Heidelberg-esque Project

I went to the high school today to see how the Caroline Project was coming along. You may have seen the post about our field trip.... 

A few weeks back we took some of our kids to the Heidelberg Project in Detroit to expose them to 'found object art'. The kids had a great time and some super ideas for creating their own installations on the school property. They were broken up into teams. Each team had to 'find' their own bits and pieces to create their work.

Since it was such a nice warm and sunny day, I thought it was a perfect day to take some 'in progress' pix. You can see that they're making pretty good progress. Each team still has some interesting pieces to add along with paints and other treasures... but here's where they are at the moment:

I can't wait to see this project finished! Sadly for me, some of these great kids are graduating in a few weeks. They have been fun to spend time with and get to know. I look forward to seeing what wonderful creations they come up with in the future... they are all so very talented.

 Click this link to see Heidelberg post

The Universe does it again!

I had a wonderful experience this week. I was invited to accompany a friend to attend a 'business persons meet-n-greet networking event'. I've been working with her by bouncing ideas back and forth to help her grow a new business, and just being an extra pair of eyes, ears and hands. She's a great gal, so going was a no brainer. 

When we got there it was not exactly what we thought it would be. Not a lot of people and at first glance seemed more like a very very mini trade show. We walked, looked, talked, introduced ourselves and it seemed over in a hot minute. Then as we contemplated leaving, a woman came up to me, introduced herself and started talking to me about what she does. What a gem! We found that we do similar type creative work and have walked the same path for many decades. Then her gal pals started falling in and joining the conversation. Again, I was happily amazed. What a nice and fun set of women to spend some time with. Maybe it's because we are all cynics, or maybe because we love to manipulate and mutilate fabric, I don't know, but whatever it was, we got along and quickly bonded. 

The thought of sharing ideas and techniques is invigorating. Doing it with some really awesome people makes it even better. With these chicas I can tell that there are no expectations either, no stress to perform.. just do what comes naturally, creatively speaking. So getting together, having fun and seeing what direction we all end up is the plan.. I look forward to connecting with them real soon. Thanks Universe. Good job.

Craftsy classes on Sale now too!

Happy Mother's Day!

Craftsy is honoring this special day by putting some classes on sale from

Saturday, May 11 through Monday, May 13. 

(did I mention they are up to 50% off? Well they are!)

CLICK this link to see which ones

What a great Mom's day gift

ENJOY YOUR NEW CLASS! 

Creative Quilt Backs

Making quilts. So many challenges. So many decisions. So many techniques. Quilt backs, ugh. We all have our own methods for peicing or creating the quilt back. I am always intrigued by the way other quilters tackle this challenge.

So I decided to check out this class on Craftsy.com....Creative Quilt Backs.... and it's free!

Elizabeth Hartman offers four ways to make the back using simple, basic supplies. I like that. The easier the better and more likely that I'll actually finish the quilt! That means one less UFO to add to the stack...

She demonstrates her simple methods to make the quilt backs using her easy-to-follow directions and she shows you each step of the way. You will learn things like basic quilt back math. Even if math isn't your thing, its so easy to follow... you just can't mess up.

If you've ever had trouble figuring out what to do on the back and how to figure out how much fabric you need, this class is for you. Not only will you learn to figure out your yardage, but how to match up prints for a nice unbroken patterned back as well. Elizabeth will show you how to join those wonderful large scale prints that we all love so much but don't look so great with big seam lines breaking up the patterns. You know those seams bug you. Now, no worries....

The class also offers solid ideas for contemporary designs for the back. If you've ever have a handful of extra blocks and didn't have a clue what what to do with them, you will see very quickly what big impact and importance those left over blocks or pieced strips have if used on the back.

I like Elizabeth's design process, her improvisational piecing, and the cool secondary composition she achieves with such little effort.

In the comment section some people thought that that Elizabeth's techniques are too troublesome, but there's a reason her quilts look so spectacular. Her hard work and preplanning has a big payoff. Give it a try. I think you'll be thrilled with the outcome and the compliments.

Thank you Craftsy for another fantastic and FREE class!

CLICK HERE to see all of Craftsy's great classes!

Craftsy has free classes too!

Craftsy.com has some really fantastic classes for 

sewists, quilters, and foodies.

Some are even free!

Here is one of my faves....

As I was scrolling thru the list to see what was new, I came across Quiltcon for Modern Quilters. I had no idea what it was all about but it was free so I thought I'd take a peak.

Wow. What a great class! If you don't already know them, you'll meet at least six people in the quilt world that each talk about what they do and how they do it. And, you get to see the winning quilts from the show. Fabulous!

I liked way too much to write about, but here are the highlights for me:

David Butler (Amy Butler's husband) gives away all (well, maybe just some) of his tips and tricks for shooting an ad campaign and how to make it your own. If you breath, then you know that Amy Butler has the most gorgeous designs and patterns and I personally think that her superb photography makes is all so much more appealing. David has an honest down to earth way of explaining what he does and shows photos to illustrate his point.

And not to be left out, Amy herself has a segment where she talks about her inspiration and her thought process. I was in awe of the places she's been and the beautiful photos she takes. Her thought process is interesting and just seeing where they live and work is sheer eye candy!

Have you ever heard of Jacquie Gehring? She is a hoot! She is also an emotional, sensitive, insightful, and introspective quilter who gives us a peak at her life and her journey to quilting. She comes from a family of 'makers', people that make things for utilitarian purpose as well as pleasure. She has a very sophisticated and stylized design aesthetic. Her message: Be true to yourself, make what feels right to you and honor the support you receive from others.

If you're a quilter you will be rejuvenated when you watch this class. Bonus lesson 10 will get you really geaked up just looking at quilts in a new way... maybe a more modern approach..

Awards yes, loved seeing the winning quilts. All I can say is wow....the colors, the ideas, the execution.... holy cow.... makes me want to run right over to my machine and start a new quilt (unfortunately, my UFOs put up a road block)!

I love this class! Craftsy offers the best from the best. So check them all out. There must be something that catches your eye.

CLICK HERE to see all of Craftsy's great classes!

Gelli Plate or Slacker?

Just this once I'll allow you to laugh at me and call me names. I deserve it... here's why:

I began making gelatin plates quite a few years ago. I wanted a way to create unique, crazy & cool painted fabric and paper. Then suddenly Gelli Plates came on the market and I scoffed. (I know, who uses that word any more). 

Seriously.....who could possibly be that lame. You mean to tell me that you can't just throw some gelatin in hot water and then in the fridge? Really? I don't believe you. I know you can... if you really want to.

What a slacker. You have to really be a lazy so-and-so to take the easy route and buy a ready made plate. Sheesh.

Well, I spent years of trying to juggle things in the fridge to make room for the container of giggly stuff. Most of the time my refrigerator is just too packed...not an inch of room to spare for food let alone a pan of gelatin. So, I gave in. It took me a few years to get to that point and get over the fact that I would become one of those lame-o slackers, but alas..... I am. I finally succumbed. My new Gelli Plate arrived today and I can't wait to rip into it and paint, paint, paint.

So laugh at me ... call me names ..... say rude things about me, I can't hear you anyway. I'm squealing with glee while I pull out my new Gelli Plate. Go get yours right now.... let's have painting party....

Trash or Treasure?

Ok, so we all know that I love to recycle....mainly textiles... but not exclusively. I'm a happy camper any time I'm around cast off or thrown away materials, before of after being turned into something else. I get especially excited when it's turned into some type of art.

Well, Tyree Gyton of Detroit has been doing it for decades. His Heidelberg Project is an ever changing landscape of shoes, grocery carts, doll pieces, vacuum cleaners, bent and mangled metal, cinder blocks and so much more.... all whimsically assembled to create art that gives the viewer either the giggles or pause to think about the message.

I recently spent a morning there with a local high school art class. The purpose was to expose the kids to various types of art and materials... and think about what they could create themselves. So the message is that you don't have to have big money to create art, just an imagination and some found objects.

Here is a peek at our morning.

at the beginning

not sure what to do with all those old records?

hello, hello. anyone home?

yipes. who put those shopping carts up there?

the middle of the shopping cart tree

charred beams from an abandoned house

medical folk create art & make statements too..

Detroit's in trouble...this says it all

hmmm, there's still empty space up top

do you know what time it is in the D? take that Flavor Flav

coming and going,
every sidewalk is painted with faces & crosses

So that should give you some idea of what the Heidelberg Project is and how we reuse trash in Detroit. Love it or hate it, art IS in the eye of the beholder. It will be interesting to see what the kids come up with for their own projects.

I'll keep you posted.

Recycling at its finest

I love to recycle. 

Not sure why, but I do love gathering little rusty bits, bumpy or satiny smooth textiles, odd bits of lace and buttons, old photos, bits of stuff with old cursive hand writing, frayed leather books, utensils..well just about anything and everything really.

Or is it the gathering that's the best part? Could it be just looking at all of the interesting things I've gathered or maybe actually making something from it all that brings joy... maybe it's a combination of it all. 

The video below shows what you can do with 'trash' if you really put your mind to it....

click here to see the Landfillharmonic 

Help me win art supplies - deadline today

Is it at all possible that I have not posted for almost a month! 

Wow.. I had no idea.. 

well, it is allergy time and I seem to lose time in the spring and fall.. 

~

I don't have much to say at the moment

except that I have

entered my threadwork piece in an online contest.

This piece was done with free motion stitching back and forth

with a variety of colors to give the piece some dimension and vibrancy.

I have used the sewing machine needle and thread

as an artist would use paint and a brush. 

 please click here for direct link to see the quilt

If you like what you see, give it 5 stars and then confirm your votes with the email that follows. It must be done before midnight tonight, March 31. 

If I win, I get to go pick out some cool art supplies from Michaels! 

Thank you for looking and hopefully voting!

List it Tuesday - places to visit

Today is List it Tuesday about places we'd like to visit and what we'd do once we got there....

OMG... there are so many places I would like to visit...here's the short list:

India for the food, culture, people, sites, textiles
Asia for the food, culture, people, sites, textiles
Mexico for the food, culture, people, sites, textiles
South America... yes the whole continent for the food, culture, people, sites, textiles & music/dance
Puerto Rico for dancing and music... who cares about the rest!
Israel for the food, culture, people, sites, history, flea markets, family
Eastern Europe for the culture, people, sites, to find family and history
All of the USA just cause ..

I imagine that you see a pattern here..Well, what did you expect.. I love using my camera as much as my sewing machine and ..... I'm a fabriholick!

Don't forget to check out Artsyville .. a wonderful land to visit.
There are more lists lists there too: http://artsyville.blogspot.com/

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 28!

I'm saddened to say that today is the last day of the challenge.

I am thrilled to say that I crossed the finish line...

I am also thrilled to say that I did it with some really fabulous artists.
I met some great folks thru this challenge and
think they will become long time friends...

I think they will.... I make the vodka cubes!

~so here is my entry for day 28~

And here is the final piece... day 29

what better way to end than with my self portrait!

Once again, thank you Ayala Art. 
You challenged us.
You brought us all together. 
You made us create art.
You're the best! 
 ~
Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces ends today - Make a book!

I have been wanting to do something to commemorate the 29 Faces challenge since I started it.

Originally I was going to create a book in InDesign. Have you ever tried working with InDesign?? Wow.. It is quite a challenge in itself. I did get started, but very quickly it became a overwhelming... so for the time being I thought ... forget it..

Then I decided I would make a DVD in IMovie. Well, I have a nice start, but I couldn't let the book idea go. If you have been reading my blog, you know that I belive in the Universe and how it leads us were we need to be... well, I stumbled upon a really cool website today called Burb Books. 

Blurb Books seems like the no-brainer solution. I'm goin' for it!

If you have something that you would commemorate in a book, maybe for yourself as a milestone, like me or to give as a gift, check it out.. 

Save 15% on your Blurb Photo Book purchase

from 3/1 through 3/31 with code SPRING15OFF 

For 15% discount, use this link

 Click here to learn more about the variety of Blurb Books you can make

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 27

a quilt in progress:

this is a mock up of my own images.. a test for image & color

This is the piece in progress.
I added 2 dancers on the road to the Taj Mahal.
~
Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 26

digital collage
from my own images and silkscreens

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - days 24 & 25

I love doing freemotion faces!

Once I start, I can't stop...

These are now small quilts, ready to hang on your wall!

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

List it Tuesday - things that work for me

Today's List it Tuesday prompt: Things that work for me.

Sometimes I wonder what works for me. Sometimes it seems as if nothing works for me. The truth is that no matter how bad things get, there are always things that work for me and I am so grateful for that.  Here's a short list:

* List it Tuesday! - Yes, making weekly lists works for me
      . . . . . for so many reasons

* 29 Faces - an online art challenge keeps me on track & creating

* Maintaining old connections with people - it's comforting

* Doing digital art every night - it's good productive quiet time

* Not attending tons of guild and groups - life is more relaxing

* Maintaining my blog - love to look back at my visual diary

* Having great friends - support from people that know me is the best

* Have hubby read to me at night - love the sound of his voice

* Creating things - self expression & creative growth makes me happy

* Living without debt - great not having anything hang over my head!

* Staying indoors during a snow storm - no explanation needed

Margarita Monday

One day I had lunch with Pops at his senior living home. I did that a lot of days, but on this one in particular, he was quite agitated about not getting his second ice cream. You see, every day and night he smiled and hugged all of the girls so he could weasel out of them 2 ice creams at lunch and 2 more at dinner. One was the max allowed. But he got his 2, twice a day, every single day. He was out growing his clothes, so I tried to get him to curb his neapolitan overload. He wasn't very thrilled about it either. To cheer him up I reminded him that there was ice cream in the bistro... a little old fashioned cafe with a juke box and popcorn machine right next to the dining room.... AND that day was margarita Monday. He looked at the ground and mumbled.. "stay here, I'll be right back".

I tried to ask where he was going but he wouldn't answer and just shuffled off. He was gone an unusually long time and I was starting to get worried. As I got up and moved toward the elevator, he stepped out of it. I was pretty shocked. He had changed his shirt. When I asked why he exclaimed with a big smile, " Well, it's Margarita Monday!" 

So here he is with is special, as he called it, Florida shirt and margarita in hand. This was our last margarita Monday.

Less than a week later he was in the hospital and three weeks after that.... he was gone.

We really miss you 'Pops' and think about you every day....you still make us giggle.

29 Faces in 28 Days - days 23

Called 'Looking for Stumpy'

Many of us participating are already worried about and/or experiencing withdrawals... the challenge ends in just a few days.

 ~

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

UPDATE to List it Tuesday

Please see the Update at the end of the List it Tuesday post for Feb 19.

I found a whole bunch of new things to stencil and stamp with!

And they were all free!

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 22

fabric face from a photo

then quilted

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 21

Prom Bride Princess

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

List it Tuesday - stencil materials

This week, it's odd stencil materials for our list. I love stencils. I use them every time I create something (almost anyway)...They add richness and texture and I am always on the hunt for some new and exciting materials. My fave place to find things to use for their non-intended use (see last weeks list) is the dollar store! Yep, you got it. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend that you march right over to your closest one. You'll smile all the way home.

For me stencils are interchangeable with silkscreens, templates, batik items and (rubber) stamps. I will use whatever I see that might make great image. . .  or at least try it out. Sometimes what seems like it will make a great image turns out to be a bomb in reality, but it's still fun to experiment.

So here's just a short list of tried and true standbys:
produce - cabbage, brussel sprouts, potatoes, lemons, carrots, peppers
my own photos - made into silk screen
utensils - potato mashers, knives, chopsticks, forks
screening, netting
fly swatters
bones
nuts, bolts, washers
laces
pipes
bottles
crumpled paper
bubble wrap

For more ideas, go to: http://artsyville.blogspot.com/


UPDATE:
I went to a little shop yesterday that had a pile of stuff ready to be given away or thrown away... all kinds of goofy things...

(possibly) too good to throw away.. but too crappy to keep or they just had no use for.... AND there are lots of recyclers out there after all..

So, here's just a small amount of what I got...2 big brown paper grocery bags full of FREEBIES!

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 20

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 19

Making lots of scarey faces these days.

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 days - day 18

Back to digital...

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 16 & 17

 I started out going in one direction today,

but ended up in a completely different one...

 

Both were done on canvas,

one with gesso applied first, the other not.

Layers of paint were applied, then stencils, papers and fabric.
 The freemotion face was stitched last.

I had numerous thread breaks...
and probably won't stitch on painted canvas any time soon.

At some point I will add embellishments.
~
Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

CRAFTSY CLASSES ON SALE!

CRAFTSY

is dedicated to providing the best

education and resources for crafters. 

Learn on your own time at your convenience.

Once you've registered the class never expires. 

 

Check out their courses in:

 quilting, knitting, jewelry making, food craft, spinning, weaving and more!

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR SALE CLASSES!

This offer expires Sunday, February 17, 2013, at midnight.

Don't Wait!

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 15

Just a goofy piece to say,

Happy Valentines Day!

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 14

I did this free motion face (actually I did 2 ) with the intent to paint it. 

I haven't gotten around to the painting after a week,

 so I thought I would post it in its naked state.

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

List it Tuesday - things used for unintended purposes

Todays List it Tuesday is all about: Things used for an intended purpose.

I have to laugh. That's how I use everything! I rarely use things for what they are supposed to be used for. Now, let's not be silly. Of course things like pots and pans get used normally, in the kitchen anyway...and until they're no longer useable for food...but most everything else is fair game.

So to prove it's true, here's a short list:

tupperware container for pie slices   used as paint bottle holder

prescription bottles for water jars

ironing board for painting & stamping surface 

water and pop (soda) bottles for dye bottles

scraps for garbage become quilts

kitchen utensils for batiking 

dining room as art/painting room

living room as sewing room

treadmill as closet

bedroom drapes as design wall

bed for an office - gotta love a laptop

car as storage for fabric & art supplies


* There's a lot more listy stuff to see @ http://artsyville.blogspot.com/

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 13

This was a photographic accident that became a 12 x 12 quilt.

Bored one day looking for a photo to make into a quilt, and tho I passed this one up many times before because it was a boo-boo, one to delete,

I just never did.

For some reason that day it spoke to me.

original photo

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 12

The last few days have been challenging.

I'm trying to work thru it.

 

Still working on 29 Faces.

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals. 

Milestones Winner!

The little dude and I both say,

Thank You to everyone for sharing your milestones with us.

The winner of the two patterns, selected at random is Vicky H. 

Check your email for a message from me.

29 Faces in 28 Days - day 11

Here's the link to Ayala Art. This project is her baby:http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

Here's the link to the list of participating artists:
http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

This link will take to to my artFace blog dedicated to all things face:artfacedesigns.blogspot.com 

~

Note: Please be respectful of my images, which are all originals.