Creating my art is pretty expensive - not because the supplies I need are expensive, but because the SHIPPING is expensive.  I guess I should go to more yard sales and stuff because I might find some of what I'm looking for there instead of online sites.  It isn't that I don't want to support the US Postal Service,  it is that those shipping feel really add up.  Case in point - last week I had a cart full of stuff on Etsy that was only about $12 - but the shipping was over $20!!! It isn't logical to pay more for shipping than the item costs!  Also - if I'm not paying attention (ie. shopping in the middle of the night) I might by something from China, which while cheap product and shipping, will take damn near a life time to get here.....

But I am pretty excited because I have 4 pieces in the pipeline! Two are for friends (and that isn't all I'll say because - surprise), one is for Pamona and the last one is about mermaids. I have been collecting bits and pieces for awhile now on the first one, but am playing catchup on the other three. I'm trying to be careful because as I mentioned above - shipping is scary. 

So what do you think? Will I be successful finding, buttons, pins, fabric and the like at yard sales and such? All advice considered!

Have a creative day!

Hamburg is hosting a town-wide yard sale - they will give out a flyer with all the locations with stuff to sell and people can wander however they like. 
I will be selling out of my garage instead of outsid my front door - we will see how that goes.
I've been spending time digging through books, dishers, knick knacks, clothes, whatever in an attempt to find enough stuff to sell that might catch the eyes of folks with money.  
So what does that have to do with art? Kinda nothing except I have to cover my fabric storage in my garage so people dont't get any bright ideas. 

I'll keep you posted.

I have to admit that I really enjoyed working on the commissions - especially the ones from 2021.  Usually I know the people or subject of the piece so I have plenty to draw from; but this time, I had to rely on information from others as well as actual interviews with the subjects. A very interesting experience to be sure.

There is one thing I discovered working on these pieces - the supplies can really be pricey!  Unfortunately, most of that comes from the shipping costs because its not as if I can pop down to the local arts and crafts store and just pick up what I need. Yes I can get some of what I need, but not enough to eliminate shopping trips to Etsy, Ebay, eQuilter, etc.

Honestly, when I am looking for bits and pieces to translate my message, I am very lucky to be able to find unique items from other artisans.  Their offerings really make a difference. 

I am currently about to start a new piece and have gotten some interesting things from the online shops but I am still on a mission for just one or two other key pieces.... the hunt is on!

The weather here for the last several days has been bitterly cold and there have been very high winds, although those seem to have subsided.  I took peek at the lunar eclipse on Sunday evening - it was really amazing. I haven't seen one that nice since the fall of 2004, which was coincidentally  the only time I have ever got to experience the Aurora Borealis (outside Dover, DE to be exact). 
In any case, our 1890's stone cottage is pretty snug, but the cold gets in via the bathroom (a not so snug addition to the house) so all anyone wants to do is wrap in blankets and keep their hands warm. Which translates into no actual art being created but lots of ideas perking in the mind. Maybe some sort of lunar eclipse piece? hmmmmm

I actually finished a piece!

I'm a huge "Where the Wild Things Are" fan and am trying to get my young niece hooked as well.  I got her an adorable Tshirt with some of the characters on it (beautiful cotton!) but decided it needed something a little .... MORE.  so I got some sweet narrow white cotton lace to sew around the bottom. But the more I looked at it, the more I decided that it wasn't enough.  So I decided to embroider the lace onto the bottom of the Tshirt and it came out so good!!  I was super pleased with it!!

Only one small problem - I was so anxious that I forgot to take a full photo of the finished product before I gave it to her! <laugh> I'm sure I will see her wear it sometime so look for a photo in the future!

Boy it really feels good to have thought about, created, and followed through to completion a project!! It has been so long since I've done that - I doubt that means my depression is over (because is sure isn't) but I am just really glad I could make Lily smile!

 ​ Ok - the photograph of the piece could have turned out better but....

I decided to make a learning tool for the babe of a friend who loves her animals.  I wanted something that was more than a blanket - something that could be used to tell stories and help a kid learn to talk about their world, to discover colors and all that good stuff.

Luckily, I found the best fabric and interspersed it with the rather large collection of animal fabrics I already possessed and tada! 

The piece is 44inches by 36 inches; each piece was first sewed onto the backing before each edge was embroidered over top.  The binding was attached by sewing machine (thanks mom!).  

I'm thrilled that both my friend and her wee bairn love the piece and get a lot of use from it! 

​ ...but it’s worth it!

I have been devoting most of my time (when not at work) to a new piece.  I'm not ready to post pictures because it is a gift for someone and it has to be ready within the next 7 days!  It is the largest piece I've ever done and certainly the most colorful!  It has required a lot of hand sewing applique and now I am working on the embroidery.  So far, I am super happy with it but the true test will be how the recipient likes it! (fingers crossed!).

As soon as it has been gifted, I will post photos!

PS. Holes in my fingers? Yes, I often stab myself on the threaded needles while I'm sewing - especially during the applique process! Of course, I accidentally impale myself on the pins, too.... (so clumsy!)