You know you're an artist when....

You know you're an artist when your husband gives you an upright belt sander, a book on beetles, and letter & number die stamps, and you're pleased as punch. Or at least, that's my take on my Christmas haul.

Okay, so I'm a rather eclectic artist, I will admit. Even my friends who know me well looked at me oddly when they saw the belt sander under the tree. It's something I've wanted since my stint at Penland in 2008 and the few days we spent in Robert Dancik's class. The belt sander makes it so much easier to work with concrete, resins, epoxys and paper mache to make specialty cabochons, beads, and other unique focal items for my work. And more than anything, it's simply fun to play with! Isn't that what Christmas is about?



The book on beetles is Living Jewels 2, an absolutely amazing collection of macro photos by photographer Poul Beckman. The colors, designs and patterns are simply stunning, and a definite source for inspiration. Sometimes a little disturbing, but that can be good too. This is a large book, over 13 inches tall, and several of the beetles span the entire page - there are even a few that fill a two-page spread. As beautiful as they are, I am eternally grateful that they come much smaller in real life! Makes me want to break out the oil sticks.

So what wonderful oddness did you find under your tree?