Art-O-Mat Placards

My photocopied placards in the Art-O-Mat machines were rather lackluster. The colors and textures just didn't translate well. So I decided to make handmade cards. They are rather simple. I used little scraps I had laying around the studio and added my name and the saying "Dreams and other Musings." I think these better convey who I am and what my art is about.

More Little Feelings

Here's some more "I Felts" that are destined for an Art-O-Mat machine. Some are rather silly, but sure to put a smile on your face.

I Felt . . . (so many different thoughts!)

I finally had the opportunity this morning to finish sewing a bunch of little 2" x 3" pieces that I have had laid out for the last couple of weeks. Very fun -- I hope you enjoy them.

Simply ME @ Twelve by Twelve

Make sure to hop over to Twelve by Twelve and check out our identity quilts!

Who Knew the Wonders of RIT Dye?

The last week I have been having fun doing some quick dying with good, old RIT dye. It really produces some wonderful fabric. Plus it is easy and I can do it in my kitchen while supervising the kids. I bought some inexpensive plastic containers for doing one yard of fabric. Then I add the dye and pop it in the microwave for about five minutes. Rinse it out in the sink and a speed wash in the washer. Iron the damp fabric and Done! I managed to dye 20 yards of fabric in just a few hours (spread over a few days). The colors may not be completely colorfast, but I'm not planning on creating anything that needs to be washed. One day I am planning on a big dye session with Procion dyes, but for now RIT is filling the gap.

The colors in my photos aren't the best. For some reason the shade around my house is very blue. Plus we, thankfully, have a bright sunny day. Oh well, you'll just have to live with my less than perfect pictures.

I Felt ...

A few more in the series --

I am really enjoying working with all the bright colors and positive messages. I now have quite the collection hanging on my dining/studio walls. I've thought about combining these 6" x 6" squares into some larger pieces, but haven't found the perfect mosaics. I figure if I keep making more I will have more to work with. But then again, I might just add backing fabrics and mount these. Maybe send them over to the Etsy shop. Both my mom and mother-in-law received one for Mother's Day. I love having gifts of artwork ready to go.

Occasionally a not so nice saying pops into my head for the series. I'm not sure if I want a reminder of brokenness and fear hanging on my walls though. I think I might need to work these out in my journal. So many ideas, so little time.

Plus, I had to throw in a few more bookmarks and tags. I added washers and yo-yos to tags -- very fun.

Orb Inchie Mosaic

Yes, I was a little over ambious when making inchies for the swap at ArtFiber Fest. They were so cute sitting together on my table that I had to create a mosaic. Once again, color combos that I wouldn't normally use, but I like this one much better than my green and orange bookmark.

I didn't have anything to mount them on, so I painted up a canvas. I used orange, green, and purple along with several layers of gesso. Here is the prosession of layers. In the end, I added a lot of gesso on top to mellow everything out.

While the Cats Away . . .

My husband spent last weekend turkey hunting for the first time. My mother-in-law gave me a break Saturday afternoon and took the kids for 7 hours. I haven't had seven hours home alone in much longer than I can remember. Despite having a rather cruddy cold, I had to do something creative. First I painted a bunch of watercolor paper. Very fun to just play with the colors. I had the entire kitchen floor covered with paper! These were also painted on both sides so I could use them for bookmarks.

While the paint dried, I tried my hand at embossing. My parents gave me a bunch of embossing powder and UTEE for Christmas, but I haven't had the chance to play with it. I wasn't having the best of luck using paper. My ink kept drying before I had the chance to add the powder. Instead of getting frustrated, I moved on to washers. I have some rather large ones that made a great surface for the UTEE. I stamped words into the hot enamel. I need to work on my technique, but I think this is something I definetly want to explore more.

Then I had all those papers laying around and the inchies that I have been working on. I had to do something with them, so more bookmarks and gift tags. (Okay, I didn't finish them all during that seven hours, but I got a good start and then finished them over the last couple days.) I think I am going to take them with me to ArtFiber Fest in June. The theme is "Orbs" so they will make perfect giveaways. Some people like to trade, but I don't want to leave anyone out who didn't bring a trade. I prefer to call them gifts. So if you are at AFF this year, make sure to come find me.

And for some reason, I just had to try orange and green -- not so sure about the color combination. I figured it couldn't hurt to try and it is always good to break out of one's comfort zone. I think I prefer orange and pink or orange and purple.

My Art To Do List for Today

I've been busy creating quite the pile of inchies for a couple swaps. Now I just need to put the backing on them. I didn't have any fabric that would work, so I quickly dyed some up in the microwave with some Rit dye I had hanging around. I love how it turned out and it was so easy! Judy Coates Perez wrote an article about it for Quilting Arts. I highly recommend you check it out!

I also need to put the backing on some ATCs for another swap. The theme is "music." I named these "Song of my Hidden Heart." The horizontal ribbons reminded me of sheet music and the round washers of notes. I really know nothing about music, but I guess that is also the nature of the songs hidden so deep within our hearts. Its time to learn!

Ready for More Reading

I can't help myself -- I just love making these bookmarks. My kids ask me what I am going to do with all of them. I don't know. I just love the process. I have some in my Etsy shop, but currently sales are a little slow. If I was organized and got out of the house without the kids, I could approach some of the bookstores around town. One day I will. I secretly dream of selling them wholesale, big time. For now I will just enjoy them and see where life takes me. (Plus, I just ordered more than a few books, so I am all set to mark my places.)

Day Dreaming at Twelve by Twelve and Other Fun Stuff

Forgive me -- family life has been a little busy and I haven't had the energy to do much posting lately. Back on April 1st we had our "Window" reveal on Twelve by Twelve. We left the same day for a quick trip down to sunny California, so I didn't get a chance to mention it over here. Make sure to pop over and check out everyone's wonderful quilts. Our next challenge is "Identity." I have some ideas brewing, but in a very chaotic state at the moment. We'll see what develops.

Most of my latest projects are half finished. I'm working on something for Art Fiber Fest this June. The theme is "Orbs" so I have been exploring circles. I'm usually very angular. It's good to explore a new direction. I've also made a few bookmarks and some note cards. I've been enjoying just playing without much pressure.

My Latest Dying Experiments

Here is the latest rainbow of colors to come out of my kitchen!

Oodles of Collages

Okay, I haven't been the best about blogging lately. I joined facebook and my computer time has become taken over by trying to beat my friends on Geo Challenge. Not the most productive use of my time, but I am learning more geography. I've enjoyed reconnecting with people I haven't seen in years and keeping better in touch with friends and family.

I haven't spent all my time on the computer though --I have been busy creating. The dyed felt makes wonderful backgrounds. I've added colorful ribbons and fabric paper. Then embellished with beads, buttons and words. Each of these collages are 6" x 6". I'm planning on donating several to Collage Mania, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. I would love to hear your opinion on which I should donate.

Kool Aid -- Yummy!

Here's my latest, quick experiment. I didn't have any vinegar for food color dying, so I pulled out the kool aid packets. I figured they were already full of acid, so I could skip the vinegar. Into my baking dish I added 100% wool felt, silk, and wool/rayon blend felt. I then added concentrated Fruit Punch, Grape and Black Cherry. Pop in the microwave until the water is clear. Easy as snack time! I love how the different materials took the dye! Beautiful, but just think what it did to our insides as kids.

Is it Spring Yet?

A couple sunny days and I'm ready for spring! The crocuses are showing their faces and the daffodills are starting to creep out. I even was able to crack the windows yesterday for some fresh air. Time to bring on the bright colors and cheery patterns! These are a collection of ATCs that I made from my dyed felt, painted fabric, colorful ribbons and fun embellishments. If anyone would like to trade just send me an email with your mailing address and I will pop one off to you. Now if the weather would just cooperate!