Sunday's Sketches....

Felt like doing something I didn't have to think too hard about today - so I got out my teeny tiny sketchbook (3x5), the rapidograph set and some Derwent watercolor and inktense pencils. When I was in high school - I loved working with pen and ink. I didn't go anywhere without my pens and sketchbook. I don't know why I ever stopped - as there was a time I was pretty good with it. Rapidographs didn't exist - I used a simple ink pen with different nibs.

Rapidographs are really nice to work with as you don't have to change tips - there are 8 pens in the set all with different size tips. You can use India Ink, or even colored liquid acrylic ink in these pens. Today, I just used Gorilla Ink as I knew I was going to lay in some color with the watercolor pencils.
The watercolor pencils remind me of my Neocolors. You color on the pigment, and then with a brush, lay down water and watch the color flow. I think I could have a relationship with these. They take some getting used to - and mind you, I did not use watercolor paper because I was using rapidographs. The paper in my sketchbook accepted the water - but didn't allow me much time before it pilled.

Sabrina was in the studio today too, working on her journal and a few paintings to match her newly redecorated bedroom. Unlike when I'm piecing, or working on an art quilt, we were both able to work at the same table - which was nice. Lots of laughing, lots of singing and talking. A great way to spend a few hours on a rainy Monday afternoon!

I plan on spending more time with my old pen and ink set from high school. I'm going to dig it out tomorrow. I forgot how much I enjoy the simplicity of layering on dots, crosshatches and lines over bright white bristol. Ahhh the simple things in life.

I do hope you found some time for singing and laughter during your weekend, too!

Felting, Neocolors, Mixed Media Roving and Watercolors.....

Finished up the last two ACEOs that are going out to Lynn. It was nice taking a break from "serious" sewing to just experiment a little with roving and Neocolors.

Because Lynn mentioned she too like sunflowers, I'm sending her the next in my sunflower series, and also a little "shades of blue" mixed media (beads, roving, felt, piecing and a copper embellishment) freestyle card.

Here are the two cards are cards I received from Lynn ( Getting My Feet Wet.) I couldn't love them more. We decided on a flower and abstract theme.

This gorgeous red flower is machine felted wool roving on a felt background and the graphic, orange flower is watercolor which looks to be outlined in black ink. These are both beautiful cards and are fabulous additions to my collection. I have really enjoyed receiving (and making!) these cards.

Today I'm back in "production" mode, working on Sabrina's birthday presents. She's not around today so I have the afternoon to play with the skulls. I'm also working on a leaf piece for Carolyn. I've gone through all my silk dupioni and natural fibers and am starting to layout the background and have painted up some fiber sheets to start making the leaves. It should be a nice relaxing weekend once chores are done.

I do hope everyone gets in some good "family time" this weekend. I hope to spend some quality time with both kids and have at least one martini (or cup of Hazlenut coffee - depending upon my mood) on the front porch with my love.

Sunday's Stitches.....

Although it was girls' weekend and typically we spend much of girls' weekends it in the studio, this weekend we did not. We went shopping, we went out to eat, we went to church, we went out to eat, we watched movies, we went out to eat..... you get the point - NO CHORES (no cooking) this weekend, just fun.

While Sabrina was snoozing on the couch (during one of our rented movies - that SHE PICKED) I did manage to work on my Sunday's stitches project a wee bit. Not sure what it is, exactly, just wanted to put some of those stitches into practice (fly stitch, french knot, backstitch, chainstitch.) I think I'm going to keep elaborating on this one for a few weeks - 'cause it's really fun (although my hand stitching skills "really" need some work!) As I examine these - I'm almost tempted to stick to "machine" sewing - which I'm pretty good at, but hey - that is the purpose of Sunday's Stitches - PRACTICE . And I need A LOT of practice!

NOW...... can you keep a secret? This is the set up for the start of two of Sabrina's birthday presents. I'm not going to tell you what I'm making just in case she pops by to pay me a visit here. Suffice it to say -- I spent two days looking for just the right "skull" fabric and the perfect shade of "cobalt" blue. The skull fabric actually isn't too bad as it's a bandana print (which I like) and the skulls are a bit obscured. I'm not a big fan of the whole skull thing - but Sabrina is intrigued by them "artistically," -- so I indulge her.

And finally - a word about bootcamp. I packed my stuff up last night before I went to bed. Good thing - as I didn't sleep well last night in anticipation of my first day of camp. I tossed and turned all night. I did get up at 4:45 a.m. (without the alarm,) had a piece of grain bread with organic peanut butter (as we were told to make sure we eat so we don't pass out !!) got dressed, and off I went.

It was a blast! It really was. I can't believe how much energy I had at 5:30 in the morning - particularly after not sleeping well. I can see this as something I am going to be able to stick with because at 5:30 am - excuses NOT to work out really aren't available. I mean, what else are you doing at 5:30 a.m? It's not like something will "come up" and prevent you from your workout. Oh, and as for those other gals (and you KNOW who you are :) who were going to join me but backed out..... you're gonna be sorry!!!

Cathie's Going to Boot Camp..... (oh Crap!)

Yep - Monday morning, bright and early (5:30 a.m.) while y'all are still tucked in dreaming about color combinations, quilting patterns, stitching designs and cheesecake(!) I'll be sweating and crying during my first class of bootcamp. I've been reading about and hearing about Adventure Bootcamps that are popping up all over California and New York and we finally got one here in the Triangle.

After months (really it's been the last few years) of exercising (on and off) and drinking protein shakes - I still have not achieved the discipline I am searching for and know that I need to get to the level of fitness I desire. It's not coming easy to me like it did when I was younger. I need some hard core motivation and discipline - so I enlisted.

I met with my bootcamp instructor yesterday for a very um "enlightening" hour of getting weighed, measured and the highlight of the experience - getting measured with CALIPERS. CALIPERS - NOT FUN. You can't escape the truth - of the calipers - they DON'T LIE. By utilizing the measurements of the calipers, your age, and a few other hideously embarassing variables, my instructor was able to determine just how much of Cathie is lean muscle and how much of Cathie is pure fat. Um....... not good.

ON the upsdie - I've got my plan mapped out and I'm ready. I am SO ready. The bootcamp I've signed up for is a 4 week on, one week off - 5 day a week program with a gym membership thrown in. I plan on going to bootcamp at 5:30 and trying to get back in to the gyn in the afternoon at least three days a week for strength training and to ride my bike at least one day.

I've been reading Jillian Michael's books (all three of them) and I like her hard core approach. Jillian makes it very clear that you get out of fitness what you put in to it and a few 30-60 minute workouts a week just ain't gonna cut it if you have serious work to do. It's got to be a 24/7 commitment. But I already know that. I've done this before, successfully losing almost 40 pounds, and keeping it off for many years. I KNOW what it takes and it DOES TAKE the 24/7 approach.

Now that I'm older and have so many more responsibilities - it's so much harder. But I do know one thing - perseverance pays off. And I DO keep trying.

I won't be blogging about this journey, but I will post weekly updates on the sidebar - for accountability! So wish me luck as I go at this once again in a new direction - with a renewed sense of purpose!

Sabrina and I will be doing some girlie stuff and hanging out this weekend. We had planned on spending the weekend in Virginia Beach, but the weather is supposed to be stormy all weekend, so we're staying around here.

Do keep me posted as to what's going on in your neck of the woods!

Cutting up that Neocolor Piece....

I've started cutting up that Neocolor piece I painted a week or so ago. Made a few bookmarks adding fibers and beads and hand painted backing for Etsy and some ACEOs.

I've been enjoying sharing ACEOs with several artists from around the world. Every once in a while I get a comment on a post, or an e-mail asking if I'd like to exchange an ACEO, or I see an artist whose work I admire and I ask if they'd be interested in an exchange.

This is a really wonderful way to be able to experience other forms of art up close - to examine skills, technique and variation.

Speaking of technique, I am begining to notice a pattern with mine - all my stuff is starting to look the same. Am I in a rut?? I do believe I am.

After I finish these I think I'm going to force myself to go in an entirely different direction - but I'm not sure which direction. Just somewhere different.

The foundations for the ACEOs were painted with Neocolors or acrylic on muslin or peltex, then appliqued and threadpainted for detail.

What's so great about making these little cards is that they are not a huge investment in time or materials. I can experiment without the fear of waste. If something doesn't work out - I trash it and start again. I never painted on peltex for a background - I didn't think I would like it not being finished, but it came out pretty good.

As a "What if," I think I am going to use this Neocolor cut and applique technique and make a larger picture.

THEN I think I'll put the Neocolors away and go off in a different direction. I'm still cutting that Neocolor piece up.

Happy Mother's Day Mom....

Dear Mom.....
My family is so lucky that I had you for a Mother - because it is by your example that I have been shaped to be the Mother that I am. You taught me when to go easy, but when to be firm. When to scold, but when to laugh. When to help, and when to step back. You bestowed upon me patience, virtue, kindness and nurturing - not by "teaching" but by showing. Most of all Mom, you gave me unconditional love every minute of every day - and that is the most precious gift that a mother can give of herself.

It is my deepest wish that my life honors you and all you have done for our family by being the best parent I can be to Sal and Sabrina. That I teach them -- the lessons you taught me. And that I instill in them - the wisdom, patience and kindness that you instilled in me. Like me, they miss you every day - and talking about special times they have shared with you -- fills their hearts with joy.

So on this Mother's Day, I hope you know I love you Mom - we all love you. But I love you most -- for all that you have been and all that you continue to be -- in me.

Happy Mother's Day Mom.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Mother's Days gone by.......

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Moms.

We have such an important job - lets all try really hard to get it right!

Beach Tent - by Cris Marlow

Ahhhh I do long to go to the beach to work on my tan line that is virtually non-existent since moving to NC from South Florida. In fact, I miss the beach so much so that Sabrina and I are heading over to Virginia Beach next weekend for a girl's weekend and bit of R&R.

How perfect is it that the AECO I received from Cris (pursuant to a trade) depicts a beautiful beach tent - on the coast (of either Oregon or California, Cris?) In my imagination though, it is on the Carolina coast and waiting for Sabrina & I.

My AECO was enclosed in a card featuring a picture of a painting by Cris entitled, "The Color of Sound and Motion" which looks like a place we visit often over on the Carolina coast. I had to look very closely at this photograph to see evidence that it was indeed a painting. The details captured made it a hard call.

Do go visit Cris and see her lovely watercolors and witness her amazing photography. Her work is beautiful and truly an inspiration!

Thank you Cris - for sharing your art with me.

Sunday's Stitches - May 2

Remember the colorful little Neocolor piece I was working on last week? THAT is what I decided to use for my Sunday's Stitches project this week.

Before I started stitching it, I ironed it on the HOTTEST setting for a few minutes to set the color. I couldn't wait to get started on this as it is so colorful and would give me a chance to use some of the yummy thread that I recently purchased from ThreadArt.

Originally I was going to hand stitch this, but I decided to free motion it instead and maybe do some hand beading in the end.

Good choice.

When I painted this piece, I deliberately painted flowers in separate "sections" as I knew I was going to cut this all up and use the different sections for different things. I like doing that - cutting stuff up and then doing something different with the pieces.

One section has tulips, another has some sun- flowers, one section has a giant sunflower and then I did some Gerbera Daisies. I still have to finish those daisies.

At this point I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with all of these pieces, but I think a few postcards, at least one AECO, and one or two other small things.

I'm always sorry that I didn't make the Neocolor piece bigger. This is the second or third time I've done a Neocolor piece and wished I did it about twice the size.

Neocolors are hands down my favorite medium to work with and I've only scratched the surface with these. It stung a bit when I bought them 'cause they are a bit pricey - I paid over $100 for my set (I think they're around $160 for a set of 84) but they are worth every penny and I love love love them.

As for the free motion, I've got a long way to go - but I can see my stitching getting better every day.

Painting and stitching together - how cool is that. The ultimate form of self expression!

What do you have on your drawing table, sewing table, cutting table, long arm, short arm, or workbench??? And what is YOUR favorite art/sewing/painting supply?



Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.