Mixed Media - my first attempt

My first attempt at mixed media.  I did this piece for my daughter and her partner.  The photo of them is printed on Gampi Silk tissue paper and placed on a collection of maps from places they have lived, which have always been on I-10.  And  some lyrics that describe them from a Jack Johnson song.

I have so many ideas, but I really need to work on some techniques first.  I have to say, it was so much fun to make this for them.

Self Portrait

Rummaging in the basement, I came across the self portrait that I painted in acrylics some forty plus years ago.  I was a very, very unhappy young woman/girl/child at the time.  The painting, I imagine, gave me a safe way to express my feeling -- a way to document and move forward.  And WOW, the things that have happened in forty years!  After all those years, this painting still pulls at my heart and takes me back to that time.  I want to hug that lost girl, and tell her that all that happens is for the best and there will be happy times.  This was my first and last work. 

Well, last until now.  I want to create, but this time it isn't coming from a dark hole. I'm finishing up my first mixed media canvas and will be posting soon.

Barbie

For my granddaughter Lucy's 5th birthday, I baked a cake -- a Barbie cake.

For the past several years, I've been the baker of her celebration cakes.  I have used Wilton cake pans and somewhat followed the directions.  BUT this year, this Barbie cake is my creation!  She is layers of 8 inch cakes with a bowl cake on top.  The dress design evolved as I worked with the unfamiliar to me fondant.

Lucy loved the cake, but I think what she loved best was that Grandpop thought we were going to bake the cake with a real Barbie in it.

In the process of this post, my thoughts have traveled back to other creative projects -- a lifetime of various projects.  I've realized something about my creativity -- it always involves creating "something -- whatever it might be" for someone I love.