An Art Quilt

It's official.  I've got the quilting bug.  Since finishing my Baby Bird and Bunting quilt, I've been searching out and reading up on directions, designs, and patterns for my next project.  I've checked out library books and even watched a few quilting shows on television.  Honestly, I've wanted to make a quilt forever, but have been too scared of messing up to even try.  Since finishing the baby quilt, however, I've gotten a bit of a confidence boost and am now ready to go "all in" on quilting.  As a matter of fact, I've made my first art quilt.  It's a small wall hanging that was inspired by this mini quilt I saw on the back of one of my Sew Somerset magazines.

Isn't that adorable!  I've probably seen that picture a hundred times, but never thought about attempting it until now.  I started by sketching the girl and table.

Next, I had to decide on colors and fabrics.  Again, for me, the hardest part of the process!  I traced my sketches onto freezer paper and ironed each piece to fabrics.  I pieced the red and white fabrics together and then ironed fusible batting to the backside.  I then used a decorative stitch on my machine to "draw" soft gray lines vertically on the white fabric.  I stitched straight black horizontal lines on the red fabric.  I positioned the freezer paper pieces on top and determined placement and then stitched the black lines for the bunting.

The bunting triangles actually took forever to sew around.  Before sewing, I adhered them to the fabric using fusible web.  Big help!  After completing the bunting, I sewed around the girl, table and cake.  

I eventually sewed more lines to add depth and texture to the dress.  I stamped "Live for Today" on a piece of fabric and sewed it to the bottom of the quilt.  I spray basted a back piece of fabric to the top and quilted it using invisible thread.  I bound it using the fold over technique.  And the result....

See the little button on her waist?  It is vintage and was a gift from a super special friend of mine.  Love it!

Have a great weekend!

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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!

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!

Fabric Inspiration

Have I mentioned how hot it has been in my neck of the woods?  Yes, I know I have.  It is so hot and humid here in the Mid West that I'm having flash backs to a few summers ago when my family and I flew to Puerto Vallarta.  I am not over-dramatizing here... I actually thought I would die on that vacation.  I dreamed of diving into snow banks instead of the pool, which was more like warm bath water than anything remotely refreshing!  It was beyond hot there!  Here is the lesson I learned:  DO NOT book a vacation to P.V. in July!  Better yet, never book a vacation to Puerto Vallarta!  Okay, that may be a little harsh.  Maybe P.V. is nice in December??

Rant over.  I want to show you a few fabrics I picked up during my recent vacation to Branson, Missouri.  I shopped two fabulous fabric stores to find these yummy goodies:

"Kids at Play" by Chanteclaire Fabrics & "Space Cadets" by Michael Miller

"ERA-C" by Timeless Treasures Fabrics

I don't know the names of the fabrics pictured in the last two photos.  They both look "vintage-y" and I love them!  If you are ever in Branson, Missouri, be sure to shop at Quilts and Quilts and The Fabric and Decor Shop!

Besides the gorgeous fabric, I also bought a Get Hooked: Rugs From Scraps "kit."  The kit includes pattern instructions and a large crochet hook.  I haven't started a rug yet because I'm a bit concerned as I didn't really think the included crochet hook was actually going to be used for crocheting!  I thought it was probably going to be used as a kind of latch hook type tool.  Yet, after skimming the first pattern direction, it is clear there is actual crochet involved here.  The label reads, "No Experience Necessary-Very Easy."  Hmmm.  We'll see.  I can't crochet.  I've tried.  I even took an online crochet course a few months ago.  I managed to crochet (loosely said) a few amoeba-shaped flower-like "things," but that's it.  That all said, I'm going to give it a go because I thought it would be a fabulous way to use up fabric scraps.  I'm a hoarder; I can't bear to throw out my scraps.  I was also inspired to try this because of my visit to the College of the Ozarks, specifically, Edwards Mill and Weaving Studio, located on the Branson, Missouri campus.  There, I saw students weaving placemats and blankets on large looms.  Their work was so intricate.  I didn't take any pictures as they were working in the studio, but I found a few photos on other sites showing the looms.

Photo from Life at Rora Blog

Photo from the Golden Gang Blog

 Besides the Mill and Weaving Studio, there is also a fruitcake and jelly kitchen, an orchid greenhouse, and a museum on the campus.  As a matter of fact, inside the  Ralph Foster Museum, you can see the Beverly Hillbillies car as well as numerous dolls, including those made by Rose O'Neill, the creator of the Kewpie Doll!  Fun fact:  O'Neill's Missouri home, Bonniebrook, is located about 10 minutes outside Branson.  

I sound like a tourism ad for Branson, huh?  I actually learned a lot about that area of the country during my trip.  For example, I had no idea so many great artists called that part of Missouri home!  Some of these artists include Jesse Barnes, Thomas Hart Benton, Thomas P. Bennett, among others!

Stay cool everybody!  Tootles!

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!

Dress Up 2011: May

It's time to bring out your Baroque!  I can't wait to see all the Peter Paul Rubens inspired dresses!  Please submit your link direct to your Dress Up 2011 May dress.  If you still haven't posted your April dress, don't worry, just click HERE (or the button on the sidebar) and you can link up with the other Art Deco dresses!

Inspired By Vanessa Valencia: Mixed Media Painting On Canvas

Thanks for the "get well" wishes!  It's been great reading your kind comments and emails regarding my knee surgery recovery.  My surgery was on Friday and I honestly thought that by today (Sunday), I'd have a few ATCs completed and maybe even a few make up bags sewn.  I was w-r-o-n-g!  The surgery went well, but it took more out of man than I expected.  I did manage to get out of my pajamas today and wash my hair, but I don't think I'll make it into my studio for a few more days.  

I decided to post this photo of my very first mixed media painting (on canvas).  I painted this a few weeks ago after reading about artist Vanessa Valencia in the Autumn issue of Somerset Workshop.  I had never seen this magazine before, but picked it at our local book store.  I am in love with this publication.  Here is the cover photo showing one of Valencia's paintings:

I obviously based my painting on Valencia's ballerina, but instead of book pages for her dress, I used tissue paper.  I combined several of her techniques for my painting, "He Loves You."  I've been drawing for awhile and feel fairly comfortable in this medium, but I've only recently started painting and I'm really not that confident in my skill (or lack thereof).  I totally love how the background turned out, however.  I will definitely continue reading this magazine and trying these techniques! 

Have a great week everyone!  I'll catch up with you all soon!

Angela  

Meet A Great Artist, A Giveaway, and a Funky Crochet Flower

Up first today, I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous artist.  I met Liza MacKinnon at a weekend nearby art fair.  I was drawn to Ms. MacKinnon's space when I saw her handmade cards depicting vintage homemakers with "sewn-on" skirts.  I also saw some amazing wedding cards she made.

Image from MacKomics Studio

Image from MacKomics Studio

Aren't they great?!  Being Christmastime, however, I bought a Christmas card that Ms. MacKinnon said was made from a photo of her great-grandmother.  Here is the card:

This card is beautiful.  I just love it.  I'm not sure I will be able to actually give out this card...I may just have to keep it for myself!  You can find more of Liza MacKinnon's work on her website as well as her on her Facebook (MacKomics Studio) page.  By the way, don't you think she would do fantastic with the Alice & Camilla Paper Dresses?? 

Next, I want to tell you about my friend at RubyMarilyn.  She's having her very first giveaway.  She's made some awesome ornaments and if you win, she'll make you a custom ornament in the shape of whatever state you'd like.  Check it...and while you are there, have a look at the hand crocheted necklaces she makes for her Etsy shop.  They are gorgeous.

Image taken from RubyMarilyn

Speaking of crochet, have a look at my very first crochet flower:

Okay, I know, it doesn't look much like a flower, but it's my first real attempt at crocheting, so I'm happy.  I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, I hope.  I'm taking another of Bonnie's classes.  This one is called, A Pocket Full of Posies.  In this class, I am going to learn how to make the crochet flowers, as well as felt flowers, yo-yos, organza and tulle flowers, and more.  I'm really excited about learning to make all these, but mostly this crochet flower.  By the way, this is a self-paced class and is you can start at any time if you are interested.  You can sign up at Bonnie's blog or at her Etsy Shop.

A Pocket Full of Posies Class

Okay, I'm off to practice, practice, practice my crocheting!  Don't forget to sign up for a chance to win the Valori Wells wallet Hot Potato Pattern! 

Toodles!

Angela



A Few Suprises and My Mini Art Journal

Hi Party People!  Thanks so much for celebrating my 100th Post with me!  Officially now this is my 101st post.  Gosh, I feel like an old pro at this now!  No, not really, I'm still learning (and getting frustrated) Blogger everyday.  I'd love for you to stay with me through the next 100 (now 99) posts and beyond!  For those who haven't signed up for my giveaway, DO IT!  you have time.  Remember, you don't have to be a follower.  Just leave me a comment and I'd love to hear something about yourself that might suprise your readers.  I will be announcing the winner tomorrow (Friday) evening.  In the meantime, I will share a few things about myself that might suprise you.

1. I've jumped out of an airplane...yes, I had a parachute.  Oh, and I was strapped to a super hunky English instructor.  This made it less scary.  Do I need to say more?

2.  I have two tattoos.  Well, one is a cover-up.  Does this mean I have 3 tattoos?  The first (and the one covered) I got when I was really young.  The most recent, I got within this last year.  Tattoos seem to be a common "suprising" theme for my readers.  My most recent tattoo is on my back and depicts two bluebirds.  These are special birds and this tattoo is a piece of art which, along with the birds, represents my mom and my love for her....and how much I miss her. 

3.  I sing loudly and, according to my husband, like a show tune singer, in my car.  I am an awful singer, I admit.  But nothing beats your favorite song coming on and belting it out as you tootle down the road.  What makes it even better is not caring if anyone can see or hear you!  You know "you've made it" when you don't care!  Wait, does that mean you are just old?

4.  I swear a lot.  Usually I am the only person that hears this though.  Does that make it okay?  Probably not.  I really have no excuses for this...although a lot of it might come with my job...and I really struggle with patience. 

5.  I really don't look anything like my avatar.  This picture was taken two or three days ago.

Other than a few pictures of myself when I was a kid, this is the first current picture of ME I've posted.  Can you see the wrinkles?  I'm hiding them with my cool shades.

So why am I revealing these things about myself?  I blame Bonnie.  I've been happy without self-reflection or discovery for 40 years.  I don't need to find myself.  I am not lost.  However, like I told Sherry, getting lost sometimes is okay..it makes you appreciate home more.  Yes, Sherry, I think I will copyright that.  It is very profound if I say so myself...which I did!  Seriously, I actually do self-reflect frequently and, I guess, discover myself...sometimes I just don't like what I've discovered about myself.  Hence, Bonnie's class.  In all seriousness, this class has been nice.  While I haven't received my kit yet, it is circling somewhere overhead from South Africa, I've been following along online and using some papers I had from doing a recipe card project a few years ago.  I've added some fabric to a few of the pages of my mini journal and have printed out Bonnie's tickets she digitally made.  All the pages are 7 X 12 (cm).  Here is my cover and the first two pages.

The first is my cover.  I've covered cardboard with a page of my favorite Yeats poem.  I've added a retro lady (again looks nothing like me) and some fabric and a paper/chipboard (?) flower.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.  The bottom picture shows the first two pages.  The first ticket says:  I am happiest when...and the second says:  The best day of the week is...(Friday).  I like the pages, but I think they look kind of plain.  I did stamp (my first stamp job) on the second page, which is pretty cool, but I think I'm going to do some stitching to jazz them up a bit.  What do you think?  I really value your opinions!

Remember, please come back tomorrow to see if you've won!  There may be some more suprises as well!

Toodles for now!