Felt Jewelry Artists - Inspiration

I happened to see some felt bracelets by Cynthia Toops at Souvenir in Ballard. They blew me a way. Cynthia has done intricate and wonderful jewelry in polymer clay in the past and I didn't know she was now working in felt. Apparently she's in a new book that's coming out. The link to the book is below. Wow. I'm blown away and inspired by her work and the other artists in the book.

http://bijoucontemporain.unblog.fr/2010/07/21/felt-jewelry-upcoming-book-500-felt-objects/

Artist's Lino Block Carving Party

Kelly Lyles had her annual lino block carving party for some of her artist friends. I'm one of her lucky friends on the invitation list. Here's my holiday cupcake that I carved.

Kaffe Fassett Workshop

I had the opportunity to take a painting workshop with one favorite artists and textile designers last month on Vashon Island, Kaffe Fassett. We worked with colors by starting with an art postcard and using the colors in that to inform our colorway. The results were stunning and I learned so much from the master himself.

Future Perfect

I'm in love with the NYC boutique called Future Perfect. I found them by following the designer Donna Wilson, who makes great plush toys. The carry all kinds of design toys.

http://thefutureperfect.com/index.php

StudioCherie: Antique Dealer Video Portrait

StudioCherie: Antique Dealer Video Portrait


I love this.

Double Rainbow

I went with a group of artists to Tieton last weekend on a big yellow schoolbus. It was a blast. I piece of my needle felting was included in an art show there called 10x10x10 (everything had to be smaller than 10 inches. On the way home, we saw this double rainbow. As the youtube video guy, bear, says "What does it mean?"

The drive over to eastern washington is beautiful. This is the yakima river right driving on canyon drive.

We were also in the town's community days parade. The yellow schoolbus was a hit. This was my second time to be in a parade this summer. It was fun.

At Tieton's 10x10x10 show. My felt bowl is on the shelf to the right.

 This is Lucas, he hung the show and organized the event. All the artists love him!

 Mighty Tieton is an old fruit warehouse. this was a cold room. It has great acoustics and Trimpin sometimes does performances there.

Take the Serendipity Challenge

I just stumbled onto this blog and I'm diggin' it.

http://www.technomadia.com/

I can use a good dose of serendipity. Read how to take the challenge here. I'm gonna try it this weekend as I head over to Ellensburg to see the rodeo. Yee Haw!

http://www.technomadia.com/2010/03/take-the-serendipity-challenge/

The Virgo Month of Leisure Has Begun!

One of my favorite bloggers, Jessamyn West, over at jessamyn.com is a fellow Virgo. She started the Virgo Month of Leisure and I think it's a swell idea for all of us worrying Virgo types. She's a librarian and all around interesting person. Check out her blog and if you have a Virgo in your life, give them a hug this month.

This image is from Jessamyn's blog: www.jessamyn.com

Amor Embroidery project

This is a piece I did about ten years ago...I was experimenting with embroidery and sheer fabrics. I need to do more of these. I used metallic thread. The subject was love....

New Textile Print - Hydrangea

I'm inspired by all the beautiful Hydrangea bushes that I see all over
Seattle so I made a print. How do you like it?

Four Arts and Crafts schools I want to visit in the next four years

Anderson Ranch

Penland School of Crafts

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts

These are some arts and crafts schools I've wanted to go to for years. Maybe if I write their names down and say it out loud that this is my vision...it will happen. I will attend each of these schools in the next four years. There, I'm committed!

Intention and visualization work!

Anderson Ranch

Penland School of Crafts

Blogs to check out

Megan of Not Martha on the left is interview by Jen of CraftSanity.

Went to the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs today. Here are some blogs to check out:
Not Martha
Cakespy
CraftSanity
Sublime Stitching
Got some great ideas on Guerilla Marketing from a panel moderated by the charming Jesse Oleson of Cakespy fame.  Twitter and Facebook are the new advertising models plus giving away free cookies!
More to come on the conference next week.

Blackberries and Yardwork

This evening when I got home from work I attacked the weeds and overgrown-ness of my yard. It's very therapeutic to rip out ugly plants and chop up Blackberry bushes. However, I did take a walk later in the evening and gleaned a large container of ripe blackberries...the first of the season. All in all, it was a very satisfying evening. I listed a pair of great summer sandals in my Etsy store, The Mod Pod.

They are real pretty.

Creative Conference of Entreprenuers is next Weekend

I'm excited to attend a creative conference for entrepreneurs here in Seattle next weekend. It's a three day event with some big names in the crafty chick movement. Speakers include Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, Faythe Levine of Handmade Nation and artist Lisa Congdon to name a few. I'm ready to take my Etsy stores to the next level. I sell handmade felt and knitted things along with paintings and collage in my Art Nest shop, and Vintage clothing and accessories in The Mod Pod shop.

Creative Conference of Entrepreneurs

Felt patchwork piece by moi.

Flower Mandalas and Tin Can Art

Last Thursday at the Pioneer Square Art Walk I stumbled across the most beautiful art installation. Chris Reitmaier creates temporary art spaces and was hired by the city to do one in Seattle. He uses flowers and his art made of smashed tin can lids. I fell in love with his work. Check him out at http://www.somniative.com

The art queens were also strutting their fabulous stuff at Pulp Gallery. It was a fun summer night out.

I live in a great city for artistic expression!

Summer Soltstice

I was in the Fremont Solstice parade this year. It was so much fun to be a part of. I'm a firm believer that everyone should be in a parade at least once in their lives. I was with the Yellow Submarine ensemble. We had Blue Meanies, the Beatles and a host of strange sea creatures. I made a hat for my outfit out of a marching band hat. It was a blast.

100 Bits of Living - Sabrina Ward Harrison

The imagery in this video is amazing. Good music too by Sigor Ros.
http://www.sabrinawardharrison.com/ee/index.php/sabstudio/tlp/

Strange and Wonderful Things - The Solstice Parade

An annual event that I love every summer is the Fremont Solstice parade. No veterans and queens here: rather you'll see brightly painted naked bicyclists, outrageous floats made of recycled materials and it's all powered by humans. No motorized vehicles or sign with words allowed. Last year I participated with the Ice Queens, this year I'll be with the Yellow Submarine Ensemble. Here are some pictures from the Ice Queen 2010 dress rehearsal last night. It was fabulous.

I have a new Vintage store on Etsy - The Mod Pod!

I love vintage clothing, accessories and housewares. I've finally opened an etsy store where I'll be selling some of  my personal collection as well as thing I find in my travels. I'm just starting to post things but here are a few photos of what's up.

Visit the mod pod!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/themodpod

I want to stay here - El Cosmico

  http://www.elcosmico.com/

 

Vintage fashion in Portland

I'm still high from my trip to Portland. So many inspiring shops and sights were seen. They have great vintage stores. Here are some photos.