Summer Sewing

One of my favorite days this summer was when we brought the sewing machine and the fabric outside to sew under the sunshine and blue sky with a light breeze keeping us cool and the mosquitoes at bay.

This deer was on a t-shirt that was so adorable that I knew one day I'd give it a different form. I couldn't decide to make it into a plush or a bag and left it up to the moment. A little girl at the Art Experience thought it would be cute as a plush, so there you go!

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My daughter made a pillow for our most cherished furry friend!

Also a plush character inspired by one she saw in a local shop years ago.

She asked me to help with some of the sewing.

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My son had an idea for his sister's bean bag (which she wasn't using anymore), though pink wasn't going to do. So, off to the fabric shop where he chose the color and fabric. I created a pattern from the original bean bag cover to make the new one which was finished by evening. He has the perfect spot for it!
 

Snaps of New York

Along with the energy vibrating throughout the city, my eyes were over brimming with all the curiosities of colors, shapes, lines and contrasts that caught my heart.

 

Collection Painting

I love the idea of creating an artwork using one of my other passions, collecting objects and nature of beauty.
 
I collect everything, really everything. I would call myself a gatherer of beautiful things and like to surround myself with inspiration for art and visual contentment.

The pieces in this painting are found in antique shops or specialty shops, received as gifts, handmade or found in nature.

Sharpie

Being inspired by other artists is one of the ways that drives the "maker" within me. When I see something that stirs my creative heart I like to keep the ideas close by in my notebook. Over time the materials will be gathered and the moment to begin, will arrive.

The Sharpie art was influenced by the book, Sharpie Art Workshop: Techniques and Ideas for Transforming Your World by Timothy Goodman. Of course there are many more enjoyable ideas within, though drawing on plates happened to resonate at the moment. Most likely pulled from memories of my own melamine plates drawn in childhood.

The following are a couple beauties created by my daughter!

Washi

Washi tape is eye candy! I love all the colors, patterns and the soft texture! 

 

Though, what can I make with it? Researching on-line I discovered a Japanese artist, Nasa Funhara* that recreates famous paintings using Washi tape. They looked intricate and beautiful. I wanted to try it myself!

The rabbit was my first try. It was more difficult than I thought!

  

While making the rabbit, the Paris ink drawings that I drew last year came to mind.  I printed one and began filling in the shapes with a multitude of color and patterns as if it were a page from a coloring book. 

At first I thought it wouldn't be discernible and as I placed the last of the sky and chimneys the image became more distinct.

I loved to play around with the washi tape and why stop, so I found a couple photo frames to give them an extra pop of color! Hmm, where can I stick it on next?

*An on-line portfolio of Nasa Funahara's art: http://www.loftwork.com/portfolios/75san

Natural Abstract

While up north it is easy for nature to crawl inside my creative spirit and run wild. Standing on the dock overlooking the large lake while my husband and son were fishing I began to take photos of them and everything around when something moving and ever changing caught my eye. 

Abstract images kept fluttering through my soul, awakening all my senses and playing with my mind to create something tangible. Shapes move into the following images and either disappear completely or  slowly evolve into another form.  

For now, the titles to the artworks are not included, so you have time to see and be with your thoughts without being distracted by mine.