Up and Running at last!!!

     I can't believe that I've been out of touch so long.  Two friends were here from Michigan, and we  went birding to Tucson and parts SE for @ ten days (saw great birds and two "lifers" for me).  During that time my computer died a quiet death, and my wonderful son-in-law, Steve, found me a new one, set it up, and spent a lot of time fine-tuning it to fit my "special needs" (I'm technologically challenged).  Anyway, I'm back, but haven't really started to focus on any new projects or finish any old ones; this seems to happen every time I take a sustained break.

      I am still working with the on-line sketch class (see scone below) and have just started a drawing class at the Desert Museum in Tucson--LOVE IT!!  I'll probably post some of my drawings when I get a bit more accomplished--maybe. . . .

    This assignment was completed early one very crispy morning in the charming little town of Bisbee, AZ.  The scone was delicious, but I had to draw it before eating!!! 

Another Pile and a Sketch

     I'm playing again--with photos and fabric and fiber, oh my!  I didn't take pictures of my process because I wasn't sure what I was doing, but I think I'm almost done.  The "pile" above  (if you click on any photo, it will enlarge) includes photos of eucalypus bark, dryer sheets, felt, dyed cheesecloth, silk roving, stuff from a pack called Silk Sensations Strata--Pebble which I purchased years ago at the Quilting Arts retail store in Stow, MA, and some bamboo batting and paint.  I started out thinking to make a journal cover, but it turned into a wall hanging instead . . .   I hope to get the backing in place today, attach the "adornments,"  and figure out how to hang it.

    I also spent several hours yesterday putting together my first lesson for the watercolor sketch class which I'm taking on line from Jane La Fazio .  She gives excellent, detailed instructions w/pictures, and I know I'm going to learn a lot!!  I'm not planning on becoming a water-color expert, but I like using my sketches in my fiber art and journaling.



Sketchbook Challenge Journal

     I finally finished constructing my "HIGHLY PRIZED" journal today and decided to share: 

     I was very excited by an article in the newest Cloth Paper Scissors in which the authors constructed a small journal using a file folder and decorative papers.  Since that journal wouldn't be big enough to hold the water-color pages I had in mind, I set about expanding their idea by using two folders ( and part of another).  I also made use of my own hand-printed fabric instead of paper and added some small clips to hold my entries in place. 

     Yesterday I spent the morning driving around with my camera and watercolor pack, looking for inspiration and simply enjoying myself.  I took lots of pictures of "my mountains" and then ended up on the side of the road sketching and painting one view of three mountain ranges from my car:  Superstitions (my nearest favorite); Four Peaks (farthest vista); and the wonderful Goldfields.  I LOVE them all!

      I also stopped often to clip small sprigs of  leafy (not cacti this time) plants to take home and sketch.  The desert is very conservative with green leaves:  they are usually small, often waxy, and sometimes thorny, but appreciated (highly prized!) by all. 

    

     I will slip these pages into my journal  (along with my binoculars sketch--see previous post) and keep working to fill the remaining slots (grandchildren, daughters, birds, books, Bernina--hmmmmm).  I will probably add some other embellishment as I go.  Next month will hold another themed challange and perhaps a similar journal--I'm still pondering . . .     

A Pile of Scraps



      I decided to try something different to get ready for Valentine's Day.  Postcards!!  I dug out my very limited Arizona stash and sorted the pink, white, cream, silky, sheer, glitzy fabrics into a small pile.  After cutting an 18 by 24 inch piece of batting, I started slicing up the pile and collaging the pieces into some kind of balanced whole.  I pinned them down and carefully free-motion stitched it all together.  (Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture . . .)

   

 Using a couple of quick watercolor sketches of roses, I photographed and input them into my Photoshop program.  I printed the images onto tea bags using a super step-by-step tutorial from Judy Coates Perez .  After applying Misty Fuse to the backs of the teabag roses, I trimmed and applied them strategically to the collaged piece, then cut it into 4x6 inch pieces and began looking for further embellishments.  Stay tuned!!!