Jeanette Janson’s blog

Hello-

I wanted to invite everyone to check out my new blog. 

Vox has been great, but I wanted something with just a little more flexibility.

Jeanette Janson- Mixed Media Artist

Please stop by- I would love to hear from you!

 

I thought it would be fun to show you a few pictures of my work space.

The walls are actually painted a very soothing mauve color, they look a bit pale in the photos. 

I did a some cleaning up today and realized I better take a few pictures before it becomes a crazy mess again.  Cleaning up after myself is not a priority when I am in the creative zone.

I made one of these dolls, the other two were made by very talented ladies, one of them being my friend, Barbara Linderman.

 

This is my work table area- collage pictures are  kept in the plastic bins- I have a big cork board over my table to try and stay organized and hang some favorite pictures.

 

 

My computer area.

I painted this table and love the final look.  It was plain off white with plenty of dings.  I love the finished look.

 

 

 

I love this assemblage.  It was made by Sarah Fishburn.  We did a trade awhile back. 

 

Here I am at my work table.

Be kind...it was about 10:30 pm when I decided to start taking pictures : )

 

 

 

These are some of my supplies.

I always seem to think I am running low until I really open my eyes and see what is around me.

 

More supplies....................

 

I have about 2 dozen old hats, but limited room to hang them all.  These are a few I have hanging in my studio.

I wanted to share this lovely angel with you.  It is very special to me because my son made it and gave it to me for Christmas.  He began working with stained glass a few months ago when his grandmother offered to teach him.  She is very artistic and has done everything from silversmithing to stained glass to mosaics.  He picked up the techniques quickly and began creating his own designs.  I love what he did with this angel, it is small and wears a wire halo....something I love to put on my assemblage dolls as well.  It is simple in design, but speaks volumes.  I love this gift and will always treasure it.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  I wish you health, good fortune and loads of whatever makes you happy in 2007.  Put aside the corny resolutions and just do what you know is the right thing for you.  I plan on dedicating more time to my artwork.  It usually gets squeezed in whenever I can find the time, but I plan on getting a little better organized and dedicating "days" to my work instead of "hours" here and there.  Creating art is really what makes me happy, I am blessed to have found that in my life.

 

I just finished up a batch of assemblage dolls.  I have them listed on etsy if you are interested.

Here are a few pictures:

  Two of the dolls are "Charming"  a little play on words since they have vintage charms dangling from the bottom.

One is entitled "blessed" I guess some of my personal feelings are coming through as I reflect on the past and the future.  The other is called "serene"  do we see a pattern here? 

XOXO  Jeanette

 

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful, peaceful, and relaxing weekend leading up to Christmas.  It really should be that way, but we tend to get caught up in the stress and expectations.  I am enjoying a quieter time this year.  Maybe it is a different mind-set, or maybe it is wisdom from the past.  Although I am having a good sized group in for Christmas dinner, I am preparing beforehand and will try to keep what is really important in the foreground....family and friends.

 

I finished up and listed a few last things on etsy today.  Some little mini assemblage birds.  They are really cute, made from brass stencils.  I enjoyed putting these together.  Here's a few pictures.

 

 

 

I finished up a group of assemblage birds yesterday.  I am keeping a few aside as Christmas presents, but put the rest on ebay.  You can place a bid here if you are interested.  It is always fun to watch the ones that seem to be more popular.  My favorite is the bird with the butterfly.  I am almost tempted to keep that one for myself.  The "good egg" is the first one that has a bid, though.  I guess people like certain ones for their own reasons.  I have found that at my shows as well.  My artwork will appeal to someone because it sparks a memory, or a color scheme, or a certain saying on a piece.  Anyway...here's a few pictures of my latest birds.

 

                                                   Here is a batch of my latest "rusted junk". 

 

I bring home items that I think can be potentially useful in my artwork all the time.  Unfortunately, they are gold, shiny or new looking.  To "grunge them up" I dip them in muriatic acid to take off the outer layer which leaves them open to rust and all kinds of cool chemical changes.  Sometimes it works, and other times nothing seems to happen.  I guess it depends on what kind of metal it is and what kind of coating is on it.  This acid is nasty stuff with killer fumes, so I am extremely careful and usually get help in the dipping process.  And it's a strictly outdoor process.

I usually clean them up a little afterwards with a soap and water bath and when they are dry I will spray them with clear urethane. 

I met yesterday with my dear art friends and had a fabulous time. 

Here is a picture of us celebrating at a local restaurant.  We always have a great time...we leave our daily troubles at the door and always end up inspiring each other to get back out there and create. 

 

 

Linda has been cleaning out at home and surprised Terry and I with a few boxes of antique/crafty odds and ends that she doesn't want anymore.  I spent a few minutes looking through everything last night, but can't wait to really unpack  and begin using some of these treasures in my next project!

Here is a picture of the lovely Christmas card that Linda gave me this year.  The little fairy inside comes out and has a hanger so you can put it on the tree or elsewhere in your home.  I just love it.....so whimsical.

 

Our little group was incomplete, though.  Barbara is out of town, caring for her mom, who is not well.  We are sending our prayers and good wishes her way.  We missed you Barbara!

We planned an "art day" get together after the first of the year.  I can't wait for that!  My friends are all sooo talented.  When we all get together the place seems to just vibrate with creativity!

I am blessed to have these ladies in my life.

 

 

 

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I have some new birds listed on ebay

I had some advance orders for birds, so I thought I would make up a few extra and list them.  It is better to make them in multiples rather than one at a time.

The ideas seem to flow better that way.

These would make really cute and unique gifts for someone special.  There's still time!!

 

I am getting together with my "artist" friends tomorrow.  I need to do some baking tonight so we can do an exchange.  Banana bread...chocolate chip cookies....I have not decided yet.

Will try to post some pictures of our get together soon.

Bye!

 

 

I wanted to tell you about a charity auction going on on ebay right now.  It is a fund raiser for "a place 2 bark" a non-profit animal rescue organization run by artist, Bernie Berlin.

Bernie has tireless energy and puts the animals before any need or want for herself.  She has asked for art donations to try and raise money for vaccinations, immunizations, transport fees and all of the other costs involved in running an animal rescue.

Here is more information about Bernie.

Here is a link to her auction on ebay.Check it out- the artwork will not disappoint and it is going to a fabulous cause!

Please bid if you can!

Jeanette