On With the Art

Hi all,
After another long break, I'm back with some new things to show you.  

Just to let you know why I've been quiet lately, I was having a lot of stress at my day job for several months.  It had increased recently and led to some anxiety attacks, insomnia, and a fibromyalgia flare up.  My work troubles finally culminated in being let go without warning last week. After over 3 years doing my best for my employer, it was quite a shock, though I knew I needed to move on and had just started looking for another job.  

So I've filed for unemployment benefits and started a job search, but after getting over the initial upset, I'm feeling like I've been let out of prison.  Financially it's not a good thing, but emotionally it feels heavenly.  I'm taking my dogs for walks again.  Sitting down to eat breakfast.  Catching up on some of the things I haven't had time for. Yes, please, more of this ^^.

And so, on with the Art!  I hope to have more time to develop the ideas and work on the projects that have been sitting on the back burner for so long. 

I finished four of the St. Nicholas candle holders I was working on in my last blog post. These two sold immediately to an old friend:

and these two are still listed in my shop, looking for a good home :)

I've started on a new idea this week.  I collected a few old wooden bowls & dishes at a thrift store recently.  After some TLC as needed for each, I will paint the inside surface and varnish it.  Here is my first collection, with one I've started working on: 

They can be used for interesting decor on a shelf, table, or dresser, and can be useful for holding jewelry, change, keys, or whatever.  Some might be fun to hang on a wall as art. I like finding a way to reclaim and recycle an unwanted used thing and make it pretty and new again.  They are all so different and interesting to me!

I hope to get back to writing blog posts more often again.    Best wishes to all.