My Mariposa Altered Art Book (still a work in progress)

 A number of months ago I was gifted an altered book class. I went with my friend Joy, not knowing what to expect. I was handed a discarded, hardbound book. I was told by the instructor at Ink About It to "tear out pages"! 

I love books! I mean, I LOVE books!

I have stacks of books. My Beloved shares my love of books. The perfect date for us is in a bookstore, especially if it is a used bookstore with old books.

So, when the instructor told me to, "Tear out pages" I hesitated. I began reading my discard. It was titled Doctor Love. It was trash; pure (well not in the least), banal trash. What publisher in their right mind would accept this as a book? It was horribly written. I won't even apologize if you are the author. I tore pages out with fervor. 

Then I had my choice of inks and stamps and decorative papers and glue to use. 

 Our little class of five ladies went home with our discards having altered six pages.

  Altering this discarded book has been a fun experience. Somewhere in the midst of Twinkling H2O's and a glue stick, it morphed into a theme of butterflies.

Every page has a butterfly.

 I have named it my Mariposa Book.

I am already dreaming of the next book I will alter. I hope to do a bee theme.

This one is not finished yet. When will I ever find the time? This page is still a work in progress.

I have enjoyed the freedom in this form of art. There are no rules in art. Right?

Celebrity Mugshots Crack Me Up

 I have a secret. One of my guilty pleasures is looking at mugshots of celebrities. 

Just by chance, I came across these fake mugshots.  I think I needed some humor today.  Obama, mugged!

 Whoever put these together is brilliant.

 This one of George W. looks real to me! I'm just saying. 

 The lovable Tom Hanks.

This one of Jane Fonda is real.

 The Queen of England has to be my favorite. Back in 1993, I was living in England for a short time and had the opportunity to see The Queen! Yes, I still have to pinch myself. Me, a Yank, a commoner, got to see the Queen! We were 2 feet from one another. I had one of those old video cameras on my shoulder (the huge box that had an actual VHS tape in it and a sausage microphone sticking out the front). She was "christening" a new elder care home north of London and walked past all her adoring public lining the street.  I must have looked like a news reporter to her because she came close and smiled. I began hyperventilating and it's hilarious to listen to me on the tape say, "Oh my goodness, it's the Queen! It's the Queen"!

Which one is your favorite?

Artists of the Future - Six Years Old

Sometimes we catch glimpses into the future.
This past week the six year olds in our neighborhood were part of an art show.
This art show was hosted by Carter (6 years old). He is our children's friend.
The children brought their art to Carter's home before the art exhibit.
Carter took the time to label and display each piece.
We have artists in the making.
Our Max loves to paint and draw. He makes his own picture books.


Here is Max in front of one of his masterpieces.

 D. J. (AKA "Daniel Johnson" when his Mother means business)

The boys. Carter is bottom left.

Here is a sampling of the art work displayed.

 "Rock Bird".

"Three Red Birds"

The show was held in the basement of Carter's home. 

 This one reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night.

"Alien"

 "Hi"

"Bird In A Tree"

  "Mommy's Bunny".

"Super Heart"

 "Merprincess"

 "Barbie Mom".

 "Fawn To The Rescue"

 "Underwater Mission"

These are the faces of possible artists of the future.