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!

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.

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.

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.

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.