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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep creating!

Vicky

 

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

Original article updated Nov, 2017 to include current status – our Etsy shop sells all the inventory we can produce so our Amazon Handmade shop will close 12/31/17. It was a one year experiment and in the final analysis, Etsy’s selling platform completely fulfills our needs. A very good thing! Our Etsy Shop can be found here.

Although I’m still adding inventory, Art Creations by Vicky at Amazon Handmade is now open. Within 36 hours of my official open, I even sold a piece. I’m hoping that’s an indication of things to come!

Amazon’s Handmade page for each artist is classy. Beneath my own banner, next to my photo, Amazon quotes me as the artist, “I’m inspired by color and texture and little pieces (found objects). I love combining the three into works of art.”

Amazon Handmade provides me with ample room to tell about my Handmade shop, my production methods, and to showcase my studio or art in process through sizable photos. This all appears first – at the top of the Art Creations by Vicky homepage before viewing my inventory and I consider this upfront sales job on the artist a smart move. Convince the buyer that the artist knows their business and appeal for their artwork increases.

Of course, none of this matters all that much if an artist can’t draw attention to their shop. Will Amazon’s search engine adequately steer business to my little Handmade shop? From what I hear, they do support their artists in this manner. Now it’s my job to create the artwork, list it, and wait and see. But I’m enjoying the process!

Vicky