Carmelina

I finally finished this fabric picture, and I named the lady Carmelina, after my paternal grandmother who came over to this country from Italy in the early 1900's. It is made almost entirely from fabric painted with transparent Setacolor paints, then stitched by machine.
This picture was part of my display at the Holiday Stroll put on by my hometown today. Despite the blustery weather and a bit of rain, there was a good turnout and it was wonderful to see local artists coming together to show their work. There were performing artists, dancers and terrific band groups from our local high school. Businesses along the main street gave out hot cider and treats for passersby. A group of artists displayed work in a temporary gallery, a space lent to us by a generous landlord with an unrented store. We painted the walls, which were then hung with beautiful paintings and quilts.
My fabric pieces were hung in the window of a restaurant attached to a wonderful salon and spa, and other artists were likewise represented in other shop windows.
A great day, and I hope it will become an annual event!

Here is the 5th card in the Advent series by my friend Janice. Beautiful!

Advent ATC - Day 4

December 4 and another ATC from my friend Janice. As always - beautifully detailed, stamped and accented. What a treasure!
I finally have some work of my own, photographed and ready to put on my blog - hopefully tomorrow!

Another Advent ATC

Here is my friend Janice's ATC for December 3rd! I love the little pocket for the number 3!
Every card Janice makes has different techniques, and they all look fabulous together in my album!

December Already!

I wish I could say that I made these ATCs, but the artist is my friend Janice from Reyn's Nest, who is making a series of Artist Trading cards for Advent - 25 cards leading up to Christmas, and an extra set for me!! I am so lucky!!
These are for the first two days and I will post one each day as the month goes on.
Thank you, thank you, Janice!
I am still in the process of preparing work for my exhibit on Saturday, and also trying to winterize my blog header, but not having much luck with it tonight! Hopefully I'll do better in the morning and will have a new photo behind the title. I cannot remember how I did it on my other blog. Any tips from my blogger friends?

Getting Ready!

My husband Bill, who wakes up earlier than I do, took this picture of the beautiful dawn sky for me. A lovely gift first thing in the morning!

Today I am readying some fabric and paper artwork for a display at the Holiday Stroll in my town, which will be taking place this Saturday. I have a large storefront window to use for my work, and I think I am going to pin the pieces on a pretty drapery that will hang in the window. My job now is to put borders on these pieces and add details where I feel they need them. I could offer some for sale if I want to, but suddenly they feel like my children!! Is that strange? I have sold artwork before, but unexpectedly have reservations about "letting go"! Hmmm.... Any thoughts from readers about this feeling?

This is the last day of Art Every Day Month. It has been a pleasure to participate in it. I've met and received comments from some extremely talented artists as a result of it, and I want to thank Leah Piken Kolidas of Creative Every Day for organizing and facilitating this adventure. I've really loved it!!

Lipstick Kitty

     

I had an empty lipstick tube and got the idea of a little kitty tucked inside who would twirl up and pop out when the tube is twisted!

I totally removed the lipstick, and cleaned out the tube, inside and out with alcohol. I then made a skinny cat body out of rolled up and glued felt, measuring first to make sure it would fit inside the tube when twisted down, and cut ear shapes on top. "Rhinestone"eyes were glued on with jewelry glue and a little nose embroidered. Finally, a tiny seed bead necklace was securely stitched on. I used hot glue to secure the bottom of the cat body inside the tube, and added some stick-on ribbon to the outside.

Making this little whimsy was so fun, and the recipient got a big kick out of it!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

"Cornucopia" Stitched Wallhanging 2006

As I reflect upon all the many things I am thankful for, I must include the wonderful friends and lovely people I have come to know through my blog. The world seems so much warmer as I communicate with artists and crafters and lovers of beauty and nature from all over the world.
My self confidence as an artist has become so much stronger due to the positive, supportive comments of people whom I have never met, but who have taken a moment to respond to my thoughts and artwork with a kind word.
So, as we celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving here in America, I'm sending out my thanks to everyone who stops by to read this, and to wish you a blessed "thanksgiving" of your own!