Today I am thankful for my mother. I continue to learn much from her and am grateful for our conversations. She can tell when I am feeling disconnected as well because I stop calling her quite so regularly. So here is a quick update because I also updated my mom today. Why disconnected... self reflection on my presumptuousness and then lack of follow through for unknown reason. Why would a positive comment cause me to stop. Perhaps the realization that other people actually read this random musing of mine on occasion.
Since February I have been to the Weekend Market for the first weekends in March, April and May, as well as, Arts Walk Weekend April 23 & 24. I have had new work to hang all but this past weekend.
I had a bad cold and it has taken nearly 3 weeks to feel myself again. That on top of a few emotional roller coaster rides which saw a light at the end of the tunnel when the Pacific West Quilt Show extended it's online deadline to May 6th.
With that note on to the updating:
1- I really did it. I sent off an entry to the Pacific West Quilt Show, I purchased a new camera because my old one was too old to shoot required jpgs to enter. I almost got someone to shoot pictures for me before I got a camera but it was a big challenge due to both our schedules. I am having a hard time believing I actually did it. I suspect I will get a drawer full of rejection slips before I find my niche. Baby Steps.
I want to develop a data base of my work, with good images so I can not fret over the details if I want to enter other shows. Also can note completed dates, etc.
I want to create a catalog of my work with statements to have available at the Market and other places I might vend. I can select one or 2 pieces to display and offer the catalog, my card and a discount code.
The Weekend Market has given me the exposure to random strangers' opinions of my work in adequate doses for me to start to believe in my potential as more than magical thinking on my part, or the Big Frog/Little Pond Syndrome.
2- I did not finish my piece for the Deep Spaces Challenge. When it is released I will be sure to announce it, both my finished piece and the exhibit. Lots of whys, some design stalls, some really wanting new work for the Market, some need for family time and the unfortunate need for extra sleep the last 2 weeks available to work on it. Maybe too big a fear of rejection after I have boasted about working on it for so long... heavy sigh.
3- The 'Here We Are" challenge piece top is completed. In line waiting to be layered and quilted.
In the pile, with 2 other tops, a star made with a line of fabric I can't recall the designer of at the moment and the pink, black and white bargello circles. The 3 Crazy Nines tops have been layered and sewn. One is pillow turned ready to pin for quilting. They are small. I wanted them for the Market but it was okay I didn't get to them they are still here. :)
4. I finished the "Turning of the Wheel" challenge piece from the Earth Path Artisans Street Team on Etsy. I decided to make it a teaching shawl, but it could get a sleeve if someone wanted one. I took pictures at it's debute at the Weekend Market. Then today someone at the Market told me there is a new Zodiac sign. I will have to look into that!
5. I layered pillow turned and quilted Conan's Pisces graphic design and it is listed on Etsy. Hung it at the Market and have had a lot of great comments. Especially to his design. I look forward to many more collaborations.
6. I completed the applique of Ronn's wall hanging/ commission. The positive of Conan's Pisces with additional elements of mine. Going to machine quilt it in my own designs, then decide if I will bead it or not. I estimated 80 - 90 hours of hand applique. Unfortunately I believe it has taken me 6 months. A little tedious to say the least. Hope the next phases go by more quickly.
7. Brainstorming a quilt called Symbols, Celia has granted me permission to use her lyrics in my work! More on this later!
8. Brainstorming Pagan Team Spring Challenge - Healing Intent due July 1st
7 & 8 may be one and the same...
To fill in a few blanks I went looking for writing I know I've done in the last 3 months, I came across this:
As the year waxes to full light in the Northern Hemisphere it is the time of year when I am more connected to that part of me that can express itself in unique ways, my imagination. I need room for growth in the fullness of the year. Letting go of previous works gracefully would be nice! I stand on the edge of another opportunity to find the key to maintaining a greater grip on reality all winter long! Not in a psychotic way, but a neurotic one for sure. The darkness of self doubt and egocentric motivations clouding my sight.
This was dated May 23, 2010. I get lost in the winter, I think less this year though...
Bad me, no pictures tonight. Getting late think I'll turn in and get a good nights sleep!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Life... it keeps on keeping on!
Why does it take so long to return from a place of confusion? And why does it seem to be a series of 3 steps forward 2 steps back, so often obvious only in hindsight?
Reconciling the past with the present to project ourselves into the future is rift with deep holes. The only word I need is Awareness. Like any act of meditation conscious living requires a mantra and/or focal to draw me near. That's what/where my playing with color, textiles, embellishments including the quilting, give/take me.
The hitch can be it is still required I give an active effort to take myself back to what it is I'm doing here anyway in the process. I am so easily distracted!
I have been focusing on several potential deadlines. Am I wanting to push myself toward hard enough to actually do it? How do they all fit with staying on task, current needs & expectations... verses wants...
1- entering the Pacific West Quilt Show in Tacoma this year. [Feels like a big step, and felt so out of reach until most recently, I'm in a 3 steps forward moment of life!]
2- Making/finishing my piece for the Deep Spaces Challenge being hosted by Larkin Jean Van Horn.
3- Finish the 'Here We Are" challenge piece..., revisit and finish the "Turning of the Wheel" challenge piece.
4- Finish old projects & making new work to hang at Weekend Market. I will be there again the first weekend in March.
It has turned into a list of things to do... yikes!
Okay progress update:
Here We Are- corners attached border 1 cut, need to be pieced. I need to square the quilt. Doesn't fold in half well!
Graphic Commission- making slow continuous progress!
Deep Spaces- Finally did the machine quilting, thread painting! Ready to start bead embellishment. Was searching images of what's been going on now art wise. Have run across some great artists. Take a look at Jimmy McBride , very cool!
New:
Found a box of my Teddy Bears in Conan's closet when he reclaimed his living space. A collection that is now, amazingly 20+ years old. I am going to list them on Etsy under vintage and see if I can sell them. Mostly North American Bear Company bears. Six years ago I tried to see if a local Ebay dealer would list them but they weren't of high enough value to make it worth her while. Now, 6 years later some are valued at over $100. That's worth my time to photo, list, ship. I not only gain space in my house, but a few more dollars, potentially. So today I got them all out, dusted and took a group photo! Now to do individual series... time elusive time. I am distracted and off to work outside, the sun is shinning!
Reconciling the past with the present to project ourselves into the future is rift with deep holes. The only word I need is Awareness. Like any act of meditation conscious living requires a mantra and/or focal to draw me near. That's what/where my playing with color, textiles, embellishments including the quilting, give/take me.
The hitch can be it is still required I give an active effort to take myself back to what it is I'm doing here anyway in the process. I am so easily distracted!
I have been focusing on several potential deadlines. Am I wanting to push myself toward hard enough to actually do it? How do they all fit with staying on task, current needs & expectations... verses wants...
1- entering the Pacific West Quilt Show in Tacoma this year. [Feels like a big step, and felt so out of reach until most recently, I'm in a 3 steps forward moment of life!]
2- Making/finishing my piece for the Deep Spaces Challenge being hosted by Larkin Jean Van Horn.
3- Finish the 'Here We Are" challenge piece..., revisit and finish the "Turning of the Wheel" challenge piece.
4- Finish old projects & making new work to hang at Weekend Market. I will be there again the first weekend in March.
It has turned into a list of things to do... yikes!
Okay progress update:
Here We Are- corners attached border 1 cut, need to be pieced. I need to square the quilt. Doesn't fold in half well!
Graphic Commission- making slow continuous progress!
Deep Spaces- Finally did the machine quilting, thread painting! Ready to start bead embellishment. Was searching images of what's been going on now art wise. Have run across some great artists. Take a look at Jimmy McBride , very cool!
New:
Found a box of my Teddy Bears in Conan's closet when he reclaimed his living space. A collection that is now, amazingly 20+ years old. I am going to list them on Etsy under vintage and see if I can sell them. Mostly North American Bear Company bears. Six years ago I tried to see if a local Ebay dealer would list them but they weren't of high enough value to make it worth her while. Now, 6 years later some are valued at over $100. That's worth my time to photo, list, ship. I not only gain space in my house, but a few more dollars, potentially. So today I got them all out, dusted and took a group photo! Now to do individual series... time elusive time. I am distracted and off to work outside, the sun is shinning!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
More Progress and Happenings! And more treasuries!
The progress made on current projects:
1- A large wall hanging commission for a friend. Currently hand embroidering around the edges of the elements.
I'd estimate at 2/3rds, up from an eighth, of the embroidery complete!
2- The 'Here We Are' challenge piece for the Pagan Team on Etsy.
So I didn't get it completed to enter the challenge but continue to work on the design. The border/corners are coming together. Figured a way to reverse applique the center element to its borders, went well. Will now apply the corner the same way.
3- A piece I have been brainstorming for the Deep Spaces Exhibit.
I got the borders on the whole cloth background. Layered with batting and a heavy interfacing to support the beads I will use to embellish. Ready to quilt, the design is solidifying! I layered 3 ACEOs to practice the quilting and bead embroidery on before the big one!
Two weeks ago I rented the long arm machine at Bayside Quilting.I was able to finish quilting 2 twin sized, ~50 X 70 inches, quilts. I used a 108 inch backing fabric and turned the piece long wise, it was 2.5 yards wide to accommodate the length!
One I have already turned the back to the front and machine stitched the edge. The other the bias binding is on but needs hand sewing to the back. The later is a challenge I had with a quilting friend many years ago. I played with free motion quilting a leaf design and used a variegated bright thread! I will get them listed to etsy eventually. Maybe images posted here before I wash and, dry them to pucker the batting.
The 5th and 6th of January I spent the weekend at the Olympia Weekend Market!
The reason I got so much of the above noted hand work finished! It was a free booth weekend and I wanted to see if it was somewhere the Etsy Olyteam and/or I would be interested in renting space on a regular basis. I am now considering renting a booth the first weekend of the next few months to get my work out and available. Once summer hits the Market is only 2 - 3 blocks from the Farmers Market... a good idea to be somewhere in the vicinity as getting a space at the Farmers Market is limited, they really do like people who sell their farm goods after all.
Here's an image of my booth!
And then there are the 3 new treasuries from Etsy!
Check out the great work available on Etsy!
1- A large wall hanging commission for a friend. Currently hand embroidering around the edges of the elements.
I'd estimate at 2/3rds, up from an eighth, of the embroidery complete!
2- The 'Here We Are' challenge piece for the Pagan Team on Etsy.
So I didn't get it completed to enter the challenge but continue to work on the design. The border/corners are coming together. Figured a way to reverse applique the center element to its borders, went well. Will now apply the corner the same way.
3- A piece I have been brainstorming for the Deep Spaces Exhibit.
I got the borders on the whole cloth background. Layered with batting and a heavy interfacing to support the beads I will use to embellish. Ready to quilt, the design is solidifying! I layered 3 ACEOs to practice the quilting and bead embroidery on before the big one!
Two weeks ago I rented the long arm machine at Bayside Quilting.I was able to finish quilting 2 twin sized, ~50 X 70 inches, quilts. I used a 108 inch backing fabric and turned the piece long wise, it was 2.5 yards wide to accommodate the length!
One I have already turned the back to the front and machine stitched the edge. The other the bias binding is on but needs hand sewing to the back. The later is a challenge I had with a quilting friend many years ago. I played with free motion quilting a leaf design and used a variegated bright thread! I will get them listed to etsy eventually. Maybe images posted here before I wash and, dry them to pucker the batting.
The 5th and 6th of January I spent the weekend at the Olympia Weekend Market!
The reason I got so much of the above noted hand work finished! It was a free booth weekend and I wanted to see if it was somewhere the Etsy Olyteam and/or I would be interested in renting space on a regular basis. I am now considering renting a booth the first weekend of the next few months to get my work out and available. Once summer hits the Market is only 2 - 3 blocks from the Farmers Market... a good idea to be somewhere in the vicinity as getting a space at the Farmers Market is limited, they really do like people who sell their farm goods after all.
Here's an image of my booth!
And then there are the 3 new treasuries from Etsy!
Check out the great work available on Etsy!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Progress and another Treasury on Etsy!
A little progress made on current projects:
1- A large wall hanging commission for a friend. Currently hand embroidering around the edges of the elements.
I'd estimate an eighth of the embroidery complete!
2- The 'Here We Are' challenge piece for the Pagan Team on Etsy. The center area has settled on a design option.
The center has morphed into a unique shape with a center 'cut out'. The fabric I wanted to use there isn't working so I am in the process of making a mosaic of 1 inch squares! I ran out of fusible grid and needed more so will hope to get it ready to iron tonight, then I can spend a few days piecing and getting it ready to quilt!
3- A piece I have been brainstorming for the Deep Spaces Exhibit.
:( no progress.... some design work i my head though!
And the Treasury! The focus is Imbolc, the next Celebration of the Turning of the Wheel and honoring Saint Bridgit. Imbolc is a time of reflection for me, I recall my intentions for the past year and focus on a new year ahead! We will never, ever loose our way to the well! We must all chop wood and haul water!
1- A large wall hanging commission for a friend. Currently hand embroidering around the edges of the elements.
I'd estimate an eighth of the embroidery complete!
2- The 'Here We Are' challenge piece for the Pagan Team on Etsy. The center area has settled on a design option.
The center has morphed into a unique shape with a center 'cut out'. The fabric I wanted to use there isn't working so I am in the process of making a mosaic of 1 inch squares! I ran out of fusible grid and needed more so will hope to get it ready to iron tonight, then I can spend a few days piecing and getting it ready to quilt!
3- A piece I have been brainstorming for the Deep Spaces Exhibit.
:( no progress.... some design work i my head though!
And the Treasury! The focus is Imbolc, the next Celebration of the Turning of the Wheel and honoring Saint Bridgit. Imbolc is a time of reflection for me, I recall my intentions for the past year and focus on a new year ahead! We will never, ever loose our way to the well! We must all chop wood and haul water!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Update and 2 more treasuries I am in on Etsy!
I have been busily working on a few projects at once.
1- A large wall hanging commission for a friend. It is ~45 X 72 inches. I am using a graphic design Conan (my 16 year old) drew. There is also the negative of the applique cut out in the wings now. Currently hand embroidering around the edges of the elements.
2- The 'Here We Are' challenge piece for the Pagan Team on Etsy. I have made a circular Bargello with a twist. Much larger than I intended, the center area is settling on a design option. This will be a lap quilt if it doesn't grow any bigger!
3- A piece I have been brainstorming for the Deep Spaces Exhibit. This one will be heavily beaded so I need to be sure and give myself enough time to work on it! Due date is May 2011. But we all know how fast time can move when we aren't paying attention! The whole cloth and borders are cut!
I have been featured in 2 recent treasuries on Etsy! Thanks curators!
I have to work this and next week but get 2, 3 day weekends so looking forward to some home time for working on projects! I am taking pictures of progress along the way. I will potentially post the photos along with the completed pieces when the time comes!
1- A large wall hanging commission for a friend. It is ~45 X 72 inches. I am using a graphic design Conan (my 16 year old) drew. There is also the negative of the applique cut out in the wings now. Currently hand embroidering around the edges of the elements.
2- The 'Here We Are' challenge piece for the Pagan Team on Etsy. I have made a circular Bargello with a twist. Much larger than I intended, the center area is settling on a design option. This will be a lap quilt if it doesn't grow any bigger!
3- A piece I have been brainstorming for the Deep Spaces Exhibit. This one will be heavily beaded so I need to be sure and give myself enough time to work on it! Due date is May 2011. But we all know how fast time can move when we aren't paying attention! The whole cloth and borders are cut!
I have been featured in 2 recent treasuries on Etsy! Thanks curators!
I have to work this and next week but get 2, 3 day weekends so looking forward to some home time for working on projects! I am taking pictures of progress along the way. I will potentially post the photos along with the completed pieces when the time comes!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A Treasury I was featured in on Etsy!
Etsy members create unique collections of listings they like.
This Etsy treasury showcases my Evergreen Tree Series Postcard Purple Power!
This Etsy treasury showcases my Evergreen Tree Series Postcard Purple Power!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
More postcards listed on Etsy!
Holiday Yule 4.5 X 6.5 Postcard Holly Star 2
Holiday Yule Postcard Gift 1
Chickadees!I have been listing postcards! I have about half of them listed already. There are 6.5 X 4.5 inch Holly Stars and Gift boxes, and 4 X 6 inch Evergreen trees.
I am almost finished with 4 Winter Solstice/Yule table toppers. These are a bit smaller than my usual ones and will be great centerpieces or altar covers as well! I'll come back and post images when they are listed!
I have been collecting fabric for a challenge from Pagans of Etsy Street Team I am hosting titled, "We Are Here" in celebration on our new team page on Etsy and all the places we can be found on the web!
I have been playing with design options for a set of zodiac elements I have sitting in the 'do something with these' pile.
Also struggling with a commission for a friend who, thankfully, last night assured me I can take my time until it feels right and to make it so I like it too! Whew! I have been struggling with the graphic design options and not able to cut fabric yet. I am considering using one of Conan's more graphic designs as my inspiration... Ronn looked at some of Conan's work last night and agreed it would be great! Now to see if there is one that speaks to me more than another!
The Art Show/Sale hosted by Friends of the Olympia timberland Library raised over $1000 for their organization with 20% commissions from 27 artists. I sold several things. It encourages me to possibly reach out and participate in more local artist events... we shall see. There is so little free time and I want to spend it all making stuff!
Speaking of time, I am off to work on those table toppers!
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