mixed media
Book O books
A handmade book is a little hand held heaven. Books of books are divine. If you love making books, appreciate clever artists, or are looking to recycle materials in lovely ways, check out Re-bound by Quarry publishing and Jeanne Stein. I recommend it.
Fiber thread stitch paper textiles
The ease in which connections can be made in this golden age of the internet is mind boggling. Serendipity and coincidences have made me aware of the generous nature of Sue Bleiweiss. She is a tireless creator: one of those fairies or gnomes that makes hand made creations appear overnight. Really, she’s amazing, I don’t [...]
the goddesses wish to see you
The face of your own personal goddess, your alter ego, the form your thoughts take in the 5th dimension, the mask we wear in public. Some of these lucky gals have gone into thoughtful new homes, where their meanings will change as their companions moods and dreams change. TT and I enjoy when the finished [...]
Make time
TOO much to say about this one, and of course everyone knows the importance of making time for themselves, or for creating. Here is how I negotiate with myself: I wish to spend hours painting papers, or sewing painted fabrics with no particular finished project in mind. I have housekeeping to do. Simple, for every [...]
find peace
Find peace. Peace of mind: quiet children, sleepy pets, making the mortgage payment, enjoying the spring blossoms and their incredible scents, lovely soft clean sheets, recognition for the extra effort you put into a project, the soft lullaby of a gentle rain, the smell of towels right from the dryer, the beckoning colors of a [...]
juicy, smelly, and wickedly delicious?
When you eat summer pears, do you stand over the sink? That way, when the juice drips down your chin, you can contain the stickiness, and cleaning your face means reaching for the faucet. When you peel a perfectly ripe orange in the winter, do you then place your fingertips in your nostrils and inhale [...]
Take a flying…
Leap! Kickin’ it to California. We decided out of the blue to commit to vending at IQF in Long Beach, July, 2008. Since Chicago’s IQF, we’ve been sluggish and morose, (apologies to anyone reading my posts, it might have been obvious how blah I’ve been) now we’re hyped and creating anew. WhahHoo! More upbeat news: [...]
Earthday green
Earth day, but with minor effort, could be earth week, month, year, century. I am the proud new nurturer of 2 tiny little twig crabapples, that I will watch with unbridled glee, grow to be beautiful trees. The above card may be an odd pick for today, (and it does look much better in living [...]
permission to slow down
Many of us work 2 jobs in addition to care-taking, housekeeping, and creating or working on our craft. Why not hang up a little affirmation to allow yourself a wee luxury? Take your coffee back to bed. Soak in the bathtub till the water cools. Splurge on take-out. Sit and sip that hard earned martini [...]
making music
tickling the kids, cats purring, dogs sassing, paintbrush shushing on canvas, sewing needle in motion, sizzles from the wok, Joplin from the stereo. How do you make music? The soul needs it as much as the ear. Don’t forget to celebrate the magical qualities of the everyday, ordinary, music. Feed your soul.
Celebrating Chicago’s International Quilt Festival
Hands to work, heart to play. Celebrate the joy of fabric, thread, fibers, quilts, mixed media, embellishments, and the unleashing of creativity. It is in all of us. Paint and dye your own fabrics and fibers. Use papers and found objects in your projects. Tell yourself daily: There is no limit or rules. And enjoy.
mano a mano
Whatever you create, or hope to someday create, we’ve got a handful of affirmations and reminders for all types. Hang or frame them where they will be seen daily. It will be your permission to feed your creative soul. Click on photo to see the album.
Block Head
Sheesh, these girls are in such a hurry to get to Chicago, they haven’t sewn on my face yet. Kinda scary cause the cats can abscond with my eyeballs! At least they gave me lush grass to await their administrations. But they’re giving me a posse this weekend. Lovely girls, grrrrrrr
Kiln opening April 1st
Caffeine, cowboys, saints, bingo, loteria cards, and assorted craziness coming out of the kiln. I’m hoping for 2 more batches before the Chicago International Quilt Show in less than 2 weeks. yikes, I’m getting nervous. But we have a great spot in the Make it University area, we’re surrounded by fabulous artists, and we are [...]
Thing and Thang twins with enchanted souls
Introducing Thing and Thang. Twins that recently joined our cult of mixed media play. I was going to tie down their hair, but decided that their adopted parent should decide, but I had lots of fun playing beauty parlor with them (much more engaging than playing beauty parlor with Joey, my cat).
Chocolate mouthed plushy
Sometimes we need to depend on a visual to make us smile and remember the silly side of life. Sock creatures do this for me. This is my latest and we’ve taken to calling her chocitome. She is not allowed to have arms as it would lead to chocolate overdose. It takes longer to unwrap [...]



Recent Comments