I Dream My Heart Has Wings

I wanted to try something different using papers and paints. I read a article somewhere about cutting a niche in a stretched canvas to add more depth so I decided to try it. I have never been a accomplished painter but since this piece will probably never get out of my work room I just did what was fun. A layer of gesso was applied to the canvas then painted with various paints then another layer of gesso was added. After it was dry I drew the face and painted the face details. Torn pieces of old music sheets and birds were applied using matte gel medium. I cut the niche out in the form of a X and folded the pieces back and glued them to the back. I used a very small picture frame to enclose the niche. I covered it with fabric, made the heart and wings of polymer clay, glued them to the small frame then glued the small frame to the back of the large canvas over the niche. Her hair is made from handmade paper that was stamped. Her dress area, leaves, flowers were tissue paper applied with matte gel medium. She isn't perfect but I have grown to like her. Now, what should I name her?

Inspiration From Nature

We are fortunate to live in a lovely part of Texas known as The Hill Country. Over the years we have operated two bed and breakfast on our property, Elm Cottage and The Canyon House. Our property is named The Hill Country Sculpture and Meditation Garden. We just call it"the garden". It has been a inspiration to me in my exploration into fabric / fiber art and to my husband who works with wood sculptures and teaches yoga and mediation in our yoga studio. We have also been fortunate to meet many wonderful people thru the B&B and yoga practice. I continue to look for methods to incorporate this beautiful naturescape into my work. The photo to the left is The Canyon House which is actually built into the side of the hill. You can see more photos of both Bed and Breakfast by clicking on the link above.

Another Queen of Arts Creation

I found this text printed fabric and wanted to use it before it ended up buried beneath my stash. It "said" it wanted to be a queen. I like this lady, even if she doesn't have any arms. Her face tells me she is a woman with heart. She is authentic, gutsy. Her face was drawn on fabric. The crown is a piece of painted lace that is beaded. Her big red heart is fabric that is painted and brushed with fabric stiffener then beaded. Without arms, she creates art in her heart and soul. After all, that is where it begins.

Postcard Reader Swap

This is a postcard I made to participate in the Cloth Paper Scissors magazine reader swap, "pass it on, Mail Art Affirmations". The invitation was for readers to create an original postcard with a favorite art-related affirmation, quote, or positive message. They will swap and mail out cards the week of April 26. I can't wait to get my postcard and hopefully get feedback when someone receives mine. This was the first time I have participated in a reader swap and it was a lot of fun. My postcard was made with commercial fabrics, fast2fuse, angelina fiber, embroidery and metallic threads.

Fiber Art Show, Round Top Texas

I just returned Sat. from a fiber art show at The Copper Shade Tree gallery in Round Top, Texas. This was their 4th year for the fiber art show and it just keeps getting better. The juried show featured 24 Texas fiber artists. Round Top, Texas is close to La Grange, TX and is nestled among rolling hills and farms. It is a great place to visit. The people are friendly. The scenery is beautiful and the food is delectable. Give it a try!!

Funny Food Lady

These are always fun to make and a easy way to use up some of those small scraps most of us never throw away. This piece was made as a donation for a silent auction at the local senior citizens center, The Dietert Claim. The piece is raw edged appliqued using the magic of Wonder Under. I love that stuff! After ironing the wonder under on the back of a selected scrap of fabric I drew the fruits and veggies on the paper , cut them out, peeled the paper off and ironed them to the background piece. The same process was used for the face features. When every piece was where I wanted it I machine stitched over it all. The quote at the bottom reads, "I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes." I may make a series of these because they are such fun.

Blue Madonna

I wanted to try some fabric sculpting and face drawing. I usually only have a hint of a idea when I begin. The process of creating a piece sometimes evolves from one idea or technique I want to try. Blue Madonna began by painting a stretched canvas and stamping it with stars and moons using gold acrylic paint. The vintage trim around the edges was painted with acrylics and glued on to the canvas. The face was drawn and shaded with colored pencils. I padded it to make it stand out then it was hand tacked down to the patterned fabric. Tiny lace was sewn around the bodice and hair line. I did some hand quilting on the patterned fabric which I thought looked like stained glass. The blue fabric surrounding the face was hand sewn over some stiff netting to help form the shape I wanted. Then I applied fabric stiffener and let it dry. It was highlighted with gold acrylic paint. Gold cording was glued around the patterned piece.