Friday, June 20, 2008

New Techniques/ Mixed Media/ Metal Tape


So what have I been making lately besides digital goodies? A few good things-but lots of crap. Did I say that? Yes. Its true. I have had several weeks of just( making crap) trying out new techniques. Some things work- some things don't. I'm one of those people that needs to do everything the hard way. I don't really listen to other people when they say "No", or "Can't", or "won't".The negatives we call them. I find that when most people say it can't be done. They really don't know. They either gave up, or the task was beyond them in some way. You learn as you grow older- or if you hang around a car mechanic long enough. There is a trick to everything. Usually two or three. Not necessarily short cuts-
but just quicker, easier and better ways.

My point with all that? I don't take advice well. Even if somebody tells me it can't be done- I will usually try it anyway. This can be costly at times. But in my book the only way to learn is by doing. I think its really the best way to learn. A parent or teacher can explain(or warn you of something so many times). But unless the individual finds out for him or herself. It don't mean a thing. Part of being an artist in my book is trying new things. Part of being a fine quality person is trying new things. To sum it all up- I was the kid that licked batteries to test them, I was the kid that would also pee on an electric fence to see what would happen. Nothing like a good dare in life. I don't do these particular things anymore.
I learned.

But now, older-wiser-more patient.I'm rambling now. Somehow I just erased two paragraphs. So I will continue anyway. Perhaps you can make the jump with me. You understand that it is part of the process. You will make things that you don't always love. Things that go to that far away part of the room and wait for a rainy day. Anywho- still playing with metal tape in many ways. I think that I have reached my limit. It's time to move on. I need to prep and play with some new beeswax technique. Also after reading some of your posts lately-Her Vintage Stage,Sweet Sage Vintage, Judy B- My Artistic Side, and Heart In My Hand, and a few more. I have decided to go back to thrifting and flea markets. The great search for goodies. I stopped a few months ago- because I could not bring anymore home. I had to purge and clean. My downfall in life -or two of my biggest costly passions - comic books and thrifting. Nothing is so enthralling as a good comic book. Also the seek and find of a treasure. It all deals with youth. It goes like this- many of you enjoy finding the great flea market treasure and find- then you go home and craft and age and distress a piece of paper or old book. It's very much like the movie "Goonies" to me. We are all a bunch of Goonies- if you know the term. As an adult you are still looking for that hidden treasure and then you go home and make yourself a treasure map. Except now you are not making your treasure map with your mom's old coffee grounds. Hopeless romantics. Talk soon. A few pics of my newest treasures found this week. These great little turrets about thirty of them for two bucks. Also this great old stamp/ block kit. Oh..the treasures.




A few paper mache letters with metal tape- can't wait to grunge these.Talk soon.

17 comments:

Judy said...

Absolutely LOVE those turrets!!

Judy Wood said...

keep blogging mike! we will keep reading...

Jack and Cat Curio said...

Thanks all! These turrets are strange- somebody cut up an old plastic chess board set and then glued them to a bunch of wooden pieces. Never seen the like. But I'm glad I found'em. Can't wait to use them.

Anonymous said...

Your pictures today reminded me of a photo I had sitting on my computer waiting to be turned into a blog post. Thanks for the nudge!

Between you and Judy you are making thrift shopping very hard on the rest of us. You guys have great timing and find the coolest things.

Unknown said...

AAAAAAaaaahhhh!!! Metal tape on the letters?! I love it! Great, like I don't have enough projects to make... It was good to see you today. Keep bloggin' you were missed.

M

Road Trip With Ruby said...

Hey Mike, I had hoped to see you for your make n'take today. Sorry, couldn't make it. I really want to take your beeswax class. I'd also like to take the one about Photoshop. Are they scheduled at MP? Let me know and I'll be there.
Valley Girl, eh? Love it!

Becky Bunn said...

Hey Mike,thanks for the Make N Take at Mystic Paper I came away with great ideas. Love the metal tape bird. I need to try this.

ps, glad you are not peeing on electric fences anymore :)

Cristine's Story said...

Peeing on electric fences? I must have missed that one... Thanks for the great make-n-take at Mystic Paper yesterday. Judging by the crowd you had you were a smashing hit! Let's do this more!

Cristine's Story said...

Mike, just checked my blog. Thanks for adding the song and thanks for helping me be a somewhat better blogger!

Lindsey said...

Mike, love the metal tape letters. I start to think I can make everything metal tape, birthday cards, banners, journals.... I am in a metal tape mode right now... but I too am finding techniques that work better than others. Really wish I could of made it to the make-N-take, you should definetely schedule more. Take care!

jen byard said...

Love the vintage stuff! I hope I don't have to start going early to beat you to the good stuff :)

Judy Wood said...

the make and take was fun! i'm glad kim is hinting at more!

Jill said...

I need to get Debra M. to spill the instructions for those wicked cool metal tape pieces you do. Wish you could teach out here in NC. Love your thrift finds...very way cool! Your art inspires me but lately I've been making nothing...wish I could say I've been making crap because at least that would be something! Have a great week.

Pam said...

Mike,

Thanks for a great make and take. I came home and added "stuff". I will post on my blog tomorrow. As a country girl, I have heard stories of peeing on an electric fence! It must be a farm thing.

CeCe said...

Mike,
Your blog adds such a spin to my brain. I like to keep it stirred up and fresh. My brain and my heart thank you for finding time to post. More??!!

Sweet Sage said...

awesome treasures!!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic grunge metal tape projects. I love them. I have the tape but have only used alcohol inks on it. Wish I could take one of your classes; do you offer online classes?

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