I have given the name, The Altered Muse, to my business and my art workings. It is the best way for me to describe what I do with what aMUSEs me. I am inspired by the innocence and romance in poetry and images of the late 1800's. I like the illustrations of early children's books and old poetry books. I collect early 1900's autograph books if they have an illustrated cover. Some of them have original drawings along with their chum sentiments. I put my inspirational matter with old findings and create altered art. I have a studio and workshop that reflect what inspires me.
I teach Basic Soldering, Wet Felting, Encaustic Wax Overlay, and some Found Objects Jewelry.
The lovely feline creature pictured is Lily. She was born a bobtail and is very verbal.
All in all I have a good life and get to do the work I am interested in. I am blessed by God everyday and have learned to thank Him in all things.
I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW PROUD I AM TO BE A PART OF THIS EXPERIENCE OF WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE. THANK YOU KAREN FOR YOUR TIRELESS EFFORT AND THANK YOU JO FOR YOUR GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS.
GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS FROM THE ALTERED MUSE. WELCOME TO MY STUDIO/INSPIRATION SPACE AND MY WORKSHOP. IN TAKING THE TOUR, YOU WILL SEE WHAT INSPIRES ME TO CREATE, THE THINGS I CREATE WITH, AND WHAT I HAVE CREATED. I LOVE NOVELTIES, ODDITIES, FINDINGS, UNIQUE, BIZARRE, AND MOST OF ALL WHAT I CALL GROUPINGS. I THINK YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN AS YOU STROLL. I LOVE MY LITTLE WORLD OF CREATING AND HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING AWAY FROM THE OLD AND ANTIQUE ACCOUTREMENTS. I LOVE EPHEMERA AND OLD CHILDRENS BOOKS, PLUS LITTLE MOTH EATEN, LOVED TO PIECES, ORPHAN ANIMALS. I ADORE TEXTILES AND AM ESPECIALLY FOND OF GERMAN LINEN GRAIN BAGS. I HAVE ALOT OF THOSE AND HAVE YET TO DO ANYTHING WITH THEM. I JUST LIKE THEM! I LIKE TO CARESS THEM FOR SOME REASON. I GUESS I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT AS MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS SAID, "KEEP A LITTLE MYSTERY TO YOUR LIFE". I GUESS DON'T SPILL YOUR GUTS. I HOPE YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU SEE AND HAVE A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE. THANKS FOR LOOKING IN. I LOVE COMMENTS!By the way,the dates on some of my photos are offf. I didn't reset my camera. These are all current pictures.
THE INSPIRATION ROOM/STUDIO...WELCOME...HELLO
Iam blessed to have an inspiration studio and a workshop too. I am not in my chair because I am out in the workshop preparing for a class teaching Found Objects Jewelry. Take a look at the workshop area. I tried to get it all in photo by photo. I love this area. It is pretty new. I just didn't have room for all my findings in the studio, so I converted my garage into a workshop area for classes and storage, (and where did this underlining come from?) and still get my little Miata in there if I need to.
Today I am continuing to work with felt. The last two weeks I have made two felted scarves and a piece of felted fabric to sew into a purse. I use the Nuno felting technique, sometimes called "wet felting". It is a lot of upper body work, but well worth the effort. What's fun is picking out the fibers and roving to put the pieces together. I buy the hand carded, hand dyed wool that comes in beautiful colors and then start the process.
As you all know from looking at my blog, I love to take pictures! I love to post pictures of unique, beautiful, inspiring, and curious things. As soon as I figure out how to make the felting pieces photograph well, I will be showing you pictures. Did you guess it? A Nuno Felting Workshop is on its way.
Please take a look at the jewelry that was created in the Found Objects Workshop below. I have also scattered some new pictures here and there in the blog. The Reliquary Workshop is this Sat. 6/19. The cost is $45 and is all inclusive. 10:30am to 1:00. You will have wonderful antique finds to choose from. Finds I have searched the earth for! You won't be disappointed. We will have Bellinis and healthy snacks. I need to know by Thursday 6/17 if you are going to participate.
SOLDERING!!! June 26 10:30am to 1:00 Hands on, one on one instruction and introduction to soldering. You asked for it, now here it is. Cost: $85 all inclusive. This workshop, in order to do "one on one" is limited to four people. I will need to know by 6/22 if you would like to be a part. A $25 deposit is required to hold your spot. A credit card number is acceptable to hold the spot, but please pay with cash or check the day of. Lots of prep goes into this type of workshop and for it to be a success, we need advance notice from you. You can see an example of this workshop if you click on the "workshop" widget. There were 27 people sign up for interest in this class at the Funky Finds Spring Fling in March of this year. I am expecting lots of interest.
The Found Objects Workshop was a great success. Five pieces of very unique jewelry were made by some very creative ladies. Most pieces had a special symbolism of either music, pets, family, identity (initials), images, etc. There were hundreds and hundreds of found objects to choose from. We shared bellinis and fruit smoothies along with healthy snacks. It was a blast. Can't wait for the Reliquary Workshop on June 19. It will be just as exciting and stimulating to the creative juices as this workshop. I love putting one-of-a-kind piece of art together and I scour the earth to find the accoutrements. Some of the pieces....well, when they are gone, I worry that I cannot find more. If you are interested in the Reliquary Workshop, I need to know ASAP, so I can prepare for a successful experience. I need to know by Thursday, June 17. The workshop is all inclusive and is $45. Please call with any questions, 817.319.0112. If you look further down on the blog, you can see examples of the Reliquary Workshop.
Future Workshops will be coming in 2018. They will include Simple Solder and Wet Nuno Felting and hidden collage. Prices range from $60 and are all inclusive. You will complete 2 items on Soldering and 1 scarf/wrap in Felting. You won't be disappointed. Includes food and beverage. Questions answered at mapdeens@sbcglobal.net.
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My Blog List
Casket Hardware/Crosses
Vintage Talc Tin Collection
OUT AND ABOUT THIS WEEKEND
So Many Goodies So Little Time...Get It? I found two metal cases full of watch bezels and a wooden box full of vials of small watch parts. Ummm.
Found this very small tabletop 4-drawer filing cabinet
You've Got My Heart in Your Hand
My Business Card Holder
All Original Green Paint
In the Studio
Someone is Looking At You
In The Studio
I love pink bracelets!
Six and one-half yards of 1900's boullion trim
More Old Vials
Acquired from an estate I liquidated
Cameos
Acquired on a summer trip to Galveston
Color My World
I love colorful, old talc tins, cloth flowers, hot pink pin cushions and let's add an old cloth hand.
What A Girl Needs
We don't need much!
Cinderella
Take Heart - Take Time to Dance - One Slipper Makes a Difference
Iam blessed to have an inspiration studio and a workshop too. I am not in my chair because I am out in the workshop preparing for a class teaching Found Objects Jewelry.
