Browsed by
Category: Blog

The Running of the Gourds Festival 2017

The Running of the Gourds Festival 2017

Last week I shared with you the tremendous time I had recently at Wuertz Gourd Farm’s festival in Arizona. I definitely plan on attending each year – not only is it a place for everything gourds but the classes for gourd artists are detailed and challenging with some of the best instructors around. Unfortunately I didn’t realize just how quickly one must sign up for these classes and I missed that aspect this year but I’m determined to be one of the first to register next year.

The Arizona Gourd Society’s Judged Show was part of the festival and it is that which I want to share with you today. These pieces are lovely and unusual and showcase gourd art in the best of ways. Forget thinking of gourds as a quick answer to a birdhouse or a rolling Santa – this is what gourd artistry is all about!

The People’s Choice Award – it gets my vote. Portions look like suede.

 

The fantasy section grabbed my attention and I didn’t want to move on.

 

Gourd masks don’t interest me all that much as a choice for creating but the entries were fascinating.

 

Another fantasy section – look closely and you’ll keep seeing more than you did at first glance.

 

Fiber Arts – weaving plays a large role in gourd art.

 

 

Mixed Media – varying techniques that each take an immense amount of practice and talent make these entries extra impressive.

 

 

On a moving turntable, it was hard to grab a photo of this magnificent work.

 

My first time seeing this technique. I don’t even know what to call it but I’d love to tackle it some day.

 

A mobile or a wind chime? I doubt gourd seeds rattle enough for a wind chime but that was my first thought while viewing.

 

The Novice Section – I was pleasantly surprised to see space dedicated to those just learning gourd art.

 

The award for color. I completely agree.

 

Embellishments – the buffalo was a show stopper.

 

Now don’t look too closely at my gourd work – I’m a work in progress! Fortunately for the newer gourd artist, a beautiful gourd can be created with just the basics. Including the more complicated procedures (that are completely new to you) before hours of practice can be problematic when you are looking to sell. All of that required practicing means we usually have a stash of practice gourds we keep completely hidden from the public’s eye. 🙂

Vicky

Arizona Gourd Festival!

Arizona Gourd Festival!

Gourds galore – only a few of the many gourd displays at the entry to the Festival

Arizona has been one of my favorite states to visit for years and now I have another reason to frequent this state – gourds. For the gourd artist, Arizona is full of inspiration and instruction and real live gourd growing and celebrating.

Just a few of the bins full of gourds just waiting for picking

Earlier this month I attended THE gourd festival in Casa Grande (halfway between Phoenix and Tucson). Sponsored by Wuertz Gourd Farm, it was their 14th Running of the Gourds Festival, and featured bins holding thousands of dried gourds for sale, gourds used for every purpose and decorative element imaginable, four days of serious gourd art instruction (filled long before I thought to make my reservations), Arizona’s Gourd Society’s Judged Show (unbelievable), 100 Gourd artists and vendors, music, food, and much more.

My shopping bag – don’t let the picture fool you. It was huge – I could barely drag it around!

Mixing with others who loved gourds as much or more than me was thrilling and gave me a feeling of bone deep satisfaction. You just don’t find many gourd artists in Oklahoma and even fewer (if any) suppliers. The three companies I rely on for most of my gourd art supplies were all there – Welburn Gourds, The Caning Shop, and Wuertz Gourd Farm. I had only shopped these merchants by mail and I loved actually seeing the colors of the ink dyes, touching and seeing various cording and trims, and choosing my own gourds. New techniques were on display even if you hadn’t been lucky enough to snag a spot in the official gourd classes. All in all – it was quite a rush!

Yet more bins full of gourds. I couldn’t focus on anything at the Festival until I had chosen 14 perfectly shaped gourds to send home.

Over the next week, I’ll be sharing snippets of the festival starting today with the biggest thrill of all – choosing a large boxful of dried gourds one by one. Wuertz Farm then took over for the packing and shipping as I was certain I couldn’t take them with me on our flight home.

And I must mention the gourds I saw beyond the festival in a number of artsy Tucson shops. Truly inspirational. Since returning home, I have drilled, cut, and cleaned two large gourds and now have both at my gourd art station just waiting to be burned, dyed, or carved.

Vicky

 

Day 3 of Heart Art – Love Potions

Day 3 of Heart Art – Love Potions

I’m now ready for Valentine’s Day with NINE Assemblage Art creations categorized as Heart Art. Each differs greatly from the others so you have a choice of color schemes and sizes. Take a look here for a full listing of my Heart Art pieces.

And now for the official description of Love Potions:

Although this Assemblage Art Canvas seems especially appropriate for Valentine’s Day, it’s a year-round piece of 3D wall art. Giving a nod to the steampunk era, it spells love with its center plaster red heart and Love Potion bottle as well as the Cinderella type coach and the embossed “maiden fair” medallion.

With its salute to love, I’ve named it Love Potions. The background is made up of many layers of stenciled texture paste, gauze, and paints with metallic spritzes finishing it off. Its colors are primarily bronze, purple, red, and copper (or shades thereof) and the colors change slightly with the light.

Vintage found objects include: filigree rhinestone bracelet (that circles the heart), beaded flowers, metal king’s cross, button, and miscellaneous jewelry pieces. Newer items include: love potion bottle, plaster heart, maiden medallion, gears, paper rose, floral cabochons, metal coach charm and embellishments, and beads. There is also a bit of tree bark which has been treated to assure the absence of pests.

Hangers are attached and, while I prefer the no-frame look, Love Potions is ready for framing. This piece will also display nicely on an easel.

Dimensions: 12” x 12” x 1.75″

Original article updated Nov, 2017 to include current status – SOLD

All art sold at Art Creations by Vicky are the work of artist Vicky Hensley and are one of a kind.

 

Another Day of Heart Art – Heart’s Journey

Another Day of Heart Art – Heart’s Journey

It’s getting closer to Valentine’s Day so another day of Heart Art! This time it’s part of my Mini Assemblage Art line and may be my favorite Mini Art piece to date.

Now for the official description…

This delightful piece is part of my Mini Assemblage Art line as well as my Heart Art line and, I must admit, it’s one of my favorites! A perfect Valentine Day’s gift, it measures 5.50″ x 2.625″ with a depth of .375″ and not only hangs but displays nicely on an easel as well. On a rectangular chipboard, the background starts with texture paste that has been stamped with various designs and then finished off with a number of paints and spritzes.

The assemblage artist uses smaller items (found objects) to create a larger art piece. Found vintage items include a portion of a beaded flower and the white flower button. Mostly this piece has newer embellishments including wooden heart, metal heart bezel, quote charm, metal gears, miscellaneous metal adornments, and various beads. It comes with an attached hanger.

Dimensions: 5.5” x 2.625” x .375″

$22.50

Available at Amazon Handmade

or

Available at Etsy

All art sold at Art Creations by Vicky are the work of artist Vicky Hensley and are originals – one of a kind. 

Introducing Heart Art – Love Lifts

Introducing Heart Art – Love Lifts

Valentine’s Day is drawing near so it’s time to introduce a few new pieces of Assemblage Art that feature hearts at their center. I’m calling it Heart Art and it’s a term I’ll continue to use year round as I often feature hearts in my art work. First up is Love Lifts – hopefully you’ll understand the name once you study the piece.

The actual colors are hard to capture in photos but the first four adequately depict the color as you will see indoors. Yet, the last two photos are true to the piece in a different light setting – such as sunlight coming through a window.

And now for the official description…

Six hearts fill this assemblage art piece with love. I’ve named it Love Lifts and it is a perfect gift for your Valentine. I’m referring to this as 3D Heart Art – this isn’t just a painting. It is three dimensional with 60 found objects (embellishments) plus dozens of beads adhered to a stretched canvas.

Assemblage is the method of creating a larger art piece from smaller objects. My assemblage art is on canvas rather than free standing. It also has strong steampunk overtones all while saying love.

Found vintage items include beaded flowers, buttons, necklace, and charms. New items include: floral cabochons, metal hearts, flowers and leaves, glass tiles, gears, bracelet pieces, metal embellishments, and a polymer clay frame made by yours truly. The background is stenciled with modeling paste and covered with several colors of multiple paints which is then highlighted by spritzes of metallic. The depth of the overall design is approximately 1.50″.

There are attached hangers and, although I prefer the no-frame look, Love Lifts is ready for framing. I occasionally frame an assemblage piece and effect is stunning. This piece will also display nicely on an easel.

Dimensions: 8” x 8” x 1.50″

Original article updated Nov, 2017 to include current status – SOLD

All art sold at Art Creations by Vicky are the work of artist Vicky Hensley and are originals – one of a kind. 

Time for Gourds… and Dani!

Time for Gourds… and Dani!

January is my month to start creating gourd artwork once again. I tend to work in one medium and forget the other. The last ten months I’ve been so wrapped up in my assemblage art work that my gourd tools have just stared at me from their lonely work station. One of my goals for 2017? Create assemblage art and gourd art at the same time!

What better way to reboot my gourd line than spending time with my dear friend and gourd artist (who inspired it all) Dani Montoya of Yellow Cottage Studios in Poteau, Ok. I was so fortunate to discover Dani – a gourd artist who also excels as a teacher. I’ve spent hours in her studio cutting, drilling, staining, burning, and carving gourds since 2015.

The lesson I chose for our time together? Weaving the edges of gourds. I learned several weaving methods in gourd classes during 2015 but it just didn’t stick. And I usually made a mess of it causing Dani to laughingly ask more than once, “How did this get all tangled up like this?!” We’d look over at my Aunt Don or sister Mary who would be just weaving away (and almost finished) and Dani would patiently advise me to start over once she’d untangled everything. 🙂

I had in hand three practice gourds from Welburn Gourd Farm. Welburn is the supplier I use for gourds despite their California location. One of the items you’ll find for sale is a box of practice gourds and pieces. That means you’ll receive gourds that may be cracked or have a hole on the bottom or even half a gourd but all that makes for great practicing. I don’t go to the trouble of cleaning out and painting the inside of the gourd.

After I weave the edges of these three practice gourds, I’ll then use them to test stains, practice carving and insetting cabochons, and (the hardest for me) burning designs.

It’s always wonderful to visit with Dani and we talked about more than just gourds. Dani now concentrates on creating her pottery designs and sells in her Poteau shop as well as in her Etsy and Amazon Handmade shops. So, we talked (and I learned) about the mysterious (and laborious) steps one must take to sell on those two online sites. It’s far more difficult than just turning out lovely artwork. And it’s more than just learning what it takes to have Etsy and Amazon Handmade pull your creations up on a search. It’s all about Google! There are algorithms and such to learn and follow if you want folks seeing your artwork.

I did spend time actually weaving and I’ll return later this month to have a refresher course on pine needle weaving. Also planned are times for me to work on carving and burning under Dani’s direction while she creates her pottery (you need to check it out!)

Thanks Dani!

Vicky

 

 

Blooming Creativity

Blooming Creativity

Blooming Creativity – just seeing this work on my art studio wall inspires me and I simply love its quote!

creativity (n): the ability to use, or explore the imagination, to design and express ideas

Yes, creativity is the theme of this assemblage art piece on stretched canvas. I found its center flower at an estate sale – a chandelier embellishment. Its previous owner had made rather extravagant chandeliers and I was lucky to pick up a number of such pieces for my assemblage art work.

Assemblage is all about making a larger art piece from a number of smaller pieces. My assemblage work is on canvas rather than free standing.

Found vintage items include: buttons, trim, and chandelier flower. New items include (but not limited to): floral cabochons, paper roses, cutout heart, gauze fabric, gears, leaves, clock face, metal embellishments, and creativity quote charm. The polymer clay heart embossed with script was fashioned by yours truly. The background has multiple coats and spritzes of paint with a crackle design as well as stenciled modeling paste. The depth of the overall design is 1.50″.

Attached hangers for wall hanging. Although I prefer the no-frame look, this is ready for framing. I occasionally frame an Assemblage Art piece and the end result can be stunning. This piece will also display nicely on an easel.

Dimensions: 10” x 8” x 1.50″

Original article updated Nov, 2017 to include current status – SOLD

All Assemblage Art pieces sold at Art Creations by Vicky are original works from artist Vicky Hensley.

 

My Word for 2017 – Fulfilled

My Word for 2017 – Fulfilled

Recently I’ve started participating in several Etsy seller groups. I’m learning that I can influence sales by using the right tags and titles for each of my items. It’s confusing and I won’t attempt to explain it here but it has made me more aware of the art of selling – something I’ve always considered myself rather good at. I’ve discovered that I have a lot to learn from these groups. But even more important is the confidence these groups inspire – I am doing many things right.

One of the moderators of a sales group targeting handmade business is Kateland Kelly of Copywriting for Creatives. She specializes in just that – writing copy for handmade items and other similar topics essential to the small business owner who creates and manufactures their inventory. She asked the question a few days ago, “What’s your word?” And then followed up with “I want everyone to think about their word for 2017. It should be something that inspires you, empowers you, and describes what your year will be.”

Choosing my word for 2017 was easy – fulfilled. To more fully describe…

Fulfilled – satisfied or happy because of fully developing one’s abilities or character

See, 2015 was my year of change. It was the year I chose to quit writing for a literary site 30-40 hours a week. It was the year I boldly started calling myself an artist and allowed myself the time to actually create art. In the ten previous years, my art studio had been a place I wandered to when I had the time. I loved spending time in my art studio. I loved planning my next art project. I loved reorganizing my wonderful studio. But as one of those people who is always busy, the time I spent actually creating art was much lower than I wanted to admit. So 2015 was the year I turned 10 hours of creating a month into 20 hours a week. Ten hours became eighty hours. A big transition – let me tell you – even though it was one I highly desired and I had a void to be filled.

2016 was all about balance. How much time did I allot to grandchildren, friends, my husband, and the drudgery of housework compared to creating my artwork? It was all about making my artwork a part of every day yet still allowing ample time for the other important aspects of my life. But to balance my life, I had to learn new skills to lessen the pressure of committing to new responsibilities for marketing my artwork.

So, in 2016, I learned photography – using my Canon Rebel for the first time and being thrilled with the results. I still have a long way to go but I can handle the basics for listing my art pieces. I’ve learned to turn my pictures into promotional pieces and collages. I’ve created a way to sign my work that doesn’t interfere with the design. I’ve developed banners and avatars for cards and stamps to easily carry my look beyond the digital world. I have the basics of packing and shipping down so I can enjoy delivering my art to buyers in a pleasant and creative manner. And I’m learning about those dang tags coordinating with titles. Some of my effort seemed to be wasted (although I learned – so no true waste!) when I spent hours creating a watermark (and adding to all my photos) only to discover that Amazon doesn’t allow watermarks and in general they limit your exposure online especially with the likes of Google Shopping. And I’ve learned so much more. But for the most part, I’m comfortable running my two shops – Etsy and Amazon Handmade as well as my website.

Looking back, I see 2015 as a time of confusion and a feeling of “Will I ever get it all done?” whereas 2016 was a time of marking those tasks/learning experiences off my list one by one. Many thanks go out to my sisters – first Mary for helping me build my website and second, Janey, who supports me from afar – reposting my Facebook posts, brainstorming with me, and even buying my product. I now understand that the twenty hours that I spend weekly on my art projects doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be in the studio creating art that entire time. Part of that time will be used photographing items and then listing for sale. Part of that time is spent educating myself on this world of selling handmade products.  Many weeks, time dedicated to my handmade enterprise averages 30 hours or even more. But I love it all which leads to my 2017 word.

Fulfilled – that’s what I’m believing for 2017. It’s all about continuing to see my dream unfold.  Am I selling all the art I envisioned? Yes and no, but I’m on that road. I also have 2017 goals – some personal and others having to do with running my two little shops. But the anxiety of change – of the many steps required to move from my 2015 decision to where I’m at now – is a thing of the past.

Fulfilled doesn’t just mean reaping that which I’ve worked to obtain – it also contains a challenge. It’s a New Year’s resolution of sorts to remember that I am already fulfilled and living life as I always dreamed when faced with some difficulty in 2017. Worries or discouraging events wane when compared to the joy of my every day life. And my little handmade art endeavor adds yet another layer of joy to my foundation of family, friends, faith, and Mother Nature.

Happy New Year!

Vicky

A Traveling Artist

A Traveling Artist

The cabin setup – supplies in easy reach of my workspace.

Working in Assemblage and Mixed Media mediums means when I travel, I don’t fulfill my artistic cravings with a sketch pad and pencils or even a box of watercolors and brushes. Yes, there are those times when my art notebook must do, such as when we travel by air, but usually when I leave home, I’m headed for our cabin in the woods. And boy, do I come prepared!

Creating while at the cabin is a large part of my “getting away” experience. Of course, there is the natural beauty of the land to savor and the inspirational hiking trails but always, there’s the art just waiting to happen when I return. That means I bring an art room with me each and every time – rolling scrapbook cases packed to the hilt and baskets of supplies as well. I love preparing my art supplies for their travel as I can plan as I pack. I not only bring work in progress but supplies for whatever idea may come to me while I’m creating.

The other side of my workspace – filled with hundreds of embellishments.

My rule – always bring more than you need. Always bring items that aren’t part of your next project or your work in progress. Allow for inspiration to hit. Nothing brings a project to a halt more quickly than “I need ____ to continue the project and it is at home.” If I have excess supplies all around me at the cabin, I’ll always find a way to continue creating and even complete the piece.

If I’m by myself or with my husband, I commandeer the dining room table although I have an area dedicated to art in the loft. I set everything out for easy reach and inspiration as I look to add the next element to my work. I’m always creating as I go so I usually don’t even know what that next element will be.

I keep organizational storage pieces at the cabin to fill when I arrive – a three tier round turntable, open segmented bins for organizing, and even small shelves for paint, embossing powder, and mica powders.

I keep the segmented boxes of embellishments open to find the perfect piece when I’m reaching for that next special element to add to my work in progress.

 

Two of the bins I keep at the cabin to fill with supplies when I arrive. These sit on a chair next to my workspace.

 

Four mini art projects ready to go. I placed the beginnings of each in their own baggie for the trip.

 

Closeup of more traveling embellishments. Also, notice the embossing gun and the heat dryer?

 

Always, always extra canvases for when inspiration hits

 

My art notebook and another sort of notebook filled with stencils. Stencils are used extensively in mixed media work and most never realize they are part of the finished work.

 

Keep creating!

Vicky

 

Introducing the Mini Art Line

Introducing the Mini Art Line

Humpty Dumpty sits on a wall in Eureka Springs.

For the past month, I’ve been working on several new lines for Art Creations by Vicky. It started with a recent trip to one of my favorite spots – Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Tim and I stayed for a few days and sampled wonderful food as usual. I love this little town with all its eclectic vibes coming at you from every direction. But this time my purpose was specific – search out other artists and shops selling art to educate myself on trends and see what was selling in this very artsy community. I was more than a little inspired and returned with all sorts of plans. Problem is – I don’t have the time for all I’d love to do!

The Mini Art line is the first line for me to introduce. You’ll find my smallest works here with prices in the $18.00 – $25.00 neighborhood – usually. It includes Mini Assemblage Art on Canvas, Mini Assemblage Art on a variety of other surfaces, small shadow boxes, and more…that’s all still being developed. I’m starting with seven art pieces and have four more at my assemblage art station right now!

It’s still possible for a shipment to reach you before Christmas. Message me and we’ll discuss the specifics.

 

Mini Assemblage Art

 

Hold On to Your Dream

SOLD

Dimensions: 4.5″ x 3″ x .675″

Full Details

 

 

Time Flies

$34.95 – includes easel

Canvas dimensions: 3″ x 3″ x .625″

Full Details

 

 

 

 

 

Bird’s Lookout

SOLD

Dimensions: 5″ x 4.25″ x 1.25″

Full Details

 

 

 

 

 

Wings of a Blue Heart

SOLD – includes easel

Canvas dimensions: 3″ x 3″ x 1″

Full Details

 

 

 

 

 

A Hand of Luck

$29.95

Dimensions: 3.625″ x 2.625″ x .50″

Full Details

 

 

 

 

Owl’s Night Out

$34.95 – includes easel

Canvas Dimensions: 3″ x 3″ x 1″

Full Details

 

 

 

 

 

A Bird’s Day

$34.95 – includes easel

Canvas dimensions: 3″ x 3″ x .625″

Full Details

 

 

 

 

Next Up – Small Art

My Small Art line was almost ready to formally announce. I was listing pieces as I finished and then Christmas shopping hit and I sold five Small Art pieces over a two week period. A happy situation for sure – that is what is supposed to happen. But it also means officially launching the line at a later date once I add more inventory. Hope to have it ready to go soon!

 

Happy Holidays!

Vicky

Updated May 18, 2017