I-Spy Quilt Top completed

Today I finished my I-Spy quilt top for my twin boys soon to arrive in just two months time.  For those of you unfamiliar with an I-Spy quilt, it is essentially a quilt made of blocks that have a center fabric which depicts an object.  The block is then framed by contrasting fabric.  In this case I did scrappy corners to use up a lot of fabrics I had left over.  These quilts are perfect for children because they are interactive, "I-Spy a bird... a truck... a cat, etc".  All that's left is to attach the batting and the backing.  I haven't decided if I want to add big colorful buttons or not.  I have a collection of buttons that are in animal shapes, however the risk of a choke hazard is always something I need to think about.  Of course I made a few mistakes, but when I am creating for me I don't mind them so much, I think they give the quilt character, especially since I will be passing this onto my own children.  It will create a little story to tell later on.

New Ambition

I guess this blog got away from me for a bit, but this year I have vowed to blog more!  Which seems like a big undertaking considering I am just about 7 months pregnant with twin boys.  But, I have high hopes.  I was reading an old issue of Artist magazine last night and found an article about an artist who made a collage everyday for the past 30 years.  Now that's dedication.  Typically his collages would take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to create.  Feeling inspired, I think I am going to focus on doing much of the same.  I need to make a niche within my home that feels welcoming, doesn't obtain the week's clutter, and that is just for me but within earshot of the nursery.  When they nap, I will collage!  Or draw!  Or paint!  Anything artistic.  I have decided to stop letting the everyday woes interfere with the fact that I am an artist!  I must create!

Adirondack Chair is Finished!

Read up on the chairs, find a map for all of them, and hear what LARAC has to say about Have a Seat in Glens Falls!  Visit http://www.haveaseatglensfalls.com/!

New to Etsy Shop

 

Swarovski Turtle Necklace and Earrings
This is necklace is adorned with citrine colored swarovski crystals and paua shell slices on antique brass chains.  Misty purple pearls and turtle charms complete this piece.  Earrings are included as well making this set a must have for the summer.  Click on the word "necklace" above to visit my Etsy shop to see more detailed photos of both the earrings and the necklace.

Green Batik Tote

This bag is made from green and orange batik cotton fabric.  It's sturdy strap is connected with antique brass rings.  The bottom of this bag actually expands leaving a little extra room.  The tote is about the size of a magazine, but could fit about 10 of them!  It has one pocket on the inside.  Click on the word "bag" above to visit my Etsy shop to see more photos of this tote.

Portrait of Effie

Finished this colored pencil portrait of my 5 year old cat, Effie.  Yes, her eyes really are that big too.  She always appears to be in a state of shock.

Working... and all of its perks

Sorry it has been a little while since posting.  I have actually been creating art!  I am currently working on the ADK chair for LARAC which is due this Friday the 15th.  Short of finishing the front piece, all that remains is clear coating.  So naturally, it would rain.  Ah the luck I have...

I have been creating with colored pencils as well, getting back into something I enjoy, and learning a few new techniques.  In fact, I think that I took virtually every book on the subject from the library to get inspired.  Originally I intended on submitting artwork into a local juried show with the Hyde Museum.  I don't think that I will have time to finish though, or that it is worthy of getting in, but we will see.  I have until the 25th.  The subject matter is none other than Effie, my 6 year old black and white tuxedo cat.  I enjoy drawing fur, although I learned just how difficult black fur is to draw with this subject.  I will post the drawing when finished, which it nearly is.

On a side note, I started working overnight shifts at work.  It takes a little getting used to, and I can't seem to sleep more than a few hours in the morning without getting up, eating breakfast, letting the dog out, and going back to bed for a few more hours.  The rest of the day I spend walking around as though my head is floating detached above my body.  This is my first week, we'll see how it goes.  Only 4 more months to go.

ADK Chair Design

I have officially picked up my chair for the annual LARAC ADK Chair fundraiser.  Now, I just have to actually get started painting.  Well, I suppose the real truth is that I have had the chair for like 2 weeks now, and haven't begun just yet.  I did however paint the base coat on the chair, a beautiful sky blue.  My design is shown here.  It depicts an osprey, one which I have been documenting through photos for the past summer along Lake Champlain.  Last summer she had to sets of young with two birds in each.