008-04-01T11:25:00.001-07:00

A freeform purple card with magical flair.

Wood burning: 'Fear Not the Cycle'

2008-03-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

I finished this wood burning today, I have been working on it for about a month and a half. It has a Hindu story behind it and a personal one.

In progress.

The cycle of life keeps spinning and this image reminds me to embrace all stages of the process.

Flashback: Sketches

2008-03-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to scan my older sketches so I have a document of them. We move a lot and things tend to get lost or damaged and this way I will always have them. Here are a few I scanned today. They make me remember how fun sketching is, I haven't done enough since I graduated.

My husband, Peter

My sister, Mallory

New Painting: Cucumber on Orange

2008-03-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am so happy with my newest painting! I have been wrestling with this new style for about a year and I am finally there... well using it to paint fruit and veggies at least. It's a small painting, 12''x16'', in acrylic. This one makes me jazzed to paint more.

Catch Up...

2008-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

Starting an Art Blog

2008-02-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start a separate arts and crafts blog and keep the A & P Ventures blog for activities. I'm excited to start creating new art/posting it! Have a good one, Anali