Vacationing for a week in the Bahamas was so entirely restful and we could never tire of that turquoise ocean off the back deck. But coming home after vacation always has its advantages – we simply love returning to our regular routine. We’re fortunate to have a life we enjoy to the max every day – not just on vacation.

Of course, my mind couldn’t stay still while we were away when it comes to all things art. I’m now carrying around new designs in my head as well as new topics for blogging. But as is usual for an overactive mind, how do I now choose what to do first?

– Continue with those two gourds that are sitting at my gourd station at this moment.

– Finish up the two custom assemblage canvases at my assemblage station. (This will actually be first.)

– Keep learning about SEO – search engine optimization – a never ending daily job to keep Etsy, Google, and Amazon featuring your work in their searches

– There’s a new Assemblage Canvas to list – this time a collage

– There are more than two dozen Found Objects photographed and ready to list at Etsy

– I’m expanding my Assemblage Art line in several directions but still contemplating which one to feature first – spirit dolls on canvas or hanging assemblage art or assemblage jewelry or even the more typical standing assemblage art. Designs and beginnings of each line are seen throughout my art studio.

– And then there’s this… something I’m very excited to learn. I splurged and purchased two Abyssimo tutorials right before Christmas. This artist is simply the best around for creating 3D texture on canvas. It represents hours of instruction and I keep thinking I’ll block off time to dedicate solely to learning her marvelous techniques. I’ve now given up on that “block of time” idea and believe that I just need to start learning in bits and pieces! Her actual name is Maria Grossbaum-Fondler and you can see here a taste of her work. If you click on the image, it will take you to a short YouTube video where she introduces you to her methods.

– Of course, Gourd Art is an important aspect of my artwork as well. Although I can produce finished gourds for selling, there is still so much more to learn that requires practice and more practice.

So, lots of fun and inspiration is now waiting for me no matter which way I turn!

Vicky