Hodge Podge

Did you read the post over at the "Sketchbook Challenge" blog about the scrap bag that I made from Mulit-Purpose Cloth?

It's a great way to use those teeny tiny scraps that you save (and you know that you do) and then wonder what the heck you're going to do with them! And it's easy-peasy too!

I am really loving the MPC from Roc-Ion. 

It's so easy to stitch on, you can draw or paint on it just like paper and/or canvas and there are NO raveling edges! None!

I'm already working on a book cover using it so watch for a tutorial on that soon.

Right now I'm putting the finishing touches on another book for the "Art Camp For Women" retreat this June in Colorado.

I'm using my own rusted fabric/fibers on this one and adding a really cool embellishment on the cover.

I've also been introduced to a new type of paper to use in bookmaking (thanks Denise!).

I'm not going to stop using my fav (Wausau Exact Vellum Bristol) but this new stuff is SO easy to put into a book.

I'll let you know more about it as I do a little more experimenting, okay?

I'm hoping that all of you are having a peaceful holiday season.

We have a new year coming up, it would be a good time to reevaluate your goals and dreams.

I plan on thinking about those things too. 

I'm also thinking about where I want to go in the coming year - not in a physical sense but "where is my life going" sense.

I'm feeling a little unsettled - like I'm missing something or not doing something that I'm supposed to be doing.

Do any of you ever feel that way?

It seems that things were so much more simple when my son was young.

My focus was so clear then. But it was also on him. 

Now it's time to think about what I want...really focus on where I want to go/what I want to do with the time that I have left on this earth.

Happy Holidays!

I'm going to be off line for a few days but wanted to take the time to wish everyone a happy holiday season.
Remember those less fortunate than you, those that feel additional pressure this time of year and your elderly neighbors that may not have family or friends close.

I will have a project post on the Sketchbook Challenge blog the 26th. Be sure to check it out.

Thank all of you that read my blog.
Your comments and emails really make my day. I'd love to hear more from you in the coming year.
I'm thinking of changing up the blog a little after I add an honest-to-goodness web site in the new year.

Any ideas, suggestions or requests?
Drop me an email or leave a comment!

Here is a peek at what I've been working on for the Art Camp For Women project...

Gallery Representation

I am so excited to share some really great news!

My work has been picked up by one of the local art galleries!
(insert cheering crowd)

Christopher Park Gallery is THE most funky, eclectic and fun gallery in Greenville SC.
Every corner is filled with interesting works of art, handmade bags, jewelry, gift items, life size art, Outsider Art, pottery and much more.


Now you can see my work there too!
I have wall art, handmade journals/books and prints/cards available right now.

Check out this link for an online shop or drive down to the Historic West End in Greenville SC at
608A South Main Street.

Here is their Facebook page. Go and "Like" them, tell them that Carol Sloan sent you.

Betty Bercowski, the owner, also runs the coffee/sandwich shop next door (Rainer's). The drinks are awesome and the food is yummy.

This is a fantastic place to shop for original artwork that doesn't require a bank loan to purchase. Betty does a great job representing local artists as well as a few out of towners.
And the gallery is chock full of truly interesting items!

Here's a peek at one of the pieces that now hangs at Christopher Park Gallery.
It's a stretched canvas with layers and layers of collage and paint.
Purchase it here.

Happy First Day of Winter to all of you!
Happy Holidays too!

KC Takes A Bath

I usually don't post personal stuff on my blog but this is just too darn cute to keep to myself!

Remember KC the kitty cat from this post? Well, he's still here (imagine that?!) and fitting right in with the neighborhood.
He has become a bit of a "Six Dinner Sid" - you know, going from house to house pretending that he hasn't been fed...no petting...just a poor, neglected kitty.

Well, he can't say that anymore!
He was acquiring a bit of a, umm, personal perfume - not to mention those dirty ears and feet.

My gracious (and brave) step daughter offered to bathe him.
She has a Himalayan at home that she  regularly bathes so this task was nothing to her.

I'm going to post a series of photos that need to be looked at in the order they are in for the maximum belly laugh.

Here is KC, getting his first sink bath...

I can see a little trepidation in his eyes..."Hey, I thought that Emmy was just going to carry me around the house like you guys do."

I hope that this brightens your day!

Sketchbook page

Here's a scan of one of the sketches that I drew in my handmade sketchbook this week.
Too bad I lost interest in it before I finished it...

New Work and Old Homes

I've been in the studio this week, painting away the day.
And I am paying for it too!
I have my large work table on risers because I like to stand while I work.
After two days of painting (for at least 10 hours a day), my legs and back have had enough. Even if I wanted to paint more, I just can't.

So I'm turning my attention to paperwork.
Ugghhh.

Here's a peek at one new piece.
And yes, it's that cute kitty cat again!

And I have to get back to this also.
I have the sample book pages completed but I am having to go back and re-figure my cover idea.
It was one of those "Hey, this would look good!" ideas that I failed to fully think (or work) through.
Needless to say, it didn't.
Work out, that is.

If things go as they usually do, the next idea will be even better!
Most of my (really good) work happens that way - I screw one thing up and while I am trying to figure out a different way, I hit on a really cool idea...
And that is the truth of the matter.
That is why you should keep on going with an idea or a project when you hit a roadblock (or screw it up). If you do, you will eventually work things out or come up with an even better idea!
(I would put my hands in the air and say "ta da!" here but you can do what you want to)

Now - on to other things...
This evening I'll be joining a few other local artists at the beautiful Greenville Women's Club in Greenville SC.
We're having a holiday art fair and show from 6:00-9:00pm.
I think that they will be serving wine, finger foods and providing music.
The house is just breath taking and especially so with the addition of the Christmas decorations.

Here's a peek of the home that is now the Women's Club.

This is the historic Beattie House.

Join me and other local artists tonight for an art filled evening!