Thursday, July 02, 2009

Sew Charming: Fiber/Mixed Media Jewelry workshop.

ikebana

I came down with a really bad cold when I was in Portland at fiberfest, I have spent the last few days In bed trying to recover... a few more days would be helpful however I am off once more to teach at Idyllwild arts, for two days of Sew Charming, Fiber/Mixed Media Jewelry workshop. this weekend.
I am so glad that I do not need to get on a air plane for this trip and my family will also be with me! its going to be sew much fun!

ikebana

Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mark your calendars!

" I am so small I can barely be seen. How can this great love be inside of me? Look at your eyes. They are small but they see enormous things." ~Rumi


I turn to Thee

The creative process can be a mysterious thing; In November of 2007 I produced the diminutive piece of art “I turn to thee” composed of castoffs found on my desk…
at this time I had no idea that it was going to be chosen to launch the première issue of
Art Quilting Studio.

I turn to Thee

I am please to announce On Sunday, July 12th at the Orange Town & Country Barnes & Noble (791 South Main Street, Suite 100, Orange, CA 92868)
Jenny Doh and I will be on hand to sign copies of the premier issue of Art Quilting Studio from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.


A few of the quilts from this issue will be on hand to be viewed and I will even be bring my little featherweight with me and I will be doing some art sewing!

I hope you'll come by to help us celebrate the launching of Art Quilting Studio!

Me and Jenny at CHA 2009

If I could give just a few words of encouragement to a budding new artist it would be this:
“Always create like no one is watching.
Always follow the humming of your soul!”

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

be tender and true

My bags are packed and I am off to fiberfest... I will try to phone blog the fun!

sacred conversation heart


sacred conversation heart

I so enjoyed making these Sacred Conversation Hearts you can view all the ones I made in this slide show here.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

your vision...

(Read more about my dress making process in the premier issue of Art Quilting Studio)

When my children were very young I worked with polymer clay. I would construct dolls with armatures. I found great delight in how each one took on a life of its own some how... once I created one of these dolls I would bestow it with hand stitched clothing to enhance its individual personality.

your vision

In some ways when I create a poetry Pinafore the process is much like when I made dolls, as each dress is unique unto its self. Most of them come together quite quickly telling me what they want to become while others offer me a little more of a challenge and hang around uncompleted taking longer to complete.

your vision

I have been toying with the idea of once more creating a doll of some sort to go with my dresses but I have yet to fully grasp just how I will go about this task… I did have a reflection a few days ago however I need to find some time to carry it out. soon… I hope.

your vision

I take great strides to utilize my sewing machine as much as possible the writing on the dress is done with a process called free motion sewing or free motion embroidery.
(in July I will TRY to get up a youtube of how I do my stitching as my process is somewhat different)
(I sew with a Bernina aurora 440 however I travel with a singer featherweight 221 from the 1930's and she does it all!)

your vision

I do delight in the details When I create these dresses I try to capture a depth and motion.
I do this my hand basting and gathering to create a rousing effect on each piece.


your vision (back)
(my signature is on the back of each dress)

your vision (back)
(Shoulder detail)

your vision (back)

(Bottom of dress details)

your vision (back)

each time I make a new one I discover new ways to add a little more life to each one, I started to take a dress making class a few weeks ago as I have found that I need to learn foundations of this craft that I have embraced so fondly... its very hard for me to be a student as my mind has a hard time staying on task and wonders quickly to the "what if's"... and alas strait seams and edges have never been my thing. however sometimes we must go back to go forward. and as my husband like's to say only I would write a book on sewing then take a class to learn how to sew!
Lucky for me I am surrounded by a delightful group of many knowledgeable seamstress's who have all taken me under there wings! (thank you all for putting up with me!) Now I am off to work in my studio! Happy creating, follow your vision!

your vision (back)

Chinese legend tells of an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, Regardless of time, place, or circumstances… This thread symbolizes an attachment of hearts That distance alone can't keep apart. This tiny, thin thread may stretch, tangle or fray but can never break~



Friday, June 19, 2009

Love is the thread that binds us...

threads that bind us

threads that bind us

threads that bind us

View more "Sacred Conversation Hearts" here

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

"Tenderness Felt"

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(Congratulations Sarah! you did it!)
Things have been crazy for me as all mom's know the last few weeks of school are always hectic but add a high school graduation complete with out of town guest... and I think you get the idea!

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Over the last few days I have been able to get back into the stuido as I am frantically working away trying to build up an inventory for fiberfest:June 24th -28th (day passes are now being sold if you would like to attend) and for Idyllwild art: july 4th and 5th (seats are still available)

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Here is the lay out of "our wings"

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and this is what the lay out ended up looking like just before I start to sew.

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These dresses are waiting for hand details.

fabric cuffs

I made a batch of cuffs, here are two Poetry Fabric Cuffs.

"Tenderness Felt"
tenderness felt

This necklace has a brass sparrow that hangs from etched copper on a vintage brass chain embellished with hand dyed silk and tiny faceted green garnet.

tenderness felt


"Our Wings"
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is a multimedia sculptured art dress completed!

Monday, June 15, 2009

At my dress making class