Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Themes for the Season

Once again, I am three steps behind. Art shows, kids and holiday prep have me running around like a crazy woman. There is so much to celebrate and so many things that I want to do. I just need to remember to follow the themes of these peices. Peace in the Chaos. Joy in All Things. I sent these peices off into the world last week so they can hopefully encourage other people who need the reminder. I hope you too can find both Peace and Joy in this whirlwind season.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Let is Snow, Let is Snow, Let it Snow

I have been having so much fun creating Christmas and winter themed work. I just love this little snowman. He is 6"x6", currently framed, and sitting in the window of Dana's Showhouse on Bainbridge. The artists from the Bainbridge Studio Tour have a display to promote the tour the first weekend of December. I will be there at the American Legion Hall. This is the first year I have participated and I'm really excited. I feel a bit out of my league with all the "real" artists . As for the group I'm with, I'm the youngest by at least 10 years. One even led my kindergarten class in a ceramics project when I was 6. I didn't mention this to him though because I didn't want to make him feel old. It should be a good experience and hopefully I will learn a few things from the people who have been there and done it.

These are mini 2"x3" quilts, mounted on 4x6 cards made from watercolor paper. There is so much different imagery that I've gone a little crazy. I'm obsessive, I know. At least I have different cards to post for every day between now and Christmas if I'm organized enough to photograph them.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Turkeys, Turkeys Everywhere

The kids have working on all kinds of turkey are in preparation for Thanksgiving coming up at school. I just couldn't resist the temptation to join in on the fun. I created 7 different Turkey cards. I list a few in my Etsy shop and I think I will use the others for Thank You cards. I want to send something special out to the people who have really supported me this last year. I figure Thanksgiving would be the perfect time to get organized and do it.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Yellow Seuss Box

Here's the latest of my felted wool boxes. I made this for my daughter's friend's birthday. I filled it with little girl nail poslish and lip gloss -- perfect for an eight year old who likes to play dress up. I used a wool/rayon blend in soft yellow with a pinky orange base. After a trip through the washing machine it shrunk about 20% to 3"x6" plus the cuff. I then added the yo-yos for a a little extra color. The wonky shape reminds me of something that would have come out of a Dr. Suess book. Very fun and silly!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Wool Felt Box

I had a fun time last weekend at the EtsyRain Pre-Holiday Craft Show. The weather was beautiful so it was a nice day to be in the city. This country girl seems to only make it to Seattle for craft shows or a trip to IKEA. Only problem was that with the sunshine people just weren't thinking about Christmas yet. Gift buying wasn't quite on the radar. I did come home with a little money for the puppy fund and feeling great about my artwork, so I'm not going to complain.
I did have a few questions about my wool felt, and different projects one can use it for. I decided to do a little experimenting and whipped up this box really quick. I used a 6"x6" piece for the base and 4 6"x12" pieces for the sides. I sewed them up with a straight stitch and threw it in the washer. The first time I washed it by itself on delicate. It barely shrunk and was somewhat flimsy, so I washed it again with a load of jeans and other clothes. I pulled it out and shaped it while it was still somewhat damp. I love how it turned out. It is now 4.5" square and 6" tall with a 2" cuff. Very fun. This felt is my daughter's favorite. Her birthday is coming up in November, so now I have something fun to fill with her gifts. And it was so easy! I think I might be making a few more.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

BOO! Halloween is Hiding Around the Corner

Here are of the new Halloween pieces that I made for the Etsy Rain Craft Show this weekend at the Seattle Center. After the show I will add them to my etsy shop, just in time for Halloween!
These pieces are each 5"x7" and mounted 8"x10" so they are ready to frame.

These pieces are each 2"x3" and mounted on 4"x6" cards (envelope included) and ready to frame.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Riot of Color

Yesterday's task--dye felt and paint paper. And boy did I have fun with it! In the morning, I took over the kitchen with felt, kool-aid, food color and vinegar. I had five different pans going at the same time and create 29 different 12"x32" strips of colored felt. When stacked up, they are nearly a foot thick. From the edges you can't see all the color combinations. They range from blue, green and purple to pink and orange. Now I just need to do some pieces with the entire rainbow and I'm set for a while. These will be cut into 12" x 12" pieces for the season's craft show and the those still around in December will go into my etsy shop. Plus, I will have a whole selection of 8"x12" pieces left over for my own use. I can't wait to experiment with them. After picking my son up from kindergarten, I broke out the paints. Now I have a rainbow of painted watercolor paper to use for gift tags. I have most of the inchies made, so I just need to put them together before next weekend. Next on the to do list is fabric paper. First on the list is shades of black and purple. I'm hoping to make a few Halloween pieces before the Etsy Rain show next weekend at the Seattle Center. Hopefully my schedule wont turn too crazy because I'm really excited to work on them. Off to make the raw materials.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Celebrate Exuberant Joy!

You may have noticed my new banner and tag line. I have been thinking a lot about my art and goals. Why do I create? Why do I want to share my work with the world? How does my art benefit myself? Other people? Often the questions just seem to big, but occasionally I have time to sit quietly and actually think. And then the flash comes -- I want to embrace joy. I want to laugh at the imperfections. I want to dance in the kitchen. I want to be proud of simple accomplishments. I want to celebrate the details. I want to make the choice to be happy and inspire others to do the same.
So how does that translate into my art. Color! Texture! Imperfection! I'm striving to explore different color combinations. Orange has been my latest challenge. I'm finding that I love it in so many different combinations -- with hot pink or purple and green. It has such a voice that I've just categorically dismissed in the past. I want to turn off those thought that say "I don't like that" and open my eyes to the possibilities. And I don't want color to be flat. I want layers and depth. The trees are never just one shade of green or the sea simply blue. The colors dance and sing when you look closely. Texture is everywhere. From the soft polar fleece of my sweatshirt to the sleek computer, from the cold metal knobs of my desk to my warm socks. I am surrounded by so many little, unnoticed details. Give them life and showcase them. And of course imperfection. I know how perfection can immobilize me. I have always struggled with not wanting to try something I' not already good at. I'm letting go of the attitude of "if you can't do it right, don't do it at all" and allowing myself the opportunity to fail.
Okay, I admit that this all sounds a little high and mighty. I know that I will sometimes fall back into my ruts, I wont always step out and do the things I'm afraid of, I'll get caught up in the negative. But that's okay too. Just get back up and try again! And if I forget, I'm counting on you to remind me.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Circle Chaos

It appears that a beautiful, sunny September day isn't the best for photographing. I'm really not complaining though -- I'll just have to wait to post all my latest work. I'm still having a lot of fun with my circle series! Here is the latest creation and I have a couple more I finished this morning. For now, I need to go enjoy the sun beause it really wont be here for much longer!

Monday, September 20, 2010

And the Winner is...

Mellisa Graham, who left me a the words "cheerful, dazzling and vibrant" via Facebook. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone for your help. I am so happy to know that my work brings cheer and color to so many people's lives. My biggest goal is to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Thank you for letting me know that I accomplish that every day.

Friday, September 17, 2010

I Need Your Help!

I would love a little input from all of you! What three words would you use to describe my art? Let me know and I will send a surprise to one lucky supporter. Just leave me a comment with your description and a way to get in contact with you. I will randomly choose a winner Monday morning and email you for your mailing address. Thanks for your help!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Lollipop, Lollipop

I'm feeling so efficent! Another day of actually photographing and posting my work. I created these peices earlier in the summer and they have been sitting in a box ever since. I just love the fun circles. They remind me of the giant lollipops I would beg for as a kid. Luckily these don't produce any of the sticky mess!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Rainbow of Felt

I finally found the time to list my dyed felt on Etsy. It has been on my to-do list for the last six months and for some reason I haven't made the time. Usually my excuse has been bad light for photography. I typically rely upon the sun and it has been either too bright or raining. Today we had a night overcast day, so I got to work. I managed to photograph, edit and list around 30 pieces in only a few hours. I know the advice is to space out listings on Etsy, but I knew if I didn't finish now it wasn't going to happen. I'm sure tomorrow something would come up and I have plenty on my to-do list anyways. So now I can cross this one off.