Tales from Studio Mailbox

Making Art Making Friends Making Arty Friends

The craziest thing has happened since I've stopped blogging.

I met an art friend.  IN REAL LIFE.

We've been having a lot of fun, and I'm getting introduced to all kinds of products on the US market that that probably would have otherwise eluded and bewildered me.  (Here's a post she wrote about sharing her pan pastels if you want to see us dorking out)!

Last week she let me play with her homemade alcohol inks.  I've never used any kind of alcohol ink, so I had no idea how cool they were.  And get this:  all she did was pull apart a Sharpie and marinate the little ink pad in rubbing alcohol which she funneled into a mini spray bottle!!  Genius!

Since meeting Goog, I've completely changed the way I work in my Moleskins.  Before I was kind of picky and boring.  I used Moleskins as my lab documentation.  Moleys were my decompression zone where I made my lists and jotted down ideas for later.  And although they're still not where I'm going to do a lot of "pretty work" I am slopping more and more stuff in there and not really caring if stuff bleeds through, sticks together or runs all over the edges of other pages. Too much anyway.

There are many days where I miss everybody in the blog-o-sphere, but I can't help but notice that since I've stepped away from my computer, I've stepped more into my life. 

I've painted my nails.  I've dyed my hair red, I've gotten a library card.  I've got some potential jobs cooking on the side.  I'm networking. I'm doing some private mail swaps without all the hoopla of a big public one.

What I miss most is visiting friend's blogs and keeping up with what everybody is doing.  I hope that soon I can find a way to hop around occasionally so I don't lose track of everyone. 

Beginning February, I start my first class at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.  I'll be back to share that adventure... but until then, keep on crack-a-lackin!  xx tj

All that work with Goog required a LUNCH BREAK...

Happy New Year

Here's to 2012, whatever it may bring.  Just having a little fun here, love you guys!!  xx tj

Ghost of Pretzels Future

Since I've stopped blogging regularily, I've been thinking a lot about how to move forward with everything I've built up over here. 

And although I know I cannot continue to post as I have in the past, I do hope to do a few fun things in the upcoming year to celebrate the twisted form. 

So for those of you who've stuck with me, thank you!  I suppose it's not easy to change from a committed relationship to an open and undefined one.  I'm feeling like a creepy boyfriend who only calls late at night for some booty.

Rest assured that I'm right here and will let you know where and when and how I'm ready to begin again.

Here's wishing you a fantastic, happy and healthy new year full of creativity.  Wherever you are on your journey, I hope you're twisting!

*An ATC made from one of my last German bakery bags repurposed along with scraps of drawer lining from my German kitchen cupboard!

Ghost of Pretzels Present

If you can't find one, make one.

I wanted to invent the peppermint pretzel, but I got so enthusiastic with my shading that it turned out more like a wildly embroidered or yarn-bombed pretzel!  (Now that my friends is an idea worth exploring...)

Ghost of Pretzels Past

Would it be Christmas without pretzels?  Here's a little sample of papers past, that I've been saving just for you...

All were bought at a German drug store called Müller.  Surely this is enough twisty evidence to prove what an important form the pretzel is during the holidays (and always)! 

Like we needed to be told!

If you're lucky enough to get a gift wrapped in twisty goodness this year, post a photo to your site and link up in the comments below or post your picture on the Studio Mailbox facebook page and win a special edition ATC!

That's right folks...a puppy pretzel.  Happy Holidays xxx tj

Telling Santa

This is going to be my first Minnesota Christmas in many years.  And although I don't have any plans to return to blogging, I still wanted to get back in here and share something really special with you.

If you look at the young TJ in the powder blue over-sized robe on the floor you might be wondering what I was playing with.  The second I looked at it, I remembered exactly what it was.

That was my very first printing press!! 

Did anybody else have a Fashion Plates Toy that kept them busy for hours on end?  I can still remember peeling my crayons and breaking them to the desired length to fit into the little plastic “brayer” that allowed you to rub over the paper that was laying on top of the 3 interchangeable printing plates.

The crazy part about finding this picture is that I recently applied to become a member of the Artist's Cooperative at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts where the possibilities of paper and print are pretty much endless.

I kept it mostly to myself.  I didn't come in here and tell you.  I simply waited.

And when my German son was a little skeptical of Santa, I had no choice but to demonstrate the whole process, and while I was at it, I told Santa my wishes...

And apparently he was listening because I got an email welcoming me to the organization...

Dang.  That fella really is magic!!

Did you tell Santa your dreams this year?  There's still time...

Tschuss

Seventeen large boxes are all that’s left of Studio Mailbox.  They’re nestled tightly in a garage storage unit.  I’ve been contemplating what to do about this and I still haven’t come to any conclusions. 

I came across these photos which made me want to say goodbye to my old space.    I’m pretty sure these are the last pictures taken there.  I remember being very stressed while sorting and getting rid of things.  I selected each and every tiny thing very carefully before deciding if I should pack it or not.  I put as much effort into it as if I had been asked to save the human race.  I worked among half-filled boxes, chaos and indecision for a long time.

Some of the stuff was really hard to let go of.  I wouldn’t exactly call myself a hoarder, but I do make attachments to the strangest things.  You can’t believe how tough it was saying goodbye to my paint cup, so much so that I clearly felt the need to do a photo shoot before I threw it away.  Years and years of watery glue was stuck to the lip, which had a way of enclosing layer after layer of paint drips.

So now that you know how hard it was to let go of a cup, image how hard it is to tell you that I think I'm done here.

I've been kicking this around for awhile, and I'm pretty sure it's time.

When I moved to Europe all those years ago I waited anxiously for the container with all my worldly belongings to arrive.  And when it got there, I had dishes that didn't fit in the cupboards and pans that didn't fit in the oven.  I had sheets that didn't fit the bed and I had appliances that couldn't convert to the electricity.

Right now, this blog feels exactly like one of those things that isn't going to fit into my new life.

I'm letting you know because I think it's horseshit to disappear on people and not let them know what's up. You've all been so good to me, I'm not going to leave you hanging. 

There's no question that I'll miss you. 

"Tschuus" is the informal goodbye in German.  It's not the dramatic, embracing, wipe tears away "Aufwiedersehen."  It's just "see you later."  

That's all this is, a casual "cheerio" until our paths cross again.

Screw Black Friday, Buy Handmade!

The title says it all people.  *For my European friends, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which is the biggest shopping day in the United States.

Let me say it like it is; if I wanted to go fight crowds or push in lines, I'd move back to Germany and shop on a Saturday!  In fact, I'd like to start the FBF Movement! (I'm such a weenie though I titled it a little softer).

So if you're with me, I'm here to share some alternative deals and steals. These are TJ's top picks for your holiday gift shopping.  All this is available to you by plopping your ass in front of your computer. So join me in supporting the handmade movement this season, and don't feel one bit bad about staying home!

BARGAIN BUYS

• Fingerless Gloves from Well of Creations (I saved these leopard-print ones for you, 'cuz I snatched up the "Rock-Star" set.  You snooze you lose peeps).
• "Amore" Handmade Mini Quilt from Hanna of Sweden (I sort of want you guys to order something else from her shop and see if my husband gets me this)
• Zipper Flower Pattern - (want to make your own groovy accessories? BUY A PATTERN from the Sewing Loft -duh! Imagine these atop your gifts)
• Sweet Mary (for those keeping Christ in Christmas) OR a Set of 10 Postcards - (if stationery is more your thing)
• Customizable Charm Necklace - (pets, nicknames, kiddos - the possibilities are endless.  I've got my eyes on these fancy)
• Printable Journal Kit - (what a cool project if you're snowed in this year)
• Quirky Hairpins (I own one that shows a portion of a map --where you might ask? BERLIN of course!)
• Camera Cozy (Jacqueline will even stitch your monogrammed initials in it.  Unbelievably cool!)
• Underwater Book of Adventure for Children (illustrated by an artist here in MN!)

TWISTED GIFTS 

• Girl Selling Pretzels - oil on canvas (I am a HUGE fan of Julie Galante's work.  She did an entire study of girls in Dirndls, and I would hang any of them proudly in my home)
• Pretzel Glam (5-inches is a long earring, but I can't help myself, I LOVE THESE.  The etsy seller's profile says "I like my people crazy."  I think I'm in love).
• Museum Quality Wood Turned Items (the bottle stoppers, S&P shakers and napkin holders would make very classy gifts.  Personally, I'm loving the wooden pins and I'm thinking of a million decorating ideas for those faux flakes)

EXPERIENCES

• Drawing Courses (Brigitte holds classes in Germany as well as workshops abroad, she speaks great English)
• Brave Girl Camp (I met Melody and Kathy at the Creative Connection in St. Paul.  They are as kind and cool as they seem on-line.  I would die to go to BGC)
• Writing or Creative Coaching (I was treated to coaching for my birthday this year, and haven't been the same since)
• Intuitive Healing with Spirit (learn about the fascinating concept of energy cords and how Nanci can heal yours)

Perhaps you have your own strong sense of taste?  Check out ARTSCRUM and search artwork yourself by style, medium or type - it's brilliant!

Of course it's impossible to buy everything handmade, but how about becoming a Locallectual? Use their site to enter your zip code to find retailers nearest you, or wherever you are traveling to. This is an awesome resource to find cool gifts in your vicinity. 

*Image credit & Fingerless Glove Warning: the fantastic image above is being used with permission from Robin at Well of Creations. Robin gets animal prints just right; a little goes a long way and makes a BIG impact.  But here's the deal with fingerless gloves: you may find yourself wearing them all the time, not because you're actually chilly but because you want to be cool.  Every time I put a pair on, I pretend I'm Muhammad Ali.  Play Lighters by Eminem and Bruno Mars, and suddenly I think I actually can fight.   So watch yourselves with those gloves.  Love xxx tj

Dankbar is Thankful

For the first time I can remember in years, I am home for Thanksgiving.

In the past, no matter where I was, I always made a ceremonious dinner of gratitude.  Even the time the German butcher and I had a BIG misunderstanding between pounds-versus-kilos and he presented me with a bird I could not physically carry home. We had to break bones and tie it down to get it in tie oven, no joke. 

I have been lucky enough to share my country's custom with many friends over the years, always with lots of laughter and love around our table.

But this year, it's going to be with my family.  I can barely stand it.

One of the things I'm grateful for is the amazing autumn we've had since moving home.  Up until last weekend, it was sunny skies and unseasonably warm weather.  It really felt like Minnesota was welcoming me back and putting on her very best, just for me.  So here are some random shots from my iPhone to share with you.  A few of the moments where I gasped from the beauty of it all and how lucky I am to be part of this one crazy life, wherever I happen to be.

Minnesota is so pretty this shit should be illegal!

My best wishes to you and your families this Thanksgiving.  What are you thankful for this year?  xxx tj

Einsamkeit

Here are some images from a single journal page I just finished.  I am in love with ColorBox Wild Hare.  It's not particularly anything special on paper, but check out how it looks on fabric...! 

I made a little tag that fits into the hanging heart using an old German poem titled Einsamkeit, by Kl. Dörner.  I'm not a huge "poem person" but this one was really appropriate for the project.

Some may cringe at my crude translation, (I cut out all the lines in the middle that were too hard!) but here's my interpretation:

Loneliness

We have to expand
To travel sincere silence
By the solitudes
Until we are truly pleased....
One day when we are alone, we may find that loneliness is it's own best offering.

Cancelled postage, fabric scraps, hand carved stamping over watercolor Lebkuchen heart with marker detailing, and vintage text sewn onto blue and white checkered scrapbook paper.
Man it felt good to get the sewing machine out again!