Time for a change...

*Sigh* I think my love affair with plaster is cooling off. When I first started casting pieces in late Spring, it was all so new and exciting! Now, it seems that the market has become so saturated, even I'm getting weary from seeing all the plaster "Dia de los Muertos" pieces. I will still be making my skull candle holders, because I love giving them each their own personality. I will also add an occasional, different plaster piece here and there. Just a little less than before, because I'm feeling a desire to return to my original love...WOOD! Yes, functional wood pieces and paintings. So, to begin my transition to my new, but old passion, I've created a bread box (in "Dia de los Muertos" theme, of course!). It's on eBay at the moment, and I've been busy creating both wood and plaster pieces this week. I'm off to get back to it....

Springtime in November!

This week, I was inspired to create pieces that are reminiscent of Spring. This is my first flower pot, it's made of clay and is painted with vibrantly colored skulls.



I also created a skull candle holder that features honey bees and wildflowers.



Both pieces are listed on eBay, a little something to remind you of Springtime during the coming Winter chill!

Senorita Muerte

I saved a "Southern Belle" from her kitschy fate and gave her a new life as "Senorita Muerte". I'm very pleased with her transformation, and I just listed her on eBay this evening. I think she'd make a beautiful altar piece. I almost kept her for myself. ;-)

Before:



After:

Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead is quickly approaching (Nov. 2nd), and I've been quite busy creating custom sugar skulls and various decorative pieces. I'm hoping to create an altar in memory of my Grandfather this year. To create your own traditional altar, you'll need: a photo of your departed loved one, a food offering (their favorite food perhaps), candles, marigold flowers, and a sugar skull (often these skulls will feature the loved ones name). However, your altar is personal, and you can have whatever you'd like. It's about your memories and what brings you closest to your loved one. I've added a link to a video that shows some very large altars, and explains the meaning behind "Dia de los Muertos":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIriLTyoaC0

Life After The Festival...

Just got home after a wonderful trip to the coast with my boyfriend! It was a much needed chance to relax, after 3 months of intense focus on the Pecan St. Art Festival. The festival was a great success, and it was a fun weekend. :-) I enjoyed meeting everyone, and a big "THANK YOU" goes out to those who came to my booth and supported my art! What remained of the items in my booth are listed on eBay and Etsy. However, a few larger pieces are not, so if you saw something you liked-please contact me, I may still have it available. Starting next week, I will be creating all new pieces. I'm looking forward to getting back into it!

3 weeks left...the countdown begins!

I haven't blogged in awhile, I've been working hard! My sugar skull army is coming along nicely, I'm so pleased that I'll actually reach my plaster goal for the Pecan St. Art Fest . Whether, I'll get all my furniture pieces completed is another story....Despite the "stress" of creating a booth full of Leila originals, while maintaining my regular weekly pieces to sell-I couldn't be more thankful to have my days filled with art. For so long, I was unhappy in the daily grind of a desk job. I decided to take the leap, and I'm so happy and grateful to the awesome people that have appreciated and purchased my art. They've made my new life possible, THANK YOU!




My Etsy store is temporarily empty, but after the festival (late September), it will be re-stocked with new hand painted treasures. I also have my last eBay listing up for awhile this week. I will re-appear on eBay in late September as well, with my "Dia de los Muertos" plaster pieces and larger wood pieces (bread boxes, plaques, altars, etc.). I'll be back! :-)

Two Heads Are Better Than One...

My creations from this past week were all about pairs. Hmmm, I guess I like the idea of dynamic duo's and polar opposites.

Introducing LOVE & HATE:



HEART LOCK & SKELETON KEY: