Moving!

Hello Folks...I'm in the midst of moving my blog and combining it with my website - www.mistysart.com.  I'm busy navigating the learning curve that is WordPress...but come on over and visit!

The new site will ensure more frequent posting and more free tutorials!
xoxo Misty

Friday Night - Quick Sketch

I had just 30 minutes to spare tonight and couldn't resist playing a bit with the ole Prismacolor pencils while I was waiting for some glue to dry on a jewelry project (more on that later).  This was a quickie sketch with the pencils and stamps and ink.

Toasting in my "New Year"

Had a great time celebrating my birthday and my daughter's college graduation at a local winery!  What more could a girl want? 

It's a cold and rainy October day and my daughter, Elyse, her fiance, Chris, my hubby, Dave and I set out for Seven Mountains Wine Cellars.  My daughter and her fiance had never been to a wine tasting before, so we thought she enjoy the experience. Yes, indeed...she certainly did!  This weekend marked the debut of the winery's seasonal Cranberry wine...and they celebrated it with a nice buffet including roasted turkeys, stuffing, etc and live music.  We had a great time! 

Birthday Presents "From Me" - "To Me"

Today is my 51st birthday and I'm so excited about the possibilities in the year ahead.  I tend to be just a little self-indulgent on my birthday.  This year, quite by accident, I came across a small cotton rug with an Art Nouveau inspired pattern at a vintage shop.  I just loved the colors and although I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, I know it will have a home in my studio somewhere.  The picture below doesn't do it justice and the colors are a bit off, but I really like it.  I may even alter the center bit somehow...we shall see.

New thrift store find...quality cotton rug for my studio

I'm taking a free workshop from Rhomany of Rhomany's Realm called "Whimsical Workspaces" and hoping to gather some ideas to add some personality and character to my current studio.  I revamped it not long ago and painted a lot of wooden furniture pieces all the same color - off white and now my studio is just too monochromatic (white walls, white furniture).  I thought I'd love the look, but it's just NOT ME! I am looking forward to making some colorful changes.

My current studio needs some character! TOO WHITE!

The other thing I treated myself to is a year-long course taught by one of my favorite instructors, Tam Laporte (Willowing) called "LIFE BOOK 2012".  It's an art journaling, mixed media exploration course with 24 lessons/2 per month - one taught by Tam and the other is taught by a guest instructor.  There are a LOT of talented teachers involved with this project and I cannot wait to get started in January.

www.willowing.org

Heat Wave

The frequency of my postings and the time I spend making art really decreases in the summer months.  The outdoor activities (both work and play) pull me away from my studio and into the fresh air and sunshine. We've had record highs here in Central PA, with temps climbing over 100 degrees.  Amazing!

Another reason I haven't been here is because of a new, unexpected addition to the family, Wilhemina (Mina for short)...she's certainly made our lives more interesting!  I'd forgotten how much time and energy kittens need (just trying to keep them out of trouble and safe!). She's a sweetheart and a little terror all rolled up into one tiny, furry bundle.

Mina at the end of a hard day of play!

Mina captured during a rare, still moment

I recently finished up an Art Deck project for the Travelers' H'Art, Capolan Group (Red Dog Scot, Covino, CA).  I've belonged to this art exchange group for many years, although I haven't been as active with the group as I once was. So many wonderful artists are members and it's fantastic participating in the collaborative projects that hostess, Red Dog, puts together.

The project was to put together a 3 1/2" x 5" tarot card image with the influence of Nick Bantock's art.  I was assigned The Star card.  My piece is a digital collage which used more than 20 individual images combined and transformed into one card.  The bird and flowing water are traditional symbols for this card, along with of course, a star!  I had a lot of fun with this work and particularly enjoyed working using vivid colors.

"The Star" Digital Collage (Art Deck Project)

A few weeks ago, I also finished up my entry for the Hearts and Hands for Sendai quilt block.  My block will be combined with the blocks of other crazy quilters into display quilts which will be hung in Japan and money will be raised to support victims of the recent natural disasters.

Finished Block for "Hearts & Hands for Sendai" Benefit Project

Lesson 1 - Faces in Technicolor Class

Practice - Lesson 1 "Faces in Technicolor"

Spent the afternoon practicing a new skill...painting faces using "non-traditional" colors, using acrylics.  I am taking Sharon Tomlinson's class, "Faces in Technicolor". , I was a bit frustrated at first with this technique, but also had fun at different points too.  I'm anxious to keep practicing and to do the other lessons in the course.  It's good to stretch and grow!

I'm not thrilled with my results and might play with this one some more to see if I can improve it without making it worse.

"Fantasy Art" Themed Blocks for ICQA Swap

My 6 "Naked" Blocks for a CQI Swap

 This past week, I've been working on cutting and sewing 6 "naked" blocks for a Crazy Quilters International (CQI) swap that started today.  The swap involves 5 other crazy quilters.  Each member of our group comes up with a theme of their own and sews 6 blocks.  The blocks travel together to each of the quilters and each person in rotation selects a block and embellishes it.  The rotation continues until all 6 blocks come home (5 will be embellished and 1 will be left for me to work on).  This type of rotation swap is called a DYB (Do Your Block) swap.

I decided to use a "Fantasy Art" theme and used pieces by Josephine Wall (yes, I have permission to use her images!).  I just love her paintings, they're amazing...very colorful and full of intricate details. 

"A New Beginning" - Mixed Media Folk Art Angel (Easter 2011)

Whether you celebrate the Christian Easter Holiday or not, spring is a wonderful time for a new beginning.  Today, I celebrated in my own way - immersed in paints, inks, and papers and full of the joy of creating. 

This folk art style, mixed media angel, "A New Beginning" was collaged together on a mixed media paper substrate...topped with various printed papers, ink, water soluble crayons, acrylics, matte medium, etc.  She is 14" x 17".

I hope your holiday weekend included some time for your own favorite creative pursuits!

M

P.S.  I decided NOT to do any more VLOGS until I can improve the lighting and equipment set up.  More to come later...

You Tube - Vlog Every Day in April Challenge

I've been away from my blog for a LONG time, but hoping to get here more often in the coming weeks.

I'm trying something new today...an experiment of sorts...this is my first attempt at a VLOG in response to the "Vlog Every Day in April" Challenge on YouTube.  Some of my fellow artists have inspired me to give it a try.

I'm camera-shy and I'd like to get over that as eventually, I'd like to share some art techniques with others online.  I'm looking forward to learning how to use the camera and adjust my lighting (which I think will prove to be a challenge in my basement studio).

Bear with me!

Naked Crazy Quilt Block - Hearts & Hands for Sendai Quilt for CQI

"Naked" Block for "Hearts & Hands for Sendai"

As I mentioned in a previous post, Crazy Quilting International (CQI) has put together a friendship quilt/fund-raising project to benefit the victims of the earthquake in Japan.  Some of our members are from Japan and thankfully, they survived the quake.

I combined a selection of fancy fabrics and Japanese patterned cotton blend fabric and created this block using the flip and sew technique.

This was the first time I sewed with my new Brother Sewing Machine.  It is a challenge getting used to the computerized stitching and I'm clumsy reaching for buttons and levers.  I was so used to my old machine and my brain needs to be retrained!  This is similar to driving a car for several years and then getting a new one and having to figure out how to operate the "bells and whistles".

I hope to start decorating and embellishing my block over the next several days and will post my progress.

It's not too late for quilters to join the project!

Hearts and Hands for Sendai - Quilting Project Invitation

At Crazy Quilting International (CQI), we are sponsoring a project to generate funds for the recovery effort in Japan.  Our Japanese members and dear friends, Hideko Ishida, and Emiko Sato are fortunately safe. This project is open to everyone interested in participating in the quilting community, both traditional and crazy quilting.  I am posting the guidelines here.  Please contact the project coordinator, Leslie, privately at pinyoncreekq@q.com if you are interested in creating a block for a quilt so you can be added to the masterlist! 

Hearts and Hands For Sendai Project Description

This project will be dedicated to helping those affected by the earthquake tsunami disaster in Japan. Per Hideko Ishida's request, all quilts will become a part of an exhibit in Japan where money will be raised by viewing the quilts. Ultimately, these quilts may be auctioned and the proceeds given to a charity designated by Hideko Ishida, our Japanese CQ Sister! We will keep everyone informed as time progresses. This project is open to the quilting community at large!
You may track details on the Crazy Quilting International blog,

Guidelines are as follows:

Theme: Friendship and re-building of a country

Finished block size: 8 inches

Colors: Jewel Tones

Style: traditional or crazy quilt blocks will be accepted

For traditional quilt blocks, there are no pattern restrictions. The only requirements are the size and the colors. Finished size is to be 8 inches (20.32 cm). Please allow a half inch seam allowance. Colors are jewel tones. No restrictions to the type of fabric used.

For crazy quilt blocks:

• Cut foundation at 9 inches (22.86 cm), piece the entire foundation.
• Baste a line at 8 inches (20.32 cm) to stop embroidering
• Do not add beads or charms past 7 ½ inches (19.05 cm)
• Zig zag edges to prevent edges from fraying.
• Add your name and address on the back of the block.
• Mark the block with “UP” to show which side is the top
• Prefer all fabrics used be “fancies” (ie: silk, satin, taffeta, velvet) but if you have
  some kimono fabrics or other oriental themed fabrics in your stash you are
  welcome to use them.
• All beading MUST be double stitched and knotted with BEADING THREAD!!!
  NO exceptions!!! These items will be handled a great deal and beads, buttons,
  charms are among the first to begin to loosen. Embellishments – may be done
  by machine or by hand. 
• Lace and other motifs are acceptable and must be securely attached
• Trims are acceptable and must be securely attached
• Silk Ribbon Embroidery (SRE) is acceptable.
• Tatting and crocheted butterflies and dragonflys, etc are acceptable and must
  be securely attached
• Please sign the back of your block

Please refrain from using any reference to the rising sun.  This has political connotations we do not want to be involved with.

If you have any questions, at any time, email or call; Leslie Ehrlich - pinyoncreekq@q.com . All completed projects will be mailed to Leslie no later than June 30, 2011. Please contact Leslie for mailing address information.

We are asking for an entry fee of $10.00 dollars for each block. This fee will be accrued and forwarded to either Hideko or a charity of her choosing. This is to generate funds to help Japan as much as possible.
Funds can be sent vis a vis check, money order (payable to ICQA) or Paypal, icqa4u@yahoo.com . Please check gift for the donation. We appreciate everyone’s participation and look forward to seeing all the fabulous creations!

Don't Be Afraid to Take a "Do-over"! Improving "Finished" Paintings

I've learned so much over the past year...even the past few months by reading books, blogs, and taking online classes.  I've spent my spare time practicing drawing and painting (both watercolor and acrylics)...and my mistakes have been some of my greatest teachers along the way.

Tonight, I was sitting in my studio, contemplating my next project and looked up to see some of my earliest attempts at painting from a few months ago.  One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that you can take a "do-over" and paint over almost anything with white or another neutral and make some changes.  I decided to see if I could fix up one of my little 6" x 6" mixed media pieces on canvas.  I just never really felt satisfied with her. So, I painted over much of the face with flesh tone (Yes, the eyes and everything!) and re-drew and repainted her features.  She's not perfect yet, but I'm happier with her now.  It's amazing what a little paint will do! See what you think! Am I embarrassed looking at my "Before" version?  Well...perhaps a little, but I thought it was more important to show you that it's okay to "revisit" your paintings and to keep refining your work as you gain skills.  As always...wishing you peace and joy in the creation of your art!

"Wish" - After Do-over!

"Wish" - Before Do-over!

Mermaid Homework Assignment Two - Whimsy Style Mermaid

Part Two of my homework assignment for Willowing's "Magical Mythical Makings" Mermaid Week was to create a whimsical, folk artsy mermaid.  This is not my typical style, but I sure had fun making her.  This mixed media piece was done on canvas...background is paper, acrylics, water soluble crayons, ink...the mermaid was done using acrylics, ink, gel pens, crayons, watercolor pencils and graphite.

Our next lesson is on Unicorns and Faeries in the style if Brian Froud...should be fun!  Loving this class and my fellow students are wonderful.  Had a great online chat with our instructor and several classmates today...nice meeting people from around the world and sharing ideas.

More Homework - Chagall-inpired Mermaid on Wood

Homework - Chagall-inspired Mermaid - (definitely NOT excited about my outcome)

 
The mixed media class, "Magical Mythical Makings" (Willowing.ning.com) has certainly pushed me to explore new methods and media.  This lesson required us to create a mermaid painting on wood which captured Marc Chagall's style.  If you've never seen Chagall's work, I urge you to take a peek.  It's full of chickens, birds, fish, splattered flowers, goats, bulls, guitars, buildings and houses, moons and curvy, topless women with men fondling them...and these elements are all together in the same picture.  A bit out of my element...but I gave it a go...after all, it was homework.

I have to admit, I didn't capture Chagall's style very well...his artwork doesn't speak to me at all, so I didn't feel inspired, but mermaids are a fun subject. Nonetheless....I had a good time and got some good chuckles along the way.  My mermaid came out looking like a G-rated "Chagall Barbie"...lol...and my mer-man originally looked just like Michael Jackson until I made some adjustments.  I found the experience of working on wood unique and I enjoyed making flying fish and musical goats.  I learned that I want to learn how to draw men better.  Not thrilled with my outcome and I'll likely gesso over the whole thing and use the wood for another project, but looking forward to future classes.  So far, a very enjoyable experience!

Finished My Homework! - Gustav Klimt Inspired Goddess Painting

My final painting of Hera!  I think she's done...worked on her hands and a few other small details.  I could probably keep on "tweeking" things forever, but need to MAKE MYSELF STOP!!! Seriously, I've spent so many hours on the little details...what will I do with my free time until my next class on Monday?  I guess I'd better catch up on all the housework I've missed out on while painting.

Day 5 Progress - Klimt-Inspired Goddess, Hera

This is my Day 5 progress on my "homework" from Tam LaPorte's (Willowing) class.  Our assignment was to create a Klimt-inspired goddess on a large canvas. Tonight, I mainly worked on the background layers and small "repairs".  Still have a little to do on this painting...probably one more session and I'll finish her up.  I'm liking her! 

My classmates are talented and producing beautiful paintings...very fun to watch everyone's progress.  Meeting people from around the world has been a great experience.  Very supportive and encouraging folks!

Day 4 Progress - Klimt Inspired Goddess Hera

Well...I still have a lot of work to do on my Klimt-inspired goddess, Hera, that I'm doing for Tam LaPorte's class.  I want to fix her hands, have lots of detail to add to the halo, shading to add to branches, touch ups on face and hair, etc.  Lots of small detail work to do.  My biggest problem is trying to decide what to do with the background...colors, layers, etc.  Not sure yet.  She's taken me many hours and I figure I'll finish her over the weekend.  Not exactly the same style as Tam's but I just went with what "came out" as I painted. 

Quite a challenge...

Day 2 Progress - Klimt inspired Portrait

Oh my...I am not used to working on such a large canvas!  I worked for hours and all I got done was the face and hair...made some mistakes along the way and had to "patch things up" but overall happy with her look.  Started on the dress and did one quick layer on the peacock.    I like a challenge and hope that I can find time this week to put into this.

So enjoying seeing the work of my classmates on Willowing's Ning site!  Very supportive and prolific bunch.  Several of my classmates are finished already!

Klimt Inspired Portrait of Hera and Her Peacock

I recently started another class with Tam Laporte - Willowing.ning.com - entitled "Magical, Mythical Makings".  For Week 1 homework, we were to begin a large canvas portrait of a goddess (Roman, Greek, Egyptian, etc.) and we had to use Klimt's style as inspiration. 

When I started looking up goddesses on the web, I came across Hera, Greek Goddess of Love and Marriage.  She appealed to me immediately and once I found out that the peacock was her favorite bird, that sealed the deal.  Peacock feathers and Klimt's use of oval shapes are an ideal pairing.

Tonight I started the sketch and tomorrow I will begin painting with a mix of acrylics and watercolor crayons. 

I know this shot is a little hard to see.  I didn't want to make my graphite too heavy on the canvas as it smudges so easily.  Wish me luck...I'm not used to painting on such a large canvas 22 x 28, but I'm really excited about the project so far.  I find getting started - coming up with the idea - is the hardest part.

Mini Tutorial - Heart Ornament for Valentines Day

Hello My Friends,

Today, I thought I'd walk you through a quick and easy heart ornament, perfect for a little Valentines Day gift.  This is my own design, but feel free to copy or share.

Supplies Needed:

• Clear plastic or glass ornament (the wider the opening at the top of the neck, the better).
• Scrapbook paper - two pieces in colors that contrast but look nice together
• Square pattern or punch in a size that will fit inside the ornament  (mine was a 2" square punch)
• Heart pattern or punch - smaller than the square
• Gel pens
• Glue
• Ink pads or fluid chalk pads
• Hole punch
• Eyelet and eyelet setter
• Beads
• Tiny hearts punched out of double-sided paper or cardstock
• Tweezers
• Ribbon

1) Choose two papers that look nice together.  Thinner paper works best as you will be rolling your little artwork into a tube shape to insert it into the ornament later on.  Punch out one square of each paper and one heart from each paper.

 

2) Glue heart from paper 1 onto square cut from paper 2.  Blue the heart from paper 2 onto the square from paper one.  Glue both squares together back-to-back.

3) Decorate the hearts using Gel pens in the colors of your choice.  You can decorate the edges of the squares too, if desired.  I used a gold metallic ink pad on the edges.

 To add more depth to the piece, you can use rubber stamps with ink or fluid chalk to stamp on designs.

Decorate both sides - they don't have to be exactly the same...do whatever "your heart desires".

To insert the eyelet, punch a hole using a hole punch tool or a large needle...don't get too close to the edge of the paper or the eyelet won't set properly.  Remember to work on a cutting board or mat or other suitable surface.

Insert the eyelet and use your eyelet setter and hammer to set.

 Attach a colored string or thread through the eyelet and tie two ends together to make a loop.

Add beads, tiny heart cut outs (double-sided paper), buttons, stars...whatever you'd like to the ornament by dropping them through the ornament neck and letting them settle to the bottom.  I found these little L-O-V-E beads in my stash and dyed them with alcohol ink (cranberry).

Now for the tricky part.  Very gently, roll your heart square into a tube shape.  Be very careful!  Insert the tube into the ornament keeping the end of the string hanging out the top of the ornament (you'll be attaching this to the top when you close up the ornament).  Once you get the heart squares inside - you'll have to use whatever means you have handy (long tweezers, pencil, knitting needle, chopstick, etc.) to UNROLL the paper and flatten it.  Be patient - I found that long tweezers worked the best.

Next hold the ornament upright...figure out how you would like to position the heart within the ornament.  Adjust the position by using the string attached to the ornament to raise or lower your heart.  Once you've decided where it looks best to you.  Now you have to figure out how to attach your string.  It depends on your ornament's construction.  Sometimes, you can attach it to a loop under the cap.  Sometimes you can hold the string against the neck or the ornament with the excess hanging over the side.  Place the ornament cap on the ornament to close it.  You can cut off remaining string or tie it around the outside neck.

Add ribbon, beads, silk flowers or whatever embellishments you'd like to the outside neck.

Tip - using a toilet paper roll standing on it's end to hold the ornament  between steps keeps it from rolling away.

Have fun!

Round Robin Revisited & Mini Tutorial - Journal Cover Technique

Revisiting a "True Colors" Round Robin Journal Project

I was cleaning up my studio last night and came across a box containing artwork done collaboratively with other artists in a "Round Robin" style.  One of the projects in the box brought to mind a fun technique that I used to decorate the cover of a windowed board book journal.  I created this technique quite by accident when I was playing around one day, and I really liked the effect.  I thought I'd share the technique with you on my blog!

First, let me give you some background on the original project.  One of my very favorite books for mixed media art inspiration is "True Colors: A Palette of Collaborative Art" by  Kathryn Bold/Somerset.  To me, this book is a "must have" for anyone interested in mixed media. The book features a Round Robin Journal project where each artist involved created a journal with a chosen color palette.  The journals were mailed from artist to artist within the group and all of them were required to create a page or pages using the color theme chosen by the journals's originator.  The books were heavily embellished by each artist and the pictures in this book are EYE CANDY!

One of my fav books, "True Colors"

One of the Artist Groups I belong to, Travelers H'Art and Capolan.org run by the talented Red Dog Scott runs collaborative projects.  I hosted a "True Colors" Round Robin Journal Project within the group.  Several artists signed up and each of us chose a color palette.  I chose "Forest Floor".  Others in the group chose color themes like Rainforest, citrus colors, sunset, sepia and more.

I bought a board book to use for my journal which included a couple of pages with small windows cut out, giving artists an opportunity to create using those windows to highlight focal points on pages.  Before I could send the journal off to the first artist, I needed to decorate the cover and create the first entry in the book.

Here is a shot of the cover...very textured and meant to look like the leaves you'd see on the floor of a forest in the autumn. 

I've marked two subtle dragonflies on this close-up shot.Can you see them?

Want to know how to create this leafy look?

Supplies needed:
•    Matte medium (I use Golden or Matte Medium)
•    Brush suitable for matte medium (don't use your good paint brushes!)
•    12 x 12 scrapbook paper (rawhide texture) in shades of brown, tan, rust, olive and/or green - I got mine at Michael's.  If you cannot find rawhide texture, you may be able to substitute other heavily textured paper.
•    Earthy-colored scrapbook or decorative papers
•    Scissors
•    Tissue paper decoupage paper, or other thin paper with images of dragonflies, acorns, feathers, pine cones, birds or other outdoorsy images.  You can buy this ready-made or create some of your own with tissue paper, StazOn Permanent Ink, and rubber stamps.
•    Craft acrylic paints in forest floor shades - browns, greens, copper, gold, bronze metallics,  and paint brushes
•    Distress Ink in browns, sepia, etc. (optional)

Assorted Papers Used to Create the Forest Floor Layers

Instructions: (I'm really going to have to make  a video of my processes one of these days! Pictures just don't show all the steps in enough detail!)
1)  Cut some leaf shapes from the rawhide paper, using the folds in the paper as leaf veins and stems.  You can draw the leaves in pencil first or use a pattern if you'd like or you can be FEARLESS and just start cutting out  leaves.

2)  Cut dragonflies or other small images from tissue paper or other thin paper.  I like using tissue paper because of its transparent nature. Alternatively, you can use the top ply/layer of a patterned dinner napkin.

3)  Tear up a sheet of the  brown rawhide paper or other textured paper, paper bags, or other brown or green scrapbook paper into pieces...do NOT make them uniform shapes or sizes, but rip them into sizes ranging from 1/2 " x 1/2" on up, depending on the surface you are trying to cover.  Note:  These pieces of paper will be layered to represent the layer of pieces of leaves and other debris which often exists in the forest during autumn.

4)  Using basic decoupage techniques, apply the torn pieces of paper from step 3 onto the page surface.  Apply matte medium to the surface of the page where you want to place your first piece of paper.  Also apply matte medium to the back of the piece of paper.  Lay the wet paper onto the page surface.  Apply even more matte medium on top to seal/glue the paper down.  Continue to layer pieces of the ripped paper and the leaves you created in Step 1 to the page.  See the photo below.  I purposefully used pieces of paper in contrasting colors to illustrate this step (I used all shades of brown for the journal I created).  Add dragonflies or other tissue paper images, if desired.  Beware...once you put matte medium on tissue paper, it becomes very fragile and tears easily...you need to place the image on the page quickly.

This shows the first few pieces of torn paper and leaf cut outs, decoupaged to the page with matte medium.

5)  Once you've covered the page with decoupaged paper, let it dry completely.  If you are pleased with the colors and texture, you can stop at this point.  For my Forest Floor Journal, I elected to use washes of brown, olive, and dark green acrylic paint and Distress Ink in various shades of brown and applied them to the page until I got the effect I wanted.  If you want to make the leaves stand out more, you can add rust, orange, green or yellow paint to each of them.  I also added some copper, bronze and golden metallic acrylic paints using a paintbrush.

Can a Gal have TOO MANY Hobbies?

I think I have serious issues...you know how I selected "FOCUS" as my word for 2011?  Here's a prime example of how I get myself into a zillion projects and have all of them going at once.  I have a bunch of mixed media projects on deck; one crocheted afghan started; I'm taking two art classes, have another commissioned painting to make, and one hand-pieced quilt in process.  Then what did I do?  Bought fabric to make yet another quilt.  Yep...didn't have enough to do...lol.

I guess the good thing is:  I almost always finish what I start...and I'm NEVER bored...and these things keep me from eating at night (well, that doesn't ALWAYS work but it's a good excuse, isn't it?).

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail each day...expecting a book with a quilt pattern that I ordered Christmas weekend. I wonder if the postman thinks I'm a real oddball staring out the window as he fills the mailbox?!?  Maybe he doesn't think the staring is odd, but I bet the sobbing and whimpering that happens when he doesn't deliver my package kinda creeps him out.  :)

The Evening Mist (Moda) fabric for the NEW quilt is really pretty...muted tones & romantic patterns...

...quite a contrast from the colorful batik quilt I'm slowly hand patching.

Words to Live By - What's Your Word for 2011?

Happy New Year, Folks!

I'm not a big believer in making New Year's resolutions; however, I am a believer in choosing a word or two to help remind me of the areas of my life where I want to make some changes in the coming year.

The word "BELIEVE" is the word that I consider my "Life Word".  It's my North Star...my guiding word and a very important word to me.  Without faith, hope, and belief - how would we get through this journey we call life?

The word I've selected for myself for 2011 is "FOCUS".  I have several personal and professional goals which are within sight...and I know that I need to set my course and work to focus my efforts to hit them.  I am a person who tends to do things in a circular fashion vs. a linear fashion.  I always have multiple projects going on at once...lots of "irons in the fire".  I get distracted easily  - "Oh LOOK!  There's something shiny over there!" and off I go!  I come back....eventually.  Sometimes that trait is a blessing - allowing me to change directions quickly and be flexible.  But I know that in order to reach my goals, I'll need to concentrate my efforts and go full steam ahead in order to succeed.

So there it is....F-O-C-U-S.  There is a lotta power in those five letters.  Time to harness the energy and "ride the wave".

I'll be back with another mini tutorial later this week!  Until then...enjoyed some FOCUSED CREATIVE TIME of your own!

This image represents the word "FOCUS" to me. You have to peer intently inside the glass sphere to see all the details clearly.  I took this shot of "Planet Globe" at the Corning Museum of Glass while on my honeymoon in 2010.  Brings back great memories!

Two Techniques for Dyeing and Painting Cotton Lace

I love experimenting and sharing what I learn with others!  Tonight I decided to try a few different techniques to add color to vintage cotton lace (purchased on e-bay) by painting and dyeing it.  I have a few new crazy quilt projects in mind and don't have any lace on hand to match.

I thought I'd share the following two techniques with you:

1. Hand Painting Lace with Alcohol Inks (top row below)
2. Microwaved Tea Dyed Lace (bottom two rows)

How to Hand Paint Lace with Alcohol Inks

This process results in rich, saturated color and the dye dries quickly and is permanent. The only downsides I see are the cost (as alcohol dyes are rather inexpensive) and the fact that the inks stain things they come in contact with easily (including your hands!).

Supplies needed:

• alcohol inks
• cheap paintbrushes - I recommend one brush per ink color
• plastic pallete with shallow pans to hold ink
• surface protection
• latex or plastic gloves (optional)

1. Protect your surface - I used aluminum foil with paper towels on top.
2. Lay lace you wish to paint out flat on your work protected work surface.
3. Place a few drops of the ink on your palette. Notw - alcohol inks evaporate quickly so you need to move rather fast.
4. Dip a paint brush into the ink and brush it on the lace where desired. Repeat this process with each color of ink.

Brush Alcohol Ink on Lace with a Paint Brush

5) Turn lace over and see if you need to touch up any spots where the color didn't saturate all the way through the lace.

I used Adirondack Alcohol Inks - Farmer's Market Set (Eggplant, Lettuce, Cranberry)

How to Make Microwaved Tea-Dyed Lace:

Supplies needed:

• Microwavable bowl
• Cotton Lace
• 4 cups of water
• 5 tea bags (berry, cherry or pomegranate for a pink hue)
• Hot pads or oven mitt for removing hot bowl from microwave
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs 
• Plastic cutting board or other surface that won't be stained by tea (used for drying)

1. Pour 4 or 5 cups of water into bowl and add tea bags
2. Place bowl in microwave and microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes
3. Add a few pieces of cotton lace and stir water/tea bags well with wooden spoon - be sure to "squish" (technical term, huh?) the tea bags to push more of the tea color into the water.
4. Microwave the lace/tea mixture for 2 more minutes on high.
5. Using Hot pads or oven mitt, remove bowl from microwave.  Using tongs look at the color of the lace.  If you're happy with the shade, remove the lace and lay flat on the cutting board to dry.   If you want a deeper color, allow the lace to soak longer and keep checking every few minutes until it reaches the desired color.

I Used Celestial Seasonings "Wild Cherry Blackberry" Herb Tea to Make this Pink Hue

Lay Tea-dyed Lace on a Non-porous Surface to Dry

You Can See that Synthetic Lace Doesn't Absorb the Tea - Bottom Row

Consider Documenting the Type of Tea Bags Used and Time Soaked in Case You need to Make More of Same Shade