Zetti Solstice

I have been trading zetti ornaments with Beth for awhile. Beth made the TOP one and I made the BOTTOM one. LOL -- we like the same images...... Beth's is so cool -- I think that she teaches a class about making her ornaments -- she lives in California for all of you South West coasters. Beth's ornament is about 1/2 inch thick -- mine was quite flat. Thank you Beth!!!

Summer starts today!

Today is the solstice! Summer officially starts around 2pm. I made some solstice art. This is a postcard I made for a zetti postcard swap! Lauren is my sun -- when my face is towards her, all of my troubles fall behind me. I love you Laur!
More solstice art later today! Right now I have to go to school and prepare for a birthday party for 2 groups of children -- 17 to a group. I made 4 dozen cupcakes last night!

Fun Stuff

I found this fun link on Catherine's blog -- for once I can blame someone other than Heather for my procrastination! LOL! I can blame Jackson Pollock!
Click here to play (if you want to want to save your creation, click on Print Screen (Prt Scr) on your keyboard (PC) and then paste into a publishing or paint program, then edit.)

Buy this Book!

This book is WONDERFUL. Some people on yahoo groups said that they didn't like it so much, but I think it is great. I took a class from Michael at ArtFest this year (and will take 2 more, here in Toronto in October) . Michael is highly entertaining -- and a great teacher. His book is a lot like him -- chatty and visually appealing (LOL)(giggle). I think maybe people wanted a "how to" book with more info. He does tell how to make things, but because his assemblage is made up of found objects, he can't really give instructions to make the exact same things! C'mon folks! Use your creativity. Grab a tube of Liquid Nails (we Canucks will have to make a trip south of the border) and your favourite paints, and glue stuff together! Having said all that, I still haven't finished the 3 assemblaaaaaaages that I started at ArtFest. That's what summer's for, right?

Summer's Coming

I was so lucky to be able to work in Else's Ocean Jewels book in the warm weather. I dream of the ocean often (or the lake) We used to have a cottage on Lake Huron. But my mom sold it :( Then they bought a house on the ocean in Nova Scotia. But she sold it :( (but we still love you, mom!) Now I live in a beautiful city with an ocean-like lake -- so I'm still lucky. Ray and I went out to the Toronto Islands yesterday and dreamed about living there. So we're going to apply -- it might take 10 or more years for a house to come up, but we'll patiently wait.... The houses are tiny and cottagey and it's a wonderful artist community..... but your life depends on the ferry!
The quotation is by Longfellow (with one line edited out)

Birdie Fever!

Kelly finally received her Birdie Fever stuff from me! I think that she liked it! Go on over to her blog and see the stuff - her pictures are better than mine, LOL. And while you're there, look at her past posts on her blog. She has some very cool eye candy there -- and tons of book recommendations. If you ever get a chance, take a class from Kelly Kilmer-- everyone who I know who has taken them has had a great time, and learned a lot! (maybe someday she'll teach in Toronto....)

Something new, something blue!

I told Heather that I'd make a wrist quiltie for her. She requested blue and brown. Blue and brown? I don't have any brown fabric !!! I poked around and lo and behold, I do (honestly, was there really any doubt? -- I AM a pack rat.......) This is what I found:
And this is what I made! I like it!

New Stuff coming soon....

I HAVE made lots of new stuff -- but I can't post them until the recipients have them.... Some things can't even be posted until next summer, LOL. Let me just say that I have finished a zetti ornament and 5 original post cards..... The charms are giving me grief, but the extraordinary R is flying right along..... The journal spreads are coming along.....
So I thought I'd post.... another polka dot page !!! LOL ! Surprise! The image is Anahata Katkin's -- if you want to buy one of her collage books you'd better hurry -- she is discontinuing them! but they are on sale while they last!!

Birdie Fever !

I participated in Tammie's Birdie Fever Swap. We were to send a pile of birdie themed stuff to a partner. My partner was Kelly Kilmer -- who has to be the most generous person on the planet! And she only grumbled a bit about the ridiculous amount that the post office charged her (USPS has a million different charts and rules. If it seems like it is too much, ask for the lowest, going by surface snail mail rate). Anyway here it is! All of the cool stuff that Kelly sent me! (click on the picture for a better view)


There is a TON of paper, and a birdie rubber stamp cube, ribbon, some fun birdies, some honkin' big paper fasteners ("brads") and the Michelle Ward Clearly Impressed set that I've been coveting. And BEST OF ALL, a journal that Kelly made for me. That's it with the pinky/orange cover with the bird on it. The bad part is that it's too nice to journal in. Hahahahahahaha. Ray said that it was all really "me" and I think that Kelly is a kindred spirit. It's nice having all of those pieces of paper. I think that I'm going to rip all of my big 12x12 papers and larger wrapping papers into smaller pieces, because then they are (mentally) ready to use, and not so covetable and hoardable

And the good news? Round One is finished in the Report Card Corner! I now have to read them over to edit any typos and glaring errors. Then my principal reads them over to find any typos and silly mistakes, and perhaps edits out my personality a bit (the part where it says " XXX must remember that karate moves are for karate class, and not for the kindergarten classroom")( or "YYY must refrain from biting and punching the teacher")(I'm supposed to use teacher jargon like "YYY is encouraged to use her hands for helping"). Anyway, then I get them back, fix the mistakes, print them, sign then, and hand them in again to the Principal who reads them over again to make sure that I was a good girl and fixed my mistakes. The Principal is legally responsible for the report cards, so if I say anything idiotic, she gets blamed.....

I'm doing the happy dance. And Ray, Andy and Lauren will be happy that I will be less crabby.

My art list for this week:
- 25 charms for a swap
- an extraordinary R
- a zetti ornament
- 5 zetti postcards
- Vale's zetti journal spread
- a birdie ATC bag and ATCs
- Else's journal spread

Okay, maybe I'll still be crabby........

Big green dots

I'm STILL doing report cards (I'm eating my lunch right now). It would be really nice if I could finish them all today and have time to play tomorrow. That's not very likely at this point......

Procrastinationg a little bit... woof!

I went here and took a quiz.....
This is what kind of dog I am!

Martha, you're a Collie!

No bones about it, you're a loyal, nurturing Collie. A sensitive breed, you're always approachable and very in tune with others' feelings — just like Lassie! Because of your empathetic nature, you tend to be the group psychologist to your circle of friends. Your faithful, easygoing, steadfast personality makes you a wonderful confidant; people love to come to you with their troubles. Bottom line? You're a star at interpersonal relationships and have a knack for making new friends and acquaintances wherever you go. After all, what's a Collie without a flock to look after? Since you're so giving, your buddies might not realize that you need them just as much as they need you, so make sure not to neglect yours truly. Everyone deserves some "me" time. Woof!

Still more dots......

Still working on report cards..... so I am felling a bit dotty..... are we tired of them yet?

Still feeling dotty

More polka dot pages for the circle fatbook Heather is hosting. I'm writing report cards this week, so the dots will continue for awhile.......

You will walk in good company

My spread in Megan's black and white book:


It was inspired by a Jane Siberry song:

The Valley
i live in the hills
you live in the valleys
and all that you know are those blackbirds
yoou rise every morning
wondering what in the world will the world bring today
will it bring you joy or will it take it away
and every step you take is guided by
the love of the light on the land and the blackbird's cry
you will walk in good company

the valley is dark
the burgeoning holding
the stillness obscured by their judging
you walk through the shadows
uncertain and surely hurting
deserted by the blackbirds and the staccato of the staff
and though you trust the light towards which you wend your way
sometimes you feel all that you wanted has been taken away
you will walk in good company

i love the best of you
you love the best of me
though it is not always easy
lovely? lovely?
we will walk in good company

the shepherd upright and flowing
you see...

Megan sang this song to her tiny baby in the hospital. The song has been playing in my head ever since. I had to use it to let it out!

Ouch!

This is my poor puppy's leg. When Ray was walking him on Wednesday night, a dog ran out of his yard and attacked Andy. Ray pulled the dog off (a Jack Russell) and the dog bit Ray too and ran away. Andy had a big chunk taken out of his leg. The vet bill was $700. Yikes. And the puppy isn't himself yet. This is him looking sad. Poor puppy.

LATE EDIT (Saturday night)! : We know where the dog lives, but apparently, nothing can be done. We can sue the owners for the vet money, but our lawyers fees would be more than the vet bill... Ray pretends that the dog didn't bite him, but it DID break the skin 3 times. He is in denial and won't go the doctor. Andy is healing well. After 2 days of lethargy, tonight he's jumping all over Lauren and running 360s in the garden. Thank you all for the well wishes!!!

And to top it all off, I'm really sick (AGAIN). Last weekend I started feeling sick after 2 weeks of pretty good health. So with the puppy and the illness, I'm behind again. Today I'm mailing some swaps off, and then heading into report cards. The good news? Only 3 1/2 weeks until holidays.

This is a polka dot page that I made for Heather's fatbook. More pics to come.......

Magazines

I'm a magazine-oholic. Well. it's better now than it used to be.
This is what I'm reading in bed these days:
1. Cloth Paper Scissors (I have a subscription to this one!)I love it for all of the new techniques. Bimonthly
2. Quilting arts - I buy it occasionally, again, for the techniques. (sister to Cloth Paper Scissors). Bimonthly
3. Somerset Studio - EYE CANDY. There is so much to see. I buy every issue of this one, and many issues of their "sister" publications. Bimonthly
4. Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion - you wouldn't think that I am a Mary Engelbreit sort of person, put this publication is so pretty. And I got a cheap subscription....Bimonthly
5. LivingEtc - a British home magazine. I've been buying it for about 6 years. It used to be hard to find, but now it's everywhere. Monthly

and my new favourite:
Craft -- it's a tiny zine (small format -- but thick!)-- and quite expensive (about $18 here) -- but I loved every single page in Issue 3 -- it's debut in Canada. This issue focused on Japanese cool crafts -- but there were lots of articles on other stuff -- including a "how to make hypertufa pots" and one about the current Blythe doll craze! The articles are quite short -- but there are lots of wesite links -- my copy is full of post it notes! It's put out by the publishers of MAKE ! Quarterly

** check out all of the websites, there are always lots of fun extras!

Balance

The last of my spreads for Terry's CJ. It is also my favourite of the bunch. The one that I wished that I could have kept...... The ruffle/ nest at the bottom is totally my addition -- but it looks like it may have belonged there. I'll be using more of those giant eggs in upcoming work!

Watch

This is the spread that I did for Terry's CJ -- May 21-27 -- as you can see. I love those eyes in the lower left corner -- they are 2 separate stamps from Cat's Life Press -- one of my favourite rubber stamp companies. In Toronto you can buy them at Bizzy B's. Tell Barb that I sent you! LOL. The "Can you see me" stamp is also Cat's Life. I'm trying to use my rubber stamps more often. Although they do look really pretty on my shelf..... (the unmounted ones don't look so pretty. You know, if unmounted and mounted cost the same, I'd get mounted)(lots of people wouldn't)
I'm off now to finish cleaning out my basement bedroom (my art supply storage room) Lauren is moving home for the summer. I'll keep you all posted about my sanity during the next four months.

His Sister's Tutu

Again, I was adding some modesty to the page... LOL. But you can still lift up the tutu and see what's underneath......

My Black Heart

This is another spread in Terry's Calendar Journal. Okay, for the calendar journal round robins, each member picks a calendar journal -- dayplanner kind of thing. Terry's is called "Leonardo da Vinci" Each month, a different member gets to art up the pages. When I joined, I thought that it was about altering the image, and then journaling about our weeks. But no one was doing that!!! They were arting up all of the pages -- and usually covering the art that was there. I wanted to work with the art that was there, like me collaborating with Leonardo. I think that we work well together! LOL. The right side of the spread is a bit stark for me -- I used black tissue paper for the background -- I didn't expect it to be so, well, black! The heart is a little fabric collage. I mail off the calendar to Andi tomorrow -- but I have 4 more spreads to show you throughout the week. STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

Thank you Queen Victoria!

Yesterday -- I got NOTHING finished. I was uninspired and felt like a failure. I walked around in circles -- unable to do any art, or clean my apartment (next weekend my parents are coming to visit and my daughter is moving home). Today is another day -- Thank you Queen Victoria, for having a birthday and giving me an extra day this weekend to rejuvenate! Ray and I were supposed to go to the escarpment for the day, but since I screwed yesterday away, I didn't have the time today. Sorry Ray and Andy -- maybe in 2 weekends we'll try again.....

Anyone who knows me knows how much I grumble about these Calendar Journals. It was too big of a commitment for me... 4 spreads per month (this month 5 spreads).
Anyway, her's the first spread that I did in Terry's CJ. It's a Leonardo Notebook by Taschen. Very beautiful. I got the naked pages! Since I don't know Terry very well (although we are in a few groups together) I didn't know how far I could go with the human boday -- so I censored it. Not like me at all!

Green Pins

Because I have ADD (well, I must, right?), watching tv is sometimes a chore. First, the preparation: finding enough art work/ sewing/ whatever to do that will last the whole length of the show. Then making the tea, and setting up my workspace. Then pressing Play. I can't "watch" children's movies or animation any more. Because there is too much visual and not enough dialogue, so I'm always lost. Last night I watched Mirrormask, for the manyth time (that's my newly invented word: manyth) . I really need to be strapped to a chair a la Clockwork Orange to watch this movie. The visuals are spectacular! But I did manage to piece together 10 new pins! Here are 3 of them.

The Dead Guy - RIP

The Dead Guy is the stuffie that I made Andy when he was a little puppy in October. Now that he's a big puppy he has finished off the Dead Guy. (and turned him inside out....) The Dead Guy is escaping my garden so he can rest in peace.

Tag

I made this tag for a fabric tag book hosted by Dawn. The theme is Secret Garden. I'll be making more like this...... (size = 3x5)

Tagged

Amber Dawn tagged me! (okay, it was weeks ago...)

Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I procrastinate a bit...

2. Sometimes I wake up with my thumb in my mouth . How embarrassing....

3. I took Fashion Arts at a Arts High School, Fashion Merchandising in College, and then Home Ec (Sewing Specialty) in University. I started off wanting to be a Fashion Designer, then a Display Artist, then a Home Ec Teacher. My final BA was Art History and Criticism. My BEd is in Primary Education. I don't give a hoot about fashion trends any more.... as my daughter points out: "You dress like Grandma"

4. I am a tea drinker. Coffee is yucky. But Coffee Crisps, however, are yummy. Herbal teas are for wussies -- BRING ON THE CAFFEINE!

5. I have to wear special orthotics in my shoes. I am not allowed to wear slippers or sandals (unless they have orthotics built in) . This is new this year and it makes me VERY CRABBY.

6. I don't like crowds. This agoraphobia is getting worse......

7. I have no idea how to change the font size on my blog..... it just randomly changes.......

I don't know 7 people who haven't been tagged lately. If I come across someone, I'll let you all know.

And the Mother's Day Winner is.....

Heather!!! Ray picked out of a bowl from all of the names. But remember, you are all winners because you all have such fantastic mothers. Thank you for sharing. I've read them over many many times.....
I think that I'm going to do a give away every month, near the middle of the month. So check back often......
So Heather -- the mother collage will be in the mail to you shortly! See, it's your fault again! Because I'll walk to the post office, and pass my favourite gift shop, and I'll HAVE to go in, and spend buckets of money.......
Sorry that I was a day late in the drawing. I got completely engrossed in Survivor last night. I was so sad that Yau Man didn't make it to the final 3, but my next choice was my buddy Earl, so I was happy. We really got to see some good snakes and rats this season -- and some really good outwitting and outplaying. But still, nothing beats that John guy a few seasons back, who faked his grandma's death to get the sympathy vote....... I really wish that I could be on Survivor. I think that I'd do well..... I know that you all think that I'm too nice, but I'm pretty good at playing games....... grrrr....hiss.....
p.s. I don't know what happened with the super huge font size, but I can't make it normal, for some reason....

Happy Mothers Day !!!

This is what we made in Kindergarten, so I made one for my Mommy too. Please note the food colouring all over my hands. We also made some butterflies (from coffee filters and food colouring)

This is what Colette made for me on Mother's Day. What a wonderful friend Colette is...Thank you~~
My daughter called me this morning -- she'll be coming over later. So far, I've read magazines in bed, and had lots of tea. Now I'm ready to make some art...... and then Ray and I will go for a big walk on this beautiful day!

Royalty

Last night was ATC night at Bizzy Bs. The theme was royalty. Can you tell which one was mine? You can sing the Sesame Street song: "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong, can you tell which thing is not like the others...?" Yes, mine is the one at the top -- it's hard to see in this photo - it's purple and deep red fabric with a crown stamped on german book text (resined paper). the little birds are cut with a quik cuts die that I bought in London (Ontario). I don't have the puncher outer thingy, so I used the one in Bizzy Bs. I'll buy lots more dies there (they didn't have the bird one when I checked a few weeks ago -- but they have it now!)
The ATCs pictured here are by:
top: me
middle row: Sarah, Susan V, Jolanta, Cori
bottom row: Diana, Bev, Jackie, Joanne
Jackie's features a beautiful picture of her taken at her ??? birthday party! She's wearing her crown and sceptre!
*we missed you Marissa, June, Myrn, Susan W, Ludgera, Barb and Daniza!

Wide Open

Wide Open: Inspiration and Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge

I met Randi Feuerhelm-Watts at ArtFest. She is so energetic and very cool! She has released this set through North Light Books. It's a set of journaling cards -- they have ideas for your visual journals. It also comes with a journal that is "arted up" already, but is waiting ofr your artistic additions. I think that this is a wonderful boxed set -- and I plan to give them to people next Christmas. You can order it at amazon.ca or at chapters.indigo.ca It only costs about $17 on amazon and $15 at indigo.

This is Randi's link: www.randifeuerhelm.com

Fabric Charm Bracelet

This is a collaborative charm bracelet from a swap that I was part of. I just received it today from Ruth, who hosted the swap. Isn't it wonderful?? The theme was Mother Nature and the colours were to be blue, green and sepia.

The artists are, from left: ?, Jo~Ann, Maggie, me, ?, Barb, Mary Z, ?, Jo~Ann, Lenna, Ruth, ?, ?. Ruth provided the base bracelet and put them all on for us. (I'm going to search the missing artists and add them shortly)

I'm a book-o-holic!

Nancy Cartwright and Sarah Fishburn are coming out with a wonderful book in July. It's called In This House. You can have a sneak preview here. (you get to flip through the book -- it's a cool preview) I already have it on my amazon wish list! I can't wait!

I taught a workshop! ( and here's a give-away!)

I taught a small group a bit about fabric collage -- using transparencies, transparent fabrics -- a bit on stamping fabrics. I know what to do next time (handouts would be good). But we all made lots of fun collages. I brought my camera, but forgot to use it (I get too caught up in the moment). I know that I was teaching -- but I couldn't help making a few things too.

The first picture was my demo -- it's a 5x5 collage of fabric and fibers and a transparency.
These little pieces are pins! They are less than 2" wide or long...


Thank you so much to Kelley -- who let me teach at her house -- and made lunch for us! And thank you to Lesley and Camille for being my "guinea pigs". And all of you are very accomplished sewers and each of you taught me something......

*** I am going to give away the 5x5 collage that I made -- It's called Mother Love. I'm going to draw for it next Sunday on Mother's Day. To enter the give-away, all you have to do is comment on this post, telling me why your mother is [or was :( ] the best!

More wrist quilties!

People kept emailing me and asking why I haven't put up any new art. What do you all think, that I'm an art machine????? LOL. Okay, maybe I am. Doesn't that "Blogging Without Obligation" thingy mean anything???? Well, due to peer pressure, I've made 2 new cuffs. These are going to some people who are hosting some swaps........ Aren't they pretty? They actually look even more pretty in real life.

Dotee ATCs

These came too! Clockwise from top left: Dotee, Jane, my own, Jacky. thank you!!!They look like sleepy babies. Except mine -- just like real life. My baby never slept.......

Dollies

My Dotee dolls and Mothies have arrived! Aren't they wonderful!?? Of course, I've misplaced all of the contact names that go with them..... I'll add them when I find it all.....

Clockwise from the Lola doll (my purple one with the star on the head): Barb B (thanks Barb! this little mothie was an extra goodie that Barb, our host, included); Maria; Rella (faerieluna); Judy (from Scotland); Robin (from Maui) and Ulia (from Gemany) . So multinational! The one from Robin has a little beaded "grass" skirt on -- she is adorable.

My Masterpiece!

My baby turned 20 yesterday. How did that happen? I can't possibly be old enough to have a 20 year old! Where did the time go?

procrastination

I'm blaming Heather again for making me waste all of my time. I saw some really fun drawings on her blog (see Links)-- so I had to try them too! This is what I made:
Heather's are all colourful -- I don't know how she did that...... Catherine (see Links) has some on her blog too -- she's made a stamp from one. Very very very cool!!!! You can make them too! Just go here:

Wrist Quiltie

I love making these! It's 2" wide and does up with buttons. It looks so nice on my wrist. I think that I'll have to keep it for myself. Sorry to the person who I was going to send it to. I'll have to make you another one....

question: If I make wrist quilties to sell, how do I make it fit the person's wrist ?-- do I just do it a bit big, and then let the purchaser move the buttons? or do I ask their measurement when they buy it, and THEN sew the buttons on? (this is assuming that I'd be selling them online)

Beads... and ducky and friend

Oops, I'm a bit late......I meant to upload this image weeks ago, but I forgot.

Carmi's challenge for this month was to alter/decorate/ transform these big beads into something beautiful (they are wooden -- about 1 1/4 inches long. I used gesso and paint and more gesso and more paint and stamped tissue and more gesso and gold paint. They are less "dimensional" than I wanted, but they are pretty.
The egg with the ducky and froggie was a metal easter egg that I got in my basket every year when I was young. Filled with jelly beans. I don't like easter jelly beans. They don't come in black. I have to investigate where the other eggs went. One was a big, blue pasteboard egg. My mom probably sold it! (My mom had an antique store. If it wasn't locked up (or hidden in your bedroom), it was fair game) (see, mom -- it's all your fault that I'm a hoarder. I'm keeping it away from you.... LOL)

Happy but tired

Just imagine a picture of me, right up there, with a big smile. I'm going to be teaching Kindergarten again next year :) That means that I will actually be teaching the same grade two years in a row -- and I WON'T HAVE TO CHANGE CLASSROOMS! If you don't teach -- just imagine having to move everything you own every 10 months or so. NOT FUN. And when you change grades, it's like starting your life over from scratch every year. Now I don't have to start from scratch, but I can build upon what I have. Yay for me!

I'm also happy that it's finally sunny here! And warm (around 70 degrees). It's giving me energy. And I need it. I'm still not totally well. I was in bed before 9pm almost every night this week. 2 nights before 7pm! Of course, it's 5 am Saturday morning and I'm wide awake. But I have this list, right? Of things to do......

AND I'm blaming Heather on my shopping relapse at a scrapbooking store yesterday. Not my favourite store (my favourite store is Bizzy B's in Toronto) but a store close to where I work and close to the beach. I never made it to the beach. I'd better start selling some art to support my habit. (I plan to get that together this summer)
~more later !