Jul 21 2010

Humor is intrinsic to a happy fulfilled life experience. Laughing at ourselves and with others gives us a reprieve from the seriousness of daily living and dispels grief and despair for a moment so that we can catch our breath and move on. Live and laugh out loud!! Seriously!!

Introducing “Moxie” The Lovable woman

You have to begin with “good bones”. I laughed all the way to the feather in her hat!!!!


Jul 9 2010

Yep! It’s July…crazy month. We have nine family birthdays in July along with fireworks, parades, BBQ’s, vacations and of course at least one drive in movie. It’s soooo much fun…. but when I’m ready for time out I soak in the bath and meditate on these three new Mandala’s. Sometimes my brain needs a rest and the circle found in all Mandala’s is very easy to focus on and relaxing. It helps to have a glass of ice tea nearby. Ahhhhhh!

The background for the Mandala’s is done on sandpaper. I call it “Sandscraping”. Great for large surface areas adding a real cool texture to the finished piece.


Jun 8 2010

Help! Somebody stop me…. I’m having way too much fun!!!!

More Poly Fiber Masking…… is there such a thing as too much fun???


May 18 2010

The ART of storytelling is found hidden in all the Arts. I love to tell stories or introduce narrative into my work as a means of self expression. This latest visual treat is no exception.

The title is “Epiphany” She appears when you least expect it and sings a different tune.

Have you ever had this awakening? When all of a sudden you change your mind or a thought dawns on you that you never even considered? It is one of the incredible experiences that we as humans are lucky enough to be conscience of.

I have combined a variety of techniques, mediums, and found objects. Wood, paper, clay, paint,eggs, and the wonderful dangles I found at a great shop in Santa Fe. while I was down there teaching. Wow! I just had an epiphany…. teaching plus shopping….heaven!!!


Apr 27 2010

What a wonderful time I had in Albuquerque!!! Thank you to all the ladies that participated in the workshop. You welcomed me with open arms and hearts and made me feel so comfortable  and relaxed while teaching. It was my privilege to be there with you. I can’t wait to come again and renew budding friendships. Thanks to Annie for inviting me and giving us this opportunity to share time together. Thanks to the Wooden Cow Gallery for hosting a meet the Artist night. The Gallery is beautiful and full of amazing work and the people are so friendly. If you are ever in Albuquerque a visit to this Gallery is a must. Love to all…..enjoy the photos….you all worked so hard and the results were amazing!!!


Apr 20 2010

I am so excited to be teaching my first workshop to the lovely ladies in Albuquerque NM. I will be leaving April 22nd  and spending the first day in Santa Fe. just seeing the sights and then Fri. night with be a “Meet the Artist” event at the Wooden Cow Gallery and then the fun begins on Sat. morning bright and early. Thanks for the invitation from Annie Hooten…..xoxo

I will post pictures and give you details ASAP!


Mar 19 2010

Mixed media is my true love…. and coming from the Synergy conference I was motivated to try a new  combination of mediums that have been rattling around in my head for some time. Some of my work is very large and presents unique problems such as how to adhere polymer to large slick surfaces like metal, ceramic and glass. Polymer will stick to most anything ,but I have found especially with larger surfaces that potentially the clay if bumped or jarred will pop off or over time will shrink off the surface and then has to be glued back on. Here I am combining liquid clay with fabric or paper fibers to create a very durable background to then adhere the polymer components. The combination of the fibers and clay compliment each other beautifully and present new textures and depth.   There is a trick to it and not all liquid clays, fabrics and papers will work but when it does  the result is incredibly solid and unique. You can use it on so many surfaces to cover vases, pots, lamp shades to making jewelry. For lack of a better way to describe it I am using the term Poly Fiber Masking. I am working on a simple way to explain the technique. I’ll get back to you later on that….for now wish me luck.



Mar 1 2010

Welcome Home!!! Thank you to all who contributed to making the Synergy2 Conference such an outstanding event. And to all my new friends… thank you for all making me feel so welcome and sharing all your valuable knowledge and experience. It was such an inspiring and encouraging group of artisans, and educators. I am so looking forward to seeing all the creative work that will be the result of this wonderful collaboration.


Feb 15 2010

Integrating transfers into my work has been so much fun. Whether inside, outside, around, top, bottom, wherever I can fit in a fun combination I love to find that certain look that says Wow! It’s not so much about the image as it is about the shape it creates and the possibilities of using other techniques to enhance it as well. I will be teaching this along with several other techniques this April in Albuquerque. If you are interested in taking this two day workshop you can contact me by e-mail at mhcpurpledoor@msn.comor Annie Hooten a hootenannie4@aol.com

Stay tuned for all the details…..


Feb 12 2010

Bedazzled!

This is the title for the finished piece made for Utah’s Ballet West Partners in Dance event. I was also bedazzled by the beautiful performance of Swan Lake at Utah’s Capitol Theater following a spectacular dinner and socializing with other Ballet lovers and artists
. It was truly outstanding and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of  this wonderful evening.  These point shoes will be on display for all performances in the Capitol Theater and the Rose Wagner Theater through April 2010.