Tote'n Takes Time!!!

Well, this has turned into more of an in depth research problem than I thought it would be. Yep, I've always had a problem with KISS. (Keep it simple, silly). My simple free-motion quilting experiment morphed into this.

I added some cool bold colors to border the painted work, and then finished out the front with the fabric that I'm going to use as the back.

Now, of course, I couldn't just line it. Really, what good is a tote without proper pockets. Now, I don't know if my pockets are "proper" but I think they will have no problem holding my ipod, phone, reading glasses, and note pad, or check book or wallet. On the other side of the inside, I made a single large pocket. I'm hoping it is big enough to hold an electronic reader, if not no biggy...I was too pooped, ok...lazy, to run downstairs to get mine to measure it.

So, with all that, I have only finished the front, inside liner with pockets and started the back. The back will mimic the front with the square quilting without the actual different colors...thought that would bring the whole piece together.

Now, for all you toters out there...phew, how do you do it?!? Tommorrow is mowing and actual housework, I'll see if I can make it make to this in by the afternoon. I am curious how it is going to turn out.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

free motion quilting

I got a chance to take out the dyes yesterday. Here are a few that I painted. Today I am working on free-motion quilting them. I don't know what it is about the free-motion quilting...it is just fun to watch the outlines emerge. Its a quick trip to the right brain. I love it!

It's a wonderful little vacation that I can take without even having to bother with traffic, let alone the metal detectors!

Smiles to all, Brenda

funny little thing...

Yesterday was another productive day!! That's all good and well, but the funny thing...I was applying the clear coat to the birdhouses. The process takes, oh, around an hour at the most, just because I will put several light coats on with in that time. (Not the funny part, phew) So, I walk out to spray another coat onto one of the small ones, and a bird flies out!! Now, I've been spraying this gourd every ten to fifteen minutes or so. The cutest little tufted tit mouse decided to begin building her nest, she staked her claim. So, who am I to displace such a wonderful little gal? (Note to self: cut opening after clear-coating, cannot afford to shelter all homeless birds)

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Rainy days and finishing work.

Well, I can report that my steps per day has dramatically declined since the last day of work...now the up side of that (because there is always an upside) is that I've really been able to get a considerable amount of artwork done. I was able to stain the birdhouse gourds and the barrettes today. Molly, would have to agree that rainy days do make you a bit lathargic though. "...mom, I'm getting sooo sleepy." Time to pull out the poly-fil out of the closet, snuggle into the rocker and stuff some fairies while watching NCIS reruns. Ahh, all is right with the world.

Smiles to all,

Brenda

Yesterday's Burnings

It was just a gorgeous Midwest summer day yesterday. Normally, we get the humidity. Not yesterday, 70's low humidity and just down right pleasant. (Yes, you guessed it, on days like that I DO take the time to do my hair, fellow frizzies can appreciate that).

So, after working in the front flower bed and talking with "the ladies" ( I just got laying hens...they are a hoot!) I settled down for some gourd burning. I've been working on dragonflies on the birdhouse gourds lately. A friend had made a request, and I was curious to see what I could come up with. I've got some great iridescent pulvers that help with that mystical shimmering quality a real dragonfly has. Below are the beginnings of some barrettes. I've used a martin gourd for these. They have a thicker shell and the natural curve follows the curve of the barrette.

Today...some more burning and I may get out some dyes and stains.

Happy Creating and Smiles to All,

Brenda

Good Morning, and Happy Summer VACATION!!

Oh......I do love my job. Not many vocations allot for 2 1/2 months off during summer and another month throughout the rest of the year....lucky gal I am.
I've been busy burning gourds of late. I had a request from a bus gal for dragon flies...so...dragonflies I shall try...and fairly excited about the outcome.
That's all for now.
Smiles,
Brenda

Enchanted Doll Artist Conference NM

I am so excited!! I just got my money order to send off to New Mexico. Why? I'm going to my first doll conference. HOW COOL!! It is in Albequerque, a place I've never been to, and the first lone vacation I will have, gosh, I think ever taken, now that I think about it. I've always gone on vacations with family, friends, children, co-workers...but huh...the closest thing would be a day seminar in Chicago....
Wow, this is an adventure. I am extremely excited, getting to study under some of today's most popular "funky" doll makers, elinor peace bailey, Patti Culea. I've decided to take the 3 day class in armature making, and dealing with face and hands with polymer clay. I've dabbled with polymer, but have never really pushed myself, so, that's what I am going to do....push and challenge myself.
Very cool that I've got the opportunity and the support to take the time. It isn't until the end of July, plenty of work to do before then. I just wanted to share my excitement!!! Smiles to All, Brenda