Convendipity Cloth

This is the first part of a project I call convendipity (my daughter's melange). I used the basic "convergence" style of cutting fabric into strips, merging it with another fabric and then cutting them the opposite direction. With this as a base, I went on to apply serendipity paper methods to create a fun fabric I can cut up for fabric postcards, ATC's, cloth books etc. Some shapes are cut and applied with fusible web and there is also stamping with ink, paint and use of Shiva paintsticks over a pebbled surface. Fibers were hand-couched and the whole thing was free-motion quilted. The projects I create with this fabric will be posted soon!

Once Again--Amazing Students!

Here are some of the second week atc's created by my class. We went over some transfer techniques and some quick backgrounds. Their creativity was spectacular and some of their artwork really took my breath away!

Crows are Blooming

Crow dolls. Hmmmph. I was just in a MOOD!

Waiting for Publication

Watch for a couple of upcoming publications which will contain my handiwork. The Winter issue of Cloth Paper Scissors is out on newsstands October 3, 2006. Look for my article on EGGS, what else! Super sumptuous photos and some projects too, including an art squared tutorial on their website.

Some of my artist trading cards will be featured in the new book 1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs by Patricia Bolton. Alas, I must wait until March or April for this one. The word on the street is that I might get some cover space, but things change fast in the book industry so I'll not count my chickens.

Here's to a productive Fall for all my artsy friends! You have been an inspiration to me.

Teaching Class

My first ever "official" class enjoyed making serendipity paper from Aimee's recipe. Then we made some finished atc's and atc backgrounds to work with next week when we learn some photo transfer methods. Here are some pix of our work in progress!

More Fabric ATC's

Fabric ATC's

For my class on ATC's, I've been playing around with some fabric ones on a base of Timtex with Steam A Seam. I printed on dyed fabrics with my inkjet printer, using freezer paper as a base. I decided to adhere cardstock to the backs for a more finished look.

Buttons of Beauty

I forgot to share this ... while at the International Quilt Show in Chicago this spring I spent a good bit of time buried in a big basket of vintage buttons and findings. These are my treasures, had for a song and a little perseverance.

Egg Fabric Book

This fabric book was a labor of love. "And if I try to taste and understand this delicate flavor that contains the secret of the world, it is again myself that I find at the heart of the universe." Camus. The base is muslin with cotton batting and I added many hand-dyed and funky fabrics in the shape of eggs. The cover features many many vintage pearl buttons, a stamped piano key top, an old spelling card and an antique piece of jewelry with twin bluebirds. The tags are gorgeous dyed fabric done by my friend Teresa in Illinois. I've sewn on some marbled silk eggs and penned more of my favorite quotes by Bronte, Gide, Ruskin, Steinbeck, Nietzsche and others: "There is no wealth but life," "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music," "We don't take the trip; the trip takes us," "Am I a man dreaming I'm a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming that I am a man?" "Do not think your truth can be found in anyone else," "Dreams...altered the color of my mind," and "Who catches the joy as it flies lives in eternity's sunrise." Then the embellishment went wild. I particularly enjoyed using some of my most treasured buttons rescued from the depths of the vintage pile. As I have given all my other fabric books away, this one is special. It's just for ME!

Egg Fabric Book Spreads

Coffee Cartel

My pages for Ria's Coffee Cartel book. I journaled some coffee thoughts with pen and ink, then copied them into little booklets to attach to the Costa Rican paper my sister brought from her trip last year. They're finished with a mix of fibers in warm colors. On the back I set my cup o' joe down where it left a ring. Then I lost it!

Fabric Postcards

My latest enterprise...fabric postcards for mailing and trading. I will be teaching a mini-workshop in making them in November.