Mojave Photos

I devoted today to photography. I hiked through the desert taking photos of cacti, mountain ranges, and found objects. I posted them here: Hypnokitty I'll put a few in my blog in case you don't feel like hopping around. I'd love to get a better camera. This one hasn't been the same since I smacked it on a rock a few months ago. I feel stifled as a photographer.
I think my father had a lighter like this when I was a kid. Does anyone recognize it?

Recognize this lighter?

Pencil Cactus

Beetle

Dinosaur

Steampunk Assemblages

Right now it is colder in my house than it is outside. So as soon as I make my two daily blog posts, I’m going out in the sunshine to thaw out. The front porch thermometer says its 55 degrees in the shade. Guy said his container thermometer says 84. Hard to believe. But it’s metal and in the sun.

I’m inspired after reading a book called Altered Oddities last night. It’s a craft book with all kinds of odd mixed media collages and assemblages in it. It’s weird and wonderful in a Tim Burton sort of way. And I really wanted to know more about resin casting, metal patinas and bezel making, which she covers in great detail in the book.  The stuff is very Steampunk looking as well. So today I’m going to see what I can do in the manner of her book. Most of the supplies and tools I own, but some I will have to get for the patina finishes and rusty bits.

Junk Jewelry

I've been enjoying the book Junk Jewelry by Jane Eldershaw that I checked out from the library. I was able to find some of the findings for the projects in it at Tall Mouse today in Cerritos. I also got some bass wood for carving marionettes, a book on brush stroke techniques, some beads, and a great rubber stamp in the art nouveau style. I believe it might be Artemis/Diana. I can't wait to emboss it on some cards. Tall Mouse had a 50% off sale today on everything. So tomorrow I hope to spend 8 hours on art projects, since I'm way behind. I think I'll start working on the craft tutorials for 2 hours each day, and then I won't feel so guilty working on other projects. But since it is after midnight already, I'm going to call it a night.
Happy Crafting!