December is my Favorite Month~

I love December.  I'm mesmerized by the colors, lights, and laughter found in many of the places I go in December.  I try to stay away from the malls and box stores.  Purchasing "things" that have no real meaning are hard for me to do these days.  I still have grandchildren that wish and look forward to getting a favorite "thing" for Christmas and that's OK within reason.  But Christmas (and Thanksgiving) are about family, friends, love, thoughtfulness, generosity, and gratefulness.  I'm always trying to figure out something special I can make for presents each year, and it's one of the favorite parts of my Christmas spirit.

I've been busy (between bouts of illness) painting and sewing.  I have several projects on the burner and I keep trying to tell myself there is no hurry in finishing them.  I want to really enjoy this month.  Here are a couple of works in progress just to keep you up to date.

This is Owlexis, Owlivia's sister.  She LOVES the snow and since her feathers don't quite keep her warm enough, she enlisted the help of her favorite fairy to make her a magic coat to wear when she's out in the snow.  She loves to snowboard, and we're working on adding that to her story.  I'll post more pictures as I go along!

This is going to be a pillow top.  First I did the face with Inktense watercolor pencils and fluid acrylics.  Next I appliqued her to some favorite fabric (with a back layer so I can do some decorative stitching on here).  Next I hand stitched each tiny leaf around her face.  I haven't decided if she's "Spring" or "Summer" yet.  My daughter thinks this face looks like her....hmmm.  It does in a way.  It catches one of her classic expressions.  I must have been thinking about her as I sketched!

Today is Bill's birthday and we're going to our good friends' house for dinner.  Can't wait.  There is supposed to be a tree up and decorated.  I hope so.  Vic is the master at Christmas Trees and decorations.  She owns enough decorations for at least 3 large trees ( a lot of them handmade over the years).  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  

HuGGs!

Debi

No AEDM Today

I've been under the weather trying to fight off what my dear hubby has had.  Today is the first day he has started to feel better... but the last two day I've felt terrible.  I have, however, gotten up and done a few minutes on "Owlivia" and tomorrow I will take a picture which will be 3 days worth of work on her.  She is turning out awesome!  I wish I felt like doing a photo shoot tonight... but I'm off to bed and it's only 6 pm.  I'm going to read a little and then I'm going off to sleep.  But PLEASE check back here tomorrow and I promise I will have some art photo's to share with you all.

I'm leaving you with some embroidery I did (and beading) so you have something creative to peruse!  

HuGGs!

Debi

As Promised!

Somebody STOP me!  This cloth is taking over my life!  But, truth to tell, I'm enjoying every single minute.  I made a couple of changes yesterday and continued on.  I told you I would post a new picture and so here it is.  There's still a bit more to go... some beading on the hearts to add a little bit of sparkle, and some more stitching in black to add a bit of drama to a couple of areas.  This one is almost finished.  I'm now dreaming of a red dog moon.  You'll have to return to see that one shape up.  I'll probable be starting it tomorrow or Friday.

Fabric Collage Wall Art

I've been really busy trying to create some art for my home. My husband has this saying that ANY of my artwork displayed in the home is for sale. Some of the things I've made have sentimental value, but for the right price, I guess anything is up for grabs. Well, I've made something that IS NOT for sale at any price.



There's been a lot of change going on in my life right now and for many reasons Bill and I are feeling somewhat like we did when we started out together 28 years ago. Our life was very SIMPLE. Bill was going to school and we were trying to make money in many diverse ways. There was a recession and many people were out of work. I think it's much worse right now, but a lot of the same circumstances that we found ourselves in then, we are in now. Back to renting, back to finding inovative ways to earn money, watch our health because our health insurance is minimal at best. This time it's just Bill and I (no kids at home now) but we are older and our bodies aren't what they used to be.



With that said, I've been doing a lot of praying and quiet time. I'm listening to uplifting music because I'm very sensitive to music. The right kind of music will make me feel better about the circumstances around me. And I've been creating while in this meditative mood.



I've created two wall pieces for the bedroom. There are many symbols in this work that speaks to my heart. I hope that it may touch yours too! (but it's still NOT for sale!)




The artwork that I've created these pieces around is the original artwork of DJ Pettit. She's a wonderful artist and friend. Talent, kindness, and a deep commitment to share her knowledge sets her apart in my heart. I'm lucky to know several of these artist/teachers and if you know one, you are VERY lucky! I believe as artist we need to share our talents with others to heal, uplift, and teach another generation to do the same. If you want to see more of DJ's wonderful work, just click on the blog post title and it'll take you to her blog where you can find out all about her and how she shares her art with others.



Many hours(MANY HOURS!) went into the making of these works of art. Please let me know what you think! OH! And by the way, the inspiration for the CONCEPT of these two wall-hangings goes to two wonderful artist friends of mine:
KC Willis and JoAnnA Pierotti! You find KC WIllis here: http://www.lipstickranch.com/ And you can find JoAnnA here: http://www.mosshill.blogs.com/ . These two artists are extraordinary and they both teach classes online! I love them both to pieces~

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Hey, I just realized that it's Saint Patty's Day! And I'm not wearing a stitch of green! It's a good thing I didn't go out today, and a shame for a half Irish girl like me!
So, tonight we're having some corned beef, sweet-n-sour potatoes (which is actually German but don't tell~Shhhhh!) and cabbage and veggies, and sourdough bread. It's gonna be great! It's been awhile since we did corned beef and my husband is dancing around in circles; he can hardly wait!

And since I haven't shared any artwork in awhile, here's a 12x12 inch crazy quilt square. I think it's done...haven't quite decided yet. I guess I have to look at it some more to be sure. What do you think????

A One on One Swap

This is a picture of my work in progress. Last fall I made an agreement to swap a felted picture with my good, good friend Sammy (Veletta). I've been working on it now and then and now the picture is finished except for embellishment. I used my Embellisher Machine and also did some hand felting. Now I want to accent some areas with embroidery (especially the bird which you can hardly make out) and add some beads. Sammy and I both LOVE beads and I can't wait to add some sparkle to this. I'll post another picture when it's done. SO, what do you think?

Secret Garden Cat

RedcatFIAAaugust, originally uploaded by RedBirdSings.

This is a small 6x6" quilt square that I created for a swap on the FIAA2 yahoo group. I combined several different fabrics, a rubber stamped frame. Pretty simple, but because of the busy fabrics I think it turned out okay. I was inspired to make this by the cat next door. She comes out each evening and hunts in their small, beautifully laid out garden. I love watching her antics...it makes me smile!