tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32609130981828174852024-03-13T14:17:39.788-04:00Anne In ClaylandAnne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-15502864905103906472012-05-02T22:17:00.003-04:002012-05-02T22:17:57.921-04:00Cord For Life Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHdLoh1PkYe_0M8cdg2R7r3hxJJYgdAiDWGNa38w55A5WZtD6cxxW38A_2UXxub6MqePbl4zKaLGv2KKFBH-OnqNqILrnTnSgb6Pt5_oe6sS9j3bGM9cHppLPwhVVFQgpF6cdwYNY7JA/s1600/IMG_3399_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHdLoh1PkYe_0M8cdg2R7r3hxJJYgdAiDWGNa38w55A5WZtD6cxxW38A_2UXxub6MqePbl4zKaLGv2KKFBH-OnqNqILrnTnSgb6Pt5_oe6sS9j3bGM9cHppLPwhVVFQgpF6cdwYNY7JA/s320/IMG_3399_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This post is totally off the subject of art, but I wanted to write about how I recently donated my newborn baby's umbilical cord blood.<br />
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I am a strong advocate for recycling. When I found out that I could "recycle" the cord blood after delivery I was eager to do so. During my pregnancy I read a magazine article about donating the baby's cord blood. After doing some research I decided not to save the blood for personal storage, but realized that someone else could have it and possibly use it to save a life. Most people don't know that pregnant women can donate this precious cord blood after delivery. It is such a simple and easy thing to do. It didn't cost me anything but a little time and preparation. <br />
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After contacting the <a href="https://cordforlife.lifeforcecryobanks.com/public-donation.html" target="_blank">Cord For Life Foundation</a> about donating the blood, I signed and returned the paperwork. They "approved me" and sent back a blood collection kit that I took with me to the hospital. My doctor collected the blood after delivery and the blood bank picked it up. I wish more people would do this. The Cord For Life Foundation was so happy with my donation that they invited me to their fundraiser last weekend to speak about my experience. <br />
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I hope that my cord blood goes to a family who can use it. I hope that more people will learn about it and take action to help others.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-76787072027425530222012-02-15T08:13:00.000-05:002012-02-15T08:13:46.316-05:00A Fish Out of Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh580-MXAMxxR8vUMTStQVEEx8XebQmXC8N9T-umyjgGdpbcZDS0yBoxK8h_0Tcva1yz3O2VF9aWYZMV2XQ0H3HcPzbaV6gpJPy-sTJKgUv2miJ8iwYGpVFBWT0Q0TtFBBFtEIA5gfnpCg/s1600/FISH+STONE_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh580-MXAMxxR8vUMTStQVEEx8XebQmXC8N9T-umyjgGdpbcZDS0yBoxK8h_0Tcva1yz3O2VF9aWYZMV2XQ0H3HcPzbaV6gpJPy-sTJKgUv2miJ8iwYGpVFBWT0Q0TtFBBFtEIA5gfnpCg/s320/FISH+STONE_Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <u>A Fish Out of Water</u> is one of my favorite children's books. I have borrowed it several times from the library and nearly have it memorized. It is a cute story about a boy who buys a goldfish and feeds it too much. The fish grows and grows and the boy has to keep finding a new place to put him. Poor Otto!<br />
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I have a relatively new appreciation for fish; we have acquired two tanks in our home in the past 18 months and I love to watch the fish swim around. I love the soft sound of the water trickling through the house. The tanks are more beneficial than having a plain fountain of water to care for. They also conform to my need for feng shui in the house.<br />
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My latest mosaic is a goldfish swimming in the water. I enjoy creating garden stones because they work well outside and withstand the elements easily, and bring so much color and joy to my garden/ outdoor space.<br />
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The goldfish is orange and yellow with a big black eye. I like the way the lines of the fish complement his shape. I am really pleased with the way the blue glaze turned out on the textured bubble tiles. The glaze pools in the circles and breaks on the outer part to create depth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXyJ8UaZxg-KWDT2HIMk75rPbXmr_dGN-DUzqFMG-HGTkN4UUoG_RSgzjANZRK5rmQDylqOMvGmWBPvlTvZ4feX9mLs9nP2JvoC-VecnG01w9b1hm_I0pLCI4_R8GanrSrMN8bSmlubU/s1600/Belly_9mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXyJ8UaZxg-KWDT2HIMk75rPbXmr_dGN-DUzqFMG-HGTkN4UUoG_RSgzjANZRK5rmQDylqOMvGmWBPvlTvZ4feX9mLs9nP2JvoC-VecnG01w9b1hm_I0pLCI4_R8GanrSrMN8bSmlubU/s200/Belly_9mo.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>On a personal note, I am nearing the end of my pregnancy. Here is a photo of how huge I have become! :) I will likely not be blogging for some time as I come closer to the delivery and care of the new baby. I hope to be back to my artwork as soon as possible.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-42396097814557418132011-11-04T07:08:00.000-04:002011-11-04T07:08:59.894-04:00The Blue Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDtzaQ_luU7MDAIjAaqreLy-WRXPElrhOkz1JYcbVs-A5SGH9UJTuL2ikldMkC_KjkSf7dWKpoFzbeP1KS4WSXj67jORyczmtmAjheJqsInhd6V21uEX_E3rEpXx3yOW5rLeHiSS0OY4/s1600/dress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDtzaQ_luU7MDAIjAaqreLy-WRXPElrhOkz1JYcbVs-A5SGH9UJTuL2ikldMkC_KjkSf7dWKpoFzbeP1KS4WSXj67jORyczmtmAjheJqsInhd6V21uEX_E3rEpXx3yOW5rLeHiSS0OY4/s320/dress2.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>This year for Halloween my three-year-old daughter wanted to be a blue cat. I had been asking her for several months about what she wanted to be and she never wavered. I kept thinking she would change her mind about this costume but she never did. So by October first I had to do something about it. After searching on line for blue cat costumes and coming up empty, I decided to make one.<br />
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This past year I taught myself how to sew. It is a new concept to me, but something I have always wanted to learn. I learned to hand stitch as a kid but we never had a machine in the house. Sewing was not something my mother did, and my Nanny was too old to teach me. So that was that. I had a broken machine sitting in my garage for some time and finally got it repaired, and found a friend to teach me a quick lesson. For months now I have been hemming pants and curtains and I felt ready to try my hand at the Blue Cat Costume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbZoy62dP_WyrCj-XT8XqE6UZmodHRgwHCqJQEfUdGvLyWd7k6Hdo6SQJCduP0FWCQI8CC7POWXq4FMa4n2e1zEW83ao2i01eUFoHwWBXTS2hb2RcHMJHcNe3qRHxaZ3PmH3IKeFGaKg/s1600/HWeen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbZoy62dP_WyrCj-XT8XqE6UZmodHRgwHCqJQEfUdGvLyWd7k6Hdo6SQJCduP0FWCQI8CC7POWXq4FMa4n2e1zEW83ao2i01eUFoHwWBXTS2hb2RcHMJHcNe3qRHxaZ3PmH3IKeFGaKg/s320/HWeen2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I took Mia to the fabric store and let her choose the blue hues, and little by little... mistake by mistake, I got the thing put together. I bought pre-made cat ears and made blue "slip covers" for them. Then traced one of her dresses and made my own pattern. Sewed on a furry tummy and furry sleeves and made a tail out of cardboard tubes and slip covered with fabric. She asked for bells on the end of the tail. Cute. The hardest part was figuring out the zipper. Apparently my machine is so old that nobody in the Orlando vicinity sells parts (I needed a zipper foot attachment). But I got it figured out with what I had, and bonded it with some fabric glue. Worked great.<br />
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I can't say the costume would stand the test of time if she wanted to play dress up... but Mia has some funny ideas about things. And apparently she only wanted to wear the costume for Halloween. I couldn't even get her to try it on for fittings before the big night. Had to bribe her once or twice. I am not a great seamstress, I definitely sew things the hard way. I am learning. And I feel really proud about teaching myself this skill. I find it to be really useful. However hard I worked on the costume, Mia resisted my use of the sewing machine. "I don't like that noise. Turn off that machine" she'd yell from the next room. Well too bad. It's for your costume. I don't care if the machine is from 1960 and sounds like a lawn mower. It works.<br />
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The funniest thing about this costume was my forgetfulness of taking a decent photo of her all dressed up. We went to a friend's house for Trick or Treat and in the midst of all the hustle bustle, we got 2 good photos of her, but neither was of the full costume. Duh! Anyhow, she looked adorable.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-71842399562208582912011-10-26T15:42:00.000-04:002011-10-26T15:42:00.512-04:00Yoga Studies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86NBuirUV4yKf4gLwx7GQnKuEZBFM3voqolv0DKTuao93hbpRNeYBCgwpTvtydJqBR2XspmuyrAakbytluP_Nhv-UhsaoO0UhtZ-1xbLWcjhtn4COd7hH5ciDddtlBP5JyPdW3d22FP4/s1600/Ohm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86NBuirUV4yKf4gLwx7GQnKuEZBFM3voqolv0DKTuao93hbpRNeYBCgwpTvtydJqBR2XspmuyrAakbytluP_Nhv-UhsaoO0UhtZ-1xbLWcjhtn4COd7hH5ciDddtlBP5JyPdW3d22FP4/s200/Ohm.jpg" width="200" /></a>Ahh, the weather is finally turning here in Central Florida. A true breath of fresh air. It has gone from hot to lovely. I love the fall weather and the freedom it gives me after months of being locked indoors from the summer heat. The change in temperatures calls me outside to the porch studio and allows me to work in the moderate temperatures, rather than sweating it out to a near faint. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfCGGQ1ns7R9DArc6XJOAa9wVFQVvFOsFLR7pgC63vji493uj-bc1ime-pkADT64SRo9UymZmqq9pbv25394X5ZokuJ9o91eu3bFnkP8W4PJRSCdGkiOsc8w94cRobM-qJgw-mViespM/s1600/TreePose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfCGGQ1ns7R9DArc6XJOAa9wVFQVvFOsFLR7pgC63vji493uj-bc1ime-pkADT64SRo9UymZmqq9pbv25394X5ZokuJ9o91eu3bFnkP8W4PJRSCdGkiOsc8w94cRobM-qJgw-mViespM/s200/TreePose.jpg" width="142" /></a>It has taken some time but I've finally been able to consistently carve out some creative time once again. My free time has dramatically changed over the past six months, and it has taken me time to adjust. My daughter's three-hour nap has been reduced to about one hour, thus allowing me less and less time to myself. <br />
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I have just finished three more mosaics for Full Circle Yoga and I am working on a fourth before delivering them to the studio. The first is the "OM" symbol, done in black and teal. It is a smaller piece, 12"x12", and I like the swirls that compliment the symbol. The second mosaic is a woman balancing in Tree Pose. This one is a little larger, about 12"x18". The third piece is a gift for the owner, her logo laid out on a garden stone. <br />
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Finally, I've come to accept that I'm not faithful to video recording the creation of my pieces. I have tried and failed. It's just too much work for me to set up and take down the camera and tripod each time I have a few minutes to work. I wish I could leave it set up and ready to record, but my outside studio just won't allow it. Maybe in another lifetime. Another studio.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-76575496368282606602011-08-23T15:03:00.000-04:002011-08-23T15:03:54.249-04:00Busy SummerI can hardly believe how my summer has gone by so quickly. The long hot days have been taken over by family emergencies and a recent pregnancy, both of which have left me little time for creative endeavors. I was away from home for nearly 6 weeks, and shortly after I returned, found out I was pregnant.<br />
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For anyone who has never experienced pregnancy, let me tell you... it's hard. It's exhausting. And just finding something to keep your stomach happy is a challenge as well. The little monster in my tummy decides what I can eat and what I cannot. S/he doesn't like chocolate, or citrus, or peaches. Or apparently black beans. We recently took a short vacation to St. Augustine where I ordered a bowl of black bean soup. I took one bean (not one bite - just one bean) and bee-lined it straight for the ladies room. Luckily there was no line for the stall, otherwise I would have chosen the sink for expressing the bean. Nobody needs to see that!<br />
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Now that things have calmed down a bit, I'm working on a piece for the yoga studio. It is a lady meditating... and coming along nicely (just very slowly) This time I'm recording a video of the mosaic process so people can see what goes into these pieces. I wish I had more time for mosaic lately, but this summer Florida heat is a killer. I dream of the cooler days yet to come.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-3231081733526714762011-08-23T14:56:00.000-04:002011-08-23T14:56:14.167-04:00Dragonfly StoneMy latest piece is another garden stone. It was made from both Italian glass and ceramic tiles. The glass was brought back to me from a friend who visited Italy in 2009. I have been saving it for a special piece. I made a boarder with green glass beads, and the rest of the tiles were handmade by me. The dragonfly wings are a purple/ brown glaze (same tiles I used in the Octopus mirror) and the body is purple. I like the combination of green and purple. I have a photo of this garden stone on my phone, but having trouble getting that connected to my computer here... maybe I'll figure it out soon and can post it. Ugh<br />
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I decided to give this as a gift to my mother, for her front doorstep. The last garden stone I did is holding up quite well in the Florida heat, humidity and rain. I wasn't quite sure if it would break apart due to the outside elements, but I feel confident that I know what I'm doing. <br />
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Dragonflies are one of my favorite subjects to work with. Carefree. Delicate. And fun to watch.<br />
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Fly away little friend. Make a new happy home. Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-5850215444576157912011-06-29T21:31:00.000-04:002011-06-29T21:31:16.838-04:00Love; Sold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3rIWzTyO2k/S1NkkQnHrlI/AAAAAAAAAIo/4tMIlAGW5gE/s1600/Love_Mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3rIWzTyO2k/S1NkkQnHrlI/AAAAAAAAAIo/4tMIlAGW5gE/s320/Love_Mirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I recently sold one of my favorite pieces, the Love Mirror. I give thanks to my friend Christine at <a href="http://www.fullcircleyoga.com/">Full Circle Yoga</a>, who lets me use a part of her retail space as gallery space. It's always exciting to know that someone out there likes my work. I love all the little details that went into making this piece: the beads inside of the top hearts, different textures that make up the picture. I hope the new owner found a special place to hang it. Now I need to create a couple of new pieces for the yoga studio. What a way to find inspiration.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-10015890486528698242011-04-21T15:03:00.001-04:002011-04-26T14:41:35.963-04:00Butterfly Garden Stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y1RKqvNQsL1xJ0op-pwbZYtICVkysLIxafhJs83dU6s46LxOC8ygQZgXyYoJ5D1StI9IVyNlcZDSgrDaJ1zXffzFJh-j4y1M_TWw3cr_BHH4z4GgKxZdhwKruoRWACQKOIb_34Z3aKo/s1600/ButterflyStone_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y1RKqvNQsL1xJ0op-pwbZYtICVkysLIxafhJs83dU6s46LxOC8ygQZgXyYoJ5D1StI9IVyNlcZDSgrDaJ1zXffzFJh-j4y1M_TWw3cr_BHH4z4GgKxZdhwKruoRWACQKOIb_34Z3aKo/s320/ButterflyStone_FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've been diving into new creative endeavors this spring - sewing and gardening. Two skills I wish I had and never really learned. For the past few weeks I have been learning to sew and take care of plants. They seem like simple tasks that I should be able to handle! I love the idea of having a butterfly garden. Once I feel confident that I won't kill the new flowers, I'll expand the collection to include ones that will attract butterflies.<br />
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I've been blocked creatively for the past several weeks. I think it is the looming promise of more mosaic mirrors that is holding me back. I tried to work it out by making new tiles and molds over the weeks, planting some flowers and cooking a lot, but nothing has really broken my block. I decided to make something for my new garden. No pressure. It's just for outside.<br />
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Last week I took a spare garden stone and drew out a butterfly design. I quickly put together the pieces to make the mosaic. It came together so fast I couldn't believe it. When it's right, it's right.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-14579477097310740802011-04-06T14:46:00.000-04:002011-04-06T14:46:48.188-04:00New Tiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiO-goPw_ykcY0uS6fEBD97jb7HpKJnE904QU30u8T065VuhLHgd7tUdLsMtqymZB7c5DjQWeARQRIy8rQduyeXTbRXNaEpZi7QUoH8BxzKVqpOtiRZG2XHfFW86e_DYnkFsiD-OfOD4/s1600/Fish+Tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiO-goPw_ykcY0uS6fEBD97jb7HpKJnE904QU30u8T065VuhLHgd7tUdLsMtqymZB7c5DjQWeARQRIy8rQduyeXTbRXNaEpZi7QUoH8BxzKVqpOtiRZG2XHfFW86e_DYnkFsiD-OfOD4/s200/Fish+Tile.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidInT2jmz5Bk-uiorQhYSzjlkzrP-uwHooNUT5GEt1kz2HcIYSz6Yiiqdfez4HNK867YToI8pqYepAesRhGN2wQpoXCGSVgdevTkBihtvh3TvvXj5a87NQe2XSvYz4cm0QFhMK7-qIWHA/s1600/Fish+Casting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidInT2jmz5Bk-uiorQhYSzjlkzrP-uwHooNUT5GEt1kz2HcIYSz6Yiiqdfez4HNK867YToI8pqYepAesRhGN2wQpoXCGSVgdevTkBihtvh3TvvXj5a87NQe2XSvYz4cm0QFhMK7-qIWHA/s200/Fish+Casting.jpg" width="177" /></a>Some time ago, I found this fish decoration at a junk shop. I always wanted to make something with it and decided it would look cool on a tile. Last week I rolled out the clay and made some impressions. I actually made them to be cast in plaster, so that I can pour and reproduce them to be 4x6" and 4x8" tiles. Pretty cool! Now I can line my kitchen or bathroom with a boarder or something. My daughter will probably say they're scary. She thinks this about a lot of my pieces... I wonder what Tim Burton's kids think of his work?<br />
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There is some trickiness to the shrinkage of clay, etc., and my math isn't great... so this is an experiment to see what the final size will be after firing. Hopefully close to the intended size. I will pour and fire them soon and try out a couple of glazes.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-9901178209119245252011-03-22T15:15:00.000-04:002011-03-22T15:15:33.656-04:00The Break-In ArtistEvery so often I wake up in the night to a loud crash or screech. Last night was one such occasion. Crash! I forgot to lock the cat door, and the Break-In Artist had come to visit. There is a white cat in the neighborhood that I swear just showed up one day and decided to cause trouble. Really, the poor thing is starving. I think someone dumped him off in the nearby woods this past Christmas. He's hungry and finding ways to sneak into my house to eat!<br />
Last night when I got up to find him, I thought he had left the way he came in and I locked the cat door. But really he was hiding inside. When I went back to bed... Crash Again! He had tried to leave through the door and was locked inside. He's fast! And I chased him all through the house opening doors, trying to get him out. I think he's partially blind because he was bumping into walls and doors like you wouldn't believe. I'm afraid there's gonna be some crazy catfight in my house one night around 2am. I'd better remember to lock that door.<br />
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<i>βIn this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.β </i> β Mother TeresaAnne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-744364788650041372011-03-14T15:18:00.000-04:002011-03-14T15:18:33.253-04:00Back to Drawing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-yVI1GaigHz_8J4eSEgM3pR7Y5j8yBWE4MaTmBDcUz2mDPVx3ST_TsYHGhhLGcT1CFzkYyGbxtRTorLEuO5p76G4ewZ5q_T9Qldfo5HwITk6mXlkOVsxVVYnWW04saLNKFWhyl0U_kg/s1600/Sea_Plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-yVI1GaigHz_8J4eSEgM3pR7Y5j8yBWE4MaTmBDcUz2mDPVx3ST_TsYHGhhLGcT1CFzkYyGbxtRTorLEuO5p76G4ewZ5q_T9Qldfo5HwITk6mXlkOVsxVVYnWW04saLNKFWhyl0U_kg/s320/Sea_Plants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This week I've drawn out the next 4 mosaics I want to do. I am sticking with The Sea theme. It's peaceful to work on. Like how my fish tank is peaceful to watch. There is something about the water and the way the creatures move about in there. One mosaic will be just plants, sea plants floating about. One has jellyfish swimming upward. One Beluga Whale, and I also drew a sea snail slugging around. I'm not sure I'll be able to do all 4! I was inspired to draw one night and ideas just kept coming.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be best to have my ideas drawn out before making the tiles this time, that way I can customize more what object gets what texture and color. I have to be careful to not try and make all the tiles at once! I am really excited about the sea plants!<br />
<br />
I'd really like sea plants in our fish tank, but apparently they are difficult to care for along with the fish. We got a tank last fall and I'm just in love with it! I love to watch those little fish swimming around all day.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-3808088619743510472011-03-04T14:46:00.000-05:002011-03-04T14:46:11.291-05:00New Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkXoOHMwGA2TImxRZHd95s1reIs27t84lhDEw2NL0txwymnPajSyd7dAbeOGD2bbk1uv-WhXI1krwjs4rd3_zmNQnLjetU_E4QaY7jUNJzh48Qb-p2ahQyV533ssSWvBUfJQhDDdFCz0/s1600/Janette2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkXoOHMwGA2TImxRZHd95s1reIs27t84lhDEw2NL0txwymnPajSyd7dAbeOGD2bbk1uv-WhXI1krwjs4rd3_zmNQnLjetU_E4QaY7jUNJzh48Qb-p2ahQyV533ssSWvBUfJQhDDdFCz0/s320/Janette2.jpg" width="184" /></a>Here's a photo of my friend's bathroom with the lovely Mermaids! Yes, more mermaids. One of my earlier pieces but lovely, nonetheless. This week I took some new photographs of my work and contacted a few art reps, magazines, designers and contests. Really just showing the photos to different types of people and seeing who may like it. It's all trial and error right now. I hope something breaks soon. <br />
<br />
Today I started making molds for those Bug Boxes. It's not that I want to take time away from my next mosaic, I just am being frugal. I want to use up the plaster I purchased before it expires. Plaster is kind of a pain in the ass. It gets everywhere and dries in these chunks. I wasn't quite prepared for mixing too much of it.<br />
<br />
I decided recently that I want to learn sewing. This woman inspired me to try new things. <a href="http://aquamarineart.blogspot.com/2011/02/trying-new-things.html">http://aquamarineart.blogspot.com/2011/02/trying-new-things.html</a><br />
I recently found a friend to teach me how to sew, and someone else gave me a sewing machine. I guess it is time for me to learn!Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-45811196943686602432011-02-23T15:20:00.000-05:002011-02-23T15:20:47.066-05:00Week 7 - It's Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIoGbhvbWEizzHAYOb_SK6z34Bw8g7IJGXsUC-q2YXhlOfq6beJA-35EO7cx4Tu8uZFlX3vhAr6ULQZ_SWwiYHADsbEBN_88KATEk5Zfs28yJqeWfuYCHpfrNm7oD_d5Os1UaU-HBDY8/s1600/Final_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIoGbhvbWEizzHAYOb_SK6z34Bw8g7IJGXsUC-q2YXhlOfq6beJA-35EO7cx4Tu8uZFlX3vhAr6ULQZ_SWwiYHADsbEBN_88KATEk5Zfs28yJqeWfuYCHpfrNm7oD_d5Os1UaU-HBDY8/s400/Final_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Well it looks like I missed two weeks of blogging about my progress on The Octopus. I kept telling myself that I was almost finished, and if I kept working instead of writing about it, I would be done sooner. Only I kept finding more work to be done. The good news is that I am finally finished with this piece! I put the backing on yesterday and photographed today. That last 10% of any project is always the hardest. I took some nice photos earlier today.<br />
The entire background was filled in with the same shade and texture of blue to keep it uniform. After much agony and wanting to add more color to this piece, it just wasn't working. I scaled back to just let her shine. I love it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoT-0QwXaB4PSyxGLkfP5d7k9FPOJ8VRnlMl1YUyRZKjNOhvQwlZHDP5lJ6QgkkAAYfSDvQ5IfRMLnepwd6AKyxrdF2mRUiM4TtadPx3JznwcfYnR2hlFrYgnDY4TF4DgM3rr6FmE0Gc/s1600/Final_1CloseUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoT-0QwXaB4PSyxGLkfP5d7k9FPOJ8VRnlMl1YUyRZKjNOhvQwlZHDP5lJ6QgkkAAYfSDvQ5IfRMLnepwd6AKyxrdF2mRUiM4TtadPx3JznwcfYnR2hlFrYgnDY4TF4DgM3rr6FmE0Gc/s1600/Final_1CloseUp.jpg" /></a></div>Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-34645768825144232972011-02-03T14:03:00.000-05:002011-02-03T14:03:01.300-05:00Let Them Figure it Out - Week 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXx6CBHTYtW44dFU4zTcVLBKIc-wKbXJP3VIaqBnI76wzE0pDBj5o6UfQ13s8v_xmql89P5oJCiLTG564ONP-7Yhq0nze472NC-aAt8KCA3pbiYDE5V-ygjxNxZ6jNX6EHb69f2YxbRA/s1600/Mia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXx6CBHTYtW44dFU4zTcVLBKIc-wKbXJP3VIaqBnI76wzE0pDBj5o6UfQ13s8v_xmql89P5oJCiLTG564ONP-7Yhq0nze472NC-aAt8KCA3pbiYDE5V-ygjxNxZ6jNX6EHb69f2YxbRA/s200/Mia1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGB6exdSwd5Xhyjs5kd3QELXTTiYNUc196xDys5bluWp8n8mkmBRHMuWphiCSYG0ynPqqwygQgcCEstkVKvdIDe3u1119ECZ4BMADpbdTbxCxWgYHVf5tC5f22w8Z_3dFo74XMUqxI70/s1600/Wk4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGB6exdSwd5Xhyjs5kd3QELXTTiYNUc196xDys5bluWp8n8mkmBRHMuWphiCSYG0ynPqqwygQgcCEstkVKvdIDe3u1119ECZ4BMADpbdTbxCxWgYHVf5tC5f22w8Z_3dFo74XMUqxI70/s200/Wk4a.jpg" width="156" /></a>On the porch where I do my clay work, I have a little table for my 2 year old to paint. When we stay home, painting is one of our outside activities (and I can sneak in a few minutes of mosaic time). Yesterday, my little lovely says, after about her fourth painting, "I want to paint mom". And she decorates my arm, and her face and arms with gobs of paint. I had to laugh and let her do it. Just watching her paint with no rules was quite liberating. She mixes the colors in ways I never would. Dirty brushes go into the paint jars. Clean water buckets get filled with clay and rocks. Its amazing. I just watch and learn. There are no boundaries here, it's quite nice. She knows no different. Why wouldn't you put a brush filled with black paint into a jar of orange paint? Well, I have my reasons, but I'm going to let her do it her way. And I think this is pretty great of me! I don't step in and tell her to do it my way. So many parents try to control the way their kids do things. I say, as long as it's safe, let them figure it out.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Rt3-s8bKc-iYkEeVHW7Z6Hbne6gfFOGRtI8cD93z1ZZ8ueagPPwXLytLd0Qwv6JUysnWBc2jL-HhDQIMYY3trCGrNEqLdane4qXevuUzQpvappDs1bZyCAVVND2qcSKShCpN9Ga4By4/s1600/Wk4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Rt3-s8bKc-iYkEeVHW7Z6Hbne6gfFOGRtI8cD93z1ZZ8ueagPPwXLytLd0Qwv6JUysnWBc2jL-HhDQIMYY3trCGrNEqLdane4qXevuUzQpvappDs1bZyCAVVND2qcSKShCpN9Ga4By4/s200/Wk4e.jpg" width="200" /></a>I love being a stay at home mom. It is the hardest and most rewarding job I've ever had. I never imagined how wonderful having a little child would be! I love the changes that have taken place in my life. My daughter makes me laugh all the time. She is my little light shining all day, with funny sayings and an adorable face. She thanks me with hugs and kisses, and dirty hands. I wouldn't trade back for anything.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcAhdT0cMNZbVnwIa-zfct_6LwpW3D0LNfEJPRqye50TgLEFALg_gwI9lXo_AZE0It8WLOrfDIPcrwr1epKoRXMYsWe_H9loxxKmsb96m9OW5hZV8qoqjHuGqoec1x_SfQUdgnpYMp-c/s1600/Wk4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcAhdT0cMNZbVnwIa-zfct_6LwpW3D0LNfEJPRqye50TgLEFALg_gwI9lXo_AZE0It8WLOrfDIPcrwr1epKoRXMYsWe_H9loxxKmsb96m9OW5hZV8qoqjHuGqoec1x_SfQUdgnpYMp-c/s200/Wk4b.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Here is Week 4 of The Octopus. I feel like I made a lot of mistakes in this past week. For several days I have created and torn apart most of the background. I am having trouble with getting the color combination right at the top. I've been playing with blues and greens, creating patterns with the colors. I just can't seem to feel comfortable with it yet.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-63115358702738074032011-01-26T13:53:00.000-05:002011-01-26T13:53:28.168-05:00Bleeding for my CraftFor some reason I expect more from myself in a week's time.<br />
This past week I got the outer frame done. More pink glass beads! It's exquisite! I also started the sea background and placed some pieces at the bottom for sand. I'm not sure yet about the bottom ones, maybe I want more contrast. It takes a long time to get all those little pieces in there! And today I cut my finger, which is<br />
not unusual. I meant to take a nice bloody photo for the blog,<br />
but forgot and washed my hand. It's not so gory without the<br />
blood there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzxCJ2MW7AvwGCqtpuaLCtipU2nAPe2byftJ8Eo7uHRCP61bipCPwwQR1Adce3DrdsCJ0UK0prds8g5-vym85MorDX1eLdcY3bRXtnzGTw2YsPjw_Hg6MzV5m0M-WV1X-sWzun6ZVhyM/s1600/Octopus_wk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzxCJ2MW7AvwGCqtpuaLCtipU2nAPe2byftJ8Eo7uHRCP61bipCPwwQR1Adce3DrdsCJ0UK0prds8g5-vym85MorDX1eLdcY3bRXtnzGTw2YsPjw_Hg6MzV5m0M-WV1X-sWzun6ZVhyM/s320/Octopus_wk3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anyhow, here is a photo of The Octopus - Week 3. She is going to look so great! I need a name for my new creature. Originally I thought it was a him, but now with the teal and pink.... I am just not sure. Any suggestions? Ophelia? Opal? Oscar?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoFnnXNv0TPhkuvPPeYSdMm_VSP36cr-UkCmrEy0jqjICOrJXRwEoK4zR-eKzlZeLYjQMixIlPG6MtZMCJMXvM2Y4bcHDyOrn3s9FcFylZ86-cz0kOT2SYI-GB0G5fQUJ8espYWg_MGU/s1600/Dragonfly_Mold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoFnnXNv0TPhkuvPPeYSdMm_VSP36cr-UkCmrEy0jqjICOrJXRwEoK4zR-eKzlZeLYjQMixIlPG6MtZMCJMXvM2Y4bcHDyOrn3s9FcFylZ86-cz0kOT2SYI-GB0G5fQUJ8espYWg_MGU/s320/Dragonfly_Mold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also made progress on my Bug Boxes. I got the handles into the styrofoam and ready for plaster. However, with the weather changing so much... I am not mixing plaster in the cold or the rain. No Way! It's supposed to rain late today and tomorrow. Maybe I can plan for Thursday.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-28221836495666375282011-01-18T14:20:00.034-05:002011-01-19T13:21:42.335-05:00The Octopus - Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZIImPLl1NzpP_IONdENBCpv64p9LdVNSBT1Ik1cjEynkh38JXaSJ53unKoTSbDuERuMhGfNrlM1LaZ6J06ozQt2V6A3eYCUpl0jQ103D0E1ClC0PKU3fGpYgllgJAMNTxLxc9cB9DUo/s1600/Octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZIImPLl1NzpP_IONdENBCpv64p9LdVNSBT1Ik1cjEynkh38JXaSJ53unKoTSbDuERuMhGfNrlM1LaZ6J06ozQt2V6A3eYCUpl0jQ103D0E1ClC0PKU3fGpYgllgJAMNTxLxc9cB9DUo/s320/Octopus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here it is! Week 2 of The Octopus.<br />
<br />
I reworked the tentacles and I'm almost happy with the way they look. I like the way they break the frame. After looking at an older piece, Meredith the Mermaid (below), I asked myself why I didn't frame out the mirror and decided to try it for this one. My fear is that is is too gaudy... too many beads... too girly. But sometimes girly is good! I will probably have to rework the tentacles again on the bottom part of the piece to allow for the frame to be more consistent.<br />
<br />
This weekly check-in and taking photos gives me new perspective on the artwork. It looks different on the table in front of me vs. on the computer screen.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJcmvG7rVrHw-64jg3FxCqtkrinEUcbbEh1fr_L4VgGavrqK1iN3scCy9oO-YrxYMVBs8Z0ZncdVriRKKrbefjWuE-q4VMeFFWK1hEfxuKZvmsxqJg3zSK9ZGBiu5_9Rx4p5YUnVGaXY/s1600/Mermaid2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJcmvG7rVrHw-64jg3FxCqtkrinEUcbbEh1fr_L4VgGavrqK1iN3scCy9oO-YrxYMVBs8Z0ZncdVriRKKrbefjWuE-q4VMeFFWK1hEfxuKZvmsxqJg3zSK9ZGBiu5_9Rx4p5YUnVGaXY/s200/Mermaid2.jpg" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meridith the Mermaid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>--Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-48359251148249457832011-01-11T21:02:00.000-05:002011-01-11T21:02:15.975-05:00The Octopus - Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B1t7mSVUKbM/TSydX53gk-I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/IcYZwIDDQqE/s1600/Octopus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B1t7mSVUKbM/TSydX53gk-I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/IcYZwIDDQqE/s320/Octopus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Happy New Year! I am going to post a progression of my newest Magic Mirror, The Octopus. Here is a photo of the preliminary drawing and starting the head and tentacles. It will likely change shape as I continue to work on it. I am so excited about this new piece! It is coming together pretty fast. Sometimes I get really inspired by a shape or creature and can't wait to bring it to life. Just imagining the Jelly-like movements of the Octopus, swimming in the sea. It may sound crazy, but I love to spend time with him! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImnAnTAy1d9bpe6pc-T9VT5wqcvcu4_1Wrg8PrbL8uKx0_I4tJ_Bh-eBHbBeOPGwlEEvL6H9Vz5DUsu2Q10BQfG82a9xSnFVruXOk_m9Q4c40i1Fu8hIUazYxqGStju-O1PsMF6cxYCI/s1600/Tile1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImnAnTAy1d9bpe6pc-T9VT5wqcvcu4_1Wrg8PrbL8uKx0_I4tJ_Bh-eBHbBeOPGwlEEvL6H9Vz5DUsu2Q10BQfG82a9xSnFVruXOk_m9Q4c40i1Fu8hIUazYxqGStju-O1PsMF6cxYCI/s200/Tile1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-MJlLWwD84M94OcXGVtF1LyNkka9XDu-m2ltbV6K-mUGldCP1pFNv3p54qGQP3h2AlmIaNsKE9lNahRHEXPIXPMtLlJ-QkcphlHQCDgX77b12oSmXY8ekOCefIds6SJU3jWLBbBdcFg/s1600/Tile3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-MJlLWwD84M94OcXGVtF1LyNkka9XDu-m2ltbV6K-mUGldCP1pFNv3p54qGQP3h2AlmIaNsKE9lNahRHEXPIXPMtLlJ-QkcphlHQCDgX77b12oSmXY8ekOCefIds6SJU3jWLBbBdcFg/s200/Tile3.jpg" width="156" /></a>This first set of tiles, for the Octopus' body, were done with the red clay back in 2010 <a href="http://anneinclayland.blogspot.com/2010/02/studio-time.html">http://anneinclayland.blogspot.com/2010/02/studio-time.html</a>. The textures came from metal hardware that I found somewhere, and it was a good test on red clay with this glaze. I am running a little short on tiles, so I may have to amend the picture from the original drawing. That's fine. It will look great.<br />
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I need to fire my kiln again soon... the tiles I glazed last week were somehow painted totally the wrong color. I am not sure how this happened! Ugh! Apparently I wasn't paying attention. One great thing about ceramics is that (sometimes) you can glaze over the old glaze and re-fire the piece. If I fire them by Thursday I can use them to work with over the weekend... assuming I got the color right this time.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-55754471194062952752011-01-03T14:58:00.000-05:002011-01-03T14:58:38.738-05:00Slow and SteadySome of you have been asking how my show went last month... <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTMDbmh3oCYiPpjcCcE2xwT8mGa06pNcRVbVwDCjzQe4rs0v0ABhWXDA0wfulimC9Mi9cJinkYtkAO5CmbSe8AE6f-Jvop611La3yqum97BxV0IMooq9GQBBL3YRk3GGByAJrIwjiRyU/s1600/Lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTMDbmh3oCYiPpjcCcE2xwT8mGa06pNcRVbVwDCjzQe4rs0v0ABhWXDA0wfulimC9Mi9cJinkYtkAO5CmbSe8AE6f-Jvop611La3yqum97BxV0IMooq9GQBBL3YRk3GGByAJrIwjiRyU/s320/Lisa.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I enjoyed setting up my table and meeting some really great people. I can't say that I made spectacular sales... just one! But one is better than none, right? It was dark and cold, I can't expect miracles. But the outdoor show circuit is a better fit for me than the gallery circuit. I did a gallery show in 2009 and just didn't feel comfortable there. Plus I had no control over how my work was shown and was pretty upset with the way it was displayed. The Alive After 5 show in Sanford was a good place to start, and I think I had a good spot - right next to The Wine Bar! I even bought a beer from the guy next to me and made friends for the night. So it was fun. The crowd was lively and supportive of my work. I got a lot of positive feedback from people, just no buyers that night. The artist next to me said November was a better month for sales, as she is a regular at this venue. I will try again. And I think a daytime show would better represent my work - no fighting against the darkness and the cold. Now I just have to motivate myself to do it again.<br />
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I have started a new mosaic. Yes, back to the Magic Mirrors. I actually drew this one out about a year ago before finding my mentor for the slipcasting. Today I am firing the kiln with some new tiles for the new mirror. I look forward to piecing it together and another beautiful work of art to grace your home.<br />
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And another great thing happened today. An old friend wrote me to ask about a mosaic she had seen previously listed on Etsy, as she wanted it for her new baby girl's bedroom. I feel so happy to get this piece to my friend. I love to make artwork, and yes, I want to sell it. But the main thing is for other people to be able to enjoy it and appreciate it. I make these pieces partly for myself - to bring my visions to life. But also, the art needs a good home where someone will love it. Goodbye Seaside Lisa. May you love my dear friend and New York City.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-4481567946146931892010-12-02T08:50:00.000-05:002010-12-02T08:50:52.368-05:00Two Studios are Better than One!<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPafftcQYdSysljIcjRjoHv8bSgemIRids1gDCALQ5L0eOp92pGj8BkH-dVU2MVJo9n2okiyGs_IZEkyUfVXznhjXCozKLdYHqXy4nBi6wnOqpQTqSXVskJYYhtjQ8NcYY0RYzJdiJpk/s1600/Studio1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPafftcQYdSysljIcjRjoHv8bSgemIRids1gDCALQ5L0eOp92pGj8BkH-dVU2MVJo9n2okiyGs_IZEkyUfVXznhjXCozKLdYHqXy4nBi6wnOqpQTqSXVskJYYhtjQ8NcYY0RYzJdiJpk/s200/Studio1c.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceramics Studio</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Two studios are better than one! I'm actually surprised at myself for getting this far. It took me so many years to get my ceramics studio up and running. I guess you could say years of procrastination, fear, and saving the money to get my kiln hooked up and repaired. It's hard to save a lot of money when you're just getting started in the world and not paid a large salary. Slowly I saved and accumulated materials to fill up my space. Small purchases and "trash to treasure" items over time, has led me to quite the inventory! And now that I have a small supply of mirrors, tiles, and peppers, it is high time I get this stuff out to the public.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJupp-v_EV0hi8DOEzbhTlvr_yI3fU5dTfNBiS7KrCgl6dOKKNafvE1YyI_h6SFU6Q_T3e0ZLy-F2VsUH56snkqhxBPvbwbqvRuwNrDS-vhWBfKCIImPpW_ESpWMNAth7Sjq9dpyNeE8/s1600/StudioB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJupp-v_EV0hi8DOEzbhTlvr_yI3fU5dTfNBiS7KrCgl6dOKKNafvE1YyI_h6SFU6Q_T3e0ZLy-F2VsUH56snkqhxBPvbwbqvRuwNrDS-vhWBfKCIImPpW_ESpWMNAth7Sjq9dpyNeE8/s200/StudioB2.jpg" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage and Finishing Studio</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After making my first sale on Etsy last month (Hooray!) I realized I have no place to pack and store my work. Well, it turns out we have this neat little space in our utility room that was hidden underneath mounds of wires, broken computers, computer parts, stereo parts, empty boxes, wires and... did I mention wires? Apparently it was a storage room for my husband's "projects in progress" and most recently, "projects on hold". And because I have such a love for projects, I decided to take over a part of the room. The idea of organizing this mess for my own benefit was very appealing to me and I think it was completed in three days. I wish I had taken a "before" photograph because it's hard to imagine the transformation now. And although I am still sharing a good portion of the room with tools and trophies, it feels good to have a place to finalize and store my pieces.<br />
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The best part of this takeover, as strange as this may sound, was taking those old computers - SIX of them! to the recycling center. It saddens me to see people leaving out electronics for the trash each week. And saddens me even more that the workers will take them to the dump. There are harmful heavy metals in old electronics, and they should be disposed of properly. Next stop: Metal Recycling!Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-54657211108514920682010-11-30T20:26:00.000-05:002010-11-30T20:26:47.997-05:00Super Inspiration DayI woke up much earlier than usual today with great inspiration. I have my first street festival coming up next week and my mind is churning. My brain was thinking about other possible things I could sell at the festival. I remembered that I have several of the Valentine hearts I made last February <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_460499195">http://anneinclayland.blogspot.com/2010/02/clay-valentines.htm</a><a href="http://anneinclayland.blogspot.com/2010/02/clay-valentines.html">l</a> as well as the Elmo magnets left over from Mia's birthday party <a href="http://anneinclayland.blogspot.com/2010/08/27-elmos.html">http://anneinclayland.blogspot.com/2010/08/27-elmos.html</a> So I got out of bed and ransacked the studio for any possible tiles to use for magnets or ornaments. With Christmas coming up, I have high hopes of making some sales at this festival. I hope it's not a huge disappointment. <br />
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After sorting through the tiles, I had plenty of time to glaze a couple of the peppers for my upcoming firing. I was working so fast as the sun was coming up. I guess I was in some kind of trance as I was painting because I don't even remember hearing birds sing or crickets, or people leaving for work. Finally after going inside to make coffee, I listed a few pieces on Ebay, and it turns out that most of the listings were free! I guess they were running a deal. Let's hope Ryan doesn't get a bill later. HA! Then I found the magnets I need for the show at a local store! Awesome! I really thought I'd have to work harder. So that was pretty lucky.<br />
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I'm a little anxious about the show next week although I have plenty of materials to show and sell. I've never done a street festival so I hope I can make some sales. It seems like a lot of work to drag my things out there and shmooze with the locals. I hope it's worth it!Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-58418606734971606892010-11-11T13:39:00.009-05:002010-11-11T14:12:58.673-05:00Keep it Simple<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD52ruKIpk95aLLwjZUV_3bY_o-eUeNgxZ0JWeJdBjfGMHm60zOJ9X7OdhoXl2yNuja697jxm9HQOaOQfsH0e7AxwGFY317t71wBckH2ShS_vMLP709Ol_72EugdBXw7v6kJTE_dN_ZA/s1600/BurningBuildings.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD52ruKIpk95aLLwjZUV_3bY_o-eUeNgxZ0JWeJdBjfGMHm60zOJ9X7OdhoXl2yNuja697jxm9HQOaOQfsH0e7AxwGFY317t71wBckH2ShS_vMLP709Ol_72EugdBXw7v6kJTE_dN_ZA/s200/BurningBuildings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538368495761371186" border="0" /></a>After seeing my old drawings photographed I decided to really edit them down to just a few. Less is More. And I'm calling them My Folk Art. Although I am not a true Folk Artist, I am not self taught, I do have a great love and appreciation for Folk Art. I drew some pictures in this style during my middle of the night rants with the chalk and paper and my dreams.<br /><br />I first learned about Folk Art in a college course I took. I had a wonderful, passionate professor, Dr. Kristen Congdon, who loved these a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZquNkPqdSdvTBl30lxOe_fgAznFUWsD7H-yp0lTzX2SBRvFrHBUauhh3oo4Ofx-7LvOQeDVFLLrQRtdhkX2_0PPQUDRcvdITEE7V4oXktpRmXWSbNTlxMY_Z0wgPppem25BTDZCnKgU/s1600/Angel_Me.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZquNkPqdSdvTBl30lxOe_fgAznFUWsD7H-yp0lTzX2SBRvFrHBUauhh3oo4Ofx-7LvOQeDVFLLrQRtdhkX2_0PPQUDRcvdITEE7V4oXktpRmXWSbNTlxMY_Z0wgPppem25BTDZCnKgU/s200/Angel_Me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538365674607667714" border="0" /></a>rtists. She would meet them and sit and talk with them and really learn about their lives. And so began my love for these artists too. I began to really study the artists, collect their art and I even met a few of the artists. They always told me not to learn too much. Keep it simple. And this is a motto that I try to live by.<br /><br />I have placed a few of my drawings for free download on my blog. The would make great covers for notecards or postcards. Please use them. Send them to your friends. And Keep it Simple.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-37092725197822575122010-10-27T13:59:00.005-04:002010-11-11T13:39:07.887-05:00Going Back in TimeToday I went through an old portfolio to look for some drawings that I will make into Art Postcards. Back in college I was really into drawing with pastels. I would draw my dreams in the middle of the night, and even give my beloved cat, Sneezer, a piece of chalk and let him bat it around the paper. He was drawing too! <br /><br />Going through my portfolios of the past reminds me of who I used to be and how far I have come. It is a time travel of where I was back then and memories of dreams that only make sense to me. These things I would never remember if I had not written them down, or drawn a picture of it. I see where I was influenced; by books, teachers, friends. Sort of like a photo album, but more personal.<br /><br />I think have a few different series to use as postcards: Angels and Demons, Sex, and Flowers. Some of these I will post online for free downloads that fans can print themselves. I will also have an option to buy the cards already printed. I am a big fan of sending out personal notes. I guess I just like to write! <br /><br />Anyhow, please check back soon for the downloadable postcards. I need to photoograph and post.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-55527432493422601262010-10-20T13:10:00.009-04:002010-10-22T15:04:33.532-04:00Lights, Camera, Action!<a style="" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2v10zj40SD7at7Ol0ZKIcSMqOEvhb2HfDeTkcwUavuUVAanDEnpM3U4q066hooi9QYl41HNUjBT2ZoNKU7D2x9k5Xvcc4Ty3TrNSUCDauRPAjLvMz4dEZ1DB2GMltL9_Vx0ZP8yi66M/s1600/IMGP2324_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2v10zj40SD7at7Ol0ZKIcSMqOEvhb2HfDeTkcwUavuUVAanDEnpM3U4q066hooi9QYl41HNUjBT2ZoNKU7D2x9k5Xvcc4Ty3TrNSUCDauRPAjLvMz4dEZ1DB2GMltL9_Vx0ZP8yi66M/s200/IMGP2324_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530180364029843810" border="0" /></a>I had my first photo shoot for the peppers last weekend. After my bad firing, I went into panic mode and quickly re-glazed and re-fired the peppers. Even though I had hooked up the kiln wires not quite right, somehow I lucked out and the firing went as planned. The peppers looked great! Ahhh, what a relief! All of my pieces went into this firing and the pressure was on to have them completed and looking awesome for the shoot. My friends and I had planned the shoot several weeks ago and had been workin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09daNDfpnr3wGXZFlN9GhSHEmJlu0Ar4WSR1pVKQmFX1xEdcYs6qxEtc0QNLQMkHEIm55iBFIG4Gpjc1_nRyfWMX7BHsI4nuW9k5anomJAYqJHMA69FBpvKBkJKjiUTBW9SmwRinUsVU/s1600/IMGP2347.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09daNDfpnr3wGXZFlN9GhSHEmJlu0Ar4WSR1pVKQmFX1xEdcYs6qxEtc0QNLQMkHEIm55iBFIG4Gpjc1_nRyfWMX7BHsI4nuW9k5anomJAYqJHMA69FBpvKBkJKjiUTBW9SmwRinUsVU/s200/IMGP2347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530180896537365746" border="0" /></a>g up to this moment.<br /><br />I arrived to my friend's house and the photographer and other artists arrived shortly after. We set up the room for the shoot by covering the windows and blocking out all other light sources, set up the photography lights, and tacked the photo paper onto the wall. I set up my pieces and the photographer got to work! What a great job she did! The peppers look fantastic! And the high resolution camera she used picked up the shine of the glaze.<br /><br />Now I have to do my part in marketing these things. I've listed them on Etsy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneInClayland">http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneInClayland</a><br />And I will post on Twitter and Facebook to try and generate some fan base. I am also looking into local outdoor shows like farmers markets and art shows. Just in time for the holidays, I hope my fans will find a place in their homes for my work. The pieces are truly beautiful, one of a kind and of a limited edition. They also make for great collector pieces if you'd like to group them together.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-54276637844288576252010-10-04T13:32:00.004-04:002010-10-04T13:54:38.967-04:00A Bad WeekI had a bad week last week. All kinds of things went wrong... my water system blew up and we lived like Little House on the Prairie for a few days - washing hands out of buckets of water, dirty dishes piling up on the counter, and taking sponge baths for a couple of days. Next, my daughter and husband came down with Roto Virus, vomiting through the night (and on me as well) and a 2am hospital visit for Mia. And to top things off, what would be more complete than a faulty kiln firing? The peppers that I have been so feverishly working on for weeks, though not completely ruined, are a mess right now. Somehow... I guess I didn't put the cone in correctly, or I got a faulty cone (yes, lets blame the cone and not me).<br /><br />Anyhow, the cone is fused to the sitter inside the kiln. I called for help and it looks like I can fix it. The glazes on the peppers didn't vitrify, so the kiln must have under fired. I am so glad I went out there at 10pm to check and see if it turned off. The latch fell which should have turned off the kiln but the kiln was still running. I have enough experience to know to shut if off manually and check it in the morning when it has cooled. Although this feels like a disaster, I have faith that things can be saved. I did lose a couple of peppers - the glaze fused the lids shut. But that is a glazing issue. I'm still learning. These stupid vertical lids! They are so difficult! So once I get the melted cone scraped off the cone sitter I should be able to re-fire the pieces and get some good results. Hopefully? My photo shoot for the peppers is this Saturday. I better make it there with something to show for myself.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260913098182817485.post-51255305869486107012010-09-19T14:42:00.011-04:002010-09-21T14:04:40.569-04:00My Karmic Reward<a style="" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFvNoxOkCvrvn1o4hOc6osKcpHP8wMI4463y-8QyyXwB9O5jlooInDMnL0S2R0P4jn_O5iRw6RYSN6qjsJs9iwE7QnrevYi_Ct5bYEw0COoIrMXCm_tVuu-02uHwBVsm2TudbdxjjuQ0/s1600/HopeChest1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFvNoxOkCvrvn1o4hOc6osKcpHP8wMI4463y-8QyyXwB9O5jlooInDMnL0S2R0P4jn_O5iRw6RYSN6qjsJs9iwE7QnrevYi_Ct5bYEw0COoIrMXCm_tVuu-02uHwBVsm2TudbdxjjuQ0/s200/HopeChest1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519425215641045858" border="0" /></a>I feel like I was rewarded by the Universe this week.<br /><br />For the past few weeks I have been going through stacks of books, clothes and household goods, purging things I no longer use or want. I got myself into an organization tizzy and for days I was clearing out cupboard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kWDcvzcLp10Eoq70vHG_2zf1sD_Bih12w5d16WsRnsZC0pbyzZTYuD189jSDXYsX0ES60MTUvDaAGj4ySBKqEti9XFJF-HbSkckPbE2dTrmn8TfB9QHuRHNJgx1HLQjmptaWPailNs0/s1600/HopeChest2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kWDcvzcLp10Eoq70vHG_2zf1sD_Bih12w5d16WsRnsZC0pbyzZTYuD189jSDXYsX0ES60MTUvDaAGj4ySBKqEti9XFJF-HbSkckPbE2dTrmn8TfB9QHuRHNJgx1HLQjmptaWPailNs0/s200/HopeChest2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519425317742247170" border="0" /></a>s and shelves, and even one person from my life! It became addictive and refreshing to create empty space. I picked up my book on Feng Shui to start over again.<br /><br />Something about the fall makes me want to start fresh; open the doors and windows and let the air rush through the house. There are new birds here as the fall has almost arrived. I heard a new owl last night. Now there are two.<br /><br />The pile in my garage had grown large enough and I decided to load it into my car to drop off at the thrift store. I went inside to look around and I found the cedar chest I've been wanting for two years. My heart soared! It was $80 and a little beat up, but still a beauty. Refinished, these things run $400. Of course I bought it and now it is home, awaiting dusting in my garage.Anne Hollanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625539031400334noreply@blogger.com0