Prep work for Houston Part II

Finally making that cool Faux Leather Journal that Sue Bleiweiss had in Cloth Paper Scissors a year ago. This has been so much easier then I imagined. This is to highlight both the Golden Fluid Acrylic we carry as well as the Grungeboard. Both can be found at www.fiberonawhim.com

We also are waiting for the arrival of Adirondack Color Wash which can be used on fabric, paper and other fibers. Here's what I was playing with on the piece of fabric below.

The Lettuce Green was put on while for fabric was totally dry and a wet paintbrush was used to move around the color. The Stream color on the bottom was applied to the fabric after it was wet. Then a wet paintbrush was used to fill in the white portions.

Then I used the Color Wash on a canvas. I applied the color and let it dry. Then I applied the 7 Gypsies tissue paper, coming soon, over the top. Now to add some dimensional bits to it.

These tags are in process and will be used on a piece but the are also spritzed with the Adirondack Color Wash.

Prep work for Houston

We are working on getting a few new display things ready for our front row booth in Houston. Here's a couple of new boxes to hold our found objects. I think they turned out really cool and want to make a few more...lol!!! Stay tuned for more updates. Many of the orders have gone in and the stuff should be arriving shortly. Then the play begins. Soooooooooo many new things in store for us.

Latest T-shirt Quilt

This is the latest t-shirt quilt. This woman wanted all of her sorority t-shirts made up into something she could use. It turned out to be 68" wide x 74" tall. She asked for shabby chic and I think the fabric turned out perfectly for this one!!

My 12 Connected Challenge Piece for "Yes" Theme: "Yes, In Any Language" by Jan Girod

This is not the quilt that I set out to make. How many times has that happened to you? The idea of using the word "Yes" in several languages was part of my thought process for this challenge from the beginning, but not the techniques used or the end result. Once again my daughter had to flat out tell me that I was hung up on the techniques, clearly they were not getting me where I wanted to go and that I needed to forget the plan. Well she was so very right. I actually had to grovel tonight. I thanked her for the "kick in the pants", that I actually love the way this piece turned out and that it is probably better than expected. Actually kissed her cheek in gratitude for her bluntness...which by the way she is very good at.
I am sorry that the colors in the photo's seem so different, I wanted to get these posted and did not wish to take time to set up my photography lighting. The top photo is the accurate photo, but in order for you to see the writing clearly I had to illuminate my design wall with my work lamp.

View the group's work at http://www.12connected.blogspot.com Thank you!

AQS Knoxville Class

AQS Knoxville is now a thing of the past! This was their last year there and are now switching to Grand Rapids, MI. I was honored to be asked to teach a class when they had a teacher back out. I was also mildly surprised that they were willing to pick up a mixed media collage class. I was then further surprised that it was SOLD OUT!! I had so much fun teaching the class. These are the only two pictures I managed since of course Murphy's Law meant that my camera battery died.

Students working away! Most completed two 5x7" collages and four ATCs.

SDA Conference

We will be vending at Confluence; 2011 International Surface Design Association Conference in Minneapolis-St. Paul. You will find us at the Radison University Hotel in the Vendor Mall beginning Thursday, June 9th 6:00-8:00 PM; Friday, June 10th 8:30-2:00, Break-back 6:00-10:00 PM; Saturday, June 11th 8:30-5:00; Sunday, June 12th 8:30-10:00 AM. Come on by and introduce yourself, it's always fun to put a face with a name.

My 12 Connected Challenge Piece for "Spring" Theme: "Ain't No Spring Chicken" by Jan Girod

This is not what I orginally planned to create, but a nap with the dictionary and I awoke with a whole new plan. After recently cleaning and organizing our studio spaces, I found so many things long forgotten about. This chicken block was left over from a Mary Lou Weidman quilt I made eons ago. She provided just enough attitude to create a great looking "spring chicken".

Her curls were originally the springs in 3 older ball point pens, those pens don't work anymore and hubbys' collection is a few less. A trip to the party store provided her legs and feet. Dismantling little notebooks left me with great legs, just the right length and her feet were part of a hand clapping toy. She has made me smile and giggle ever since she was done.

You can see the other "Spring" challenge pieces by other members of the group at http://www.12connected@blogspot.com