I know... these are unlike anything I have done before. But Katie inspired a new kind of freedom to play and express those "darker" corners. She and Cindy laughingly called these my "angry men" series. The question was: why men and why angry?? Something to explore...
All paintings are oil Shiva sticks on textured, gessoed fabric and measure about 8x10.
I would love to hear your comments!
In May 2008 I became part of a collaborative of mixed-media artists involved in a project named "Ties That Bind", whose goal was to raise funds for ovarian cancer research. Their mission statement was as follows:
Our mission is simple in concept. Artists united in their creativity to benefit Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Our project: Ties That Bind. A hand made doll created with heart and soul, donning hand embellished men's dress ties and hand born charms. 100% of the profit goes to the OCRF, in support of their mission to help ovarian cancer patients and their loved ones.
My contribution to this project was a handpainted and collaged necktie, which eventually became part of the art doll's skirt:
The completed art doll is now being raffled off, with all proceeds to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. You can read in detail about the project here:
http://projecttiesthatbind.blogspot.com/
More information and raffle tickets are available here:
http://www.scrapbookroyalty.com/tiesthatbind.html
I hope you will take a moment to visit the sites and check out the amazing work that has been contributed by so many artists... and please consider donating for a chance at winning this art from the heart!
1. Measure twice - cut once.
2. Sometimes it is not such a good idea to "wing it". Patterns were made for a reason.
3. Measure twice - cut once.
4. On any given day your grandmother's sewing machine will probably be more reliable than any machine with all of the bells and whistles.
5. Measure twice - cut once.
6. Avoid sewing over your cell phone adapter cord. It makes for a very unpleasant zing.
7. Measure twice - cut once.
8. Clogs are not made to be worn when operating tiny sewing machine foot pedals.
9. Measure twice - cut once.
10. Any object can look glorified when surrounded by beautiful props, sitting in a sunny window.
I will be keeping my day job.
Well... not quite Spring here... we are, in fact expecting a major snow storm tomorrow. But the pink roses are hopeful! This felted bag (measures about 12" x 12") has long been in the works and I finally finished it today. If anyone knits/felts and is interested in the pattern for the roses and leaves, let me know. A close up of the roses are pictured in my blog header. They are relatively simple and work up quickly.
Have a wonderful day! xox Deb
Just a little tease of what I am working on at the moment ~ more to come!
With literally minutes left before the New Year began, I decided to tie up some of those proverbial loose ends that had been hanging over my head for several months. The projects to choose from were endless (!) but I settled on this wall-hanging - a sentimental piece that needed the finishing touches. As I described in a earlier post. the background I used is an antique linen placemat that was part of my grandmother's collection. The collage image was hand-quilted and beaded, edged with antique lace and silk ribbons, and is hanging from a hanger made from heavy gauge copper wire. What a feeling of satisfaction to begin the new year with at least one piece of artwork completed!
If you are interested in more information about this piece, it is available for sale in my Etsy Store HERE.
One of the best parts about cleaning your studio or workspace is re-discovering items that were stored away and forgotten. On such a clearing of the cobwebs, I happened upon a carefully tucked away stash of my grandmother's lovely linens. Many were hand-embroidered... and all brought about such fond, long ago memories of large family dinners and holidays. I had been working on a fabric piece - a collage printed onto linen, hand-quilted and beaded - and was searching for a background. I decided this lovely linen placemat was the perfect compliment to the collage, and edged it with some antique handmade lace. Am now in search for an old hanger and ribbons to display the finished piece... and piles of wonderful old handkerchiefs await!
Beading: freshwater pearls, Czech beads, crystals and pink glass irredescent leaves.
I recently participated in a handmade totes exchange, hosted by the wonderful Lelainia of Tatteredge. My partner was the lovely Liz who lives "across the pond" in England. Although most of the participants decided on using fabric to create their totes, I was in a knitting kind of mood and decided to knit and felt one for Liz.
A brief lesson in needle felting... form a little teal heart... add a few embellishments and a leather necklace = blissful afternoon!
