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Saturday, October 29, 2011

playing with plaster

I have been playing this past week with Stephanie Lee in her latest mini e-class 
Handbook of Elements.
Oh, it's been way fun....causing me to have ideas floating in and out of 
my head faster than the speed of light.
Maybe you saw the picture I posted on Facebook last week after our monthly
Rowdy Art Sisters get-together.
Red brass etched using two different rubber stamps~one primitive shell, the other, 
a short row of starfish.
I knew that shell stamp would end up in a project in the not too distant future.
And, it did...this past week.
My own little Handbook of Elements called
Primitive Shell.
No, it isn't quite finished, there's book binding to do...then adding some
of my favorite elements onto the spine,
which I will do in due time, which makes me giddy with anticipation.
 Rosey Locket 
(front and back cover shots above)
was also born this week.
I had to make more than one book to put all these pages into.
 Wonderful plaster pages.
Oh, yes...plaster is fun AND messy.
The fact is that it wasn't my first time 
to make plaster pages.
I actually had taken an evening class at Art and Soul in Hampton, Virginia 
in 2008 with Stephanie, called just that, Plaster Pages.
I never used them in a project, but I did keep the pages I made that night.
(Can't tell you how many times I almost threw them out).
These pages are much bigger, and a bit different.
But, now I know what I'll be doing with them, and it won't be making a 
Handbook of Elements.  We learned way more than that in this class. 
You know Stephanie, there just isn't an end to her generosity.
So....my handbooks above measure 3"x4".  They are a perfect little size.
The pages I made over 3 years ago measure double that!
Here was our set-up for drying our plasterly pages back then.
And, here's how my pages look today, which have been wrapped up in bubble wrap under a dresser in my spare bedroom, from 2008!
Ohhh....I've got some way BIGGER plans for these!

22 comments:

Jen Crossley said...

Looks amazing Diane,I did this class with Steph when she came to Australia she is such a talented girl that one like you.xx

stregata said...

They look delightful, Diane! Can't wait to see how your books progress. And what you have in store for the big pages...

Charlene said...

Soooooooooooooo cool! Wish I could have joined the Roudy Art Sisters! Life has been crazy! Stop the merry go round! HUGS!
Charlene

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Diane those look so fun all together ~ what a great project!

Charmingdesigns said...

Hi, I'm taking Stephanies class too, your third picture down, what is the beautiful design on the left edge, is it metal edging or a stamp> Its beautiful

Beadbug said...

Beautiful work.

Alice said...

Oh my goodness, how fun this looks! Your handmade book is just lovely. And even though your plaster pages are blank, the photo of them all lined up is lovely.

I can't wait to see how your book comes along.

Kim Stevens said...

Oh when I saw her little plaster book at Adorn me, I've been wanting to do this with some of my photos ever since. I have so many ideas for my nature books! Love your etched front and back covers Diane!!

SoulsFireDesigns said...

Oh my gosh! That looks like such fun! And the covers are beautiful! Can't wait to see what you do with the big ones!

Shirley said...

Seriously drooling over that little book! I've never seen plaster pages before. I just love the back and front covers.

Chris said...

Wonderful projects~~I bet you are having amazing messy fun fun fun~ I'm glad you shared these pics....what a wonderful technique.

Kathleen Conard said...

I am in Stephanie's class, too. I haven't been able to start yet and am blown away by what you have done already. I can't believe the company of artists I have found myself in, in this group.

I will be visiting your blog often - didn't get a chance to take a good look and there is so much to see!

Can't wait to see what else you come up with . . .

Cindy said...

Diane, it sounds like you are having a blast in Stephanie's latest course. The plaster does sound like a fun medium to work with. Looking forward to more of your plaster creations!

Riki Schumacher said...

Great job on your covers. I can't wait to play! All I need are 36 hours in every day!! Another wonderful Steph class, she rocks. So do you! Riki xox

Stephanie Lee said...

Awesome work Diane!! (As if you are capable of anything less than awesome...) :) I love hearing how you liked the class and the wonderful pieces you are creating from it! :)
ox

Stephanie Lee said...

Awesome work, Diane! (As if you are capable of anything less than awesome) :) Thanks so much for sharing your progress! I love seeing it!
ox

Lori Anderson said...

So, so, so much to love!

Susan Sager Brown said...

Diane, this is fantastic! the etching is gorgeous!! Your work is so unique, and so beautifully crafted!! xoS

VS said...

Your ALWAYS playing with something, why am I not surprised that your now playin with plaster!!! lol
Looks like a good messy & rewardin thing to play at...love it!
Miss you friend...
Hugs,
Susie Q

Lisa said...

Diane,
This is beautiful! I love Judy & Stephanie's book. I love the way you used wire on your pages. Can I copy? I am going to check out that online class right now.
Lisa

Lisa Graham said...

The art and projects and photos on your blog are absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to following!

Cathy said...

I am taking the plaster class also, love your stuff, anyway I too have to challenge myself many times to use what I have and I very often find I like my pieces more,I become soo much more creative