Mixing and Mingling: Talking About Transitions

I loved doing my assemblages. I have a few more that I would love to create, then I am moving on to other areas in art. I just read "Mixed-Media Dollhouses: techniques and ideas for doll-size assemblages" by Tally Oliveau and Julie Molina; and published by Quarry Books. I absolutely love this book! These dollhouses are another type of assemblage that I am looking forward to doing. I haven't decided when I will start my first mixed-media dollhouse but I do plan on doing at least one this summer. I have already sketched the "blueprints" out.

My current project is working with button rings and jewelry. Vintage, contemporary, and some may look gaudy but to me they look very pretty(my tribute to Penelope G. on Criminal Minds - she is a great role model!). I have been using old buttons, pieces of old and/or broken earrings and pins/brooches, new earrings, dragonfly charms, and new buttons. I have about 60 finished rings. I am going to make an attempt at Steampunk jewelry, and also metal stampings. A little exploring in this area, and then I will be making another transition. Either a new art/jewelry technique, but using the materials and supplies that I already have. My life changes everyday, so why not incorporate those changes into new forms of artwork. "Mixing and mingling " is going to be my motto for my anticipated art and jewelry techniques.

I want to tell that I am picking up a lot of endless information on YouTube. (Yes, I am just now discovering that YouTube has a lot of info that is a must for every artist to put in their knowledge database. If you want to learn something new, YouTube is the place to go. In fact it has become one of my favs online every night for the past week.)

Tell me about some of your latest art techniques. You don't have to give up all your secrets, just give me one that you think I might like, and that you are crazy about.