I have two projects  I'm working on simultaneously and one more waiting in the wings.

I get bogged down in daily activities , and lose direction on my projects.

I get frustrated with myself because I want to  finish them sooner than I do.

It reflects in other parts of my life, and I don't see this as a positive thing.

 I want to sustain  my vigor around a project  for a longer amount of time.

 Recently I  did finish something else, but I pushed myself  really hard  for 3 days and that 's how it got done.

I like the result  as well.

So I can do it, I just choose not to more often!

 I hope I can get this purse to look like something  when I'm done and not just  with a tell-tale " warning:runs with glue gun " vibe   across  the front !

It is hard to balance 'life' and art.  I, too, have to push myself to accomplish the art things but I find being a member of Artella keeps me inspired and motivated.  I guess we just can't beat ourselves up over it 'cuz that definitely makes it worse!  And believe me, I know.

When I'm out and about (and not creating), I sometimes come across something that for some reason or another, calls out to have it altered.  This sculpture started off as a vase (25"ht x 11"w) that had a figurative element to it that could not be passed up.  I've always wanted to do something on the theme of wishes, so here it is.  I've posted it in the Creative Sparks Gallery at http://artellacafe.com/photos/creative_sparks/picture5335.aspx. 

It's made with multiple handmade papers, ribbon, feathers, key, paper mache star with pasted paper and embellishments (mirror, words, beads, buttons).  The paper that covers the star was saved from a car advertisement that read, "I wish I had curly hair," "I wish I could walk on stilts.", etc., etc.  You can't see it in the photo but I added blue glass beads to the sculpture that magnified the word "Wish".   The paper tags that hang from the star are wishes such as:   Love, Dreams, Success, Happiness, Hope, Courage, Humour.   -  Hugs from chameleon.

Chameleon -- Fantastic!  Thanks so much for sharing.  What great altering!!

Way to go!  Warmly, Aunt Bobby

Wow !

That's really eye catching !

Thanks so much, Aunt Bobby and Apjo.  I am so looking forward to your altered purse, Apjo.  I have altered some suitcases but not purses.  Is this an old purse or a new one that you're going to alter?

chameleon

Wow! What a great job you did! It looks amazing! I'm still working on my altering project. I didn't work on the barbie, but I will get her done.  Last month was a very stressful one for me.  whew! Glad it's over. Can't wait to see what everyone else did. 

Glad that you're back, Holly!  There's not much energy for the art spirit when stress comes to rear its' ugly head.  Hope that things have settled down for you.  Whenever your project is done, will be great.  From what I understand, anybody can join in at any time - there's no time limit on any of the challenges.

- chameleon

Chameleon,

 Your vase is great. I love the colors and the embellishments. I think some pale pink spring flowers would look beautiful in it.

Hi Holly!

I didn't know you were posting monthly challenges.  Did you finish your Barbie doll?  Did you post any pictures of it?  I bought an invisible man to alter from the dollar store, but I still haven't started it yet.  I think I saw some altered ones on Michael Demeng's (sp?) web site, and they were fantastic.  Anyway, I'd love to see what you do with the Barbie doll! 

Here's the challenge for you, Holly and Bill, should you decide to accept it this Mission Impossible:

Take a Barbie doll and alter it; take an Invisible Man and alter it
Post images to this post so we can see it (although I don't know how we're going to see the Invisible Man!)

I can hardly wait, you guys!

- chameleon

 You're so funny chameleon!  I'm still not done my doll, haven't even really started it, just got so bogged down. I'm still working on my altered book for my Dad and that was supposed to be a Father's day present, lol!! We creative types frequently take on more than we can chew!!!

Both purses I'm working with  are mid -eighties  pieces.They are  going to be interesting fused together   , I believe .

If they don't work together --then I've lost nothing because I have not worn them  for eons.