Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Shoestring Arts and Crafts is the name I have chosen to describe the collection of creative items that I enjoy producing with as little expense as possible. Shoestring Arts and Crafts was created as a fund-raiser for rescued horses and needed a home, both in which to travel and to be displayed when on fund-raising trips. So I collaged a suitcase that I had had since the 1950's - one of those hard-sided ones with the leather corners - and The Decorated Suitcase was created. Standing on a card table, turned on its end and opened up, it forms a background display for my craft items. It made its debut in 2006 at an Open House at Second Chance Farms, Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Please check out my other blogsite about my Horse Experiences - you can find it by clicking on My Profile at left. The original decorated suitcase has now been joined by two more suitcases as the number of created items has increased.
Here are some of my painted stones:


Painting on stones has a wonderful 'feel' to it. I use acrylic craft paint and finish with a coat or two of acrylic varnish. People have suggested putting the stones in the garden, but I strongly advise against it, because the paint will not survive the ravages of winter and will fade in the hot summer sunlight outside.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Here are my latest paintings:
Scroll right down to bottom of page to see more of my paintings and also photos from the Open Houses at Second Chance Farm, where The Decorated Suitcase had a display and sale.