Artful Coloring

In the current Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, Joanne Sharpe has an article on coloring.  The magazine provided an image and gave permission for personal use.  Since I didn't have the markers that she suggested using, I filled in the page with colored pencils.  It was very relaxing to sit out on the deck in the warm sunshine and color, it reminded me of my childhood.

Slice & Dice

This quilt is one of my favorites and I completed it in June of 2008.  The pattern is called Slice & Dice and was featured in "American Patchwork and Quilting" magazine in 2003.

I used scraps of batik fabrics in colors of blue, pink, purple and lime greens. I decided to tie the blocks instead of quilting them and I really like the texture it adds to the quilt.  It hangs in our bedroom and brings a splash of color that reminds me of the beach and summer.

Paying it Forward

I just received the nicest gifts from Flo in Saskatchewan, Canada.  We are participating in a "Paying it Forward" handmade gift exchange.  I love the little lavender bag and am so impressed with Flo's creative sewing skills.  A darling notebook, yummy candy and some Saskatoon Berry Jelly (which my husband is eager to try) were also included.

Visit Flo at butterflyquilting.blogspot.com to see her beautiful quilts.  Thank you so much, it's always a treat to receive a wonderful gift from a new friend.

Jacaranda Tree

Blogger has been having so much trouble for the last 4 days, most people have lost their followers or can't leave comments on other blogs.  Luckily, I can still post so I want to share my neighbor's Jacaranda tree with you.  This is what we see every time we come out our front door.  It's so beautiful it takes your breath away.  The Jacaranda's are blooming all over town, quite a sight to see.

Second Block

The second Block Challenge is called "pinwheel" and I finished it this afternoon.  I feel like an engineer from MIT cutting the pieces and getting them to fit together correctly!!  It's fun and I am already looking forward to block #3.

Gesso Spray

I prepped another page in my art journal.  This time I painted the page with acrylics then, using Krylon Gesso Spray and a stencil, I was able to add swirls, curls and the feeling of movement.  The spray is great, it gives a light "dusting" to your background and it dries really fast.

Thursday Journey #11

Every year, we look forward to the Smooth Jazz Festival in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.  On Saturday, we rode the trolley to the downtown area where the festival is held.

The streets are blocked off and there are 2 main stages set up with continual music for everyone's enjoyment.

The supper clubs are open with live music, food and drinks.  This is Fred's Mexican Cafe where we listened to a great combo playing old rock and roll tunes.

 We ended our fun day enjoying the great guitar sounds from Craig Chaquico, one of my favorites. 

Block Challenge

15 minutes play . . . Bumble Beans Inc.  is having a Blocks of the Month Challenge and I have entered it.  Everyone who signs up will be given 2 block tutorials a month for the next 5 months. The first block is "Square in a Star" and I chose reds, yellows and blacks as my color theme.  This will be fun and I should have a great sampler quilt by the end of the challenge. 

If I Had Wings

I finished another page in my art journal.  I used a magazine photo of a ceramic lady and added wings of flowers that I cut from a candy ad.  Colored pencils, stencils, acrylic paint, waterproof ink and tissue paper complete the page.

Thursday Journey #10

Last Thursday, our adventure took us to downtown San Diego. Located between the Convention Center and Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres) are two structures of beauty.

Recently opened is one of the longest self-anchored pedestrian suspension bridges in the world.  It is 550 feet long and crosses Harbor Drive.  It is architectually beautiful from every angle.

Right next to the bridge is a small grass area with a sculpture by Niki de St. Phalle.  "Coming Together" was completed in 2001 and is 38 feet tall.

It was a beautiful afternoon and we finished our day with dinner on the deck of The Fish Market, watching as the sun set over San Diego Bay.

Garden Pinks

6 Down, 10 To Go

I have finished 6 of the "make your own fabric" quilt blocks.  It really makes you feel good to use up all of the scraps left over from other projects - quilting is going green!! 

Bumper Crop

I'm so proud!!  I planted 6 strawberry plants in a container and they have produced a few berries.  I feel like an urban farmer, providing food for my family.  Of course, we are laughing at the small amount of strawberries - should I make a pie? jam?  Well, at least they look pretty.

Three

I started working in my art journal again.  It still is a little intimidating to look at a blank page and make something artistic on it.  I really liked the shape of this black "3" that I found in a magazine, so that was my starting point.  I'm happy with the page and eager to start on a new one.

Happy Mother's Day

My two beautiful daughters have sent me love on this special day.  A sweet handmade heart made from an old quilt and a beautiful bouquet of colorful roses.

  On the left is Paige, the publisher of Artillery Magazine (an art publication out of Los Angeles) and Jill, a physics and math teacher in Los Angeles.

While attending an art show, Paige and Jill had fun by having their hair and make up done. I think they are ready for the cover of Vogue!

I love you both and I am so proud of you.  Thank you for making me a very happy Mom! xoxoxo

Lucky Me!

I received my 12" x 12" mini quilt from my swap partner yesterday.  This jewel was made by Nathalie from Odessa, Texas.  I love it! 

I hung it in a place of honor right by my work table where it fits in perfectly - thank you Nathalie!

Violets

Who wouldn't love a burst of color on an old straw hat.  I made this little bouquet of violets by following a pattern on HELLOmynameisHeather.com  On her site, she offers free patterns and this one is called "Spring Violets".

I traced the pattern on freezer paper than ironed the pieces onto wool felt.

It's so easy to cut the felt with the paper adhered to it, plus you leave the edges raw - I can't complain with that!

I ended up using just the smaller leaf pattern on my little flower cluster.  Isn't it cute?  Thank you Heather Bailey for sharing a great pattern.

Progress Report

January 13th

May 4th



February 24th



May 4th

Our garden is showing color and growth.  It's always brings me joy to see the flowers blooming and filling our small yard with signs of spring.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Postal Posy

When it was time to mail my 12" x 12" exchange quilt, I purchased a plain white   14" x 14" x 4" box.  It looked so white and so boring, I needed to cheer it up before posting it to my swap partner Kate.  Using acrylic paints, I added a big, bright, happy flower to the side and top of the box.

I hope this colorful flower put smiles on the faces of postal workers as it made it's journey across America. Kate was very happy with her little quilt and her cheerful container.

I'm in Studios Magazine!!!

I have been receiving Studios Magazine for years and really enjoy looking at the studios of these very creative people. Last February, I sent 3 photos of my little studio space to the editor.  Imagine my surprise when I was selected to appear in their summer 2011 issue!

My space appears in the "studios vignettes" section - the bottom left photo shows my table where I sew, paint, paste and create.

And here I am, on page 135 in Studios Magazine.  This has been very exciting and I feel so honored to be included.  Red has been impossible to live with now that his picture is in print.

This is also the 100th posting on my blog.  Thank you Paige for getting me started last December and thank you friends and followers who have been reading about my creative pursuits. 

Thursday Journey #9

Our journey this week took place on Saturday.  ArtWalk weekend is held on the streets of the Little Italy district of San Diego.  There are over 300 artist booths, bands, food and crowds of people.

We wandered up and down the streets, enjoying the colors, sounds and aromas coming from the booths.

This neighborhood usually hosts a farmer's market every Saturday and some of the market venders were set up on one of the streets.

We ended our visit by sharing a carne asada nacho at The Indigo Grill.  Another great day!