EXTRA HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

It all started with this lampshade.  We were in Target and Tim walked up to me holding this lampshade, knowing I would love it.  I stopped dead in my tracks and when he told me it was marked down to $5.98 I instantly had to design a space to put this.  I stood right there in the isle and redid the guest bedroom in my head.  We snatched up another matching shade and two bases.  Total for each lamp- $26.00!  I picked out a paint color (Sherwin Williams 6702 Lively Yellow) and found multi-striped sheets on a sales rack for $12.99.  I almost hate revealing my cheap sheets, but these were so absolutely perfect and they feel as good as the expensive ones.  I don't want to sound like I'm going all cheap on my guests so let's just keep this between us, okay?   I got the wicker table for $25 and sprayed it white.  The green pillows are Jonathan Adler for JCP and I framed one of my own paintings.  I will do more as time allows, especially with fabrics.  I am so thrilled with how effortlessly and inexpensively the makeover was falling into place.  Normally I hold High Mass over any and all creative decisions so this was a nice surprise.      

I remembered we had two chairs in storage that came from Tim's family.  I decided to paint one and I must admit, it was a bigger task than I wanted to tackle.  First I scrubbed it clean, then de-glossed it thoroughly before painting.  

It has been in the 100+ temperatures here, so I tried working indoors but paint splattered to and fro, so outside I went.  It took five coats in some areas.  I chose to not spray paint because there was just too much blank space.  I destroyed several brushes.  This one took on a personality of it's own.  I named him Guy.

  

The chair is finished and I made a new seat cushion and pillow from some of my Botanika fabrics.  Just in time for my daughter who arrives tonight with the kiddos.  It has been way too long since we've been together and I'm kinda giddy.  Hope it's comfy cozy for her.  

Have a wonderful holiday weekend filled with friends and family and thankful hearts for the freedom and independence we so richly enjoy.   

THAT'S MY DOG IN YOUR FRAME

A few weeks ago I was in a local Home Goods and headed towards checkout when something familiar caught my eye.  I turned and what should my wandering eyes see?  My Wing Study fabric on down filled pillows!!!!  Even had zippers.  Guess how much?  No, guess again.  Yup, $19.99!  Okay, so even though it's my fabric design I was thinking the down pillow form and zipper would cost more than that.  I bought two for my house.  Crazy, huh?  Oh, and  that pillow on the lower right was just sitting there and not my design.

Then if that's not enough, I was just in a store, MG Tate's, in Indianapolis with Jennifer and lo and behold, there were my Demdaco frames.  I took a quick photo hoping no one would notice.  I'd have a hard time convincing them I wasn't trying to "copy" or anything.

I am known to do weird things in stores.  A few years ago I was designing a room in a Decorator Show House in Indy and had picked up a bunch of accessories and frames at Pottery Barn for the finishing touches.  Once I got everything in place I packed up the items I couldn't use and returned them to the store.   Then a couple weeks later I was walking through Pottery Barn and stopped to look at the frames.  Sitting right there, front and center, was a photo of my dog in a frame I had returned.  It was the same cute photo I used each year in the show house rooms I designed, but in my rush to finish up I forgot about the photo.  I kinda freaked because I had to have that photo back since it was before everyone had digital cameras and stored images.  I tried to be sneaky, but there seemed to be about 50 employees meandering and talking into tiny microphones.  I also imagined cameras and security all watching me try to steal a dog photo.    Finally I decided the only thing I could do is buy the frame.  I took it to the checkout counter and placed the frame front side down, which I hoped would work since the tag was on the back anyway.  Sure enough the one gal flipped the frame over and seeing the photo she started to remove it from the frame.   I panicked and quickly asked what she was doing.  She said they reuse the photos!  Okay, here goes...."Could you leave the photo in?  It's my dog".  The other gal behind her swings around to get a good look at the lady with the loose screw in her head, then they looked at each other as if to wonder about calling security.  Finally, after me going on and on with my tall tale and a line forming behind me, she reluctantly gave in.  I didn't shop at Pottery Barn for a while after that.  

FEBRUARY 12 IN TWELVE TUTORIAL

COLLAGE MONTAGE ART

Oh, don't you just love collage art, especially when you can simply sew fabric scraps, ribbon, lace and any embellishments from "the stash" to make a work of art?  Whether just making one small collage as a gift, pairing a couple to fill needed spot or grouping several canvases together for a large impact, everyone will admire your creativity.   I made these six small canvases simply and rather quickly, but have in mind another set filled with beads and embellishments to my hearts content.  

I purchased 8” x 8” canvases on sale at a local craft store and I used some scraps from my Wing Study fabric from my Botanika Collection for Michael Miller Fabrics as my central theme, but there are plenty of other fabrics that will do the trick.  

SUPPLIES

6 -  8” x 8” artist canvas

½ yard for main fabric or scraps

Fabric scraps

Ribbon scraps

Scissors

Double sided fabric tape (I used *Sealah tape) 

Sewing machine

Cotton thread to coordinate

Buttons, beads, etc. (optional)

Heavy Duty Stapler and staples

Ruler 

LET'S GET STARTED

Lay all your fabric pieces, ribbons, etc. out on a large surface so there’s plenty of room to play.  Try different combinations or use the diagrams I provided as a guide.  Don’t cut fabrics yet.  Here are some thoughts on how I go about creating collages.

MIX IT UP  

1     Before you start keep the end in mind: How many canvases do you want and what is the placement on the wall?  Vertical; horizontal?  Two rows of three each; three rows of two each; Two or HELLO...8 total? 

    

2       Try breaking things up into 3’s on each piece as a basic rule; it just feels balanced.  However, this is ART and shouldn’t look too predictable so playing is mandatory.   A larger overall print balances out a dark color so consider combining the two for a perfect balance.

3       Notice the direction of the objects.  The images, etc. should not all be facing the same way. 

4       Mix up the placement of the objects.  Don’t line up all like images, patterns, etc. in the same row.

5. Vary shapes, sizes.  Mix lights and darks.

6. Add interest by placing images off centered, or turn a butterfly sideways.

7.      Step away and come back later with a fresh eye.

START PIECING

8.  Once you have decided on fabric placement it's time to start cutting out  the fabric pieces and begin constructing.  Each completed square will need to be 12"x12" to allow for seams and wrapping around the back of the canvas. 

 Now here's a really handy tip for piecing:  When sewing random patchwork, always sew straight pieces together.  No turning corners.  If you are new to patchwork/collage piecing I am adding a diagram to show you how sewing in straight lines is the only way to go.

I made lines and numbers for you as a guide only.  In the first collage if 

you were to sew 1 and 3 together then you’ll have to squeeze 2 in and turn  

a corner and it won’t be pretty.  Do you see what I mean?

9.  Turn the fabric pieces over so the wrong side of the fabrics are facing up     and begin piecing together using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press the seam  toward the darker of the two fabrics.  When finished flip over to the front side and press.  I added layers of scraps on some of my pieces and could have sewn beads and even attached additional ephemera such a key, but figured I could add those later.

FINISHING TOUCHES

10. Place the assembled collage square wrong side facing up on a work surface and center the front of the canvas on the fabric.  Staple the fabric to the back of the frame, stretching the fabric evenly and folding corners.  

11.  Add ribbon or lace, stretch around to the back and staple. 

    A note about why I like using Sealah tape:  I find that this tape is easily reposition-able until you add pressure and then it stays!  It's washable which is great for adding embellishments onto clothing and home decor.  I'm sure there must be other similar products but Sealah tape is my go to fabric tape.  

    I hope this gets your creative juices flowing and would love for you to share what you make using this tutorial.   

COLLAGE FUN

Okay, here's a little progress on the art collage.  I used a mixture of Botanika scraps and pieces from the painted muslin I played with.  I decided to add a little to the painted fabric.  I used bubble wrap, the cardboard sleeve from my Starbucks and a cap from lip gloss and a pen to make circles.  It's quite fun and I quickly found myself looking at everything with heightened potential.


bubbles



corrugated stripes



styrofoam container

Oh.  Can't wait to experiment with this diamond pattern.   

I wanted to let you know about a Botanika apron giveaway here.  Made by the lovely D-Lux 57 company.  Go enter, quick.  Then have a great weekend.

CONCEPTION TO REALITY

Fall Quilt Market is right around the corner and, believe it or not, I just finally received the remainder of my Botanika Collection. Sigh. Due to a snafu, several of my fabrics sat in Indiana until this last Friday. It's hard to believe that I submitted my artwork for Botanika way back in August of 2010, and after a long separation, am now finally enjoying the full collection together in one place...my studio. As I stare at Garden Border and Wink Wink I am reminded of when the idea for these designs came about. I spent a couple weeks in San Diego (before we knew we'd end up living here). I started painting Garden Border and Mille Fleur from actual flowers from Balboa Gardens and worked on Wink Wink in the hotel room. A way too long process has finally come full circle. So, while my friends are preparing their newest fabrics for market, I am a full step behind. 



BEGINNING OF WINK WINK

WINK WINK PROGRESS

WINK WINK COMPLETE

So how about you celebrate with me?  Leave a comment about which colorway you like the best and you will be entered to win a yard of your choice.  I'll announce the winner next Monday. 

Now I'm on my way now to get three wisdom teeth pulled.  I tried to convince the dentist that I needed every tooth I have left, but he disagrees.   Wish me a very speedy recovery.  xo

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 2011

I just returned from a packed few days at The Creative Connection.  I had no idea what to wear, but one thing I knew for sure is I had to have one of the clutches that Simone creates out of my Botanika fabrics.  She whipped this baby up just in time.  LOVE!  Go check out some of the other ones.  Simone rocks Botanika.

Couldn't find my business cards (you know my moving saga), then realized my info would have been all wrong anyway.  Didn't want to lug my large camera and intended to borrow Tim's smaller one, but geez, somehow I forgot that in the middle of the night. So, I'm about to reveal a few really bad photos of some awesome ladies.   

Us sewing gals quickly found each other like moths to flame.

 From Left: Kim and Kris (The DIY Dish); Patty Young; Jana Nielson; me; Betz White; Lizzy House. 

Here is one of the reasons I participated in The Creative Connection.  The particular roundtable I  was involved with was packed, both with experts and women hoping to glean invaluable information.  Several women were able to pitch their ideas and art to the top gift companies and ask questions to some of us licensed designers working with these companies.  What an incredible opportunity, certainly one I would have loved to have had myself many years ago. 

I took a few classes.  Two classes from Traci Bautista.  Funny, because her style is so very different than mine, but I was there to stretch myself.  And boy that stretched me.  I ended up in the same classes and at the same table with Brenda Pinnick a couple times.  We became fast painting buddies, sharing supplies and fabric scraps.  We quickly realized the fabrics we were sharing were our own designs and complimented each others.  What fun!  My hair gets wild when I get creative. 


Brenda Pinnick and me

Me and Traci Bautista

I was quite happy to meet Holly Becker of Decor8, finally.  She has sent some love my way over the years and I've followed her design blog since 2005.  Studied her new book DECORATE from cover to cover on the flights home. 



Me with Holly Becker

 Okay, that's all I can talk about today, but I will be picking a winner of the Pillow Giveaway this week.  If you haven't already, click here and leave a comment for a chance to win this pillow from The Paula Prass Collection for Demdaco:

SAVE THE DRAMA FOR THIS MAMA

As much as I'd like to believe it just ain't so, the fact is I do tend to tour the various emergency rooms on my travel schedule.  I broke my arm in NYC and got a concussion on the concrete stairs down to the Marta in Atlanta.   I'm more fun than a barrel of pidgeon toed monkeys.  Yet with all the historionics Jennifer still wanted to come to Quilt Market with me in SLC.  Glutten for punishment!

I decided to do something I've never done before Market and treat myself to a microdermabrasion.  Kinda like spring cleaning.  All  I researched  said there was no down time, my skin will be refreshed, yada.... I had it done on Monday and we left for Salt Lake City on Wednesday.  Everything looked great.  However, on the flight my face started itching and swelling.   

A sidenote: When we left Indianapolis it was 91 outside.  Our flight was delayed to the point all the passengers thought we missed our connections in Denver.  Rough ride, bad weather, then the pilot says we can't land because of a snowstorm.  Seriously???  Itch, itch.  We didn't get into SLC until 3:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to this Mid-westerner).  

   I kept popping Benedryl the next day for set-up, Schoolhouse and a later event.  By the first day of Market red raw welts spread to my neck and into my hairline.  My eyes were so swollen there were creases across my nose.  Anything, even water felt like I was pouring acid on my skin.  My roomies (Jona, Daria and Jennifer) had to look at this in the morning.  Needless to say, first day at Market was spent in the emergency care.  Lived on steroids and Benedryl the rest of the show.  I spent probably 2 hours trying to apply layers of makeup and concealer.  Then I was afraid I'd scratch it off.  As the swelling started going down my skin started peeling.  Like isn't that why I wanted the microdermabrasion in the first place???  I was self-conscious meeting so many people for the first time.   Tried sunglasses but I thought they just made me look like a pretentious blind lady.  Oh, and the kicker?  Now that I'm back home my face is better. 

Outside of my usual drama, seeing everyone was so wonderful.  This is the best group of people.  I mean it.  We sincerely care for each other.  I honestly felt like Kermit and Miss Piggy running towards each other in a field of flowers when I saw some of you. 

Now that I'm home I'm chained back to the hamster wheel.  I did decide I couldn't post again until I updated my blog header.  The header reflects some of my artwork and how it's turned into products.  Still way behind on getting the websites updated and a plethora of other must do's. 

 

So while others are posting all the beautiful new fabrics and booths, I wanted to try a different approach.

Here's the deal: We ARE moving to San Diego.  The 9 month roller coaster has finally stopped.  So now on top of everything else we are rushing to get the house ready to put on the market.  I love my house, love my neighbors, community, friends and family, so this is bittersweet.  However, I also dearly love my husband and I had this scripture engraved on the inside of his wedding band: 

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Ruth 1:16

Doesn't sound like a very liberated woman, does it?  He adopted my kids and became the best father they could have ever had.  Tim has been my biggest fan, best friend  and business partner.  He's always got my back.  I am proud of him and am ready to move into this next phase of our lives together.  Okay, honestly?  Moving to San Diego for a job is like saying you are becoming a missionary in Hawaii.  No sympathy there.  We are looking to simplify so we'll be having the first yard sale this weekend. 

I am still planning some giveaways, but realized since there's another huge giveaway going on elsewhere right now, I'm going to wait until that event is over.  Plus, I need to go quick price some yard sale items.  Stay tuned.





MORE BOTANIKA



Kathy Miller took the first two shots of my Botanika fabrics in a grouping and I'm so thankful for that.  I barely got to see them all together before I shipped them off to Quilt Market.  I leave in two days and I'm running around like a deer in headlights.  But not too busy to give you another glimpse of my new pride and joys. 



Botanika in Meadow Colorway



Pastille Colorway



 I took a couple quick shots of the lattice so I could stroke the photo and remember how much I love how it turned out.

Mod Lattice

And here's a closer look at the Garden Border flowers.  Sorry about the odd angle, but you get the idea, right?



Garden Border in Meadow Colorway



For those of you that will be at Quilt Market, my booth is #425.  Please come and say hello.

My Schoolhouse will be  in Room 255B   3:10 - 3:40.  Expect to have fun and a possible giveaway!

BOTANIKA IS HERE!

Move over Princess Catherine!  My brand spankin new fabric collection, called Botanika, includes some royal birds.  I began this collection a year ago when I was inspired by a trip to San Diego.  I spent time at the beautiful Balboa Gardens, walked by incredible cottages in La Jolla and soaked up the beauty of it all.  Even the birds seemed happier to be living in such a glorious place.  So I began sketching and painting what I gathered in photographs and my imagination. 

As of yesterday I only had 8 of the fabrics, but by some sort of miracle (and Christine) I came back from an all day photo shoot to the rest of my fabrics.  I hadn't been to the bathroom or eaten all day, but I began running outside to try and get some outdoor photos while it was still light enough.  I also received 3 pillows from a couple of the fabrics (Susan, they are gorgeous!)so I was snapping up a storm while doing the potty dance.

Now I've been trying to put something together to show you, but I am having a heck of a time here.  And I'm supposed to be packing for Quilt Market.  Please forgive me if my debut is not perfect.  I'll fix it later, but just had to share.  What do you think?

 Why is this Meadow colorway stretched and fuzzy?  I reloaded it five times , resaved it, yelled at it.  Hmm.

pillow front

pillow back

I have so much to share with you.  I went through quite a low time after the holidays were over.  I also have been buried in work, but I'm feeling much better now.  Being creative has been a lifesaver.  You all have also been wonderful and when I get back from Quilt Market I'm going to make it up to you!  How about some giveaways?

Now off to pack!