Artist Renee Mak

Happy Friday Bloggers! Last week came and went without me even knowing what day it was!   With the start of the fabulous Valley Junction Farmer's Market on Thursday nights and the planning of my son's graduation party... I missed Paint Party Friday ... But not today! So this week I went back to my love of nature, music and collage.  I've done very large mixed media collage paintings with this little page of music from an old hymnal... but today it finds it's home on two hand made bird houses! I simply began by tearing the paper and applying it with a glue medium.  I imagine two little love birds moving in and starting a family here! Wouldn't it be great if our houses could be infused with music the way these are! For my next step I add white and some marks...  As sweet as the white looks, I always go for color... lots of color!  Stenciled dots... and flowers... and bright fluorescent pink and green!...

Happy Friday!  This past two weeks I've been revisiting some of my archived work and have been selecting some designs to use in an upcoming project! Spring always inspires me to think about the newness of things and this year is no different.  So bringing back some of my favorite paintings and giving them new life is exciting! These bright colors and patterns will soon bloom onto a new surface and have a new purpose! Stay tuned for the results!   In the meantime, I wish everyone a fabulous Easter weekend filled with good things!!! Happy Paint Party Friday ... Blessings on you all! xoxo

Here's a tiny peek of what I'm currently working on... I often start several projects and work on them as I have time or when inspiration calls! While I was waiting for something else to dry I started three yellow and white canvases.  I have a hazy plan for them but will allow them to unfold as they will.  I also began work on a 36" x 36" canvas I started last summer! The vision for this painting finally came to me with the promise of Spring... and so, more happy flowers! What are you working on today?  I hope everyone takes time to create and spread happiness... xoxo

"Trash to Treasure Mixed Media Class" Here are some of the classes I'm currently teaching and where! Classes offered through West Des Moines Community Education:   LEARNwest Winter/Spring Catalog 2012 Trash to Treasure~ Mixed Media Canvas! Wednesday February 1, 2012 7:00-9:00pm Create a fabulous mixed media collage painting using acrylic  paint and recycled items like used gift wrap, bubble wrap,  and even a used coffee cup! This workshop includes  all the materials, easy step-by-step instructions, and you will leave with a finished piece of artwork ready to hang on the wall!  NEW!    Vintage Photo Pendant Necklace   Wednesday February 8, 2012 7:00-9:00pm Do you love the look of old photos and all things vintage?  Now you can learn how to turn vintage photos into fabulous pendant necklaces in this  easy to understand, step-by-step workshop...

When I think of Spring I think of warmer days... of light blue skies, tiny pink and purple flowers, Tiny Blue Flower and tiny turquoise robin eggs! Spring Jewelry I also pull Spring clothes out from the back of the closet... darker jewel tones give way to light, bright and airy colors. Dazzling Blues This one of a kind jewelry is like a breath of fresh air  after a long cold winter! Clear Blue Water It's light, bright and airy like the new season! Aqua Ice I say "welcome" to the first day of Spring and  all that it brings! What's your favorite thing about Spring???

Remember what it was like, as a child, on the sunniest, hottest, longest day of summer? When even the flies were too hot to fly? Are you there yet? Now... imagine a frosty, cold,  juicy  orange popsicle! That's what this fabulous Etsy treasury reminds me of!   Hope you like it! '"Orange" you glad you took a look!!!' by fussitup When I think of the color ORANGE, I always think JUICY! Haha...but here are a few fabulously fresh orange ideas to get you ready for the warmer weather! Enjoy... Orange Vintage Acrylic Dome ... ...

Hey there… Happy Thursday!  Today I’ve decided to show some of my favorite items on Etsy… which I put into a treasury!  They’re fun, flirty and fabulous and will be candy for your eyes! ‘Thursday Treasures!!!’  by  fussitup Some of my FAVORITE things! Hope you enjoy them too! Swash Buckle    deckhanddesign… $25.00 rock candy    ArtigianoJewel… $425.00 Crochet Leg Warmers with Sti…    mademoiselleme… $35.00 Sea Rain -Abstract Painting …    galleryzooart $55.00 MarveLes Art Journal Quilt B…    marveles $125.00 Soft Lullaby – Upcycled – Vi…    timelessNchic $ SERENITY- matted 11 x14 sign…    bohoarte $20.00 Tribal charms in Hmong style    Tribalmade $10.00 5″ x 5″ Original M…    sarahkiser $10.00 Hot Pink Rose Flower And a …    roomofyourown $ SALE I Have a Story to Tell …    LolasRoom $12.50 Artisan Silk Wrist Cuff – Re…    loclava $44.95 My Fri...