Cat Nip Strawberries
I had been thinking about putting cat nip in some of the strawberries that I make, as our cat loves them when they are just filled with soft stuffing, so I thought that she would love them even more with cat nip. However, I never seemed to get around to it. But thanks to a wonderful etsy customer, that requested one filled with cat nip, I finally did it. I haven't given one to Velo yet, maybe today when I get home from work.
Trees in the Moonlight
The last two scarves that I have made, I have been working with embroidery, using the same colored thread as the scarf itself. I choose to use the same color thread as I love the texture that the embriodery adds, but I didn't like the stiching that shown on the wrong side of the fabric, by using the same color thread the stitching now blends right in with the piece. For my most recent piece I did some machine sewing with contrasting silver thread, and embriodered little blossoms onto the braches. I really love how this piece turned out, and am excited to do some more experiementing and exploring with similar techniques.
I have been working with embroidery on quiet a few projects and these last two, I"m finally happy with the results. It's so exciting when experiments begin to work!
What have you been experimenting with lately?
I have been working with embroidery on quiet a few projects and these last two, I"m finally happy with the results. It's so exciting when experiments begin to work!
What have you been experimenting with lately?
Sparky Jones
I have fallen in love with Sparky Jones, http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparkyjones , for oh so many reasons. I love, love, love these belts, and they are insprinig me to some experimenting with the fabric in my studio, as well as a little handwoven fabric as well. You'll have to wait and see what happens. To visit her shop, click here
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparkyjones
I also love that this shop is working hard to be environmentally friendly! Here are some of my favorite pieces and info about the artist.
Unfortunatley little jj has a serious case of what is commonly known as crazy mutt hair......so way back in the day, she shopped around for a nice hat
...................and nothing!!!!
so it became her mission to produce the most perfectly imperfect cutiest little hat there ever was, and make it to the big league to actually show people what a cool hat was!!
And so the journey of Sparky Jones began :::
5 years in the making, JJ had to learn to sew, get tough and make many a mistake that would drive her to complete insanity and profanity. However this is how Sparky Jones came to fruition
Not only did jj desire a funk-i-ma-fied hat, she craved a handbag that simply put......wasn’t boring!!! The more that went into designing these one off creations, the more thought went into the actual product-like........
+ why do we need all this imported fabric when there is already so much cool stuff actually out there?
+ why don’t we use grandmas techniques anymore?
+ why as consumers, do we need to always take the cheapest, fastest option even tho it probably won’t last, adds to globalization and probably supported some unethical offshore sweatshop?
And so the Sparky Jones standard became set in stone:
Reuse resources + Recycled what you have + Reduce Impact + Refuse to be disposable
So jj now puts on her funk-i-ma-fied hat, goes to work (walks from the bedroom to the studio-how green is that!!!) sews like crazy, and has sleepless creative nights, but is completely happy that Sparky Jones her sparky alter ego helped her to achieve much goodness!!!!
To follow the adventures of Sparky Jones, have a look into:
www.sparkyjones.ca
Every effort is made to reduce footprint by:
+ sourcing most goods locally
+ using and reusing every little scrap of fabric or waste product and turning them into something of use
+ One tiny bag of waste from my sweatshop is thrown out every month - everything else is recycled!!!
+ uses all upcycled materials,organic fabrics tries to limit the use of modern interfacing.
+ Hangtags are printed on recycled cardstock by greenprintersonline-a Vancouver based company that uses and promotes sustainable printing
+ Fabric labels are silkscreened on organic cotton with an environmentally friendly-waterbased ink by local printer zinkink
+ All fabrics are washed /preshrunk in bio detergent and bio bounce sheets/sunshine dryed
+ Nelly -my olive green retro cruiser with a basket to allow me to courier my packages to the local PO.(weather permitting!!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparkyjones
I also love that this shop is working hard to be environmentally friendly! Here are some of my favorite pieces and info about the artist.
Unfortunatley little jj has a serious case of what is commonly known as crazy mutt hair......so way back in the day, she shopped around for a nice hat
...................and nothing!!!!
so it became her mission to produce the most perfectly imperfect cutiest little hat there ever was, and make it to the big league to actually show people what a cool hat was!!
And so the journey of Sparky Jones began :::
5 years in the making, JJ had to learn to sew, get tough and make many a mistake that would drive her to complete insanity and profanity. However this is how Sparky Jones came to fruition
Not only did jj desire a funk-i-ma-fied hat, she craved a handbag that simply put......wasn’t boring!!! The more that went into designing these one off creations, the more thought went into the actual product-like........
+ why do we need all this imported fabric when there is already so much cool stuff actually out there?
+ why don’t we use grandmas techniques anymore?
+ why as consumers, do we need to always take the cheapest, fastest option even tho it probably won’t last, adds to globalization and probably supported some unethical offshore sweatshop?
And so the Sparky Jones standard became set in stone:
Reuse resources + Recycled what you have + Reduce Impact + Refuse to be disposable
So jj now puts on her funk-i-ma-fied hat, goes to work (walks from the bedroom to the studio-how green is that!!!) sews like crazy, and has sleepless creative nights, but is completely happy that Sparky Jones her sparky alter ego helped her to achieve much goodness!!!!
To follow the adventures of Sparky Jones, have a look into:
www.sparkyjones.ca
Every effort is made to reduce footprint by:
+ sourcing most goods locally
+ using and reusing every little scrap of fabric or waste product and turning them into something of use
+ One tiny bag of waste from my sweatshop is thrown out every month - everything else is recycled!!!
+ uses all upcycled materials,organic fabrics tries to limit the use of modern interfacing.
+ Hangtags are printed on recycled cardstock by greenprintersonline-a Vancouver based company that uses and promotes sustainable printing
+ Fabric labels are silkscreened on organic cotton with an environmentally friendly-waterbased ink by local printer zinkink
+ All fabrics are washed /preshrunk in bio detergent and bio bounce sheets/sunshine dryed
+ Nelly -my olive green retro cruiser with a basket to allow me to courier my packages to the local PO.(weather permitting!!)
Mittens
I'm officially back to teaching for another school year. It's hard to believe that summer has come and gone once again, it always seems to go by way too fast. This semester I"m teaching darkroom photography, digital photography, and an intro to art class. Photography is one of my favorite classes to teach and I have some really great students.
Anyway, the only downfall to going back to work, is I now have very little time in my studio, which I miss. However, I must remind myself to be thankful that I have lucky enough to have the summers off, where I don't have to work and can totally focus on my artwork. I guess I have the best of both worlds, a great job where I get to teach art all day, and a job that gives me three months off to create my own work.
I am deteremined to continue creating, it's a necessary stress release, however, I always seem to have to battle with myself to get into the studio in the evenings when I get home from work. Once I"m in there I love it, not sure why I have to fight with myself each time. Do you have that problem? How do you balance work with art making?
Well by the last two things that I have made it appears that being back at school has my mind thinking winter, it might be because I am now in an air conditioned building all day, which is freezing! I've been wanting to make mittens for awhile, so here's my first attempt. Not perfect, but I"m going to keep trying. I'm horrible at following patterns, and to me patterns take some of the fun out of the process, so I just made up how to make the mittens as I went along. I'm hoping to give it another shot in the next few days and learn from my mistakes and see what happens.
Anyway, the only downfall to going back to work, is I now have very little time in my studio, which I miss. However, I must remind myself to be thankful that I have lucky enough to have the summers off, where I don't have to work and can totally focus on my artwork. I guess I have the best of both worlds, a great job where I get to teach art all day, and a job that gives me three months off to create my own work.
I am deteremined to continue creating, it's a necessary stress release, however, I always seem to have to battle with myself to get into the studio in the evenings when I get home from work. Once I"m in there I love it, not sure why I have to fight with myself each time. Do you have that problem? How do you balance work with art making?
Well by the last two things that I have made it appears that being back at school has my mind thinking winter, it might be because I am now in an air conditioned building all day, which is freezing! I've been wanting to make mittens for awhile, so here's my first attempt. Not perfect, but I"m going to keep trying. I'm horrible at following patterns, and to me patterns take some of the fun out of the process, so I just made up how to make the mittens as I went along. I'm hoping to give it another shot in the next few days and learn from my mistakes and see what happens.
Soft and Creamy
My most recent scarf is one of my favorites. It's nice and wide, about 24" making it perfect to wrap in so many different ways, and a great addition to any outfit. The yarn is extremely soft and a nice creamy color, it made me start thinking of cool fall evenings. While I love summer, there is something wonderful about jeans a a long sleeve shirt and a scarf that I love. After weaving this scarf, I used the same yarn and used the french knot to embroider a circle at one end. The knots are very close together and layered to create texture. I really like how this turned out and am excited to try this on some more of my pieces.
Where would you wear this scarf?
Where would you wear this scarf?
Quilts By Design
I just found this great etsy shop today, and I'm so excited to share it with you. When I was younger I used to always think of quilting as something that old women did, and wasn't very interested in the process. My mind has changed since then, and here are some great reasons as to why. I love these placemats. they are so unique and would really look great on a table. I might be afraid to eat off of them though, I would feel awful spilling food on something so beautiful. But no worries, if you love the work but are afraid of you or your guests eating habits, she always makes some really cools bags, and pillows. http://www.etsy.com/shop/quiltsbydesign?ref=seller_info
I do love big, fun, and colorful bags, but currently am trying not to buy more. I don't do well at switching from purse to purse, as there always seem to be things that I forget to transfer from one to other. So I'm trying to stick with one purse and my backpack for right now. Even that often causes me to forgot to take my work keys along with me. But if you don't have that problem these would be a great purchase. The fabric looks so soft, and I love the designs. As for pillows you can never have too many of these, and they are such an easy way to change the feel of a room.
I do love big, fun, and colorful bags, but currently am trying not to buy more. I don't do well at switching from purse to purse, as there always seem to be things that I forget to transfer from one to other. So I'm trying to stick with one purse and my backpack for right now. Even that often causes me to forgot to take my work keys along with me. But if you don't have that problem these would be a great purchase. The fabric looks so soft, and I love the designs. As for pillows you can never have too many of these, and they are such an easy way to change the feel of a room.
Velo's room gets a makeover
This is one room in our house that has been left undone. When we adopted our cat Velo, she needed her own room, until she got bigger and her and the dog could co-exist. While Velo has adopted this room as her own, since the door is now left open, it's time to get it decorated. Not sure how fast this process is going to happen, as I have so many other projects along with work going on right now, but at least it is progress.
I started by making a rug for the room. I"m not in love with, as this is the first time that I have crocheted fabric, and the piece didn't queit turn out to the shape that I wanted. So when time allows, I may redue the piece. But Velo was so excited while I was making it, that I just had to put it in her room. I"m not sure why she likes it so much, but she seems to love laying on it and rolling around.
Steampunk
edmdesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/edmdesigns?ref=seller_info
You will find designs and jewelry pieces that touch the spirit of those with an appreciation for the lifestyle and old world adornments of the vintage eras. Influenced by my utmost respect for the brilliant and skilled craftmanship of vintage watch movements, master artisans of yesteryear hand created these intricate and facinating little worlds of synchronicity and artistic beauty. To be able to repurpose them and allow these mini landscapes of art find new life in today's times gives me tremendous pleasure.
Most of my designs feature the styles and manufacturers of fine watch pieces from the mid to late 1800's and into the early 1940's. I try most often to preserve the integrity of the focal movement and will only utilize pieces that can no longer serve their original purpose.
I work hard to ensure the visual integrity of the vintage pieces being used. For that reason, solder cannot be used when combining these metals, as high heat will discolor metals and degrade the physical properties of these minute mechanisms. Instead, an industrial bonding agent is used which is clear, incredibly durable, impact tolerant and will not adversely affect these antique timepieces. Although at times this may be visible in discrete portions of a particular piece, it is clear and presents a much lower visual profile than solder, creating a finished product that is both hand made and visually stunning.
iHRTart
http://www.etsy.com/shop/iHRTart?ref=seller_info
I just love these clocks, and also enjoy when someone can take old junk, and turn it into something new and wonderful.
CharmdImSur
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharmdImSur?ref=seller_info
Ok, I admit it ... I love to MOODLE!
Although not yet an official dictionary entry, to "MOODLE" is to do what makes you the happiest, when you want to do it. As a retired teacher of 34 years, I am happily doing all the art I had no time to do during my career.
My favorite materials include: enamel, wire, curiously unique found objects, insects, copper, brass, plaster, resin, fabric, FauxBone, beads, buttons, solder, paper, wire, and rubber toys.
My favorite artists are D J Pettitt, Richard Salley, Stephanie Lee, Susan Lenart-Kazmer, Jane Wynn, Deryn Mentock, Tory Brokenshire,& Linda & Opie Obrien.
While I still teach online (in my pajamas without starting my car!), I am able to happily pursue forms of art that have appealed to me for many years. Some of my other interests include quilting, purse-making, mixed & altered media, traveling to visit my three sons & grandchildren (who are scattered all over the world), community & art guild work, & of course, making art!
I am delighted to be a recent inductee into the juried artist group of the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. I am also a member of the Enamelist Society and of the following Etsy teams: Cabinet of Curiosities, Art Jewelry Collective and Mixed Media Art! Visit Cabinet's team profile page at: http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=411
Here's a link to an article I authored in Mixed Media Art, developed by artist Kerin Gale:
http://mixedmediaart.ning.com/forum/topics/profiling-a-successful-etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/edmdesigns?ref=seller_info
You will find designs and jewelry pieces that touch the spirit of those with an appreciation for the lifestyle and old world adornments of the vintage eras. Influenced by my utmost respect for the brilliant and skilled craftmanship of vintage watch movements, master artisans of yesteryear hand created these intricate and facinating little worlds of synchronicity and artistic beauty. To be able to repurpose them and allow these mini landscapes of art find new life in today's times gives me tremendous pleasure.
Most of my designs feature the styles and manufacturers of fine watch pieces from the mid to late 1800's and into the early 1940's. I try most often to preserve the integrity of the focal movement and will only utilize pieces that can no longer serve their original purpose.
I work hard to ensure the visual integrity of the vintage pieces being used. For that reason, solder cannot be used when combining these metals, as high heat will discolor metals and degrade the physical properties of these minute mechanisms. Instead, an industrial bonding agent is used which is clear, incredibly durable, impact tolerant and will not adversely affect these antique timepieces. Although at times this may be visible in discrete portions of a particular piece, it is clear and presents a much lower visual profile than solder, creating a finished product that is both hand made and visually stunning.
iHRTart
http://www.etsy.com/shop/iHRTart?ref=seller_info
I just love these clocks, and also enjoy when someone can take old junk, and turn it into something new and wonderful.
CharmdImSur
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharmdImSur?ref=seller_info
Ok, I admit it ... I love to MOODLE!
Although not yet an official dictionary entry, to "MOODLE" is to do what makes you the happiest, when you want to do it. As a retired teacher of 34 years, I am happily doing all the art I had no time to do during my career.
My favorite materials include: enamel, wire, curiously unique found objects, insects, copper, brass, plaster, resin, fabric, FauxBone, beads, buttons, solder, paper, wire, and rubber toys.
My favorite artists are D J Pettitt, Richard Salley, Stephanie Lee, Susan Lenart-Kazmer, Jane Wynn, Deryn Mentock, Tory Brokenshire,& Linda & Opie Obrien.
While I still teach online (in my pajamas without starting my car!), I am able to happily pursue forms of art that have appealed to me for many years. Some of my other interests include quilting, purse-making, mixed & altered media, traveling to visit my three sons & grandchildren (who are scattered all over the world), community & art guild work, & of course, making art!
I am delighted to be a recent inductee into the juried artist group of the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. I am also a member of the Enamelist Society and of the following Etsy teams: Cabinet of Curiosities, Art Jewelry Collective and Mixed Media Art! Visit Cabinet's team profile page at: http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=411
Here's a link to an article I authored in Mixed Media Art, developed by artist Kerin Gale:
http://mixedmediaart.ning.com/forum/topics/profiling-a-successful-etsy
Jewerly Party!
As both a teacher and a marker, it seemed natural to offer art making classes at my Mechanicsburg home, however I just never seemed to get around to it. I decided that this year it's time to finally get around to it, and I"m really looking forward to meeting new people and sharing some great creative ideas with them.
Here's what we're learning how to make in the first class.
These are so much fun to make, and are wonderful gifts. You need no experience with jewerly to learn how to do this. I will work with you until you have a successful finished result.
During the two hour session, my husband, the cook, will also be providing some wonderful homemade goodies to help power you through.
The cost of this class in $25.00 plus materials. So call your friends and sign up for this class before it's too late.
When September 23 5-7 pm
email me to sign up: amberkane1314@hotmail.com
Here's what we're learning how to make in the first class.
These are so much fun to make, and are wonderful gifts. You need no experience with jewerly to learn how to do this. I will work with you until you have a successful finished result.
During the two hour session, my husband, the cook, will also be providing some wonderful homemade goodies to help power you through.
The cost of this class in $25.00 plus materials. So call your friends and sign up for this class before it's too late.
When September 23 5-7 pm
email me to sign up: amberkane1314@hotmail.com
PA Fabric Outlet
PA Fabric Outlet is one of my favorite places to go when looking for fabric, or when I'm searching for a little inspiration. These stores are brimming with well priced fabric, as well as ribbion, buttons, lace and more wonderful items to help your creative juices begin to flow. Everytime I go, I always purchase more then I intend to. So look where the nearest Pa Fabric Outlet is, get your friends together and take a trip. It's so much fun. That is, if you love fabric. 
The Shop House
While looking through etsy the other day, this wonderful shop caught my eye 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/theshophouse?ref=seller_info . I seem to be drawn to old books used in interesting ways these days. Perhaps it's my subconscious attempting to prepare me to return to school in the next few days. Ahhh, but let's not think about that, let's look at all of these wonderful things that can be made from old books, instead of discarding them. I think that you could also make the wall piece by using pages from magazines, you could get some really interesting colors that way.AHH looks like I have another project to add to my ever growing list.
The creator of these lovely pieces, Lisa, informed me taht she has created a book that will be released in spring of 2011 called The Repurposed Library. So keep your eyes out. These lovely pieces were created from old magazine ads, that we encased in beeswax and then sculptued.I really am thinking that I might just have to try this one out myself, it looks like so much fun. I'll let you know when I get to that. First I need to finish all of my projects for the room in our home that I"m finally decorating.
It seems that when I'm creating, the ideas just seem to flow, which is wonderful, however I never seem to have the time to make them all. Do you have that problem? But when I"m not in my studio working, my creative juices seem to freeze. I wish that I could remember the artist name, however I was watchig a video on PBS Art 21, and the artist stated that it is important to spend time in your creative space everyday, even if you aren't making anything. Just spending time in the space will help you to be creative. What helps you to be creative?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/theshophouse?ref=seller_info . I seem to be drawn to old books used in interesting ways these days. Perhaps it's my subconscious attempting to prepare me to return to school in the next few days. Ahhh, but let's not think about that, let's look at all of these wonderful things that can be made from old books, instead of discarding them. I think that you could also make the wall piece by using pages from magazines, you could get some really interesting colors that way.AHH looks like I have another project to add to my ever growing list. 
The creator of these lovely pieces, Lisa, informed me taht she has created a book that will be released in spring of 2011 called The Repurposed Library. So keep your eyes out. These lovely pieces were created from old magazine ads, that we encased in beeswax and then sculptued.I really am thinking that I might just have to try this one out myself, it looks like so much fun. I'll let you know when I get to that. First I need to finish all of my projects for the room in our home that I"m finally decorating.
It seems that when I'm creating, the ideas just seem to flow, which is wonderful, however I never seem to have the time to make them all. Do you have that problem? But when I"m not in my studio working, my creative juices seem to freeze. I wish that I could remember the artist name, however I was watchig a video on PBS Art 21, and the artist stated that it is important to spend time in your creative space everyday, even if you aren't making anything. Just spending time in the space will help you to be creative. What helps you to be creative?
Wine bottle turned Tumbler
I first encounters these wonderful tumblers made from wine bottles while having lunch with some friends at The Green Room, located in Carlisle Pa. This restaurant is a great little find if you live in the area, or if your visiting. The food is made from local organic ingredients, and it tasted good too! To read more about the Green Room Bistro, http://blog.pennlive.com/life/2010/02/green_room_bistro_juice_bar_to.html
If you love the idea of reusing things as much as I do, you can get some great glasses and vases made out of wine bottles for yourself from this etsy seller http://www.etsy.com/shop/bottlehood?ref=seller_info . These glasses are another one of things that I"m tempted to try to make, but just haven't found the time. I have played around with making cheese trays out of wine bottles, and have really enjoyed that process.
So when buying new kitchen ware, or registering for wedding gifts, why not try to purchase some upcycled pieces like these wonderfully colorful tumblers.
If you love the idea of reusing things as much as I do, you can get some great glasses and vases made out of wine bottles for yourself from this etsy seller http://www.etsy.com/shop/bottlehood?ref=seller_info . These glasses are another one of things that I"m tempted to try to make, but just haven't found the time. I have played around with making cheese trays out of wine bottles, and have really enjoyed that process.
So when buying new kitchen ware, or registering for wedding gifts, why not try to purchase some upcycled pieces like these wonderfully colorful tumblers.
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