Exploring some photoshopping
The February tutorial being presented in The Creative Explorer’s Club is all about using photoshop elements so I thought I’d get a little practice in ahead of time. This image was manipulated in photoshop elements to enhance the figure of the statue and replace the background. I then printed it onto some paper and glued it to a canvas background. I think I did a pretty good job of blending the edges even though most of the background got covered up anyway.

Exploring some sewing
This year I’m allowing myself the freedom of exploring sewing that is less structured and more free form. I’m also beginning to enjoy working with raw edges which is not something I usually work with.

Exploring some mixed media
I’m madly trying to get some new textured surface work done in anticipation of my upcoming workshop. I’m really enjoying working with mixed media applications for creating textured surfaces on fabric, and some of these techniques will also be included in an upcoming tutorial for my Creative Explorers.

Blue Angel is my new notebook cover.

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: Exploring mixed media

So now, since some of you have been asking, it’s time to make some of my designs available to you on fabric, so here you go!

These Photo Art fabric prints are available in sizes 10″x8″ and 7″x5″ and are fully washable. They come printed on either soft high quality 200 count cotton which is ideal for using as focus panels in quilts or other types of textile projects, or cotton canvas which makes them suitable for framing as artwork or for using in textile projects that require a sturdier fabric.

I haven’t done much in the way of quilting recently, but I’m currently quilting each of the panels and plan to combine them all into one wallhanging. I think it will look loverly, but we’ll soon see. My quilting is a little rusty.

I currently have four brand new flower designs available from my “Graffiti Garden Series”. Each piece is digitally signed on the front and also personally signed on the canvas prints.

You can find ordering details here in my store. Or if you prefer, you can also find them here on Etsy.
Questions? Email me.

Graffiti Garden Series: Sunflower

Graffiti Garden Series: Coneflower

Graffiti Garden Series: Tulip

Graffiti Garden Series: Rose

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: New in the store: Photo art fabric prints

As I mentioned the other day, over the last few weeks I’ve been working on some new photo art designs which I’ve used to make a set of beautiful 2012 calendars which you can find here in the store. And thank you to everyone who has already purchased one, I knew you’d like them!

I’ve also now used these same designs to design a set of beautiful “One Word” Bookmarks. As well as being inspiring and beautiful to look at, these make thoughtful and affordable gifts for book-loving friends and family. Each bookmark comes in its own protective sleeve and these are now available here in my design store. Order one, or order the set!

Available designs

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: “One Word” Bookmarks

I am finished now, but that was a long day. It was eleven days ago in fact. But here it is finished, my latest art bag, Lavender Crush.

It’s difficult photographing this style bag because of the shape, and it was kind of challenging photographing this color because blue/purple doesn’t photograph well with my little Canon Powershot. Add to that I’m photographically challenged anyway. I was lucky the photo turned out as good as it did.

I love the texture – and the color!

So what happened to delay things?

Two little words.

What if?

I was originally going to use the same design as this art bag, but at the last minute thought – what if I turned this bag into a handbag instead of a clutch; what if I used some chain for the handle. I think that could be kind of exciting.

And it was. Kind of.

After spending too many hours (I’m ashamed to admit it but I fiddled with this for two days) trying to figure out a way to cut a round hole through the bag opening which is made up of two layers of fabric, two layers of heavyweight interfacing, one layer of Peltex, and one layer of 2-ply chipboard, I decided this called for new hole punching tools! I love new tools! (Waiting for tools to arrive – five days)
Update: For anyone looking for these, I got them here on amazon.com. If you scroll through the pricing, you’ll find them quite cheap. I was concerned about the cheap price, but when using on fabric, they work just fine.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KE17JO (not an affiliate link)

A trip to the store to get some grommets and some chain for the handle. (one day)

Another trip to the store to the store to return those grommets because they didn’t fit, and pick up a different type as well as some new chain because I wasn’t sure I like the first choice. (one day)

Finally happy with the grommet.

Note to self …

Get rid of “lady” hammer which is only good for pounding thumb tacks.

Use a “man” hammer instead. And an anvil instead of the floor.

Then another trip to the store to get another different chain for the handle. (one day)

After settling on the first chain (sigh), it’s done! Finally!

If I had decided to go with my original design plan, this whole process would have taken only a few days. Instead it took about two weeks.

Was it worth it? Of course.

Working with a process such as this – slow work – generally does not provide instant gratification which is what most of us are used to. Instead it brings gratification of a different kind which touches you on a much deeper and less superficial level. Following your intuition is often about taking the road less traveled and learning new things (and sometimes finding new tools!) along the way. It’s what defines you as an artist.

The “what if” scenario can be fun and exciting, but do be prepared to have patience.

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: The perils of working intuitively

But this edition is kind of special – because I’m in it!

Well not me exactly, my art bag Geisha.

It’s always kind of exciting to see your stuff published; and kind of fun.

Plus they did spell my name and my website right which is an extra bonus! This doesn’t always happen when you get published (sigh).

This is a better photo and you can read more about “Geisha” here.

You can also find more about my art bags here, and you’ll soon be seeing them in my design store here.

Whew .. I’m off to put the finishing touches to my latest art bag. A little different to “Geisha”, but it’s looking lovely! I’ll be showing you next week.

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: A lovely way to end the week