e14studio

Doodling

2012-01-27T15:30:00.003-06:00

Over at the sketchbook challenge, the theme for January is doodling. I just started a new semester at the community college, so I challenged the students in my illustration class to make doodles.

"What's a doodle?" some of them inquired.

Basically, I didn't want to set guidelines or rules because doodling is freeform markmaking. Here's what I suggested:

Letting go and just playing with the shapes and designs - never knowing what you'll come up with.

Making marks on the page and seeing what develops

Filling the page with random shapes or marks

More on doodling in my next post.

It's my 7 year Blog-a-versary

2012-01-25T18:49:00.007-06:00

Once upon a time… well, exactly 7 years ago today, in fact… yours truly decided to start a blog. Though my true intention was to get discovered and become a famous illustrator, I was happy just sharing my day to day creative inspirations and art projects. I show up most days and share whatever creative idea I have going on. Sometimes it gets a little lonely here because I'm not selling anything or promoting classes so there's not a whole lot of traffic. Mostly it's just me and a few of my friends. Well, mostly it's just me. So far I have 516 postings. Anyway, I just want to thank anyone who is reading this for stopping by e14studio and taking a moment to see what I've been creating and I do invite you back because even though I haven't become famous, I'm enjoying myself immensely!

post signature

Drawing your partner's shoe

2012-01-19T09:22:00.003-06:00

(Click on arrow to watch video)

Here's how my student's get to know one another. They pair up and draw each other's shoe while asking some interview questions. Then they introduce their partner to the class and show off the shoe drawing. FUN!

New Year, new directions

2012-01-15T13:20:00.003-06:00

Click on image to enlarge

Dollface

2012-01-07T09:20:00.002-06:00

click on image for enlargement

Many Many Many drawings

2012-01-02T16:03:00.002-06:00

I love to draw and I love to teach others to draw. Here I am in front of all student work produced for the final projects last semester at Houston Community College in the Digital Communication department. The class is ARTC1309 Basic Illustration. It's for all the computer geeks who need some traditional drawing experience. They come kicking and screaming through the door thinking Photoshop is all they need to know. But by the end of the semester I recruit a few of them into believing it's not all about scanning and adding special effects!

Bing's Message to all of you!

2011-12-17T12:23:00.002-06:00

To all my blogging friends I want to wish you all the best of the season. I am taking time to spend with family and will return in 2012 with all kinds of art projects and inspiration.

post signature

Still Life Drawing with Doll

2011-12-08T08:12:00.002-06:00

I made a commitment to drawing more and here is a still life drawing I made at school with my students. That doll is looking pretty good considering I've had her for about 50 years!

Click here to see my first in this series.

One for me, One for you!

2011-12-05T08:47:00.002-06:00

Certain someones will be getting these for the holiday. One someone is a graphic artist, so I made her a mug rug (log cabin pattern). Another someone is a dancer who loves cats (dresden pattern). The third someone likes to draw so I made a pouch for carrying favorite pens. Hope they like 'em.

ArtL8dY chimes in on O'Keeffe

2011-12-01T09:22:00.005-06:00

I'm on a roll here sharing posts about artist's who inspire me. So last night I snuggled under the covers with this new book about Georgia O'Keeffe. The first chapter, titled "Defy", starts out with a quote of hers:

I don't see why we ever think of what others think of what we do - isn't it enough to just express yourself.

Further into the chapter the author writes:

Few human beings manage to be so resolutely themselves for so much of their lives.

So it's one thing to look at someone's work and decide whether or not you'd want to own it or imitate it or throw it away. It's quite another to actually know the artist and their personality and then decide whether you want a piece of their happiness, success imagination or creativity by owning, imitating or ignoring their work.

It just got me to thinking about how the internet provides a personal glimpse into the life and workings of artists. They tweet, blog and post on Facebook (well most of them do). So how does that impact the way we respond to their artwork? I think it makes a big difference.

Another way an artist impacts how well their work is accepted is through workshops and retreats. They avail themselves to curious and anxious participants who want what they've got and think if they follow the steps, their outcomes will be the same creatively. Ha!

Or if an artist is struck by the gods of gallery glory, they will show their work in prominent places. If it's in this gallery, it has to be great, right?

Rather than rant about my own misgivings about art appreciation, I just want to end with the idea that art is about expression. When we make stuff based on what other people think then we dig ourselves into a deep hole and it can get quite muddy down there.

Back to O'Keeffe….

If you're interested in my previous posts regarding her and her work ~ look no further than here.

Inspired by Vera Neumann

2011-11-27T14:24:00.003-06:00

If you are into painterly florals or images inspired by exotic travel locations, then you must have seen a Vera creation. She is most remembered for her scarves. (If you find one in a thrift store, grab it!) From 1942 to 1993 she designed everything from fabric, wallpaper, bedding, and kitchen items. I remember my mom having a set of her kitchen place mats.
I blogged about this book already. Lots of eye candy for those of us into color and that painterly look.

Here what Design Sponge had to say about her

The process of discovery

2011-11-25T22:35:00.006-06:00

The focus at e14studio has been on mixing things up and experimenting with new techniques. I've reached a point where I am cautious about imitation versus inspiration. Rather than try and make something finished I am happily discovering new combinations of images and ideas. Today I changed my blogger banner to reflect this.
To that end, I thought I'd publish a few blog posts pertaining to artist's who inspire me, yet I am not trying to re-create their work. The first one is Janet Bolton. I discovered her work in her book titled Patchwork Folk Art. Here is what she has to say about her art making process:

There are two paths that can be followed in picture making. One involves trying to realize a fixed idea. The second relies on spontaneous development, on suddenly seeing, for instance , a new relationship between shape and color and capturing that gift to change your course of direction.

So as I embark on a shift in my creative direction, I invite you along and hope to inspire you to be creative without trying to follow any rules or complete a finished piece. Enjoy the process of discovery.

Here is a link to Janet Bolton's work.

Holiday tags - re-run

2011-11-24T18:50:00.002-06:00

For all the gifts you're buying. Here's some holiday tags you can make.

Click here

Unknown Territory

2011-11-23T09:25:00.003-06:00

In my corner of creativity I'm doing something motivated by rejection. I didn't admit it when I blogged about it here, but I did feel a bit peeved that my art quilt wasn't deemed publishing worthy. So I had this pity party and when it got to be a bore, I told myself to get over it. Then, I began something totally different just see what happens for the sake of making something fun. Out came the fabric stash, paints, dyes and I'm embarking on a creative journey into unknown territory. Photos soon.

"Exquisite Ladies"

2011-11-16T18:20:00.006-06:00

Quilting has always been a group activity bringing women together to share the task of making something to benefit others. My inspiration comes from the women I meet at Festivals and Quilt Groups. I get energized by sharing ideas and meeting many talented women. To pay tribute to them in my own quirky style, I made this piece borrowing from the juxtaposed imagery of the Surrealist's "exquisite corpse" method to give each character their own playful style.

I submitted this for publication in one of the craft magazines featuring art quilts and received my rejection letter today. I guess it's just not the kind of art quilting that fits in with the popular themes.

But it's true to my style and interest.
I can only please myself!

Drapplique with Pam Holland

2011-11-08T09:05:00.006-06:00

post signature

On Saturday I took a class with an award winning quilter, Pam Holland. When I arrived, she was unpacking a huge suitcases full of quilts. By the end of the day she shared a little story about each quilt. She gets her inspiration from faraway and nearby. Wherever she travels, she snaps pictures that will inspire her in some way while quilting. Drawings for quilts are sometimes the results of sketches she makes for her grandchildren. The first impression one gets from her is that we can never run out of ideas.

With quilts on the table, she got busy giving everyone a well documented instruction sheet. We were going to learn a technique she calls "drapplique". It's a combination of drawing and applique. She made sure all the proper pens and fabric were distributed so we could follow along and trace one of her designs. Once the design was on the fabric, we got out the colors and filled them in.

Yours truly marched to a different drummer and began modifying her drawing. Didn't want to insult Pam, so I hope she understood that it's just me thinking outside of the "box" or should I say "fat quarter". And I've never been one to stay inside the lines when coloring, but I did my best.

The afternoon session was for test driving the Janome machines with the convertible free motion foot. Pam takes free motion stitching to new heights. We learned about threads and which needle to use and set about stitching over our drawings. It took some patience getting the hang of the machine and the rhythm of stitches. (Once again, yours truly had a hard time staying on the lines.)

One of the most amazing things I have to tell you about Pam's quilts are that the backsides are just as pretty as the front. So when she came over to look at my progress and turned over my wonky quilt with the wiggly lines, I was afraid she might faint! I wasn't finishing off my stitches.( I had an immediate flashback to junior high home economics class when Mrs. Smith yelled at us for puckers in our seams!)

The only thing we didn't get before we left was a "Pam pill" to swallow each day with our daily vitamins. One that would give us the energy, the talent and skill to carry on. In order to get my dose of Pam and all that she shares about quilting, I'll prescribe a visit to her website. Just Click Here

Felting with Jane LaFazio

2011-11-06T10:36:00.003-06:00

Jane LaFazio is so happy doing what she does and it comes across when you meet her. I took a class with her on Friday night at The Houston Int'l Quilt Festival.

I chose the felting class because I don't own the "Babylock embellisher" machine and I wanted a chance to experiment. There really are no rules when it comes to felting with the embellisher. The biggest challenge is to avoid breaking needles and I am happy to say I was able to overcome that and left all the needles intact.

When it comes to classes, I keep an open mind in regard to experimentation and inspiration. I don't expect to finish a piece (unless I have all day). So right from the get go I wasn't trying to copy her sample, but combine a lot of colors, textures and shapes and see what evolved.

Before the clock struck 9pm, I decided to cut small rectangles from an old felt hat and give it a go. The combination of the soft felt with satin fabric scraps gave interesting results.

Time went fast and the machines made a steady hum as we added roving, fibers, sheers and yarn to the felt base. I really like the combination of textures. If I lived someplace where the climate was colder, I'd have a reason to do more of this kind of work.

Here is a link to Jane's website.

Stay tuned: My next blog post will be about "drapplique" with Pam Holland.

Preview Night @ Int'l Quilt Festival

2011-11-03T10:29:00.004-05:00

Last night at the Int'l Quilt Festival was preview night. Those of us who sign up for classes can wander around the miles of exhibition space and vendor booths before the general public. The benefit of is that you don't get trampled on.

I met up with my pal, Tish and we started out viewing the $10,000 prize winner's quilt which was awesome and glittery. It seems that the prevailing theme or motif for this years quilts is dazzlement. (another is "birds"). I was most interested in photographing the artist's quilts and was attracted to the ones that were colorful and had that handmade look to them. I like texture. My radar was on for inspiration and yes, envy as well!

Once Tish got me out of the exhibition area to the vendor's shops, I knew it was going to be dangerou$. It becomes overwhelming to see all the "stuff". From years past, I've learned not to buy on impulse but to have a project already in mind before picking out more fabric or embellishments. (That's not always easy to do.)

The highlight of the night was Mary Fisher's booth. Tish is her #1 fan and Mary graciously agreed to take a picture with her. If you're at all inspired by art or fabric, you absolutely must check out Mary's website and learn about her life story. By the time we got to her booth, I was already running out of gas, but before the festival is over, I must go back. Her drawings for her fabric patterns are on display and I must get a better look.

Stay tuned for more adventures!

dia de los Muertos

2011-11-01T10:55:00.001-05:00

Today is dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. I made this art quilt last year at the Quilt Festival in Alisa Burke's workshop.

Quilt Festival Trades

2011-10-29T11:46:00.002-05:00

Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors will be one of the main focus spots for the Quilt Festival. I always enjoy seeing the art on display, picking out new books and magazines and watching the participants of "Make It University."

I'm bringing some of my trades to post on their wall.
(See mention here).

Let me know if you'd like one of your own and you'll be at the Quilt Festival!

Getting ready for Houston Quilt Festival

2011-10-23T13:21:00.005-05:00

(let me know if you can't view the slideshow!)

Welcome to my corner of creativity!

The Houston International Quilt Festival is in 2 weeks and lucky me because i signed up for workshops. (see blog post from July 24, 2011). As I was organizing my corner and pulling out my stash and half finished projects, I decided to put it all together in book form. I will use this book at the festival for taking notes. Inside the front and back cover are pockets for tickets and cards I collect. I randomly glued swatches of my favorite fabrics in the book because when I shop at the market I forget what I already have and need ideas for fabrics to go with what I already own.

I included shots from my studio space so you can see how it looks while I'm working on a project. Notice the storage unit next to the sewing machine. I won it at an auction. It's completely hand-made and fits perfectly in the corner. As you can see I still have to organize it because it looks like it exploded.

Since this event is the big kahoona for me (always inspiring and motivating), I'll be updating my blog and sharing my ideas and experiences.

Click for link to past posts about the festival.

Faith

2011-07-24T15:32:00.012-05:00

Let me tell you the story of how this art cloth titled "Faith" has come about.

The Houston Quilt Festival catalogue recently turned up in my mailbox and I was trying to decide which workshops to take in November. I narrowed down my choices to two instructors, Pam Holland and Jane LaFazio.

I visit their blogs frequently to check in on what they've got going on.

Jane's Recycled Circles and Pam's crosses seen in New Mexico inspired me and I remembered a drawing I posted here before.

Often times, my drawings get put on the shelf or left in sketchbooks and I forget about them or where I've put them. (One of the benefits of blogging is that there is a visual and virtual record of what you've created that can be easily referenced.)

So I took out my basket of stash fabric and stitched "Faith". Now that's finished, I think it would make a good journal cover. I just have to get busy on the rest of the journal!

Sneak Peek

2011-07-11T17:44:00.004-05:00

I'm spending my summer "staycation" right here in hot hot hot Houston. To stay cool, I spend time in the air conditioned museums and at the park pool (where I pretend I'm at a hotel). I made an art quilt over the weekend and here is a sneak peek at part of it.

Mindful Stitching

2011-03-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

He is a wonderful teacher. My lesson is mindfulness. While I stitch, I stay in the moment.

Go here to learn more.

2011-03-13T10:04:00.002-05:00

It's Spring Break and I plan to be miles away from my computer while at the beach in Naples, Florida. Don't forget about me when I'm gone!

ArtL8dY meets Vera

2011-03-02T19:22:00.006-06:00

I browse Anthropologie the way some people browse museums. So today I had a chance to visit the store in Houston for inspiration. While roaming the displays and noticing all the fabric patterns and accessories, I was drawn to this book. How come I didn't know about Vera until today? I ordered the book and can't wait till it arrives.

post signature

Playing with Photoshop - Part 2

2011-03-01T21:08:00.003-06:00

I'm having way too much fun visualizing my art quilts in interior spaces.

Playing around with Photoshop

2011-03-01T10:27:00.004-06:00

Here's the result of my visualization showing my art quilt in an interior space.

Bing!

2011-02-23T20:27:00.004-06:00

His name is Bing, but we call him Bing-Bob and Bing-a-ling. Sometimes he's just my Boy-Boy. He answers to none of those names. But if I call out "Cookie!", he comes flying. I guess it's too late to change his name!

from my sketchbook

2011-02-18T11:34:00.003-06:00

A little change of scenery here with some pages from my sketchbook. Inspired by a trip to the shopping megaplex in Houston, the Galleria. There's an ice skating ring in the middle of the mall. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of ice skating with my friends. But we were in chilly snowy weather, not air conditioned malls!

One more heart

2011-02-12T12:06:00.003-06:00

Using the "pistil stitch" around the heart. Inspired by Laura's video

Work in Progress

2011-02-11T10:38:00.004-06:00

Aren't we all just works in progress?

As I've been stitching hearts this month, I think about the ways our hearts can be broken and the ways they can be mended again.

I think about what I put my heart into and how it makes me feel. I think about love and what it all means.

Just Because

2011-02-05T10:42:00.002-06:00

I made a Dresden Plate just because I wanted to challenge myself by

sewing a traditional pattern

experimenting with combinations of prints and colors of fabric

aiming for alignment and even measurements

keep myself from going stir crazy during this Texas ice storm

Basically, I followed these instructions with some modifications. Instead of 20 pieces, I designed a pattern for 10 pieces. Rather than applique the finished pattern on a square block, I appliqued a circle on the back so I can use this for a "mug rug".

Heart Exchange

2011-01-29T14:28:00.003-06:00

I participated in a heart exchange that Ruth Rae initiated.. I'd like to thank Ruth, Jennifer, Lou Ann and Kara for sending me such exquisite and creative hearts!

post signature

2010-12-17T15:03:00.005-06:00

A Holiday Thought Cloth

2010-12-10T14:36:00.007-06:00

Jude Hill over at Spiritcloth Blog has inspired me with her Holiday Cloth.

I began by sorting through my fabric stash and chose patterns with green and gold colors. I stitched the background fabrics into place and added a shimmery green sheer on top before stitching some of the leave patterns with gold & teal thread.

If you saw the cloth on my previous blog post, you've noticed that I used a tree shape as a focal image.

It just so happens my most recent purchase was holiday fabric with a variety of tree patterns. When I played around with where to put them, I changed my cloth to a horizontal format instead of a vertical so I could fit the trees off center on the right.

I finished off the piece by diluting some gold fabric paint and dusting the trees with glitter. (The shimmer of the cloth doesn't show up well in a photograph)

What are your plans for the holiday?

2010-11-30T10:13:00.003-06:00

What are your plans for the holiday? I'd really like to know. Just curious about everyone's choices, destinations and decorative ideas.

As for the chef and me, we plan to stay in Texas this Christmas instead of trekking to western New York where my family lives. I just returned from a visit in October and will go back again in a few months.

This is Bing's first Christmas and he's asking for a puppy playmate, but I think we'll just have to take him to the dog park instead.

Since I'm staying in town, I'm going to spend more time in the studio using up those art supplies that never get to see the light of day. It's been fun painting on my art quilts so I expect to be doing more experimenting in that regard.

There's been plenty of recipes online to tempt me so I may even bake some cookies.

Please share you holiday links and ideas. Comments are always fun to read!

Thought Cloth #3

2010-11-28T20:46:00.001-06:00

Taking some time away from the computer these last few days and managed to experiment with paint, cloth, stitches and journaling.

link to Thought Cloth #1

link to Thought Cloth #2

He carries her purse for her

2010-11-20T15:06:00.002-06:00

click picture for a larger view

Houston Quilt Festival - The Goods

2010-11-08T09:19:00.004-06:00

Here's the goods! These are the 2 art quilts I made from my classes this week. Though I've been painting since college, I haven't been brave enough to put paint on art quilts. I foresee a lot less conventional quilting fabric in my work though I still have quite a stash to use up. (click on picture to enlarge)

Here's what I bought…. I didn't overspend this year! I bought some Mary Fisher fat quarters. I admire her work and this was a limited edition of her prints. Also, I grabbed some of Terrie's prints. But my one big purchase is Janet Bolton's book. I just love her work. This book is difficult to find in the USA, and I got a Quilt Festival discount.

Now I'm headed to the studio to tidy up because I flung stuff everywhere.

Houston Quilt Festival - My Day to Show & Tell

2010-11-07T19:15:00.002-06:00

I don't know how these ladies do it. They travel to Houston with bucket loads of supplies and offer classes and demos and they stay in fancy (i.e. expensive) hotels and talk all day long about their work! Geesh! I live here and just had to grab my stuff and drive a few blocks and yap for 2 hours. But, I'm pooped!! I'll share more about the "in between"moments at the Houston Quilt Festival. But, for now, I thought I'd share this picture as we neared the end of the festivities. I'm gonna go watch Next Iron Chef and root for the Houston guy.

2010 Houston Quilt Festival (part 1)

2010-11-03T18:22:00.002-05:00

Let the games begin! The Houston Quilt Festival opens tonight and why aren't I there? Because I spent the last 2 mornings and afternoons there taking classes and if I go tonight I'm sure to spend too much money and buy stuff I don't need!

I wanted to share these colorful inspirations from my 2 Quilt Festival teachers. I really needed to get my creative juices flowing and I did just that. Being surrounded by so many traditional quilters can be intimidating because I can't do piece quilting to save my life. My points don't come together and in the end nothing is straight. But I love fabric and I love to sew. Alisa said she never buys fabric but always makes her own with paints and mixed media. (Imagine the money I could save!) Terrie was generous with supplies because she drove to Houston all the way from Taos (heaven on earth) and brought her quilts so we could get a good look at all her fine details and techniques.

So today I stayed home while the weather was nasty and finished what I started. My kinda day after starting the week off so well. I'm looking forward to the weekend and being able to bring my ideas to the Open Studios area sponsored by Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.

2010-10-28T11:59:00.000-05:00

Woof by Madalyn Eastus

2010-10-26T10:48:00.005-05:00

I googled for this book and the author but haven't found much about it. I am so glad I have a copy and can't remember where I found it, but lucky me. This book is spiral bound with colored glossy papers that are geometric patterns of strips of color that are woven and die-cut. Purples, greens and black checks are on one page and turning the next page, yellow and greens overlap and make a totally different pattern. Oh the inspiration that these pages provide for fabric and quilt squares!

I'll be sharing more inspiration from this in the near future. But right now I'm getting geared up for the Houston Quilt Show next week. Woo-hoo!!!!

Etsy Houston Blog

2010-10-13T20:53:00.002-05:00

I'm pleased as punch that I was interviewed and it's posted on their blog.

post signature

Fall decorations

2010-09-28T20:58:00.001-05:00

Acorns are falling from the tree and I've been gathering them for my latest project. Saw this tutorial for fabric acorns and had to make a few.

Thoughts of Fall

2010-09-24T08:26:00.007-05:00

The autumn equinox occurred on Sept 22.

Here in Houston, I am looking for signs of the fall season in my yard and neighborhood. I am so ready for the heat and humidity to be gone.

I started this piece, "Thoughts of Fall" by weaving two fabric swatches together. I bought them from a local artist, Liz Axford, who had a fabulous studio sale last weekend. I asked her to write down the technique she used to dye her cloth.

Once I wove strips of shibori fabric together, I added accents as if I was coaxing the fall season along.

It may or may not go in my Etsy shop. I've gotten kinda attached to it.

We all end up a work of art!

2010-09-19T16:51:00.002-05:00

David Bailey, a London photographer, has an exhibit of sculptures that are his recent works. The common theme of his new work is skulls. He is quoted as saying "Skulls. It's what we all end up. We all end up work of art."

Click here if you're interested in David Bailey.

Here are my funky skulls. Not morbid in the least!

(all items on sale in my etsy shop!)

Spooky Chic Skull Fabric Brooch

2010-09-13T21:22:00.004-05:00

This is a prototype that I put together over the weekend. I found the fabric at Walmart. I'll be making a few of these for Halloween.

Thought Cloth

2010-09-04T10:01:00.004-05:00

I picked up some fabric & began stitching when worrisome thoughts just wouldn't let up. I needed something to keep my hands and mind pre-occupied & I came up with a piece that I call a thought cloth.
Instead of the usual art quilts I've been stitching that are made from conventional quilt fabric, I chose some linen and scraps from re-purposed clothes to begin this piece.

Inspired by Jude Hill's article in Quilting Arts magazine titled "Weaving a Cloth Base", I noticed that I liked the wrong side of the fabric because of the faintness of colors. My thoughts weren't very clear, and the vague hint of color and pattern surfaced as I began to let go of my worries and concentrate on each stitch that kept the fabric in place.

I began to feel calmer with the rhythm of the stitches. I wasn't trying to make any particular design.The process lead me along.
I knew I didn't want it to become orderly or rigid. I invited random pieces of fabric and stitches to fill in the spaces. Soon an hour passed and I was immersed in the fabric and feeling more relaxed and surprised by the spontaneity of the piece. There was no plan. Just wanted to see where it can take me.

Who Let the Hens Out?

2010-09-01T16:40:00.005-05:00

While I was shopping in the bargain aisle for fabric, I heard some noise a few rows down. There they were, these Mod Bird Hens (Robert Kaufman fabrics) daring me to take them home and create something with them. How could I resist!

Buzzzzzzzzz

2010-08-25T17:01:00.002-05:00

Busy as a bee, that's me!

Good Advice

2010-08-11T09:53:00.003-05:00

I saw this in an antique store and wanted to share. I love the message and thought the fabric was very old and holds many stories within it's fibers. I've been noticing all the embroidered and cross stitch quotes that have been saved on fabric through the years. If you have any favorite sayings or favorite pieces that include quotes, please let me know about it!

Picasso Dog Part 2

2010-08-06T15:03:00.003-05:00

I don't know why, but as soon as I made my quirky little drawing (see previous blogpost), I thought I should make an art quilt out of it. Next thing I knew, I had the embroidery threads out and I put this together while watching Project Runway on tv. Where this is going, I do not know. Any suggestions????

Picasso Dog

2010-08-01T10:58:00.004-05:00

After listening to Rice's Podcast, I drew my Picasso Dog. You're just gonna have to listen to Carla's instructions and go buy the book!

Help The Gulf Coast

2010-07-29T08:22:00.001-05:00

There is a wonderful Etsy shop offering donated items and 100% of the proceeds go to Help The Gulf Coast.

I made my Gulf Scene with Mermaid Patchwork Art Quilt.

post signature

2010-07-23T15:03:00.003-05:00

New Feature on my blog! Thrift Store Treasures

Thrift stores are becoming more and more popular these days. It's not just about saving money, which is always a good thing; it's about the thrill of the hunt and finding ways to re-use goods. It's about being creative with things you find. I blogged about repurposing a skirt here. So I'm going to start this new feature to share my treasures. Today I found this basket in a Houston Heights shop. I paid less than $2 for it. Now you know if you went to Marshall's, it would cost about $20 easy. What am I gonna do with it you ask? Fabric scraps!

Texas History Lesson

2010-07-21T18:15:00.004-05:00

Whenever I go to museums, I am most interested in the fabric and clothes of the times. Here is a wonderful quilt that dates back to the 1800's Texas pioneer times. I saw it when we visited the San Jacinto museum at the battle ground site where General Houston retaliated against the Mexican army. (Soon after the battle at the Alamo.) As a result of the Battle of San Jacinto, almost a third of what is now the United States of America changed ownership. The battle lasted only 18 minutes. OK, there's your history lesson for today!

New Ideas on the Table

2010-07-14T17:25:00.002-05:00

I like to wear bracelets but I'm kinda picky about the one's I'll wear. I like the look of cuffs. I got out my fabric, trims and beads and came up with some prototypes. I'll have a few to show you very soon but as usual, I need to run out to the fabric store for a few things.

Yum!

2010-07-12T10:54:00.003-05:00

I just love cupcakes. Who doesn't? and, I love pets. So I put the two together for these mini art quilts.

If this hasn't made you crave a cupcake, then go here! All Things Cupcake Link

I'm a featured seller!

2010-07-10T15:33:00.001-05:00

Way cool!
CLICK HERE TO FOR BEDBUGGS BLOG POST!

Art Educator's Retreat

2010-06-30T11:56:00.000-05:00

Here is a slide show I promised to share with those of you who were in Nacogdoches for the Art Educator's Retreat. (Even if you weren't there, take a look~ be inspired to paint and draw ) Enjoy!

Trying new Techniques

2010-06-26T12:14:00.002-05:00

Sometimes we feel uncomforatble unless we know we're good at something so we don't even try.

This gave us a chance to be bold with color, scribble and play!

Here's what I worked on during Caroline's Color lessons

Artists who Teach!

2010-06-25T22:07:00.012-05:00

About 30 art teachers came together for a 4 day retreat at Stephen F Austin State University. It was about giving ourselves a chance to make some art and be creative.

Our first challenge was to work with color and that we did. It gave us all a chance to try new things instead of following the same old patterns we've been comfortable repeating. Here's some work from the first day.

There's still more to show you. This was just the first day!

Art Educator's Retreat

2010-06-25T08:06:00.004-05:00

I just got back from an Art Educator's Retreat.

It was good to have 4 days to think only about art and nothing else.

I was so proud of myself for walking past a computer and not even turning it on.

Once I sort my pictures, I will post them. So please check back again real soon!

Etsy Houston Par-tay!

2010-06-19T08:28:00.005-05:00

Awesome party! Sugar rush from the cupcakes & root beer! Amazing ladies and fun projects. Hope to see more of the ladies I met....

post signature

Interior with Art Quilt

2010-06-08T18:53:00.002-05:00

Most people have a hard time imagining what one of my art quilts will look like on a wall. My next marketing ploy is to display my art quilts and take my own interior photographs. This is my first idea showing the quilt I call "Flower Power". (photo by Simon Brown) What do you think?

Flower Power

2010-06-08T18:49:00.002-05:00

This is a detail of one of my art quilts.

How Do You Do, It's A Pleasure Getting to Know You!

2010-05-26T10:41:00.005-05:00

post signature

Here's what I wrote on my Etsy Profile page, I thought I'd share it here as well:

Since I am the ArtL8dY, here's 8 things about me that I 'd like you to know:

1. I was destined for a career in art & marketing at a very early age. Instead of setting up a lemonade stand like all the other kids on my block, I sold crayon drawings of the neighbor's houses to them for 25¢.

2. My first encounter with a sewing machine was in 8th grade. I protested Catholic school so I could go to public school and take classes like art and home ec. My teacher was Mrs. Smith and I'll never forget how impeccable she was with sewing. She hated puckers and made us iron our tissue patterns before we pinned them on the fabric. To this day, I follow her rules!

3. My most treasured possession is my Aunt Pearl's sewing machine. I had it shipped to my home in Texas from North Tonawanda NY. Aunt Pearl let me sew on it every weekend while I slept over her house. My cousin nicknamed me "bedbug". That's when I really caught the "sewing bug"! (BTW, Aunt Pearl is 94 and I make stuff for her all the time!)

4. For my high school graduation, I got a Singer sewing machine. It was the coolest thing because it could sew zig-zag stitches. When I'm not riding Aunt Pearl's machine in high gear, I use the portable Singer for those fancy zig zag stitches.

5. I studied art in college but can't remember a thing I learned. (It was the 70's)

6. The last time I sewed a dress I was still single. (enough said)

7. The first time I went to the Houston Quilt show I thought I died and gone to heaven. No lie!

8. Texas has been very good to me. I managed to get job experiences in graphic design and have made a career out of teaching graphics at the local community college.

For me, sewing is the greatest form of relaxation. I have done other crafts, but I always come back to the sewing machine. I hope you'll find something here at my esty shop that you will find whimsical enough to keep or give away.

Share

2010-05-20T14:39:00.009-05:00

I'm happy to share my 8 steps to making my little stitched pictures which I call "les petites images cousues" .

As I sort through my fabric stash, I begin with "people" or "animal" novelty prints.

At least one character pops out and "asks me" to cut them out and liberate them from their background. (Can I be honest when I say, sometimes I feel that the work is talking to me?)

Other pieces of fabric are auditioned to accompany my characters. I look for contrasting colors and bold prints. You might choose flowery prints, so it's a matter of personal choice.

I pay attention to color and shape and arrange the pieces on my ironing board as I add fusible web to the fabric.

Once I cut out my pieces and iron them on the background fabric, I may decide to stitch by hand (which I prefer) or sew them with the trusty machine I inherited from my lovely Aunt Pearl. (see banner here)

Out comes the batting and I stitch some more. Nice and slowly.

The last bit of stitching is done when I add the border fabric.

The finished pieces can be displayed as is, placed in a shadow box or in a frame. They really look good when there are several grouped together.

There you have it! Hope you'll be joining me and make your own "les petites images cousues" . Be sure and let me know how yours turned out!!

Here's some inspiration for you:

Girlfriends at a Cafe

Parisian Kitten

post signature

2010-05-15T10:40:00.001-05:00

post signature

In honor of Mother's Day

2010-05-08T12:57:00.002-05:00

In case you can't read what I sewed on my mini art quilt it says:

If she knew then what she knows now, she wouldn't have spent so much time in the kitchen

Dancing Colors

2010-05-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

At the Museum of Fine Arts, dancers from CORE Performance Company perform in front of a Frank Stella painting.

Finished Fabric Journal Cover

2010-04-25T20:03:00.008-05:00

If you read my previous post, this is how it all turned out. I made several "Teesha Pillow Patches" and sewed them together for a fabric cover. I think I'm going to work on the pages before I sew them into the journal.

Making Pillow Patches with Teesha

2010-04-21T18:44:00.005-05:00

Inspired by two very creative women, Teesha Moore and Keli Nina Perkins!

I followed Teesha's video instructions for making fabric pillow patches and used Keli's fabrics.

I just love Teesha's no matchie-poo approach to color and Keli's patterns are whimsical and fun to stitch on.

CLICK HERE TO SEE KELI'S FABRIC
CLICK HERE TO SEE TEESHA'S VIDEOS

Who dat?

2010-04-13T22:17:00.003-05:00

Why are you following me?

Smallwood Store

2010-03-22T16:51:00.005-05:00

From my Smallwood Store adventure, I was inspired to collage several photos and manipulate them in Photoshop.

On the western edge of the Everglades and deep in the heart of the 10,000 Islands, Chokoloskee Island has been called one of Florida's last frontiers. Here at historic Smallwood Store I discovered what shopping was like for the pioneers and settlers who tamed this vast wilderness. Established in 1906, this Trading Post served a remote area. I was most interested in the sewing goods sold to the ladies.

Did you see it?

2010-01-22T08:25:00.005-06:00

I've been really hooked on the lessons from DJ's class (mentioned in earlier blog post), so I've been spending most free time working on the images and commenting on my "ning" page there. Sally wrote back that she saw e14studio blog banner in Stampington's Artful Blogging magazine in the section on banners. Woo Hoo! Hope to meet more blog visitors and share ideas and inspirations.

In My Closet

2010-01-14T10:22:00.003-06:00

I created this art quilt to submit for publication. Sadly, I was just informed that Stampington has placed the Art Quilting Studio publication on hold.
My inspiration for this art quilt came from a type font designed by “Little Starseed”. It was a shareware (free) font. I chose this typographic design because it is attractive and versatile. To transfer the text onto my yellow fabric, I adhered the fabric to freezer paper and ran it through my inkjet printer. Then, I printed extra copies on paper to provide pattern shapes for the letters on various fabrics that I selected. The fabric was fused and stitched in place.

Update

2010-01-12T15:55:00.003-06:00

Meet Bing! My new puppy.

When I'm not playing with Bing, I'm online with DJ's class playing with image manipulations. I'll have examples to share once I am done with all the lessons, Exercises and practices.

Here's my word for 2010

2010-01-06T09:44:00.003-06:00

To visualize is to open your mind, body & soul to infinite possibilities and connect with "source".

All of creation is the manifestation of God's love for us. Visualization is a metaphorical door we can open in order to experience all the goodness and joy in whatever is possible.

I discovered at a very early age that I needed to express myself with art just as I need to breathe fresh air. Breathing keeps me alive; art gives my life meaning and purpose. I am not unique or special in this ~ pay attention to the mental images you are forming!

~Sharon

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:06:00.003-06:00

Poly is so excited about 2010. There's a few things happening at e14studio to tell you about and we hope you'll be visiting the blog often to keep up with the art projects.
First of all, as you see in the video, I bought an iMac. I've been using macs since Steve Jobs vacated his garage for mass production but I've never been more excited about a computer. It's going to take some time to play with all the programs and learn the updates. Speaking of programs, I will be starting out the new year on Monday by taking this class with DJ Pettitt.
I've spent the last few days gathering digital photos so I will have plenty of images to experiment with while I immerse myself with this online class. I will definately share my progress here in the next few weeks.
Since it's a new year, I got out the gesso jar and started covering pages in a old book. When I'm not playing with computer images here on my spiffy iMac, I will be dabbling with paint, markers and mixed media (including fabric) to fill pages in an altered book.
Looks like we're off to a busy year at e14studio. Come along for the ride. Poly just loves being your host.
~Sharon

Cheers!

2009-12-18T08:18:00.003-06:00

Happy Holidays to all my blog visitors.
Poly & I will be back with loads of creative projects to share with you!

Poly's Got a Secret

2009-12-10T17:49:00.002-06:00

Holiday Tags

2009-12-03T19:07:00.003-06:00

Here are some holiday tags I colored with watercolors. If you want to color your own, you can work with the pencil sketch. Go ahead, get a cheap set of watercolors and play! Click on the image below and print it out.

Twins

2009-11-25T11:07:00.002-06:00

The girls have inspired me to make the transition from fabric art quilts to watercolor sketches. I am looking forward to spending a few days in the studio to paint.
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Special shout out to Barbara in Grand Prairie~ Thank you for the atc's. Poly & I will be sending you something back!

Oui! Oui!

2009-11-22T09:57:00.001-06:00

Introducing Chapeau Shirley. Her message is that every woman should visit Paris to be inspired!

Naming the Girls

2009-11-16T10:38:00.002-06:00

After making all these fabric atc's with female images, I started to give them names, This one's called Stargazer.

Poly's Book Club

2009-11-12T09:07:00.005-06:00

Today's fabric ATC

2009-11-10T12:25:00.002-06:00

Time to clean up the mess!

2009-11-06T17:17:00.003-06:00

Let's get real

2009-11-05T09:36:00.011-06:00

I've been known to pick up copies of those glossy magazines showing Artist's Studios and throw myself in front of the art bus because there's no way on this planet that my workspace will ever appear here.
I give you the present, un-alterated, real messy, current state of the studio.
(the corner in my garage I use for the messy, collage work).

one more ATC

2009-11-03T09:31:00.006-06:00

Fabric art cards are still happening here. I thought of them as small sketches that can be adopted into bigger art quilts, but scale and proportion play a big part in the overall completion of a piece. I risk simplicity and spontaneity of the design if I over think it for a larger art quilt.

See my Halloween Bracelet?

2009-10-25T16:57:00.002-05:00

I made a fiber bangle bracelet for Halloween,
And
guess who wanted to wear it?

Meet Poly!

2009-10-22T10:23:00.002-05:00

Houston Quilt Festival (part 2)

2009-10-19T08:27:00.004-05:00

Here are the ATC's I traded for at the Houston Quilt Festival. I will contact the artists who signed their cards to let them know I have them!
Here is a link to Susan's blog where she mentioned her ATC's.

One of the highlights to the Quilt Festival events was a play about quilts. The cast acted out scenes and sang songs about the history of 16 quilt block patterns. Sorry, I don't have any quality pictures to share.

...and Yes, I spent way too much money again this year. But it was all so inspiring. I already have an idea for an art quilt I started as soon as I got home,

Here is a link to the rest of my blog

Houston Quilt Festival - part 1

2009-10-15T12:19:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was Day 1 of the Houston Quilt Festival. I attended a class called Sheers to You. Since I mostly use 100% cotton in my art quilts, I thought I'd play with sheers and see what can be done creatively. Basically the class was just experimenting with different pieces and fusing them with MistyFuse. I will have my finished class example to show as soon as I add stitching onto it.

Food at the convention center isn't that great and it's expensive. So I recommend walking the few blocks over to the Houston Center food court. While I strolled in that direction, I wandered through Discovery Green and listened to the band playing and saw all the globe sculptures.

By 5 o'clock the Festival opened for class attendees and it was nice to get a first glance at all the exhibits before it got crowded. I left my camera in the car, so I'll be sure to bring it out tomorrow when I go back.

I traded some of the ATC's I already shared here in the previous post. Here are a few more I will be taking tomorrow.

Houston, we have quilters!

2009-10-11T18:27:00.004-05:00

It's time for the invasion of the quilting fans in downtown Houston. I will be among the many who attend the Houston Quilt Festival this week. They come from near and far wearing their comfortable shoes and lugging their bags full of fabric, trims, patterns, and more. There's miles of aisles to trek down and fondle the textiles and embellishments. See you at the George R. Brown convention center. I will be dropping off my ATC's at booth #1244 hoping for a chance to win a drawing sponsored by Quilting Arts because I've mentioned them here and here.

Julie & Julia

2009-09-17T10:10:00.007-05:00

This is the longest blog post I've ever written.

I'm reading Julie & Julia now after having seen the movie which I thoroughly enjoyed. I went with my husband and though this may seem very predictable that a married couple go to the movies together…for us, it's not. My husband doesn't like to go to movies as much as I'd like him to take me. He's more of a "stay at home watch it on tv" kinda guy. (I can see why after he spent $4.00 for a bottle of water. But, that's another story.) The reason me & the Mr. saw a movie together was because it was about blogging and cooking. Two things the e14household engages in.

As you already know, I'm the blogger and for those just tuning in, he's the "chef". He went to culinary school and all that. I keep teasing him that he should start a blog or write a book and title it My wife hates to cook. And judging by the popularity of Julie Powell's concept, food and blogging go together as well as art and blogging, if not more so! Anyway, I'll let him handle the food topic and I'll stick to what I know. I say this after having cooked some rice that came out crunchy instead of fluffy.

The book is good, but I liked the movie better. Meryl Streep was re-incarnated Julia Child.

Why this long dissertation? Well, it got me to thinking about my own little corner in cyberspace. I've been showing and telling the goings on from my studio since Jan '05. Truth be told, there is no studio here in e14-ville. I have stuff all over the house for my art projects. I only call it e14 because when there was a real studio (away from my home), it was on E14 Street. But, you already knew that didn't you?

Blogs. My blogs. Back to my essay here. As I read Julie's book, I have to ask: what made her blog such a hit? Granted, there are a lot of people interested in food. I don't happen to be one of them, but like I said, I live with someone who is. Only thing is, he doesn't read blogs. He just watches the Food Network.

Maybe her blog and book and movie grew in popularity because someone read it and said, "Call Meryl Streep, see if she's available!"

It really doesn't matter how it happened. Although I wonder if it could have happened had her name been Sylvia Powell. I doubt if titling the project/book/movieSylvia & Julia gives it the same punch.

For the time being, I'll stay comfortably here in blogville. Popping in every now and then with some creative art project and thinking up self imposed challenges. I'm not just hoping that my blog will get the attention of someone who wants to make me famous, I'd be happy to know that there are more than just a few inspired readers of my blog out there.

Though it would be ideal to be creatively inspiring so others will relate to my work and want to see more of it, the reality is I'm just waking up each day with the thought that art is my therapy.

I'll be here for awhile and I hope you will be too.

Now pass the chicken liver, Don't forget the livers!!!!

Sewing Project

2009-09-10T09:36:00.006-05:00

When I'm not drawing or doing collage work in the studio, I'm hunting through forgotten treasures in thrift stores and flea markets. Lately I've been finding discarded fashions with some vibrant patterns and colors. I left the price tag on this skirt to prove that it truly was just $2.10. (you can click on the picture to see more details.) I transformed it into a patchwork handbag. I'll have more to share here very soon. Comments appreciated!