Late Breaking News!

Copyright Angela Cartwrite & Sarah Fishburn

So guess what?! There is a brand new mixed media zine hot off the presses from Angela Cartwright and Sarah Fishburn called "Pasticcio". The really exciting part is that Sarah and Angela invited the ladies of ArtPub to contribute art for the premier edition so you will see some of my work in it! I just discovered that they also included the email I sent them about the pieces I contributed, which was a lovely surprise. (Thanks ladies!)

So...if you want to check it out, you can get all the details and order it by clicking here. Right under the picture of the cover, you will be able to have a peek at some of the content (including my email!) if you click on "Preview this book". You can also read Sarah & Angela's Pasticcio profile page here.

My copy is on its way to Canada as we speak and I can't wait to see it in all its 52 glossy page glory! I am sure it's going to be delicious!

At This Moment in Time

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Today's offering is another list ala Liz Elayne. It's fun doing these-it's like a little snapshot in time.

Reading: Just starting Stephen King's Lisey's Story. It's 515 pages, so it won't take me very long. I am going to try and save some of it for when I am in the wilds. (Since my back is still bad and I seriously doubt I will be doing anything more than reading and playing cards or scrabble.) I am still looking locally for a copy of In This House. I am dying to see it!

Watching: Tonight's entertainment will be The Complete Denis Leary. It's all his stand up routines. Yes folks, as much as it may surprise some of you, I am a fan-I ADORE Rescue Me. Denis is just plain wicked in that show and it's so well written. The cast is amazing.

Listening: Taylor Hicks. Have I mentioned lately how great iTunes is? I love being able to just shop for music from home and have it instantly!

Drinking: Crystal Light orange & grapefruit mix that you put into bottle water and shake. Not bad, though my favourite is Nestea's ice tea one.

Anticipating: Having a good visit with family next weekend and catching up with a close friend. (She's joining us.) Maybe I will be able to take some good artsy photos! The local wildlife includes rattle snakes and grizzlies. (Gotta love BC!) A shot of a bear (at a safe distance) would be cool, but I will pass on the snakes, thank you very much! Also, the Artfest class list will be up next week and I can't wait to see what the offerings are for 2008!

Dreaming: About all the new opportunities just around the corner. I was especially enthused and energized by last night's class. A wonderful bunch of folks came out to learn about the technical side of collage work and they reminded me why I love teaching. They asked great questions and the discussions were really interesting. We also laughed alot, which is always important in my classes-art and learning should be joyful experiences.

Doing: Not much over the next little while. I need to heal my back, which means taking it easy. I will be working on classes for the fall though and at least I can do word processing from the couch, thanks to my laptop!

Creating: Samples for my classes and new work for the exhibit I will be doing in the new year. That's going to keep me busy!

Art Supplies I am diggin' right now: 3M Post-it Sortable Cards. These are new in Canada and I picked them up to use in my class kits last night. They are great for jotting notes and have just the right amount of stick to them. (Perfect for my ever present to-do lists!) The best thing is you get 80 in a package for about $1.59 CDN. I bought a whole raft of them.

Treasured Totes (aka The Secret Project)

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

My tote is finally finished! It measures about 15 inches square and has a magnetic closure on the front.

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Under the front flap are two pleated pockets, large enough to hold a travel mug or whatever else my partner needs to stash. It's lined with aqua alphabet fabric and I created a "key leash". It's a long strap with a clip on the end that in attached to the inner lining of the bag. You clip you keys on it so you won't lose them in the bottom of the bag.

"Prairie Dawn"

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

My partner is Kristin Steiner who is such a sweet and gentle soul and I wanted to create something really special for her. The art part of this bag is a digital collage I created. The girl image was taken from one of my vintage photos. I scanned it into my computer and used Photo Shop CS2 to edit out the entire background of the original photo. Once I had just the girl, I created the scene, enlarged the girl image and incorporated her into it. I used PS to "paint" her dress and cheeks.

I printed the collage onto a t-shirt transfer paper and ironed it onto the fabric. Once I had that done, I hand appliqued the panel onto the flap of the bag. I hand dyed the rick rack yesterday at 4:30 a.m. when I couldn't sleep! I really like how this image came out-it reminds me of growing up on the prairies and I know Kristin will see the heart and innocence in Prairie Dawn's face.

I have added some goodies inside the tote, specially made for Kristin but I'm not going to post them until after she's opened it-I'd like her to have a surprise.

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

My best friend Lisa stopped by the other day with this post of red (!) gerbera daisies to cheer me up. They are such a happy flower and red's my favourite colour. I have them on my desk where I can enjoy them, though I don't know how much time I will be spending at my desk in the next while. My back has gone from bad to worse and I am at the point where I am hardly able to function. (Seriously!) It looks inevitable that I am going to have to go on bedrest. I am bored senseless just thinking about it, but at this point, it's a necessary evil. Thank heavens I have a laptop and the internet cord reaches to the couch! At least I can surf the web, chat online with friends and email. I'd be lost without my window on the world! Maybe I will have a chance to do some updates on my website.



I have a class to teach tonight and after that, I am off till I feel better. Aside from the laptop, I am going to stock up on library books and dvds to keep me amused. Liz suggested the Life on Mars series. Lisa loaned me one on vampires. I am going to see about watching the first season of House as well. I must be the only person on the planet who hasn't watched the show!



Hopefully, I will have some good news to share shortly. I am really excited about this particular thing but I don't want to say too much till it's confirmed. Let's just say doors are being opened and I couldn't be happier about it.



So...post away those of you who blog! I have a feeling I will be looking for news and eyecandy alot over the next while!

On the Injured Roster

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Yes, I am still here. I haven't been online much because that fall down the front stirs I took last week really did a number on my back. I am in constant and considerable pain and for some reason (probably swelling from the injury) I can't feel my legs and feet-the nerves are being crushed. I had back x-rays done last night and just waiting to hear what they show. In the meantime, I am making a valiant effort to not become unbearable grumpy. (Pain like this will do that to me.)

Sunday I taught my altered book class but due to a variety of unusual circumstances the class was uncharacteristically small. It was a very different experience than teaching my usual sized classes, but it afforded me the opportunity to get to know my students better. I had a good time and I think Judy and Karen did too! *waves*

I am teaching An Introduction to Collage on Thursday and then I am going to try (the operative word here being try!) to take it easy and see if my poor back will improve. We have a family camping trip planned with my in-laws and I just don't know what I will do if I am not markedly better by then. I can't think of anything worse than "roughing it" with a back injury.

Work continues on the "secret project". I am almost finished so I will have something to show for it pretty soon. What is the secret project? Well I thought it would be fun to gather a group of artist friends and do an art tote exchange over the summer. After asking some questions about personal preference, I matched everyone up with partners. Each person is making a tote for their partner in their favourite colours and style and "arting it up" on the outside. They are including goodies inside the tote (either handmade or store bought or a combination of both) and sending it off to their partner. Everyone is taking photos of their finished pieces and Gillian has asked to show the project on Art-e-zine when we are done.

In addition to myself, here are the other participants:

Barbara Atwell

Debra Cooper

Amy Huff

Liz Lamoreux

Deb Lewis

Caren McNee

Ruth O'Connor

Kristen Robinson

Liz Smith

Mary Stanley

Kristin Steiner

Kathy Strittmater

Kathy Wasilewski

Everyone has been busy in their studios putting the pedal to the metal to make something really special for their partners. I have received a few photos of the completed work and what I have seen so far is wonderful!

And keeping with the theme of the art that I added to this post, here are 5 simple things I adore:

-Tea in my favourite cup, made for me every night by my husband.

-Kind words from a friend.

-The briny smell of the ocean.

-Snuggling under quilts that were the work of my hands.

-A good book.

Okay, that's all I have for now!

A Randomati Post

There are a couple things I wanted to share with you this morning. First of all, the talented Stephanie Lee has just joined the blogging world. Her new blog is called Semiprecious Salvage. Stephanie made the pendant shown above. It was the piece I bought at this year's Artfest. I just love it! Go check her out!

The other things was that I just received my copy of Portals Zine, issue #5. It's jam packed full of great articles and wonderful art. Heather has also added some tutorials for making mixed media charms for those of us who can't get enough of those little handmade trinkets. If you haven't checked this publication out yet, you have no idea what you're missing out on!

On a completely random note, on the recommendation of my best friend, I rented a series on DVD called "The Lost Room" and started watching it last night. Here's the synopsis from the official website:

"In the 1960s, there still were hundreds of motels with thousands of rooms along Route 66 as it twisted its way from Chicago to L.A. and back. None of them stood out from the rest until one day when some unknown event at the Sunshine Motel transformed ordinary things into items of wonder.

Room 10 of the Sunshine Motel and many of its mundane contents — a pair of scissors, a comb and so on — gained unique and inexplicable properties on that day, transforming them from ordinary objects into indestructible Objects.

The Scissors can turn and rotate any item in three dimensions. The Comb stops time for 10 seconds when you run it through your hair. The Eyeglasses inhibit all combustion in a 20-foot radius. The Room itself is an unchanging haven and a portal to any destination. But it can also take that which you value more than your own life.

To possess an Object is to possess its power.Using each Object exacts a physical, emotional or psychological cost from the owner. Just holding one makes you a target for murder. For decades, maybe since the first moment that the Motel Room was ripped from this reality, cabals have formed to collect all the Objects.

As always, some just want unlimited power, and they believe getting all of the Objects will give them that. Others want to prevent anyone from ever again using the Objects.And though their motives vary, the cabals' tactics are similar. It's said that while you have one of the Objects, you have no friends, only people waiting for an opening."

Police Det. Joe Miller was introduced to the Motel Room when a fatally shot young man gave him one of the most powerful and coveted Objects of them all: the Key to the Motel Room. His life is immediately turned upside down when his young daughter becomes lost in the room. In his relentless quest to rescue his little girl, Joe becomes the target of shadowy figures who will stop at nothing to take from him his only hope of saving her — the Key.

You can learn a bit more about it here. I was hooked about 20 minutes in and now I can't wait to watch the rest of the episodes. If you're looking for something to amuse you during the TV wasteland that is the summer, rent it! It reminds me a bit of "Heros", which I love. It's fantastic!

Fit for an Artist

This folks is my new chair! I have been griping about the agony my old chair has been causing me and have talked about buying myself a new and improved one. This afternoon I had some photocopying to do for my class on Sunday and as I was finishing up, I noticed this chair was on sale. I went over and sat down in it and ahhhhh!

I asked the clerk if there was someone who could help me load one into my car. Normally I can manage myself (I am woman, hear me roar!) but since I fell down the stairs on Tuesday, I figured I had better not push my luck. One of the guys came along and told me I could have the assembled chair (not one in pieces in a box) and get another 25% off! So my new chair was under $60, which is really something because I know you can't usually find a chair like this so cheap.

Having a comfy chair means that I can now sit and work on art without feeling crippled when I am finished for the day. It's not unusual for me to start working at 5 a.m. and go straight through till 3 p.m. most days. Sometimes I even work after dinner till 11 p.m. Crazy, I know, but when you are inspired, the clock does not rule. The back however does and the more uncomfortable my old chair got, the less time I could tolerate sitting in it. But no more! I now have this comfy new one and my son will be banned from sitting in it. He ruined my old chair by leaning too far back on it, too hard, too many times. One day I went to sit on it and when I leaned back on it, the back of the chair fell off and I fell a** over teakettle backwards! Needless to say that won't be happening to this chair!

I am pleased that my workspace is shaping up partly by design and partly out of necessity. It makes working much more enjoyable if I am comfortable and things are ship shape. There's still more tidying and organizing to do, but it's getting there. Today happiness is a new chair!

The Blessing of Friendship

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Last night, unexpectedly, I received a phone call from my precious friend Anna. We talked for over an hour and it was so good to spend that time with her. I wish there were a word to describe relationships that go far deeper than friendship because I feel that that "friendship" is far too simple a word when I think of the connection we share.

I don't know if you heard, but there was a big explosion of an underground steam pipe in NYC that blew a crater sized hole in the street above. It sent steam, mud, concrete and asbestos flying high into the air, (for two hours!) killing one and seriously injuring about 30 others. Anna said seeing it on TV was like watching 9/11 all over again. I can't imagine what that was like for her and countless others affected by 9/11.

Tuesday would have been her son Ken's 44th birthday. I had planned to mark the day with a post dedicated to him, but in all the craziness of having fallen down the stairs that morning, I neglected to do it. It was more special to talk about him with his mother last night. It's funny you know, Anna always thanks me for coming into their lives and tells me what a difference I made for them, but I think in all honesty, what they have brought to my life is far more. I can't remember who said it (someone wise, anyway) that one of the most beautiful compensations of this life is that the more you give, the more you get to keep for yourself. That is so utterly true. She almost had me in tears last night she was so sweet to me. (Relationships where you can say exactly what's on your heart are incredibly rare.) Our conversation was so poignant that my heart was full by the time I hung up the phone that I found it impossible to sleep last night. I lay awake for hours thinking and envisioning a piece of art I want to make. I just need to figure out how to do it. I believe it begins with some paper clay which means a trip to the craft store to get some this morning.

Oh and if you were wondering about the quilts, those were gifts to Ken's family when I went to meet them in person in July 2004. The one with the stars and Ken's name on it is a replica of the block I made for the United In Memory quilt to honour Ken's life. I wanted Carlos & Anna to have it so I recreated it and finished it as a wall quilt. There are 38 stars on it, one for every year of Ken's life. The house quilt was for Ken's widow, Mary and the friendship bird for Ken's sister Suzy. I spent hours on those quilts, but each was a labour of love.

To think that this relationship began from one small piece of art...amazing. Art heals.

Triptychs!

My triptych returns arrived yesterday! This gorgeous bird inspired one was created by Jo Wholohan. She went the extra mile and made hers double sided. I don't know if you can tell by the photo here or not, but it has multiple layers of textiles and mediums to it. Amazing!

This one was from the hands of Jenny Lincoln. The base for the hearts is wood and she covered them with cool 70's fabric. (I remember this kind of fabric growing up!) This piece has a nice weight to it and I never would have thought of using wood. Clever!

And last but not least, this lovely creation from Susie La Fond, our gracious swap hostess. I really love the angels she used and the slight hint of colour. It's beautiful! Thanks ladies for creating these wonderful pieces for me and to Susie for hosting such a great swap.

Yesterday when the parcel containing my returns arrived, I slipped on the wet tile (like slipping on a banana peel) and fell all the way down the front steps while retrieving it. In the rain. In my pj's. Needless to say, I have injured my back and I am stiff and bruised. Not exactly how I wanted to start my day. I am still hurtin' today, but luckily, I have some heavy duty anti-inflammatories on hand and I plan to take one as soon as I get some brekki in me. On the bright side (if there is one) I don't think I've broken anything, although my tailbone sure feels like it!

Note to self: Art can be hazardous to your health!

The Magic Mailbox

When I got home from the track this morning, the magical mailbox held a parcel that had made its way across the pond from sweet Liz! Look at these goodies! Vintage fabrics from France, vintage buttons and delicious lace from England and see that hook? I LOVE that hook. The handle is worn wood. I absolutely love that it is worn-it makes me think of the hands it must have passed through over the years. If only it could speak-the stories it would tell! I believe it was used to button boots back in the day.


Liz also sent this packet of knitting needles. I love that on the opening flap it says "note the points" because it has "especially tapered points which will not injure the fingers". *giggles* Good to know! Old packaging is just so cool.

This pattern amused me-the girl in the red dress (red's my favourite colour) has curly hair and green eyes like me. (Did you notice that Liz?!) The pattern is a "Half-size slenderette". I am by no means a "slenderette" but the term makes me smile.

She also included some small buttons (pins) because she knows I love them. I have a whole pile of them stuck into the inside roof of my car, which is fabric. Most were gifts from friends-Tracy Roos, Sarah Fishburn, Tiffini Elecktra X, Deb Trotter and Tina Catspaw. I like having little art pins to look at as I travel around. (Another way I live more artfully.) These are fun and later today when I go back out, I will take them and add them to my collection.



And last but not least, she sent me some new music. Liz and I have been swapping music for some time now. We seem to have very similar tastes and it's great to listen to what she's found. When she was here a few months ago, I sent her home with several of my newest finds. I am always on the hunt to find new music for my Ipod to keep me company when I'm at the track. (What every did we do before Ipods?!? They are one of the best inventions yet!) I am just about to pop this in and give it a listen.

Thank you Liz for all your thoughtful gifts. I love everything you sent. While it's so nice to get goodies in the mail, nicer still is knowing a dear friend has you on their heart and mind. I have stripped down the envelope you sent and am off to stuff it and send it back to you! *wink*

July's ATC Swap

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Just back from the Vancouver ATC swap! I had a great visit on the drive there and back with my pal Sandy. Lots of folks showed up which was nice to see, given that it's the summer and people tend to be away on holidays. I'd made just enough ATCs to get by this time! (Usually I run out and then more people show up.) I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Susan who was new today. As luck would have it, she lives just across the water from me, so hopefully we will be able to get together and talk art sometime soon.

There was a lively chat about how several of us are organizing (reorganizing?) our work spaces and supplies. It was interesting to hear what works for everyone and amusing to know that a messy studio is the norm. Nina was bemoaning that fact the other day, but I say that's part and parcel of being creative. Granted, there are times when you have to stop and reorder things because you can run out of surface space to work on (or lose your projects and tools altogether in the chaos!) but a messy studio usually means something wonderful is happening there! Mine is not neat as a pin all the time-sometimes I have stuff scattered all over the table and on the floor. *looks around* Yup, today, it's a bit of a mess-not a huge mess, but there's definitely things that need to be put away.

Most of the ladies who were sharing in our discussion agreed that their supplies needed to be in containers that were either labeled or you could see through so you would know what was in them. I have been on a crusade since the beginning of summer to order, store and label my essentials. So far it's going well and I can already see what a difference it's made in terms of saving time. I am not hunting high and low for every little thing I need and that's made all the hard work worth it. I still have more to do, but it's satisfying to see the results.

Okay, that's it for me today! I am off to look through the big bag of handmade papers Sandy kindly gifted me with...looks like lots of good stuff!

By My Hand

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Pssst!! Just a quick note: the Angel of Lost Buttons has been busy uploading new goodies to the Tattered Edge Mercantile! Hurry-this batch of textile goodies are one of a kind and when they're gone, they're gone!

Friday the 13th

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

This is one of the pieces I have been working on to go with my "secret project" for my partner in the exchange I am hosting. She's away right now so hopefully she won't see this, but if she does, this is the only piece I am sharing till she gets her parcel at the end of the month, so consider it a tease! I thought she would enjoy having something with her initial to add to her studio, so I made her this little muse. I am having a ball cooking up all the things I am including with her parcel and I can't wait to hear her reaction!

I thought the summer would mean a bit of a slow down which would allow me to find time to pursue some projects I haven't had time for, but it doesn't look like it's going to turn out that way. (Not that I am complaining!) I imagine there will just never be enough time to create all the jumble of things that pop into my head. Good thing I have my trusty Moleskine to write them all down in!

There's been alot of talk about music in my circle of friends lately. (Must be the theme of summer!) Susie was asking if people listened to music in their studios while they worked. I do. It's a simple fact that no music=no art. I always have music from my Itunes library playing through my computer while I create. It allows my thinking brain to shut off and the art just creates itself. It's quite meditative, really. My tastes are pretty eclectic but the common denominator is that I love truly great lyrics.

When I went to Artfest, I hosted a collaborative book for the girls in my house. We also decided to swap mixed CDs with one another which was fantastic-I learned so much about my housemates, listening to their music. My friend Tina and I seem to be on the same page when it comes to our musical tastes. It's pretty cool because while we are big fans of The Indigo Girls, we have also introduced each other to artists we didn't know, but now also love. It's made for some very happy listening.

In other news, I am waiting on two packages that are en route to my house. One is the returns for the Triptych swap and my prize. (Thanks Susie, Sarah & Angela!) The other is goodies from my pal Liz. I am hoping today, Friday the 13th is a good mail day! (Traditionally, this day has been lucky for me!) I just have one question: at what point does my watching for the mailman cross the line into stalking?!? *evil grin*

Can You Dig It?

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Well, it's finally gotten hot enough that I am hibernating, with the fans on all day. I am not now, nor ever will been a hot weather girl. Bring on Autumn I say!! I actually dreamt last night that I was walking ankle deep in fallen leaves and enjoying the crunch beneath my feet. Wishful thinking!

Part of yesterday was spent creating this "Laugh" Tattered Banner that was a commission. (Not the best photograph, but you get the idea.) I managed to complete it and it will go off in the mail this morning. I plan to do some more work on the "secret project" today. It's due to be mailed by the end of the month and I am determined to be finished before then because I will be busy prepping for a family camping trip.

This morning I was thinking of things I am digging right now and thought I would share my list:

-Vintage aqua blue and chocolate brown fabrics

-aqua rick rack trim

-polk-a-dots

-rayon ribbon (can't get enough of this stuff!)

-stickers made from my art

-striped baker's twine

-old mother of pearl buttons

-small glass bottles

-old lace to dye

-Ikea's barn red organizers

-random collage bits (text, old ledger paper, etc.)

-my little label maker machine

-the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine

-polished toes

-wearing sandals

-singer/songwriter Laurie McKenna's music

-my new shades (my old pair self-destructed)

What's on your list?

As Ye Sew, So Shall Ye Rip

Wonder what I have been up to? Well I have been a slave to my sewing machine lately. I am still working on the "secret project" but I made huge headway after I threw away the stupid pattern I was trying to follow.

I bought a pattern by a "big name designer" and all I can tell you is that despite 15 years of quilting under my belt, I could not make head nor tail of it when I got right smack in the middle. I think I should have known it was doomed to be a disaster when I saw there were 40 pieces to it. Let's just say that thanks to the rotten pattern, I am now quite familiar with how to use my seam ripper. In the end, I managed to parlay what I had into what I hoped to make. Thank goodness I can design things in my head! I am now more than 1/2 way to the finish line!

It was a busy weekend. We went to a football game, to the pool, did the usual weekend chores and then yesterday I had "girl's day" with my best friend Lisa. We went off to the spa for pedicures, then out to lunch followed by sandal shopping. It was really relaxing and now I have pretty toes! They had this wonderful smelling pink grapefruit lotion (love that smell!) made from essential oils that I treated myself to, along with a bottle of their fancy-schmancy polish so I can keep my tootsies sandal worthy all summer long.

I really should have been lying low over the last few days. My back is still causing me grief. I don't know how I managed to tweak it but it's definitely not feeling good. No time to lie in bed and whine though-I have too much to do!

Wrapped Up in String

Yesterday I went out to West Vancouver to take advantage of a big sale at one of my favourite clothing stores. (The sale was at that location only.) On the way I passed a craft store so I made sure to stop in on the way back. They had the new line of Martha Stewart's craft stuff and I got suckered into buying a box of baker's twine. I just really loved the colours. I have some of the red and white that I ordered awhile back from Papier Valise . (Very reasonably priced, whereas Martha's is not-at least not in Canada anyway.) I saw some more of the red and white in a small shop in Port Townsend when I was at Artfest and so I bought more to add to my collection. Of course, I have not used any of it yet-I am hoarding it. *grins* I suspect this will also be hoarded until I find the right project to use it in. Don't ask me what the attraction is-I just know I like it!



Here's the latest:



Reading: "The Secret of Rusty Things" by Michael De Meng & "Alabi Man" by Tami Hoag.

Watching: We're going to the football game tonight at the stadium-BC Lion's vs. Edmonton Eskimos. Over the weekend we're going to watch "The Last King of Scotland" on dvd.

Listening: "Ruby's Shoes" by Laurie McKenna.

Drinking: Chai-is there anything else? I never get tired of it.

Anticipating: The Triptych returns. Susie LaFond informs me I won 2nd place in the contest. LOL! I didn't even realize there was one! Apparently I will find a collage pack in with my cards when they come. SWEET! I am also going to have a pedicure with my best friend Lisa on Sunday as a treat. I can't wait! And of course I am always anticipating my next project!

Dreaming: About buying a new office chair. I want one of those ones with the high back and armrests on them. My current chair is about 6 years old so it's time. I also did something (not good) to my back this week and this chair is killing me!

Doing: Still working on organizing and tidying my workspace. It's getting better, bit by bit. I am labelling the heck out of everything so I don't have to waste time searching for what I need.

Creating: Still working on my "secret project" for the exchange I am hosting. I haven't had time this week so far to get back to it, but today's the day. I would like to get at least 1/2 way finished today. Wish me luck!!

Wow! Is it the weekend again already?!? Have a good one everyone!

FREE Workshops!!

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

So I have some news! I will be presenting two FREE workshops in the new year at Poirier Public Library. Yes, you read that right, they're FREE to attend! Get out your red pens and mark your calendars!

The first presentation, Exploring the World of Mixed Media & Altered Books will be a trunk show, with a focus on books. In this interactive presentation, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the wonderfully creative world of Mixed Media and Altered Art. I will share with you my altered books, altered board books, collaborative books, fabric books, mixed media journals and more. Discover how you can tap into your own creativity and enjoy books in a whole new way! This presentation will take place on Thursday, January 31st, 2008.

The second class is An Artful Life: Mixed Media Journaling On the Go! In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore ways to incorporate “art time” into their busy schedule. Each participant will have the opportunity to create a mixed media journal using unconventional supplies gleaned from everyday life. I will share with you a variety of tips and tricks for living a more artful life-it’s easier than you than you think! This workshops is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 7th, 2008.

I am still working on confirming a few details (like the time of the workshops, though I suspect they will be in the evening) so once I have those, I will let you know!

If you are interested in attending you must register by calling the library at: 604-937-4155 and leave your name, number, the name of the class and indicate how many would like to attend.

In addition to these workshops, I have also been invited to exhibit my work at the library again, this time for 2 whole months! My art will be on display from January 1st- February 29th, 2008.

I am really looking forward to these workshops and if you are local, I do hope you will come join me!

Living More Artfully

In the process of tidying up my workspace this morning, I came across some old calendar pages I had saved because the art on them was so pretty. (Van Gogh and Monet's paintings. Perhaps the ballet one is Degas?) Anyway, I figured since I had them out, I would transform them into envelopes. It's pretty easy to do:


1. Deconstruct an actual envelope to use as your template.


2. Using a ball point pen or an embosser, trace around the opened envelope on the wrong side (date side) of the calendar paper. I don't worry about trying to get a certain part of the picture onto the envelope-I like it to be random-it's more interesting that way. My trick to creating the folds correctly is that after I trace around the open envelope, I fold all the flaps inward and then trace around it again.


3. Cut out on the outer traced line. Crease on the inner traced lines and reconstruct it. Glue using either glue stick or double sided tape.


4. To address them when I want to use them, I just stick a plain white label on the front and write the address on that.


See how easy that was?



This is the embosser tool I use. It's just like a ball point pen except it doesn't have any ink in it. Using this tool or a ballpoint pen works well on the glossy paper because it gives you nice clean fold lines. If you can't find an embossing tool, then just save an old ball point pen when the ink runs out-it works just the same.


I often buy art related calendars and I can't bear to throw them out when the year is over. This is a good way to give them a second life. You can also usually find all sorts of calendars on sale about 2 weeks into January. Often they are just 99c each!


If I get a cool arted up envelope in the mail, I save it. I open it carefully at one end and then re-use it as a pocket in a journal or altered book. If there is something interesting stamped on the outside, I will cut that out and glue it into my Moleskine journal, just for fun. I have a quirky habit of saving all postage stamps too-I just can't get enough of them and they are little artworks in themselves. As I often tell my students, "There is no garbage!"


That's this week's tip for living more artfully!

Bonne Fete Canada!!

So yesterday was Canada Day and our country celebrated its 140th birthday. We decided to go into Vancouver to Canada Place and enjoy the festivities there. We parked in historic Gastown and walked up to Canada Place. It was a sea of humanity and we had lots of opportunity for people watching. Here are some photos I took along the way.


This is a war memorial statue outside of the Waterfront Station. I wish it hadn't been so bright out so this picture wouldn't appear so washed out...but I love the expression on the face of the angel and the wings are beautiful. It really bothers me that the statues get dirtied by the birds-it ruins my enjoyment of them. I think the city needs to take better care of them.


This was a graphic outside a shop in Gastown. I just really liked it, so I snapped a pic.
A shot taken from Stanley Park looking back towards the city. We went over to the park afterwards to pick out a spot to watch the fireworks from. We found a spot near the 9 o'clock gun and had a picnic dinner. When the gun went off at 9, it scared the hell out of me. The gun is a cannon that goes off every night at 9 and even though I know this, it always makes me jump out of my skin. I am not used to hearing cannons going off. It's deafening and then it echos back off all the buildings downtown. I don't know how the folks living near it can stand it. I don't think I could withstand having a heart attack on a daily basis!



We amused ourselves all evening playing cards, which was alot of fun. We often have family game times, especially in the winter. We either play cards or scrabble and it's one of my son's favourite things to do. In the winter when the weather is ugly, I will make a nice lunch and put everything on the table and we sit and play while we nibble. This is something I was raised doing during bad weather days on the prairies. When a snow storm would hit or the wind chill factor was too harsh to go outside, that's what we'd do! It's a great way to connect as a family.
The Vancouver Police were patrolling the park on horseback, as they do, especially in the summer. It's fun to see them walking their horses along the seawall. As you can see, there was quite a crowd by the time 10:30 p.m. rolled around. The lit up building you can see is Canada Place (Our big convention center.) where we were earlier in the day.


The night was perfect for fireworks-just warm enough to be comfortable and no rain. We were treated to about a 45 minute show and didn't get home till midnight. Good thing that today (Monday) was a day off, since the stat fell on the weekend so we all slept in!



Today was spent packing up my new designs for Paper Artsy to go off to the UK tomorrow. Other than that, I didn't do much-I seem to be coming down with a very sore throat and my voice is going in and out. *sigh* Time to crawl into bed with a good book and drown myself in tea!