Cotton Picker

Halloween Scare

2009-10-31T13:49:00.003-04:00

A Gentle Reminder

2009-09-01T21:45:00.005-04:00

I have a couple of friends who, whenever we're browsing in stores together, have a tendency to talk me out of buying things. The last time this happened was a couple of weeks ago when my good friend Karin was visiting me. I saw a cute fridge magnet with a picture of a woman and the following text: "My husband says I never listen to him. At least, that's what I think he said". It only cost about $6 and I thought it would look good on my black fridge. And it was fitting because hubby has mentioned that I don't always listen (I'm afraid he's right). Well, Karin said why buy it when you can make your own.

So here's my version which I will hang someplace to remind me to shut up and listen.

Taking A Stab At Mixed Media

2009-08-31T16:02:00.002-04:00

My sister and I have been discussing getting together for a painting session for quite some time now. She's preparing for a driving trip to the east coast so our session isn't going to happen a least for the next three weeks.

I felt like getting a head start. This is my first piece made with the limited materials I have on hand. It was an enjoyable experience and I learned a thing or two. I didn't have a plan. Just went at it to try out different things. Even though I like the result today, I'm sure I'll hate in a month or so.

Sister's hubby, my very generous brother-in-law just got a new fancy table saw that does everything but make breakfast, has offered to make frames for me. The right frame would definitely enhance this piece.

Batik Star in Aqua and Grey

2009-08-26T14:25:00.002-04:00

This star is made from batik cotton in aqua and grey tones. I used the same colours in her face which is surrounded by aqua beads and the edge of the star is in matching yarn.

Blue Sun

2009-08-25T15:09:00.002-04:00

The Blue Sun is finished. I was going to embellish it, but after staring at it for quite a while, I decided it was best to leave things are they were. The gold highlights in the printed cotton and the embroidery thread that I used to stitch around the edges gives it all the sparkle it needs. I'm sorry that I am not able to capture how pretty it really is on camera.

Rustic Heart

2009-08-23T19:52:00.002-04:00

This is a simple fabric heart I made to be given in lieu of a card. Another use of the burlap I bought.

Fun With Burlap

2009-08-22T15:04:00.009-04:00

I've been meaning to make something out of burlap for a while and I finally bought some from my local fabric store to give it a try. Also on hand I found some narrow rope, some alpaca yarn and a polished horn shaped stone that has been patiently waiting for the "perfect" project. Above is the result of those materials.

What a mess cutting the burlap and unravelling the yarn - bits of fibres all over the place. But what a lot of fun.

A New Blue Sun

2009-08-20T13:32:00.003-04:00

I love celestial themes so I am making another sun, this time in blue tones. Judy Merrill-Smith sent me some fabulous fabrics including this blue sun-moon-stars cotton. Unfortunately, the strip was a bit narrow but I wasn't going to let that stop me from using it. I sewed the two pieces together. There's a seam through the middle but once I sew on the face and start embellishing, it shouldn't be very noticeable.

Blue Doll

2009-08-18T22:11:00.003-04:00

This doll was inspired by some of the things I saw on my little outing a few days ago.

Sun Finished

2009-08-18T09:58:00.002-04:00

My nomadic friend, Karin, left yesterday afternoon. I am grateful for the six days we had together as I likely won't see her again until next year. Karin and her husband travel around in their motor home full time.

After they left, I sat myself down in front of the fan and finished up the Sun. Thankfully, this Sun didn't contribute to the heat wave are having in Southern Ontario or I just wouldn't have been able to work on it.

Click on the image for a closer view of the stitching.

New (To Me) Technique

2009-08-15T11:24:00.003-04:00

Pictured above is one of the techniques I spotted at the quilt exhibit the other day. The artist had cut little pieces of fabric, leaving the edges raw, and embroidering swirls over them. I loved this idea and just had to try it right away on something new, even though I am supposed to be finishing my sun face first.

Wild Woman - Shopping :)

2009-08-14T08:33:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a great day. I have a long time, dear friend staying with me until Monday. Hubby had to go out on business in the charming Ontario tourist towns of Elora and St Jacobs and took us along with him. While he took care of business, my friend, Karin and I browsed in the shops.

These are places where you see a lot of original, one of a kind arts and crafts. Even the mass produced items are much different and far more interesting than the things you find in the large box stores, which I detest. Yesterday, shopping was fun again.

I didn’t buy a lot, just a couple of craft books that were heavily discounted. I am always keeping my eye open for a bargain and try not to spend too much on a whim.

One of the most exciting parts of our adventure was unexpectedly spotting a quilt exhibit. I got to study up close a lot of interesting textile and fibre treatments and managed to scribble a few notes to remind me later. The timing was perfect because I’m working on a couple of items that I wasn’t sure how to finish. And now I’ve got some great new ideas.

The cloth doll I bought on Etsy arrived yesterday. It always interests me to see what other doll makers do and compare their work to my own and learn a little something. I’m so isolated that I don’t get to see many dolls other than those I receive in swaps or that I can view on the Internet. Anyway, I love this Wild Woman made by Kristen Molder of Purple Lizard Studio. Isn't it great? Be sure to click on the picture for a better view.

Ornament

2009-08-11T13:08:00.002-04:00

Here's a new ornament I made as a test. I plan to make something similar only much larger. The face is painted on tea dyed muslin. The gold swirls are stitched with two strands of satin thread (which is trickier to work with than cotton embroidery thread but I love the shine). The background is upholstery fabric surrounded by a earthy olive green yarn.

My sun face is on hold because I am having company for the next four or five days and won't have time to finish it up until next week.

Threads

2009-08-08T14:09:00.004-04:00

It's a good thing the back of my Sun Face will be hidden behind a felt backing. I once read somewhere that good embroidery should be as neat on the back as on the front. Mine's quite the mess. However, I am pleased how the front is taking shape. Just a few more touches and I will be ready to finish the edges.

A New Sun

2009-08-06T13:03:00.006-04:00

I have started on a new sun face. Above is a preview of what it looks like. It's going to require a lot of work yet. I've used a pretty yellow quilting cotton for the background but I think it needs a lot of embroidery and texture so that the background will remain in the back. I was thinking about twisting and sewing on some organza ribbon for some of the texture. Actually I have a few ideas but I need to test them out on scraps first. I really like the way this coming along so it makes good sense to make some tests first. I don't want to risk messing this up.

Another thing I have been working on is the idea of opening up an Etsy shop. I'm in the process of familiarizing myself with all the online information Etsy provides and then getting hubby's input (because he's the business guy in our household). And while I was acquainting myself with Etsy, I spotted a cute little cloth doll which I ended up buying and will share with you when it arrives.

My sister and I have been discussing getting together and having a painting day. Not painting walls. Making art kind of painting. I am hoping we can find the time for that sometime this month.

Big Fluffy Cat

2009-08-02T16:27:00.002-04:00

Here is the other project I completed today.

Regal Bust

2009-08-02T13:21:00.002-04:00

This was a quick little project in between tackling a larger one out of the same background print fabric. She makes me think of a bust of an ancient queen and I'm also thinking she has that "we are not amused" look.

Flower With Stripes

2009-07-31T14:21:00.002-04:00

The Highland Games were a bust for me. Sluggish sales. 'Nuf said about that. Time to move on.

I made this little flower today. I was going to tackle something a bit more ambitious but the studio is an absolute mess and must be cleaned up before I start something new.

One More

2009-07-24T10:25:00.002-04:00

This is the last one. Now with the few hours that I have left, I will spend fine tuning (packaging, making an inventory list, setting up the booth, etc) and pray for decent weather. The weather forecast isn't too promising but "they've" been wrong before. It IS what it is.

Orange Flower

2009-07-23T17:26:00.002-04:00

I finally finished the Orange Flower that I started a while back. I may complete one more item to sell at our booth this Saturday and Sunday, depending upon how my stitching fingers hold out.

They're calling for rain all weekend so who knows what the turnout will be for the Highland Games. Rain or shine, I intend to have a good time. I'm sharing a booth with my friend and glass artist, Julia Dawn.

Face Chunk by Travis Merrick

2009-07-23T15:18:00.002-04:00

Today we took possession of the sculpture I talked about a few days ago. It's called Face Chunk by local sculptor Travis Merrick. Hubby and I think he does wonderful work. Too bad he doesn't have a website or I would link to it.

If I remember correctly, he told us this started life as larger piece but the stone cracked. Fortunately he was able to salvage part of the face. Isn't it cool?

Tartan Cat Resting

2009-07-21T13:32:00.004-04:00

Here is my latest kitty. I used the same pattern that I designed for my blog header except this lady is facing the opposite direction. There's still plenty of work to be done before the show on Saturday.

I want to thank Belinda for giving me a blog award. It really is gratifying to know that someone follows and appreciates what you're doing. Now the thing is that I am supposed to pass this award on to eight other bloggers who inspire me, but I find this to be a difficult task. All the blogs listed in my blogroll have inspired me in some way. Hope no one thinks I'm a Spielverderber for not playing.

Mini Portrait 5 - Busy Day

2009-07-18T20:41:00.003-04:00

Hubby and I went to an art festival today and bought a stone carving. Then we went to a local Ribfest and bought a beer and fries.

The stone artist meant for the piece to be displaying on a table. Unfortunately we're not the "display art on a table" type of people. Our tables tend to get cluttered with other things and so the art would be lost. Instead, we've asked the artist to drill a little hole on the back and glue a hook so that we can hang it up on the wall where it can really be appreciated. We have to allow a day for the glue to dry so it should be ready for us to pick up in a few days. I'll post a picture of it then. The carving is a partial face (now how did you know that would appeal to me)?

Tartan Icicle Doll

2009-07-17T16:45:00.002-04:00

Another Icicle Doll completed for the Highland Games. There's an order for putting these dolls together quickly and easily and every time I start working on one, I do it a more difficult way. Note to self: Write down instructions for future reference.

Mini Portrait 4

2009-07-15T21:28:00.000-04:00