Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Zines

I've just finished the first run of a new little zine called "Shape." It explores images, ideas and creative living.
Maybe you've noticed lots of silhouettes and negative shapes in my work lately. I love these shapes and the techniques I use to create them because it's such a fun way to incorporate a recognizable design element, but also because shapes automatically convey messages. These messages can be clues to what the art is about or they can be prompts to think about new ideas.
Ten copies of the zine are on their way to Alma for her annual zine swap. It was such a great swap last year and I can hardly wait to see what arrives in my mail box in return. Last year, I created a zine called "Personal Symbols." Here is a blog post about the zines I received last year.

This year, I created an original painting for the cover of each zine. Each cover incorporates one of the shapes from the zine. I used freezer paper stencils. In fact, there is a brief tutorial for freezer paper stencils in the zine.

I was able to use those stencils four times before they were just too fragile. Isn't that amazing?!Japanese stab binding worked great and I loved adding another dash of color with embroidery floss in the binding.
A few copies are available in my Etsy shop. More coming soon.

The shape of things to come....

*** The zines are sold out for the moment. Please email me if you'd like a special early notification when I restock. (Email link is on the upper left under my profile picture and info.) Thank you so much for your enthusiasm!

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Open

Striving to be open.
Content in the possibility of empty palms.Receiving.
Using my hands to create all things good.Ready.
Thankful for the hands of my friends.

Friday, November 06, 2009

More Pumpkin News

Of course you remember Claire's amazing pumpkin. Guess what?! It's the grand prize winner in Leisure Arts pumpkin contest. This comes with a nice bit of prize money. More than a 10-year-old's bank account generally holds. How fun is that?!

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Today

Enjoying the first cuppa.

Remembering this amazing little shrine in Wiscassett, Maine.Reaching ever upward.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Halloween Goodness

We had a great Halloween.Claire agonized over what she wanted to be for Halloween. (A lot of her friends chose cute, frilly, bumble bee or other girly-type costumes. She was not interested in that.) Most kids wear store-bought costumes, so there is some unspoken preference for that. Sadly. Eventually, she embraced the idea of doing something totally unique and we had a great time working together to create this costume.

Benjamin was set on the "grim reaper" concept for weeks. I could have made a robe, I suppose. But the one from the costume store was pretty cool and I have many other things I'd rather be sewing, so I was happy to make a purchase for him.
Grim Reaper sharpening the pencil...

Friday, October 30, 2009

Makin' Stuff

On my trip to Maine, the Frayed Edges had a wonderful evening making stuff. We all brought "kits" to make ornaments and we sat, cut, glued, folded, chatted and enjoyed hanging out.

I brought four paper projects including this bow made from magazine pages. (Tutorial here.)

We also had some tasty beverages.
Kathy is knitting mittens.
More pictures of my crafty goodness soon. I need to take some nice photos of the completed projects.

The next day I spent some time with Hannah in her studio. She is all about felted, recycled sweaters!
Little Nina has lots of creative ideas too!

Here is a hat that Hannah helped me make.And, yes! It does get chilly enough in Texas to need a wool hat!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Sarah, Kate, Kathy, Hannah and I had a lovely day at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Beautiful hard scape, plants, sculpture, patterns and plants.


Isn't this a strange, sweet little leaf and berry?
A beautiful labyrinth. If it hadn't been so chilly, it would be wonderful to walk this path with bare feet.
Crisp, clear, autumn.
Arms out stretched.
I have so many more pictures of rocks, patterns, leaves, etc. I'll stash those away for future inspiration.

We stopped for lunch just up the street, right on the water.I had a delicious lobster roll.
We also had leftover birthday cake from the night before. Yum.