Assemblage, Collage, Mixed Media & Altered Art

The whole family is just getting over a horrbile head cold so, I’ve fallen a little behind shedule with my projects.

At the moment I’ve a few things on the go.  The first of which I need to complete is the commisioned piece. This is almost there and needs to be completed before the end of the week.

The Commision

The Princes and the Pea is another piece I am working on. I should be well underway with this by now but so far…

The Bed Frame

Now, Which One Should I Pick?

But, I think that both the commision and the Princes and the Pea may be taking second place to an experimental piece I’ve started to work on.  I’ve been looking up taxidermy and am totally inspired.  I’ve just discovered Polly Morgan, I absolutely love her work. If you do decide to look up Polly Morgan’s work, be aware that whilst striking and fascinating, it can be very powerful. Her web site does provide a warning before you enter. Having said that, it has given me plenty of ideas for birds and creatures.  At the mo I’m experimenting and trying to make a dormouse in a champagne glass, but I’m trying very hard to not make the dormouse look twee or too cute.

Embryonic Dormouse

Gathering My Thoughts Over A Mug Of Tea

He Looks So Comfortable

In an effort to help people visualise Sue’s art dresses, I hope that in future we will be able to post short videos in addition to the slide shows.

So here is a test video and we’ll see how it goes.

Assemblage Art Dress - My Dear Emma

Today’s post is of two pieces created this month, both inspired by the novel Emma, by Jane Austen.  Above is the assemblage art dresses called “My Dear Emma” , whilst below is the assemblage art dress simply called “Emma”.

Assemblage Art Dress - Emma

Emma, is a novel about the perils of misconstrued romance. The novel was first published in December 1815. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England; she also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters.

To findout more about the author – Jane Austen and the novel, try these Wikipedia pages – the author or the novel .  If you would like to read the novel, it is avilable free and in several different formats, here at the wonderful Project Gutenberg.  If you’ve lost your copy of the novel and would like to buy it again, then you can always try Amazon  – Emma (Wordsworth Classics)

Guest Blogging

Increasing the number of visitors to your blog, online shop or Etsy store, its something many of us would like to do, but how?  Guest Blogging!

Guest blogging – put simply – is when you write content for another blog that is owned and run by somebody else. You’ve probably heard of it and may regarded it as “old hat” , but this statergy still works and offers benefits to both the guest blogger and the blog owner.

1. Brings in More Visitors and Quality Traffic: Guest blogging can trigger the inflow of quality traffic on to your blog for free by introducing your blog/site to the existing readers of the host blog.
2. Improves Page Rank by having backlinks: Backlinks are an essential factor in improving “page” ranking which in turn leads to better “search” rankings
3. Improves Your Writing Skills: When you write for the other blogs you will need to pay attention to grammer and spelling.  If you guest blog regularly your writing skills will improve – practice makes perfect!
4. Builds A Subscriber Base: Apart from getting the backlinks and quality traffic, you some of your new visitors are sure to like your work and subscribe to your blog.

I know this all sounds simple but, if you are new to blogging or Etsy, it may seem rather daunting.  You may be thinking – what am I supposed to post/write about.  Well, the easiest subject to post/write about is the subject you know most about – YOU!  Chances are you already have a guest post ready to go, in the form of your Etsy bio (though you may need to re-format it. An example can be seen on our submissions page). When it comes to art and crafting your buyers are interested in the backstory, that’s why Etsy encourage you to write a “bio” for your store.  Spreading your bio is a good place to start guest blogging, so go ahead and offer your Etsy bio as a guest post to any of your favourite blogs.

Like to get started Guest Blogging? Well, Messie Jessie is looking to help, particullalry if you are just starting out.  Just visit our Submissions page to find out what we’re looking for or e-mail info@messiejessie.co.uk

Princess And The Pea (1)

I’ve always loved the fairy tale – The Princess And The Pea.  I don’t think we ever grow up where fairy stories are concerned, somehow they seem to have relevance to each phase of our lives.

Brunschwig Fils Princess and the Pea

I found these beautiful images of the fairy tale, I just love them.

Princess And The Pea (2)

This is something I want to do – a really tall, tall, tall fairy tale bed with numerous mattresses and, of course a pea. Do I put the princess in or not, not sure yet.

Kai Stuht Princess and the Pea

Before all that I want to carry on making minature theaters.  I’ve already made the “Red Shoes” and now I’m working on a piece inspired by the ballet “Swan Lake” (I’m thinking of including curtains that can be opened or closed).

Princess And The Pea (3)

Its time to get back to work on that “Swan Lake” piece but, I just had to share these beautiful images with you first.

Princess And The Pea (4)

The Princess And The Pea (5)

Trapped In A Teacup is the name of our youngest daughter’s Etsy shop and last week she made her first sale – a cake stand made from vintage plates and glasses.

Tabby's first sale

She seems to have an eye for Etsy type items to sell and the Etsy treasuries she has created have been popular with Etsians other than those featured.  Have a look and see what you think, this is one of her recent treasuries.

‘Above the raging sea’ by TabithaGriffiths

These colours reminded me of stormy weather, then i thought of some lyrics from a band i completly and utterly love…The cure (: Enjoy

SPECIAL SALE.. Rain… tahnaya $95.00	Like Shooting Stars… chanyeevon $12.00	Misty Blue NaturallyBohem… $84.00
Feathers 5×7 whiteoctopus $12.00	SALE Valentine Vale… Lori411 $23.20	BIRDHOUSE Large Eco… ZenThreads $24.00
Art Doll Wire and P… MesssieJessie $72.00	Antique Ansonia Poc… AVintageObsess… $47.00	Spoon Necklace- A S… BallyDingRevue $24.00
Taming the Seabird … deepwithinthea… $25.00	antique copper cach… sadieolive $68.00	Quotations — 8×10 … Emmalynne $25.00
DREAM, a needle fel… feltoohlala $700.00	Listen… OOAK wear… kreuzzz $159.00	Charcoal Cardigan C… megbydesign $50.00
hi little birdie ne… foundling $80.00

As you can see from some of my previous entries, I find  art exhibitions can be a great source of inspiration for your own creativity. With that in mind I thought I might pass on some top tips for anyone who is looking to be inspired by the exhibitions which they visit.

Exhibitions as a source of inspiration

Firstly, make sure that you look for a variety of styles and forms when deciding which exhibitions you wish to attend. Don’t simply look for artists who have a similar style to your own – often it can be more beneficial to your personal artistic development to take a look at work which is significantly different to that which you are used to seeing. Never discredit more traditional artists if you tend to work in a more modern style – often these works can be particularly useful in helping to expand upon your existing style. Personnally I could never have too much of the Pre-Raphalites.

Traditional? But, definitely inspiring!

Whilst art exhibitions can be great for exploring the works of a particular artist or era, don’t forget to pay good attention to the artistic beauty which is exhibited all around us on a daily basis. You might find that you are inspired by a beautiful landscape in your local park. On the other hand, you might gain new ideas while browsing the beautiful jewellery at somewhere like 77 Diamonds. The nature of the art which you are aiming to create is likely to effect the sources of your inspiration, but making sure that you are always open to new ideas can be a great way to encounter a fresh perspective during your daily routine.

Damien Hirst's jewel encrusted skull.

In order to be able to put your inspirations to good use, it can pay to be well prepared. If you visit an inspiration, then you might choose to buy postcards of one or two of your favourite pieces, like I did during my visit to Alice at the Tate Liverpool. It can also be helpful to make sure you always carry a notepad, or even a camera (hey! I finally got a new one as a present from our son), with you, so that you can record your ideas.

I've a new camera and a trusty old notebook.

Assemblage Art Dress 3D Bodice

Looking at my art dresses recently, I thought they might look better if the bodice more accuraltely reflected the contours of the human body.  After a few attempts I ended up making this piece, which I think is a move in the right direction.

Trying to get more body

I’ve put up the usual shots below but, I’m not sure if these pictures show that well, the difference between the bodice of this piece and my previous pieces.  Also my apologies if some of them are blurred.

(Tom chose the title of this blog)