Art Is... You!

Making art is a lonely business! 

This really began to hit home since I quit my day job a few months ago and, in spite of the many on-line friends, groups and followers, I found myself hungering for real live interaction with like-minded artists.  So when my brilliant and perceptive life partner offered to send me off for classes as a birthday present, I jumped at the opportunity to go to a convention.  Which is how I found myself celebrating this year’s birthday in Danbury, Connecticut at “Art Is… You!”

“Art Is…” is a mixed media art convention that takes place every year alternating between the east and west coasts (with a new convention beginning next year in Australia). Sallianne and Ellen, the creators of this remarkable event, have packed the 5 day journey with an incredible collection of teachers, “spontaneous” happenings. Being a very early riser, I was stunned to find Sallianne manning her welcome station as early as 5am!
I have found nothing that compares to the jumpstart of my creativity as going to a convention or live class.

 My classes included a day with Australian jewelry designer Keith Lo Bue (this man’s brain knows no boundaries for what makes artistic materials!)

a couple of days with doll artist extraordinaire, Shelly Thornton (I’ve been working my doll non-stop since I got home) (this is Shelly’s doll, not mine)

and the ever so famous quilter Berryl Taylor (I got her autograph!)

each of which demonstrated techniques and new (to me anyway) materials, that have changed my way of thinking outside of the box.

Most important to me were the people I met along the way, several of which live close enough to get together. Recharged, with new inspiration, skills, ideas and real live friends – probably the best birthday present ever! Thanks, Tom – and thanks to Sallianne and Ellen too!

Mimi Kirchner Handmade Portrait on Etsy!

Boy, I hope I've done this right! Mimi Kirtchner has a story on Etsy and it is just wonderful! Just gotta share. Just in case here is the link to the story: http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/handmade-portraits-mimi-kirchner-4405/
And if you love Mimi's dolls as much as I do, here is the link to her blog too:
http://mimikirchner.com/blog/

Textile Tarts Summer outing

My doll club, the Textile Tarts, holds a luncheon in June before taking the summer off. We gathered at our president's (Bobbie) house and the weather was nice enough for us to gather out on the deck. Great turnout, excellent food and lots of fun.

What I am up to.

Here is the doll that I began in Adele Sciortino's class a couple of weeks ago. Since the class I stripped off the heavy overskirt and gave her one with horizontal pleats and a dropped lace bottom. I also finished off the neckline and addes some ribbons and flowers. The flowers were taught to us in class and are great fun. They are very tiny, but fortunately, they work up very quickly. I've already placed about a dozen of them and have more to go.

This weekend I've been working on her boots. They are made from a soft pink suede with lace at the top and they will come up to the knee. I've been stumped on how to make the heel, but I think I'll just go with paperclay.