You've Come a Long Way, Baby

Isn't the internet a wonderful thing?! And hasn't it come a LONG way?!

There were my first days of using our computer for only email. Then I discovered websites that helped us plan vacations. Oh, and eBay! At some point the internet had grown enough that it became my go-to for just about any question I had. And there was that first year that I did all of my Christmas shopping online.

But the most satisfying internet developments for me have been the ones where there is connection to other people. It was only a couple of years ago that I found myself invited to an eBay artists/sellers group. I really wasn't sure what it was all about but quickly experienced interaction with others who had many of the same interests as me. And they were all over the country!

Before too long, I stumbled onto, and joined, variaZioNE (or ZNE), a mixed media art group whose members are all over the WORLD! Imagine how many pieces of incredible art one can see without ever leaving home, not to mention the opportunities to meet new friends...ZNE members are a very caring, encouraging and generous bunch!

So then, last summer, I started reading artists' blogs, enjoyed them, and by the first of this year I decided I would jump in and give it a try too. Talk about connection, interaction, community...it's HUGE! In fact, it was in reading somebody's blog that I discovered another exciting internet development--the online workshop! Oh my gosh, who knew?!



I started a six week workshop with Karyn on Monday and I'm loving it already. There are 19 in our class and it has been a hoot! In addition to conversations about supplies, techniques, etc., this group also chats about the important issues of sitting on the back row, teacher's pet, detention, to name just a few. Education AND entertainment, all for one low price...right here on the internet!

Yes, a wonderful thing indeed!

Marilyn

Back on Track

I can't really say that I haven't done anything creative since before Christmas. I believe day to day living offers many possibilities for creativity. What I can say, however, is not one piece of artwork has made its way out of my craftroom since before Christmas. Until now.....Ta-dah!.....Meet Monique, an art doll that I completed yesterday.

Monique was inspired by a "Party Hat Doll" challenge in the Art Dolls sub-group over at ZNE--VariaZioNE Mixed Media and Indie Artists. I have to admit that she was, indeed, a challenge. I hadn't tried my hand at an Art Doll before Monique, and the challenge was immediate...where do I start? When in doubt, blindly jump in! That's my motto. And that's when the fun started. Slowly, at first, she developed. I couldn't have been farther away from knowing how she would end up. Sometimes it's just a "wait and see" process. I've heard dollmakers (and other artists) talk about how the doll (painting, collage, etc.) "tells them what it will be". I totally believe this and can even say that I have experienced it. Such was the case with Ms. Monique. Some beads here and there...ribbon...lace...and suddenly I could pronounce her 'all done'!

So here she is, an introverted book-lover by day, currently dancing the night away with her friends in the ZNE Art Dolls group (and listed in my Etsy shop). The assortment of the other "Party Hat Dolls" was amazing. All shapes and sizes, materials and personalities, and some kind of party hat to bring them together.

What a fun way to get back on track!

Marilyn