tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29059878490608783082012-02-13T05:30:50.002-06:00Mixed-Media and Assemblage Art created by the altered mind of Jill Marie ShulseJill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.comBlogger981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-20440711911635183282011-11-07T16:05:00.000-06:002011-11-07T16:05:24.692-06:00

 I know, I know...... I go from not posting in almost a year to posting twice in one day!   UPS left a package at the door for me today from Otto Frei.  I've got a birthday coming up in a few weeks, so Mike told me that I should order some tools that I want as a birthday present.  I am a tool junkie, and always have a wish list of things that I'd like, so I went to the Otto Frei website and

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-89034600047140355052011-11-07T06:43:00.002-06:002011-11-07T06:47:02.339-06:00

Remember that pile of components that I was making?  Well, I started turning them into jewelry pieces.  I finished up these earrings last night.  They're made from fluted brass tubing, sterling silver wire, and brass drops. My inspiration for these earrings came from Thomas Mann's "Big Links" workshop that I had taken a few years ago.  He showed us how to make components which are

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-73574568755742496352011-10-30T06:29:00.002-05:002011-10-30T06:38:08.369-05:00

I just got my copy of Thomas Mann's new book, "Metal Artist's Workbench: Demystifying The Jeweler's Saw" in yesterday's mail, and I'm thrilled to say that I have a piece in it!!! I was sooo honored that Tom asked me to create a piece to be included in his book. He told me to make something which involved a lot of piercing, so that's exactly what I did... I wanted to make something really

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-77119378371736284762011-10-10T15:02:00.000-05:002011-10-10T15:15:11.036-05:00

The weather has been so warm and sunny during the past week.  This really has been a beautiful Fall!  Yesterday afternoon, Mike and I went to the Sheboygan Marsh to enjoy the beautiful Fall colors before the trees lose their leaves.  This is the observation tower at the Marsh.  At 80 feet, it's the tallest observation tower in the state of Wisconsin.  Even though I'm afraid of heights, I had no

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-73535981943757266752011-10-10T14:31:00.004-05:002011-10-10T15:17:24.411-05:00

I got in the mood to make components this week.  I'm not sure what this pile is going to turn into yet, but I'm leaning toward a few necklaces.  I'll post pictures when I get this project finished.

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-85121258711916088612011-09-24T15:37:00.001-05:002011-09-24T15:37:22.986-05:00

"How much is that doggie in the window? (Bark! Bark!) The one with the waggely tail How much is the doggie in the window? (Bark! Bark!) I do hope that doggie's for sale."   We've got a new member of the family, and his name is Oscar.  We really weren't planning on getting yet another dog to add to the mix, but it happened anyway.....   It actually happened about a month ago, when

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-4722681603849193982011-08-26T08:06:00.051-05:002011-08-26T19:41:41.588-05:00

Last week, I had the privilege of once again assisting Thomas Mann with three workshops being offered at Fine Line Creative Art Studio in St. Charles, Illinois. I have to confess that I had never heard of Fine Line, so I really didn't know what to expect. But as I was pulling into the driveway, I could see what a beautiful setting it was. There were beds of wildflowers landscaped all

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-57282798636078824582010-10-21T12:18:00.016-05:002010-10-21T12:44:06.353-05:00

This past weekend, I attended Thomas Mann's "BIG Links" Workshop at Valley Ridge. We learned how to constuct and solder together heavy gauge wire and tubing to make some really cool links which can be used in jewelry. Tom also showed us how to make links from acrylic sheet, and how to make and set large tube rivets into them. On Saturday evening, we had a wonderful treat - Tom hosted a dinner

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-83776611540888482092010-08-12T16:06:00.022-05:002010-08-12T16:52:43.671-05:00

Late one Sunday morning a few weeks ago, I was on my way to my daughter's place, to drop off something for her. As I was driving along, I noticed a sign. It said "Treasure Finder's Sale." I made a mental note to investigate it on my way back home. So, when I got to where I saw the sign, I followed it and it led me to a house in Waldo. I arrived there at 11:55 a.m.I wasn't sure what to expect as I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-83606067471625893522010-07-13T17:55:00.041-05:002010-07-13T19:22:26.735-05:00

This past weekend, I made the familiar trek to Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin. This trip was to take the workshop, "Hunter, Gatherer, Maker - The Art of Found Object Assemblage" with Jane Wynn. I had never met Jane before, so it was exciting to get to know her and be in her class. She has a book out entitled, "Altered Curiosities." I had planned on being at this workshop since last

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-77373960182312903022010-06-15T12:50:00.022-05:002010-06-16T10:01:59.962-05:00

Last week was the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I was there the entire week working with Thomas Mann. I assisted him with his "Learn to Saw" workshop and "Container to Wear" workshop during the week, and also helped set up and work in his booth during the show. His booth was set up the same as it was last year, with a workbench set up in the front where we gave sawing demos,

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-45448074560854188792010-05-21T06:41:00.025-05:002010-05-21T07:36:36.837-05:00

"If you think dogs can't count,try putting three doggie treats in your pocket,and then give him onlytwo of them!"-Phil PastoretThis past Sunday, Mike and I put the 'boyz' in the car and headed for Milwaukee Pugfest. Both Popeye and Junior were not happy campers on the ride to Milwaukee. They both had on their harnesses that the seatbelts go thru, so they were both strapped in the back seat. They

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-35782200834354776872010-05-06T07:32:00.007-05:002010-05-06T08:09:41.381-05:00

"Happiness comes of the capacityto feel deeply,to enjoy simply,to think freely,to risk life,to be needed."- Storm JamesonFor the past three days, I've had the pleasure of being able to watch a family of geese in our backyard. It's a father, mother, and their five little fuzzy yellow babies. Each day, they wander about, enjoying the sunshine and the lush green grass. This is the first year that

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-46926793369988679382010-05-05T07:46:00.031-05:002010-05-05T19:44:21.325-05:00

This past weekend I taught my first workshop, "Re-sin-blage': A Charming Exercise in Jewelry Adornments" at Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin. It was a two-day workshop focusing on making charms with resin, as well as basic metalsmithing techniques used to construct a piece of jewelry. We spent the first day learning about the many ways in which resin can be used, and made molds to

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-2872630124715208742010-04-21T08:35:00.019-05:002010-04-21T09:19:23.621-05:00

It was 'old home week' at Valley Ridge Art Studio this past weekend, where I attended my first workshop of the season. Stacey Webber, an amazing metalsmith, showed us how to form and solder shapes in her workshop entitled, "Spheres, Cones, and Cubes...Oh My!" A really cool bonus was that all the gals participating in the workshop were 'veterans' of Valley Ridge...we all have taken many workshops

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-7940618561681486722010-04-02T07:32:00.007-05:002010-04-02T08:15:42.751-05:00

I am going to be teaching a workshop entitled "Re-sin-blage: a charming exercise in jewelry adornments" on Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, 2010, at Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin. Come and experience the magic of creating resin objects. We'll make molds, fill bezel cups, and will explore the myriad of ways in which resin can be used. We will transform objects into elements which

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-15796532885240574812010-01-25T10:09:00.018-06:002010-01-27T10:07:24.865-06:00

Yesterday was the opening of "Eight Counties" at the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I was amazed at the tremendous turnout for the event! The Art Center provided a beautiful spread of fresh fruit platters, veggie platters, quiche, assorted cheeses, dips, and crackers, which they kept replenishing. Later in the day they added a wonderful assortment of brownies and cookies

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-55406128759526472392010-01-17T14:01:00.013-06:002010-01-17T14:34:01.793-06:00

"Art is the desire of manto express himself,to record the reactions ofhis personalityto the world he lives in."-Amy Lowell This is the latest jewelry piece that I have made. It is a pendant comprised of a vintage lens shutter, an old speed regulator plate (from who-knows-what), a small antique key, some sort of plumbing part, an old photograph, and etched bronze sheet. It is suspended on a 5mm

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-37494350737236828802010-01-02T13:15:00.028-06:002010-01-03T08:26:29.262-06:00

Now that Christmas has come and gone, I can post the two jewelry pieces that I made for my sister. The first piece is a pendant of our mom when she was a teenager. This picture was one of our dad's favorites of our mom, and he had it framed and on his dresser for as long as I can remember. To make the piece, I designed and cut a pattern to frame the picture from copper and nickel sheet, etched

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-38821645851981218472009-12-15T11:11:00.005-06:002009-12-17T16:41:09.809-06:00

I am honored to have one of my neckpieces selected to be in the upcoming exhibit, "Eight Counties," at the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. 520 artists submitted 1,550 pieces of artwork for consideration, so I am thrilled that my neckpiece made the cut. Held in the Art Center's Collections & Community Galleries, the juried exhibition will present the final selection of

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-47053420223658335212009-12-07T10:53:00.017-06:002009-12-07T12:07:09.948-06:00

"Art is the result of a creative impulse derived out of a consciousness of life." - John Sloan Registration for classes for the 2010 season opens today at Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin, and I am privileged to be one of the instructors they invited to teach there. I will be there May 1 and 2, 2010 teaching the workshop, "Re-sin-blage: a charming exercise in jewelry adornments." (

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-41582516789378075342009-12-05T05:53:00.024-06:002009-12-05T07:11:09.643-06:00

"There is no wilderness like a life without friends. Friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes. It is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul." - Beltasar GracianMy friend and fellow artist, Bernie Berlin, rolled in from Tennessee yesterday after delivering a precious cargo of dogs to Chicago. I hadn't seen Bernie in ages, so I was excited to get together with

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-21256409196008179862009-12-03T13:54:00.003-06:002009-12-03T13:58:05.715-06:00

My husband just got fired from his job, and for no reason! The boss didn't even do it himself...he had another employee over Mike do his dirty work for him.Yeah...Merry Christmas...

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-41827747188250791032009-12-01T18:20:00.010-06:002009-12-01T18:59:02.816-06:00

"A true friend is the best possession."-Anon.Today, my friend Kim came over for one of our usual 'playdates' in my studio. We spent the entire afternoon working on projects and catching up with each other. Because my birthday was last week, she came over bearing gifts. Here is what she brought for me: It was all tucked inside this wooden cigar box, topped with a bow (recycled from a gift I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-29927264081903386542009-11-09T12:16:00.023-06:002009-11-09T13:18:41.791-06:00

Last night, I returned home from Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin, where I took my last workshop of the year. I usually only take metalsmithing/jewelry workshops, but this time I went 'out of the norm' and chose to take a bookmaking class by Shanna Leino. We each assembled a book, but the focus of the class was really on making different types of clasps, hinges, and other decorative

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-15188039671537363422009-10-31T12:21:00.006-05:002009-10-31T12:55:35.315-05:00

Yesterday, I had the privilege of assisting Thomas Mann again in teaching his "Found Object Sandwich" workshop. He was the keynote speaker at the National Art Education Association Conference, which was held at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. He held a special workshop on the last day of the conference for 20 art teachers who came from all different areas of the state. It was a busy

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-36619469021862209172009-10-29T10:06:00.000-05:002009-10-31T12:20:56.326-05:00

"I wish to be of serviceto the artists of our own day,by showing them how a small beginningleads to the highest elevation..."- Giorgio VasariI am finally beginning to get back in the groove again with my art. I'm still going to physical therapy several times a week for my shoulder, but I am now beginning to work with wire and sawing metal again - in moderation.I had registered for quite a few

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-88461149678599136372009-10-12T08:38:00.020-05:002009-10-19T19:26:28.402-05:00

"Who's Your Dada? - Redefining the Doll through Mixed Media" by Opie and Linda O'Brien is now available at Amazon.com or at your local Barnes and Noble Bookstore. And I am proud to be one of the guest artists featured in it. Each artist that they invited to contribute to the book had to make an 'odd doll' - something created with objects that took on the form of a doll. And this is the piece that

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-17923289736404665882009-10-12T07:24:00.005-05:002009-10-12T08:03:52.588-05:00

The auction will go live on eBay at 12:00 am on Oct. 15th, and will end on Oct. 19th. Each piece of artwork is listed as a separate auction. Each piece in the auction has the title "Party Animals Auction" so when you enter that search keyword, everything should come up. Check out my July 28th post for more info!!!

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-85153086754269194652009-09-24T23:53:00.011-05:002009-09-29T03:25:34.147-05:00

It has been a long and painful recovery since I had my shoulder surgery. And what made matters worse was that I also had another unrelated health problem that cropped up after my surgery which caused me to be bedridden for about a month. So the first four weeks, I was camped out in the bedroom. My two little 'boyz' were always eager to visit me, but when I wasn't up to having them playing on

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-22429693381451035322009-08-01T08:45:00.006-05:002009-08-01T09:13:39.465-05:00

yes, this is me at my worst. i had my surgery this past wednesday and now starts the healing process. i am left-handed, so i feel really helpless. i can't even wear a normal shirt. i was having a lot of pain in my left shoulder for about the last 3 or 4 months, and cortisone shots weren't working. i had an mri done on it, and it showed my collarbone was irritating my ac joint, so the doctor

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-83534515074144426632009-07-28T10:04:00.036-05:002009-07-28T11:47:48.616-05:00

Artwork Zine and Auction to Benefit"A Place to Bark"Earlier this year, I was contacted by Jill Beninato, an Artist/Pet Photographer, who was putting together a project to support Bernie Berlin's "A Place To Bark" animal rescue. Jill invited myself, along with 20 other artists to create an original piece of artwork based on the "Party Animals" theme, using any medium we wanted. I was thrilled to

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-38644857818972887962009-06-29T15:00:00.016-05:002009-06-29T16:10:05.151-05:00

"So always look for the silver liningAnd try to find the sunny side of life."~ P. G. WodehouseThis morning I woke up bright and early and let my little boyz, Popeye and Junior, out for their morning "pee". I then fed them, and went outside to sit on our deck, enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of the river. I have a number of bird feeders hanging out there, and love to watch the pretty birds

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-9773125971579948022009-06-17T10:47:00.005-05:002009-06-17T11:03:06.000-05:00

What a dreary day outside! It's raining, and very gloomy ~ the sort of day you just want to get comfy with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee, and watch a movie or curl up with a good book. I don't really have anything of interest to post today, but I did receive an email yesterday that was very touching...it was one of those forwarded types that just get sent from one person to the next, but it

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-54427514446298913372009-06-09T07:28:00.052-05:002009-06-10T08:46:53.918-05:00

I had the honor of working with Thomas Mann in his 'Studio Flux' booth at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee this past week!! Tom contacted me about a month ago to see if I could help him, and I was thrilled that he asked me!!! I couldn't believe it! The show was open Thursday through Sunday, so by Sunday evening I was really worn out. I have never been to the Bead and Button Show, so when I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-55890211692967567722009-05-26T10:21:00.022-05:002009-05-26T12:30:08.856-05:00

"But the freedom that they fought for,and the country grand they wrought for,Is their monument to-day,and for aye."~Thomas Dunn English I was alone on Memorial Day and didn't know what to do, so I went to the Memorial Day celebration in the small village where I live. Everyone in the community turns out for it. One woman there referred to the day as an annual homecoming because even people who

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-15916522211271131692009-05-23T06:19:00.012-05:002009-05-24T19:06:35.878-05:00

The weather here has been beautiful - great weather for the Memorial Day weekend. This morning, I decided to go to "Maxwell Days" in Cedarburg. It's held 4 times a year, and has been an annual event there for many, many years. It opens at 6:00 a.m., but I didn't arrive there until around 10:30 a.m. In years' past, I would get there when the gates opened to look for the 'best pickings.' It never

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-21775456672394083082009-04-28T14:32:00.009-05:002009-04-28T20:30:52.455-05:00

When A Pet DiesWhen a pet dies, that special place in our heart feels so empty...But we realize, as time passes, that animals have a way of teaching us about loving, about loyalty, joy, and friendship...And whatever we’ve shared in their presencecan never really be lost.AnonymousThis morning Mugsy passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. I'm still in shock and disbelief. I feel so numb and empty.

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-79835643897923696192009-04-25T06:42:00.006-05:002009-04-25T07:09:45.128-05:00

"Creativity can be describedas letting goof certainties."- Gail Sheehy For the past month, I've been in the 'jewelry-making mode.' I spent a lot of time working on a neckpiece for "Iron Wire Jewelry." I am pleased with how it turned out, and had it professionally photographed several weeks ago. I have also been making earrings and charms. This pair of earrings features my husband and myself

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-13374743474794385112009-03-28T19:34:00.008-05:002009-03-29T06:38:44.149-05:00

I wanted to make a piece of jewelry that would be a tribute to my dad's fighting in the Pacific Theater for four years during World War II. I thought a 'booklace' would be wonderful way to capture some of the things he told me. The cover of the piece was done 'ala Thomas Mann style.' I used bronze metal for it, and etched a portion of a letter that he had written to my mom while he was in the

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-17719526952449663432009-03-01T10:20:00.007-06:002009-03-02T05:16:44.402-06:00

"Slowly, gradually, he detached himself,breathing less and less,fainter and fainter;then was he off and free, like a dry leaf from the tree,floating up and away."- Helen Nearing On Friday evening, I suffered a huge loss. The death of my father, George. My dad was 91 years old, and would have celebrated his 92nd birthday on May 2. Although his health was declining over the past several months, his

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-81465015154602382732009-02-26T11:19:00.004-06:002009-02-26T11:36:07.416-06:00

"You cannot govern thecreative impulse;all you can do is toeliminate obstacles andsmooth the way for it."- Kimon Nicolaides This is the latest pendant I finished. I actually started the piece last Fall, but I put it aside and had forgotten about it. The pendant portion was actually very close to completion, so that part didn't take long. I had to figure out what I was going to hang it from,

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-22081373009139918542009-02-21T16:33:00.006-06:002009-02-21T16:53:59.665-06:00

When I checked out Kim's blog, Art Dog's Life this afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised to find she gave me the "Marie Antoinette Award." As she posted in her blog, Marie represents a special woman who is willing to be heard, stands up for what she believes in, and is strong and outspoken. Not to mention she loved cake! I can totally relate to that!!! I met Kim last August at Valley Ridge Art

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-73431095989937259972009-02-01T10:16:00.004-06:002009-02-01T11:45:23.702-06:00

"You begin with thepossibilities of the material,and then you see what they can do;so the Artist is almosta bystander while's he's working."- Robert Rauschenberg Friday afternoon I decided to go to several antiques shoppes before visiting my dad at the nursing home. I really scored at one shop in particular. They were having a 30% off sale on everything in the store. The shop isn't

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-20276139360969243652009-01-30T12:11:00.003-06:002009-01-30T12:15:39.261-06:00

I don't have anything in particular to blog about, but I decided to fool around on my Photoshop program this morning. I confess I don't know what I'm doing, and am too lazy to actually read any instructions. I took a page from an old book, added a photograph of my 4 great-aunts, and added some victorian clipart pansies around the edges. Then I turned it all sepia-colored, and voila!

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-15612158274765911012009-01-22T13:24:00.008-06:002009-01-26T18:12:43.953-06:00

I've been in the mood to alter photographs again. I did this picture the other day, but after I had scanned this picture into my computer for the blog, I went ahead and added more embellishing on it. So this one is the 'bare-bones' copy. I love using my 3 pugs as the characters in my photos. I started working on a few more today, so I'll be posting them in the near future. Little Junior is

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-27614298517536209282009-01-12T09:37:00.012-06:002009-01-12T10:23:57.348-06:00

"I try to take one day at a time,but sometimes several days attack me at once." ~Jennifer YaneThings are still rather hectic around here, but I wanted to post a few pictures of gifts I made for Christmas. My dad still has a long road ahead of him, but he has shown some improvement, and has been moved to a nursing home where he can be cared for until he is able to return home. I don't think that

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-8130615605077120782009-01-05T18:45:00.003-06:002009-01-05T18:50:36.657-06:00

I haven't been posting on my blog lately. My dad is in the hospital and is very ill. I've been going there every day. Things have been hectic around here, and I haven't been on the computer very much. I hope things start improving with his health. That's why I haven't been emailing or blogging. My heart just isn't in it right now.

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-32179962017505717462008-12-25T09:38:00.002-06:002008-12-25T09:41:06.988-06:00

Glitter GraphicsMerry Christmasfrom My HousetoYours!!!

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-39033188973263664002008-12-03T17:40:00.005-06:002008-12-03T18:02:56.308-06:00

"A lot of people like snow.I find it to be an unnecessaryfreezing of water."- Carl ReinerIt snowed again today. I just came in from shoveling our wide driveway and sidewalk. It isn't something that I enjoy doing, either. Fortunately, my son Joe brought over his ATV with the plow blade on it last week for me to use again this Winter. It makes the job a lot more tolerable, but I still have to

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-89624503346956020372008-12-03T00:17:00.007-06:002008-12-03T00:33:14.761-06:00

"The family is one ofnature's masterpieces."-George Santayana(First Official Shulse Family Portrait)l to r: Daddy Mike, Mugsy, Popeye, Mama Jill, and new Baby JuniorI've been busy yesterday and this morning putting the finishing touches on our first family portrait. This is Mike and myself, along with our three little 'love children.' I think little Babycakes has finally got a name. Mike and I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-28338656458218552112008-12-01T11:47:00.007-06:002008-12-01T12:00:00.209-06:00

"Pugs are like potato chips...you can't have just one (or two)!"I had a little surprise happen this past weekend...I guess you could say the 'pug stork' flew over our house again, and we now have a new little baby boy 'puggie' addition to our family. This adorable little guy is 5 months old, and already has a lot of wonderful wrinkles. I must say that daddy was not very excited about the prospect

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-53202188634284575022008-11-28T18:51:00.026-06:002008-11-30T16:16:10.751-06:00

"Thanksgiving is a time ofquiet reflection upon the pastand an annual reminder that God has, again,been ever so faithful.The solid and simple things of lifeare brought into clear focus."- Charles R. Swindoll (Partial shot of the Thanksgiving Dinner. Aren't the water bottles a festive touch?! I don't think Martha Stewart would think that it was 'A Good Thing!')I have so much to be grateful for,

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-11733789699310159442008-11-25T17:45:00.018-06:002008-11-26T07:56:22.407-06:00

"Happy Birthday to me,Happy Birthday to me...." (Our Backyard at 7:00 a.m. on Monday Morning)I celebrated my birthday on Monday, but there wasn't much to celebrate. The day was more like a summary of 'Murphy's Law.' I woke up early in the morning (as usual) to take the boyz, Mugsy and Popeye, out for their morning potty. When I opened the front door, I was shocked to see snow...measurable snow! I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-72190722503653123852008-11-23T11:22:00.007-06:002008-11-23T12:23:14.716-06:00

(Popeye, licking his buddy, Mugsy's ear) (Popeye...The one-eyed mischevious one!) (Sweet Mugsy...you'd never believe this guy was starved, hairless, and near death when Bernie rescued him, would you??)I want to let everyone know that my good friend and fellow artist, Bernie Berlin, currently has several art items listed on eBay to benefit her wonderful cause, "A Place to Bark." Click

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-20152468469948509592008-11-22T18:54:00.003-06:002008-11-22T19:29:28.125-06:00

"A loyal friend laughs at your jokeswhen they're not so good,and symphathizes with your problemswhen they're not so bad."- Arnold H. Glasow I can't believe it's already the 22nd of November!!! Where has the time gone? Even though the sun was shining brightly today, the air was crisp and cold outside. The river in our backyard has frozen over, and there were 3 people behind our house

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-41461476007025720252008-11-18T08:46:00.003-06:002008-11-18T09:06:56.454-06:00

"Friendship" A friend will give you comfortand hours on the phone.A friend knows when you need a hugor want to be left alone. A friend knows when you need an earto just sit there and listen.A friend helps you to calm your fears,and cheers on your ambitions. A friend can make you laugh out loudeven when there's no one aroundA friend is someone who makes you proudof the friend that you have found.

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-90698318119082514862008-11-02T15:46:00.024-06:002008-11-11T11:09:19.189-06:00

"Life is to be fortified by many friendships.To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence."- Sydney Smith(The Raevn's Nest 'Elite' L to R: Bernie Berlin, Kim Nugent, Judy Wise, Michael deMeng, and Laurie Mika)October was certainly a busy month for me. For three weeks in a row, I was busy travelling to different workshops that I had signed up to take, oh so many months ago. It was

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-1707541622444776472008-10-15T17:48:00.031-05:002008-10-15T18:50:23.393-05:00

It's been a busy week for me. Last Tuesday morning, I left for Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin, to attend "Metalsmithing Basics," with Thomas Mann. It was a 3-day workshop, and was focused on honing our skills using the jeweler's saw, and different soldering techniques using an acetylene/oxygen torch. We all were taking extensive notes as Tom was explaining in detail the mechanics

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-14398732750025375912008-10-07T06:48:00.032-05:002008-10-07T07:46:46.788-05:00

"Techniquedoes notexistin itself,It is only thesubstance of thecreativemachinery."- Ansel Adams This morning, I'm packing up the car and heading to Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin. It take about 3 1/2 hours to get there. I'm going to be taking the Thomas Mann workshop, "Metalsmithing Basics." I took a workshop from him last year, and really learned a lot! This workshop is a 3 day

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-29310717816283959672008-10-04T18:18:00.010-05:002008-10-04T18:38:27.652-05:00

"To like and dislike the same things... This is what makes asolid friendship." (Kecia, Kim, and Myself at Valley Ridge - August, 2008)This posting is to Kecia and Kim...You both are such wonderful friends. Many thanks to both of you for sticking up for me!!! There's strength in numbers, and power in friendship. I am swigging my 'JD Downhome Punch' as I'm writing this... and I'm raising up my

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-27769688857690105402008-09-28T20:50:00.008-05:002008-09-28T21:55:27.010-05:00

"Happiness is...Spending the day with my friend,creating art."- Jill Marie Shulse The weather has been spectacular all week, although it is apparent that Fall is here. Even on warm days, you can feel the crispness in the air, and the leaves are beginning to turn color. By 7:00 o'clock in the evening, the sun has gone down, and the chilly darkness sets in.When I got up on Thursday morning, the sun

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-11489032669815595332008-09-23T07:59:00.009-05:002008-09-23T16:51:00.441-05:00

"A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words..." I couldn't resist having some fun with a picture of myself last night. I was on my friend Kim's blog, and she had found this kewl website where you can make yearbook pictures of yourself. I was intrigued by how realistic her pictures looked, so I thought I'd give it a try. Here are the results. Wow, I really changed over the years, huh??? In fact, in 3 of

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-49547809472524228062008-09-19T07:47:00.015-05:002008-09-22T20:59:01.404-05:00

"The object must actpowerfully on the imagination;the artist's feeling expressingitself through the objectmust make the object worthy of interest; it says only what it ismade to say."- Henri Matisse (The Good Eggs - L to R - My Mom, Uncle, Dad, and Grandma)I can finally post some pictures of my artwork. It seems like everything I've been making is always for a publication, so then I'm not able to

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-69480941024203842082008-09-18T16:36:00.008-05:002008-09-18T17:30:35.259-05:00

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.Before him (or her)I may think aloud."- Ralph Waldo Emerson(I'm busy cutting out 43 sets of bird wings - UGH! It took me all afternoon to 'clip their wings!')I have been busy in my studio for the past week, trying to pump out 43 pages for a chunky book swap which will take place at Kim Nugent's "RaeVn's Nest Art Retreat" in Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-91903544069090811562008-09-08T16:25:00.014-05:002008-09-08T17:27:18.028-05:00

"Every mistake has a halfway moment,a split second when it can be recalledand perhaps remedied."- Pearl S. Buck I've been working on the necklace portion of the jewelry piece for Opie and Linda O'Brien's book. The pendant for it is finally finished. I plan on completing the necklace and shipping it off to them this week. Yesterday, I was in 'creative mode,' so I started to design the clasp for

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-81787121856126694042008-09-05T08:29:00.013-05:002008-09-05T22:07:19.000-05:00

"Grief is so painfully real,regardless of its origin.The love of, and attachment to,an animal friendcan equal that of human relationships.Likewise, the loss of an animalcan be just as devastating."- Rev. Joel L. Morgan Yesterday was a very sad and painful day for me. I had to say goodbye to my little pug, Otis. Otis was the first housedog I ever had, and I had gotten him as a little 10-week old

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-80739655517335253612008-09-01T12:26:00.010-05:002008-09-01T13:27:13.521-05:00

"The creative impulse suddenlysprings to life, like a flame,and passes through the hand onto the canvas,where it spreads farther until,like the spark that closes an electric circuit,it returns to the source;the eye and the mind."- Paul KleeToday is another beautiful day outside... the sun is shining brightly, and the temperatue is on the rise. We have had gorgeous weather for the past week, and

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-47697515499429646792008-08-30T19:12:00.009-05:002008-08-30T20:39:03.381-05:00

"At many points during our nation's history, there have been times ~known in our history textbooks as 'panics' ~when adverse conditions affecting the financial and economic sectors of the country have caused individuals to hoard more than they need." - Jo BonnerOk, I'll admit it....I have a little problem. Well, maybe it's a tad bit more than a little problem... I'm a Shopaholic....a compulsive

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-65449772278448490332008-08-27T16:13:00.019-05:002008-08-29T19:16:16.247-05:00

"Progress has not followed astraight ascending line,but a spiral with rhythms of progress and regression,of evolution and dissolution."-Goethe (My Studio-Finally Organized with the big metalsmithing table I actually made!! - Note my new kiln on right side by patio door)I finally did it!! My studio is organized!!!! After tons of procrastination, and hours of sifting through piles of 'stuff',' I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-57176814268540218172008-08-18T07:59:00.004-05:002008-08-18T08:09:37.197-05:00

This posting will only make sense to my 'cohorts in crime' from Valley Ridge. Good morning, girls. Raise your coffee mugs with me, and enjoy the music!!!!!!!!!

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-24783359058663508772008-08-16T09:19:00.002-05:002008-08-18T07:10:48.359-05:00

"Enjoy the little things in life,for one day you will look back andrealize they were the big things."- unknown I was lucky enough to be able to spend all of last week at Valley Ridge Art Studio, in Muscoda, Wisconsin. This time I went to two different workshops with Nina Bagley. For anyone who has never experienced Valley Ridge, I highly recommend taking some workshops there. It is such a

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-28732195721877698582008-08-15T21:00:00.024-05:002008-08-16T22:30:33.393-05:00

"Art has something to do with the achievement of stillness in the midst of chaos. A stillness which characterizes prayer, too, and the eye of the storm . . .an arrest of attention in the midst of distraction."- Saul Bellow (Cover of book I created in Nina Bagley's "Gahterings" Workshop, entitled, "The Test of Love")The first workshop of the week was "Gatherings." Nina demonstrated several

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-28938864739275968532008-06-17T18:24:00.002-05:002008-06-17T18:38:38.667-05:00

Kim arrived here promptly at 10:00 a.m. yesterday, to continue the task of organizing my studio. I actually wasn't sure she would come back again after being up to her eyeballs in clutter last Friday! It really is starting to take shape. Kim is soooo organized! While she's in one area organizing my tools, I'm off in another area unearthing stuff I forgot I even had. Geez, I can't believe

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-12221245735455134142008-06-15T12:02:00.007-05:002008-12-12T22:25:39.004-06:00

(My Sister, dad, and me on dad's 91st birthday last month)" One of the greatest gifts I ever had,Came from God Above - I call him Dad."- Anon.I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family. I can't believe my dad is 91 years old! He still drives, and his mind is sharp. He is such a character!! No matter where he is, everyone seems to know him. He's outgoing and has such a dry sense of

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-1774248688062208552008-06-14T20:06:00.015-05:002008-12-12T22:25:39.431-06:00

Feast your eyes on this disaster! This..(swallow).. is my studio. If you can even call it that. Posting these pictures is one of the most humiliating things I've done in a long time! I have to confess that I haven't produced a single piece of anything since I returned home from the Keith LeBue workshops I attended back in April! THIS is the main reason why. I think the pictures speak for

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-16791570137272671932008-06-11T17:35:00.018-05:002008-12-12T22:25:41.989-06:00

I know I've been horrible at blogging lately! I had a major computer crash (again), but this time, I lost everything that I didn't have backed up. I lost my emails, lots of pictures, songs I downloaded from itunes, and who knows what else! Mike always told me to back my computer up, but I thought, "Oh...it'll be fine...I'll do it one of these days." Huge mistake!!! I should've listened to him. It

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-91885115937492838412008-04-28T17:00:00.004-05:002008-12-12T22:25:42.691-06:00

A Robin's Nest in our Yard "Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom." - Benjaman FranklinI am fortunate to live where there is so much beauty in nature. Gazing out at the tranquil river in our backyard has such a calming and peaceful effect on me. I like to sit quietly and listen to the

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-38596927598839283892008-04-24T08:09:00.002-05:002008-12-12T22:25:43.485-06:00

Early Morning Fog at Valley Ridge I'm finally back from Valley Ridge Art Studio, where I took two workshops with Keith LoBue. I left for Valley Ridge last Monday Morning, stopping only a few times to shop on the 3 1/2 hour drive there. My first stop was at an antiques shop in Columbus. The woman who owns the shop immediately recognized me as the 'art girl' who always stops enroute to

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-30677128057449163502008-04-12T18:47:00.004-05:002008-12-12T22:25:43.706-06:00

I've been watching for the blue herons to come back this Spring. For the last several weeks, I've been on the look-out for them, carefully scanning the riverbanks and the water. Lately, I've been hearing what sounded like their squawks, but I wouldn't see them. Well, this afternoon, my husband, Mike came upstairs to inform me that he spotted one at the edge of our lawn at the river! I

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-49078407411768328602008-04-10T05:06:00.003-05:002008-04-10T05:28:40.783-05:00

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."-John Burroughs And I think I'll add to that, "all the artwork I need to get done." I shouldn't have procrastinated so long about these projects for "Workshop." When I think back to when I was first given the 'go-ahead' to begin them

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-34349136079448129402008-04-07T17:14:00.003-05:002008-04-07T17:20:06.221-05:00

I am so proud of myself because I finally put the finishing touches on one of the Gallery pieces for Workshop. Now I need to focus on getting a necklace finished for another one of the Gallery pieces. Of course, I guess I can't toot my horn too loudly. I thought I better look at the contract to see if April 30 is indeed the deadline for everything. So yesterday I found it. Well, guess what?

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-18550237198126406082008-04-06T13:44:00.008-05:002008-04-06T18:29:29.834-05:00

Yes, you are reading the heading correctly. It was such a nice day outside yesterday, that I figured I better do the job I have been putting off for quite a while now...and it's something that has to be done...Poop Patrol!I've got three adorable, but sometimes naughty, little pugs. They each have a quirky personality of their own, and during the blustery and snowy winter we were blessed with, the

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-31359976984552401122008-04-05T14:11:00.012-05:002008-12-12T22:25:44.132-06:00

What a beautiful Spring day! I think Spring has finally arrived after the long, snowy Winter we had. I started seeing the robins in our yard last week, and this little bird has been a frequent visitor to our deck railing. What a joy to hear the birds singing their little songs in the morning and throughout the day. As I sit by the patio doors in the kitchen, I hear the robins singing their little

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-21915623937600208642008-04-05T05:55:00.003-05:002008-12-12T22:25:44.349-06:00

Yesterday morning, while I was busy working on my gallery projects, I got an unexpected phonecall from my artist/friend Bernie Berlin. She asked me, "what are you doing right now?" I told her that I was busy doing my art projects. She told me to stop doing that and meet her and my other artist/friend Kim Nugent in Mequon. Well, you didn't have to twist my arm too hard for that! I met up with the

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-82942920804585761132008-03-31T11:28:00.010-05:002008-12-12T22:25:44.491-06:00

I've been trying to come up with ideas for the gallery portion of my layout in Workshop. My brother-in-law Nick came up with a great idea for one of the pictures I had done - it's a picture where I took a baby picture of my dad and put him in a nest with an egg on his head and added wings to him. Nick suggested having him in a larger, decorated paper mache egg. So that's what I have been working

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-67807186192825600422008-03-31T05:42:00.001-05:002008-03-31T05:45:21.132-05:00

"This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-46590283759462189742008-03-28T06:45:00.004-05:002008-12-12T22:25:44.680-06:00

"Sisters are different. They heard the sobbing in the darkness. They lived through all your triumphs, all your favorites, all your loves and losses. They have no delusions. They lived with you too long. And so,when you achieve some victory, friends are delighted - but sisters holdyour hands in silence and shine with happiness. For they know thecost."-- Pam BrownThis one's for you Mary....I'm

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-75692580703870738802008-03-26T09:58:00.005-05:002008-12-12T22:25:45.220-06:00

Don't look at my pugs and think they're uglyBecause of their squashed-in face.It's just one thing that makes them perfect,In every single way.You may find their snorting disturbing,Their snoring just as bad.But I'll tell you this for nothing,They're the best dogs you could have.If you were to see them, I know you'd feel the same.To look into those big bog eyes, They'll ease away your pain.I'll

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-58063679396807990762008-03-25T15:46:00.002-05:002008-12-12T22:25:45.496-06:00

Now fades the last long streak of snow,Now burgeons every maze of quickAbout the flowering squares, and thickBy ashen roots the violets blow. Now rings the woodland loud and long,The distance takes a lovelier hue,And drown'd in yonder living blueThe lark becomes a sightless song. Now dance the lights on lawn and lea,The flocks are whiter down the vale,And milkier every milky sail,On winding

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-44475447144009124072008-03-23T10:13:00.002-05:002008-12-12T22:25:45.721-06:00

I just got back from the Easter Sunrise Service at our church. It has always been a family tradition at our house to attend the 6:00 a.m. service on Easter Morning. After the service, our church always has an Easter Breakfast for all the parishioners. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day today. The sun is shining, and even though it's cold out, it feels like Spring is finally

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-12356573405312647392008-03-21T06:42:00.003-05:002008-03-21T06:48:21.476-05:00

It's hard to believe Spring is finally here. The weather has been nice and sunny (but cold) the last several days, and my dad told me several days ago he has seen a robin. That's a sure sign of spring around here. However, the forecast today is SNOW...6 to 13 inches of it! This Winter has been one of the worst ones we've had in years. I think we've had enough snow....I know I certainly had

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-31780151519054121872008-03-20T08:23:00.003-05:002008-12-12T22:25:45.965-06:00

These are my 3 adorable little 'boyz', Mugsy, Otis, and Popeye. Otis is the oldest pug. He is over 11 years old now. I got him as a little puppy. He can't see well anymore, can't hear much, and is pretty lame with arthritis, but he has a little sniffer that is like radar whenever anyone has some food around. He spends most of his day snoring in a corner, but he always comes out of his coma

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-85887392809382985532008-03-19T10:59:00.001-05:002008-12-12T22:25:46.125-06:00

I finally totally finished the 2nd step-out project that I was working on (and putting off working on) and typed up all the directions yesterday. What a sense of relief that I can finally put that project to rest. I was so close to finishing it for such a long time, but I just didn't want to do the step-outs for it. And of course, in typical Jill fashion, I didn't work on anything else during

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-90382154258437893062008-03-17T08:46:00.002-05:002008-03-17T09:02:43.214-05:00

I love incorporating quotations into my art. I've got several different books on quotations that I love to just flip through and look at. One book in particular is quite thick. I sat down one day and just started really reading some that seemed to catch my eye. I got a pack of post-it marking stickers out and started putting them by the quotes I really liked. It's so much easier to find

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-44088036192657911122008-03-15T19:13:00.002-05:002008-03-15T19:22:54.723-05:00

I was just thinking earlier this week how lucky I was this year that I didn't get the flu. Man, I think I jinxed myself, because the very next day...boom! I was right down in bed for two and a half days with a fever, chills, aches, congestion, and a horrible cough! I haven't been that sick in years! I still don't feel the greatest, but at least I felt energetic enough to work on art today.

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-26535362856109864952008-03-08T17:57:00.003-06:002008-03-08T18:03:28.382-06:00

Ahhh...finally!!!! I got some photos on here. It took me hours to figure out how to do it, but I think it was worth the effort. I spent most of the day here on my computer futzing around with the pictures. I am rather computer 'illiterate,' so for me to actually accomplish setting up a blog AND pictures is truly amazing! I half-heartedly tried to force myself to work on 'Workshop' projects

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905987849060878308.post-59551434264221908082008-03-06T07:07:00.003-06:002008-03-06T07:13:45.194-06:00

Welcome to the blog of Jill Marie Shulse!! I've been wanting to create a blog for a long time, but I didn't know how to create one. I'm not finished with it yet, but at least I got it started. My friend and fellow artist Linda O'Brien was instrumental in prodding me to have a blog of my own, so here I am. I'm working on projects for the October, 2008 issue of "Workshop", published by

Jill Marie Shulsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16892264723540542847noreply@blogger.com2