Princess Bubbles Creates

Lazy Daisy TAST

2012-02-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

I love the lazy daisy stitch. It is probably one of the first stitches that I learned when I started embroidering. It is definitely a go to stitch for me. I suppose in the spirit of TAST I should have done something more creative with this stitch since I know it so well.
Sharon B at http://www.pintangle.com is doing a wonderful job with Take a Stitch Tuesday. I am so enjoying it!

Coloricious youtube tutorials

2012-02-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

I learned a couple of new things today. I watched this tutorial about fabric slashing and was inspired. This is a really cool technique with a lot of potential. Watch and enjoy!
I also learned how to put a youtube video onto my blog! So cool! Coloricious has a lot of good videos!

ipad app Silk

2012-02-12T15:46:00.000-05:00

This is such a fun app to use. For $2.00 it is totally worth it. I have no affiliation. I just love to play! I created this on the ipad and took a photo of it. I can see myself using the photo in Kaleidoscope Kreator or just printing it onto fabric and adding some stitching!

Crafter's Workshop stencils

2012-02-11T11:03:00.000-05:00

I love to experiment. The idea hit me that layering stencils could result in something interesting. I first used the zebra skin template by Craft's Choice. I colored with a sharpie marker. I would use acrylic paint and stencil brush next time as it would be faster. I then sprayed Shimmering Mist over the flower stencil. I absolutely love the combination. I was thinking that I would make this into a small wall hanging. I am just not sure what else to add to this. Probably some beads. I was starting to think that I like this so much I don't want to ruin it. That is really a stupid thought! I can always recreate it if I have to! I will be bold and go for it!

Chevron stitch for TAST

2012-02-08T12:15:00.000-05:00

I am always glad to learn something new. This stitch is new to me and I was a bit intimidated by it. I am glad to say that it really isn't that difficult. Well, except for the nasty thread that I was using. OH my gosh! It was constantly snarling, tangling and being plain nasty!
The top picture is my first attempt. I probably should have tried it on some even weave. Oh well, I am a wonky kind of gal anyway. The next picture I added it to a row of the herringbone stitch. I like the way it looks.
Thanks to Sharon B at http://www.pintangle.com/ for doing Take a Stitch Tuesday. I am really enjoying the process.

funky little duct tape journal

2012-02-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

Diana Trout has a youtube video showing how to make a duct tape journal. I have made a few of them now but this one is a bit different. I took it a step further by really jazzing up the cover. I applied beads, sequins etc. I waited for the glue to dry and then added a coat of matte medium. Any acrylic medium will work though. Once it is dry I added color with alcohol inks. I believe I learned that from a youtube video as well. It is so nice and glitzy! Just the way I love it!

February bead journal

2012-02-04T17:08:00.000-05:00

This year I am stitching on photos of rust and pealing paint. I really enjoying having a preplanned idea. Of course I don't know what I am going to stitch each month but I do have the base. A heart made perfect sense to me for this month. I really like the idea of cutting a little something away from the photo. I may have to try that again. Thanks for looking!

a sneak peek at my bead journal for February

2012-02-01T15:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am feeling rather pleased with myself! I cut the heart shape out of the photo that I am working on this month. I then added the stitching to stretch across the opening. I am thinking this is a really cool idea! I still have to add the beading so stay tuned for that.

Take a stitch Tuesday

2012-01-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed working with the herringbone stitch. Truly, I have enjoyed all the stitches so far. I am really glad to be participating in this learning experience. I worked this stitch on some paper/fabric I made. Beryl Taylor makes this paper/fabric combo and I was inspired to try my hand at it. Of course, I made it my own way! Following someone's directions goes against my creativity or am I just rebellious? Anyway, I had no preconceived idea/plan for this piece so that gave me a bit of freedom. I wasn't concerned about doing it right or messing up. I just enjoyed the process and I am quite pleased with it!
A big thank you to Sharon B at http://www.pintangle.com/ for doing tall this!

January Crazy quilt journal project

2012-01-29T16:41:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is. When I look at it, it feels done to me. But another part of me says it should have beads on it! So for right now I am calling it done but I reserve the right to add beads at a later date should I change my mind! I am not totally sure why I went with an oval shaped block. Other than that I knew I didn't want to do squares. I will have to see where this takes me.

just my two cents

2012-01-27T16:07:00.000-05:00

A while back I asked for opinions about on line workshops. I was wanting to take one and I wanted it to be really good as I had my doubts about them. Well, I read a number reviews of a certain workshop. They were raves reviews. I checked into the workshop and found out that it was on sale. I love a bargain so I decided to jump in and take the workshop. I gotta say that I was not impressed. Not at all. I did learn a few little things. Mostly I learned what not to do if I ever do an on line workshop.

So that was a bit a negative and I don't like to be negative. Here is the positive side. I have been thinking of subscribing to Maggie Grey's Workshop on the Web for a quite a while. It is more of a magazine style thing. Well, Maggie never disappoints. I love her books and now I love her on line magazine! It is absolutely fabulous. Why did I wait so long to subscribe? I may have to go back and buy all the previous issues! Here's the link in case you want to check it out.
http://www.workshopontheweb.com/

Take a stitch Tuesday

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

Finally, I have done the take a stitch Tuesday with Sharon B at http://www.pintangle.com/ on my crazy quilt journal project. That has been my intention all along but I didn't know what I was doing with my crazy quilt until just last week. Here I have done the Cretan stitch which is the focus this week. I have never done this stitch prior to this. I quite like it and will definitely use it on my crazy quilts from now on. I think the metallic thread shows up nicely on the dark fabric. I am not showing the whole block as it is not finished yet but will be by the end of the week.

any ideas?

2012-01-21T17:18:00.000-05:00

I bought these beautiful packages of silk threads and ribbons from Treenway a few years ago. I really want to use them but I am a bit stuck. I would like to use each set together as each set is so well coordinated. Would you separate them and use as needed?

January bead journal

2012-01-19T18:32:00.000-05:00

I got it done. I am pleased with the beading on this one. I am having to be careful with how much beading I do. I am concerned that if I do too much it will one take away from the photo and two rip the paper. The paper is backed with fusible interfacing but it still feels slightly fragile.

crazy quilt journal project

2012-01-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

I finally have a direction for this project. I have picked out some fabric from my stash that I think I will use. I am going with an animal print theme. This seems a bit dark now that I am looking at the picture. I know I have some other lighter fabrics in my stash that I can use so I will look for those when I have a minute. Also I know that I have some marvelous beads that will work for this but I can't find them just now.

Take a stitch Tuesday

2012-01-17T14:49:00.000-05:00

The stitch that Sharon at http://www.pintangle.com/ has shown for this week is the feather stitch. To be honest I don't really know what the difference is between it and the fly stitch. They seem the same to me. Can you tell I am not a detail person?
Here I have used it on two seams of a crazy quilt block. I used silk ribbon on the one seam. I used a silk thread on the other seam. I also added french knots to that one.

World of Threads

2012-01-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

Here is some information for my stitching friends. I have heard really good things about this show. It would be awesome to get something into it! I have an idea and will be working on it today.

Four Calls for Submissions

2012 World of Threads Festival

Website: http://www.worldofthreadsfestival.com

The World of Threads Festival is a leading international showcase of contemporary fibre art. It takes place in Oakville & Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We believe that some of the most exciting and compelling artwork being made today is happening in the field of fibre arts. Through our initiatives we have discovered some remarkable artists and brought them to the attention of Canadian and international audiences. Our website has become a central hub for lovers of fibre art with our Weekly Fibre Artist Interviews series. To date we have conducted over 50 interviews with Canadian and international artists.

Common Thread International Exhibitions: We invite artists from around the world to submit. These multiple curated exhibitions feature a large variety of work.

Calls for Submissions:

1) Artwork and Interior Gallery Installations

2) Outside Environmental Installations

3) “Fibre Inspired” exhibition

4) Proposals for Independent Projects

three posts in one day!

2012-01-11T14:04:00.000-05:00

I have never done that before!
Yesterday was take a stitch Tuesday at http://www.pintangle.com/ I didn't have time to post about it though. I did manage to do the buttonhole stitch. Again, I had hoped I would be working these stitches on my crazy quilt journal project for 2012 but I still haven't come up with an idea for it. That is kind of bugging me. I have been busy with other creative things so ... Anyway, here is my buttonhole stitch worked into a circle (sort of) with variegated thread. At least I managed to do this on an existing project. I don't care to think about how long I have been working on this project. Needless to say it has been way too long!

just a quick note

2012-01-11T11:21:00.000-05:00

http://creativeimaginations.typepad.com/luminarte_paints/

Luminate art is doing 12 Days of Giveaways on their blog. Who doesn't want to win something shiny! They make H2Os which are a lot of fun to use!

Last of the shell pages

2012-01-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

There is no stitching on these pages. I used some beautiful sparkling paper that is quite stiff. I also used some of my own decorated paper for the other page. I had painted the doily and cut up a piece of if to use in another project so this is what was leftover.

more of my shell book pages

2012-01-10T20:26:00.000-05:00

These pages are Japanese paper, a photo and some hand dyed fabric. All have been stitched with threads, fibres and beads.

more of my shell book

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

These pages are very dimensional. There is beading and lace on one page and the other has a shell slice, sea glass and silk carrier rod. This book is about 5 inches by 5 inches and 2 inches thick.

shell book pages

2012-01-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

Here a couple of pages from the shell book. They are Japanese paper painted and then stitched. Japanese paper is quite sturdy. It takes the stitching quite well. I did not add an interfacing to it like I do with other paper.

shell book covers

2012-01-07T11:49:00.000-05:00

Here is a little book I have just finished. The shells were given to me by someone who works with my husband. So thoughtful! Well, when they were given to me I didn't have a clue what I was going to do with them. It wasn't long before the idea of a little book popped into my head. My neighbor expertly drilled two holes into each shell for me. People are so kind! I'll show you the very dimensional pages another day.

paper snow storm

2012-01-05T09:23:00.000-05:00

I love to cut paper snowflakes or kirigami. I have a stack of these paper pretties. I decided to copy Katie at http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/ and create a snow storm in my dining room. I can handle this kind of snow storm any time!

Take a stitch Tuesday

2012-01-03T15:22:00.000-05:00

The first stitch Sharon B at http://www.pintangle.com shared for this year is the fly stitch. I had planned to use each stitch on my crazy quilt journal project this year. I am a bit slow starting that project though. It funny because I was fully convinced that I should do that project and yet nothing has come to me as yet. I was wondering if I should do the bead journal project again this year. I was iffy on it and yet the idea for it came quite quickly. So I have used the fly stitch on my bead journal project. This journal page is far from finished but I like the start of it and I thought it would be good to share the progress.
I have stitched onto a photo that I took of a broken windshield. I have backed the paper with fusible interfacing to make it more stable. The fly stitch I did very wide and with a short tail. I like the curving line it gives. I used a thick white metallic thread and a thin hologram thread. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to photograph hologram thread.

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year

2012-01-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Jubilee may end up being my word for the year even though I intended to have a different word every month. Possibly I still will and they will relate to jubilee. I turn fifty later this year. There a number of things I told myself over the years that I would not put up with once I turned fifty. The other night I had a dream that stuck with me. The basic message was you have to know what you don't want. Not only do we need to focus on good things to bring them into our life but we also should know what are absolute nos. We need to be clear about things that we will not tolerate.
Jubilee is the year that the captives are set free. I am setting myself free this year. I was going to start listing my new freedoms but changed my mind. Maybe another post.

The holidays mess with my creativity

2011-12-30T13:40:00.000-05:00

and clearly my blog posts! I have been missing in action and I don't like it. Look at the cool art goodies I got for Christmas though! I love the Global Art pencil case. I knew my dear hubby would get it for me so I was dreaming of how I would artfully arrange the pencil crayons once I did get it. I could hardly wait for a quiet few minutes to sit and organize my Prismacolors. Of course, I have the full set but I really didn't like the box and trays that they came in. The pencils rolled around and the box was too big and not very portable. Now my pencils are tucked safely in a beautiful leather case! Plus the trays that they were in are very useful for beading. Love it.
My awesome son with some help from his lovely fiance got me the green set of Pan Pastels. I can't wait to play with them. I love the colors.

journal page zentangle

2011-12-21T11:01:00.000-05:00

It took me all year to finish this page. Clearly I didn't work on it regularly. In January I decided I would have a word for the year. Focus was my word. I can be scattered at times so focus was a good word for me. I was thinking that copying this page at a smaller size could be interesting. I don't know what I would do with the copy though.
I think I will do more journal pages like this. Maybe, I will have a word of the month. That could be interesting.

another snowflake

2011-12-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

I have so much fun playing with Kaleidoscope Kreator. They really should pay me for all the advertising I do for them! Nevertheless, I use that program and create with joy. It doesn't get much better than that!

last bead journal for the year

2011-12-14T13:36:00.000-05:00

Originally I stitched on some beads trying to do it in Robin's style. I love that style and that is why I joined the project so that I could learn to bead like that. Well, it just isn't my style and there is no point in trying to force myself into a mold that doesn't fit. I am learning it is best for me to be me. I decided I would just cut out that section. I had been thinking about having a hole of sorts in this piece anyway. I added some paper mesh across the hole and stitched my beads onto that. Well, that isn't easy to do but I think it was worth it. I also added another layer of paper behind the mesh. This whole piece is many layers of paper all adhered together with matte medium.

on line courses

2011-12-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

Hi All
I have never taken an on line course. I think it would be a good idea for me to check one out as I am considering teaching some. Does anyone have a recommendation for a really great course they have taken? Would you mind telling me about it? Or if you were to take an on line course what would you want/expect from it? Any and all comments on this topic would be greatly appreciated!

playing with Kaleidoscope Kreator again

2011-12-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Doesn't that just make you happy! Please feel to use this in your art. If you do send me a photo. I would love to see what you do with it!

snowflakes

2011-12-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

It doesn't take a lot to make me happy. I am a simple girl. This snowflake just makes me smile. I am so glad to have my Kaleidoscope Kreator program working again. I ran into a bit trouble with it when my old computer died. The tech support was awesome and got me up and running very quickly!

I have fresh ink in my printer so I need to use it up before it dries up or clogs. I will print the snowflake and then bead it. I can't wait to see it finished!

painted tissue and felt journal cover

2011-12-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

I believe I have not posted this little journal previous to this. I showed it at the workshop on Saturday and received many compliments on it. So I thought I should show it here. I painted the tissue paper with shimmery paint and then adhered it to the felt. It is a wrap around cover. The felt works great for that.

a chance to win Japanese paper

2011-12-05T17:07:00.000-05:00

http://www.thepaperplace.ca/wp/2011/12/01/the-2nd-great-chiyogami-giveaway
I just want to let you know about this amazing chance to win some lovely paper. All you have to do is leave a comment at the above link to get entered for a chance to win. It is a bit selfish of me to post about it as it gives me another shot at winning. If I were really selfish I wouldn't share the link though as now there is more people that know about it and I have less of a chance to win. Whatever!

staying positive

2011-12-05T16:31:00.000-05:00

I am optimistic and confident in all that I do. I affirm only the best for myself and others. I am the creator of my life and my world. I meet daily challenges gracefully and with complete confidence. I fill my mind with positive, nurturing, and healing thoughts.

  - Alice Potter

Above is the quote that I wrote on my journal page.  I truly believe that we attract goodness into our life with our faith.  I have always had an optimistic attitude.  There is a Proverb that says as a man thinks so is he.  I make it a policy to get rid of negative thoughts as soon as I recognize them.

I love teaching

2011-12-03T20:56:00.000-05:00

Honestly, it is so much fun for me to see students giggle and delight over a new idea or technique. Too fun!
The first two pictures above are samples of Kathy Mostardi's gorgeous paste papers. Such beautiful vivid color. Yummy. Kathy taught this morning and I got to play. I taught in the afternoon. We played with all things shimmery and glittery!
You may notice some students sporting tiaras in these pictures. There were also some boas and loads of sparkly clothing. We were all princesses playing for the day. Art therapy at its best!

Pages magazine

2011-12-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

I bought the premier issue of Pages by Cloth Paper Scissors. I guess I am a bit of a sucker for magazines. I have to say that $14.99 is a ridiculous price for this magazine and it is highly unlikely that I will pay that again. It is a nice magazine but it is not worth $14.99. There are some good ideas in this magazine though.

I am teaching a workshop this Sat. Dec. 3

2011-11-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

Hi All
This is just a quick note to let you know that I am teaching a workshop this Saturday for the Royal City Calligraphy Guild in Guelph. If you are in the area there is a spot or two left. It is going to be fun and we are going to get messy. If you want details email me and can forward the class info.

I am a winner!

2011-11-28T18:41:00.000-05:00

I am a follower of the Thread Studio on Facebook. Today I received my prize for commenting on a post a couple of weeks ago. This came all the way from Australia pretty darn quick. I am impressed. I can't wait to have time to read this lovely little book and use the walnut ink crystals. Fun.

needle felted, quilted and embellished

2011-11-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

I had this piece for sale yesterday but it did not sell. I am not crushed. I really like it. I did sell a few scarves and one art piece and I forgot to take a picture of it! Oh well. I am so grateful for my wonderful friends who supported me in my first sale. I was a bit anxious about it but I received many favorable comments about my work so that was encouraging.
I needle felted some knitting yarns on to painted silk for this piece. I then did some free motion quilting and then added some transfer foil. It was looking good but needed a focal point so I added the piece of dichroic glass.

Take a stitch Tuesday

2011-11-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

http://www.pintangle.com/journal/2011/11/21/take-a-stitch-tuesday-back-by-popular-demand.html
I have just signed up for Take a Stitch Tuesday with Sharon B. It might be a good idea to incorporate the stitches I learn into my crazy quilt project. That would kill two birds with one stone. I am all for making things easier for myself!

fibre scarves

2011-11-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

It was a productive day. I love productive days! This probably just looks like a mass of fibres but it is a photo of six scarves I made today. I will have them for sale on Saturday. I will be participating in my first art sale! I also have seven art pieces in varying stages of readiness. Some are framed. Some aren't yet but will be by Sat. I am also working on some teaching proposals for CREATE in New Jersey. Yikes, I am tired.

my journal cover

2011-11-21T19:51:00.000-05:00

I showed what my friends did but neglected to post my journal cover. So here it is. I would like to tie some fibres onto the spine to hide the spiral binding. I think that would look pretty. It might be a bit tedious to do though and I am not good with tedious.

kitchen foil in art

2011-11-18T19:13:00.001-05:00

I did this technique years ago with my kids. One of my sons actually won first place in the fall fair with his foil art. Pretty cool.
My friends created these a while ago. I just found the camera, thankfully. We glued down some string, covered that with foil and then added layers of acrylic paint. These make great journal covers. Oh yes, I also put a coat of varnish over it all once it had dried for a few days.

more beading

2011-11-15T18:27:00.000-05:00

Here is November's bead journal project. I can hardly believe it is almost the end of the year and I only have one more project to go! This is the second year that I have participated and I have really enjoyed it. Having a deadline really works for me.
I used kitchen foil as the base. I adhered some painted tissue paper and then stitched and beaded. I also added a piece of doily I cut up and painted. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

Being published

2011-11-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

Shelly Stokes of Cedar Canyon Textiles has graciously accepted some of my art for publication in her new book. It is terribly exciting to me when someone else likes my work. I love my art and yet I still have some pretty big insecurities about it. Maybe not big insecurities but insecurities nonetheless so when I get approval from someone else it means a lot to me.

alcohol ink book covers

2011-11-08T17:05:00.000-05:00

I watched a youtube video about using alcohol ink yesterday. I should have saved the link! Anyway, it did inspire me. She glued down all kinds of bits. She started with tape-masking as well as scotch tape. She added sequins and tiny beads - the kind without a hole. So here is my go at it. I also added some transfer foil but just glued down the whole thing rather than transferring it. I also added some cello wrap and bugle beads. I was going for lots of texture. I did achieve that but it made it difficult to apply the ink. It was hard to get into the crevices.

I forgot to mention that you apply a layer of white glue over the top of everything before you go at it with the alcohol ink. That layer of glue helps keep those silly rolly beads in place. It also means that you cannot work with the ink for too long as it will reactivate the glue and then you end up with a sticky mess. Of course you have to wait for the glue to dry before you apply the ink.

I hope to get these covers made into a little journal and post pictures of that soon.

a busy week

2011-11-04T22:44:00.001-04:00

I have been busy creating all week but don't have any finished projects to show. So I dug out this piece that I completed a while ago. I don't believe I have posted about it before this. It seems like I do a lot of the tear drop shape. I guess it is a recurring theme in my work. This piece is one of my bigger pieces.
Hopefully, I will get some of my other pieces finished so that I can post them soon.

more good news

2011-10-31T18:59:00.000-04:00

Today I found out that my proposal to teach at the Elora workshops was accepted. I am super excited about it. I think I will be a really good teacher. I have tons of experience teaching. I have been told that I am a really fun teacher too. It is going to be good!

I have joined CT Publishing Creative Troupe

2011-10-29T20:35:00.000-04:00

I believe that is a good thing. I hope it leads to some opportunities for me. I guess I will find out. It certainly can't hurt to be connected to a publisher in a little way!

bead journal

2011-10-27T21:59:00.000-04:00

I used Setacolor sunprint paint to color this fabric. I added beads, sequins, fibres and the feather stitch. Maybe it could use a bit more glitz.

bead journal

2011-10-24T14:37:00.000-04:00

Honestly, I had this finished in Sept. but forgot to post it. You can imagine that my mind was else where!
I used a photo of shattered glass that I took at the wrecking yard this past spring as the background. I love this photo and will likely use it in my art work again! I added beads and fibres. I printed the photo on paper and adhered it to fusible interfacing before adding stitching.

last one

2011-10-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

I have a few more purchases that I could show but they are nothing too exciting. This fabric was a happy find however. Our very last morning in Paris we had a bit of time before we needed to check out of our hotel and go to the airport. We decided to wander around a bit and hopefully see something new.
Well, we happened upon the best little street. It had a great deal of stores that were very interesting. We were out early so the stores weren't open. That was a bit disappointing but it was also good. We got a few photos of some interesting windows and I am sure the shop owners wouldn't have liked that had they been there to see us. As we window shopped we happened upon some stairs that led up to a park that was above the stores. How cool is that? We enjoyed the park immensely as we made our way back to where we started. The first cool store that we had happened upon was a stitching/quilting store and it was open by that time. Again, how cool is that! A perfect way to end our trip France. giggles

Flea market finds in Antibes

2011-10-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

I have to say that I enjoyed the flea market in Antibes much more than the one in Paris. It was a great deal smaller and so much easier to navigate. The top picture shows the lace and trim that I found. Granted it is not old like the lace that I found in Paris but it is still lovely.
The bracelet was calling my name. I wear a lot of this color so it was perfect me. Plus it sparkles so!

From the calligraphy shop in Paris

2011-10-16T11:06:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love the delicate lacy paper. I am guessing that they are place cards. I will use them in my journal though. The pen nib seems to be of high quality. I have one like this but not all the prongs hit the paper at the same time so I hope this one works properly. The shop owner had a beautiful display of calligraphed envelopes she has received over the years. I can't believe I didn't think to get a picture of it. It makes me glad that I have saved my envelopes as well.

super cool pen

2011-10-14T09:51:00.000-04:00

Galleries Lafayette is a magnificent department store in Paris. Clearly, not the kind of department store that I am accustomed to. Each designer had their own small section in this store. Shoes and boots were well over a thousand euros. Yikes! I was out of my element. But, in the pen section they had this little beauty for 29 euros. The pattern on it reminds me of a zentangle. Also, it takes cartridge ink but it does not have a fountain pen nib. It has a ball point. Different than any other pen I have seen. So cool. It writes like a dream too. Check out the nifty book shaped box it came in. It was definitely calling my name.

Monet inspired purchases

2011-10-12T11:05:00.000-04:00

I think you know by now that Monet is my favorite artist of all time. These are the purchases I made while in France. Napkins, small journal, stickers and the coolest paint tube pen! I love the pen. I have a slight addiction to pens so this is a great addition.
Truly the day at Giverny was the highlight of the trip. So beautiful and peaceful.

who doesn't love a good pop up

2011-10-11T13:02:00.000-04:00

Truthfully I am a big kid at heart. I think it is important to keep that inner child alive. One way I do that is by collecting awesome pop up books. LOVE them! I purchased these pop up cards in Paris. We saw them in a store window in the Marais district. Unfortunately, the store was closed. But, I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. He explained that it really wasn't that far from where we were staying and we could come back the next day. Thankfully we easily found the store again and made these fun purchases. Don't you just love them?

flea market finds

2011-10-10T13:41:00.000-04:00

Our first full day in Paris we ventured to the flea market. Oh my gosh. It was quite the place. When we first got there all we could find was junk. Gangster clothing and cheap stuff. Not what I was looking for. With much persistence and an extremely patient husband I finally found some cool stuff. Ephemera, beads and lace! What could be better? Well, quite frankly the prices. It was quite pricey really.
Honestly the supplies that I find here in thrift stores are just as good and a LOT cheaper. I can always find a bargain here at home. I hope that doesn't sound like complaining. I mean to sound extremely grateful for my beautiful life here in Canada. I am truly blessed beyond measure! I am also grateful for such a wonderful trip and the chance to shop for some treasures.

opulence

2011-10-08T11:06:00.000-04:00

What can I say about Versailles? Opulent to the max. It was just too much for me. As much as I like to think of myself as a princess I could never live this way. I mean the studio space would be amazing but...

another from Giverny

2011-10-04T08:04:00.000-04:00

It is still rather like a dream to me that I actually got to go there! It was pleasing to me that my husband enjoyed the gardens as much as I did. He really went out of his way to make this trip wonderful for me. I have the best man!

Giverny

2011-10-02T10:25:00.000-04:00

My all time favorite painter is Claude Monet. It was one of the best parts of our trip getting to visit his beautiful home and gardens. The lily pond was so beautiful. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed eating, people watching and generally just being in nature. My soul longs for nature especially after being so busy in such a big city. I love this image I captured. I have a few actually. I would love to print this on fabric and then do some stitching.

sculpture from Antibes

2011-10-01T19:41:00.000-04:00

This massive sculpture was a two minute walk from our apartment in Antibes. I knew my calligraphy friends would love this! So cool.

last page of calligraphy book

2011-09-29T17:38:00.000-04:00

I guess really it is a book that is anything letter oriented. It is not all my work but things that I have collected over the years. It is good to have it all in one place. Tomorrow back to pictures from France!

oh yeah, I forgot about my calligraphy book

2011-09-28T18:25:00.000-04:00

I just remembered I had these pictures of the book to show. Blogger is not co-operating and I don't know how to fix this. I will keep it short as I don't like what it is doing to the text.

home again

2011-09-27T17:05:00.000-04:00

I am feeling almost human again. I might even get my creative juices flowing today. That would feel really good. Until I get back into the swing of creating I will show some images from my trip. France is such an amazing place and we totally loved our holiday.

This is the staircase in the Swarovski store on the Champ Elysees. Pretty fabulous!

Coming to you from Europe

2011-09-18T04:08:00.000-04:00

Have you missed me? I have been in Paris with no Internet access. I am now on the French Riveria in an apartment that has wifi. I can hardly believe that this dream of mine has finally come true! I am so blessed.
Paris was a whirl wind. I went to the flea market where I found a few treasures. I will post pictures when I get home. We went to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles,the Eiffel tower, Luxenburg Gardens,the Tuilleries, the Champs Elyses. We took a river cruise on the Seine. we went to Giverny and saw Claude Monet's gardens. I got some great photos there!
I even found a calligraphy shop in Paris. She had a wall of envelopes done in marvelous calligraphy. I sure wish I would have got a photo of that.

More calligraphy journal

2011-09-08T21:27:00.000-04:00

more of my calligraphy remains of the day type journal

2011-09-06T17:18:00.000-04:00

These pages are from a calendar on the left and a poster on the right. The poster was one our guild did a number of years ago. Actually, I think it was the first year that I belonged to the guild.

calligraphy journal continues

2011-09-05T18:06:00.000-04:00

This page was created with photos from a friend of mine. I think this has been around for a while but it is really cool. Also, what else would I do with these pictures. It fits the journal perfectly.

calligraphy journal continues

2011-09-04T14:02:00.000-04:00

The page on the left is made of a paper napkin. On the left is a quill pen that was given to me. I would never use it so into the journal it goes!

more of my calligraphy remains of the day type journal

2011-09-03T18:47:00.000-04:00

I have had a couple requests to see more of this journal so here it is. I have put anything calligraphy related into this journal. Practice sheets, envelopes, clippings you name it.

just a quick little piece

2011-09-02T17:29:00.000-04:00

I love playing with sheer fabrics. The color can be so vibrant and bright. I used three colors to make the layers of the flowers. I also used transfer crayons on rubbing templates to create the leaves. It is actually a technique that I came up with and will be in Cedar Canyon's new book on rubbing templates. Pretty cool.

It is finished

2011-08-30T19:27:00.000-04:00

It is signed and sealed. I am super pleased with this painting. I really love the way it turned out. I pushed past the fear of ruining it. I actually did ruin it by spilling some blue paint on the yellow part of the leaf. Fortunately I was able to fix it. I can still see where it is but I doubt anyone else can, at least no one in my family can.

another bead journal

2011-08-27T20:27:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wonder if have ADD. There are times when I find it difficult to stay with one topic. Really though I just have a lot of ideas. So I have moved onto my third idea for my bead journal project. I think most people pick one theme and stick with it for the year. I just can't do that this year. Here is my water idea. I have needle felted, stitched and beaded this piece. I also trapped some Japanese paper under some tulle that is held in place by needle felting. I thought that was a clever idea. It will be a 'page' in my book. I hope that I can stick with this idea for the rest of the year. I do have four more page bases to use so I should be good.

calligraphy related journal

2011-08-25T19:28:00.001-04:00

Here are a few more pages.

for my sister

2011-08-24T19:27:00.000-04:00

I had showed this book I made to my sister when she was here visiting in the spring. She was asking me a few questions about it today and I realized that I had not taken any pictures of it and therefore I had not posted on my blog about it. So this book is a collection of calligraphy related pieces. Most of them are from swaps. Being a member of the Royal City Calligraphy Guild it has it perks. The swaps are really awesome. It is so cool to receive pieces of art from other members. The problem is what to do with them. Well, I made this book in the Remains of the Day style and it now houses all my swap pieces. A great solution I think. I have a few more pictures of it and will post them tomorrow.

the next stage

2011-08-23T11:36:00.000-04:00

I have collaged some paper to this painting now. I am not really impressed with it but at least I did not ruin it. I believe that I just need to add more paper and paint. I used Japanese paper in some places and plain tissue in others. I am thinking about cutting up old book pages into letter shapes and adding a word or two. I will paint over it so that it won't be immediately obvious.

painting I am creating

2011-08-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I have worked on a wood panel 'canvas'. I am enjoying it but I wish I would have put gesso on it first. The wood grain shows through a bit and I don't really care for that. I suppose I am the only one that would notice that though.
The first photo shows the application of modeling paste. I wasn't super keen on the way it was turning out but when a friend walked by and commented that it looked like beads I changed my mind. After all anything that looks like beads has to be good.
The second photo shows the next stage. This has many washes of color. I was tempted to stop at this point as I like it so much.
There are two more workshops after this though. Yesterday was one of them where we added mixed media collage. I chose to let go of any fear that I would ruin it. Stay tuned for what I did.

another flowerpot formation

2011-08-18T18:49:00.000-04:00

This is the second flowerpot formation that we saw. They are just so cool!

Flowerpot Island

2011-08-17T19:12:00.000-04:00

Last week I had the opportunity to travel with my sister in law, Ellen and her daughter Amanda. We went to Tobermory to take photos of lighthouses. We also went to the Flower Pot island. I have wanted to see these rock formations for many years. The weather was absolutely wonderful and the company was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better time.

last pages of the vintage lace book

2011-08-14T16:32:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun creating this book. Who wouldn't enjoy working with beautiful lace and ribbons etc. Truly I live in an abundant world where all my needs are met. I have many beautiful treasures with which to work and play. I have the time, energy and ideas to create. I am blessed.

vintage lace pages again

2011-08-11T18:19:00.003-04:00

This page has a flap. The bottom picture shows the flap closed. The top picture shows it open. Most of the lace and doilies I stitched onto the book with a sewing machine. The rest of the embellishments were glued.

more vintage lace pages

2011-08-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

The top page is my favorite in this book. Since I am also a crazy quilter I have tons of supplies. Oh come on, I have tons of supplies because I am an artist! We all collect. At any rate it delights me to have what I need on hand when creating. A number of things in this book come from my crazy quilt stash. Stay tuned I have a few more posts to do about this book!

next pages in the lace altered book

2011-08-09T18:52:00.000-04:00

Wow! It is hard to believe that I am a photographer of any sort. That first picture is really not good but I just don't have time to redo it. You get the general idea at least. This book has been an exercise in letting go. I enjoyed using up things that I have had for a while. It is amazing but still beautiful vintage lace is coming to me. I am working on a different sort of book with it and will post about it when it is done. Until then I will continue posting about this book as I have a few more pages to show.
thanks for looking!

more altered book of lace

2011-08-08T18:45:00.000-04:00

Here are two of the vintage pages in the lace book. Who doesn't love lace and ribbon?

lace altered book

2011-08-06T19:32:00.000-04:00

I know this has been done before me. I really love vintage though and I just had to make one for myself. I went over the top with the doilies and laces. I had a lot of fun making this. I will show more pictures tomorrow.

garden shot

2011-08-03T19:50:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed the day at the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was spent with a lovely friend who also enjoys photography. Does a day getting any better?

slow moving butterfly

2011-08-01T21:18:00.000-04:00

I got some nice shots of this butterfly. It was slow and a bit lazy. Just what a photographer wants. Later I saw a monarch but it wouldn't settle down and was just too quick to get a picture of it. It strange that two butterflies behave so differently.

macro photography of flowers

2011-07-30T21:07:00.000-04:00

I apologize for neglecting my blog. I honestly don't know where the time goes sometimes! I guess we all feel that way.
I went to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington this past week. It has been so dry so the gardens weren't at their prime but I still got some good shots.

journal again

2011-07-26T20:33:00.000-04:00

I love the zebra duct tape. It is just so cool. Did I mention that my ultra wonderful husband put it in my stocking for Christmas last year? I am putting it to good use. I may have to get the leopard print duct tape too! These little journals are so quick and easy. I like having them on hand for a little gift or to take on a short trip.

another quick journal

2011-07-25T19:10:00.000-04:00

I love these colors. The journal is filled with painted papers all in turquoise. Yummy. It is another duct tape journal. They are so quick to make.

quick little journal

2011-07-23T12:41:00.000-04:00

I really thought that I had posted this one already but I guess not. A while back I watched Diana Trout on youtube make a duct tape journal. It was so quick and easy I just had to make one. What is even better is that I had zebra print duct tape to work with. Isn't it the best? My husband put it in my stocking at Christmas. What a good guy! He knows what I love. I have since put my own spin on making these journals and will post more pictures later.

another sunset

2011-07-21T20:59:00.000-04:00

Can you see the woman and her dog in the canoe? Nice.

sunset over Lake Huron

2011-07-19T21:53:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time since I have seen a good sunset. This one wasn't spectacular but it was good. Enjoy!

beading on paper

2011-07-18T19:27:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed stitching on this paper. It is quite heavy with the beads now but because of the interfacing on the back I am not worried about it. This is different for me. I believe I am learning and growing as an artist.

crinkled paper and other oddities to stitch upon

2011-07-13T18:37:00.000-04:00

I ordered something on line and when it arrived it had this cool paper stuffed in the package. I decided to crinkle it and wrinkle it. The more I did the more cloth like it became. I backed it with a light fusible interfacing. I plan to stitch it and embellish it with beads. I hope it is sturdy enough.

kaleidoscope with glass beads

2011-07-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

Sorry, not the greatest pictures. I printed a kaleidoscope and then painted it with glass beads by Liquitex. I think this will make a great little embellishment.