Friends

Ah, there is a definite fall smell in the air this morning!  The current temperature outside my home is 62 and the high is only supposed to be in the low 70's.  Awesome!  Of course this is the mid-west and the weather can change drastically within hours.  Anyway, for now, it's superb!  Speaking of the mid-west, I want to let you know that I have joined the Kansas Etsy Team!  I'm really excited about being a part of the team, meeting fellow Kansas Etsians, learning from them, and generally spreading the word about Kansas' artisans!  Cool huh?  One fellow team member is my friend, Liza, from MacKomics Studio.  Liza is a genuine artist and all round cool gal.  She lives in Lawrence and hosts artist events every week.  Check out her blog for more information.  You'll also want to check out her blog because she has graciously accepted my request to to finish out the year as host of  Dress Up 2011.  I've posted the Simply Link link for September's Dress Up, so if you have your dress ready, you can post it there.  Or, wait and Liza will have a link up for September dresses and then she'll pick the themes for October, November and December!  Thanks Liza!

What have you been working on this Labor Day weekend?  I started this little embroidery sample a few days ago and finished up last night.  I think she's pretty cute, but I sort of wish I would have used red, or a darker color, for her hat and dress.  I'll try this again.  A perfect project for when I'm laid up after my knee surgery!

I've also been working on a "Curse."  This is the word my friend used to describe the kind of bag she is looking for.  She wants a case for her iPad as well as a purse for her other stuff she carries with the iPad.  So, I'm experimenting with a messenger style bag that will carry her iPad securely, her purse items, while not bulking, as well as the power source for the iPad.  I've made a sort of inside pocket for the iPad and, hopefully, will get a chance to work on the rest of the Curse later today.  

Have a great Sunday, friends!  Have a great Labor Day, too!

Tootles!

Dress Up 2011: September

ATTENTION:

Please note that Liza from MacKomics Studio is hosting the Dress Up Challenge for the rest of 2011.  She has the link tool posted for September's theme at her blog.  I know you are going to love Liza and she is going to be an awesome host!  Thanks so much to all the participants throughout my run as Dress Up 2011 Hostess.  Thanks also to Liza for taking over! 

I am proud to announce the Dress Up 2011 artist theme for September is......

ANYTHING GOES!

I've decided all the themes up till now.  Now it's your turn!  You decide on an artist, an art movement, a color, or even a Broadway show (ah, the photo above)!  It's all up to you!  Just remember to keep it family friendly...You'll find the Simply Link  tool at the bottom of this post!

I'm excited about finishing up my August Dress Up (Pointillism), which I will be posting asap.  I'm also excited about the possibilities of my September dress, but I have a huge favor to ask.  I am requesting one of you take over the Dress Up 2011.  I have gone back and forth in my head on whether I want to give up being the host, but, honestly, I've been a horrible hostess these past few months and I'm afraid it will only get worse after I have my total knee replacement surgery toward the end of September.  So, if someone wants to volunteer for hosting duties, please send me an email or leave me a comment.  Thanks for understanding.

Tootles!

August's Dress Up: To The Point!

Welcome to August's Dress Up!  The Artist Theme this month is Pointillism!  So, get to the Point and link up your fabulous dresses!



Tootles!

My Folk Art Dress

Tomorrow begins another new month...August!  Can you believe how fast July has flown by?  Time seems to move faster and faster, I guess, as we age.  Bummer. But, I am looking forward to school starting later in the month and getting back to normal routine.  I'm also looking forward to designing my August dress.  The Artist Theme for August is Pointillism .  I'm very excited about that!  July's Theme has been Folk Art.  Folk Art is fun and encompasses many different mediums.  I based my July dress on matching outfits my mother made my sister and me when we were kids.  I remember wearing my Little House on the Prairie dress on that Christmas shown in the photo.  That's me on the right (brown hair).  My Folk Art Dress is blue and has that patchwork, quilt look to it that reminds me of my Laura Ingalls dress.  Sidenote:  My sister and I played Little House and, of course, I played Laura and she was Mary as she had blonde hair and older.  

So, here is my July Folk Art Dress:

The link to post your August dresses will be up at Midnight (Central Standard Time) tonight!

Tootles!

Dress Up 2011: August's Art Theme

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte By Seurat

Without any further wait, the Dress Up art theme for August is.....

POINTILLISM

Pointillism is a form of painting in which tiny dots of primary-colors are used to generate secondary colors. It is an offshoot of Impressionism, and is usually categorized as a form of Post-Impressionism. It is very similar to Divisionism, except that where Divisionism is concerned with color theory, Pointillism is more focused on the specific style of brushwork used to apply the paint.

The term "Pointillism" was first used with respect to the work of Georges Seurat, and he is the artist most closely associated with the movement. The relatively few artists who worked in this style also included Paul Signac and Henri-Edmond Cross.  Excerpt taken from Artcyclopedia.  

According to Wikipedia, Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image. Georges Seurat developed the technique in 1886, branching from Impressionism. The term Pointillism was first coined by art critics in the late 1880s to ridicule the works of these artists, and is now used without its earlier mocking connotation.  

I hope you enjoy learning about Pointillism and have fun creating all your wonderful dresses based on this art movement!  I will have the Simply Linked link up and ready August 1st.  I can't wait to get started!

Don't forget to check out July's Folk Art inspired dresses!  If you haven't finished your July dress, don't fret,   just link it on that posting link when you finish!

Tootles!

Dress Up 2011...July!

Welcome to July's Dress Up!  Please add your link to your below!  Also, please leave me a comment!  I can't wait to see all your wonderful Folk Art inspired dresses!



Tootles!

July's Dress Up Theme Is...

In celebration of Independence Day, July's Dress Up theme is Folk Art!  According to Wikipedia : "Folk art encompasses art produced from an indigenous culture or by peasants or other laboring tradespeople."

Basically, this means that Folk Art is different than Fine Art because it is (and was) made for utilitarian purposes rather than "just to look at."  Wikipedia also says, "Folk art expresses cultural identity by conveying shared community values and aesthetics. It encompasses a range of utilitarian and decorative media, including cloth, wood, paper, clay, metal and more. If traditional materials are inaccessible, new materials are often substituted, resulting in contemporary expressions of traditional folk art forms. Folk art reflects traditional art forms of diverse community groups — ethnic, tribal, religious, occupational, geographical, age- or gender-based — who identify with each other and society at large. Folk artists traditionally learn skills and techniques through apprenticeships in informal community settings, though they may also be formally educated." Folk Art exists in all cultures, but I typically think Americana when I think Folk.  I guess that's because I am an American.  Here are some examples of Folk Art:

The first example is obviously a portrait painting.  The second is a quilt top made during the U.S. Civil War, and the third example is stitch needlework.  I chose this theme to celebrate the American holiday, which is Monday, July 4.  This doesn't, however, mean you must complete your dress with Americana in mind.  You may use whatever Folk Art is indigenous to your neck of the woods...Brazil, South Africa, Canada, etc.!  If you want to base your design on American Folk, you can find a lot of examples at the American Folk Art Museum.

I can't wait to see all the dresses! Don't fret if you haven't finished your June dress (or even May's ), just click the months and link up. I'll post the Simply Linked tool this Friday!

  

A Summer Knitted Scarf

I hate unpacking!  I've spent my evening unpacking from my vacation.  Three loads of laundry later, I'm writing this post.  My vacation was great.  It wasn't, however, low-key as originally planned.  We were on the go nearly the entire trip!  It was a lot of fun, but now I'm afraid I need another vacation just to recuperate from this one!  

I had planned to get in some sewing on my vacation and even brought my sewing machine with me.  Alas, I didn't get much done other than these few bag pieces, which I pieced and machine "free" embroidered.

I will use each piece as the "fronts" of zippy bags.  I didn't get the bags themselves completed, but plan on working on them, and others, as soon as I get my trip "stuff" organized and put away.  I did accomplish one goal on the trip.....I finished knitting the scarf I started months ago!  I worked on this scarf almost every time I rode in the car and finished it during the ride home yesterday.  Here are a few more views.

I still can't remember the name of this lace stitch, but it was pretty easy...just time consuming.  I wrote a post detailing the pattern and the yarn I used in March.  I think it turned out really pretty and the organic yarn is scrumptious.  I am also really pleased that I actually finished this project.  Here's a secret....I am notorious for not completing knitting projects I start!  Don't tell.

The dryer is buzzing, time to put another load in.  Keep in touch...I will be posting the details for July's Dress Up.  Here's a hint:  Think 4th of July!  Oh, and I will post some more vacation pictures...one of them may even involve me and a hula hoop!

Tootles!

I'm Back!

I'm back from the Buffalo National River, the only national river in America!  Arkansas is one of the most beautiful States and this river is gorgeous.  Imagine canoeing in a crystal clear aquarium.  That's the Buffalo!  Camping here was nice, too.  It was also a lot of work!  It was worth it, though.  I am pretty sure I lost at least10 pounds in sweat!  I also and got a bit of a suntan, which has proven my theory that tan fat looks a lot better than super white fat!    

If you ever get to the Buffalo, be prepared for going off grid during your entire trip.  Zero cell phone service, zero internet access!  The first day was pretty rough, trust me..especially for a city gal like myself!  Thanks for hanging with me while I was away.  I have so many emails to respond to and so many blogs to catch up on, which is what I'm going to do after I hit the shower!  Did I mention the campsite had no showers?  YUK!

While I'm getting five days of grime off me, please have a look at the first dress posted for June's Dress Up!  I know the Asian theme is going to be great!

Tootles!      

June's Dress Up!

I cannot wait to see all the Asian inspired dresses!  Go on...link up!  Please leave a comment after posting your link so I know there's a new dress to view!

Thanks for participating!!

My Rubens Inspired Dress & Artful Bag!

Ok, first, this was a hard challenge.  The dresses Rubens painted were usually ornate and frilly.  He seemed to either go all in decadence, lace, and frills or nothing..ladies in various states of undress...in all their glory.  Anyway, I managed to finish my dress, which is based on Portrait of the Marchesa Brigida Spinola Doria, 1606.

My photo didn't turn out great.  I painted card stock shimmery silver and white and then accented with strips of gold and red glitter paper.  Honestly, I'm glad May is over because I am really excited about June's theme!

I finished my bag for Frosted Petunias Artful Bag Challenge.  I used a piece of stationary paper to create a summer clutch.  I even used a real snap for the closure!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!  Tootles!

Drumroll......The Theme For June's Dress Up Is....

Asian art!  Isn't this painting, called, Young Woman With a Lily, just gorgeous?  It was finished in 1943 and painted, in oil, by Vietnamese artist, To Ngoc Van.  I guess I have been inspired, of late, by Asian themed images and fabric for the little bags I've been sewing.  Asian art is very wide ranging.  Don't just think Japanese and Chinese.  Travel to Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and Korea...even India!  Here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing.

I can't wait to get started!  I'll have the Simply Linked link up at midnight on June 1st!  

Let The Summer BEGIN!

First Magnolia Bloom This Season

Well, it's summer, officially, I think.  It's Memorial Day weekend..the start of the swimsuit, flop flop, and tanning (or baking) season!  I'm ready for BBQ, swimming, and boating!  I am so ready for my VACATION!  My vacation begins NOW and I am going camping, canoeing, and hiking (maybe not the hiking)!  I'll be off the grid for a few days...no internet, no phone, no signal.  I'm actually a bit anxious about all that, but I'm convinced it will do me good.  I need good right now. 

I've been busy at work and gearing up for vacation, but I've finished a few more bags for my "soon to be opened" Etsy shop.  I used the same image transfer technique using the gel medium for the front images.  I used beads on the peacock bag and embroidery thread on the others.  What do you think of them?

"Make Up" Front

"Make Up" Side View

"Make Up" Back View

"Peacock" Front View

"Peacock" Side View

"Queen For a Day" 

Before I go under the radar, I will post about June's Dress Up 2011 theme.  So, stay tuned.  I think you'll enjoy the theme...  

Tootles for now! 

Family Fun

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and Mother's Day if celebrated!  I had a pretty great Mother's Day and weekend.  The weather was glorious albeit a bit windy.  I spent Mother's Day with my husband and littlest daughter at a festival in a nearby town.  It was full of freebie foods, games, and rides...well, no mechanical rides.  These rides involved horses and buggies.  The picture above is of us while riding in (or is it on) a stage coach.  It was fun and bumpy.  I cannot imagine traveling across the country in one of those!  I guess I would have been stuck on the East coast as I am quite sure my back would not have allowed me to migrate West!

I didn't get one thing sewn this weekend, but I'm not too upset about that since I had such a great time Saturday and Sunday.  I started a new project today.  I'm pretty excited about it.  It involves another vintage image.  I've already transferred the image onto my fabric and I am now sorting out how to embellish it.  I'll keep you posted.  Oh, and I mailed off the mixed media piece I made last week.  I took this photo, which turned out better, prior to posting.

It should get to England by the end of next week.  I cannot wait until it arrives.  I am positive she's going to love it!

Please don't forget to post your May Dress.  The Rubens inspired dresses are fantastic!  I just wish being Rubensesque was in still in!  I am sure I would be a 10!  Sidenote:  After looking at the family photo at the top of this post, I've determined that, with the exception of the goatee, my husband and I are looking more alike with every passing day!  Does this happen to all married couples?  It also appears I have a death grip on my purse.  Just noticed that.

Tootles!

Japanese Fabric and Zippy Bags!

I'm in love.  True.  I'm in love with Japanese fabric.  I feel a tad silly, though, since I'm not really sure what makes "Japanese" fabric different or better, but whatever...I think it's awesome!  I bought a yard of Etsuko Fuyura designed Echino fabric to make a bag for my daughter.  She picked out the bicycle pattern.  I followed Simplicity Sweet Pea Pattern 2205 for the bag, although I made the strap longer so she can actually wear it as a messenger bag as she rides her bike to and from her classes.  My daughter wasn't keen on the flap, so I opted for a magnetic snap in the open top.  I found the pattern really easy to follow and would recommend it to anyone wanting a pleated mid-sized bag!   I found the fabric scrumptious and so easy to work with.  It's just too bad that it's so damned expensive!  Here are a couple more views..YUM:

I know one way to keep myself in Japanese linen...sell a lot of these little bags!

Front

Back

Inside

I made this little zippy bag for a friend.  She loved it so much, she wanted two more just like it!  I used linen-like fabric for the front and a pattern fabric for the back.  I transferred the image of the Beach Ladies to the front fabric using a transparency and gel medium.  I then embroidered simple lines to embellish each ladies' swimsuit.  I feel "less is more" here, which, like randomness, is actually harder to accomplish than it seems it would be.  Anyhoo, I really like how the bags turned out and will be making more in this small size, which is perfect for a few personal toiletries or some makeup,  as well as medium and larger sizes!  Yes, I so need to get going on opening my Etsy Shop!!!

Reminder:  If you have an April Art Deco Dress and haven't posted it or linked up to it, you can still do that HERE.  Also, May's Rubens Inspired Dresses will be on parade, too.  You can find those HERE.  I know they are going to be fantastic!

Tootles!