Greetings ghouls and goblins! The theme for this month is scary!!!!  Since it's October which means brightly coloured leaves and my son's favourite, Halloween!!!  For the challenge this month, I want you to get really creative and think altering! What are you altering? Whatever you want! I'm going to alter an old Barbie doll I rescued from the trash, but you can alter whatever you want. You don't have to do a scary Halloween theme, just alter something and post your picture at the end of the month. I'd love to see your altered creations. Thanks for playing everyone. If you have any questions, just post them and I'll get back to you in a timely manner, or someone may answer it right here, who knows?  Just play along and have fun.

Your choice is right up my alley, Holly.  I know I'm dating myself, but I actually owned the first Barbie doll that came out with the black and white one-piece bathing suit.  Unfortunately, a friend encouraged me to cut her long blond locks and she hasn't been the same since!  Who knows, maybe I was into altering objects way back then!!!

I have been altering a ceramic vase into a female human figure.  It has the 'gesture' but needs the make-up and accessories (paper, beads, words, you-name-it).  It has to do with wishes........

- chameleon

 Glad you're going to join in! I think alterers just like to see the possibilities of things, they refuse to see things solely as they are.  Can't wait to see what you come up with. Thanks so much for jumping in.

Hi Holly, Love the idea of altering stuff- I always look for alternative uses for stuff, around the house and in art. Here in SC we don't see the colored leaves changing as much, most of the trees here are pine or those ugly palmetto things. Since I love fall's colors I have been doing a lot of collage work with silk leaves, hand made paper scraps, those little curly-q things from vines outside, feathers (I have 4 pet birds and a constant supply...) so I can have some fall-ness all around me. Unfortunately I am too poor to have fancy stuff like a computer and digital camera (I type at work..shhh.don't tell) so all I can do is describe what I do as best as I can and hope for some response or ideas. Saqqarra

I know what you mean about missing the fall colors. When I lived in the Philippines, I really missed the changing seasons.  My hubby put together a new computer for our son out of ones people have thrown away (he's a garbageman) and my brother helped piece it together for us. We kept everything and freecycled the rest and some monitors to someone who builds computers for underprivileged kids. It felt great to do that. Too bad I'm not closer to you or I'd gather some stuff to build a new computer for you.  Too bad about not having a digital camera, I'd be lost without mine!  I'll see what I can do about posting some new and fun techniques and pictures in the gallery. Hmmm, maybe we can make a little YouTube video too.  Now you've got me thinking!

Saqqarra,

We have lots and lots of leaves falling here in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.  I would love to send you some dried leaves of various colors, if you like.  Let me know. By the way, what are palmetto leaves?  From a palm tree?  We don't have them here. 

chameleon

Hi- glad you got your  envelope o' scraps- have fun! I miss the colored leaves and would love some if it's not too much trouble. I like a centerpiece of small gourds, those mini pumpkins and leave and even a twig or two. Palmetto trees area sort of palm tree, they get pretty tall here and have the big fronds on them. personally i think they're ugly and if not taken care of, can get really bad due to the old leaves drying and not being trimmed off. Is there anything I can send you in return? Saqqarra

I'm reworking the face of an old late 80's purse with  decorations from other  unused purses  and  switching out the straps   .

I have a cold heat glue gun and I know  how to use it !Hopefully I can actually  use it after all this  futzing around.

 Sounds like fun! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

I'll gather some tomorrow for you, Saqqarra, and press them.  The red ones are especially beautiful and vibrant.  I'll let you surprise me with something in return....I will love anything artful.

 chameleon

Hi everyone -- Just wanted to make sure you all knew about the newest Weekly Artella Contest, in case any of your altering projects have to do with the theme of Halloween!

For this contest, simply enter your favorite Halloween-themed piece by Monday, October 29, at 6pm Eastern.

Full details are at:

http://artellacafe.com/forums/t/1891.aspx

ALSO, the entrants from the first contest - which was about interpreting a quote by Gaughin - are posted, and ready for YOUR votes!  Please let your opinion be heard by voting at:

http://artellacafe.com/forums/t/1910.aspx

Big hugs to everyone!

 
~Marney
 

Hi Holly and altered artists,

How's the monthly altering projects coming along?  Do you want us to post them in this post before the end of the month?  Looking forward to seeing the Barbie doll and purse.

chameleon

I won't get it done in time for the Oct.challenge.

April the procastinator.....

Hey, April -- this challenge STARTED in October -- there's no rule that says it has to end there.  Post your project WHENEVER you get it done -- we'd love to see it!

Warmly, Aunt Bobby

I agree with Aunt Bobby - post it whenever it's done and don't worry about the time limit cuz' there isn't one!  Calling ourselves 'Procrastinators' just isn't nice and self-esteem suffers.  We all do what we can with what we have.  Make sense?  Hope so!

- chameleon