Luv My Followers!!!

Just a small note to express thanks to the people who

read the blog and comment and keep me going in moments when I am not sure which end is up!!!

The value of feedback is without words.

Yesterday the linen I ordered for the Easter banners came in, so it is going to get interesting here in the next few days. Mostly cutting and priming and then applying letters to the linen, and then that goes on the silk background. Oddly enough, that doesn't sound like a lot, but it is a considerable amount. I think I will be using both the wet and dry studio to get the linen dry after priming......walking will be a trick around here without stepping in something I shouldn't!

So any HOO-RAWS out to me would be appreciated!

Now I'm off to town for a few odds and ends I need for the work........

The pair of box canvas collages......

It occurred to me you might enjoy seeing the two pieces together. Actually, it is sort of fun for me to see them side by side because I have worked on one while looking at the other. They flow---it works as a pair. Similarities, differences, enough to look at to hold the attention.
Of course, as much as I like the fronts, it is the backs that I take more delight in! I was lucky to find the right paints to use since there had been a fair amount of time pass from when the first was completed. Sometimes I can do this on auto-pilot, but I have two yellows that are extremely close in hue.....not that it really matters. Truly. They all turn out different after the multiple washes of color.

And a close up of one of the unusual elements I put in.....dried spent loose tea. I get it from the Cafe Du Cirque. Chris is a sweetheart and saves me a big mess of it, then I put it by the dehumidifier for it to dry, and also perfume the studio! When completely dry and mixed with gel medium, it is a cranky, messy textured lump that I smash onto the wood and hope it holds. It isn't until painting that it becomes this magical iridescent *stuff*. And the little tree-like form? Grape stem. Yep, saved the stems from grapes.
I will try anything if I can get it dry enough, pliable enough, dipped in something to firm it up......nothing is safe from being added to a collage here!
Think outside the box.
Don't see what is there; see what it could be.
Try things.
Have fun.
No regrets!

DONE!!! My creativity, in living color!!!

Okay, in an effort to behave better, I have deleted my earlier rant (which disappointed Tristan anyway....sigh....it didn't live up to some of my previous ones....) and got it together getting the pics cropped.
I am very pleased with the back of this piece---it is just what I want, which doesn't happen too often! I did not adjust color, so the bottom is a bit dark, but I think you get a feel for what is going on.

A close up of the top---the color of the shell seemed perfect for the blues used in the piece and also the Abita beer bottle caps with the butterfly images. How I love E-6000....it could glue the planet back together!

And then a sort-of-three-quarter of the front and top. Now I need a name for it that fits with the rest of the "Duality" series. Names are for the most part difficult. They either instantly appear or think and think and nothing happens. The second is much more common!

An aside---the class I want to do will show how to build up the base and color for these pieces. I usually do several canvasses at once to save time. I need to photograph before and after pics of them. The deep ones are what I use due to the space provided on the back. Dick Blick and Cheap Joe's (both the least expensive kind) work wonderful. The only thing I am very specific about is gesso and that is Demco, which can be ordered from Hobby Lobby. If you do anything that uses gesso, I highly recommend trying it.

I know I had promised to explain some things and I need to look back through comments or e-mails to see *what* it was I was going to explain......yikes.....

I guess that will be tomorrows post.

Sorry for being such a lame brain; old age is definitely taking a toll! ;)

Busy Busy

I feel like I am running on empty--too much to do and all packed into too little time. But I can't gripe; everyone else I talk to is either going through the February blahs or waaaaaay too busy and can't get anything done.
Anyway, my day yesterday was wonderful. The Gratitude Ceremony was a very spiritual, meaningful time and there was much theological/philosophical discussion and we had a minor shower as the gratitude flags were burned---it was beautiful. I am so glad I went!
Photos. Yes. I promised them, but I am out the door early again today, so PUH---LEEEEEZEE bear with me again! I have some shot but not cropped and ready to upload. If I can manage this afternoon, I will. As I have said before, I think I need a double of myself to get more done.... ;)
Oh yes, the delights of Microsoft. Booted the computer up and EVERYTHING was different. Obviously it had deviously downloaded an *upgrade*. Hmmmph! I was not happy---I like my computer looking like it did in the dark ages and after tinkering, I thought, to heck with this and did a system restore. We'll see what I have tomorrow when I turn the evil machine on.
So I am out of here again, sans photo, and feeling like I have disappointed my faithful readers.
Or maybe you don't read---maybe you have REAL LIVES.......
That's rather frightening. LOL!

Just a quick note

After a generous amount of blackened chicken, red beans and rice, greens, Abita beer and king cake, I was too lazy and useless to photograph the box canvas, which is DONE! YAY!!! It looks really good, and either later today or tomorrow, I absolutely promise to post the photos. I had a wonderful Mardi Gras and hope all you all did too!
Today I am having lunch with one of the outreach reps from the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (click text or on the side bar logo to see their site), then we're heading to the Co-Op show for a last look.
In the afternoon I will be attending a Buddhist ceremony with some friends for a burning of intention cards. I am to bring cedar and juniper, and I tied the bundle with antique red silk salvaged from a vintage kimono. I look forward to this and hope the smoke will carry the desires and prayers out into the universe and there will be benefit for all.
So bear with me; it's not a traditional Ash Wednesday for me but one I look forward to. And if there is a traditional service at my church for distribution of ashes, I will be there this evening.
I wish you all peace in the beginning of this season of introspection.

P.S. I think the posting comments issues are resolved....for the next five minutes at least!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

ALL ON A MARDI GRAS DAY!!!

Wishing you a good day with celebration,beads and fun!

And may you find someplace to get your fill of

KING CAKE!!!

(which I made yesterday, and have already stuffed myself with....)

Tomorrow we return to the regular format....

Art, art, art.

A quick P.S. on this: I made two King Cakes yesterday---a small one for DH and I and a large one for Cafe Du Cirque, which I surprised Chris with this morning, along with 4 dozen strands of Mardi Gras beads.

A little goodwill and *Lagniappe* for the customers!

Another P.S.

It seems there is trouble leaving comments. I just managed to leave one after hitting the button twice, though for the past couple of days, on different blogs, I've had to hit the post button several times. I don't know if these are Blogger issues or at my end. Please if you can't POST, e-mail me and I will see what debugging I can do.......

Monday Update

I have managed to do two incredibly STUPID things today.

First I somehow deleted all my songs from my *Just Jazz* player. Way to go, Techno-Whiz. Not messing with that again today...nope.

Second, I laid open my left thumb pad with a razor blade trying to scrape something off the propane tank. I really needed THAT.

I'm going back to the cellar and try and get a few painting minutes in. I got sidetracked dropping a phone line down there, then cleaning crap (well, junk actually), then, yadda yadda....giving away fabric, etc.

I just want to go to New Orleans.........boooo hooooo.......... :(

Would anyone be interested in a class?

I think, if I figured this out right, I set up a class blog with password activated access. I spent time on this yesterday in between a dozen other things, so I am not really sure yet if it works for others. It appeared to word when I logged off and attempted to go to it.

At present, I have it set up for blog authors only, simply because I did not want it visible (who knows...maybe it is....) but I am thinking of changing that today if there is any interest and doing it via e-mail password.

Give me some feedback on this; It will be some work for me to put it together---it is something I have considered teaching anyway, so if I do the instructions they would not go to waste. BUT!!!! If there is not sufficient interest, then I would wait a while to do it as there is other work I probably should be addressing at the moment..... ;)

Now back to art---two photos of the back in progress. I did some clay pieces to put in the *box* area--they were not dry when I had the camera but I want you to see how these look before they get covered with paint and stamping and everything else.

I try and start with a theme either color wise or decoration wise and go from there. Things are laid out carefully before they are put down permanently. Gel medium goes everywhere!

Hopefully, these will allow you to click for a larger photo---obviously I have been doing something*wrong* or to the displeasure of Blogger for that not to happen....

I chose to use some scrapbook paper on the bottom to break the total frame look-it later

gets blended in a whole lot more. I believe at this point I had used fluid acrylics to tint both it and some of the area on the back canvas frame.

Today it is off to the cellar to try and get this further along.

If anyone chooses to do a class in this, be warned---this is slow. It is not for short attention spans. It is not an Eleanor Burns Quilt-In-A-Day. It is a meditative process that is very rewarding and lots of technique that can be used in other applications later.

So that's all the wisdom I have at the moment. E-mail me off-blog for the other site.

And now, to the cellar..........I feel like Igor or Quasimoto saying that....... ;)

P. S. Yes, I am still knitting the second pair of socks on the size ZERO needles, and feel like they are going on for ever. Well, they actually ARE. Had wanted them for this week but that isn't going to happen..........

Collage work......photos

This is the final of the front..... (final I think!)

...A close up of the area with the clay and shells and

heavy texturing...........And a 3/4 view from the bottom, which is covered

with crushed shells. The sides are

from photos I took in New Orleans of

the decayed bricks on the tombs.

I'll explain all this later---have had questions.

I need to do a post strictly on the materials, etc.

Bear with me.....I'm working the back now and

I'm on a roll!!! (and I don't want to get sidetracked!)

More later........

WIP---or---How I Spent Yesterday

Okay, Party-grrrrl gave in to the overwhelming urge to make art yesterday. This picture was at the mid day point; I put some pieces on with gel medium and it required laying flat until dry, so there is more coming with this.

There is so much texture on this it doesn't show up well in photos (please click for a larger image); grit and gesso built up in layers, then fluid acrylics laid on in washes and wiped off. It has a nice feel. At present, with the work done after the photo, I am loving it more. The fleur de lys have color added, there is shading, more blue-green washes, etc. I'll post another photo tomorrow because by then it should be dry enough to prop up and not worry about something taking off for parts unknown.

It felt so GOOD to say to heck with everything yesterday and make art! Yes, work is piled up around me and there was some real paperwork I had to do but one trip to the wet studio and, WHAMMO! That was it. I succumbed with no fight.

And the day flew. Before I knew it, it was time to trot to the kitchen and do the domestic goddess thing.

I really need a twin that can slave away while I indulge in the passion of art. That would work out so much better! ;)

More Folly......

....from the reception. Let me correct that---this was before the reception, when we all were laughing and being absolutely asinine. In other words, enjoying ourselves!

And there is always *one* in the bunch who cannot behave....you know, the sassy, brassy, way-no-sense person who has to, ummmmmmm, show off. For the sake of those photographed with me, I have cropped the image harshly, doing my best to preserve their dignity. I'm pretty sure I don't have any left..... ;)
I would like to think we were just blowing off pre-show jitters. Yeah. That sounds good!
So now you've seen my more mischievous side, or lower quadrant as the case may be, although I am sure you had figured that one out before.
I have never grown up.
I doubt that will happen.
Living life and laughing is too much fun!!!!
I do have a few more *real* photos I may post, but as you can see, my choices are made not by sense but nonsense!
Made ya laugh, didn't I????

A Few Photos From The Reception

Last night went great! We had a good crowd of our own people and a very good turn out from the Logansport people, so I am both happy and dead tired today.

I spent some time cropping a few pics to post and then tinkering with the exposure. Hopefully they will be good enough to show what went on.

All I can say is when you have a gallery that size filled with people,everything is GOOD! You may not get photos of the art, but, oh well. I can go over before we break down and do that.

Tonight I head to Wabash to Honeywell for the Fort Wayne Museum of Art's "Art and Espresso" program on Andy Warhol. Then I am *artted-out* for the week! I need to rest, schedule a board meeting, try and get a few other things lined up for Co-Op, yadda yadda.

And yeah, in between all that, if there is time, make some art.

Well, such is my life!!!

I would insert titles under the photos but I am not Blogger-tech-savvy enough to do that......... the photo of the young man is Shane Mohler who does the Artists In Peru blog.

And by the way, we had a LOT of delicious goodies....I think I gained a few pounds and brought home leftovers too.

Have to go crash now---or work. And it's probably going to be the second one!

Ta-Ta!

Quick P.S.

Both my box canvas pieces got into the Honeywell Show!

Didn't win anything, but they're in there! Makes going to the opening tonight even better!!!

XXXOOO!!!!!

Well Kiddies, today is THE DAY

A quick post before all the last minute prep for the reception this evening. Yes, I made the pecan tartlets. Yes, I stayed out of them. Yes, I know what I am wearing. Yes, I will be in high heels so I can complain ad infinitum, ad nauseaum. ;)

Actually, we got a little press on the show in yesterday's Peru Tribune so things are going great! I will attempt to remember to take the camera tonight and get pix of us all with our work, or schmoozing at the least.

I wanted to post a photo of some of the works I have on display, but the only thing I have is the B&W mixed media Frida, so that's it. You're stuck with monotone. The other pieces all have bright red backgrounds and are rotten to photograph. I use a high gloss finish on parts of the work, and it won't let the camera focus, whine, whine........

Anyway, this piece is 12" x 12" and on a deep gallery wrap canvas. There is much texture in the background and all of Frida is fabric, then mounted on felt that was hit with the embossing gun to turn it lacy. I also threw some of the small glass craft beads into the gel medium on the b.g. of this, so when the light is just right it looks like it glows from within.

Wish me luck....that I don't dump punch on myself, or someone else, that it goes well, that I don't fall out of my heels or have my girdle explode!!! (that could prove newsworthy.....yes???)

Sketchbooks: Ex Votos

(I should have posted this on Valentines Day! )
Back to sketch books and my ability to over do anything. This really, really did start as a simple sketch. What I ended up with was a nice textural piece that is from a photo I took in the Virgin of Guadalupe Grotto in New Orleans. The marble plaques---ex votos---cover the walls of the grotto, which is darkened from soot from votive candles left lit by those offering prayer or thanks. The walls were originally painted a rather bright robin's egg blue, but were then repainted a lighter shade. Both colors are visible and both are tempered from the soot.
It is an interesting and humbling atmosphere to enter; the doorway is not average height so you must stoop to go in. Inside, though lit only from one small window and with the candle light, it is fairly dark, which does NOT translate to cool. It is quite hot and close and smothering. However, there is a lot to look at artistically, so I was in there until I thought my head would melt. Frankly, I would have been there longer, clicking off more shots with the old film camera, but I can take only so much heat then I'm out. (Yes, it was Anne's pre-digital age.....)
The one thing I wanted to get *right* in the sketch was the textured walls and the dirt. That I am happy with. The ex-votos themselves are okay. The piece pleases me. I know there could be more work or better work but the imperfections seem appropriate.
Since the hearts or rectangles are mounted individually to the walls as they are provided, there is little rhyme or reason to how they are placed. And the walls curve, so pieces are straight for a while, then suddenly there is another crammed in sideways, with a bit of the edge sticking up.
It is beautiful discord.
It tests the idea of order, yet there is a sense of acceptance since it is a holy place.
It is a place of belief and thanks.
Hopefully a bit of that is conveyed in the painting. I couldn't stop at a sketch---it drew me in. It had to be all that it is.
Merci.

Art for the jurying

This is one of the small box canvas pieces I am taking for consideration in the Nine County Art Show. I have grown fond of these because there is so much that can be done with a relatively small amount of space. They are painting and sculpture all at once; traditional and mixed media---quirkiness and elegance. I enjoy letting the canvas decide what it wants to be. This particular one speaks of the Duality of New Orleans--the front, the lush verdant plants and architecture of the French Quarter and the back, the reality of the Bayou---beauty in the constant change of the landscape. The waters, the trees, the life and death, the low water times when things surface.

Of course, the connection between both sides is the constant growth of plant life and the constant decomposition of anything man made in the
unforgiving heat and humidity of Louisiana. It is a tough, strong bunch, animal, vegetable or mineral,that survives in the swamps. And indeed, New Orleans sits atop a swamp, with fine grit everywhere--silt from the Mississippi River. There is constant change; the landscape is in flux.

I wanted to evoke a feeling of age, discovery, and being tied to the earth.

I tried several times to get a good photo of the back-side box contents and it just would NOT cooperate. So you get a 3/4 view.

Yep, there is a broken bone and a shell in the back, some wire, small pebbles, etc. Things that could be found along the edge of the bayou.

I would love to inspire others to try this process--the worst part is preparing the canvas. Actually, I have some more to prime, so maybe that will be a tutorial.
Maybe.

Maybeeeee.............. ;) If someone asks nicely.

At any rate, this is about 4" x 6", so you can see that there is a lot that you can pack visually into a small package. Please click on the photos to see them up close.

And if I can get a decent pic on the inside, I'll post that too. Don't hold your breath on that on. Unless you like looking blue!

P.S. Okay, this is not great but gives an idea of the inside of the back cavity....

Creative Every Day

As usual, I am doing this backwards. I am linking to this site (sidebar) and need to go officially join. It is a great challenge because it is not a hard nosed, in your face type thing. The expression of creativity is broad, as it is in real life.
I think most of the folks that follow this blog qualify for being creative every day. In fact, it may be something I promote to Co-Op; to see how we create---what we do, what we consider creative and what we don't. I think a lot goes unrecognized and it is not always art that is creative.
The older I get, the more I would like to say I lead a creative life. That broadens the term even more, but at present, besides my own projects, my creativity is in establishing it in others. To inspire, to teach, to help, to listen. It is looking at being creative and doing so with depth.
I am not a challenge person where every day you have to make a *something* and post it. While this might promote good work habits in some, in me it usually means I produce junk that goes into the *circular file*. I want substance.
So now I will pop over to the CED site and get the blog signed up, and see if indeed I am Creative Every Day!
(moving the desk doesn't count...I know....dang.......)

What we did on Valentines Day....

.....we moved this massive, gut-wrenching desk downstairs. And then the kind man came and got it.
You have no idea of the weight of just the TOP, which Gary and I moved first (smart idea!) because after that, I wasn't sure if I could stand up straight. I swear, it weighed 200 pounds and nowhere to grasp it. Oy. Double OY.
On the super-up-side, the man had totally redone one of these before, so he was really happy with it.
I am happy it is done and I can still semi-waddle.
I had a few moments to work on a small box painting, took photos of the box painting going to the one show in Wabash for jurying, did paperwork, printed some goodies for Tristan, cooked, and then collapsed, with the new socks I am working on.
And now I'm off to lounge today (hahaha!) and try and get back to normal.
Or abnormal.
Or anything close there to!
And I need to get *naturally blond* again before the show opening Wednesday. If I do that TODAY, the blisters and burns should be healed by Wednesday.
Hmmmmmmmm.......
Yes, beauty requires pain. But dang it, your head shouldn't have to feel like a blow-torch has been set off on it!
Ta-Ta from Hot Head...... :)

Happy Valentines Day!!!

The boys and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Valentines Day!!! We *PEEP* you very much!!!
Yesterday was a day of ups and downs; the first call of the day was that my dad's cousins husband had passed. He had been in hospice with Alzheimer's so it was a blessing, but still the shock that one more family member is gone. Age makes you look at this differently. The up part of the day was finishing the second banner and delivering them to the church. (plus a side trip to Goodwill on the way......) Yes, I forgot to take the camera. I was doing good to have my drivers license with me......
They were thrilled with them; couldn't grasp how many steps went into the process of making them. The one lady kept saying "But this fabric was WHITE---it was WHITE!" Turns out in their ceiling stained glass, there was purple, and it was almost the same shade as some of the variants in the dying process on the linen! Everyone was excited, especially the minister! The women are always happy with fiber work so it's fun to see a man be happier!
I got the commission for Easter banners too----soooooo, I may be whining about those in the near future. For today, I think rest is in order, and cleaning up around the house a bit. Or maybe I will start cutting some of the Muscle Man fabric! ;)
I think I just need a few days to recoup and then jump feet first into the fire again. Have a piece of art to get ready to submit for an exhibit, and that is pretty low maintenance so maybe I can accomplish that.
Big hearts to everyone!!!!!! XXXOOO!!!!!!

So excited....

....for a number of reasons!
First, a new follower---welcome! That makes my little heart happy!
Second, got the e-mail invites that went out to everyone for our Co-Op show in Logansport and they looked stellar. Also found out there had been a fair amount of walk through traffic this past week, and for our local area (small, economically depressed), that is excellent. Especially considering the weather, which I choose to ignore....
Third, the last banner is so close to being finished I would do a Pirate Jig, but I am far too stoved up for that. So maybe just waddle around the studio yelling WHOOO--HOOOOO and swinging my apron! (yes, I still wear THOSE.....always.....cannot cook without one)
Fourth, when the storm-from-hell hit Wednesday night, as far as I know, we are still in one piece even if it did blow water through the door casings and get the carpet wet. So what. However, the power outage when I was soaking in the tub was NOT FUN. Naked, wet, trying to find candles, trying to see the phone book to call REMC to report it.....discovering the battery on the back up sump pump was not functioning......you do not know what dark is unless you live in the country and the power goes. To quote Spinal Tap, "Yeah, but it's the blackest black!" Indeed. Thankfully I did not burn the house down with candles and old oil lamps.
Fifth, I'm such a *man*........I repaired the battery on the back-up sump pump all by myself and now don't have to go battery shopping. ;)
Sixth, a large roll top desk we were trying to give away has found a new home. It came from one of the old primary schools in Cass County that was closed when consolidation took place and was a Principals desk. It is going to a home where there is a math teacher and an adjunct professor. It will be loved.
Seventh, I'm thankful for this blog and the people who stop by to read the drivel. And I do, truly, promise new pics, but probably Monday. I am hoping to deliver the almost-done banners this weekend.

All y'all ROCK!!!!!
Until later, I bid you adieu.......

I must be demented.....

.....because I really, really thought I would have both banners done yesterday. Not so; ONE is done and looks spectacular! YAY!

However, the right hand is numb again, so today's stitching should be interesting....as in slow, painful and not nearly what I want to get done. Pooey.

The highlight of my day yesterday was receiving a small packet from Tristan with a piece of muscle man fabric in it! Yes, my ornery little mind already has a plan for it. I am looking for maximum *sour face/disapproval factor* with minimal amount of fabric used. Heeheehee!!!!!

Trust me, I think I have this one pegged already!

Anyway, I pretty much feel like the guy with his head in the, uuuummmmmm, *harness* for lack of a better word. I am sure those lines don't indicate strength---something more like PAIN!!!! As in, every part of the body hurting from some sort of folly (similar to a stitch-a-thon).

At any rate, I am anxious to get back to real art---not that the fabric isn't---and to shoot some more pics of the collection of junque. Gosh, it looks sooooo much more impressive that way!

And now, I must go keel over. And sew.

Please kill me........ ;)

Sewing like a madwoman....

(this adequately describes how I feel at the moment....)

So this is it for the day. Great progress yesterday on the banners---have to keep moving on them.

Can't sleep!

Banners will get me!

Anyway, once these are done, and that time is soon, I can get back to more interesting posts and pics. In the meantime, enjoy the jazz I added to the page; wish you all could have witnessed that procedure...... tech savvy I am NOT. It was funny/pitiful all at once.

Off to the saltmines.......

But I have good music!

P.S. The player is at the bottom of the page if you want to shut it off.

Oddities.....

The more photos I take, the more I am convinced that I truly love collecting oddities, and that the old Victorian term *curio cabinet* applies for me.
Curiosities.
Quirkiness.
Oddities.
I enjoy them far too much. Take the photo above---the bone that sort of resembles a toothless jaw bone? That is a duck wishbone. I was thrilled when I pulled the remains of the Christmas duck apart to find how ODD it is shaped! The other is a normal wishbone, two remnants from a paper clay session and a piece of a sunshine locust branch---good toothy bark.


Then there is the box full of tiny, tiny shells. There are so many, it is hard to sift through them to find what I want/need, but still if I am out shopping and see a bag, I have to stop, turn it over and over and decide if it needs to come home. I'm always amazed at the weight of these itty-bitties when there is a bag FULL. I am wise enough to have these in a lidded box, with a latch, so as not to deposit the contents on the floor and spend a week sweeping and cussing. (not necessarily in that order) I enjoy the visual and tactile texture of the shells, and I love looking for one that is just the *right* color, and with a little poking, finding it. This is, dear readers, a cheap thrill. ;)


Oh boy. This, again, falls into the just plain ODD catagory. No, not the shell. The glass it is sitting in. It belonged to either my grandparents or great-grandparents and yes, it is an eye wash glass. Fill that baby up with some noxious concoction, bend over, fit it against the opened eye and then lean back and let the contents do their job!
I really cringe when I think of it in use, but I can't resist the shape and how it holds things nicely. Like a little vase for a tiny nosegay. Or something. Something nice. Not an eyeball.
So in sharing the photos of late I have either:

A) Convinced you I am really mad as a March hare
--or--
B) Been brave enough to post how artists look at everything a bit differently. We revel in the peculiar, we see wonder in the simple. We always are trying to find another treasure, and are quite sure that the next to be found is going to be the perfct one---exactly what we need. That we won't have to hunt further.
Now, for me, add to this, years of fiber art and all the other things I have collected in that venture and you soon realise that my studio space is quite ready to hit critical mass!
I need to send some fabric somewhere.......perhaps a galaxy far, far away!

Photo Serendipity

Sometimes you get something you don't deserve or don't aim for. You're just going through the paces, working, shooting photos, painting---whatever it is you do frequently. And suddenly, you discover you have a gem. It's special. It's more than the sum of it's parts. It turns your head.
And you say "Wow...."
That happened with this image; I was shooting all sorts of things in the wet studio where I do my mixed media work and when I uploaded the photos, there was this odd and delightful composition. The cropping could be better, but I think if I had to sit and gather a group of objects I feel represents all I love in mixed media, and what represents me, I could do no better than this.
Yes, this is an old, rusted and banged up muffin tin that I cut the sides off with tin snips to fit in a drawer, to hold my little treasures. It used to hold sorted tile when I was doing a mosaic floor, it has held beads, and at one time long ago, it was actually used for muffins and cupcakes.
The rusted texture and color is wonderful. I try to reproduce that and nothing can compare. The contents are odd and varied, but together they make a lovely visual statement. Bleached bones, shells, an antique button, old Christmas lights removed from their plastic sockets, copper washers, a car key, polished stones.........life reduced to detritus, richly composted and ready for it's next step---ART.
Occasionally, the end product is so lush because of the unrelated contents and the visual diversity.
Hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.
It's my junk.
I've collected it.
I love it.

Studio Vignettes

Yesterday evening I was puttering in the wet studio downstairs and the light was low (I did not have my painting lights on) and it was one of those moments of epiphany. I looked around at the everyday things I had collected, and grouped---basically for ease of work, and saw all these interesting little vignettes. None are intentional; they just ended up where they are because I was trying to maximize workspace and have things where I could find them---i.e. in plain view. If it is hidden away, forget it. I don't remember I own it.

I like a combination of neutral balanced by in-your-face color, and it shows. Things I save and use are things that make me happy and some of the odds and ends I purchase are strictly for visual stimulation. I know they have a slim to none chance of ending up in a mixed media piece, but there they are, sharing color and texture and who knows what else stimulating the creative side of my brain.

Click on the photos if you want to see more detail; the first photo is probably the best for that.

Brushes, scissors, painting knives, wire, pieces of twigs, all where I can grab them quickly without thought. I know where they are and I can be looking at the work on the table and reach without moving my eyes. That's why I had not seen the interesting arrangement that they made until I was doing something completely different.

A partial package of shells from a discount store; I picked out all the dyed ones and arranged them in the little basket. They sit on the painting table to my upper right, near my water bucket. I see their color all the time, and the texture. I just enjoy looking at them, especially the pinkish-salmon ones. Who knows what that will inspire down the road......

Directly to my right, as I sit, are two banks of craft paint, a bank of fluid acrylics and an old glass microwave plate which serves as a palette. Any brushes in the Old Bay tin are brushes that have been washed with water only but not cleaned with paint soap and reshaped with a brush stabilizer. I look in the tin and know exactly what I have that needs final cleaning. The brush laying in front is for gel mediums , and is almost ready for the scrap heap. But I clean it diligently, use a brush comb on it and keep getting one more use from it. (tight wad.....)

Tomorrow I will post an accidental composition that I really, really LOVE. It needs a bit of highlighting on it's own, so I shall acquiesce.

Have a creative day folks!

I intend to!

Tassel Tutorial

I am not the best at doing a tutorial, because I just *do* things. But it was brought to my attention that it might be interesting to do one with the rosettes and tassels, so here goes!
You need commercial tassel fringe, tape to secure the pieces when cutting apart, beads or pearls and ribbon or braid. The length will have to be tinkered with to work with the width you purchased. When you get a length that makes a nice rosette with a hole in the middle when gathered, you're ready to go.

Stitch the ends together with a thread that is doubled or heavy and a sturdy needle. Stitch over the end, then begin the gathering. Note that the stitches used to gather are LONG. That allows a specific look to the rosette, plus it will let you pull it in closer when all the stitching is done.

Turned right side out,

and with the thread pulled

up partially

(take your time or it will break)

this is what it should look like.

The rosette will have to be pinned somewhat flat--coax it down. Some of the waviness will work out with the stitching.

I pin heavily to keep it where I want it and close to flat. Sometimes this works better than others....








Again, with a heavy or doubled thread that matches the rosette---NOT the background fabric!---begin doing a backstitch that is small on the top and large on the back side. Work slowly and ease in the braid. Take your time and be inventive if you must---no two of these ever work the same for me.

Once that is stitched, you are ready to insert the tassels into the center hole. How many you use is up to you, also the length and fullness.

Two are stitched in here, the third awaits. I wanted them sort of splayed to each side, so that was how I stitched them. Make sure they are secured well.

The third tassel stitched in, and needle still in place. I match the thread here to the color of the tassel trim.

And the finished product with a large, baroque pearl in place, to cover the stitching on the tassels! You could get creative and use more pearls, or a little bow or other ribbon flourish---this is just a jumping off point.

One of these with a more masculine look would be super for a Pirate's Hat!

February Dumps

This happens every February; I just go straight into the dumps, and frankly I should plan it on the calender so I could work around it! HA! On the up side, I have diligently stitched on the banners and have a few more feet of braid to do, so that will be finished this morning. And that means they are ONE BIG STEP CLOSER to DONE!!!!

To strictly poke fun at myself, I am posting this pic that was taken a couple years ago at a friends studio. I had brought lunch up, got to the door and slopped a huge cup of tea down my jeans! Soaked. And it was winter, and in an old building with nominal radiator heat and I couldn't sit there in wet pants, sooooo....So that is why I am wearing the "shirt and apron"---so charming, especially with those winter legs and my Chucks and anklets! Sex goddess I am not. Anyway--I am pointing to a little guy on the door that says "Let the art out" and I think that is all I need to do:

LET THE ART OUT!!!!!

We all need that, don't we?

Let your art out today and think of me.

A Pirate's Sock For Me.......

Ahoy Mateys!!!! They be done; the Cap'n Jack socks! (insert extreme beaming grin here!!!)
Last night, after far too long a day sewing and doing so till my thumb split open from hitting beads and pulling the needle, I said to heck with this, pick up the needles and clicked onto the site with the tutorial on the top I wanted. I now humbly---or, as a smarmy Pirate---NOT so humbly post my hard fought for booty! (no, not THAT booty........sickko......)



First thing I learned? Don't shoot a sock with a black heel and toe against a black backdrop. Oh well, those look good but are not entertaining! It's the body that counts! I switched up from size 1's to 2's to do the intarsia, and when the sock is on, there is minimal distortion. Changed needle sizes two or three rows before the band began. Then worked with the 2's for a couple rows afterwards, went back to the 1's for the remainder.
Now, as I said, a simple ribbed cuff wasn't going to cut it, so I got online to look for the Latvian Braid instructions. I think it gives the sock a nice crown---something special.
And I believe I promised a bit of drivel---a story behind the socks so here is all I am capable of this morning.


Knit for Cap'n Jack by some poor Latvian girl he won in a game of chance on Tortuga, and safely returned to a decent port. Within his black heart was a soft spot for the lass as she sat dyeing hanks of wool on the deck of the Black Pearl and avoiding the crew. They were sure she was a witch, to take white yarn and produce such color. She would spend hours under deck by herself and they all were perplexed by her activity.
Before departing at her destination, she handed the stockings to him, much to his amazement and puzzlement. (after all, Pirates know little about anything but plundering and good rum....)
He scratched his head, then with a sway of his fingers, extended his hand to receive the gift.
"But Luv, how do they stay UP? There's no garters or anythin' "
She smiled and shook her head.
"Ah, Captain Sparrow, they are topped with a special knit braid from my home country. For each thread that crosses, that is a broken heart you left in Tortuga. And those threads bind tight, and they shall service you well.........for these stockings shall cling to you, as each of those women you left tried.
"And now, farewell." And she left, neither to see each other again.
Jack stood holding the stockings, musing her words.
"Bloody Hell," he said under his voice. "It's a good thing I didn't leave more women. She'd of knit me some knickers!"

And that, kiddies, is my story of the Jack Sparrows that I own. And that's all for the day because I have to get cleaned up to hit town at lunch, then off to a grant writing class, then home and collapse.
Enjoy the socks---I certainly am! But I think I will make a small black and white tassel for each, to pin at the band level. They just seem to call for it.....

Sock Update--or--Jack Sparrow Is Almost On My Feet!

Since HD works late this evening, I will be working in the studio all day sewing. I am quite disappointed in myself as I was hoping to have the Jack Sparrows done. I knit like a madwoman last evening and then, when I got to the point of the ribbing, I decided the sock needed something different. Would Captain Jack wear a sock with common ribbing? Wouldn't he have something a bit different? The whole discussion is ridiculous but I was remembering the extras on the DVD about the trouble they went through when designing the costume and that got me on the internet looking for a tutorial for a particular idea that flitted through the swiss-cheese-grey-matter.
I am by no means a knitting designer, because it requires too much math. But I do frequently change things midstream (needle size, stitch, toe construction, etc) so this little last minute quirk is normal for me.

I always like a long area of ribbing and I knew there wasn't enough black yarn left to do what I wanted. And the body color, well, there was enough of THAT already and I couldn't see Captain Jack with WHITE ribbing........yes, I was having a mental moment. ;)

SO! Hopefully tomorrow, I will have a photo to post of the socks on me, with the lovely ending and a good story to go along with it!

In the mean time I am posting a couple of shots of the detail work on the banners. As previously posted, they are loooooooooong, and the little bit of trim you see along the edge of the photo goes almost the full length of the work, and it is all sewn on BY HAND. Both sides. That's four long stitchings, BY HAND. Couldn't remember if I mentioned that. Yep, that's why I'm in the state I'm in......

(tiny trim, full of beads and sequins to catch your every thread....)

(tassel cluster which I only have to make a few of......thankfully!)

So it is sew-sew-sew today, and see how much of the other banner I can complete, and hopefully be limber enough to be doing some odd form of happy-dance this time tomorrow!

You don't want a picture of that......

And then, it is back to ART!!! WHOOOOO---HOOOOOO!!!!!