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Archive for July, 2008

Fun in the Studio

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

Today, I printed and squiggled on fabric as I tried to come up with some accent fabrics for the SAQA auction quilt.

I used some bubble wrap and a vinyl gripper for printing metallic dots.

I also added some black squiggles with a syringe. I did a round sponge stamp in metallic paint on the background fabric.

This was my first not so successful design. The white on the organza was not working for me.

I then used some brass Dyna-flow paint on the organza fabric. I liked this much better. I also decided I had too much orange. (I am trying not to be too tasteful!!!) I have circles and X’s – hugs and kisses. I have been thinking of naming this Summer Love. What do you think? I also thought about Circle Play.

I am stitching the organza with a variegated Perle cotton that is just the perfect color.

I also pulled some luminous hand-dyed silk for my illumination challenge.

I have the pieces drawn for the main design. I have not found the right background fabric — I might have to make a trip to Fabric Depot, but I don’t know when. Tomorrow, I start my screen printing class. I hope my surge of energy stays with me so that I can get some work done in the evening. My studio is in the basement and is nice and cool.

A Mellow Monday

Monday, July 7th, 2008

This is a hydrangea that I planted on my studio patio last year. It has just bloomed. I love the lacy blossoms.

I spent some time designing my quilt for the next 12 X 12 challenge — illumination. I am having fun with my idea, but I can’t share anything yet.

I painted some of the fabric that I printed last week — the brown circles. I used a limey green Setacolor. I am going to use this for the SAQA 12 inch auction donation.

I also played with some options for the construction piece that I have been redoing. I am auditioning some design elements, and they may get the parts!!

Today a big truck rolled up with all the fixtures for our bathroom — two sinks with chrome stands, the shower fixture with the rain shower head, and the swanky La Cava shower base. Everything is sitting in the garage. There will apparently be a frenzy of activity tomorrow.

I think summer is here to stay. It was a mellow day today. I did a big edit for the SDA auction pages. I also spent some time ordering supplies from Prochem and Thai Silk.

A Surge of Energy

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

I don’t know where the past week has gone. When I came home from OCAC last Sunday, I just emptied out my carry all on the wet studio floor because my tools were wet and I did not want them mildewing in case I did not get to them right away. And, of course, I didn’t. After a couple of days with M & M, I finally hit the studio with a surge of organizing energy. Yesterday, I reorganized and cleaned up my little kitchenette, my version of a wet studio. I sorted my art supplies that need washing into the baskets that I purchased last week. I placed them on the counter over the sink area so that I can just throw them in as I wash them.

Today, I spiffed up the studio. The ubiquitous fabric which had been pulled to audition, fabric from last week’s class, etc. I have a couple of days to get some projects done or started. I have a couple of looming deadlines. On Wednesday, I start my second class at OCAC. This time, I am taking a five day Screen Printing Intensive. Woo Hoo! I have been wanting to do deconstructed screen printing, and it is on the schedule.

Today, I also put my Collage Mania goodies in frames. I am going to rearrange some art in the living room so that I can hang these there. I think they all look fabulous together.

From left to right — Liz Berg, Karen Stiehl Osborn and Jette Clover.

Stars and Stripes

Friday, July 4th, 2008

Lemon Cupcakes

Served with berries, vanilla ice cream and a star candle.

As Colbert would say, Happy Birthday, Nation!

Life is Good

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

My regime of stretches, icing the bum, ibuprofen and short walks seems to be working. Last night, I was not awakened by pain in my leg, but by a horrendous clap of thunder. I went back to sleep, ignoring the storm, and felt refreshed from my first good night’s sleep in some time. Mr doc ordered vicodin for me, but I don’t think I will even pick it up.

Look at who else is feeling much better. She is checking out the bathroom reno with me, after the tile man left for the day. She is still on antibiotics and pain meds, but she is returning to her normal self. We went for a short walk this afternoon and she was leading the way.

The first coat of paint is on the wall. In that right hand corner will be one of our custom built storage units. Behind Maggie, there will be another built in with drawers below and shelves above and a beautiful granite counter.

Here is another view of the extra large subway tile and the floor. No grouting has been done and there is some tape holding the tile in place. The sinks will go on the wall on the left and the shower is on the right, out of site. The shower pan will be installed on Monday, and then they will start on the mosaic that I designed.

This morning, Stephanie dropped off two of my fave people in the world. Here they are having lunch on the deck.

In the morning, we went to the Dollar Tree. I needed to buy some storage bins for my art tools.

Miles bought some pirate stuff. There is a ring on his other ear. He looks quite fierce. Mia bought colored pens, pencils and another journal – what else.

And, we bought every kind of bubble paraphernalia you can imagine.

And so, the annual bubble fest ensued.

Where did all the bubbles go?

Poor Maggie. There is nothing she loves more than chasing bubbles and jumping in the air and popping them. I made her stay in the house because I didn’t think it was a good activity so soon after her oral surgery. JR’s do not know their limitations, so I had to play the alpha dog.

Tonight, we had dinner at Burgerville. Everyone ate every thing on their plates. After dinner, Mia and I watched the Ace of Cakes on the Food Network — one of her favorite shows. Miles and Mr C started building the Great Lego Wall on the front porch.

Tomorrow, the Portland Clan will gather for a BBQ and then watch fireworks.

Happy Fourth of July!