Where Artistic Memories Begin by PAM HAIRFIELD

"Vintage Beginnings" is a place for me to document and share my thoughts, family, inspirations and creativity. They "begin" here for your enjoyment, as well as mine and some day, they will be "vintage" and hopefully, a link to my history.







MIXED MEDIA ARTIST

My photo
My name is Pam Hairfield. I have been creating most all my life, from paper crafts to sewing to needle work and everything else, in between. I would describe myself as a versatile, Mixed Media Artist. I have previously volunteered my time and craft experiences with senior citizens and as a leader in Girl and Boy Scouts. It gave me great satisfaction. Since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 12 years ago and having to retire from nursing, my passion for creativity and self expression has kept my mind and heart open. I am consistently discovering new art techniques and perspectives, by taking workshops, reading, experimenting and sharing with other artists. This not only fulfills my own satisfaction, but will allow me to share my learned knowledge and encourage the process and creativity with others. I live with my loving husband of 28 years, who supports all my quirky ideas and 3 rescued dogs, Cody, Sam and Lily. I have three married children, 2 grandchildren and a third due next February. My life is full and I couldn’t be any happier!

Friday, March 4, 2011

JUST PLAIN FICKLED

I can't believe how the time is flying! It was YESTERDAY when I had 7 months to prepare for my daughter's wedding.... it's now 4 weeks from TOMORROW..... where did TODAY go????
Last week when I was finishing up the invitations, I realized I had the wrong date for RSVP's...... so...... I printed out new ones.... then.... I decided the cardstock was too dark.... off to get more cardstock! Ribbon was good, but the flowers needed to have more contrast..... so..... off to get new flowers! I thought I had made enough changes.... I THOUGHT.... well, then I remembered the new Hero Arts swirl stamp I had bought. Hmmmm, just maybe?.... PERFECT! So here's the final result........


You see.... I am fickle, as fickle as one can get. I don't tear things up and change them often, but I will if I need to. Why?..... because I can... and that's me.

Monday, February 28, 2011

A BORROWED PASSAGE

Today I borrow a passage from (I'm Just a Girl-Blog), written by Margy Romney-Aslett. I couldn't have said it any better.

Margie; "life keeps happening...

regardless of how we "think" is should go...

or how we want it to go...

i make plans...

write long to-do lists...

have big goals...

then i am reminded...

i am not really that in control of life...

some things yes..." (MR-A)



Margie; "life is crazy...

sometimes we are in charge...

sometimes we are brought to our knees...

reminded who's the boss..." (MR-A)

Some of the events in life, the last few weeks, have literally brought me to my knees a few times. I'm not looking for sympathy... just sayin and documenting... to remind me of how life can be knocked out of line, on such short notice.

I ask... "How much can a person take, when so much is taken from them". My daughter has faced sadness and loss, three times in the last month. This is suppose to be a happy and joyful time in her life... she is to be married in 5 weeks.

To my Baby Girl... I wish for you to lean on the people, who love you most... to draw strength and encouragement... to heal from within...
I love you,
Mom

Monday, February 14, 2011

DEFINITION / VALENTINE

a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day; "will you be my valentine?"

Saturday, February 12, 2011

FLICK AND BLEND

Yesterday's "WORD" of the day was, "FLICK". This is a term used in the COPIC world. An artistic term, meaning use the side of the brush to lay down heavy ink and then swish up and lift off quickly. Or... something like that. We have cool colors, warm colors, various gray shading, base color, highlights and low lights! Then we have blending, feathering, creating textures and transparency techniques... "Oh my!" My head was spinning... I wanted to try it all! I took notes, scribbled a few sketches and played with some color.
Now, after two and a half hours of hair-splitting decisions of "to shade or not to shade"... I think I am a master! Hahaha.... NOT, NOT, NOT!!!!!
I picked up a couple shades of gray, to add more depth and life to my existing colors. Now to practice, and believe me, I need A LOT of practice! Best of all, a Thank You to Sally Lynn MacDonald for putting on a fantastic workshop.


The example I did in class...


A few extra trinkets and stamps I bought!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

TIDBITS AND TRINKETS


Today, I finished up the ATC's from last night's meet. For those of you wondering what ATC's are(?), well, Artist Trading Cards. Small file cards like the one's you find in a Rolodex, except these are altered with various types of mediums, trinkets, inks, etc. Just fun, little tidbits to spur creativity and display. Some people actually make multiples of the same card and swap them. I prefer to make one set and keep them for inspiration. The four I made are altered from the original design. (I don't know the name of original credit) Anyhow, I am not going to post pictures of the originals, but my own take on them. You see, I have a "habit" of never following the exact instructions given to me. I prefer to stray "off the road" a bit and make things a little more personalized to me!