Princess Bubbles Creates

 I love it when things come together.  I read about someone doing a 365-day art project.  I thought that sounded interesting but wasn't sure what I would do.  I was asked to speak at the university where my Mandala solo art show is.  They also wanted me to lead a short mandala-making workshop.  The common denominator of these two projects is a short time.    I tested my idea for the workshop and decided it worked really well.  We start by writing or printing a word on a folded coffee filter.  Make sure the ink goes through to both sides.  We then use watercolour paint with liberal amounts of water to fill in the spaces.  Simple and quick. This is meant to be a contemplative practice where you focus on the word you have chosen.  A process where you let the ink and paint flow and observe what happens.  The outcome is not important.  It is all about slowing down, being in the moment and enjoying it. Starting my day ...

 I added more stitching in the lower right quadrant since Wednesday.  I was inspired by  Ariane Zurcher .  I love her style of freeform stitching.  Now that I have learned about this talented artist I definitely want to watch more of her videos.   Um, I guess I need a title for this piece.  I also need to get the photo sent to the San Fransisco School of  Needlework for the On the Bright Side challenge.  It feels good to have the project done in advance of the deadline.  Leaving things to the last minute is just not my style.   There will be more family time today which is always a pleasure.  That means no time for slow stitching so I did that yesterday afternoon.  I put the last stitches into a project that will be in a show later this year.  Again, another early finish and I will post about it sometime soon.   I am linking to https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/

 I have created thousands of journal pages.  Keeping an art journal is completely necessary for my soul.  I create art in my journals that is just for me.  Knowing that no one else will see this work is freeing and helps me not be precious about it.  My journal is a place to experiment and be contemplative.  I cut the phrase "none of the deep introspective doubts' from an old book.  It landed on this page even though I was full of doubts about it.  Art Journal Journey  posted the challenge to use a photo on our journal pages in January.  I decided to use one of my kaleidoscope photos.  I LOVE these photos.  I have had a lot of positive feedback on them and everyone wants to know my secret as to how they were made.  So there starts the problem.  I want my journal page to be good enough for my precious photo.  Good enough and precious are problematic for me and my creativity.  Probably most people's creativity...

Thank you  LeeAnna  for these questions.  "Is there a class you'd like to take? What would you learn or do in this class? Is there a person you'd like to study with?" How long do you like classes to be? A semester or one day?  Have you seen a class actually offered you'd like to do? I like learning and try to avail myself of it as much as possible.  It is really easy for me to dive down a rabbit hole of research.  I like listening to podcasts while I am making art as that is a two-for-one deal.   I like teaching classes.   Taking classes I have become less enamoured with over the years.  Two online classes I purchased were guaranteed to have lifetime access.  A very short time later they were discontinued!  That was disappointing.  The last in-person class I took was many years ago.  It was with a friend so that was fun.  I didn't learn all that much and find that is the case with a lot of classes.  In ...

 This is my project for the On the Bright Side challenge with San Fransisco School of Needlework.  I really enjoyed creating this bright and healthy under-the-sea piece.  Sea life really lends itself to interesting textures and bright colours.  I like the way the bright colours pop on the black background.  The lint and dog hairs really show up too.  Boo.   A sweet senior shared some interesting yarn with me.  I try to honour the generosity by using the gift immediately.  I have added it to this piece and think it adds a lot of interest.  The challenge is due on Jan. 15 so I better get a move on to finish it.  It doesn't need much more stitching so it shouldn't be a problem.

 Hi my name is Angela and I am a paper addict.  I have collected so many beautiful papers over the years.  The Japanese Paper store in Toronto is so fun.  They have sampler packs that are impossible to resist.  Like some fabrics, I have found it difficult to use the precious papers.  Until recently that it is.   I went through my treasure trove and started tracing shapes and then cutting them out.  I can cut paper for hours on end.  It is meditative like stitching is for me.  After cutting out the shapes I start to layer them into pleasing designs.  Looking through to find just the right colour combinations.  This one was adhered into a small handmade book.  I also added a bit of sparkly paint to the outer edge.   Next week I will be doing a talk about mandalas at the university where my solo show of mandalas is on display.  I am fine with public speaking but I am trying to not be intimidated about doin...

 Happy New Year!  May this coming year be filled with joy and stitching!   I have made some progress on this piece.  The lower right corner is filled to the brim with beads, buttons, sequins and embroidery.  I have a box that is filled with all kinds of bits and pieces.  All the things that get left on my table and not returned to their proper home.  Sometimes it doesn't seem worth the time and energy to put one little thing away properly.  So I decided to use up some of that stuff. I am not sure if it works or not.  The piece isn't finished so I will ponder it.  Possibly I will pick another section to encrust in the same way.  Definitely, more stitching is needed.  I doubt I will have time for any slow stitching today.  We will have a big turkey dinner today.  This is the second year we have celebrated Christmas on New Year's Day.  It just works better for our family. I am linking to https://kathysquilts.bl...