art among the ruins - road trip

I had a fabulous day out yesterday, with a two of my friends. We drove to the bustling little town of Newburgh, ON, a couple of hours east of Toronto. I expect this town is normally, more sleepy than "bustling", but it was the site of a lovely, and surprisingly large, art show (60 artists), in the ruins of a 19th century mill, on the banks of the Napanee river. There's actually a house on the property, but the homeowners had the foresite to leave some of the ruins in their natural state, and simply landscape around them. The sun was out, the temperature was perfect, the mosquitos weren't biting, and one of my favourite fibre artists was exhibiting in the show (Sylvia Naylor). What more could you ask? I'll leave you with some images from the day.

Don't you wish you were here?

the experiments begin

A single layer of Washi Paper, coated with Konnyaku Starch, then free motion, machine stitched. You can see where the needle punctures the paper, but it still remains strong. I'm using rayon thread, and a size 12 embroidery needle (I think). Next I will stitch on my multi-layered paper bowl. BTW, another bowl is drying. Not washi this time, but instead a type of rice paper, tan coloured (it actually looks tea stained) with silver flecks on one side. Not as absorbant as the washi, but I'm hoping for some nice texture. it will certainly be pretty, but may not end up stitched.

Actually, the bowl count is now up by one, so two more drying. On the new bowl, I used some machine made Chinese Washi (that I purchased in a weak moment) and a few bits of my Brusho painted papers. The Brusho paper wasn't very absorbant (vellum, I think), so I'm not really sure about the outcome. I also have a layered flat piece, that includes more of the machine made Washi, sandwiched between two sheets of Gelli printed, deli paper. More about all of this in a couple of days!

paper bowls revisited

I've been on a quest to make a stitchable paper vessel, and now I have my answer. Konnyaku Starch! After my friend Cherryl, the queen of all things paper, gave me the solution, I wandered down to The Japanese Paper Place for one of their "Washi Wednesday" demos. To my surprise, the artist of the month was making vessels, very similar to the ones I've made in the past. Of course, I needed to add some of this starch to my stash (and we won't mention the paper I purchased)!!! Weeks passed, but I finally mixed up a batch, and was very pleased with the result. I didn't like stirring the mixture for 20-30 minutes, but the end result, of a smooth, clear, gell like paste, was worth it! I applied it to Washi paper, and after drying, it produced a strong, flexible, matte surface. Very pleasing to the eye and touch! Of course, the first thing I did, was try to bead on it. There is more surface tension than fabric, every needle mark shows, and you need to figure out how to hide the knots. But not really a problem. I've made three bowls so far. A large, small and teeny one. I've beaded on the teeny one, but then had to laugh! I had decided to bead on one side only, but when I set it back down, the bowl was so light, that it tipped right over. So I had to bead the other side. Something to think about!! A little plain right now, but they have huge potential! I made the large one, so that I could try machine stitch on it, and have also made a couple of flat pieces of washi, coated with the starch, to play with as well. I'll post again, after I finish experimenting.

I work with so much colour, that it's hard to believe that I'm working all in white! Don't you worry your pretty little heads about it, as I have plans.....big colour plans! Perhaps not for the first three, but definitely after that.

altered dominos, yes....but what else can I alter?

As many of you know, I love to experiment, and I also love my Alcohol Inks. What better way to play with them, then to design a new workshop? So I did! Details are as follows: If you're interested in learning more about Alcohol Inks, then this is the class for you! We will be working with a variety of techniques, tools and substrates, and I promise that it will be an action packed class! Not for the faint at heart, and definitely not for those that hate to get their hands dirty! Some experience with the inks is recommended. Jewellery and non-jewellery applications will be discussed. BeadFX in Toronto - Sunday, May 17th, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

I promise a day full of colour, creativity and laughter!! Stay tuned for more mixed media fun in June...

have a heart doll

Just a short post, to show you my latest beaded art doll. The shape is a little experimental, as I've never really been a hearts and flowers type of girl. However I think the red/purple colour scheme, definitely cuts the sweetness! I haven't settled on a name yet, but I do welcome any suggestions. I think that she'd be suitable for an ornament, but for now, she'll be just lazing about in a decorative bowl.

new class - wishy washy & whimsical

If you're interested in a little serious playtime, this is the class for you. At BeadFX, on Sunday, April 12th, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. We'll be playing with metal washers,inks, patinas, Iced Enamels and all sorts of mixed media stuff! Too much fun!!

See you there!

bag of bead challenge 2015 - "riva - from the shore"

Every year, the Toronto Bead Society, puts on a "Bag of Beads Challenge". For a nominal sum, you can purchase a bag, containing multiple small bags, with enough beads to complete a project. Included in that bag is a stumper, which for this year, was a rather large bolt, a nut, washer and heavy, aluminum wire. It's up to you to craft something, from the contents. The only mandate, is that you must use at least one item from each bag, including the "stumper". I pondered it for a little while, and then remembered that I had purchased some tarnished silver cutlery, originally intended for a wind chime (but of course, never made). So, flying by the seat of my pants (as usual), I decided to make a doll out of a spoon. A polymer clay face (purchased from Awsomeart at Etsy) was attached to the spoon, and then I proceeded to create the doll. Her middle was wrapped with strips of batting, and an old t-shirt gave it's life for her top. Her cloak was made of wool rovings, free motion machine stitched to watersoluble, and then dissolved in hot water (it felted!). Of course, I had to use intuitive bead embroidery! The wire, coiled at each end, was used to shape a collar. I realized that she needed to be attached to a base, so I asked a strapping young man (thank you Jordie!!!) to bend a fork, I attached it to the spoon, and then to the coaster base. As the doll was taking on a rather elemental appeal, I started researching names. After a google search, I came across the french name "Riva", which means "From The Shore". She was named! The doll is attached to the base, with a layer of Apoxie Sculpt (a two-part Apoxie clay). Objects, including shells, beads. a stone and the metal bolt, were imbedded in the clay. She's lovely, she's solid, and she represents the seashore! What more could a girl ask? If I had to categorize her, I guess she would be a Mixed Media Assemblage! - Photos courtesy of The Toronto Bead Society, Photo Booth.

chase away the february blues........

....by taking a workshop with me, at BeadFX next weekend. The following are scheduled: "Nature's Muse - Beaded Art Doll" - on Saturday, February 7th, from 10 am to 5 pm "Come Play With Me - Exploring the World of Altered Dominos" - on Sunday, February 8th, from 10 am to 5 pm Unfortunately, Blogger doesn't seem to want to let me upload a photo right now, so I'll send it to my iPad and try from there. If that doesn't work, just click on the link for each class, and then scroll down to the dates. I apologise for the inconvenience.***************Update****************Well, I did get the photos in, but not in the correct order. I think that I'll leave as is, as I don't want to press my luck any further!!! Grrrr....

bjp 2014 - leaf pile

I'm happy to say that I've actually finished my 2014 BJP series! No, I haven't blogged about the last three yet, and I don't do resolutions, but I will promise to post the missing ones, in the next few weeks. At the end of every season, leaves do fall, and what better way to show them, than in a nice, fat, pile! No raking required, but I expect that they will eventually end up, displayed in some orderly fashion, on stitched bits of muti-coloured fabric. It's hard to catch them, and they will blow here and there, but I hope to be able to corral their their 2014 whimsy, in one safe, or should I say, sane place!

Now on to 2015! For those of you, interested in joining the Bead Journal Project for 2015, open enrollment closes on January 5th. After that, you'll need to wait for December. The BJP is on Facebook, and all you need to do is to "Join". Yes, it is a year long commitment, but only one bead per journal is mandatory. The shape, the type of beading,and anything else is entirely up to you!............................................................................................... I wish you all a happy, healthy and creative 2015!

2015 bead journal project enrolment

For those of you considering joining, enrolment for 2015 is open until January 5th. After that, it will be closed for the year. Hop on over to their Facebook site, and request to join!!! Easy peasy!! Yikes!!!! That reminds me, I have two more leaves to photograph, and one more in the works....I don't promise a pre-holiday post, but soon after that, I expect........

november workshops

There's still space available in two of my November workshops, at BeadFX in Toronto! "Tart Your Tiles: Glass Cabochons & Pendants", this Thursday, from 5-9pm,and "Beading Without A Net: Intuitive Bead Embroidery", on November 23 & 30th. Won't you join me for a little creative play?

2014 quilt show - york heritage quilters guild

I have three small mixed media pieces, in the York Heritage Quilt Show, that's running from Friday, November 14th to Saturday, November 15th. I'll also have small items for sale, in the Members Boutique. If you have the time, and are interested in hand crafted eye candy and gifts(quilted items, cards, jewellery, etc.), do yourself a favour, and plan to visit the show. It's generally a great one and the boutique will be bursting, with hand crafted goodness!! I'm busy with another show on Sunday, but do expect to be there before noon on Saturday.

Enjoy a creative weekend!

International Paper Swap info

If you love paper and epherema, and don't mind a little postage, this is a great thing to do. I've been participating in the swap, for a couple of years, and haven't been disappointed yet. It's a great way to collect papers from across the globe! Blogger is being difficult, so the link is in the comments!

bjp0714 - coastal shades

Now for a leaf of a completely different flavour! It was finished mid-August, and is based on a trip to the west coast, to visit my family. Verdant blues and greens, have a calming effect on me, so how fitting to focus July's efforts, on mountains, water, calm and simplicity.......it just seemed right! I chose not to complicate the stitches and beads, and limited my 'extras' to the face cabochon and a shell from the beach. I know, I know.....it's not like me to do simple, restrained, or even a pictoral!.....I guess that I'm just not willing to be categorized!!!! As the post should reflect the mood of the leaf, I'll be ending it now. But before I leave, I ask you to reflect back, on your memories of the sun on your face, the rich smell of the forest and the sound of waves on the beach. Perfection!

bjp 0614 - flying in circles

Why is it, that time flies so fast, that it seems you're spinning in circles? One day, warps into the rest, and very little gets accomplished.....sigh! This bead journal is all about the passing of time and the use of unconventional objects. Found objects, gifts from friends, watch parts, glass nuggets and vintage components, are mixed in with new beads and the odd houshold treasure. Nothing is left out, and all will be used to mark the passage of time. These are my memories, and although I may not remember the individual stories, I will remember my treasured items, as the years progress. It's good enough for me! How do you plan to leave your mark, for future generations? A clean house, is not enough! Promise me, that you'll take some time for yourself....

I won't need to buy vintage jewelery components for a while, as I won a bid for a nice bag of them, from a seller on EBay. Of course, lessons learned are a)the exchange rate, and b) that shipping is expensive. I have promised myself to only bid on exceptional and/or very light items, in the future. LOL! Nothing unusual in my stitches, just the regular posse of peyote, back, stacked and boucle/bocce/moss. I love the warm colours, the watch parts and the bezels in this leaf! It was actually finished early in July, but bad blogger that I am, I just didn't get around to writing about it until now. For those of you that are still doing this, how do you manage to keep up? I do have good intentions, and still love the process, but time evaporates, and all of a sudden, my blog post is two months late. Boo, hoo to me!! Yikes!!! The bad news is, that I haven't even started on my July bead journal....soon, I promise, soon......but then there are class samples to make.....don't worry, I'll find the time to squeeze it all in, somehow........

bjp 0514 - green and blush

Ohh......I've been a very bad blogger!!! My May Bead Journal, was finished in May, but I just didn't get around to blogging about it.....Enough already, it's time to end procrastination, so tada, introducing my May BJP! I wish that I could say that I buried some deep thoughts or symbolisim in this leaf, but the reality is, that it's a simple celebration of spring! After a long hard winter, our landscape was painted with fresh green and pink, so it's really only fitting, that my leaf be painted with them as well. With the heat of the summer upon us, May seems so very far away. So much so, that this will be a very short post, with the photos doing most of the talking.

Somewhere on the internet, I spotted a small collection of stones, that had been covered with beaded netting. I liked them so much, that I decided to add one to my leaf. The ceramic cabochon, came from Tucon, via Stephanie, The Dixon Chick. A teeny little embellishment from Kaite in Australia, three vintage pearls from Sue in AZ (who sent me a generous, goodie package), a family button box find, a plastic toothpick (in honour of my paper bead class) and a metal flower from a vintage bracelet. Other than that, there's nothing weird or unusual in this piece. Stitches involved are back, peyote, netting, stacked, flower, fringe and boucle/bocce/moss. My June piece is also finished, but I haven't taken the photographs yet. With a little luck, I'll post again in a couple of days.

bjp0414 - greyed down but still delicious

April was a strange month! Grey and dreary, as it took it's sweet time deciding, if it wanted to be part of winter or spring. A few bright days, made it easier to bear, and I kept busy enough, to chase those doldrums away! I'm sharpening my skill set, and filling my artistic toolbox with even more techniques to share. Like I really needed to do this? Well, yes I do, if I want to keep up with trends, and improve my jewellery making skills. I'll continue to focus on fibre, mixed media and intuitive bead embroidery, but I suspect that jewellery making, will eventually be called upon, to help pay the bills. LOL! Now back to my bead journal. Evening and weekend workshops at BeadFX, with both Stephanie Dixon and Gio Paz, allowed me to ignore the weather outside! Beaded wire crochet, Basic Wirework skills (I needed remedial help, as I've forgotten so much) and a wire bead pendant are some of the new/old learned projects and techniques. I promise details. and more than a few photos, in future posts. The focal, on my BJP, is a resin piece I made, early in my explorations with that medium. Also included is a small wire bead, and a very teeny bit of beaded wire crochet. I started exploring the world of EBay in April, and have included a few vintage jewellery bits, from my first purchase (lots more in future BJP's). Ohhh.....I'm thinking that I'd better watch myself, because EBay could be very addicting! Not to mention the exchange and shipping rates!!

Peyote, back, stacked, bocce/boucle and flower stitches, all shine in this little leaf. I was also, happy to use my new Czech O and Triangle beads, purchased earlier in the month. They make an interesting addition to my stash and you'll definitely be seeing more of them in the future! The triangle beads are shown, standing to attention, on the outside of my bezel. They were originally lying down, but they 'clicked their heels' and stood up straight, when I decided to bead underneath them. Not quite what I had originally intended, but an interesting texture, just the same. Isn't serendipity wonderful? Also, do you notice the droplet of water at the bottom of the leaf? That was a last minute addition, and I must confess to loving it to bits!