Belated Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm Seeing RED...

In honor of the Day of Love I decided to start working on a red homespun and linen patchwork.  Lots of Red (lots of threads! homespuns always throw alot of thread when you're working with them) and ooooh so soft.

Homespuns are among my favorite fabrics to work with.  Something about the way they smell when you iron them, and the way they feel under my fingers when I'm stitching.  So nice.

Oh - and here's my journal for my Studio Journal's workshop that starts Tuesday.  I hope to fill it up with lots of cool stuff.

Happy Valentine's Day. 
Now go and kiss your sweetie!

Studio Journals: A Designer's Workhorse...

Such a beautiful day today in North Carolina. We woke up to a tiny dusting of snow

 and Carolina Blue skies. A crisp, picture perfect day.  A good day to get up early, get some chores done and venture down in to the studio I have missed so much over the last few months.

Studio Journals: the "Designer's Workhorse."  That is the name of the new workshop I'm participating in - taught by Sharon B. and my "jumping off point" for 2011.  I'm looking forward it begining on February 15th and will be blogging about my progress.

 I'm thinking of making a journal like this one I made a while back. I loved how this came out, but I'm not sure if I may want a hardbound spiral journal - for ease of access.  I'll have to think about it.  I think I may also want a journal that's a bit larger so there's plenty of room for samples, etc.  I can still paint the cover if I want to. I need to decide quick as the workshop starts Tuesday.

I've decided to head up to Virginia in a few weeks to  attend the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival. I haven't been in a few years and I really enjoy going to that.   Personally seeing work that I've admired in books and magazines up close - those fine details lost in photographs - and mingling with other artists I've met through blogging and workshops is such a source of inspiration. I've planned a three day road trip which will take me there and back with a day and a half for the show.  A little breathing room. Some time to think.   I think I'll like that.

I've missed being in the studio and am happy to be back.  I spent a good part of the day in there today for the first time since November. Lights on, new machine plugged in, music playing, a yogurt satiated Gizmo at my feet.  It felt good. 

Would love (as always) to hear what your 2011 creative plans are.  A studio journal? A studio remake?  Maybe going in another artistic direction?   No hard and fast resolutions for me this year. I've decided to take it easy on myself in 2011.

This year I'm just going to take my time. Appreciate my time. And make the most of my time.  It's good to be back.