Magic Mailbox: Hallowe'en Petite Inspiration Swap

Last month I signed up for the Petite Inspiration Box: Hallowe'en exchange. I was assigned two partners and so I made two boxes to send out, which I shared a couple of posts ago. This week, the magic mailbox delivered the two boxes my partners sent. (Apologies for the darkness of the photos-I took them last night and the studio was gloomy in the evening with the rain.)

Jamie Vowell sent me this yummy book bundle along with her box, which is in the foreground with the vintage doily on top. The book bundle was so pretty I almost didn't want to untie it!

This pretty card was inside the parcel. Jamie lives in Bozeman, Montana. I just love Montana-it's so beautiful and the people are incredibly nice. I've vacationed there a fair bit and it's one of my all-time favourite states.

These were the goodies tucked into the matchbox. Acorns (real ones!), mini pumpkins, silk ribbon, a teeny silver shaker (adorable!), buckles, glass stoppers, string on an old spool, paper inchies, trims, a skull bead...fun stuff!

Inside the book bundle was a selection of fabric pieces and more trims. I LOVE this piece. It's got a circular embroidered pattern to it and it's tea stained. I am so taken with it and I think I am going to make an ROD journal cover with it. I think it should stay in the largest piece possible to be used and it's perfect for a cover. I have a hand crocheted lace snowflake another friend gave me that her grandma made which I think would look cool sewn in top of this. Yes, I have plans!

My second partner was Diane Bouchard who sent me this fantastical crow box. Isn't it cool? She even made a crown for it!

It always amazes me how much you can pack into the wee drawer!

 

Ephemera, stamped fabric swatches, wee boxes of trinkets, a ceramic doll arm, trims, a vial of googly eyes, stickers, metal bits...

In addition to the box, Diane also sent extras: a container of spider putty (which reminds me of "slime" which was the "in" thing when I was a kid) which I WILL be playing with! Tons of cool trims and a bag full of ephemera.

I am so thrilled with everything they sent and blown away by their generosity. Thanks Ladies for spoiling me! I know that all these wonderful things will find their way into my various art projects!

October Love

Hard to believe September has only 5 days left-it blew by! The good news is that in 6 days, it will be my most favourite month of the year, October!! YAY! Thanksgiving, my husband's birthday, our wedding anniversary and Hallowe'en are all on the calendar. Basically we party from one end of the month to the other in this house. *grins*

In celebration of October, I've made a desktop calendar for you to enjoy. Simply click on the image to get the proper size, then right click on it again, choose "set as background" and Bob's your uncle! Enjoy!

I've been busy tying up some loose ends in the studio-working hard on a couple of projects that I started ages ago and want to finish. (More on that in a future post!) I also managed to get my Petite Swap Boxes for Hallowe'en  completed. They've gone postal, so my partners should have them sometime next week. Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving are my favourite holidays, (go figure!) so I am especially excited to have some seasonal goodness headed for my mailbox too! Can't wait!

Speaking of mail, goodies just arrived in the magic mailbox-I have a couple packages from friends! Off to see what's inside!

Box O' Goodies

Remember this matchbox I showed you a couple weeks ago? Well my partner Nicole received it the other day! Happily, she is thrilled with the goodies I sent. If you want to see what was inside, she's posted about it on her blog. I'm glad she did-I forgot to take photos of the goodies before I wrapped it and mailed it off.

 The box for my other partner was covered in anaglypta that I added a layer of colour to, using an ink pad. I tied a gauzy gold bee print ribbon around it and added a ceramic bumble bee button to it. (Marlene is into bees.)

This is an extra swap that I made for the swap hostess, Heather. It's going postal on Friday. The paper I used to cover the box is from a security envelope. I've got quite a collection of them and I like finding new ways of using them. It was alot of fun stuffing the boxes full. I can't wait for my returns to show up! It's going to be fun to see what treasures are inside them.

I haven't been in the studio much the past two weeks. I've been very ill with a sinus infection and so I haven't felt up to being creative. I've finally got medication and orders for an x-ray which I will go do later today, so hopefully I'll start feeling better soon. Meanwhile, Indy and I are couch surfing and watching interior design shows, in between naps. And so it goes...

January=Sewing a Journal

Just a super quick post to share my latest completed ROD journal. Enjoy!

Altered File Folders

One great thing about using Google Reader is that it keeps me stocked up on eyecandy all day long. I have my browser set with the Google Reader as the dashboard, so whenever I open the browser, I have a pile of updated art blog links waiting for me.

One of those blogs belongs to Roben-Marie, whom I met via MaryAnn Moss' ROD class. Roben is always busy creating something new and lately, I've been watching as she keeps posting altered file folders to her blog. It looked like fun, so I emailed her and asked if she'd be up to swapping. She said yes.

So all these little photos are of small sections of the file folder I made yesterday. I love taking the camera and using the macro feature to zoom in on small sections of a larger piece. It gives you a different perspective of your work.

Remember that Tim Holtz tissue tape I mentioned in my last post? Well I tried it out on the file folder and as you can see, it blends seamlessly. The adhesion is excellent, even over Caren D'Arche water soluble pastels, gesso, matte medium and acrylics.


I also added a colour copy of an ATC I made some time ago and another on the front of a cone flower that I took in our garden. I like to colour copy my art so I can use the images over and over again in different ways.


I also plunked the folder down and randomly stitched all over it with my sewing machine, which was fun.

I added some white pen as well. Thing is, I am STILL on a quest for a good white pen that will WORK over top of a variety of mediums. I've tried all kinds of white gel pens and two types of Sakura pens-a gelly type one and then a permapaque. ALL of them are a dismal failure. They will write for about 2 seconds and then give up the ghost. (As evidenced by what you see above.) Either the tip gets gummed up (even when the piece I am writing on is dry) or they just refuse to work. I store them correctly and everything. They'll write on paper, but never on my work, no matter how new they are *sigh*

If anyone knows of a foolproof white pen, please let know! I would love to get my hands on a Sharpie white poster paint marker too, but so far haven't seen them for sale here in Canada.

I love the colour of this section.

Aren't the shapes of these numbers great? That was a $2 stamp from Daiso!

So here's the back of the whole thing...

And the front. (The yellow Post-it notes are covering up our addresses.)
I've filled it with all kinds of ephemera and stapled it shut so when Roben gets it, she can just remove the staples and reuse the folder. I stitched around the outside, which I think finishes it nicely.

It was alot of fun and a great exercise if you're not feeling particularly creative. You can just slap some paper down and go for it-there's really no wrong way of doing it and you can add whatever you want-paints, stamps, ephemera. It's a good way to use up scraps left from other projects.

I still have a couple more issues of Manual Dexterity Issue #1 left. I plan to list the remaining copies on my Etsy over the weekend, so if you want a copy, please email me soon! Purchasing info is here.

Faye, a Tattered Edge reader had this to say:

"I received my copy of the Manual Dexterity Zine today and it is to love! I've been on the run and just had time to look quickly at each page. I'll go back later and enjoy it all. Thanks so much for making it available and I hope you do the same with #2."

and then later emailed back with:

"I've had time now to read every word and enjoy your beautiful art and am looking forward to the next one."

Thanks Faye! I am so pleased you're enjoying it! Issue #2 is in the works and should be available for purchase in late August/early September. I'll be announcing it here, so keep your eyes peeled!

New Project

Yesterday I got the wild hair to go fabric shopping. Lauri had emailed asking me if I would like to do a personal doll quilt swap with her and the idea appealed to me. I decided to go out and see if I could find fabrics I wanted to work with and sure enough I did! These are from Moda's Celebrate Spring collection. I don't usually go for pinks or pastel tones, but for some strange reason, these appealed to me. At any rate, they seemed to be perfect for a doll quilt.



The white with the flowers on it will be the backing and the raspberry is the binding. I am still trying to decide what blocks I will make-I'm not sure yet. I think I am about to go on a textile kick.



In order to be able to quilt, I had to run out and buy a new iron yesterday as well. On Friday morning, I got up early and decided to make myself a half apron,which isn't quite finished yet-I have some embellishing to do still. While I was working on it, I heard this ugly electrical zzzzt! sound and then saw a flash and heard a loud pop! after which smoke started pouring out of my iron as I ran to yank the cord out of the wall. Thank god I was in the same room when it happened or there might have been a fire. Needless to say, once it cooled off, it went directly into the garbage-there's no way I would even consider trying to fix it-it's had the biscuit! I found a new one and hopefully it will be as good as my old one-I loved my old iron.

I also wanted to show you this little gadget I bought on Friday. It's a slurpee/snow cone machine. You put ice cubes in the top, the liquid you want to use in the bottom (in this case diet caffeine free Pepsi) and just plug it in.

In about two minutes, you have a slurpee! I LOVE slurpees but haven't had one in ages because none of the ones you can get in the stores are made with diet pop. When I was at the grocery store on Friday, I saw they were clearing these machines out for $19.99 and had to have one. It works wonderfully and I can't tell you how great it is to be able to make my own slush drinks. You can use anything-fruit juice, ice tea...whatever you like! Iced Mocha anyone?! MMM!

Okay, I am off to get started on the doll quilt! Ill be back soon with photos!

Treasured Totes

Yesterday the magic mailbox held a package from my friend and exchange partner, Kristin Steiner. She did a lovely job of wrapping it-isn't that paper crow fun?



Inside was this gorgeous folk art red and cream bag made from upholstery fabrics. Unfortunately, the photos don't do the colours justice. It's dark and raining here and it's hard to get good pictures when the weather's gloomy.

On the front of the bag, Kristin made this pretty wool flower pin with a bezel in the middle which contains a picture of me as a tiny baby in my christening gown.

Inside the tote, Kristin used another photo of me (at age 2 or 3) to decorate one of the pockets. She added some text that says "It's all inside". I love that this is like a little secret inside the bag. There is also a typewriter key above the photo with the letter "L" on it.




The other inner pocket is divided into two smaller sections to hold things like a cell phone and keys. Kristin embellished it with this beautiful wide lace.



All round the outside at the top of the tote she created these fabric triangles and embellished them with buttons. They remind me of the banners I have made recently and I just love old buttons!

Inside the tote, she tucked some goodies. There was this package of vintage perforated paper that will be fun to work into future projects, a brass "L" letter stencil and a replica vintage tin of Whitman's chocolates. (Love the colour of the tin!!)

THANK YOU Kristin for making my tote so incredibly special and personal. I am so blessed to be gifted with the work of your hands. You really went above and beyond the call in creating something that is totally "me". It's extra special because you share my love of textiles-it shows in everything you did. I will be so proud to be carrying this around town and will treasure it always.

THANK YOU to all my artist friends who participated in this exchange: Barbara Atwell, Debra Cooper, Amy Huff, Liz Lamereaux, Deb Lewis, Caren McNee, Ruth O'Conner, Kristen Robinson, Liz Smith, Mary Stanley, Kristin Steiner, Kathy Strittmater and Kathy Wasilewski. It's always a pleasure to host when everyone does such wonderful work. Each of your totes was beautiful and unique and this project turned out even better than I had envisioned.

*Note: This exchange is scheduled to be featured on Art-e-zine as soon as it is complete. I will announce it here when it's available for viewing.

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!

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!