Junked Steel - My Drug of Choice

I'm addicted - I have a problem - I need to go to rehab!

I'm a Junky

If it's steel it calls me from all corners of the junk pile - it sends out just a little shine to catch my eye.

 It starts out weathered, dirty, old, but with that beautiful rust I love, but then I go crazy and take it off.

THE RUST!!! What did you think??

Then it gets the bottom cut off of it and gets all polished (I hate that part), and 

gets a cool design welded on it - just for fun.

It gets a paint job and a truck hitch welded on for hanging

Then I hang it in the tree right next to the neighbors' bedroom and when the wind blows it goes 

BONG, BONG, BONG

really loud!!!!!  hee  hee

My BAD!

50 Gallon Drum Project

 We recently drove up to our land in the Superstition Mountains,

it's only about 25 miles from where we are now 

 This mountain is called Ship Rock..... humm wonder why?

 

(This snow isn't typical - I've only seen it snow like this on these mountains twice in 43 yrs.

The pic below is our view from what would of been our living room.)

 

where before the housing market came crashing down, we were going to build our dream home (don't get me started!!!) and I remembered this awesome rusted 50 gallon drum barrel that was cut in half that we dug up while trying to move a culvert. 

I got very excited about it because the natural patina was so beautiful after it weathered for 2 years, so I decided to haul it home.  I don't know why my husband had a funny look on his face when I mentioned that, but with me and the things I drag home, that look isn't anything out of the ordinary. I usually just glance at him, bat my eyes and say "isn't it beautiful" and he just smiles.  If you keep up with my blog you know RUST IS MY FAVORITE COLOR and I can't resist it. It draws me in like a moth to a flame

So, I've decided that these will be very large lights in the corners of my yard.  I think they can be used in many different ways as lights, so I'll just have to work with that part later.  After I decide what pattern I'm going to place on them and cut out with my plasma cutter, I'll post.  It's gonna be a long project - sort of like the wheelbarrow (on the right side) I cut out.  I've got some old lace that I'm going to try and duplicate on it, but I'm also torn on Moroccan design ~ decisions, decisions.  I'll have to make my own stencils so this will be a project and a half.  

What do you think..... Lace or Moroccan?

I'm Tired So Join me and Relax

It's been a long show weekend, and I'm tired so today I post this for your enjoyment and mine to regroup and relax.
This beautiful video by Terje Sorgjerd of The Aurora Borealis.

PS.... Mute my Music & be sure and click the little 4 arrow to enlarge to get the full effect. It's Glorious.
Hugs to all.

The Aurora from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Garden Jewelry

Put a fork in me - I'm done!

 Two days before the three day show and I've done all I can do.  I'm always torn with the option of painting steel and letting it rust naturally. 

 I love, love, love rusted metal so it's always a tough call, but I also know that others love the colorful stuff, so of course I have to throw of few of those in and all with a little birdie.  The birds above are still hiding a little since they are waiting to Rust more.

 These are all one of a kind and you certainly can't buy them at your local garden shop where most items are imported, but if you're in the Phoenix area head on over to the Botanical Gardens this weekend and pick one up along with some butterflies, ocotillos, winged hearts, shovels and last but not least Lace cut wheelbarrows.  Support your local Artists

Please stop in and say Hi

I sure hope to see you there!

Crazy Flying Licence Plates

It's been a very busy two weeks.  I'm getting ready for my show in 2 weeks, been working hard on getting the butterflies made and all the other items.  I'm also taking care of hubby who had a total knee replacement last Tuesday.  He's doing really good, but still hobbling around and I'm doing more than my fair share of duties this week.  I'll be hitting it hard tomorrow in the shop as my days are getting shorter with being two people.  It's amazing how much we depend on each other for our various chores and then when one can't do them, man it's a lot of work.  Ok, I'm done whining now.  I'll feel better tomorrow since I don't have cleaning, shopping and therapy to do - I'll be in the workshop all day!  Yeah 

I hope you aren't getting tired of seeing these big butterflies, but I sure have fun making them.  I've been experimenting with the rusting processes.  These came from the same piece of steel, but yet each one reacted or colored differently.  I always try to make each one unique.  Some have steel leaves on them, this one below has a door handle on it, others have cut designs and some have glass beads incorporated and they always have long antenna's or as I call them Antlers; What you've never seen a butterfly with antlers!  

Mission San Xavier

On a little road trip a couple weeks back, I went to one of what I consider one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Arizona.  It had been at least 25 years since I last was there.

 San Xavier is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona.  It has a very long history and dates from the late 1700's when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain.  Then following Mexican independence in 1821 it became part of Mexico and then again with the Gadsden purchase of 1854 the Mission joined the US and now it is ours!

The Baroque architecture style features playful dramatic elements such as theatrical curtain displays, faux doors and marbling and an overall sense of balance.  It is constructed of low-fire clay bricks, stone and lime mortar, the entire structure is roofed with masonry vaults making it unique among Spanish Colonial buildings with U.S. borders.

See the "shell" in the windows, it's a symbol of pilgrimage after the patron saint of Spain, Santiago or St James the Greater.  It is replicated all through the structure.

I was mesmerized by the shadows that I saw.  The sky was an incredible ocean blue and the sunlight bounced off the pristine white walls and was blinding.  It was totally beautiful.

 If you ever visit Arizona please put this on your list of beautiful places to visit.   It remains a testament to the endurance of culture throughout our history.