Over the River and Through the Woods

As the holiday season has officially arrived, my hubby Chuck and I will be making a call on Grandma (my Mom), and my sister Peg way up north in the upper part of Michigan. We have never made a trip to Grand Marais in the winter time. It will certainly be a major challenge if we are bombed with a huge snowfall.

I've wrapped a pile of gifts, packed my suitcase with art supplies, and began jamming clothes in another. We will probably be gone about 10 days. I can hardly wait to see their Christmas tree! Our ETA will probably be this Friday afternoon.

We love to watch movies when we get up there. Did you know that there is another Red Riding Hood movie lurking on the horizon? This flic was directed by the first Twilight director, Catherine Hardwick. It looks like the big bad wolf is doing his number disguising himself as Valerie's (Amanda Seyfield) boyfriend (Shiloh Fernandez), but really is a werewolf! The scenery looks absolutely gorgeous. Something to sink my teeth into this coming March in 2011. Ha! Ha!

I am going to be "back in business" on December 20th. I really want to show you photos this time of Michigan's beautiful winter scenery. It is like walking into the movie Dr. Zhivago.

(Remember to pause my music if you wish to view this trailer).

Hopefully, I can post some photos along the way. Have fun enjoying this special time of year.

Nancy

Vintage Photo Image ATC Group Swap

I am very excited to say that I have the honor to be included in the Vintage Photo Image ATC Group. On May 1st, I sent in my first set of cards to be traded with six very talented ladies from across the country. The theme of these cards were from the Wizard of Oz "And ToTo Too."

Creating ATC's are an easy way to create a little something to satiate your hunger for creativity, yet not too time consuming. These cards are just way too cool. Now I can't wait to "sign up" for more swaps!!

From top left to right:

Artwork by Jan Larson,

April Dudko,

and my sweet friend Becky Loyall

Second row;

Lynn Stevens,

Gina Allen,

Julia Ziemann,

and lastly myself.

Thank you very much for devoting the time to make these little masterpieces. They are great!

Hugs, Nancy

Gone With The Wind Art

GONE WITH THE WIND has always been one of my favorite movies. With my fascination with historical films and romantic aspects of the era depicting the saga of the War Between the States and the Old American South, I decided to make a fabric collage for my latest art group challenge.

Olivia de Havilland plays the character Melanie Hamilton. She is the epitome of an ideal southern feminine sweetheart. The film portrayed her personality with so gentle a voice, with never an inclination of rudeness or jealousy. It pained my heart to see a sister-in-law, quite selfish in nature, prey on Melanie's naiveness starring the famous character, Scarlett O'Hara. It is a film of both women in love with one man, but married to only one of them. And Scarlett, married to another, still longing for someone already taken. Then throw them into the sorrow of the Civil War.

I fall into this film every time I watch it again. So with that thought, here is my submission for a page in my latest art endeavor with the theme "Movie Stars of the Silver Screen."

I would also like to thank KC Willis, for presenting the opportunity to participate in her Collage Camp. The techniques I used for this collage were taught in her online class, and can also be viewed in her section of the book "Creating with Fabric," a Tweety Jill Publication by Jill Haglund. Both class and book can be purchased from the Lipstick Ranch, KC Willis, Proprietor.

Missing HBO's "Carnivale"

"Carnivale" was a brilliant (and mind haunting) HBO series. It told the story of a traveling carny in the Oklahoma dust bowl of the 1930's. There was quite a cast of characters and a supernatural storyline that involved nothing less than the fate of the world. There was a talented cast.....Nick Stahl (Sin City), Amy Madigan (Field of Dreams), Michael J. Anderson (Twin Peaks), Tim DeKay (Party of Five), Clea DuVall (The Grudge), and a personal favorite of mine Patrick Bauchau (Revelations, Vampires: The Turning), Debra Cristofferson (White Oleander), and Diane Salinger.

The show began in 2003 to quite a bit of controversy, but an avid fan interest. It won five Emmys in the first year on the air. Although nowhere near the ratings of other shows that ran at the same time like the Sopranos, Desperate Housewives, or Sex in the City, it was able to keep a distinct core of viewers. And, I was one of them on occasion.

I did not watch the TV series faithfully during it's hey day, until just last year when my friend, Deb Abel, said she had the entire series recorded. And, what a joy it was! I didn't want it to end.


Originally, it was supposed to last a mere six seasons. I suppose the biggest controversy began when there were rumors that HBO might have to cancel the show. I really hoped that this wasn't true, but after only two seasons, it ended and the lower rated shows stayed. Then when the second season ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, all hopes to seeing the fate of the world end with somewhat of a disappointment, I was heartbroken.


Yes, "Carnivale" ended. I miss watching those guys. This "Management" sure could use of dose of their stories. It would be a delight to have it return, especially at this time of year! I feel like it was probably one of the best shows ever, and even now I can picture Sophie so sweet in appearance weave her web into the world's sorrow.

Alice in Wonderland Photos Released

After attending so many Mad Tea Parties this past weekend with "Fanciful Twist," it is such a odd coincidence that the conceptual art photos of Tim Burton's newest movie in the making have been released.


Oh yeah, his new masterpiece "Alice in Wonderland" is scheduled for release, March 5, 2010. I can hardly stand to wait that long! This is going to be, without a doubt, his grandest achievement.

Helena Bonham Carter has been chosen to be The Red Queen! She was a simian in (Planet of the Apes), a murderous baker of meat pies (Sweeny Todd) for her fiance, and now she takes on the role of The Red Queen who loves nothing better to do than scream, "Off With Their Heads!" Did you know her children, Billy-Ray and Neil, will have cameos in the movie?

For more cool photos, the USA Today article, and more, please go here.