Teaching a class next January in London, Ontario. Here is the sample:

This is based on my art quilt called Indian Splendor that was in three juried shows over a year.

Missing My Mom Today

 

 

A month ago yesterday my mom left this world. I hope she  is finally happy or just content.

I owe her for my love of  sewing. My healing angel went with her to comfort her. I didn't take a photo of the angel. No need to, etched in my memory.

 

 

Indian Splendor

Here I am at Fibre Content Show with my art quilt called Indian Splendor.

My piece came in 7th viewers choice.

It was a labour of perseverance. My sewing machine was done in and I bought a new Pfaff with all these wonderful computerized  tricks!

The beads were bought at a stash sale for Ellen, who passed away almost a year ago. I think it was a broken necklace.

It was half beaded when I realized I didn't have enough. I took in between beads out and continued on. Very sore fingers!



Sari silk ribbon, machine stitching, hand embroidery with rayon threads, beads.

 

 

My Pfaff breaks again!

Don't get me wrong I love my machine. But now I know any little pull when it jams of sets the bobbin holder inside off kilter and the needle wouldn't go down. Bad! Can't fix it myself. So off we go to Sewing Machines Etc.  for a 3rd repair of this kind. It may need to go to the factory.

So I set up my old Pfaff and gave it oil and cleaned out some of the inside. It looks like some glue was spilt down the lever up and down for the presser foot. I have used this machine for classes.
 Any way it works ok, and is quite good for free motion sewing. It will do for now. Its my workhorse for sewing up jeans. No need to panic, I can still work on a new project for a juried show using sari ribbon.

 

Until next time,

Donna

Blogging Again, I hope!

Hi All,
I have been trying to blog on my new mini ipad without success, having trouble downloading my photos. I also find Facebook so easy to use! That is the reason I have been absent!
Above is one of the pages from my online class with Joanne Sharpe. I am way behind but I have all year to work on it!!! I am using my inktense pencils a lot and washi tape. I stick close to Joanne's lessons so I can assimilate all the new learnings. Which brings me to a lesson I learned while away on Holiday. I like to copy other artists' drawings so I can learn new details for my doodles in my working sketchbook. ( Reference: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon)  This is only for me but I do post photos on Facebook and give credit to the artist. One of my favourite artists asked me to remove my photo from my wall. I was very embarrassed and upset. I took it off my wall and sent an apology, which was accepted . I felt so bad I reworked the journal page and took out all the drawings, removed any photos I had of her art from my gallery and unfriended her. I thought I couldn't take the chance of copying her work again, even if some images are universal. I miss seeing her Facebook and I wish I had received a different reaction to my emulation of her work. I will try to be encouraging when another artist copies my work for their own learning. As a former art teacher, I always encouraged the kids to copy artwork as DaVinci encouraged his proteges to copy his work. I believe there is something to the idea that you learn better when you exercise your hand and it communicates your drawings to the brain. I'd love to hear what you think.

Oh Lucky Day!

I Need to Celebrate

1. I found a tiny piece of my watch bracelet, it was attached to a canister of coconut from my mom's condo! How fortunate is that!
2. I delivered a commissioned graffiti style art quilt on canvas. Its going to Saskatoon to a young lady. I had fun making this piece. 
3. I picked up my art pieces from a friend. They had been in a show in Georgetown and I found out I sold an older floral piece I had contemplated in cutting up and recycling. 
4. I am looking forward to see what happens next.
5. Alas, I can't find a photo of that Art Quilt.

Joanne Sharpe's Online Class

Doodle Arts and Letters

with Joanne Sharpe

First Few Lessons

Book cover

Upside down! 

How did that happen?

More photos to come.