crazy for color

New Drawing and More Stole Photos

2009-09-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I'm starting to get the hang of updating my blog again. Not so hard once you get started. I haven't drawn anything in months (since starting my job) and finally felt the urge a few days ago and picked up my pen and paper. Here is one of my recent ones. I'm sometimes asked how long it takes me to do one of my drawings. Since I draw so many little lines, they are usually from about 1 to 3 hours for a 9 x 12 such as this. Depends on the pen size. This one used a smaller pen than usual so it took about 3 hours. It still needs a little bit of work on the shadowing. I used to steal ideas (or be inspired by) from my son. Now it's my 4 year old inspiring me. I drew a circle and then gave it to her to add to and she added butterfly wings and asked "Can butterflies be circles in the middle?". I said "Why not?" and then decided to draw my own. If you are looking for inspiration, especially for something new and exciting, don't forget to look at the world through a child's eyes.

Also, I have the full length photos of the stole I just finished. Unfortunately I took photos with me wearing it and they are not my best! Nor does my clothing do anything to show off the work. Anyway, here it is. :)

And, I have to brag a bit on my 8 year old son. If any of you know what Accelerated Reader is (a program offered in many elementary schools), well, my soon reached the goal of 100 points only 6 weeks into school!! I'm sooo proud of him! The 100 point goal is an end of the year goal! He is actually at 117 and just about to take a test on another book, worth 44 points, so it won't be long until he reaches 200 points. The kids read books with certain point values and then take a test to receive the points. The program has it's good and bad issues, but he loves reading and loves reaching these goals. Way to go Miller!!!

Some photos of my latest project

2009-09-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

Hello again! It feels so good to be back in the world of blogging and talking about art!! Here are a few photos of the liturgical stole I recently completed. I hand-dyed, hand-painted, screened, stamped a lot of the fabrics. The symbols the owner wanted included a cross, a yin-yang, a seated Buddha, a star of David, a pentacle, a goddess symbol, a Hindu Om, a Islamic crescent and moon, a chalice and I think that is it for religious symbols. There were also symbols representing personal interests including Reiki and music. I only took a few photos before passing it on. The ones of the whole stole are on my husband's camera so I'll have to wait until he downloads them onto the computer to post those. The photo colors are a bit off as I used a flash up close. I usually try to photograph my work outside but it was a rainy day. Sorry some are sideways, I didn't take the time to turn them before uploading to the blog page.

This is my fourth stole and I find this work very fulfilling. It is so personal. I become very involved in the stories behind the stole and the stories it will be a part of in the future. It's hard for me to describe in words, but it is somewhat magical. I look forward to doing more in the future.

On a different note, if you live in the Atlanta area, you should take some time to visit the Fiber Art Fusion's yearly exhibit at The Art Place gallery in Marietta, GA. I went to the opening last night and, first, it was great to see friends and second, but not last or least, the work was stunning. If you enjoy quilts or fiber work you will love this exhibit.

I'm back!!!!!!

2009-08-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've never been away from blogging for so long! I guess you know from previous posts (if anyone out there actually reads this-lol) that I started a job back in April/May. Well, life definitely got a lot busier than I expected. Don't get me wrong, I like my job. And, I couldn't ask for a much more flexible schedule. I was able to find part time work as a statistician. Not the usual for my field so it's working out pretty great so far. The downside, well, less time with my kids and my art. So, kids have taken priority. I have to say I do cherish the time with them more now and sometimes there just isn't enough of it. So, anyway, my art, my blogging, those kinds of things are taking a bit of a back seat for now. I haven't completely stopped making art of course but I have stopped taking on new work, trying to reach deadlines on exhibits, entering art/craft shows. There will be time again for those, when my kids are older (they are 4 and 8 at the present).

I'm trying to figure out a way to just enjoy my art making again without it feeling like something I have to do. Get back to the fun of just playing and discovering. The only problem then is that I'm left with more stuff I don't know what to do with. If one of the goals is not to eventually sell it, enter it somewhere, give it as a gift, I'm finding it hard to justify the time to just play. I did fill that need some with teaching classes, where I was able to demonstrate and play along with everyone else. I'll just have to keep figuring it out. Life is always changing and I'm in a new chapter of mine.

Well, you probably don't read my blog to hear about my statistical job or my kids, so want to do what I have actually accomplished the past few months. Let's see, I entered a couple of pieces in a show, and now I can't even remember which one, I'll have to go back and look. I was rejected from a few. I completed a piece for the SDA conference for the members exhibit. And, most recently, I completed a liturgical stole and an article for Quilting Arts magazine. So despite feeling like I'm not doing any art, I'm still plugging along. I didn't enter my fiber art groups yearly exhibition, a bit sad about that and I haven't made the meetings for that in many months, also sad. But, once I get this whole working and running a family thing under my belt hopefully that will change.

Here is a couple of photos of a piece from the last few months and I'll hopefully have some good ones of the stole soon. I'll write more about it and the process when I post the photos.

Happy creating! (and happy working, and playing with kids or gardening or whatever you like or have to do!)

Classes and Upcoming Exhibit of the GA SDA Members

2009-05-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Yes, I've started back to work as a statistician and have to cut back a bit on my artistic endeavors but I'm not letting work take over everything. I'm working hard to find a balance as I'm sure many of you have had to do over the years between family, work and your art.

I wanted to let you know that I'll be teaching a few classes very soon.

The first is Needle Felting Basics, May 16 at a fabulous yarn shop in Woodstock called The Whole Nine Yarns. It is a Saturday, 10:30, $35.00. Just a few weeks away! I'll teach you the basics and in the class we'll make a set of coasters and a small case (ipod, cell phone, eyeglasses, whatever you wish it to be for).

The other class is Saturday, June 20th at Intown Quilters, a wonderful quilt shop in the Decatur area. Never been? Oh, you must! I am very excited about this class. It is called Mixed Media Fabric Collage. We will cover as much as possible in one day! We will especially focus on transfer techniques! It is a full day class. I have to check on the times and price.

Other things happening this month are the opening for two exhibits that I have pieces in. One being Focus on Fiber II-Small Art Quilts and the other is local, the member show for the GA SDA (Surface Design Association). It is opening this Sunday at the Defoor Center. I just dropped off my pieces and saw some of the other work and it is simply stunning. Especially unique. The name of the show is Extreme Threads and it "showcases the energy and innovation of diverse professional and emerging artists working in fiber, stitch, surface, textiles.....employing unusual materials, and using timeless and radical techniques."

Collage Mania Preview is Open!

2009-04-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Collage Mania, the wonderful, amazing fundraiser by Virginia Spiegel, is now open for Preview. There are over 30 pages of gorgeous fiber and collage art to be purchased to raise funds for Cancer Research. You may preview now to choose the ones you hope to purchase on opening day, May 5th! Prices start at $80.00, a great deal for unique piece of artwork. For those pieces that don't sell on the first day, price goes down to $40.00 on May 6th and 7th.

Virginia hopes to hit to the $200,000 for all of her fundraising efforts and she can do it with your help!!

My contributions are on page 25 but there are so many to choose from! Something for everyone!

To preview, go to: http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/CM2009Collages1.html

Fairies

2009-04-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

are always fun. I have a Creativity Party scheduled for this week and I'll be teaching 10 year old girls how to paint fairies, so I painted this one as a demo of what we will be doing. I think she is pretty cute. :)

Collage Mania-more

2009-03-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

I received so much positive feedback on my last post. Thanks to everyone who to took the time to look and comment!

I did go ahead and send these in to Collage Mania so they will be available for purchase very soon. If you don't know about Collage Mania, it is part of a fabulous fundraiser put together by Virginia Spiegel. This is the last year and the hope is to hit the $200,000 mark. The funds go to the American Cancer Society. First day of the sale is May 5th.

I thought I'd tell you a bit about the pieces below. The ones with the my original ink drawings include watercolor paper, tissue paper, acrylic paint, alcohol ink, watercolor pencils and pastels and thread. I donated one of them in honor of Eugenia Calle, my friend who worked for the American Cancer Society for 20 years, a prominent epidemiologist in cancer research. She was murdered in February. I donated another in honor Carmen Rodriguez, another prominent cancer epidemiologist who worked at the American Cancer Society for much of her life. She lost her life to adrenal cancer last fall.

Two of the fabric pieces started with monoprinted fabrics as the background. The small pieces of fabric are a combination of painted fabrics and commercial fabrics. Another started with a screened tree background from a photograph. It's hard to see as I decided the orientation was landscape which puts the tree in the background on it's side.

I'll post more details about Collage Mania as it approaches. Preview day is April 29!

I also sent in one other piece; photo is above.

Collage Mania

2009-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

These are the pieces I've been working on for Collage Mania. These are not the final photos as they are not mounted to 8 x 10 yet, and these are scans not photos. So, the color is a little off and they just don't look quite right. I'm struggling a bit with confidence and not sure I'm in love with these. Maybe the orientation is wrong on some of them. Or maybe it is basic design problems? Or they aren't done? Or they are over done? What do you think?

All artists struggle at times with confidence and maybe with every piece. What are your current struggles with your art?

She Looks So Innocent

2009-03-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

I added a new mixed media canvas item to my Etsy shop today. She started as a mixed media background that was my example that I made during one of my Creativity Parties. I added the little girl with my favorite medium, watersoluble wax pastels. I think she turned out really cute. She has a high gloss varnish that doesn't show well in the photos (can see it a little bit as a glare in the first photo), but I think really adds to the piece.

How have you been creative today? Remember, we are all creative. You just have to decide that you are willing to play!!

Creativity Party Projects

2009-03-17T12:33:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the samples I have made for my Creativity Parties. These are for the creative offerings including needle-felted art canvas, mixed media canvas and storyboard canvas (one with a photo of little 'ol me). The heart piece was inspired by an article in Cloth, Paper, Scissors about a year ago. This is the piece my last party used as a jumping off place for their artwork.

I finished! Submission ready, QUEEN BEE

2009-03-17T10:46:00.001-07:00

I actually completed something, not the night before, not two days before, but THREE days before the deadline. Well, okay, it is a receive by deadline so I really needed to get it done today. For once though I won't be paying mega fees just to get it there on time.

I submitted this little lady to Focus on Fiber II, Small Art Quilts. Maybe she will bring me luck and make it into the exhibition.

Enjoy your day! Mine is going pretty good right now!

Heidi

Fun with Creativity Party

2009-03-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

I had a great time having a creativity party at my sister Mimi's house on Thursday night. We did some creative relaxation exercises and then jumped right into a mixed-media project. Everyone had fun playing with paints and mediums and then adding ephemera from my collection. Above is my step sister Candi having fun with her piece.

Here is my Mom's piece. We all thought it was funny she had a margarita glass to go with "Home Sweet Home". She added a "C" and an "N" for Carole (her name) and Nate (my step Dad). She didn't remember ever having painted. Pretty great results for a first time piece of art, huh?

Here is a photo of Becky's art piece in progress. I think it turned out great! And, Mimi's was great too!!! Most importantly they all seemed to have fun and let their inner children out to play.

Today's Doodle

2009-03-03T03:55:00.000-08:00

Just a whimsical little drawing. Top is cut off a bit (her leaf head). Thinking she needs some other fruity friends. Hee-Hee.

The smudges are because I got paint on my scanner from another day. Have to clean that off today.

Why not try drawing your own fruity friends today?

What I've been up to the past few days

2009-02-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

I am almost finished with my memorial piece for Jeanne CAlle and thought I'd go ahead and post an image. It still needs binding, some beading (I ran out of a certain kind of bead I had!) and then some stitching on her hair and face.

Here is another one of my Mixed Media Scarves. I think I'm keeping this one for myself. Not quite sure yet.

The piece I posted yesterday from my monoprint playing became this:

Morning Play Dates

2009-02-27T05:00:00.001-08:00

I've been on a better schedule lately (I'm usually a night owl) and getting up for a morning play date with myself. Some days a bit too early (yesterday was 4 am!) but it's nice to find the time when the house is quiet. I no longer seem to have the energy to work late at night as I use too.

This morning I played around with fabric painting, stamping, monoprinting. Here is one of the six small pieces I worked on. Not the best of the bunch just the one that was dry.

Too some it probably looks like a clean up rag (well, in some ways it is as when I work I hate to waste paint so I wipe my brushes on the piece I'm working on, or dry brush them clean on my fabric) but to me it looks like layers waiting to be added to, or cut up or enhanced with colored pencils. Or, maybe it was just a piece to learn more about the process. What happens if I pour water on my plexiglass after layiering on my paints? What happens if I spread by paint on with a spoon instead of a brush or a brayer? What happens if.....? Everytime I work in this free form play kind of way I discover at least one new trick to use or at least to explore more the next time I play.

Do you have a morning creative date with yourself?

Just a doodle-and what to do with grief

2009-02-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

I've been struggling the past few days as I recently attended a memorial service for a friend who was murdered. During the service I learned that her (the victim's) best friend had passed away in November. This person was also a good friend of mine (that i had lost touch with). Now I know why emails and phone calls have not been returned. It never even crossed my mind that she was even sick or had passed away! I knew the day would be hard but not for that reason. I've been struggling with what to do with my deep sadness and have been putting my energy into a memorial quilt for the first friend, Jeanne Calle. I wanted to finish it by the day of the funeral but realized it was impossible but I'm very close to done now. It's not perfect or amazing art. But, it has served the purpose of giving my hands and my mind something to do. Mindless stitching and beading while at the same time keeping my friend's memory at the forefront of my mind every minute of the past few days. I'll post a picture when it is finished. I'll be donating it to the American Cancer Society, where she worked for 20 years, and let them choose whether to keep it or send it along to her family.

This week has been a real wake up call to cherish your friends and your memories and to try hard to live in the moments that you have. For those old friends who haven't heard from me, rest assured you will soon. I'm making a list and urgently feel the need to know that you are all okay.

My friend who passed in November, Carmen Rodriguez, was also an epidemiologist that I worked with at the American Cancer Society. She was a small, feisty person with a huge heart. She had two boys, 12 and 16. My thoughts go out to her husband and her children. She had adrenal cancer found last April and was gone by November. She was only 50. Hug your kids, hug your spouses and hug your friends today.

Here's a silly bird just to lift the mood after this dark post. What a difference a little color makes.

Watercolor Crayon Classes-Mistake on Posted Date

2009-02-22T19:26:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to say I posted the wrong date for one of my upcoming classes.

Watercolor crayons on fabric will be taught on Saturday, March 14th (NOT Saturday, March 7th as I had previously posted.

So, just to keep it all clear, at Red Hen Fabrics in Marietta, GA during March I'll be teaching the following (call the shop to register):

Watercolor Crayons on Fabric, Tuesday, March 3rd, 10 am to 2 pm
and Saturday, March 14th, 10 am to 2pm

Mixed Media No Knit Scarf, Tuesday, March 24th, 10 am to 1 pm

Sorry for the mix-up.

Classes and Creativity Parties

2009-02-21T05:22:00.000-08:00

Mixed Media No Knit Scarf will be taught at Red Hen FAbrics in Marietta on:

Tuesday, March 24th, 10 to 1 pm, $35.00

They are fast and easy, but absolutely stunning. No one will believe it takes only a couple of hours to make these beautiful scarfs.

And, don't forget about Creativity Parties! The first five to book parties are free to the host! I've booked one already, so only 4 spots left to take advantage of this deal!

I've changed the fees a bit and here is how it works:

-Minimum of 3 people (including host) and Maximum of 10 (including host)
-$20 per person, but host is FREE if there are 4 or more guests
-Supplies/kit fees are $8 to $25 depending on chose of creative offering. However, guests are welcome to bring their own supplies instead.

So, for about the price of a movie, popcorn and soda, you can instead have a good time with friends, get in touch with your inner creative child and create something beautiful!

Contact me if you would like more details.

Tragic Loss of Dr. Eugenia Calle

2009-02-21T04:49:00.000-08:00

I've been up since the wee hours of the morning (not normal for me, especially on a Saturday), trying to figure out what to do with my grief and anger over the loss of a very special person. Jeanne Calle was my first supervisor (in a "real" job). She was my mentor. She was like a second mother to me when I was alone for the first time in a big city (Atlanta) with no friends or family. She hired me with no experience in the field of epidemiology. Allowed me to take courses at Emory during the day while working full time. She always encouraged me and believed in me. She was my thesis advisor. And, most importantly, my friend. I watched her fall in love with her late husband Rick Letz who died from lymphoma a couple of years ago.

I'm sad I did not keep in touch the last few years, especially as I had moved back to the Atlanta area. Ironically, I had just emailed her a few weeks ago about possible positions with the American Cancer Society (where she and I worked).

She had just retired two weeks ago (I later found out) and was tragically murdered in her condominium in downtown Atlanta. Her condo was for sale as she had found love again and was selling her home to move in with her fiance. A "buyer" came in to see the condo and killed her, stole her credit cards, cash and wedding band (from marriage to Rick).

I am soooooo angry and so sad. I want everyone to know how much I care for and love them. Even if you haven't heard from me in awhile, even if you think I don't, even if you read this and think, she is not talking about me (yes, you!). I may not have called, written or seen you. But, I think about you, I love you and you have made tremendous difference in my life. All of you who are my friends, now and past.

Jeanne was a real gift to this world. She was passionate about her work and her life. The world is a less good place without her in it.

Dates on Upcoming Watercolor Crayons Class

2009-02-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching Watercolor Crayons on Fabric at Red Hen FAbrics in Marietta, GA
on

Tuesday, March 3, 10am-2pm, $40.00
and
Saturday, March 7, 10am-2pm., $40.00

No art experience necessary! I show you all the little tricks on using these wonderful little crayons!

Hope to see some of you there!

Heidi

Creativity Parties are Here!!!

2009-02-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

I finally completed my preparation for Creativity Play Date Parties! The first five hosts to book parties will be free (not the party, the host, value of $30 to $40!).

Through my own artistic discoveries I have realized that EVERYONE has the ability to be creative. And, I want to share the tremendous joy that finding your inherent creativity can bring.

Each party offers a creative offering and every participant will leave the party with a completed art piece. The projects may be individual or group projects. And, absolutely NO ART EXPERIENCE is necessary!

These parties are perfect for both children and adults, for birthday parties, girls nights out, date night, church groups and even corporate team building exercises.

Some of the offerings include: Doodle to Design, Mixed Media Tote Bags, Watercolor Flowers, Monoprinting, Journal Pillows, Wet Felted Bags, Needle-felted Art and Accessories. I can even help you design a custom offering just for your party.

The great thing about these parties is that it is much less investment than an art course and you will be in a relaxed, fun environment with your friends. I bring all of the supplies to you!

So, if you want to book a party, call me at 404-324-3478 or email me at hmiracle@alum.mit.edu! I can't wait to get started!!! Parties consist of 2 to 3 hours in length with 4 to 10 participants. Cost varies depending on the projects but are either $30 to $40 INCLUDING supplies!

I will list more details on my website very soon.

I live in Woodstock, GA just outside of Atlanta.

Watercolor Crayons Class Coming Soon

2009-02-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

I took some time last night to play around with my Neocolor II's on fabric. It had been awhile since I had and my class on them is coming up soon, so I thought it was time to refresh my memory on all of the little details. And, see what I could come up. I was feeling creative but lazy and that is what is great about these crayons! No fuss, no muss. It's just like coloring in a coloring book. Sit down in bed and have some fun. I think she turned out cute. :)

The class will be offered on two dates coming up in March and April at Red Hen FAbrics in Marietta, GA. Hope to see some of you there! I'll post more details soon.

Collage Mania

2009-02-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

I finally began work on my Collage Mania pieces last night. They are not complete but I thought I'd post one because I'm looking for some feedback. Despite trying to stay with a more moderate color scheme, I found hot pink just calling out to me! I added a hot pink X and then some hand stitching as well. Now I'm thinking about a whole hot pink border. So, my question is this? Am I going overboard. Would it better without any pink at all? They need some stitching and ironing but wanted to go ahead and post before I take it any further.

The tree is from a photo of my husbands (which I have permission to use), that I edited and changed a bit digitally. Then I created a Thermofax screen from it. I really like it and find myself using this screen often.

Look forward to hearing comments so I can move forward!

Thanks in advance!!!

Round Robin Results are in!!!

2009-02-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the reveal of a 12 month (well more like 14 in our case) round robin and I was so excited to receive my piece. What a gift! On the left is how it began and on the right is the final result! Several of us in our Fiber Art Fusion group here in Georgia took turns adding to each other's small art quilt. I absolutely love it!!!! Thanks gals!!!! I hope you are all as thrilled with yours as I am with mine!

The second photo is a 5 x 7 I created for our gift exchange in December. It was nice to see it again and grab a photo, but my memory failed me as I had thought it was better in design. It seems a bit cluttered and unfocused now that I have a chance to really "see" it.

New and Old Doodles and Drawings

2009-02-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

I spent some time today cleaning out my art room/play room/dining room and went through stacks of drawings that were laying around. I selected a few, some old and new to post today. The third one down is incomplete but it is similar to many I've worked on the last few months. I get bored before I finish them but I definitely feel drawn to start them again and again.

The bird is actually just the top third of a larger piece. Don't ask me what kind of bird it is because I don't know myself. :)

I was glad to find the mermaid as I drew her with my daughter quite some time ago. She wants her in her bedroom and I was afraid I'd lost her.

Mixed-Media No-Knit Scarf Demo this Saturday at Red Hen FAbrics

2009-02-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, February 7th, I'll be doing a demo of a Mixed Media/No-Knit scarf at Red Hen Fabrics in Marietta, GA. So stop on by!

I'm posting some photos of old work-some of my first quilts, my son's 1st birthday cake, one of my professional wedding cakes (okay, my only professional wedding cake) and the cake for my final in my Cake Decorating class at Newbury College (back in 2000 or maybe it was 1999). The finals cake was a bit frilly even for my taste back then but we needed to demonstrate that we could work in a lot of different mediums/techniques (run-outs, gum paste, fondant, royal icing, etc.). I've been trying to very slowly scan old photos so that I have digital access to all photos and just thought I'd share these that are art/craft/creativity/quilt related. The quality of the photos isn't so great because most were in scrapbooks and I couldn't lay them flat on my scanner bed very easily.

The sampler quilt was from one of my first classes in Arlington, MA. It was my fourth quilt I think. It is still a UFO. Not quilted that is. Someday. I can't think of the name of the shop where I took the class now but it was a great shop. I hope it is still there. The flower quilt was from Jan Mullens pattern, Daisiez. I loved working with her patterns and fabrics when I started out. This was my third quilt. My niece is the owner of that quilt so I still get to see it occassionally.

Art at the Mill 2009 a Success! Upcoming Classes!

2009-02-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! I'm spending a lazy Sunday morning in bed with my laptop. Catching up on emails, paying bills, etc. I decided I deserved a little bit of time to unwind before jumping into cleaning my house I've been neglecting for awhile. So, what have I been up to? Mostly, Art at the Mill 2009. It was my third year organizing an event that brings in local artists to my son's elementary school for the day. I think I know a little bit about what it would be like to a professional event planner now, and I'm pretty sure I don't want the job. But, I do love the payoff of the smiling children's faces in the hallways.

This year was reportedly the best ever! We had an amazing drumming trio we found through the Young Audiences/Woodruff Arts Center Showcase last fall, Ritmo Blu. I didn't get to see the performance at the school as I was leading art demonstrations for the kids myself, but I heard great things about them.

Another favorite was Balloon Guy Mike. He wowed the kids with his amazing balloon sculptures. He was nice enough to make an alien for me to take home to my sick son who had to miss the day's presentations.

Other artists/performers were:

Peggy Still, pianist/composer of The Peggy Still School of Music. She trained the actress/pianist in the movie, Benjamin Button.

Erwin Sateler, guitarist from The Woodstock Academy of Dance and Music

Jimmy Hopkins, metal welder/sculptor.

Patricia DiBona, mixed-media artist, who came in with under 24 hours notice (we had one cancellation) and made 244 collage kits for the kids! wow!

Vanessa Sebastian, manga artist.

Rhythm Dance Center, dance.

Yvonne Dauria, basket weaver.

Lena Adams, loom weaver.

Diane Kovach, glass lampwork bead artist.

Dianna Murphy, wheel potter.

Mary Akers, watercolor and batik artist. (an amazing artist and good friend)

Carol Daniels, puppetry.

Tina Wilson, KidzArt.

Publix cake decorators.

It was an amazing day. All of the guests were so talented and all so friendly and giving of their time and talent.

I've also been slowly but surely completing work on pieces that have been in the works for awhile. Most notably a liturgical stole that I completed earlier this month. I stilll don't have photos to share, but will hopefully get around to scheduling a photo session with the owner of the stole this week. I worked on it on and off for 6 months. I find this work very rewarding as it is so personal. I think this is an area where I will continue to take orders and commissions. Here is some of the feedback I received:

"It is exquisite, intricate, beautiful, and so many more superlatives. Heidi, I absolutely love it. It is a very miraculous creation. I want to have a sort of consecration ceremony before I wear it, just between God and me. It feels holy and sacred to me as to what you built into its fabric as well as a sacred honor to wear it. I will wear it as example of the creative and colorful Light forces which flow through all of us in such individual and unique ways, just as the Creator intended it....and as you, the creator, so clearly demonstrated in your crafting of it. "

"Today I held my own consecration service for the stole. Since Saturday, I have been looking
at and imagining how I wanted to celebrate putting it on. I knew I did not want to just "try it
on", but to wear it after certain words had been said and a ritual done to impress the wearing
of it with a sacred resonance. Having done that, I can only say that it feels that if I can
represent its sacred colors in the ways which God intended, I will be a better person for the
wearing of them. Part of what I read today was the verse from the Gnostic Gospel of Philip:
"God is a dyer. The good dyes, true dyes, dissolve into things dyed in them. So too for things
god has dyed. His dyes are imperishable because of their colors." Thank you Heidi for creating
a form to display God's imperishable colors. "

Lastly, I have been working really hard on finding places to teach my classes and have had success! I am determined to make a go of teaching as much as possible. The economic situation has started to take it's toll on our household and I've started collecting the statistics and math job postings in my area, but am praying that I have a few more months before I have to go down that path. I want to find a way to make a real living at what I love. Before taking on a math position, I am open to math tutoring for high school and college students. Contact me if you are interested. I have a BS in Math from MIT, and a MS in Biostatistics from Harvard.

But let's get back to my passion, ART!!!!!! Many more classes and venues are in the works/talks, etc including art classes for children. But, for now I am very excited to report that I have at least two upcoming classes at Red Hen FAbrics in Marietta, GA.

This coming Saturday, February 7th, I'll be doing a demo of mixed-media scarf with an actual hands-on class coming in March.

Also, in March, I'll be teaching my Watercolor Crayons on Fabric on two different occassions at Red Hen. Be watching for the dates (I left my day planner out in the car. :))

Gotta run. My 16 year old kitty is having a rough weekend and apparently it's getting worse while I'm hiding up here in the bedroom. Looks like it will be a trip to vet hospital today. Say some prayers for her.

heidi

Cake Creativity!!!

2009-01-21T19:51:00.001-08:00

My son's 8th birthday cake, Patrick Star, Spongebob's Best Friend.

Baby Burp Cloth Creativity

2009-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post some photos of some fun I had with a few of the students in my son's 2nd grade class. Last November, we (the parents) had a surprise baby shower for my son's teacher, Mrs. Pigott. I helped the students paint a piece of art cloth (in colors to coordinate with her nursery bedding) that I then sewed onto some nice cloth diapers. I received some similar pieces from some good friends for my second baby, Maggie. I thought they were the perfect gift. Very useful, but completely unique and personal.

So, here they are. I'm not posting photos of the actual kids giving the burp cloths because I don't post photos of my own kids and would be uncomfortable posting photos of other's kids. But, needless to say, she was very surprised and loved them (I think).

Here they are:

I also sewed a diaper clutch, bip and burp cloth myself. I really liked the way they turned out, especially the clutch. It looks like a clutch purse but opens up to hold a diaper and wipes and becomes a changing pad.

It's been too long since I posted...

2009-01-09T10:52:00.001-08:00

I got caught up in the craziness of the holidays and birthdays, but life is starting to feel a bit more like normal.

I haven't made much art lately. I did make several different kinds of ornaments for gifts, my favorite being the ones I made with photos of my Dad on silk that I then stitched onto wool felt. I forgot to take photos before I gave them to my sisters, but I still need to make one for myself and I'll take a photo when it is finished. It was a very easy project, probably 30 minutes or so start to finish. When I post the photo, I will post the instructions as well.

I also baked stollen and almond tarts. Made body scrubs and bath fizzies. Both very easy and fun. The bath fizzies were a lot of fun to make with the kids. They look like little cupcakes. I found the recipes online somewhere. Again, forgot to take photos. I don't know what it is with me and cameras. If you look at our photos from the last several years you would think I died. My husband is in every photo with the kids. And, I'm just nowhere to be found. I'm afraid my kids will think I was never around, which isn't true. I'm just not good at remembering to take photos.

Oh, and I just remembered where a lot of my creative juices went in December! My daughter's 4 year fairy princess birthday party! We had so much making fairy wands, fairy princess tiaras and of course, the fairy princess castle cake. That I do have a photo of! My daughter, son and niece had great fun sticking all of the candies on.

Right now I'm busy FINALLY finishing the stole I was commissioned for last May and working on my third Art at the Mill event for my son's school. It's coming up in just a few weeks and it's been much easier this year as I've had a great committee handling just about everything! I just get to do the fun part of finding the artists. This year we will have a basket weaver, watercolor batik artist, tapestry weaver, manga artist, dance group, guitarist, pianist (she worked with the piano teacher actress for the new Brad Pitt movie!), cake decorator, felter (myself), puppeteer, glass bead artist, balloon sculptor, junk metal sculptor, bookmaker/graphic designer and there are a few more but i"m drawing a blank at the moment. And, the kids will love the main performing group, Ritmo Blu. I spent a day watching local performing groups at a Showcase back in September and this group was by far the best and the most booked group. They are a percussion trio and they are simply amazing. I can't wait to see the kids faces as they watch them perform.

Well, back to my day. I'm finishing the stole, taking my daughter to ballet class and then home to start working on son's birthday cake for his Monster Mini Golf party (indoor, glow in the dark, mini-golf, who thinks of this stuff?) this Sunday. He wants a three dimensional Patrick cake (Spongebob's best friend).

Have a great weekend!

Heidi

Happy Holidays, Felting and Snowmen Ornaments

2008-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. I've pulled up my blog dashboard many times in the last few weeks in hopes of thinking of something inspiring to write. But, alas, nada, nothing, zilch, has come to mind. I think I have been wanting to write more about creativity and what it means to me. But, a writer I am not. Never have been really.

So, it seems I will continue to just write a bit about whatever I am thinking about at the moment I sit down to finally give my blog an update. Usually something along the lines of what it is I have been doing that falls within the realm of artistic creation in my life. So, here it goes:

I made a lot of new felted items for the three shows I was in the last couple of weeks. I had a lot of fun at the shows as usual, but I think I've decided that in addition to taking a break from all weekend art shows that I will also be taking a break from one day craft fairs. I get to met cool people and talk about my art, but financially, well, I just don't do that great. At least not right now in this economy. Or it could me that I'm not the best at marketing or making a pretty tablescape. Or, whatever. I'm not down about it and I think I've learned to not let sells of my artwork effect how I feel about what I create. It doesn't really matter, I have to make it one way or another. And, sometimes it's just finding the right person. I don't expect my items to appeal to everyone. Not sure I would even want them to. I just don't know what to do with all of this stuff I make! Ahh! It's taking over my house! I suppose I can gift it a lot of it but I really hate to as I know it's not always wanted. Maybe I'll slowly donate as much as I can to little fundraisers or whatnot. I have been having a lot of fun needle felting and wet felting beads for bracelets and necklaces, and making lots of little cases. I have taken some photos but haven't really been in the photo session mood just lately. I've posted lots of these items in my etsy shop if you want to take a look.

While doing all of this felting I did discover that I REALLY like bamboo roving. I ordered combo bamboo/merino roving from an etsy seller and it felted up beautifully. Very, very soft.

I've also been playing around with making snowmen ornaments with my kids and love that too! Such a nice break to get back to some real "crafting" for a change. I've actually been thinking a lot about how maybe I want to just "craft" for awhile and not stress so much about creating pieces for exhibits, shows to sell, etc. and just make fun crafty kind of things. Sell them, gift them or just do them for fun with the kids. Maybe I could get them excited about art again if I were more flexible. Here is one of the snowmen ornaments. I didn't photo the others and some are already on our tree or given away as gifts.

I do have several other things perking along in the background. I've made significant progress on a commissioned stole piece. It's taken me many months to find the motivation but I was finally really feeling inspired and like the way it looks so far. I am also going to be working on a AIDS quilt panel with members of my Fiber Art Fusion group starting sometime in January. The group will be making several panels to be joined into a large 12' x 12' quilt. My group will be working on a panel for Michael Jeter. You may have known him as Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle, from Elmo's World on Sesame Street. Such a loss of a great talent. If you don't know his name but look up his photo, once you see him you will remember him from many great television shows and movies.

I am also a member of the Georgia chapter of the Surface Design Association. We are planning an exhibit of our work for next year and I have many ideas about pieces I hope to finish for the show. Some in progress and some never started.

I am still hoping to resume teaching. I think that is where my passion really is these days. I miss it tremendously. I want to find a way to do more teaching in 2009.

I think just those things plus a third annual Fiber Arts Fusion exhibit (next year in September I think) are enough to keep me busy. Along with my 3 and 7 year old. Which, by the way, yesterday's creative activity was making homemade playdough for the Georgia state map. Making playdough and also making a sort of paper mache for the ornaments has me thinking about paper mache sculpture artwork. Hmm, maybe I'll make a paper mache tree topper since I can't find my old one, which I believe was broken anyway. Maybe I tossed it last year. So look for photos coming soon of a paper mache tree angel. That should keep me busy for a few days.

Off to vote in our run-off elections before I pick up the wee one.

Create something every day!

Heidi

Fall is here and art/craft shows are everywhere!

2008-11-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

Fall is beautiful in Georgia. The colors seem more intense to me than usual. I finally visited my Father's grave to observe the anniversary of his passingl. It was difficult but also nice as I went with my sisters and we spent much of the day together. Something that happens maybe once a year. We had tea at a nice little British tea shop in Chattanooga after visiting the Veteran's cemetery. It was a gorgeous day, almost the same as last year. Blue sky and orange trees and a mountain of white headstones. It was a nice day albeit a sad one as well. Goodbye again Daddy J. We love you.

Below is a photo of my neighbors tree. It doesn't do it justice. And the other is a commissioned piece that is almost complete. It is watersoluble wax pastels (Neocolor II's by Caran D'ache) and free hand stitching with DMC floss.

I can't figure out why some of the above text is underlined and I can't get it to go away either! ERG!!!

If you are in the area, come out and see me this weekend. I have lots of new things, some felted ornaments and jewelry, some plushies and new artwork.

Upcoming shows this weekend:

Bizaare Bazaar-Arnold Mill Elementary in Woodstock on Arnold Mill Road, Saturday, November 15th

Artisans at the Etz-Etz Chaim Temple in Marietta on Roswell Road, Sunday, November 16th

Hope to see you there! Come on and out and get your holiday shopping rolling and support handmade at the same time!!!

Have a great week!

Heidi

Fun with kids and art!

2008-10-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted. My computer crashed yet again! And, right now I have no access to my files or photos. I have a laptop now so I can still be connected to the rest of the world. And, if I can get around to taking new photos of the things I've been working on then I could post them. I just haven't taken any lately.

I have been busy with art though. I progressed on two commission pieces while on vacation in the Isle of Palms, SC week before last. We stayed with my family in a beautiful home with lots of light and windows and most importantly, lots of clean open space and tables and no other responsibilities.

Since I've been back I taught for a day at a school and had great fun letting 1st through 6th graders paint on a piece of cloth for the day. I brought it home and have added lots to it and I'm in love with it. I told them I'd bring it back to the school but I'm really wanting to keep it now that I've spent so much time on it. I'll have to think about the best arrangement. It's the kind of thing others might think just looks like a lot of scribble but for myself I just love the layers. Anyway, I had great fun while I was there with the children and hopefully got across my main message, that art takes practice, not talent or a "gift". And, to allow themselves to experiment and play and have fun and to create lots of bad art in hopes of some good art (same as practice really, but just emphasizing that it should be fun as well without lots of pressure or hopes for a great outcome).

I also created a small monoprinted piece I'm really liking while on vacation. I'll try to post a photo of that one soon.

I've missed lots of deadlines for shows I was hoping to enter but I also intentionally stepped back this year from pushing myself to meet deadlines if it meant to much time away from my other responsibilities. If I could learn to stop procrastinating I could probably do both well (my art "job" and my "mom/wife" job).

I am still hoping to resume teaching as I am really passionate about it. I'llkeep you posted. In the meantime, I am offering classes in your home, for kids or adults. For parties.For creativity evenings. For adult art "play dates". ETc. I'm working on creating enough space in my home to hopefully teach private or very small groups. And, a couple of other possibilities are percolating. If you own a shop in the Atlanta area (or the South) and are looking for surface design teachers, contact me. :) Or, if you are in a guild and looking for teachers I'd love to help you out! :) I am working on material for longer courses, but I have material for 1 to 2 day courses on felting (dry and wet), stamp carving and other printmaking techniques, watercolor pastels, and monoprinting. The last two are my favorite to teach as they are my favorite techniques and because I feel I have the most knowledge and little "secrets" I can pass along.

Anyway, I suppose that is it for now. I'll post pictures soon. One of these days I'll even update my website with all of my new work. I've got lots of small felted items (bowls, wallets, cell phone holders) I need to post and many other things as well.

Take care and remember to play everyday! What did you do that was creative today? I let my 3 year old help me add to the school piece I mentioned before. Between her ability to totally play and get absorbed in the process and my ability to look at the big picture of the piece and see where it needed more color, line, etc. to bring it to a whole we really can up with something quite amazing (in my humble opinion).

Sleep well. Happy dreams.

Heidi

Watercolor pastels on fabric

2008-09-27T16:52:00.001-07:00

playing around with a piece of fabric with my watercolor crayons today. really layered them on thick and starting to get some of the kind of results i was hoping for. now i just need to figure out to make sure they are permanent without messing it up. i can't wait to see how it looks with some stitching on it. this is about 1/4 of the entire piece.

Arts Festival Photos

2008-09-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a few photos of my booth at the Creative Arts Guild Festival last weekend. Unfortunately, I took these on Sunday and a couple of my larger original pieces sold on Saturday. I had just completed them the night before and never got any photos of them. Oh well. That person will have two of my pieces that will never be seen on anything else (magnet, card, etc.).

What do cockroaches have to do with art?

2008-09-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Last night was the last night for my son to put together a submission for the PTA Reflections art program at his school. He is a procrastinator like his mother. He had said he wanted to enter the photography category and took several photos last night, including one of a dead cockroach in a plastic cup. Well, bedtime came quickly and there just wasn't time to put the photo together for a submission (had to be printed, but on a board or foam core, etc.). So, I couldn't resist and just had to play around with the photo myself. Not that I turned it in as a submission. I just played around with it for fun. I became, yes, obsessed with the darn thing and here is one of the results. I know have at least 20 different versions of Cockroach in a Cup. Hhm, maybe a series? I don't know. Not my usual cup of tea but then again I do like to be different and unique.

My son saw these and now wants to make his own digitally enhanced photo so one day when there is some extra time I'll show him how to use Corel Paint Pro (he has used it to make a few things before, including a magnet in my Etsy shop) to make his own Cockroach in a Cup.

I taught monoprinting today to three fabulous ladies. We had lots of fun printing, stamping and screening. I especially liked the effects they all got with gelatin printing. And, one print with a piece of yarn that really showed all the nubby little bits of yarn. We spent a good part of the time making collagraph plates to print from later in the day. Collagraph prints on fabric is probably my favorite surface design technique of late. I hope they continue to experiment and have fun letting themselves play and be creative.

Take care,

Heidi

Art Quilts XIII Happy Dance!

2008-09-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, I think it's the longest it has ever been without a post for me. Life just got really busy there for awhile. I had a decent show this past weekend at the Creative Arts Guild Festival in Dalton, GA. I didn't sell as much as I would have liked but I also sold more than I expected given the state of our economy. And, I had a great time seeing my sisters, my mom and step-dad, my aunts and a few other friendly faces. I grew up in Dalton, GA.

I came back home to some good news and some sad news. Good news is after several "non-acceptances" I am going to have a piece in Art Quilts XIII at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Arizona. Happy dance, happy dance, happy dance. The list of artists in the show is here.

The sad news is that Fiber on a Whim, the shop where I sometimes teach, will be closing it's brick and mortar location. They (the shops owners, Jan and Kristin) have given me so much these past three years. Their shop, their guidance, the teachers they brought in, their support of my endeavors including allowing me to teach in their shop have all been the key factors in my journey becoming an artist. I owe them so much. They will still have an online shop and you will see them traveling the shows (look for them in Houston!) to continue to support fiber and altered art and artists. The closing date of the brick and mortar store is not until sometime in October. I have a couple of classes still on the calendar for September, but after that I'll be looking around for a new studio space for teaching. I have a few options in mind but nothing settled just yet. I'll keep you posted.

Life is busy again with school, homework and PTA. I'm once again co-chairing an Arts Day at my son's elementary school and have spent most of that time this year learning about grant funding and artist in residence funding. I'm hoping that I can kill two birds with one stone, writing some grants for the school and also learning about possible grantor residence funding for myself.

I've also been spending countless hours watching the news, listening to the radio, reading the internet all in efforts to stay on top of the election this year. I'm working really hard on understanding and finding the facts and that is a job in itself. I won't get political on my blog, well, not today anyway.

Do something fun today, even if it's only for 5 minutes.

Heidi

Fun with the Computer

2008-08-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I played around with my Corel Paint Pro and I thought my black and white flowers were the perfect little pieces to play around with. I took the daisy one and changed it first to black and white only and then played around with colorizing, filling in, etc. What fun! I think it looks pretty cool! Now, I wish I could easily print lots of fabric with the designs! Maybe some day I can be a textile designer when I grow up! LOL It's fun to dream.

Flowers!!!

2008-08-19T15:39:00.001-07:00

Not sure why, but I've been obsessed with drawing flowers in ink. It is very addictive and I think I'm getting better. I'm brainstorming ideas of how to use these to go further or use in other art projects. For some reason they feel like a waste of my time as they are. I know I'm learning and getting better but it is really time consuming. This is just a small sampling. Some have taken more than 6 hours to complete. Lots of time I should be spending on other things but I suppose it is to keep my mind busy or I just have a need to learn to get better at this right now. I can tell that it will be very beneficial in painting flowers or piecing from fabric or any art project where I will use flowers later on.

Hope you enjoy them.

Fiber Art Fusion

2008-08-11T11:21:00.001-07:00

So, I've been back from vacation for a week and totally forgot about going to visit the exhibit of the Fiber Art Fusion group at The Art Place in Marietta. I've seen online photos on my friend Ginny Greaves blog and it looks simply fantastic! I will definitely head over tomorrow. If you are in the area you should go and take a look. The theme is Transformations. This is my piece in the show, although this is sideways.

Tomorrow night is the monthly meeting of the group, 7 to 9 pm. It is being held at Tiny Stitches in Marietta. I'll be doing a very brief explanation about sunprinting and then a demo/participation making fun, fabulous, fabric beads! Hope to see some of you there!!

Heidi

What I made on vacation

2008-08-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

These are a couple of the small items I made while away on my trips. The bird is done with Pigma pen, watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons on white cotton canvas cloth. She started off with more brownish colors but I wasn't liking it and wanted more contrast with the nest so she became a green color. Probably not like any real bird. That is the problem with realism I suppose, you need to be trying to accurately represent something. I like making up flowers, birds, etc.

The felt piece was just for fun but I thought turned out rather nicely. I made a few other small items and I'll post those soon as well. As usual, these were the easily scannable (is that even a word? did I spell it right?) ones so I did those quickly. The colors on the felt piece are a little off.

Catch ya later.

I'm Back!!

2008-08-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Both trips were great fun and relaxing. Canoeing and fishing at Bear Head Lake in Minnesota and then home to drive to Isle of Palms, SC. Managed to fit in some drawing and a few art projects with the kids and some nieces and cousins. We made dish cloths designed with Sharpies and alcohol in Minnesota and felted coasters in Charleston.

The most excited part of the trips was that my 3 year old learned to swim!!! She could do maybe one or two strokes of doggie paddles before we left but now she is a fish! She can't get enough of it and swims underwater all over the place! I was just tickled pink watching her! My 7 year old progressed quite a bit in his swimming as well. We stayed in a beautiful home with it's own pool so we spent many hours swimming in the pool and playing in the sand and waves at the beach.
School started today for my 2nd grader. Life goes back to routine now.

Vacations/Transformation show/More Classes

2008-07-19T04:24:00.001-07:00

I'm off on our two family vacations we take almost every year. Today we leave for Minneapolis (to my see my in-laws) and tomorrow we will make the drive to Bear Head Lake to camp for a week. Last year was rain everyday and mosquitos so bad we couldn't even be outside unless we were in the screened area over the picnic table. I'm crossing my fingers for better weather and less mosquitos this year. Somehow we still managed to have quite an enjoyable time of it. I can't wait to sit and do lots of puzzles, play card games and do some fishing.

Then, we'll back for about 1/2 a day and then myself and the little ones are off again to Charleston to the beach with my family. We will go from complete roughing it to some nice luxury. We managed to score an amazing 5 bedroom house with a pool (for 5 families), brand new, 100 yards from the beach, gourmet kitchen, and on and on and on for 1/2 the usual price.

I'm behind on packing which means I probably won't be taking much in the way of any art projects. I think this is probably good as I am still wanting to focus on kids and family because school starts the day after we get back. It's been too short of a summer but I feel I've been pretty successful at enjoying my time with the kids and making them come first while also teaching 6 new classes at Fiber on a Whim and meeting a handful of exhibit deadlines.

Speaking of classes and exhibits!! Fiber Art Fusion's exhibit, Transformation, opens next week at The Art Place in Marietta. I can't wait to see it when I return!

And, all of my classes were a hit and are back on the schedule and we've added a parent/child class as well! You asked and we did it! So, start signing up. I really have so much fun teaching. I can't wait to get started all over again:

Saturday, August 23rd, 2-5 pm, ages 8 and up (WITH adult) Wet Felting FAmily Play Day
Friday, August 29th, 10:30-1:30 pm, Sunprinting
Friday, September 5th, 10:30-1:30, Wet Felted Vessels
Friday, September 19th, 10:30-1:30, Watercolor Pastels on Fabric
Friday, September 26th, 10:30-1:30, Monoprinting on Fabric
Friday, October 3rd, 10:30-1:30, Needlefelting

There is also a class on Creating your own Stamps from household items and by carving them. The date hasn't been assigned yet, but keep watching!

Gotta run finish my packing!!! Happy end of summer to you!!!

heidi

The Benefits of Teaching, and Summer/Art/Kids

2008-07-10T14:20:00.001-07:00

I've got one more class for the summer, coming up on Saturday, monoprinting (photos at the right are some up close detail photo from a monoprinted piece) I'm really excited! I think this is the class I'm most excited about teaching so far (of the 6 courses I have put together for teaching at Fiber on a Whim this summer). Don't get me wrong, I have loved all of the classes so far! It is almost feels sinful to be taking money for this! (Note, I said almost.)

One of the participants in Saturday's class will be bringing gelatin so we can do some gelatin monoprinting! That is one of the things I was hoping to get around to learning this summer, so I'm thrilled that someone in the class will actually be helping me learn this technique! She spent a week with Rayna Gillman learning techniques such as this one. Wow, am I ever jealous!

Anyway, that is the way it always is with classes right? So many talented and creative people out there and when you teach you learn so much! With other minds in the mix, someone always comes up with something you haven't thought of before. So, it's never really a teacher/student kind of an atmosphere. More of a share and learn and grow together. Tuesday's needlefelting was no exception. A great group of women and we had a blast!

So, if anyone is still looking for a way to spend there Saturday, there are I believe 2 spots still open. The class is from 10:30 to 3:30 and we will have a ton of fun!

Other news? Hhhm, can't remember if I wrote about selling one of my two Yoni quilts I made for the Yoni QuiltArt Challenge! Totally unexpected but I was thrilled that it spoke to someone! I love the two pieces but I wasn't sure that I would ever display them prominently anywhere in my home and probably the last pieces that I thought would ever sell (not because they were not good work/art, but because of the sensitive nature of them). But you just never know! Apparently the work I did to get the challenge posted to QuiltArt was worth the work! Really validating! For the person who bought it, she found it inspiring as it represented rebirth, a place she is at in her life, hoping to rebirth herself through her creative writing. I hope the piece brings her inspiration.

Well, back to the kids, supper, housework. Word of warning, DO NOT take your children to the Foam Factory in Marietta on a weekday in the summer. We went today, and yes, they had fun, but it was PACKED with daycampers. There was no one there running the entry taking tickets, so no one watching whether it was at capacity or not (I"m sure it was well over capacity). The noise was deafening and my kids were a bit overwhelmed until lots of campers begin to leave around 2 pm. I had envisioned myself sitting and working on some needlefelting, going over my notes for the Monoprinting class and an occassional bit of time in the foam ball pit playing with the kids. Instead, it was noise, noise, noise, and I had to hold my 3 year olds hand the entire time so she did not get trampled to death. And, I did have fun and decided to just let go of my plans and enjoy it with them. But, if you go, don't expect to sit quietly to the side while your kids have fun. Ain't going to happen. We had only been once before and there were maybe 2 to 3 other kids (during the school year). Today, well over 100 kids in the same space.

The summer seems so short and not enough time to fit in all the activities but also too long without a break to really work on some of my art. I'm behind on commitments/commissions. I learned that summer is not the time to take these own. Seems I would have known this, but I didn't think it through. So, if you are someone waiting on something from me, please know, I will get to them! But, it will be easier when school starts in a couple of weeks. ;)

Have a great evening! Happy creating!

Heidi

Tips for Long Life

2008-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on my family history and a cousin of mine recently sent me a huge envelope of family photos and information. It is so much fun learning about your family, especially when you knew so little to begin with. My Great Grandmother, Margaret Wilson, lived to be 107 years old. I knew this and had found some photos online of her but this envelope contained many photos of her birthdays over the years and a newspaper article about her life. What I found interesting was that my cousin remembered our Grandfather taking her whiskey and that she drank a glass every night and said that the whiskey and her Cherokee blood
(haven't found this in her family lines yet) were her secrets to longevity. The newspaper article said that it was hard work. Hahaha. I'm sure she worked very hard. She had 8 children to raise alone as her husband was killed by a falling tree.

I remember being afraid to kiss her when I was very young, 4 maybe. She died when I was 5. Now what I wouldn't give to have a conversation with her. Part of the article said:

"The Wilsons owned a number of sheep and raised flax and cotton. Aunt Marg then left us rather bewildered by a recital of the many steps involved in the art of weaving flax, wool and cotton, before the fire at night, telling of great piles of flax, which was pulled like wheat by the handfulls and piled in bundles on the floor, 'thick as hair on a cog', and from which so many of the household wants were made."

She also said:

"I travelled over 4 mountains and sold buttermilk at 10 cents a gallon; raised my children with the help of God and didn't ask anybody for help."

Here are several photos of her over the years. The first I believe is her 98th birthday.

The bottom photo is of some aunts and uncles and my Grandmother. I'm not sure what the occasion is but I was fascinated that they actually had a small bear "pulling" the cart.

In my fiber art world, I taught watersoluble crayons last week and had a lot of fun getting to know some folks! Next is Needlefelting, Tuesday July 8th and Monoprinting, Saturday July 12th. There are still some spots available in the Monoprinting class! Check Fiber on a Whim's webpage for the class description and to register!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Heidi

What I've been working on

2008-06-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well, with my new obsession with making digital storybooks I finally made some real progress on making a memory book for my sisters and myself about my Dad. It just keeps growing as it seems to be taking on two purposes, our family memories and his genealogy. I have found a wealth of information online about the Miracle family. I have photos of Great Great Grandfathers! My Dad had nothing and was a bit estranged from his family so all I had were a few photos of him as a young man. He literally had a briefcase when he died and nothing else. Anyway, also with Father's Day just passing and my Dad's birthday (June 11th) this has been another tough time in the healing/griefing process for his passing. Working on this book is getting me through it. Helps me feel connected to him.

This is far from done but I wanted to test out the embedded preview so I could share it with my sister as it is so far.

Off to swim lessons with the kiddos. Hope you all have a good day!

Heidi

Rejection is no fun

2008-06-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

They say you can't get in if you don't enter (juried exhibitions, that is), but it still sucks when you DO enter and then get rejected. Or not selected I should say. Oh well, better luck next time right? It's just hard to keep pushing yourself to get things in for these deadlines when you keep getting rejection letters. I wish the curators had time to explain what the issues with your work are. Whether it simply didn't fit the particular exhibit or whether there is something you really need to be addressing or working on. I don't mean your voice or style but things like technique, composition, color, etc. Not that I would always take the advice but it would just be nice to know every now and again ya know? My guess is that I'm rushing my work and that it is someone how showing in the final package, like my photos for my instance. At least that's what I like to think.

Of course, I want to offer congratulation to those whose work was selected for this year's National Small Art Quilt Exhibit! I can't wait to see the work! I guess I just had particularly high hopes for this one since I won the Juror's Choice Award last year. Just goes to show you that you never know.

Now I'll just wait to hear from Threadlines. Wish me luck! Just keep saying it..
"If I don't enter I'll NEVER get in. If I don't enter I'll NEVER get in...."

Now for some sunshine and swinging.

Heidi

Oops, there was one more image I forgot to post

2008-06-16T07:01:00.001-07:00

My butterfly.

More Breast Cancer Awareness Art and Making books for your family

2008-06-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you may think I'm even stranger than you did before when you look at the photos in this post. I was just stuck on drawing boob related art for Fiber on A Whim's BRA fundraiser for breast cancer research (which starts today!! visit their website to view the art and bid!) and these were just some of the things I tried along the way. I threw in a couple of others that I was able to get scanned in yesterday as well.

What else have I been up to today? Well, a good friend of mine is a Heritage Makers consultant and I finally got around to opening an account and purchasing some of their products. They are in the business of digital storybooking. You've heard of scrapbooking, right? Well, this is online scrapbooking. No glue, no mess. All on the computer. Beautiful "papers", "stickers" and all kinds of embellishments. I knew it would be addictive and oh boy, is it ever. Once you finish making your book, they publish it in a hardback book and send it to you! So, I think I've spent a total of 5 or 6 hours online today making a Father's Day book for my husband. Yes, I know it's late. I'm hoping he will understand since the computer has been so screwed up the last month. I wish there was a way I could show you a sneak peak of one of the pages but I don't think there is any way that I can show a picture until I have the actual book in my hands. Anyway, if you are into scrapbooking (or if you find it overwhelming as I did!), this might just be for you. You've got all of those digital pictures on your computer and now there is an easy way to make them into a cherished memory. I'm not saying all of this because Betty is my friend, I truly think this is a great service!

Alright, off to bed.

Heidi

Sunprinting Class a Blast!!!

2008-06-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun in my class with the participants yesterday! We had a cloudy day so we had to wait a bit for our images to print but almost all of the pieces were a success. As usual, I was inspired and learned a few things from my students, one of the perks of teaching. And, as usual, I forgot to bring a camera to class and ask if I could take any pictures of their work to post. Hopefully they will send me some (hint, hint).

A couple of the masking items I brought along that were a lot of fun were some paper letters (made on full sheets of paper, just punch them out) that I found in the scrapbooking paper aisle in a department store and sequin waste. Both worked really well! I ordered the sequin waste from SkyBluePink. They have some really fun items! One of the students used safety pins for her masking item. I thought it made a great fun print, especially for quilters! What quilter wouldn't love a safety pin printed fabric!

Well, I'm not ready for church so I better run! I'm making Oobleck this morning with the children (Dr. Suess story. If you've never done it, it's really easy and fun activity for kids. It is simply cornstarch and water. Makes a big fun gooey blob. Look online for recipes and ideas.

See ya!

Heidi

Now I'm really back! Warning/Disclaimer--nude art

2008-06-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Woohoo!! So I had partial capabilities back for a few days and then my husband took my computer over to fix it correctly. So I was without email, internet or anything computer related for about 5 days. Wow, talk about withdrawal! But, it was also really nice. I found I had more time (duh!). Same as when I don't turn the television on (for me, not the kids, ha-ha).

Anyway, now I'm back and can work my way through my 200+ emails (not counting the Yahoo groups or Quiltart email list!).

I'm not quite in the mood to sit and scan lots of my drawings or take photos, so I've just scanned a few for now. Here are two of my donations to Brazenly Radiant Art, pen and ink/watercolor drawings on 9 x 12 Bristol paper. The first two are for a fundraiser through Fiber on a Whim which will donate all proceeds to Breast Cancer Research. The deadline for donations is June 15th. Purchases can be made via email bids starting 10 am June 16th. You can view the full gallery on their webpage on the 15th or 16th. You can also read about it on their blog. The third image is just a little birdy, ink and watercolor on watercolor canvas.

I'll also be donating some work on canvas that I think will be included in a separate sale for this fundraiser at a later date.

Oh, and Tuesday evening I attended our monthly meeting of Fiber Art Fusion. It was wonderful! All of us presented our contributions to our upcoming show at The Art Place in Marietta. I don't recall the dates but it is late July/early August. The work (and the stories behind them) were so inspiring! So, I hope lots of you can make it to see the show!

Happy creating! I'm teaching Sunprinting on Saturday at Fiber on a Whim and there are still a few spots left!!! :) I'm heading out to the pool with the kids and then hopefully there will still be some sun and time to do some experimenting with different paints for sunprinting this afternoon and tomorrow (with the kids).

Be sure and make time to play!!!

Heidi

Some posting capabilities are back! Yea!

2008-06-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

So, I finally decided to use an old hard drive until my computer is fixed. Which means what? That I can scan and upload photos!! I just don't have any files from before the crash yet. So, I can take new pictures, scan new drawings, etc. I sent in entries to Threadlines and am working on my photos for National Small Art Quilts now, an application for an upcoming art festival (also due today), and my piece for our local fiber show, due on Tuesday! Wow, I don't think I've ever had so many deadlines all at once.

I'll start taking photos and scanning very soon!! So look for pictures!

For now, here is the detail of the piece that the background for my blog title is taken from. The colors are more true to life here:

Working Style Continued and Deleted Posts

2008-06-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well, my husband was uncomfortable with my posts with pictures of the kids so I've deleted those. So, if you were looking for them they are now gone. I guess I should set up a password protected family photo site. I used to do this but it's been several years. I'll have to remember the best way to do this.

Anyway, I was thinking more about my working style and about it being wasteful (or not). I realized that one of the reasons I often continue painting on fabric when I originally planned to just work on a few small pieces is that I DON'T want to waste the paints! And, that I figure if I'm working with the same colors that my extra pieces will coordinate if I cut them up to use in a piece later, and I might not ever be able to get quite the same shades, tints, etc. at another time. So, maybe I'm not being as wasteful as I thought. But, I do go through a lot of fabric. I don't think I'll ever be the type to work in a more planned and structured way but I do hope to find ways to better harness my focus and to find a way to restrain my excitement just enough to make some more of my work keepers rather than just the practice.

I'm still waiting on my computer to be up and running and now I'm afraid it may prevent from entering the next two shows that have deadlines in the next few days. It means I can't upload photos and create my CDs for sending my images. Maybe I better start investigating some places where I can use computers that will have everything I need to get this done. Maybe a friend's house?

I'm meeting with a person who is the recipient of a commissioned gift I will be making for her. This will be my third liturgical stole and I really love this work. It is so meaningful and personal. I feel like I already know her after studying her website and I am so thrilled to have the chance to create some fabrics incorporating some of her philosophies including things such as the Chakras, the Wheel of Life and something called the Purple Tent. If you want to learn more, take a look yourself. I'll post pictures as I start the process.

Working style

2008-05-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm getting really frustrated that I cannot scan my work as I've been drawing a tremendous amount just lately. Oh well, I have to be patient until my IT person (my husband) is less busy .

Just when I start to fall into a funk of wondering if I am wasting my time with my art, someone posts that they love my work, find it inspiring and that it makes them smile. I ultimately make art for myself and because I HAVE TOO! (Otherwise, I'd be even more crazy than I am now!) But, it is always nice to know that what you are doing actually matters or makes a difference to others as well. So thank you! I don't really think that I shouldn't be making art but sometimes I question how much time to spend on it or on which kinds of pieces or projects I should focus my attention. And, I feel really guilty about how much I go through in terms of paint, paper, fabric, etc. I tend to be a bit obsessive and if I start drawing it turns into a week of drawing and 3 pads of nice paper later I have a stack. Or, painting on fabric. Rather than working very focused on one piece, it will turn into days of just having to splash colors about and see what kind of effects I am able to achieve. Then, 10 yards of fabric later and only a few pieces I'm happy with I think, was that really a good idea? And, the answer? Most of the time I am able to remember that is an emphatic YES!!!! Of course, not everyone can afford to go through so much material and have so many mistakes. I choose to use nice paper and nice fabric because I never seem to know when something will be just a sketch or keep me so entranced that I must turn it into a piece of art. I very rarely sketch and then proceed. It is a somewhat wasteful way to work but it works for me. I am able to feel as if I am practicing and making my mistakes and creating things I am satisfied with all at the same time.

How do you work?

Computer Crashed

2008-05-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm bummed because I can not scan or post images today. My computer crashed a few days ago and my husband has somehow set me up temporarily so that I can use email and the internet. But, I have no hard drive and I can not scan or print.

What have I been up to? Mostly I've been back to pen and paper drawing. With being a bit under the weather for about 2 weeks now, it's just been the easiest way to be creative. Today, now that I'm feeling better, I started moving my art supplies out of our home office room to the kids' playroom. My husband is going to be working from home and until we have some time and money to finish our basement space he is taking over the my office/our home library/formal living room (yea right!)/art storage space. I've managed to move about half of it out today. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with things like my files, finished art on canvases, art books, etc. I'll start tackling that tomorrow.

Hopefully sometime in the next 2 weeks I'll get my act together and complete a few of my pieces in progress. My Fiber Art Fusion group has a show coming up in Marietta at The Art Place, Transformation. I have to complete my piece by June 10th. AAH!

Well, since I can't post any pretty colors, I'll try inspiring you by telling you to get busy and send in a submission for the National Small Art Quilts Exhibit (my next goal in meeting an exhibit deadline). Deadline is June 6th or 7th, just around the corner. What's great about this exhibit is, it's for small art!!! Right up my alley! And, there are no picky rules (showing my bias here) about 3 layers, or bindings or quilting through the back. It is for art that involves fabric/fiber and stitching.

Hhhm, what else can I do? Oh, I can point you to some great Etsy shops or other websites. Here is a fun Etsy shop to look around. Great little felted and fabric critters to see, 425 Square Foot Art. Let's see--Have you visited my friend Rebecca's blog lately? Did you see that she had TWO articles published in the last Altered Couture AND some of her work in the gallery section as well! Way to go!! Seriously, you should pick up a copy.

Well, back to organizing my art supplies. Tomorrow I hope to also figure out how to get the train table out of the playroom (don't ask me what I'm going to do with it, haven't figured that out yet) so that I can set up a craft table.

Kids are getting hyper and hungry. Catch ya later!

Heidi

Oh well, better luck next time

2008-05-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

My quilt wasn't chosen for Art Quilts Lowell. At least the process was very fast! Never had that fast of a turn around before. Leaves me free to enter it somewhere else. :)

Congratulations to those whose work was chosen!

Heidi

You Can't Win

2008-05-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, well, some miss the black background with white letters. I have to admit that I liked that better myself. But, I'd rather have folks be able to read it than to have it look "cool". So, here is my compromise for now. I'll probably keep playing around with colors and my header box, so don't be surprised if it keep changing for a bit. Again, thanks for all the input!

New Look to My Blog

2008-05-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

I hope you all like the changes that I have made. After looking around for a good way to keep track of stats on my blog (#visitors and such), I posted a question to the fantastic QuiltArt email group to ask for suggestions. Well, I received several great responses on stat programs, but also had many folks tell me things I needed to change on the "look" of my blog to make it more readable. THANK YOU!!!

So, I've made some changes, such as no more white words on a black background (was making some people see double!), and I have made the text bigger and lots of other minor changes. So, I hope you like the new look!

And, for those of you who have asked when you will see the full photo of the piece I submitted to Art Quilts Lowell...probably sometime after it is accepted somewhere (hopefully!), or I just decide to post it for sale or whatever. That is unless you are local. I've been showing it for Show and Tell lately. :)

Have a great Monday! Off to Music Class with my daughter and Field Day with my son. Fun, fun!

Heidi

100th post! And, yippee, I finally did it!

2008-05-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, 100 posts! I can't believe I made it to this point.

And, the yippee is because after over 9 months of not entering a juried exhibition, I got my package in the mail today for Art Quilts Lowell! They extended the deadline and I pushed it all the way to 5 pm today! I don't even care if I get in. Well, okay, I do a little bit, but my goal was to really focus on entering a show. I have had so many deadlines on my calendar that have just whooshed right by. PArt of that was a conscious choice on my part to focus more on family and get away from the stress of trying to finish pieces on a deadline. I decided to just work and if I had completed a piece in time then enter. Well, I'm not a finisher, so without a deadline really looming and real commitment to make it work, that just didn't happen. That is still my goal however. To work on my work, regardless, and then if I have the work for a show then enter. I'll keep trying.

Here is a small bit of what I entered:

I started it about a year ago and then pulled it out of my tub of half way done pieces while away on the Focus on Fiber retreat. I hand stitched it like crazy. It gives me a sense of calm and peace when I stitch by hand. I call it Free Woman Dancing in celebration of the freedom I felt while on the retreat and the glorious women I was with and the wonderful dancing that occurred. It was definitely a time of new beginnings and growth for me.

So, keep your fingers crossed for me.

Lots of classes are coming!

2008-05-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well, the summer schedule for my classes is now complete. The class information is all up on Fiber on a Whim's class webpage. Here is the short version:

Friday, June 13th, 10:30-1:30 Wet Felted Vessels $35.00
Saturday, June 14th, 10:30-1:30 Sunprinting $35.00

Friday, June 27th, 10:30-1:30 Watersoluble Wax Pastels for the Fiber Artist, $35.00
Saturday, June 28th 10:30-1:30 Stamp Carving (Make Your Own Stamps), $60.00 (which includes a kit fee of $25.00 for materials)

Tuesday, July 12th, 10:30-1:30 Needlefelting $40.00 (which includes a kit fee of $10.00 for wool felt fabric)

Saturday, July 16th, 10:30-3:30 w/ lunch break Monoprinting $40.00

I can't wait! I'm having so much fun completing the class notes and trying out the projects and ideas for the classes. I hope to see lots of you there!!

heidi

Yippee!

2008-05-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Both of my pieces sold today on the first day of Collage Mania II!! Yay! About 90 pieces sold today! Which means that Virginia Spiegel helped raise at least $7000 so far, (hopefully some generous donors gave more than the required minimum of $80.00). I can't wait to hear the final total.

So the good news is, that means there are still over 100 pieces to be purchased tomorrow!!! And, the minimum donation drops to $40.00 tomorrow! A lot of my favorites are sold, I'm not surprised, but there are many, many fabulous pieces yet to be acquired. So get your email ready and hit send at 9 am tomorrow with your choice of artwork(s)!!!

What I've been up to

2008-05-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mostly playing around with project ideas and writing up notes for upcoming classes. I taught two classes in April at Fiber on a Whim, watercolor pastels on fabric and wet felted vessels. They are both being offered again in June. And, I'll also be teaching Sunprinting, Needle-Felting, Stamp Carving and Monoprinting. Still working on the dates and I'm still writing the notes and finalizing the projects, but I can't wait for June to get here! Once I have all of the dates I'll post the schedule here. I really enjoy teaching and sharing my passion for the fiber arts with others.

I'm obsessed with the monoprinting the last few days. I've done it before and really enjoy the process, but wanted to try out some ideas I have for the class. I made a "plate" (or a collagraph in printmaking terms) using a sheet of foam paper. I glued to this lentils, bits of foam, textured paper, tape and tin foil. I then played around with applying paints, misting with water, dry fabric versus wet fabric, using a brayer versus not, etc. so I would be able to answer all the questions that I will inevitably get! This process has just reaffirmed for me that you have to practice to get better at anything. And, practicing is the way to discover your own style and the little tricks. Here is one of the better ones from this practice session. I added a bit of colored pencil to highlight the edges of some of the collaged pieces.

Love to hear what you think! :)

Happy creating!
Heidi

My other piece in Collage Mania II

2008-05-02T10:21:00.001-07:00

I just realized that I never posted my other piece that I donated to Collage Mania II. Here it is, Rearranged Continuation:

Just a few of the fabulous......

2008-05-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

....pieces of art available through Collage Mania II! Get ready because I'm sure they will be selling fast on Monday. $80.00 for an original piece of artwork is almost unheard of. First come, first serve! Prices go down to $40.00 on Tuesday, but your favorite may be gone by then! AND, it all goes to the American Cancer Society. Every single penny!!! None to the fabulous organizer, Virginia Spiegel, who I know must work at least the hours of a full time job on her fundraisers, all in the name of a cause she supports. So here are some of the beauties I'm featuring today, just a few of the 235 available. I almost hesitate to post these as I might be bidding on some of them myself.

Some of these pieces are part of a series and you could purchase all 3 or 4 to make a stunning wall arrangement of art!!!

All of the details about the pieces are on Virginia Spiegel's website on the pages of Collage Mania II. The artists of the pieces I have listed here today are (in order from the top): Liz Berg, Jane Davila, Terry Stegmiller, Rhoda Taylor, Cynthia St. Charles and Karen Stiehl Osborn.

Please search through all of the others, there are so many fabulous pieces!!!

Collage Mania II

2008-04-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Patron Preview for Collage Mania II is now open! Virginia Spiegel is again coordinating a fantastic event to benefit the American Cancer Society. So, if you like art and you want ALL of the money you spend on it to go to the American Cancer Society, take a look through the 200+ 8x10 inch collage art on this website.

She has raised over $150,000 already through Fiberart for A Cause. This woman is amazing!

I have two pieces donated to the event. :)

Bleeding Tissue Paper

2008-04-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

My three year old loves playing with bleeding tissue paper. I brought back some of the pieces that Jacque Davis was using to dye fabric at Focus on Fiber. She loves ripping the pieces, cutting them, smashing them down on paper and then spraying them with water or painting them with water. Somehow she is able to come up with much better results than I. She layers on more colors than I think could possibly turn out any better than a huge muddy mess. Puts so much water on that there is a sitting pool of water in the middle of the paper. So, at first I was working on my own and she did her own. Now we do it together, so that I might learn from her free-ness with the process. We have several of these lying around and I've taken to enhancing them with colored pencil. It's great fun and as soothing if not more so than stitching. I love watching to see how different colors react to one another, next to each other, on top of one another, on top of different tissue paper dye colors. Great project for anyone looking to increase their color skills with colored pencil. Here are two different scans of sections of one of mine and Maggie's artwork. I should have taken a before colored pencil photo but of course I didn't.

Oops, forgot my photos on that last post

2008-04-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

As usual, I'm too lazy (well, really just to busy, takes less time) to take actual photos and am just using my scanner, which means that I only have a portion of some of the items.

The third photo down is a scan of my last piece from my printmaking class. It is a solar plate print from a photograph my husband took of a reflection of a tree. I manipulated it digitally and printed it on a laser transparency and then made the image into a solar plate. Pretty cool process. The first picture is the original photo (credit to Dan McMahill) and the other is after I changed a few settings and made it black and white.

The other two are a small area of the silk square pieces I made in Hellene Vermillions silk painting class. It was a bit hard to get a good scan of silk and to get the colors right. But, good enough for my blog I suppose. Take her class if you can!!

Okay, back from the bus-stop (obviously) and now on to finding gymnastics outfits and a snack before heading out.

See ya!

Heidi

More Classes Are Coming!

2008-04-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today has been a good day so far. It started with me getting my son on the bus and then going back to bed (bad habit, staying up too late). Then heading out later to pick up my daughter at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (she takes a nature class with Dad a couple of times a month on Wednesdays). Well, today I decided that she and I should hang around for awhile. We took a walk through all of the plants and learned many things about birds. Turns out Wednesday is the day that homeschooled students are at the center to act as educators about the birds! It was really fun watching the 10-12 year olds give me their speeches about the birds. They were really impressive! From there we went to Borders and read lots of books and magazines. I'd have just enough time to flip through a book or magazine in between Maggie picking out the next Dora or Elmo book for me to read. And, now we are home, ready to head to the bus-stop and then out for gymnastics for the kids. Where I can simultanesouly watch and look through more fun books or work on some stitching.

I've been working on class material for some more classes I'll be teaching and thought I'd share some thoughts on my art teaching experiences so far.

Teaching at Fiber on a Whim in Sandy Springs has gotten off to a really great start. I knew that I liked teaching but now I know that I REALLY, REALLY like it!! It feels almost like a sin to be paid for teaching art, almost. ;)

In April I taught Wet Felted Vessels and the participants made a small pouch (cell phone size) and a bowl. They were worn out from the physicality of the class after 3 hours but all seemed to have a ton of fun.

I also taught Watercolor Crayons on Fabric in April and this class was even more fun. There were a wide variety of comfort levels on using the crayons but by the end of the class all seemed to have fun playing and seeing how wonderful these little jewels can be.

Both classes filled up with waiting lists so the same ones are boing offered again. So if you missed them the first time, now is your opportunity!

Friday, June 13th, Wet Felted Vessels 10-1
Friday, June 27th, Watercolor Crayons on Fabric 10-1

Here is an email quote from a participant in my watercolor class: "This is ... as close to having fun as I can remember doing in my life." I couldn't have asked for a better compliment. I of course want to teach the materials and help students gain some skills and confidence, but giving someone a day of fun, permission to play and also to see themselves as a creative being are my ultimate wish.

To register for classes or for more details go to the Fiber on a Whim page: www.fiberonawhim.com

And be watching for even more classes!! Sometime this summer or into the fall, I will be teaching Sunprinting, Stamp Carving, Monoprinting and Needle-Felting (by hand and by embellisher machine). There may even be some classes for children or Mommy and Me type classes sometime this summer.

Oh and before I forget, I took Hellene Vermillions Silk Painting class and I had so much fun!!!! I came home with 3 great silk pieces! I highly encourage you to take a class with her. You can find her class info on Fiber on a Whim's site as well and her blog and website there I think too.

Have a great evening! Off to the bus-stop and to gymnastics!

Heidi

So Cool!

2008-04-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

I found this by searching aruond the Artful Quilters Blog Ring. YOu can generate a palette based on a picture file. Isn't that cool? Here is one the one I tried using my series piece I already posted. Thanks to whoever had this on your blog! I can't remember who it was now.

If you want to try it out for yourself go here:

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/colors.php

Be warned, it's a place to try lots of fun things. Total time sink. Grab a cub of tea first.

Heidi

Working in a Series

2008-04-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

I finally have a series! Yes, I work with similar colors and similar imagery very often. But, this time I actually created works all at the same time (well, started them at the same time). It feels really good to have work like this. I'm not exactly sure why just yet.

The pieces are the only ones I was really satisfied with after playing around so much on my retreat. It took several tries but I finally got the hang of a monoprinting technique, or more like a collograph, printing on fabric that I like. I placed objects on a piece of plexiglass to add texture and dimension and then added acrylic paint. I then laid fabric on top to make a print of the image. I then repainted it several times, sometimes moving the objects and sometimes leaving them in place and printed new pieces on fabric each time. I'm now adding stitching. I've completed two. Here is a photo of one. Well, actually, I'm not sure it's done. I'm liking the minimal stitching on them and trying to resist the urge to over do it. I often feel like I take things too far and end up ruining them. But, maybe it needs more. Hhhm. I was listening to NPR the other day and they were interviewing a writer (of course I don't remember who) and discussing how books, or the written word, is a living thing, always changing. For example, they mentioned a famous writer writing 39 different endings to one of his books (before publishing) and then after publication, that it changed again many times with each edition. I wish we had that option with artwork sometimes. Of course, as long as it is in my possession I can change it anytime I think it is needed, even if I thought it was complete before and had made it over a year ago. But, once it leaves my hands, that's it.

This piece is on cotton canvas and has acrylic paint, colored pencil, cotton embroidery floss and painted lutradur. What do you think? Finished? Or not?

The other is being donated to Collage Mania II.

Thanks for looking! What are you doing to feed your creative soul today?

Computer Art

2008-04-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I've mostly settled back into my life. It is so strange to be back in the real world after having a week of no real responsibilities. But, the strangest part is to go from an environment where everyone around you is being creative and is not only not judging or criticizing that you are spending so much time on art but are totally just as enthusiastic as you are. It is total unconditional acceptance, which I guess I don't get enough of in my life. And, it is very rare to have so many people so interested in what you are doing and really GET IT. YOu know what I mean. That is what I miss the most. It's like a little private club and you get glimpses of it when you are around other artist friends, but to be in that environment 24/7 was simply a gift I will treasure forever.

So, I've been stitching like crazy on one of the pieces I worked on at the retreat. It's not new, I painted it over a year ago. I thought it was a flop, mostly turned out kind of a brownish green. BUt, I added lots of colored pencil while in Florida and am now stitching with beautiful embroidery threads. Hopefully it will turn into something I'm satisfied with. For now, I find the stitching completely enthralling and soothing.

I've been playing around with my Corel Draw program a bit the last couple of days (procrastinating other things of course). And, here is one of my drawings after many steps in editing. I think it looks really cool and would make a great fabric art piece. So be watching, this one may reappear. Feedback/critique always appreciated.

Focus on Fiber 2008/Atlantic Center for the Art!

2008-04-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a fabulous time I had last week! Great space, great women, great all around! We named ourselves Sisters of the Cloth and we Stitched, Painted, Dyed, Talked, Ate, Danced, Relaxed, Screen Printed, Bonded, Drank, Smiled, Slept, Walked, Read, Sketched, Burned, Sewed, Pieced, Quilted, Felted, Laughed, ... I'm hoping to work on a piece to reflect the whole experience. My cell phone mostly didn't have signal and I didn't take a computer and there were no televisions. Heaven on Earth. There was a fabulous library, all art related books, journals and other publications. The food was fantastic--I gained 5 pounds!!! Whoa! And, the people, the BEST! We all shared and learned from each other. And, I believe that many of us made new friends and connections. I know I did. I didn't get the kind of work done that I had hoped-quilting already finished pieces, or creating new masterpieces. I did try a lot of surface design techniques and flopped on several and did okay with others. I learned a lot about how I work, what I like and that not all work is done externally (of course).

Here are some photos of the fabulous grounds at ACA and some of the fabulous artists at work.

Definitely, my favorite part of the campus and one of the first things I saw there. This sign! How validating is that??!! To show up and see this!

Here are some photos of the great studio spaces we had to work in. Great windows and light! Beautiful nature scenes all around us.

The grounds were covered in trees. Lizards scurried at your every step on the boardwalks. The trees were covered with moss and lichen. I had never seen red lichen before but many of the trees had it. It is a sign of health for the trees.

Here are some photos of the fabulous women that I met. First one shows Julia Yaciw (and Paula Sheron, with her back to the camera, sorry Paula). Great gals! Had a lot of fun getting to know them both. They dyed a ton of fabric and were so neat and organized about it! They both worked on some fabulous pieces and made a lot of progress this week.

And, then we have Debbie Babbin demonstrating one of her techniques for several of us. She had wonderful, colorful mixed media artwork. She did a great job in the presentation of her work with her pieces mounted on canvas and wood.

To her right in the photo (in the green apron) is Kathie Briggs. Kathie was generous enough to show me how (and to share her supplies) to do some deconstructed screenprinting. She originally learned the technique from Kerr Grabowski and I am ordering my copy of Kerr's DVD on the process TODAY!! My piece turned out really nice. She did amazing work using her own photographs from Italy to design some of her screens and also makes beautiful dolls.

Next is Linda Dawson. Her art cloth pieces were simply astonishing. She did some very unique designs and techniques, and the layers of her prints on her cloth just blew me away. She also brought along a Jane Dunnewold piece. It was great to see one in person. She also had some copies of Jane's new book for sale. I can't remember the name of it but I hope to get a copy myself soon.

Here is Linda Hoffmeister and Jacque Davis (on the right). Jacque did some fabulous tissue paper dying of fabric and painstakingly worked on a piece inspired by one of her own drawings requiring lots of cutting of small pieces. She and I had great fun getting to know each other and talking about how to speak about your own artwork and to discuss what it is that moves you about other's art.

Here is Pamela Allen with her piece entitled Four Women Laughing Like Hell showing herself, Rosemary Claus-Gray, Claire Fenton and Mary McBride from the retreat last year. I guess they had a good time in 2007! I took a course with Pamela last year and she is still as fun to be around as ever. She is a hoot!

Here is Rosemary with one of her beautiful layered, transparent pieces. Watching her work was a real treat. She had a very calm and serene presence that matched what I see in her work.

Mary McBride organizes and hosts the event and she did an excellent job!!! Thanks Mary!!

There were many other great artists and women that attended including Jan Girod (my driving buddy! Thanks Jan!), fabulous artist and co-owner of Fiber on a Whim here in Atlanta (she is on the right in the photo below with Marilyn Cicek). Unfortunately, my 2 other buddies, Sharon Ahmed and Rebecca Reason-Edwards didn't make the retreat this year, althougth the 4 of us had hoped to go together. Sharon came for a few days but had to leave due to some health reasons. Rebecca had to cancel to get her house ready to go on the market. The other Georgia artist, Deb Lacativa, also had to cancel for some family health reasons. So, the Georgia contingent was on the low side but hopefully next year we can come back in big numbers. We missed you guys!!!!!!

Well, it was wonderful! I hope I get to go back next year! Sisters of the Cloth You Rock!!!!

Okay, here it is again

2008-03-31T14:29:00.001-07:00

This is the best I can do at the moment. I went ahead and submitted it to Collage MAnia.

See ya!

Heidi

Collage Mania

2008-03-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm leaving town early in the morning for Focus on Fiber in Florida. A whole week in an artist's studio to work. No planned projects, no other responsibilities. Just time to work. I can't even fathom what it will be like. I'm trying hard to not let the guilt of the time away from home and kids and the money to go get to me. I keep telling myself it will all be fine once I'm there.

So, I've been trying hard to complete something for Virginia Spiegel's most recent fundraising event (she is the American Cancer Society fundraising queen!), Collage Mania II. Today is the deadline. I'm packing and working on another piece. I've done three for this event so far and have been happy with none. The one I"m trying to complete today seems to be headed in the same direction but I'm hoping if I actually finish it that this one will turn out in the end. I always try to push through when I'm unhappy with something. It's hard to find the balance with doing that versus letting something go no matter how much work you have put into it.

Well, here it is, incomplete, but hopefully done sometime today.

The list of techniques and materials is very long (hence, maybe the problem is that I've done too much). Here they are in the order in which they were done: inko-dye on cotton fabric, colored pencil, inkjet transparency transfer of original artwork drawn on paper then scanned, acrylic paint, pigma brush pen, spider writers, inkjet transparency, embroidery floss stitching.

Here is one of the other attempts (same theme) but all done with paper. Again, it was overdone and the main problem I had with this one is that you cannot see the angel's face very well. It is a color printout of artwork on transparency film. Here is the original piece the face came from.

Take care and have a great week!

Heidi

Awesome Etsy Shop

2008-03-26T14:40:00.001-07:00

Hi guys,

Okay, so today I'm posting someone else's work (and, yes, I asked permission first). I have been creating but haven't taken any pictures lately, so I thought I'd show you some inspiring work from a couple of sisters in the UK and what they are doing with felt. Take a look. Aren't these just fabulous?! I'm blown away by the creations I find on etsy some days. I'm in love with their bags! To visit their etsy shop, go to www.feltathome.etsy.com. Of course, while in etsy, take the time to visit my shop too (shameless self promotion there)! www.hmiracle.etsy.com. You can find the wildest things on etsy. Do some searches on some really wild things and see what you get! Just be careful, you can spend hours in the shops you find.

Let's see what have I been up to. I've been busy preparing for my Wet Felted Vessels classes this Friday. Hopefully all of my participants will have fabulous bowls to take home and have a great time learning the techniques! I'll let you know how it goes.

Next week I will be away at Focus on Fiber, an fiber artist's retreat. I can't actually believe I'm going and this is happening. Until I actually get in the car and start the drive, I don't think it will seem real. I still feel incredibly guilty about the amount of money I'm spending to make this happen (childcare for my 3 year old for a week and the expense of the retreat itself) and leaving my kids, but I know I'll get over it and it will be fabulous!!!! I have no idea what I'm going to work on yet. Leaving it open for now. I've starting gathering surface design materials and already have two tubs of stuff and that doesn't include any fabric yet! Or sewing machine! Or wool roving or yarn! Or beads! Oh my gosh, I don't know how I will choose what to take and what to leave at home. In the end, I guess it doesn't matter much. I'll create with whatever I have. :)

As far as what I've been working on, I have found a new addiction, colored pencils. Not the watercolor ones I've used in the past, but regular ones, but artist grade of course. They make such beautiful colors on fabric. I get so mesmorized by the colors that I often forget to think of an overall design and just sit and color and shadow and layer and on and on. I'll post pics of something when i'm ready to share them.

Have a great rest of the week!

Heidi

Inko-Dye Workshop

2008-03-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I took a two day course through our local SDA (Surface Design Association) group by Ray Pierotti (www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/r/raypierotti/). He is an amazing artist and an excellent teacher. The class was held in the fabulous home of another amazing artist, Leisa Rich (www.monaleisa.com). She works at the High and also teaches classes at Chastain Art Center and Callanwolde. It is such a treat to be in Leisa's space. Not only is it filled with her fabulous artwork, it is also organized, clean and clutter free! Complete with a studio space downstairs with two tables to hold about 6 students. It was so nice to have space to work in. It is a constant struggle in my own home to find a space that I can use for my art supplies much less a clear piece of table top. Anyway, it was fabulous fun and I met some other great artists. My friend and artist Hellene Vermillion was also there. Check out her fabulous work on her blog: www.vermillionart.blogspot.com. Sorry I'm in a rush, so I can't make those clickable links right now. But you should still take the time to visit all of them!!! Here's a photo of the group working on their pieces.

Inko-Dye is definitely a medium I will be adding to my materials. It's fantastic!!

Queen for the day

2008-03-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

A recent drawing. I'm drawing lots of black and white again. My faces have changed (for now) to being more realistic. I'm working on paper collages for Virginia Spiegel's auction. I'm having fun but struggling with completing them or liking what I have completed it. Must be a growing point somehow that I need to push through. I'll get there.

I'm still missing deadlines on entering most exhibition shows and on getting applications in for art shows. I guess it just means it's not my priority right now. I do seem to be focusing more on my personal life in other ways. I'm enjoying having more time for my kids. I'm just a bit worried about stopping the momentum on a great start in my art journey. Don't get me wrong. Creativity and art are my spiritual base. I just cant' seem to get the business end going right now. On the other hand,I do feel like the 4 month mark (yesterday) after my Dad's death is a new beginning for me. That life feels like life again.

Today I taught my son's 1st grade class an art lesson and it was so much fun. The stories they have to tell in their art fascinate me (as the story is often the hardest part for me) and their creativity was inspiring. I hope I inspired them as well. I am very passionate about sharing my story with them. Letting them no that art is about breaking rules and that you aren't necessarily born with some inate talent but that it takes practice like anything else. And, that mistakes are part of the process and not to give up. Let go and just have fun. I hope I got that across to at least one of them.

New Drawings

2008-02-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

I've been sick this week so I haven't had the energy to go back to some of the paintings I started while my kids were in Minnesota with their Dad last week. But, I've been drawing small ink pictures again. Still on angels and creatures with the snake like bodies. However, I wanted to try some new faces and I'm really pleased with how these turned out. Let me know what you think. Two have more realistic faces and one is a baby face. The other is more like the ones I've been drawing for quite some time now.

What are you going to do today to be creative? I drew robots with my kids (older one home sick today but not too sick to draw). Lots of fun to try drawing something new. Now I want to try on my own sometime and put some serious work into seeing if I can create a robot painting or piece of fiber art. As usual my son has been my inspiration. He started me on aliens and I still draw them and am working on a fiber piece with an alien I hope to finish soon. On to robots!! Be watching for them!

Just a reminder to check out Fiber on a Whim here in Atlanta, GA. There are some cool upcoming classes included two by little 'ole me. :)

Some more recent work

2008-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

Hello! My creative juices are flowing so fast that I can't seem to stop them long enough to really work on one piece. I want to try so many new things and practice to get better at others while also creating completed art pieces. My mind is all abuzz. I've got bits and pieces of things laying around. I've been painting, collaging, drawing, stitching. Most are too big to fit on my scanner. Here are at least partial pics of some recent watercolor pastel drawings.

Focus. Something I wish I had it, knew how to get it. It is what I struggle with more than anything. That and completing a piece once I start it. I create a lot of art and work as much as I can on improving my skills, listening to my muses, etc. But, sticking one piece, one technique, even one medium is almost impossible for me. I get bored really quickly. Focus is something I hope to find more of in 2008. Everytime I start to set some new goals for this year, like doing more outdoor art shows, entering certain exhibits, taking certain classes, etc. I just can't figure out which way to go. I want to continue my great start in my art journey. But, how to do it?

Any of you Project Runway fans? I'm totally addicted. I've been thinking about the difference between the art and the fashion world. Whenever I hear Nina say to the designer who does the draping (Rami?) that she wants to see what else he can do and he keeps responding about staying true to his passion, etc. I think, wow, I'm just the opposite of him and what is expected of me is the opposite too. For instance, you need a consistent body of work in the art world. Galleries want to see that you can reproduce similar pieces for their clients. In the fashion world, I guess a designer is expected to keep making something new and different. And, I can't seem to stick with one medium and master it but have to keep moving around. One day I might be making felted bowls. The next day making big stitches on a painted fabric piece. the next day painting on canvas with acrylics, the next day, making plexiglas etchings or carving stamps, painting papers to collage, etc. The choices seem limitless. Anyway, starting to ramble. But I remember that I was envious of Rami and his passion and mastery of his technique and vision, but then realized that it didn't fare well for him, at least not on Project Runway with the judges.

Yesterday I visited the Alcove Gallery and Foundation One Gallery in Decatur (some of my creative juices are coming from inspiring work I saw there). I almost didn't go and thought it would be a waste of time, but it was so worth it!!! I want to go again next week!!! I've been visiting the Alcove Gallery online for about a year now so it was great to see the work of all of the artists in person. It is a contemporary somewhat outsiderish, somewhat folky kind of a place. Foundation One had artwork from one of my favorite artists, Jesse Reno, but I also discovered a new favorite, John Tindel.

Okay, here are my pics. I need to either go to bed or go back to my projects that are drying and see if I can see my way to the next steps.

Happy creating!

heidi

Yesterday

2008-02-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine came over and we played around with paints and layering. I had a ton of fun. Not sure if this is complete yet, but I was so excited with how it turned out I wanted to post the photo. As usual, I'm being lazy and just using my scanner. So, it only shows a portion of the piece and there is some shadowing from not laying flat on the scanner bed. It is on watercolor paper and we used acrylic paints, stamps, some phonebook pages. She used some magazine pages (can't wait to see her final result) for her "angel" and I used paints and my watercolor pastels. I think she is adorable. We worked with an article from Cloth, Paper, Scissors as a starting point. If you want to know the author/artist/article I can get it for you. I should post it anyway to give her credit. Anyway, on to more creating! I'm hoping to finish some projects this week!

Heidi

More Etching

2008-02-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

I'm getting more comfortable with drypoint etching on plexiglass and here is one from a couple of weeks ago. The shadows on the paper are just from my scanner, so it's not a great representation. But, I like the image and that I was able to achieve some changes in value more successfully.

I'm also learning to enjoy the inking and printing process. I didn't have the patience for it at first but there is a rhythm to it. Sort of like when I am drawing or stitching. It's the part I don't have to think about as much and just be. You know what I mean? I think being the only one in class this week helped with that. I couldn't just talk my way through it. I paid attention.

Okay, on to a day with my family. Driving up to Dalton to let my kids play with their cousins today and to finally visit my Dad's grave in Chattanooga. I haven't been there since the funeral so I think this will be good for me.

Have a great weekend! Oh, and did I mention I'm teaching two classes at Fiber on a Whim in the next couple of months-Wet Felted Bowls and Watercolor Crayons on Fabric? I think I did, heehee, but never hurts to mention it again! It will be lots of fun. I'm really excited!!

I still hate my hair. I can't think of any way to fix such a short haircut except maybe to get braid extensions or something like that. Then I would probably feel even less like myself. Maybe die it hot pink? I don't know. I'll give it a couple of days to grow on me.
Heidi

And, another class

2008-02-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

in April at Fiber on a Whim on using watersoluble wax pastels on fabric. April 18th, Friday, 10-1. Can't wait!!!!

Check out the list of classes at www.fiberonawhi.com for more information.

Have a great weekend. I got a new haircut today and I'm trying to make the best of it although my husband is calling me "bro" and my daughter says I have "circle hair like my Miller" (her brother). My hair hasn't been this short since I was 3 years old. It will take some getting used to. No laughing when you see me!!

And, Paula, if you see this photo, don't worry, that's the original photo of the fish. There are beads added and it will be completed next week! It just makes a good example of the watercolor crayons on fabric. :)

I'm teaching a class...

2008-02-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

on wet felted bowls/vessels at Fiber on a Whim (my favorite place in the Atlanta area) in Sandy Springs, Friday, March 28, 10am-1pm. For more information, go to their website www.fiberonawhim.com. Hope to see some familiar faces! We will have a ton of fun! Here are some photos of some of the kinds of bowls we will be making.

Angels on the brain

2008-02-08T18:40:00.001-08:00

I guess I've still have more angels to get out of my system. Here is one of my latest drawings.

I'm excited to have more time (at least I hope so) to start being creative again. The PTA project that I chair is now over for this year with only a few minor things to wrap up. It was again a great success and I feel proud knowing I helped to bring so many artists to the school for one day. Hopefully I'll have some photos to post soon. And, I'll write more about the day and the artists then as well.

I also plan to start listing some of my finds on Etsy. Just today I found this shop and fell in love with this person's free form crocheting.

Etchings

2008-01-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

So here is the photo of my first two etching prints. What do you think? I can't decide if printmaking is going to be for me or not. I LOVE the etching process. The same as I love drawing and carving. It is mark making. But, I really don't enjoy the inking process and printing, except to see the final result. I want to make the etchings and have someone else print for me. Hhmm. I'll give it some more time. It's still way cool to be in an art class and around other artists. And, a different set of artists with a different set of interests and skills.

And, I had the most wonderful weekend. I went out to eat at a great place in Midtown last night, Mitra, with my 2 sisters. And, we saw The Drowsy Chaperone at The Fox. Then, they spent the night with me and we had brunch today at J. Christopher's. That's the most time I've spent with them in a very long time. And, ususally it's on vacations with the kids or birthday parties. Not much time to talk. This was the first time since our Dad died in November that we could really be focused just on us. Very nice. We didn't talk much about his passing but I was definitely feeling the presence of it on all our minds. I wish maybe we had taken the opportunity to release and do some grieving together. But there will be other times. I think we were afraid to all go back to that place right now. But, I could be wrong. Anyway, the point is, it was great to see them and be together!!!! I love you guys!!!!!! More than words could ever express. :)

Etching Class

2008-01-22T03:38:00.000-08:00

Last week I started my first real art class, Printmaking, with my friend Sharon Ahmed. Well, actually, it started the week before but I couldn't make it. Anyway, I really like it. We started with etchings in plexiglass. It is very much like drawing. Well, it is drawing, just on plexiglass rather than paper. I seem to be approaching it similarly to my other art projects in that I love the drawing/etching part, but find it hard to stay focused on the rest of the process (the inking of the plates, running it through the press). I'm just itching to go to the next one. I suppose it's my ADD, or just my nature. It's like magic when you finally see your first print of the plate you have made. I wish I had one to post but I had to leave the two I did last week in the class room to dry. I've made about 6 more plates at home this past weekend and can't wait to see how they turn out! I'll post pics as soon as I can.

January 12, 2008

2008-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Today was supposed to be spent in a Laura Cater-Woods class. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled. I was really, really bummed. So instead, I went to a teacher/volunteer training day at my church. Then, drove my good friend Toniann home. I haven't had a chance to spend time with her in awhile so it was great to hang out for that little bit. If you know Toniann or have heard me speak about here you know that she is my angel on earth. After that I was going to head home but decided that because I didn't get to take the Laura Cater-Woods class (which was supposed to be my Christmas present), and I missed the first night of the printmaking class I signed up for (as my replacement present) this week (husband had to work late and I was exhausted from PTA meetings and work)... yes, this is an incredibly long run-on sentence, that I would instead head to Barnes and NOble. I got a coffee and sat with a stack of art books for about an hour. It was great! Then, I stopped at the grocery store and since it was next to a salon, I decided to get my eyebrows waxed and a pedicure (in the middle of winter with my really hairy legs!).

I feel great now. I needed some time out of the house. Time away from the responsibilities and to do lists. I wanted to originally spend it doing something creative but this was just as good.

Right now I'm really busy with planning an art event at my son's school and that is using up a lot of my creative energy as well. I was overwhelmed by the planning but a team of volunteers have stepped up to help out so I'm excited again instead of feeling burdened. I'm also starting to feel better (since my father's death) and wanting to play with my fiber, fabric and yarn again. I don't have anything completed to show just yet. I'm still also trying to organize and take photos. For now, I'm still also drawing and creating art digitally. Here is a digital painting I made yesterday. Wanted it to be playful and childlike.

Valetine's is coming and starting a Round Robin Challenge

2008-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Whew, okay, done with Christmas and 2 birthday parties. Always fun but of course always a bit stressful. My kids are now 3 and 7. Wow, where does the time go. My son had a a blast at his party yesterday.

I decided to add a few items for Valentine's day to my etsy shop. Here they are (to see pricing information, go to www.hmiracle.etsy.com)

Also, my monthly meeting of my Fiber Art Fusion group is tonight and I'm sooo excited. I missed a few at the end of the year last month and the last one I made it to I was not to into it since my Dad had just passed.

But, tonight, i'm feeling like it will be energizing to get some creative inspiration from my artist friends. We will be meeting at a fabulous shop (that I haven't been to yet but heard wonderful things about), Rubber Stamp Fantasy in Marietta, GA. And, we are beginning a round robin that will last an entire year. 12 of us have signed up to create a 9 x 12 piece of fiber art that we circulate through all of us. Anything goes. Buttons, beads, stitching, quilting, painting, foiling. No rules! Can't wait to see how this turns out.

What are you doing today to tap into your creative spirit?

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to really think about what I want from the year 2008. I just got home from Minnesota last night and my sons' birthday is this weekend. I'm hoping to get some time to really focus on what my artistic goals are (and life goals in general). 2007 was not a great year. At least the end of it. i'm hoping 2008 will be on the upswing again.

I'm sure my next posts will have pictures of a SpongeBob Cake, as that is what my 6 year old has requested.

I have been drawing goddesses lately. They always include spirals. I didn't even know the significance of spirals until my MIL told me they represent the grouse in Native American culture. And, also birth and rebirth. Isn't that strangely coincidental? I think the goddesses are to give me a sense of myself. Still working on why they are in my drawings at this time. Here are a few:

Happy Holidays everyone!

2007-12-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

I just got through the first wave of holiday craziness this past weekend. I had my daughter's 3rd birthday party combination Christmas gift exchange with my family. We leave for Minnesota for Christmas with my in-laws this coming weekend. I love it but I'll also be glad when it's all over.

I'm still spending my creative time drawing and digitally coloring images. And, huge amounts of time on etsy promoting my artwork and my shop. so if you wonder where I am or what I have made recently, visit the shop and you will see it there.

Here is my daughter's Dora cake. Not to bad for a quick cake. She looks a little crazy in the eyes but my daughter was thrilled so that's all that matters right?

And, I bet you didn't know I'm also a chipmunk! Look at that face! I couldn't get the match to light!

And, here are a few of my latest little drawings.

I hope everyone is finishing up their holiday shopping and are able to enjoy the warmth and love of their friends and family this year. I miss my Dad but I'm happy to be surrounded by all the people I love.

What have I been up to?

2007-12-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I wish it was being more creative. But mostly I have been working on the business part of my art career. I've put tons of hours into my etsy shop with over 100 items to choose from. Come and take a look if you haven't lately! Lots of inexpensive magnets and notecards of my original images as well as prints and originals available. Really, check it out and if nothing else give me some feedback. I love critique! Etsy shop link is on the right side of this blog or go to www.hmiracle.etsy.com

Art/Craft show this Saturday 10am-2pm at UUCA in Atlanta

2007-11-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

I'll have a booth with my artwork including lots of items for gifts like magnets and notecards of my original images. I'll also have notecards with UU (unitarian universalist) inspired themes.

A couple of fiber art items.

2007-11-26T06:25:00.000-08:00

Finally took some photos of some of my fiber work i've done recently. Here ya go!
A pin, a scarve and two felted bowls.

Sisters

2007-11-22T19:51:00.001-08:00

are the best. I've been thinking of by 2 sisters a lot lately as we go through this journey of griefing the loss of our father. We are not alone, we have each other. Even though I drew only 2 sisters in this drawing, I was thinking of them both. I love you guys.

This image is available as prints in my etsy shop.

SALE!!!!!!

2007-11-18T17:57:00.000-08:00

Check out my etsy site. I've lowered prices on many of my items. I'll be reducing more items as the holidays get closer.

Art Show Tomorrow! Artisans at the Etz.

2007-11-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

Hi,

If you are in the Atlanta area, come on out tomorrow for some holiday shopping at Artisans at the Etz at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta, GA , 30068. Myself and some great artists friends will all have booths there.

I'm beginning to at least sketch again and have been working on Santas. Here are a few with digital coloring. The last one is my son's, alien Santa with pig nose. :) It's 30 cents if anyone is interested, hint, hint aunts and grandmas reading my blog.

I have also been making felted bowls. Tons of fun! I'll take photos soon.

Take care and have a good day tomorrow,

Heidi

Feeling Much Better

2007-11-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

I'm feeling much better with the passing of time. I have spent my days mostly at my computer doing family history/genealogy. I have discovered so much including a group of distant cousins that have online family trees with photos of my grandparents, great grandparents, great-great grandparents, great-great uncles, etc. I even got up the nerve to call a half-brother I have never met to let him know of our father's passing. My father had nothing when he died. Literally. I had a few photos, about 4 to be exact, of him from before he was married to my Mother. Learning some of his history is easing the pain and keeping my mind occupied.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. As I said in the previous post, the shining light in all of this has been finding out how much my friends care for me.

Heidi

My Father is Gone

2007-11-12T17:26:00.001-08:00

I've debated about writing something so personal on my blog. My blog which I try to keep related to my creative journey. But, I must write about this and share it.

My Father passed away on Tuesday, November 6th, alone in a nursing home. It was not really expected. He was 76. I am making it through but it is the hardest thing to go through. I don't think I could have ever imagined this pain. I want to go back in time for anyone who has ever lost a parent and make sure that I have been there for friends and family. My biggest comfort right now are my friends, my sisters and my kids.

Writing things down is helping. Not sure why. The day he died I jumped out of bed when my sister called at 5:20 am and got in the car and drove the 1 1/2 hours to Calhoun, GA. I spent the day in a rushed blur of funeral arrangements and overwhelming grief. I got home that night at about 10 pm. I hadn't seen my kids at all that day and when Maggie, my almost 3 year old awoke the next morning I was busy trying to complete the remembrance cards/bulletins for the visitation that evening. I was overwhelmed with sadness and nervous and anxious about completing this task in time to get it to the printers and back up to Dalton, GA before the visitation at 5 pm. So, I called a neighbor and walked Maggie down to their house so they could watch her while I finished the bulletins.
As we walked down the road from our house, I realized Maggie may not understand that I was going to be leaving her there instead of our usual playdate where we all stayed together. So, as we walked down the road I said, "Maggie, you are going to stay with Ms. Betty and Joey while I go home to take a shower and finish up some things for Daddy J." Well, as soon as I said that I realized it might be confusing for her. I hadn't seen her the day before, the day my Dad died, and I knew my husbad had told her but hadn't had a chance to ask him how he explained it to her. So, I turned to her ready to try and figure out what to say to an almost 3 year old when their grandfather has died. But, she beat me to it. She said so sweetly and matter of fact "No... Daddy J died." and I teared up and tried to hold it together and I said "Yes, he died."

Maggie: "He's gone."
Me: "Yes, he's gone."
Maggie: "He's not coming back."
Me: "No, he isn't coming back."
Maggie: "We need to go and get him."
Me: "No, we can't sweetie. He's not coming back. He died."
Maggie: "We need to go get a 'nutter one."
Me: "No, we can't get another Daddy J. There was only one of him. But, we have a Grandpa and a Nate."
Maggie: "Yea, Daddy J died."
Me: "Yes, he died."
Maggie: "He's not coming back."
Me: "No,he's not sweetie."

Long pause and we walked some more.
Maggie:"We need to get a 'nutter one DAddy J."

Me, tears won't stop.

Words of a 2 year old. If only we could. I want the same thing.

There are so many more things I want to write, so beware, this blog may not be the usual things you are used to for awhile. Hopefully, I will find a way to release this pain in my artwork sometime soon. For now, it is just coming in words.

In remembrance,
J.C. Miracle
We love you Daddy J
June 11, 1931-November 6, 2007

Print Gocco Rocks!!!

2007-11-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

I made a impulse purchase recently and bought a Printo Gocco machine. What in the *(!#$ is that you say? Well, it's a little machine that allows you to make screens for screenprinting on paper, fabric and more. I tried it today and making the screen was SOOO easy. Now, I just have to master using the inks and such. I can't wait to start using the screens. I played around a little bit on paper and it worked great. It's very small and each screen is very small so it will only be for small projects but how cool is that!!!! I'll post pics soon of some Print Gocco artwork. Anyone out there with experience with this gadget, please send me some ideas!!!

Heidi

Two Upcoming Craft Shows this Month

2007-11-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

Anyone who is in the Atlanta area the next two weekends should come out and start their holiday shopping, hint, hint. I'll have a booth at the Bizarre Bazaar this Saturday, November 10th, 710 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock at the Arnold Mill Elementary School. I've got all kinds of goodies ready to go including lots of magnets, two coloring books of my artwork, new felted items (bowls, pencil holders, small bags, pins, coasters) and all of my drawings and pastel art on paper and canvas.

The following weekend, on Sunday, November 18th, I will be at Artisans at the Etz at Congregation Etz Chaim Temple, 11am to 6 pm, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway in Marietta. There are fun things for the kids to do and I have heard great things about this show.

Hope to see you there!

Heidi