original artwork – Bluebird Hill Art

Embroidered Dish Towels

I finally also finished up this embroidered anatomical heart dish towel for my sister. It was fun to use the metallic thread for some contrasting red. I embroidered these two towels for my mom a couple of years ago, but am so behind on cataloging and documenting my art. Someday this might be more timely…

Winter Window Cat

Collage/mixed media is my favorite media. Cats in windows and winter are some favorite subject matter. I combined these favorites with a new (to me) technique to make this small and cozy artwork of a cat napping in a house plant. I wanted a window that had a glass-like texture. I have used gloss gel mediumContinue reading “Winter Window Cat”

Assemblage Box & Collage Card

This past fall, I created an assemblage box with natural items from beaches and fields and river beds. I started by taking apart an old cigar box and painting the lid black with acrylic paint. Next, I collaged a section of torn paper from an old book explaining how to play bridge. I wanted thisContinue reading “Assemblage Box & Collage Card”

Sun Prints

I always strive for outdoors and creative play rather than screen time, in an effort to prevent my kids from becoming screen zombies during the most beautiful weather of the Midwest summer. I don’t know about anyone else’s kids, but mine turn in heaps of sobbing and arguing messes after any amount of screen time.Continue reading “Sun Prints”

Winter Mixed Media Art

I have been squeezing in studio time as much as I am able to these days. I keep stalling out on a now years-long project with a winter solstice theme. I am more than halfway through the project, however I have a few images in this series that just need a complete do-over. This wasContinue reading “Winter Mixed Media Art”

Nebraska Embroidery

With the start of the school year looming, I’m trying to wrap up some unfinished projects around here. This particular embroidery was started over spring break. I tried to add a few details, but ultimately ended up ripping them all out, and instead opting for a simple landscape. You can find it for sale here.Continue reading “Nebraska Embroidery”

Cheese & Macaroni

I just wrapped up a printmaking class at the Des Moines Art Center. I’ve done relief printing most of my life, but wanted to dive deeper into other printmaking techniques. My new-found printmaking love is a modern lithography technique called pronto plate. The pronto plate is drawn on with Sharpie and then taped to aContinue reading “Cheese & Macaroni”

Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day

I’ve been using printmaking to make Valentine’s since I was a kid – maybe started this tradition when I was in 3rd grade? My parents were always into printmaking and they thankfully taught me linocut early on. This year I had to go with the masked theme. Some of these will be available in theContinue reading “Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day”

Neuron

This neuron is the second round from a much earlier embroidery that was never completely satisfied with the outcome. I started with the leg of some worn out pants. This gray would prove to be a good choice when I decided to make this a functional artwork and not a wall hanging. The pouches areContinue reading “Neuron”

Superior Rocks

Oof this artwork was a long time in the making. It was one that took so much waiting between layers and materials that I stalled out many times. The rocks are a mixture of magazine collage, collage from paintings, and real lake stones. The water is layers of tissue paper, acrylic paint, and gel medium.