See Jane run.

Art Unraveled Announcement!

2011-12-28T16:35:00.055-07:00

I am overjoyed to tell you that I have been selected from among the artist applicants to teach again this year at Art Unraveled, and the website is live NOW! The classes I will be teaching are:

1. Funky Book of Memories and Evidence - Tuesday, July 31st 9 am til 4:40 pm

2. The 10 of Hearts - Wednesday, August 1st evening 6:30 til 9:30 pm

3. Painted Tote Book for Doodlers, Dreamers, Designers or "Drawers" - Sunday, August 5th 6:30-9:30 pm

4. heART Quilt 101 - Monday, August 6th 6:30-9:30 pm

You can see multiple pictures by following the links to the website.

This year, for the 10th anniversary, a 10% discount on workshop fees will be given to those who register prior to March 15th with workshop fees of $250 or more. Information can be found on the Register page of the website.

I also plan to have a teacher's table for vending on Saturday, August 4th and attend the Meet the Artists event on the evening of Tuesday, July 30th.

Now, how many days til August? I'm thinkin' there ought to be an app for that!

Etsy Update

2011-12-07T19:04:00.001-07:00

I was finally able to finish all the listings for the little books I still have for sale. If you are interested in purchasing any, you can click on any etsy photo in the margin, or find my whole shop by clicking here. Any not sold here will be available for sale at Art Unraveled in August. Thanks again for all the interest!

P.S. Scrapaholic Confession

2011-12-06T23:13:00.002-07:00

I have gotten a number of inquiries about the little books I wrote about in my last posting. Thanks for asking. I am working on getting them all photographed individually for etsy with my uncooperative camera. There are actually more than are shown, and it has turned out to be more than a crazy busy week, but I am trying to get everything done by this weekend for sale. If anyone wants one you see in the picture with the larger number of books, let me know by email, and I can set it aside. They are $15. plus whatever the post office charges for shipping, probably around $3. Thanks for asking. janeeileen@hotmail.com

My name is Jane, and I am a scrapaholic.

2011-12-04T12:18:00.003-07:00

I noticed a while back that there is a recurring theme in most of my work; most of it is made with scraps. For a while, I tried to steer away from the scraps and actually use more of what I have here in the studio/warehouse, but I have changed my mind. I have decided to embrace it, even though it is a blessing and a bit of a problem. The bit of a problem is that I find it difficult to throw anything away since I might need it when I get all my scraps together to create. The blessing is that the things I make from scraps are the ones I love the most.
In the middle of trying to be retired, I have been volunteering, working a few days and trying to squeeze in some creative time as well as spend a little time working on the business part of my creating, so I haven't had a lot to show, yet, but these are finally done after working on them in stages since midsummer. Each is about 4x6" and has over 75 pages of random paper inside, just right for carrying in a purse. Each one also has two secret pockets in the construction, made for carrying other papers, pens, whatever one might need with their little book/journal. They are made from leftover canvas, nearly empty bottles of paint that were washed out for the project and leftover pieces of everything else in the scrap collection tub on my sewing table; quilt scraps, fabric remnants, doily bits, ribbons, buttons, doodads and whatnots. The top two are my favorites and also have some painted fabric and papers that I collaged together for another project. Yep, I have a feeling that scrappy chic isn't going away anytime soon.

The Finished Costumes

2011-10-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

These are the K's in Disneyland wearing the final products I put together for them along with the accessories their parents added to create the full look. They are home now from a trip in which they were able to participate in some of the ongoing events with Mickey for Halloween. I made Alice's costume roomy enough around for them to be able to add it to their collection of dress up play clothes and princess wear and and wear it over and over. Keegan and her daddy were the last ones allowed to ride the Alice in Wonderland ride on this night. (See Nona smile.) The Cheshire Cat reportedly wanted her costume off before the night was over told her mom that she was ready to be Kennedy again. How cute is that?

Topsy Turvy

2011-09-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I started a project at Art Fiber Fest called Topsy Turvy, under the direction of the fabulous Roxanne Padgett, which was done minus a little detail stitching. Today she finally got the finishing touches which took all of ten minutes, making me wonder why I waited so long. But, here she is, all done, the newest playmate for my little K's. The last time Keegan saw her, she would not let her go, falling asleep with her in her arms. She is two dolls in one and can't wait to meet Kennedy and play with her two sister friends!

If you were one of these...

2011-09-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

what store would I find you in? I currently am on the outlook for more of these and don't know where to get them. I have them from three different stores, one of which is no longer in business, one of which has no more and doesn't know where to buy them and one for which I do not have contact info. So if any of you know who makes them or where to get them, please fill me in, in the comments or by emailing me at janeeileen@hotmail.com. Thanks kindly in advance.

The Stack

2011-09-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

So, the other day when I was getting my exercise by surfing the net, I came across an opportunity. Seth, over at the Altered Page, took a photo of a stack of journals he had sitting around begging to be photographed. Yep, it started something. You can find out more about it here:
http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/2011/09/paper-stacks.html
Anyone who wants to, can submit a photo of a stack of their own and have it be part of his online project which is scheduled to go public on Wednesday 9-21-11 with links to other stacks. Above is my stack. I can't wait to see the rest.

Playing with Debbie/Fabric Friends

2011-09-11T02:19:00.001-07:00

Earlier in the week, I trekked over to Frenzy Stamper. I needed to take care of some business for my class coming up on September 17th. With that taken care of, Debbie of all things Frenzy, and I played away the rest of the day making flowers, having lunch, and giggling, and stuff. : )

Here are some of the flowers I made. They are not all done yet. Several of them are actually more than one flower, but they are stacked so the smaller flower looks like the middle layer or the center. I may sew them all together later when I am done playing. Every time I see a fiber flower somewhere, I disect it with X-ray eyes and try to figure it out. I have about 30 different ideas of how to make a variety of looks and at least 10 places you could use them in art creations that I am experimenting with.

As I am playing around, I am discovering different ways to get the job done. I need to see if there is enough interest to hold a class. I have accumulated lots of sheers and nets and fancy fabrics and ribbons from a variety of sources, so this could be very fun. At least there would be a lot to choose from supply-wise. If you have a comment about these, I would love to hear it as feedback for future planning.

While I was there, another customer came in who deals with fabric samples. Before she left, she gifted me some samples that were discontinued. Jackpot! I think I have a magic magnet on my forehead that attracts amazing people who just give me things that end up in projects such as this. Several of the materials in these flowers came along a similar path. What's not to love about fabric friends?

Special Orders for Fabulous People

2011-09-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

These are photos of the custom order I mentioned in the last post. I finished it up and had it all packed and taped when I realized that I forgot to take the photos. The buyer found out what happened and offered to send me photos. How sweet is that?

Now I am busy working on another special order for a little K who wants to be Alice in Wonderland for Halloween. She is going to a very special party and must have the right dress. This is how far I am with more to follow after a fitting. The dress forms are doing their job, but with a big party like this one, we have to measure twice and cut once, so to speak. With the bottom of the pinafore, the facing on the neck, elastic in the sleeves, side seams, and hemming all around done, we should be good to go. When this is done, then there will be a Cheshire Cat costume for another littler K who is going to the same party. But that is another weekend.

Studio Update

2011-09-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

When you are the child of a librarian and a musician, sometimes the organized side and the creative side start to argue. Should I create? Should I organize? With the fabric side of my life taking up more and more time than the paper side, I woke up on Saturday and decided that all the paper stuff HAD to go to one side of the studio and all the fabric stuff HAD to go to the other and all the common supplies had to be in the middle. This resulted in a two day rearrangement of my "stuff." But it is done now, thank goodness, and I am happy with it. I wanted to do it for a long time, but just never got around to it. I had never unpacked all my totes and suitcases of supplies from Art Unraveled or Create, so I took on this task and then unpacked so I would only have to move the packings one time. Above is one shot of the fabric side. As you can see, I am not the world's greatest photographer. Sorry!

I finished yesterday, then got to work on my samples for upcoming classes at Frenzy Stamper that I am teaching. The Double Double Class requires examples in various stages of completion so I can demo. each step. Here is one sample that only needs the pages sewn in and the ribbon tie sewn down. I have been experimenting with different ways to make flowers and I needed an embellishment for this journal, so I chose a flower idea I had never tried before (although they look a lot like some flowers I made before from circles of fabric), so I could see if it would actually turn out the way I envisioned it. I think it worked well. If you want to join us at the next Double Double class, there are still a few spaces left. Details are in the margin, and you can sign up by contacting me (janeeileen@hotmail.com) or calling the store, although Frenzy is closed for the holiday until the 8th of Sept. There are a few spaces in my other classes as well.

I got the studio done just in time, because today I need to work on a custom order for someone. I found some cool goodies for it while rearranging yesterday, so it is partly done already. I might put a picture of it here later, after the buyer has a chance to hold it and look at it herself. I gave her a choice of seeing a picture before I mail it tomorrow, but she is up for a surprise, so I don't want to give it away 'til after that. Stay tuned.

And The Winner Is...

2011-08-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Barbara!

Barbara said...
i love this book I gotta have it! You are so talented!
August 14, 2011 10:41 AM

Please contact me to let me know how to get your journal to you.
janeeileen@hotmail.com
Thanks to everyone who put their name in.

It's a Giveaway!

2011-08-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

It's time for another giveaway. If you would like to receive the book below mailed to your address free of charge, just leave any comment. I will post the winner next Saturday. If your name is picked, I will ask you to email me privately with your mailing address within a week of the announcement. That simple. International viewers are welcome to comment, too.
This funky journal has random papers and writable surfaces such as ledger paper, primary paper, watercolor paper, cardstock,etc. plus two envelopes waiting to be filled with your photos, art, writing, whatever makes your heart happy. The front and back covers have fabric pockets to hold things like pens, stuff you want to put in, or what have you. It measures appoximately 6.5 inches by 9 inches, or 23x16 cm. The outside is made of fabric selvages.
By the way, when I was double checking my spelling of selvage, I came across this blog you might be interested in if you like selvages, too!
http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/

This Can Only Mean One Thing!

2011-08-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is a partial picture of one of the tables in my studio. It's not my fault. Really. One of my favorite students suggested I come up with another Halloween class, so I did. This is most of the 31 piles that each make one page for a black wire mesh "page a day" calendar. All the pages are numbered, so you can turn one page a day from 1 to 31 or countdown style from 31 to 1 counting down the days 'til Halloween. Here is aneak preview of some of the pages:

It's gonna be fun, and you can come if you wanna. Here are the details!

Saturday, September 17 10am-5pm with a break for lunch
 Halloween Countdown $50. Class size limit: a spooky 13 
Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale, AZ 480.946.0007 Call or visit the website to sign up.
Price includes the metal mesh tray, scary skeleton, papers, embellishments, doodads, and all supplies not on the list!
Supplies to bring: Glue, standard size one hole punch, scissors
Optional: Sewing machine with needles and bobbins, If you choose not to sew, you may glue this project. Three machines will be available to share, for no additional charge.  

Thanks ever so much!

2011-08-06T23:38:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to say thank you again to all the wonderful people who stopped by the See Jane run table to talk to Jeane and me and to buy things today at Art Unraveled. It was so rewarding to see people who came back a second year as well as the new faces. The day was an amazing success in a number of ways. I have my teaching schedule on the sidebar of this blog for those of you who are interested and available to come. Even though all the classes are not yet posted on the Frenzy site yet, you can still call the store and sign up. All of the classes except the Halloween countdown have pictures on other posts, and the info. on how to access them is also in the sidebar. When I get that all squared away, I also plan to have a giveaway. Stay tuned for that.

A Sneak Peek: Art Unraveled

2011-07-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Art Unraveled is just around the corner! I will be participating in The Teacher Showdown Competion, Meet the Teacher, taking a few classes, vending, and teaching my Double Double class (There's still room and still sewing machines available, if you want to come. Details are the sidebar of this blog.) You will receive enough materials and "patterns" to make two different sized books, so this really is double. Below are pictures of the kits my students will receive for participating in the fun. This is only the part that goes in the class folder. Fabrics, ribbons, more papers, etc. are in a separate sharing place. Among the things inside the individualized folder are personalized labels for their books, a little gift certificate to my table at the shopping extravaganza, and a sewing badge, just for fun. Below these pictures are samples of finished Double Doubles, so easy to make, even a beginner can do them!

And since people have been wondering what I will be selling at the extravaganza, here are a few sneak peeks since I can't post them all. I will also have some fabrics, rubber stamps, and miscellaneous supplies.

Cigar boxes that can be used as purses or for storing precious memories and goodies

Notebooks in different sizes, greeting cards, postcards, etc. from my Scrappy Paper Collection featured in a recent edition of Sew Somerset Magazine

And lots of journals in various designs, staring with some Double Doubles

that when open look like this

One of my Barely Bare White Journals, (great for babies, weddings, vintage photos, christenings, or everyday occasions), Sew Scrappy Journals, Selvage Journals and one Black and White Journal

You can click on any photo and make it larger. This actually helps with the glare and my bad photography skills, so you can see the details better.

I'm so looking forward to seeing old friends, working with my students, and making new friends as well.

Stronger Every Day

2011-07-26T13:29:00.002-07:00

It's a funny thing, the kid and me. When people meet my four-year-old granddaughter and me, the most common response is, "You two look just alike." The funny thing is that I am discovering we think a LOT alike as well. Before she was even a year old, I had her in a fabric store, and she reached out to touch bolts of fabric as we went by. When I stopped and allowed her to do so, she smiled and giggled. She didn't do this in the other aisles of the same store. Hmmm. She loves being in the studio and talks about making clothes and what goes with what. Yes, really. She knows just what I like and what I can tolerate. She knows the difference between when my checking into something is what she calls "an emergency" and when what lies before us is just not worth noting.
Yesterday, when she was sleeping, I was looking for a good online tutorial for something. Now, there are A)some darn good tutorials out there, and B)some exceptions to that, disappointing for a variety of reasons. Once in a while, you just get what you pay for when somethin's free. Anyway, when she awoke from her little nap, she came in and took a seat near me, to the right and sort of behind me, where she couldn't see my face. She watched in silence. It was one of those category B tutorials, no doubt. I was wondering what she was thinking being so quiet, but said nothing. At the close of the video, she broke the silence with, "Nona, does that just make you want to cry?" If that hadn't been so funny, I may have, but you gotta love a kid when you know that your bond gets stronger every day.

We're In Cahoots, It's Official

2011-07-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

I feel like I could have a heart attack. While just messing around today with "the devices," I discovered that I could take one of Keegan's iPad designs, download it to a company that will transfer it to custom made fabric. That has been done, and I am just waiting for the mailman. Here is her original design:

When I downloaded this to the fabric site, I got to choose the way it would be printed and chose a mirror pattern. The result can be seen here.

I think it is pretty amazing, and I love the way a set of K's came out in the mirrored image. This will become part of a dress for her. Those little dress forms won't be naked for long! We are officially in cahoots!

Heart Racing / Just Ain't My Style

2011-07-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how far I had drown myself in my day job until I started looking in to new possibilities of how to spend my life. Don't get me wrong, I had a plan. I started easing in to being an artist, submitting to publications, teaching adult art classes, making sure I would have supplies so I wouldn't be need to be running to the store every five minutes, so to speak, several years ago. I didn't want to be one of those people who are so lost when retirement comes that they just go back to work for anything to do. I thought I knew what I was getting into, and I did, but only to some degree. I forgot what it felt like to feel my heart race, but it has all come back to me several times since June 2nd. When your heart skips a beat, you know you, you remember it, and you realize how you have missed it.
The most recent skipping can be attributed to what is in the photos below. They came yesterday. I raced downstairs when I heard the doorbell, opened the box and put them together immediately. They are dress forms in child sizes 3-4 and 5-6. Are they stinking adorable or what? I considered putting jewelry or fabric on them first, but decided that will come later. In the last few days, I have been thinking not only about what these two will be wearing but what fabric and designs will be incorporated into the clothes. Don't be surprised if you see some hand painted fabric or something you may have seen on one of my journal designs in the clothes that are coming. I won't be limiting myself to ordinary stuff. Just ain't my style.

Life's Workbook

2011-06-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

In between all the life happening around me, I have been busy in my "workbook," recently once for 8 hours straight. Joy. If you read the words, I will warn you that some of these are written in the language of "Jane," so don't waste your time trying to decode what they really mean or the subject matter. K, loves? Really. Pages that seem to go with one another really do not, perhaps there is an unintentional transition there.
Most people call them journals, and I do too, when I revert to old habits. Somehow, I just like the idea of workbook better, and since it is my book, it is what is is, no?
I have always loved workbooks, way back as far as I can remember even as a little kid. I would pause at the section of the grocery store that sold workbooks and coloring books. I never remember wishing I could get the coloring books, but what I would have done to get one of those workbooks and taken it home, filled it out so neat and as perfect as possible. In the book I am working in now, I am experimenting with loose leaf pages again, since I want to be able to take the pages out and sew on them when I feel so moved and then put them back in. This also allows me to work ahead on as many pages as I wish, then find the perfect page for the perfect day and move it up in my workbook, so it stays as close in chronological order as possible. Anyway, here are a few of my pages. Some of these I started back when I was doing Journal Club with the girls at middle school this past school year. I have added bits since then, like the little bows on the pointy shoes. My goal is to add more texture to my pages using 3D objects other than paper and paint.

When we started Journal Club, we used old datebooks. I wanted the students to see how they could repurpose books for journalling without having to buy or make a book. Later we actually made our own fabric covered hard bound books. The first two spreads were to show the girls some examples on how to use the space.

I think this might be one of my all time favorite spreads.

It is kind of hard to see from the photo, but the spinner is actually clear and attached with glue dots. It is from an old game, and "jumps" off the page in real life.

This one has secret messages under each layer of stacked paper.

This is the page with real ribbon bows I tied and glued on the shoes, a picture from a magazine. The lesson 2 flap can be raised up. There is a secret message underneath as well. Kitty is one of the code words from "Jane."

Second Chances - Why Not?

2011-06-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing, and I have been busy, busy, busy. Doing some space reorganization in my house/studio, getting ready for teaching and vending at Art Unraveled, planning some new classes, planning some submissions to magazines since I haven't done that in forever. I want to be a better, more frequent blogger and show what I have been working on, but, well, that just hasn't happened more than to be on my "to do " list. But, here is my new inspiration wall.

And here is the newest gallery in my house. It showcases the work of the fabulous Keegan and Kennedy.

4 year old Keegan is now designing outfits complete with shoes and purses, using stencils, for fashion models. Scary how well she understands it. She found my book on her own in the studio and somehow just knew what to do. I tried to give her the simplified version of the stencils, but she quickly pointed out what the problem was, so I just showed her the real way, and she was more satisfied on how her work was tuning out. I get the chills thinking about it. Which brings me to second chance number one.

I am still young enough to think seriously about what I want to do for the rest of my life besides sit in a rocking chair. "Back in the day," it took 20 credits to graduate from my high school, and I had 21.5 since I took an extra class in summer school for fun. I had 10 credits in home economics, mostly sewing classes, including clothing design and power sewing which required a daily bus ride to another school in the district for specialized instruction. I LOVED that class like no other. I took it more than once, and did advanced stuff when I repeated it. We took pattern blocks, and made our own designs, all kinds of clothes, including a swim suit and undergarments. Fun stuff. I decided I wanted to be a home ec teacher since no one had told me anything about getting a degree in fashion design or other related design occupations. Then the day came when I told my idea to someone who told me it was a bad idea because I would never get a job. True it was almost impossible to even get a sub job back then, but I told myself, I could at least get a regular teaching job. I focused on teacher and not home ec. SAD! I have told so many kids since then to never listen to someone tell them they can't. Anyway, 30 years later, I know about other programs, and I just might go back and get a certificate or degree in clothing design. Even though I made my own wedding gown and several bridesmaid gowns and such way back when, I am no longer interested in all that grownup stuff as much as I used to be. But I am interested in grand things like children's fashion. Afterall, I have two little muses who think I can make anything with my sewing machine and crochet hook, so why not take the second chance I have and do it, just for the fun of learning? I don't have to go to NYC and set the world on fire. Something I am mulling over seriously. I am getting my info. in order. In the meantime, I have ordered two dress forms in my granddaughters' sizes so I can make them things when they aren't here with me in the studio. I made them each an easy little sundress while they were here one day last week, and it was just so much fun, but in case you have ever tried to continually try things partly finished on a 2 or 4 year old and expect them to stand still while you look and study the situation, well, the dress forms just seemed like the answer. Can't wait for them to arrive. I'm thinking this section of the studio will definitely be seeing some more action.

And for second chance number two, I have good news on a personal matter, even though the majority of this blog is about making stuff. Some of you know that I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2004. Five years out is considered a cure, but the afteraffects can be many. For one, the little pill I had to take every day for five years after chemo caused osteoporosis, and that necessitated a trip back to the chemo room every 6 months for an IV that would hopefully turn things around. I had a scan before the pills and it showed me better off than should be expected for my age at the time, but then after the 5 years, a whole 'nother story. Well, after about 4 or 5 of those sessions, the last being just last month, I was sent for a followup bone scan to see what progress could be seen, and the scan came back N.O.R.M.A.L. Happy tears, for sure, since this means I don't have to go in for that anymore, and I am completely off all post cancer treatments and drugs. All I have to do with my wonderful oncologist is check in in a year for a checkup. I used to wonder why anyone would want his job, but now I get it. He is for sure a master of second chances.

Settling in

2011-06-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

I celebrated my first official day of public school retirement yesterday by doing whatever moved me all day, no listening to the little voice in my head telling me that it was crazy too drive across to the other side of the big city to get exactly the brand of locally made hot dogs I was craving. Neither did I listen to the one telling me that I didn't need to detour on the way home from one of the happiest places on earth, wherever my grandchildren are, and go get shaved ice late at night. Nope, I just did it. I also knocked off a lot of "bad guys" in Angry Birds and played in the studio, just "cause I felt like it. I schemed, planned, knocked off a couple of appts. and had a smile pretty much all day.

Today, I am back in the studio doing more planning of a variety of sorts, getting inspired, and messing around in a variety of ways, too. As I was cruising various art retreats online, one site led to another, as it always does, right? and I have to admit, I have Rolodex fever again.

A while back, I was hosting monthly Rolodex card swaps as part of a Yahoo group. Here 'tis, the result of 14 little themed swaps, all in one big project. It was inspired by cards I saw somewhere else online, where, I remember not.

Patty Van Dorin has a different twist on Rolodex art. She calls hers a Scrapodex and you can see more about it on her blog, which includes, many posts:
http://ramblingrose.typepad.com/journal/sprapodex/
Well after she showed hers, a journalfest artist, Brian Kasstle, saw it, started making some, and has a post as well. You may see his here:
http://apaperbear.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/the-rolodex-journal-project-swap/
He even has a way that you can get involved in swapping them. I'm in.

Let's Play!

2011-05-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have received a few questions about sewing machine availability for students who do not have them or do not wish to tote one across country on an airplane for my Double Double class in Phoenix this August at Art Unraveled.

I have checked with all of the students who are currently registered and they are all bringing their own machines with them. This is great news because this means I still have plenty of sewing machines for use with no one's name on them. These machines are available to students registering for this class, for no additional charge, on a first come, first served basis. These machines are all easy to use; if you can sew an almost straight line, you will be good to go on your own fabric journal!

So, if you wish to reserve a machine, just email me for availabilty before you sign up, and I will update you on the current status, in case of any changes. I check my email every day, so you will get a prompt response.

Looking forward to the event in only about 9 weeks!

janeeileen@hotmail.com

Calling it Quits, Well Almost

2011-04-16T09:53:00.002-07:00

As many of you know, I am a public school teacher by day, and I play in my studio and teach art classes from time to time after hours. Well, this June, I am calling the day job quits, well almost. I have resigned my job as an Achievement Specialist, filled out the necessary papers at the state retirement office, and got my letter from the School Board accepting my letter of intent to retire. They offered me no cost medical insurance if I go in and sub just 25 days a year, so I took them up on that. You can understand why if you check the price of out of pocket medical insurance, oh my goodness. The fabulous part of that is that I get to pick whichever days I want to do that, and in what classrooms. Third grade on early release days, which are every Thursday, sound just about right to me. Then I can spend the rest of my time hanging out with my daughter with the grandkids and my daughter who teaches days in a public school/art studio. I get to pick those days, too, which will leave me lots of freedom to do what I wanna do every day when I wake up.
I can also travel some and go to more art retreats. I am weighing over several in my mind right now. I want to go back to NYC in a big, big way. Maybe take a few college classes, not to jump hoops for some degree program, just for the fun of learning. I am fantasizing about putting more of what I'm working on on my blog since I haven't shown much of that lately due to time constraints, and making some of my sketches and ideas for teaching more art classes come to life, too. I'm gonna give all that a year and then see if I wanna get another job that ties me down. I've got a picture from a magazine of a public school bus going down the road which I have been saving to incorporate into a journal page for the last day. The only thing left in 30 years is 30 something days and counting...

Are YOU coming to the party?

2011-03-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Other people call them workshops, but when Kelly is the girl "runnin' the show," I call it partytime. We laugh, we get inspired, we play. For some reason, when Kelly comes to town, each class just is like a girlfriend day, a slumber party without the pillows and jammies, an experience you just don't want to end. Actually we have joked around about turning these gatherings into overnight parties, we just never figured out how to make that happen yet. The next best thing until that gets solved is to sign up for one of Kelly's before dark classes and just see for yourself. And if you have been lucky enough to go before, ya know what I'm talkin' about! She will be at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale, AZ from April 8-10 for five classes. Here's what ya gotta do:
1. Go to the site, check out the classes, and pick the ones you want.
2. Call the store (480-946-0007) or go in, and sign up before it's too late.
3. Gather your goods, and get to class!
You won't be sorry. It sure would be nice to see all the Frenzy Sisters there. You know, the ones of us that used to go for all the swaps and other crazy fun. Some of us haven't seen each other for a long time. Let's have a little reunion!

I'm Not Gonna Lie

2011-03-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

When I went to my mailbox yesterday to look for a long awaited package, still not there, I found something else: my complimentary issue of Haute Handbags, Spring 2011. I have always liked this magazine because it has unexpected treasures in it, but I honestly have to say, this issue is really kicked up several notches from the ordinary unexpected. If anyone is looking to make a statement with a purse, bag, tote, what have you in this category, this issue is spilling over with inspiration. My article on making a laptop bag, book tote, and purse is on pages 32-36, and I am honored to be among all the other fabulous mixed media artists in there. I'm not gonna lie.

Coming Soon! Gasp!

2011-03-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

So as I was scrolling through my inbox, and reading the latest ad from Stampington, I found this: http://www.stampington.com/html/haute_handbags_spring11.html
Scrolling to the bottom I found one of my projects! I actually gasped;I was so surprised. I knew my work was going to be in the magazine, but not in the ad. This is one of three pieces in a set of items I made from old quilts I got at the Art Unraveled shopping extravaganza in the Hannah Grey booth. The other two projects are a purse and a computer bag. The magazine should be on newsstands and in stores April 1. (No joke!)

Painted & Sew'n Tote Bag Class!

2011-02-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Painted & Sew'n Tote Bag Class has been cancelled. So sorry! If you need more information, please contact the store at 480-946-0007 or me at janeeileen@hotmail.com.

Painted & Sew'n Tote Bag Class! Come Play!

2011-02-03T22:14:00.006-07:00

If you weren't at the last class, we sure had a lot of fun and wish you were there. My "girls" and I were sewing up a storm on paper scraps, making cards, postcards, composition books, etc., eating bruschetta and laughing up a storm tqlking about sewing and girl stuff. We hope you will come join us at the next class when you can learn how to make a tote bag from a rectangle of fabric. More details below.

Feb. 19th Painted & Sew'n Tote Bag
10-3pm $40.

at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale, AZ
Student Supply list:
2 or 3 cheapy 1 or 2" bristle brushes
small container for water
small supply of paper towels
3-4 small bottles of acrylic paint in your favorite colors that work well together
thread to match your paint colors
sewing machine (Or, rent one for $5. for the afternoon.) Let Debbie know if you need a machine when you sign up.
fabric scissors
apron

I will supply:
canvas
purse handles in different styles and colors (or bring your own if you wish)
a variety of mark makers for painting and stenciling
markers
instructions
some paint

Spend the morning dripping, splattering, and stenciling paint on your canvas. Take a lunch break (Go out, or bring your own.) while the paint dries, and come back ready to turn your canvas into a tote. If you can sew a straight line, you are good to go. This is much easier than it might look, if you don't have lots of sewing practice. If you have any questions, please email me at janeeileen@hotmail.com.

Scrappy Paper Quilting Class Next Week!

2011-01-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

I talked with Debbie at Frenzy Stamper yesterday, and there are still spots available in my Scrappy Paper Quilting class coming up Saturday, January 29th. In aditition to the photos in postings below, Debbie put up a new picture on her site. http://frenzystamper.com/Class_Samples.html I will have a little present to give each participant who signs up, so be prepared for a surprise. More details about the class are at her site as well as on the side bar of this blog. I am so looking forward to a great time. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. janeeileen@hotmail.com

As Promised, Part 1

2010-12-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

In earlier postings, I wrote that I would have pictures of my Scrappy Paper Quilting soon. Here are some of the photos of various things, sheets that I used to create other projects and some of the projects themselves. In the Frenzy Stamper class, we will be making a composition book with tabs, a postcard, a folder, a greeting card and a mailing envelope. Participants can also make additional sheets of paper if time allows to allow for more project creating later. More details are in the margin. Call the store to sign up, or email me at janeeileen@hotmail.com because I can save you a spot. I will send a confirmation when I receive an email.
Somehow, some of the photos got left off the original posting titled: As Promised, so I have created a Part 1 and a Part 2. Hopefully this will work this time! I apologize for not figuring this out with the original posting.

As Promised, Part 2

2010-12-27T13:42:00.002-07:00

Above: Mailing Envelope

Above: Postcards

Above: Greeting Card

Above: Composition Book with Tabs


Above: File Folder

Fabric Stashing

2010-12-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

I don't usually plug people's stores, but if you're fabric stasher like me, here ya go. I get nothing for providing these links. They have no idea I am passing them along.
1. Anyone still looking for the perfect pattern fabric that I was selling back in the summer? Scroll down the page. Kelly provided a link which had another link, and when I entered one of my favorite fabric designers, well...I'm sorry, actually no, I'm not!
2. I came across this site for fabric.com the day after Christmas and was amazed at all they had to offer, fabric and other supplies mixed media artists need. A lot of their fabric is regularly 10-15% off regular retail prices, there's free shipping on $35 or more., and after the page comes up, there are coupon codes for discounts up to an additional 25%, good for about a week. I found fabrics that look like lined paper, graph paper, safety pins, typing, sewing machines, buses, coffee cups and crazy ridiculous other stuff too unbelievable to pass up. I'll be curious to know if you love this place as much as I do. Enjoy!

Scrappy Paper Quilting Class Scheduled

2010-12-16T20:28:00.003-07:00

I have scheduled my Scrappy Paper Quilting Class at Frenzy Stamper. See details about the class in the left margin of this blog. I can't wait! Update: The samples for the projects we will be making are at the store, and photos to give you an idea of what we will be doing are in the posting above titled" As Promised.
I will be bringing additional projects to share and sell the day of the class. I hope to see YOU there.

Announcements!

2010-12-15T19:12:00.004-07:00

I'll be teaching at Art Unraveled again this year! My class will be the Double Double that I have tried out locally with great success.click on the links, and get more info. on this blog in the sidebar.
Also, I will be teaching classes on my newest feature article in Sew Somerset with my quilted paper projects. Update: In case you haven't seen the article yet, photos of the projects and more are above in the posting titled: As Promised. I just got my samples back from Stampington that were used for the photographs for the magazine, so I am excited to start the classes for them!

On Newsstands Now

2010-11-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

A while back I wrote about a feature article that I did for Sew Somerset. Well, it is on newstands now across the US and beyond, including Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale AZ. It was scheduled for release on December 1, but some stores have it now. My article is about sewing on paper, which I call Scrappy Paper Quilting because it looks like a quilt when it is done. It has a variety of projects you can make with the paper once you get it made. So much fun!! I hope to teach a class on this sometime in the next year. and have a proposal in that I am waiting to hear back about soon. If you get a chance to see the article, I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks, Ladies!

2010-11-10T18:54:00.001-07:00

We had another fun Double Double class at Frenzy Stamper last Saturday. Ten machines all humming at once is music to my ears. Sorry it has taken me so long to post about it, but there have been about a million things going on at once in my zip code. Debbie put some pictures up on her blog. Thanks for coming, Everyone! I hope we cross paths again soon.
I don't have any more classes scheduled for now, but I hope to, soon! I am working on new ideas have had in my idea book for a while.
If you are in the Phoenix area, you need to check out Kelly Kilmer's classes this weekend at Frenzy Stamper. They always seem to be as much of a party as a class. They are just a few days away, and I can't wait!

Just a Few Spots Left

2010-10-29T21:04:00.001-07:00

OK, Kids! This is the last call. I will be teaching my Double Double book next Saturday at Frenzy Stamper. 3 spines, 4 signatures, like 2 books in one. Load of easy fun making it. More details are available on the side bar of this blog, in the store, and via the link provided. The last I knew, there were only 5 spots still available, and I have been contacted via email about 3 of those 5 in the last two weeks, so they may be gone as well by the time this is being read, leaving just 2 remaining spots. This will be the last time this class is offered this year, at least. If you want to take it, be sure to call Debbie at 480-946-0007 before it is too late! : ) This has been one of my most popular classes ever, partially because all it requires is the ability to sew an almost straight line, and nearly all the supplies are included in the cost, and participants get personalized labels with their own names on them to sew in the book. If you do not have a sewing machine of your own, I can bring one for you, as long as you tell Debbie when you register. This has always been an exciting class. If you have any questions about it, please email me at janeeileen@hotmail.com.

It Was a Grand Time

2010-10-23T20:20:00.001-07:00

Today was the 31 Layers of Scary Fun class at Frenzy Stamper. I know it is a little corny to admit, but I was honestly so excited for this class, that I couldn't even sleep well last night. It was like waking up every few hours on Christmas Eve "back in the day." Anyway, the class exceeded my expectations, in so many ways. Everyone's books turned out so Halloween freaking cool. They all had license to make it "their own" and they did, even though they were working out of nearly identical kits I put together. Amongst our group was an uber-talented third grader that not only behaved like an adult, she kept up with the adults on the art making, too, EVEN ON THE SEWING MACHINE. Seriously. We got all our painting done, took a lunch break, went back to our creating, took a little break for ice cream and fresh cotton candy, and came back to play some more. It was almost like being a kid again, and reminded me why I love to do these classes so much. My kind of day!
I didn't take my camera, but I think Debbie took at least one picture of us happily playing the day away which she might put up on her blog later, like when the store reopens on Tuesday.
I have 7 kits left over. I was asked to list these somehow for sale, in case anyone wants to buy one to make what they will/want with them. Obviously, I won't be there to provide all the how to's or what to's like I did and demoed in class, but all the 31 pages (including: scrapbook papers, Braille paper, canvas, handsewn quilted papers, screen, lace, canvas pages, textured paper, etc.) and covers (Hambly transparency and Scrabble board), are precut, and there are binding rings, fabric pocket materials, embellishments (including various stickers, ribbons, rick rack, metal twisties, bottle caps, metal washers, brads, tickets, cardstock images and collage pix, Scrabble letters for Halloween words, filmstrip transparency, halloween brads, window screen and rusted fabric tabs), more ribbons and decor, fabric and net pockets, Halloween tarot cards with fortunes and a whole lot of happiness in each decorated trick or treat bag plain fun stuff that you can combine with your own Halloween photos, recipes, memories, evidence, spells, journaling and what have you to make your own fabulous book. It took a lot of time to put this all together, and I would rather get the kits to good homes than allow them to sit around for another year. The price of the class was $45., but I will sell these do it yourself kits for $25. which INCLUDES the price of first class shipping in the US. You can get a good idea of what the books we made look like in the post below. If you are interested, just contact me at janeeileen@hotmail.com. Please be sure to put "class kit" in the subject line. After you get your kit, if you have a questions about what any of the parts may have been used for, you can email again and ask away.
Update 11-26: 4 have been sold, and 3 remain up for grabs. Thanks for all the positive feedback on the class and the kits.
Special thanks to Debbie, and all the participants. If any of you put your books on your blog or somewhere public where we can see them, please leave a link in the comment section for us to see! It was a great Saturday!

Class update

2010-10-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

There are about 6 spaces left in the 31 layers class I blogged about in my last post. Frenzy Stamper will be closed for a week, so you can't sign up by calling there or going in, but you can email me @ janeeileen@hotmail.com or by signing up through the Frenzy website frenzystamper.com. This will be an easy and fun class, so don't miss out!

31 Layers and Layers of Just Plain Scary

2010-09-04T13:17:00.002-07:00

So much fun it will be scary, that is. These are some sneak peeks of the Halloween book I will be teaching October 23rd at Frenzy Stamper from 10-5, with a break for lunch. There will be 31 sheets all put together, each with its own layers to make a Halloween book. Think tarot cards, transparencies, pockets, Braille paper, premade pieces of my new quilted papers, screen, gutter guard, lace, silk, other misc. papers, ribbons, clips, brads, metal washers, smashed bottle caps, collage sheets, all kinds of paint, doodads, whatnots, and MORE that all add up to fun, fun, fun, and yes, more fun.You can use it for photos, memories, journaling, spells, tricks, chants, recipes, treats, whatever, you get the idea, right? There will only be 13 spots in class, and when they are full, that's all she wrote, as they say.
You can call Debbie at the store 480.946.0007, or go in to sign up.
The required supply list is
fabric scissors,
2 small sponge brushes,
and heavy duty adhesive such as Perfect Paper Adhesive, Crafter's Pick: The Ultimate, or E6000. A small container will be plenty.
I will bringing everything else which will be included in the class price of $45.
Optional:
hole punch for pages, either one hole or 2 hole
sewing machine You can bring your own sewing machine with bobbins and needles, or use one of three that I will be taking for student use, but you might have to wait for a turn with 13 people in class. Bring empty bobbins if you want to use some of my Halloween color threads.
Leave me a comment if you have any questions. I'm so looking forward to it!

AU Shopping Extravaganza

2010-08-07T23:14:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth at Art Unraveled for the Shopping Extravaganza! Jeane and I had a blast meeting and talking to everyone. We consider the day a HUGE success and are already talking about next time. My studio is ecstatic about having more room to breathe. Your nod of approval for my art really means a lot, and I am happy everything that was sold has a new home. I plan to restock my etsy shop as time allows, and Jeane and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible again.

AU 2010

2010-08-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a minute, and from the bottom of my heart, shout out a ginormous THANK YOU to all my students yesterday in the Sew Scrappy Journal and Fused Clutch classes at Art Unraveled. You were all so amazing, and your work gorgeous, each piece different, yet so beautiful. The attendees of Meet the Artist were told that they would learn so much from not only their teachers but one another, and this was definitely the case for me. People were sharing ideas and thinking outside the box with colors, techniques, design, and on and on and on. Several students told me they had not made anything in weeks, months, even a year, in one case, and they were so appreciative of getting to a space where they could they could "take their artist out to play," as I call it. I was touched by that.
Thanks also, to my daughter Jeane my class helper, that shared her expertise in the first class and helped by offering her expertise along the way. I really couldn't ask for better help.

Sewing on Paper

2010-07-29T12:48:00.001-07:00

I've been sewing a lot on paper lately. In early June, I sent off a submission to Sew Somerset and once again crossed my fingers. I was sewing on all kinds of different papers and objects made of paper. Paper to fabric, paper to paper, paper to all sorts of things. That is all I can tell you besides a clue that gives away just a little part of it below. I took photos, but I am saving them until later to publish here, because I got a little email today that in part read as follows, and I want to keep the rest a surprise:

Hello,

Congratulations! The following submission has been selected to be featured as a technique-based article in Sew Somerset which will hit newsstands December 1, 2010:
Cards, Notebooks & Idea folder

In some cases, we may need to move an article to ensure that there is enough room to show artwork at its best, or possibly even reconsider an article for a future issue. If your article is moved, you will be notified.

Best regards,

Beth Livesay
Stampington & Company
Managing Editor

I will have a few of my sewing on paper projects for sale at the Art Unraveled Shopping Extravaganza right around the corner. I am just about done with everything I need to do to be able to teach my classes and sell journals, fabrics, sewn paper projects, charms, and a variety of other things, as well attend a few classes.
Working on submission ideas, deadlines and getting ready for Art Unraveled have pretty much taken all of my studio time this summer, but I have a friend flying in from MA a few days early, and together we are gonna play the rest of my summer away until AU and the regular day job kick in. I'm looking forward to this little art break.

Play it again!

2010-07-17T08:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes once is just not enough. And sometimes neither is twice or three times, so due to popular demand, we're gonna play it again. This week I was asked to do the Double Double class again at Frenzy Stamper, so that's what we're gonna do. You can see the pictures and description here:
http://janeeileen.blogspot.com/2010/03/double-double.html
The class will be on Saturday, November 6 from 10-5 with an hour for lunch. All you need to bring is your sewing machine with bobbins and machine needles, scissors, and thread. I bring the rest. It's that simple, and all you need to be able to do is sew in an almost straight line. I give bonus points for crooked! Come play with us!
If you do not own a sewing machine, I have some loaners, just email me for more info.
janeeileen@hotmail.com

Get Your Free Digital Magazine!

2010-07-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I posted information about the digital magazine in which my work for the Sew Somerset Sew Scrappy journal from June 2009 is found: Facebook 7500 Celebration Issue. I have since located a link where you should be able to go download your own free copy! Sorry I didn't have this information before. Stampington just published it this week to celebrate getting 7500 fans on Facebook. I admit I don't go on Facebook every day like I used to, so I had no idea this was coming until I got the scoop from one of my followers.

http://www.stampington.com/htmal/facebook_7500_party.html

Some of my favorite mixed media artists are in this publication. Enjoy!

Well, Thanks, Caitlin!

2010-06-30T20:30:00.002-07:00

I opened my email this afternoon to find the following message from Stampington. Needless to say, "pretty happy" doesn't really begin to cover it. If you are one of the 7500 who can get your hands on this digital edition, my work is on pages 12-17. I am honored to have been chosen to be among the other 21 artists whose work fills the 75 pages of this publication! The featured pages of my work are the ones that went with the magazine which had my Sew Scrappy Journal on the cover, which is also one of the classes I will be teaching at Art Unraveled in August. So, well, thanks Caitlin and Stampington. You made a good day even sweeter!

Dear Jane Eileen,

Congratulations! Your artwork that was previously featured in the Summer 2009 issue of Sew Somerset has been chosen to be included in our Facebook 7,500 Celebration Issue! We have offered this free digital magazine to all of our Facebook members who helped us reach our goal of 7,500 fans.

We are proud to share your art and be able to link other artists to your website! We hope you enjoy this special issue!

Sincerely,

Caitlin Hawekotte

Marketing Assistant

Stampington & Company

Thanks, Girls!!!

2010-06-28T19:43:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to say a public thank you to the "students" in my in-studio class yesterday! You were all so amazing, and I loved every one of the journals you made. I would love to see them again after they are full of whatever you put on the pages. You made a "summer cold" day so much fun!
If anyone is interested, you can see Jeane's finished book here. Yes, she's my firstborn, but I would think she was amazing, even if yesterday was the first time she was ever in my class.
I'm sorry I don't have pictures of everyone's work who took the Double Double class. It is just so interesting to see all the different combinations people come up with using the same directions and boxes of supplies. You just make me smile! Thanks, Girls!

Fabric, Anyone? Part 2

2010-06-27T18:22:00.003-07:00

I don't have any available fabric left for sale that I recently posted about. Thank you to everyone who emailed me privately about it. And thank you to the friend who pointed out that it should be more than $9.oo. considering taxes. I know. I was trying to help out a few friends who had asked where they could get some since they do not live in LA.
I might be able to find more. In the meantime, google away if you still are interested.

Announcement

2010-06-21T05:35:00.002-07:00

I have known about this for a little while but was waiting for the right time to make the announcement. I will now be teaching two classes at Art Unraveled. My "art mom," Marylin Huskamp and her daughter-in-law, Tracie Lyn Huskamp, will not be attending this year. I was fortunate enough to be asked to substitute for them. I have taken on their class called Fused Mini Clutch. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity. Linda, the goddess of AU, has posted the clutch I made along with the one Marylin made so students can see both of our work. Mine is the pink one above and also on the AU site, and Marylin's is the green one. I know these ladies will be sadly missed at the retreat by many people, including me, but I look forward to next time.

Check!

2010-06-20T16:55:00.009-07:00

I had a bunch of partly finished journals, ones that only had covers and no pages, ones that needed labels, ones that I started in classes and only did part way with fabric to use for demos, and one that is part of a new big idea I have. Today, I just got to where I had to drop everything and get them all done. I need things for my Art Unraveled Artist's Table on Shopping Extravaganza Day, so on this Sunday with no other obligations, I set off to finish as many as I could, and I made some serious headway. Above are the newest batch, all of which will be for sale in August. Afterward, I will likely list any leftovers in my etsy shop. If feels good to be done with them. I have created an insanely long to do list for myself in the studio. So for this little job: Check!

Retail Therapy Complete

2010-06-19T08:47:00.023-07:00

Earlier this week, my daughter, Jeane, and I went over to hang out with my art daughter, Kelly, play in our journals, and do retail therapy in LA and the surrounding areas. I know we were in Pasadena, Glendale, Hollywood, and LA, but beyond that, I just sat in the back seat and went with the flow as Kelly took us all the places we needed to go. I couldn't keep track and didn't have to worry because I knew we were in good hands. There were some crazy and fun things that happened on the trip including arriving at out hotel to be told our reservation had been moved to another hotel because they were completely full there. When I asked to speak with the manager of the hotel because I couldn't believe what I was being told, not only did we get a room, we got one on the top floor that included free breakfast each morning and fabulous munchies and beverages at night and free cold bottled water around the clock, access to a computer and free internet service, fax machine, big screen TV, and all the kinds of stuff the big boys pay for. And upon returning home, I was delighted to find an email with a refund for half of our hotel bill. I guess it pays to just be polite and explain nicely about your side of the hotel situation. And then there was the earthquake. It only lasted a few minutes, but when you are on the 15th floor and the curtain pull is seriously swaying, the conversation does get interesting. I just kept thinking about how there are people trained to design buildings for these types of scenarios, and I was hoping a top notch one had had a hand in the building we were in. Again, luckily, it only lasted a few minutes. Anyway, above is a bunch of pictures that I got while there. In no particular order, they are of Jeane and me opening surprises from Kelly, all of us trying out the over-sized furniture in the hotel with me holding my nose because of the smell of the fresh paint on the tote bag, the chihuahua that met us at the door of Mood fabrics, flowers we saw on a walk, part of the aftermath of the retail therapy, the "appetizer" for one of our meals, and the store we found in the fabric part of the fashion district ironically called Journal Fabric. I honestly have no idea how they came up with that name and just kinda think they had no idea where most all of the fabric I got there was really headed. When I asked for half yards of some pieces, the guy looked at me like I had no idea how little that was and then he actually pulled that much off and pointed it out. I politely told him that was the correct amount I wanted. He just looked at me and then I just told him I wasn't making a dress, and that it was for an art project. Then he smiled and nodded his head. What I really wanted to say was, "Didn't you see the sign on the store when you came in to work this morning, Pal?" but I refrained. Ahhh, LA!

Kelly Loves Pink (and orange).

2010-06-13T10:31:00.006-07:00

I thought I had everything I needed and was headed for the cutting table. (story of my life) That's when the screaming started. I turned around not only to see the fabric of the day for me in blues and greens, but one in pinks and oranges saying, "Kelly, Kelly, Kelly!" The question was not whether to buy it or not, but how much. I got all that was left on the bolt. It has now become Kelly's purse. Kelly likes big purses with long handles, and hopefully these are long enough. I put in pockets so she can carry pens and brushes or sunglasses or whatever she wants and made it big enough for her to carry books in. Kelly loves books, too. The fabric still screams, "Kelly!" It wants to go to CA in a big way.
Soon, fabric, soon. Catch some sleep. S0mething tells me you're gonna be busy when you get your job in Hollywood.

What Fun!

2010-06-12T18:14:00.004-07:00

Just want to say thanks to all the ladies who took the Double Double class today at Frenzy Stamper! We had several students with no fabric journal experience and they all turned out amazing. Every. Single. One! Debbie has the photos on her blog. Fun times!!!

The Party Continues til June 30!

2010-06-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. I usually like my birthday to last 3 days (long funny story), but this year, we're gonna celebrate 'til the 30th.
Melissa, the seller of the tags I mentioned in the previous blog, loves US all so much she is offering 10% off on orders from her website through June 30th. She saw my blog post and wrote to tell me she has even more coolio stuff there than in her etsy shop. What??? Guess who's doing more retail therapy tonight.
Be sure to use the coupon code below, Double check that you spell it like she has it here since it is a tad different than the spelling of my name.

Code: janeelieen10

I don't even know her, and she is joining our party! What's not to love about a girl like this? Here is her website. Thanks, Melissa
Now, back to the cupcakes!

 http://prettylittlestudio.bigcartel.com/product/starburst-number-tags-set-of-31

Call Me Lucky! Wanna Come to my Party?

2010-06-11T11:27:00.007-07:00

I am one of the luckiest moms around. As a birthday present, my daughter Jeane bought me my art daughter Kelly's new online class called Memories and Reflections which has a boatload of cool ideas, prompts, and all things amazing including how to make not one, but two amazing books. Now that's my idea of a party that's gonna last a long time. Above is a sneak peak. I hope Kelly doesn't mind me showing you. I don't think she will 'cause now you know how to get in on the party, too! We could have virtual cupcakes and all kinds of fun. Right?
Now, see those little round numbers? I have no idea where Kelly got hers, but lookee here what I found the other day cruising through etsy doing some online therapy! I don't know the seller, just that she has a TON of stinkin' amazing stuff, the prices are great and the shipping extremely reasonable, especially when you buy additional items. I got my items super fast.
So thanks, Jeane and Kelly! You girls are the bestestest.
P.S. Jeane says don't be goin' there and getting ALL the good stuff before she gets a chance. Save some for her. K?
Update: See the second post of this day for a discount at the website of the person who owns the shop mentioned in the lookee here part above. Note: See the post above for a discount from this seller, good through June 30th.

Lucky Number 7!

2010-06-09T16:05:00.007-07:00

A few months ago, I sent in three items that I have kept secret from all but a few people; a laptop bag, a purse, and a little tote to carry a paper back book in. These were all made from old quilt pieces I picked up from the Hannah Grey booth at Art Unraveled's shopping extravaganza event last August. I did some new stitching, added some ribbons, and stuck in a funky zipper making "Grandma's quilts" into something more fresh and funky. They went to Art Quilting Studio, but sadly after I sent them, the magazine contained a letter in it stating that was the last issue. Next to Sew Somerset, that was my favorite magazine. Today the disappointment showed it's silver lining, when I got an email telling me the items had all been chosen to appear as a feature article in an upcoming edition of Haute Handbags. It is presently scheduled for the next edition which will be released in October, unless space becomes an issue, and then could be bumped to the following issue. This is twice in a row for that mag and 3 times altogether. I have the photos stored in my computer, but I'm keeping the pictures secret and safe for good luck because this will be my lucky Number 7 in the world of getting art published!
Postnote: This article is now scheduled to appear in the April 2011 edition. Space did indeed become an issue.

One Week 'til Class

2010-06-05T18:01:00.005-07:00

Lest anyone think I fell in a hole, it was only a proverbial one. The last six weeks have been crazy, to put it nicely, with what seems like a hundred extra things on my mind, sometimes to the point that I couldn't even think straight, remember important stuff and wah, wah, wah. I don't need any sympathy. I'm just esplainin' my mental and physical absence on several fronts, including this blog. Uninvited guests removed items from my home and car, including my cell phone with all my numbers, and my camera with the memory card which had all my art photos. I have a new one of each and I am getting my numbers back in the phone but still haven't gotten my computer married to my camera yet, so be patient 'til things are back to my version of normal. I hope to have that done in a week.
School is now officially out for the summer, but not for the staff, so there will be more work than play for me this summer before the kiddos come back in August. Again, no complaining, just sayin...
Anyway, to the title, Friends. Next Saturday, June 12, is the Double Double Round 2. If anyone is hanging out and wants to stop in, we would love to have you come play with us. Last time, it sold out, so this is for everyone who wished they could before or just found out. Register online for class at Frenzy Stamper or by calling the store 480-946.0007. More details in the sidebar, too. If you don't own a sewing machine, let me know, and we can work something out.

Double Double Class

2010-05-01T22:40:00.003-07:00

I was reminded today why I like to do art sewing classes. (Like I ever forgot, right?) Today was one of the best classes EVER, with a packed house at Frenzy Stamper, extension cords and fabric-ribbons-lace-paper everywhere. Thanks to everyone who came and played. It was really quiet, even with 14 machines plugged in, and people just smiled and did their thing. A few machines acted up, but they were no hill for this sewing machine whisperer. There's nothing quite like the face of an owner of a sewing machine when she sees her little beast of machine back on good behavior. Better than giving a kid candy! Debbie was up sewing by the cash register, too. Sorry, there are no pictures here. Debbie has some on her blog.I will be buying a new camera soon, and the pix will be back. The journals everyone made were so amazing all the way from one person who doesn't have sewing on the top of her fun list but came with her mom to be a sweetheart for Mother's Day (well maybe she does now) to the people with more buttons on their sewing machines than I would know what to do with. There were masterpieces put together today.

If anyone who missed out still wants to play, this class will be repeated on June 12. See Debbie's site for more details. You can sign up at the store, or by letting me know. janeeileen@hotmail.com

And the Winner is...

2010-04-22T05:00:00.001-07:00

Ya know how sometimes sumthin' is just meant to be? Well, here is one we can't argue for sure. So I went to google to find the site for the random number generator. I entered the range of possibilities and a number popped up. I was all ready to come back to the blog and see whose entry matched that number when I realized that the range I entered was incorrect! YiKeS! I had denied the last people who commented a chance to win. I felt terrible, but I knew I had to give everyone a chance, so I started over with the correct range number in place. I double checked it make sure I didn't mess it up again, and guess what? The same number came up the second time. and the number was 3, curiously my second favorite number, second to 23. Eerie, no? Well, not for the winner.So, I came back to the blog, and the third person to comment was Paper Pumpkin! So, Miss Paper : ), send me your mailing address, and you get the goods!
Happy Earth Day, Everyone! Mother E. is smilin' today, cause today is her day.

Attention Followers: Earth Day Giveaway!

2010-04-17T18:58:00.011-07:00

April 22, 2010 will be the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. In honor of that occasion, I made a journal today recyling fabric from a pair of capri jeans I bought that were too long and that I hemmed. It has two signatures of Wassau cardstock pages in it, 40 heavy duty pages in all, great for paint and a whole lot of fun. Anyone who is a public follower of this blog, anywhere in the world, and who also leaves a comment with this post stating s/he is interested in winning is eligible. I will announce the winner some time on the 22nd. The winner will then be asked to notify me with a mailing address. Stay tuned. : )
Note: If you are not currently a public follower, you may sign up to be one any time before the drawing and still qualify. If you are a follower of my old blog, that site will be removed from the web before Thursday. All content from that blog was moved here when I started this one, so it is time.

Double Double Trouble?

2010-04-16T21:12:00.010-07:00

If you think of trouble more as an opportunity to solve a problem, then here is an opportunity for anyone who is going to be in the Phoenix area on June 12, 2010. I am scheduled to teach my newest book, the Double Double on May 1st. The spaces were all sold out. So, this presented an opportunity for me to schedule another exact same class on June 12. It will be at Frenzy Stamper as well, and it will run from 10:30 til 5:30 with an hour break in there for lunch. These are reruns of the pictures I posted in March. I have been playing around with other different color combinations and types of fabrics since then. Some are in my etsy shop, while others are just sitting around waiting for their time to be presented. Anyway, I will bring several examples of different ones, including one I made of upholstery fabrics that that has a very rich type of look to it, so people get a better idea of the range of possibility. If you want to sign up, call the store at 480-946-0007, or send me an email, and we will get you in. I'd love to have you in class.

Journals for Sale

2010-04-11T01:33:00.025-07:00

heart with green tie: sold

patches with purple tie: sold

Come and play: sold

I have accumulated enough journals that I am ready to let some go out to good homes. I have listed them in my etsy shop here. The pictures above are just the front covers. For additional details, see the extra photos and descriptions in the shop. I can give a shipping quote for sending outside the USA, if anyone is interested. Just let me know. Thanks!

Art JourAl PAgEs

2010-04-10T09:21:00.008-07:00

My journal style has typically been to either write about a holiday, document where I have been with evidence, or to just go off about something. For example, when I was going through cancer, I filled so many volumes, it is almost scary. I want to journal more, and when I haven't, I have told myself it is ok because that must mean I am pretty happy and have nothing to go off about. But while that felt ok to some degree, I still wanted to do more. I have bags of evidence from at least 3 big adventures I haven't even journaled. Sigh. I could continue writing about this, but I think I am starting to sound like I am in therapy or something, so I won't. : )
Anyway, I decided to incorporate some art into my writing and start making use of some of the plethora of things I have purchased to journal with. These are just some of my recent pages. I can't show them all because I still do go off about "stuff" in my journals, but these photos are ones I can share. Some of them are based off of prompts from my online class with Kelly Kilmer called A Life Made By Hand. Others are just whatever comes to me. I am getting so into this that I actually went to the studio after work one day this week and stayed there 'til almost midnight (YEA!) and only went to bed then because I had to be at work the next morning. I consider that a good thing.

"The Workbook" PLAYBOOK

2010-04-04T07:47:00.005-07:00

These are bonus pages are from the newest online art class I am taking. The class doesn't actually begin for a few weeks, but the teachers are letting people in to the teaching site to look around and get warmed up while we wait. I signed up for it because I wanted to be pushed in a direction I think this class will take me. That's why I am calling it "The Workbook." Don't get me wrong. I was and still am what some people call "one of those crazy kids who LOVE workbooks." For this class, I will read the directions like in a real workbook, look at the pictures like in a real workbook, BUT then do what I wanna do. That's when my workbook becomes my PLAYBOOK! I know that's ok, because the teacher wrote that there are no rules. Good thing because the first page assignment stated that fabric is optional. What? Uh, what? In my world, fabric is never optional, so instead of putting one optional piece as in the example provided at the site, I put six scraps from other recent projects on mine. There are some other little details that I translated to my liking, too. I think I'm gonna like this. It's kinda like breaking the rules on purpose, except that the teacher said there are none. Sigh.

Stencils Idea 7 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-27T00:00:00.003-07:00

Well, Kids, I saved the easiest one for last. All I did was take a Zoe stencil, go around the edges with a Sharpie water-based paint pen, drew a heart on it and colored it in with the same pen. When it was totally dry, I scratched off some of the paint pen by running my fingernail right to left and then top to bottom. Afterward, I wrote, on top of the scratched out paint with another color and sewed that little baby down by zigzagging it down, going around the shape of the heart only, on top of my page which I had previously embellished with fabric scraps, lace and a photo. The words may be a little hard to read at the angle the photo was shot, but they are: P.S. I love you!
If you would like to purchase any of these stencils, you can find them in my daughter Jeane's etsy store by clicking here.
I had a lot of fun playing with our stencils all week and sending out posts. I hope you will have fun playing with our stencils, too.

Stencils Idea 6 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is the inside of the front cover of the journal I have been writing about all week. The bright pink and green are like the lining fabric for the inside of the front cover. Since every good journal needs some great pens, of course a pen pocket comes in real handy. Pen pocket. Pens in journal. Good to go, right? Certainly you could use your stencil pocket for something else, too: images, tape runner, stickers, heart's desire. I think you see where we're headed. : ) Anyway, before I get entirely carried away, after picking out an Abigail stencil in just the size I needed, all I had to do was stamp letters on it with permanent ink and sew it down around the bottom and sides. Done. I only used one row of stitching, but more like I used in other stencil projects earlier this week would be fab, too. And, if you feel like sewing a little ribbon across the top, sticking down some decorative tape, what have you, that's all good.
If you would like to buy any of these stencils, you can get them in my daughter Jeane's etsy shop.

A Girl's Gotta Do What a Girl's Gotta Do, Right?

2010-03-25T00:02:00.002-07:00

Apologies for interrupting my seven days of what to do with Jeane's and my stencils, but a girl's gotta do wha... oh, we covered that in the title. There will still be seven days in a row, so no worries, yes, including today, Friends. Go one article below.
Ok, so I tottered over to my mailbox just a short time ago in the late of night, and tucked neatly inside was the newest edition of Haute Handbags. My article and tote, It's Hip to be Square is on p. 132. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best edition ever published for this magazine. Really, really mean it. And I am so pleased to be a part of it. It is scheduled for newsstands April 1.
I have been unable to find the correct cover picture to include on my sidebar, but when I do, I'm gonna be all over it. For now, this photo I took of it will have to suffice. If you look carefully, you will see some of the journals I have been working on to sell when I teach at Art Unraveled this year sitting under the magazine. Fun, fun times ahead!

Stencils Idea 5 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-25T00:00:00.001-07:00

I know I have been blogging about the fabric journal my previous posts are in. Today you get to see the cover. Attached to the edge of the cover is a little tab made from a Grace stencil. All I did was outline it in Sharpie water-based paint pen, stamp it with a polka dot stamp and permanent lime green ink, cut it in half and sew it down. Using different sizes of stencils will create very different tabs. I think I want to try using a stencil the same length as my page and have it run down the entire length of the book. These little tabs could be kept clear, spritzed with spray ink, doodled on, whatever makes your heart happy, and used on as many pages as you would like. What fun! If you would like to buy any of these stencils, you can get them in my daughter Jeane's etsy shop.

Stencils Idea 4 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-24T00:00:00.002-07:00

This is probably my favorite of all. I started with a Luca stencil and put little dash lines around the edges with a permanent marker. Then I laid the stencil on my fabric page. The fabric page had already been spritzed with liquid watercolor and heat dried, so it was ready to go. After placing the stencil on the fabric, I simply stitched straight lines across it, leaving the loose ends dangling. The lines are now ready to be written on. I didn't do that before the photo because I wanted you to be able to see the detail. The cool part about the lines is that they show through on the other side where they can be written on again. I simply stamped around them with permanent ink, and the page looks very different. My last step was rubbing on some leftover rubons for a little extra embellishment. Although I used a very large stencil, the same effect, of course could be achieved with any size in any place you want a little writing. If you would like to buy any of these stencils, you can get them in my daughter Jeane's etsy shop.

Stencils Idea 3 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-23T00:00:00.001-07:00

In case you have never heard of a tip in, it is a page that is tipped in or added after a book is already made, thereby adding one more page to a book. That is pretty much what I did today. If you choose to try this, you can do it before hand to look like it was tipped in later, or you can actually do it as described first. Anyway, first I outlined an Olivia stencil with a permanent marker, then I wrote a message, also using a permanent marker. The paper in the first photo doesn't really belong in the book, but I put it there to make reading it easier. The second photo shows a more accurate representation. Last, I drew on a little heart using a Sharpie water-based paint pen and sewed the stencil page down to an existing fabric page that I had embellished with other stitching, ribbon, a photo, a fabric scrap, and some wide lace which extends beyond the edge of the fabric page as an added decoration when the book is closed. If you are interested in getting any of these stencils, visit my daughter Jeane's etsy shop by clicking here.

Stencils Idea 2 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-22T00:00:00.002-07:00

Today you get to see what I did with the Olivia stencil I saved from yesterday without washing it off. After smearing it while still wet, and allowing it to dry, I turned the stencil upside down (inky side down on fabric and clean side up) on one of my book pages and sewed it down with intentionally uneven stitches. First, I sewed with lime green and then I sewed with black. Afterward, I just placed another scrap from the book cover on top of the stencil, cut out a heart from another scrap I had in my scrap stash, and zigzagged around it. If you would like to buy any of these stencils, you can get them in my daughter Jeane's etsy shop.

Stencils Idea 1 with stitching and fabric

2010-03-21T00:00:00.002-07:00

Today's idea will go with tomorrow's. All of my samples for the week are now sewn together as pages in a fabric book. The line you see going from top to bottom is stitching to hold the book together. I did all my pages before sewing the book together. Start by placing an Olivia stencil on top of a piece of fabric. Since I was going to be spraying the right side, I placed a piece of heavy paper over the left hand side next. After that, I sprayed all around the stencil with spray ink. I used Adirondack spray. Of course, some of the spray got on the stencil, but I just let it sit and dry rather than washing it off. That turned out to be a good thing. You can see why tomorrow. Carefully lift the stencil so you do not smear the ink. You can allow it to just sit, if you like, until it is dry. I lifted mine, smeared it around on a piece of scrap paper and saved it for the project that will post tomorrow. You can speed up the drying time if you use a blow dryer or heat gun to dry your ink. Next, stitch lines across the space of your fabric that did not receive any ink. These lines can be used to write on. I didn't write on mine before I took the photo, because I was hoping you would see the detail of the lines better. I also sewed between the green lines you see here with the longest stitch possible, then removed the stitching and it sort of looks like primary school paper with the little dots between the lines, I think. Afterward, embellish to your heart's content. I added a piece of twill ribbon on the top, handpainted canvas scraps from my book cover and photo. If you would like to buy any of these stencils, you can get them in my daughter Jeane's etsy shop.

REviSitiNg the StEnciL ProJeCt

2010-03-20T13:14:00.004-07:00

Back on March 13, I posted information on "The Stencil Project," as I like to call it, because my daughter Jeane and I are working on it together. Together we have worked up some ideas on what to do with stencils, or masks, whichever word works best for any particular one of our ideas. The set of "Quinn" stencils are shown above, but we have many other styles and mixed packs of minis, too. Jeane has been showing some of the things you can do with our stencils, but next week, it will be my turn. Jeane's blog mostly has examples that revolve around paper. On my blog, we are going to put ideas of what you can do with the same stencils she is using, but the ideas will revolve around fabric and stitching. Starting tomorrow, I will post one idea a day for seven days in a row to show you different ideas of what to do with the stencils. If you would like to purchase any of these stencils, right now we have them all in Jeane's etsy shop, but if we have any left come August, I will be selling them at Art Unraveled the week I will be there teaching there and setting up my table of goods for sale.

The Baby Doubles

2010-03-14T18:40:00.004-07:00

So today was play day with Penney. I was experimenting with different color schemes and variations of the Double Doubles I showed last week. These are the baby doubles. There are still three spines, but with two thicker signatures and they are a tad smaller than the original double double. I just couldn't help it. I went to put some things away and all that blue fabric called to me. I had planned to make another black and white since my original is on display at Frenzy Stamper, but blue screamed louder. It's only a matter of time before the next black and white finds its way out of the studio.

And, Call it a wrap!

2010-03-14T09:05:00.002-07:00

I have posted several times about a monthly Rolodex card swap I have been participating in. Fourteen months have come to an end, and my Rolodex is full with categories such as metal, black and white only, valentines, Halloween, numbers, alphabet, and many more. I just love the way it turned out. I went back through it last night looking at all the little cards and admiring them and glad that I participated. If any of you fellow Rolodex swappers are reading this, thanks for your contributions to my little art gallery!

The Stencil Project

2010-03-13T14:52:00.012-07:00

My daughter, Jeane, and I do a lot of artsy things together which includes planning, what ifs and other talk, not just creating things to keep one another company. This past week was no exception. We have been working together on making sets of stencils in different shapes and sizes that can be used in mixed media work. You can use them to block out areas of your paper or fabric, and color, spray, ink, etc. the area around them to save for art, writing, evidence, or whatever makes your heart happy, using and reusing these over and over again. You can also write or stamp on them and use them as journal decor. She has more samples of our sizes and shapes and what has been done with them on her blog now here and here and is selling them in her etsy store now. Stay tuned to her blog for additional ideas of how to use them. We plan to try them out on fabric next and I will have a supply of our stencils for sale at Art Unraveled this summer, if they aren't all snatched up before then.

The Double Double

2010-03-11T17:31:00.007-07:00

Make Mine a Double

What’s more fun than fabric + journals? A Double-Double. It’s time to dust off those machines, Girls! I will be teaching this class on May 1, 2010 at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale from 1:30-6:00. You can choose to make a multi color or a black and white fabric cover. You will also pick your own funky envelopes and pages to go inside which will help "make it your own" from the fabric and paper stashes I'll be hauling in to the class. More details should be available at the store soon.
This beauty has three spines, four signatures and is so easy to do, even a beginner could do it. When each double double opens up, it is still all one piece, even though the photos might trick your eyes and make it look like there may be two separate books in each tie. If you can sew an almost straight line, you’re good to go. SEriOuSly. And better yet, all you have to bring is your sewing machine with it’s needles and bobbins and a pair of scissors that can cut fabric ‘cause I will be bringing everything else you need! The ribbon, fabric, thread, paper, tape, secret ingredients, etc. Yes, everything else. If you have no machine, contact me, and we might be able to swing a deal. Everyone in class even gets a little personalized label to sew down on their masterpiece. That’s pretty cool.
After class, you can go home and make more as gifts for those you love and bribes for those who need them.
Optional: If you have a small personal paper cutter to cut paper or a ruler with an edge that you like to use for that torn edge look you may bring either along, but they are absolutely not necessary. Extras just might speed up the paper part.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I'll get back to you.

Oh big surprise!

2010-03-08T15:33:00.007-07:00

More than anything I love to play with in the studio, it is journals, I think, so it is no surprise that these two babies are here. It is hard to tell from the photo, but they are smaller than the ones I have been making lately. One has a cover of random scraps on random scraps. This came about when I was practicing playing with my thread and topstiching, and I liked the way it turned out. I am not sure I will ever part with that one.
The other is a rescued mistake. I was making a slipcover for a little binder I have when I realized all the strips of zippers, ribbons, and fabric I was sewing together just weren't tall enough, so plan B kicked into action. You can call it a happy mistake, I guess. I haven't shown the inside of my journals lately, but they all kinda look like these, recycled papers given a new life.

Write about yourself in third person.

2010-03-08T14:47:00.004-07:00

Well that is what Jane's prompt said, so she is. You see, Jane is taking four classes at once online, and never stopped to think that, or care that, she would not be able to do all with the same fever at the same time. One of the classes includes 180 prompts to pick from in no particular order, and Jane chose the one to do this blog entry that reads something like this: Write about yourself in third person.
Previously, Jane had read the prompts, saw some videos, printed out some things, and called it a day with that class until yesterday. Jane is on Spring Break now and finally had some extra time on her hands. Jane took the class so she could experiment with a form of art journaling she usually doesn't do, but yesterday, and today, it all came together in a two page spread. That's what you're looking at up there. It may have something to do with Jane and her two brain cells that work together for computer stuff finally realizing there was a section of the online class that had gone untouched, based on an assumption of what that part was but never checking it to see. What was Jane thinking? Aren't all parts of a class important enough to check into, at least? Well, not when you're Jane and you make stupid assumptions.
Maybe next time Jane will follow a collage prompt and a writing prompt at the same time. More likely not. Jane doesn't usually follow all the directions on this sort of thing. Luckily, Kelly, the teacher is used to this and always asks the students to think, "What if?" and Jane takes full liberties with that. If you want to know more about this class, A Life Made by Hand, Kelly's blog has a much better explanation.

Hand Painted Fabric Fun!

2010-03-06T19:56:00.006-07:00

In the about 12 years that it has been since I posted last, I haven't really just been sitting and watching TV. I have actually been busy on lots of projects. I just haven't gotten around to blogging about them. So since I have a week off to mess around without the usual worries and busy-ness of the work week, I got a few pictures taken today. These are fabric painted by me. Some began life as plain white fabric. The ones with Barbie pink peeking through began plain pink and the blue ones began life as someone's Hawaii type shirt in blues. None of them were anything I would use alone, so I went to work on them. I have decided that when I find a decent piece of cloth that has colors I find unappealing either for my own stash or my "go to class bins" that I am not throwing it out. I am gonna slap some paint on them, and these are some samples. Some just have different types of paints, and some also have paint pen, gel pen and marker doodles, drawing, and graffiti on them.

More Remains of the Day

2010-02-04T20:08:00.004-07:00

Yes, yes, I know I have told you before, but I am still stitching away on the Remains of the Day books. Here are two more covers. It's a good thing Spring Break is knocking on the back door because I have two other classes I have paid for and only watched the videos. Maybe I should start actually doing the fun parts of them.

Can I get a swap amen?

2010-01-24T22:19:00.006-07:00

For the first time in over two years, I can say I have no swaps that I have on my to make list. I finished! I wasn't kidding when I said I needed to take a break from swaps. I just checked my records, and with the two swaps I finished making this weekend, I have done 35 swaps in 55 weeks, and I am sorry, but that is crazy. and the year before wasn't any more sane. That is why I am taking a swap break. These are the finished version of my Art Unraveled Swap and the last two swaps of the ongoing 14 month Rolodex project. The last two months of Rolodex are alphabet cards. My letters are Q and I, so I made tiny (art) quilts and inchies on top of I dictionary pages. When these are swapped, I think my Rolodex will be full, full, full. Perhaps I will post a picture of it in March, which is when I will have all the cards. I don't usually put my own handwriting on the front of a page, but it is part of the style I was trying to copy on the AU page. I really had a lot of fun on them all.
Actually, I finished them yesterday and planned to get up early and get them posted early, but stupidity prevailed. I woke up 630ish full of energy and decided to move a lot of what is on one side of my studio to the other side and vice versa. Basically, I wanted my fabric table by my fabric and ribbon wall. So I turned the table on its side and proceeded. Problem was that when I got the table to the other side of the room and tried to stand it back up, I broke off a set of "legs," so it took hours trying to get the problem solved. I should have known better in the first place since the table is so big and heavy, but I got in too big of a hurry. When I got the new "legs" back on, I called for help setting it upright, and proceeded to finish the task or moving and reloading tables, and shelves and on and on, which took nearly the whole day, but I am really really happy with the result. You can blame it all on my parents. My mom was a librarian, and my dad was a musician. That is why I need to keep all my art stuff organized. Makes sense, doesn't it?

Remains of the Day, Journal 2

2010-01-20T16:06:00.007-07:00

Ok, so as I mentioned in an earlier post, I signed up for an online class with Mary Ann Moss called Remains of the Day. I now have two journals made and have started a third. I am showing the second one from two different angles since they each shed a little different picture. When I put a period at the end of my sentence, I will be off to work on the next one. What fun!

Half Way There

2010-01-18T17:50:00.008-07:00

I started working on my covers for the Art Unraveled chunky book for 2009 today. I used all my fabric I painted in Traci Bautista's class. I love that she makes crazy stitches, which most people know I give bonus point for. The front of the front cover is about half way done, so this is only a partial reveal. I plan to sew on the focal point next and then get the details that go on the back of the front cover and the back covers done. I might have to cheat a bit and use papers I painted some of the other years in her classes, but as long as I use the ones that are like the ones I did last year, I think that is a fair representation. I am excited to finish them, but I am also enjoying making these pages so much, I will be a little sad when they are done. I just might carry this idea over to the next swap which is little rolodex card size quilts.
After these are done, I only have the rolodex swap commitment to finish, and I have 3 weeks to do that one. But I want to reprioritize my time. I want to journal more, get back to making myself some clothes and play around with my supplies more. I want to reorganize part of my studio. (That started last night. I swapped my jewelry station with my journal station. The journal station is in full swing. The jewelry station is in piles that need to be dealt with.) After two years of intense swapping and a year of pushing myself to get published, even though everything except one of my submissions, which I am still waiting to hear about has been published, I have decided to spend more time creating things for my loved ones and me. Things we will use like more doll clothes for the K's when they come to play and doing art just for the fun of it, and without so many deadlines.
I have two classes coming up at Frenzy Stamper and Art Unraveled, my etsy shop, and my table to sell things from at Art Unraveled. I think that ought to keep me busy enough for a while.

Just Get Your Scissors

2010-01-16T22:27:00.009-07:00

If you have known me very long, you know how I love what Jeane and I call junque journals. We have made them for about 10 years, and I just can't get enough of them. When we first started, they were papers inside and paper covered covers. Today I made one similar to the bird books I did last year, in that a slipcover is made to fit an existing piece, in this case a 2 ring binder. The cover is a collaged piece of canvas, and the insides are a combination of paper pages which is the old part, but this time I put in pages made of lace and fabrics, too. I am going to be teaching this class at Frenzy Stamper at the end of February. I drove it over there just before the store closed tonight. We decided to call it Just Get Your Scissors because that is all the participants will have to bring. I am taking in everything else everyone will need, including the sewing machines. If participants want to bring in a machine, some special embellishments (like the Girl Scout wings on mine) or whatever, they may, but it is not required. The sewing part doesn't take the whole time, so I figure we can share. The three sewing machines I had sitting around that were previously thought of as in need of a repair shop were all fixed by me finally this week. It is amazing how taking one apart , dusting it out, wiggling things around, getting the correct size bobbin and putting it all back together can fix things. Anyway, above are some pictures of my journal. Everyone's cover and pages will be different even though they will all get a kit of papers and fabrics, because when they dig through the extra fabrics and embellishments and pick out unique items, every one will be different. Debbie will also have pictures on her website, soon.

Page From A Book

2010-01-07T11:53:00.005-07:00

This is a page from a book that I later sewed into the actual book. I did this on my own when I was trying to experiment with a technique that hit me while driving one day and made me ask what would happen if... The book pictured above is NOT from the class I am taking now online with Mary Ann Moss called Remains of the Day. I am just posting it for some fellow participants in the class. We got into a discussion about sewing on paper, and this is a sample of what I was talking about. Have fun if you try it, Classmates. I hope to be posting more from the online class soon.

Remnants of a Vacation

2010-01-03T09:59:00.008-07:00

Tomorrow it is back to the day job. Kinda heartbreaking actually. : ) You get some time off, find that groove where there is time to stay up late and just keep working, and then it all comes to a screeching halt. I have done so much, most of which I cannot show yet, but there is still so much to do.
For one thing, Keegan and I finished our surprise for Mommie. Each time she has come over recently, we have done a little painting, and I put it all together into a lunch bag. I placed a piece of clear heavy plastic in the bottom to give it some body and to make it easy to wipe off any crumbs or whatever between washings. I think Miss K did a great job on her part.
Another day found me making 6 hours worth of nonbias tape that I thought I needed for a project. The strips turned out great, but the project is in the rethinking bin along with a fabric wallet that ended up there as well. I got the zipper, the change purse part, and the credit card holder all perfect, but it just won't close properly. I think I used fabric that was too thick. Darn it. I hate it when the rethink bin gets too much in it. I do have other ideas for all those strips if the rethinking does not work either. Actually, I have already used some of the scraps of the strips.
And then, because I just couldn't resist, I joined an online class taught by Mary Ann Moss titled Remains of the Day. My cover is above. The next step is to gather up all kinds of papers and ephemera to make the inside pages. I have watched the first 20 videos, only about 8 more to go. Jeane and I have done similar books a million times, but I just couldn't resist.
Now, if I just didn't have all that laundry to go back and forth between...

Cookie and Tea Party ART!

2009-12-24T14:12:00.021-07:00

Sometimes Santas need to coordinate their efforts to make big things happen, and in this case I lucked out. Keegan needed to be somewhere else for this morning, and so I hostessed a cookie and tea party. Kennedy decided to sleep this one out, probably knowing it was safer to stay away from flying sprinkles. The rest of us baked cookies, made little snacks for lunch, had tea, and then frosted up a storm. The tea party couldn't take place at the ususal little tea table with Keegan sized chairs because, well, it is just too small for this big of an operation. So we used the kitchen, of all places, instead. I'll let the pictures tell the rest.

SeW SCRappY GoeS PiNK!

2009-12-23T15:24:00.012-07:00

One thing leads to another, right? I decided to go through my stash of scraps and "stuff" and pull out only pink things to make a pink sew scrappy journal, and this is the result. I had painted lots of canvas for future projects and sale, and the pink was screaming my name. It was a lot of fun, but I am not a pink girl for the most part, so off to etsy it goes. Besides the decorated covers, there are 10 decorated pages, some with pockets sew on them and 4 more built in pockets between the pages to hold more of whatever anyone would want to put inside. I added journaling/collage paper inside some of them for the lucky girl who eventually owns this to do her thing. I am adding a number of things to my shop today, including more of my splashed up canvas.

A Baby for a Baby Needs A Quilt, No?

2009-12-23T12:35:00.006-07:00

I rarely write about my personal life, but sometimes I can't help it. Usually it involves my extraordinary granddaughters, and this time is no exception. Recently, my two daughters, the granddaughters and I were off on what we call "hair day."
It involves getting up at the crack of dawn or earlier, all trekking to daughter one's house, since she lives in the middle, me treating everyone to breakfast, taking the obligatory trip to Target (another chance to spoil the little ones, but not too much, I promise) meeting up with another friend at the salon and the six of us taking up a half day's appointments on our hairdresser, Laurie's calendar. We sit around, talk, laugh, and take turns getting the do's done. Sometimes we have lunch afterward. It has gotten to be a little tricky with naps and all having to be calculated in, but anyway... We decided to try a different spot for breakfast this particular time, so we chose Cracker Barrel. Now, if you have ever been in there, you know you have to look around in the shop, even if you aren't waiting for a table. We left behind the Mr. Christmas carousel music box and the beautiful serving plates, but we found red velour 1st Christmas reindeer footie pajamas with floppy eared reindeer on the toes for "Kenne" that we absolutely could not resist and debated over a special little Christmas quilt Kenne's mom fell in love with. I told her I could make one that was not Christmas colors, and she agreed that would be a great idea since Kenne had been spending her play time sitting on a blanket that has seen better days. She liked this particular once since she thought it would be a toy in itself. Well, since that few short weeks ago, one baby girl has mastered crawling, so there is no keeping the kid on her little blanket anymore. Her mom and I did agree that it wouldn't be necessary for me to make Kenne the little quilt after all, but I had it in my head. I had to do it. Kenne mostly plays with her sister's toys since the child has more than enough to outfit a day care center, and dolls are the favorite of them both. I got Kenne her own doll for Christmas, and so I decided to make a doll size quilt like the one her mom originally requested. Keegan has her own doll quilt by Nona, so this would be only fair, right? Here it is. I hope Kenne and my daughter both love it. The green gingham checks are left from a crib quilt I made my daughter that she loved like nothing else. The rest is from my stash including some that a friend Sharyn gave me in a trade for a book kit. Maybe she will recognize some of it. Don't worry, I've got everything sewn down so tight, it would take a Swiss army knife to get any of those pom poms loose.

Forgive me please!

2009-12-19T09:20:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, I posted about my lucky winnings. I made a link that I in no way intended. Kelly's correct link is kellykilmer.blogspot.com. She is in no way affiliated with the other link. Some trashy individual is using her name there. Karma is gonna get the jerk, but in the mean time, I have corrected it, and wanted to apologize if anyone clicked and went to a place that neither of us condone. Sorry, and love ya, Kelly.

Lucky again!!!

2009-12-18T21:38:00.005-07:00

So as I was cruising through my email today, a dear friend had emailed me to tell me I had won ANOTHER blog give away. This time, Tapeswell which Kelly told me about, picked my comment about what tape I would like to have, and I am the lucky winner of $20. in free tape. You can read more about it here. I suggested tape that looks like staples, hooks and eyes, stitching, or snaps are what is holding a taped package shut. I also mentioned little chocolates in their little cups, cupcakes and clovers. You would buy that sort of tape, right? I wonder if they will make any of it for sale. If I can imageine it, they can do it, right? If so, I'll be right in that line, Baby!

New Little Baby Bird Books and More

2009-12-07T17:59:00.005-07:00

I just added some new things to my Etsy shop. People have been asking about my bird books in Sew Somerset. Yes, I did send the bigger birds off on a little trip, and kept the babies at home. But they've grown up quite a bit since then, and they are ready to fly the coop. You can see the whole collections of flowers, owls, red birds, and baby birds here. Enjoy! They're great for gifts or even yourself. You know you deserve a little something, right?

Another Bag for Haute Handbags

2009-12-03T19:43:00.005-07:00

I got an email today telling me I am going to be published again in Haute Handbags. There is a story about the bag here for a previous posting on my blog. It will be in the Gallery section of Spring 2010, according to the plan right now, but there was a clause saying if something happens, it will be bumped to the next issue. I made if for a Yahoo! challenge from my Yahoo! friend Kellie. I can hardly wait to tell her.

Sew Somerset Winter 2010 Triple Play!

2009-11-28T14:50:00.007-07:00

This is the newest magazine to hit the streets which contains my artwork. You can see a sample of what I created here. Scroll down to the section called Birds of a Feather. I call them my bird books. I especially excited about this one because my daughter, Jeane , and I both have feature articles in it. And if that weren't enough, my crazy art sister, (That's what we call one another.) Penney , has her precious and amazing needle case in there as well. I haven't received my copy yet, possibly today since Jeane got hers yesterday. The due date for all shelves nationwide is Dec. 1. I have created some mini versions of my bird books like the ones in the magazine, which will be for sale later. More camera trouble!
I've sent a tote bag off to another publication and have another set of three items ready to be mailed to a magazine I have been wanting to submit to for a while, but I won't be posting them until they are either published or returned. I have decided it is the smarter and safer choice for right now. But I did enjoy making them, and I hope to share them with you soon!

Teaching at Art Unraveled 2010

2009-11-23T19:09:00.005-07:00

It is with great excitement that I am now able to tell you that I will be teaching this year at Art Unraveled. For anyone who has never heard of Art Unraveled, people fly in from all over the U.S.A. and foreign countries to attend this event. It is like art camp for grownups, but it is in a nice comfy hotel. This has been a dream of mine for a while, but with other contractual obligations, I just never could apply. This year, I decided to have a go at it knowing I could teach at the beginning of the event. I was lucky enough to be chosen and placed on the schedule when I don't have other conflicts. I am really looking forward to meeting lots of new people and seeing old friends, both from near and far. I will be teaching my Sew Somerset Sew Scrappy Journal. This is the journal that was shown of the cover of the Summer 2009 Sew Somerset. Although I have taught classes like this one, I have never taught this exact class anywhere before, and I will not be teaching it anywhere else in AZ for all of 2010, so this will be fun! This book is actually a journal with cloth pages that you can write on. I am bringing nearly all the art supplies to make things easier for my students, and I have been busy at work planning this so that it will be the best of times for everyone. Email me at janeeileen@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

Another One "In the Books" Update

2009-11-22T10:52:00.002-07:00

Promised update to the previous post: This is the cover of the magazine, and I am happy to say that when the book returns, it will be given to Linda at Art Unraveled 2010 to be auctioned off for charity.

Another One "In the Books"

2009-11-17T19:34:00.006-07:00

Jeane just called all charged up. She got her copy of Somerset Studio Gallery Winter 2010 today which has a 6 page article about a collaborative book we did with 25 other artists. I hosted it and talked Kelly Kilmer into doing the cover. Many of the pages of this ABC chunky book are featured on the spreads including Kelly's, Jeane's, and mine. Jeane did T, and I did S, so since the letters are together in the alphabet, we are sharing a page. I wonder how often something like this happens, mother and daughter stuff. No matter what, I am happy this is something we can share.

MOre ScArY StuFf!!

2009-10-19T20:20:00.006-07:00

I have gotten a lot done since Friday. I am working my way through a long to do list. Today I decided to photograph the scary skull totes that have been done for a while. Check. Posting on etsy is next. And here they are. These are big big totes. They are 9"X14" on the base and over 16" tall with long 36"handles, that's 18" down from center shoulder on both sides with a nice big pocket on them. They are made from the same heavy duty denim that I made the aprons from. Good stuff.