How Many Days is it Until Christmas?????

Only 23 Days Unit Christmas (in case you didn't know!) Thanksgiving is over and now it's time to move on. As we do every Thanksgiving, the Recca family gets up early in the morning, has breakfast and then, husband, son, daughter, corgis (and me) rummage through the attic, basement and closets looking for the boxes upon boxes of outside decorations so we can decorate the exterior of the house - and light up the neighborhood on Thanksgiving evening.

It only takes a few hours, but sometimes it can drag on a wee bit longer - because let's face it -we are not an "all work and no play" family. There's corgis to play with, eggnog to sip and hugs to be had at any given moment - distractions abound. But we did get the job done - in plenty of time to have dinner, clean up, and get back outside before dark.

Here's a picture of Tobie for a change - because, where was Gizmo? He was out back rolling around in the mud. Very naughty corgi. It was bath day anyway - so both corgis enjoyed a luxurious bubble bath in the sink in the garage - before entering for Thanksgiving dinner.

Tonight another tradition takes place. As a reward for all of the exhausting Thanksgiving and Christmas preparation - my husband takes me to a concert during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year we saw the Trans Siberian Orchestra - and we loved it. So we're going again tonight. A nice way to take a deep breath before all the craziness begins. (If your not familiar with TSO - they are really something special. Let me put it this way - they play Metallica - so to hear this particular "type" of orchestra play a Christmas Canon - it's pretty cool.)

Tomorrow I will wake up and it will only be 22 days until Christmas. I better get in gear for there are still have cards to write, a tree to buy, cookies to bake, a quilt to finish quilting, pj bottoms to sew, a scarf to finnish knitting, and those socks - well, they may have to wait until Valentine's Day to get those socks!

But that's ok - because tonight... I'm looking forward to the company of my husband, a pomegranet martini, some shrimp cocktail, maybe a little steak and the Trans Siberian Orchestra! Now go get started on YOUR to do list. Remember - only 23 more days!

Van Gogh Iris Slice Quilt - Continued.....

It's been a while, I know. You may recall, I participated in a group project wherein we each selected an image, sliced it up into five pieces and handed out one piece to each artist to interpret. I received all the pieces back months ago, got frustrated with this and put it aside. (You can click here to see the history and beginning's of my Van Gogh Iris art quilt slice project.)

I've had a hard time getting the pieces to fit together properly and just put it away for a while. Well, I got it back out this past weekend and am bound and determined to complete it. The pieces have now been stitched together and I am in the process of adding painted details to unify the pieces. Once I finish the painting process, I plan on adding some beads and hand stitching. I may or may not add machine quilting/stitching, depending upon how my hand stitching comes out. I'd love to just do the rest of this all by hand.

I'm so glad I brought this back out. I'd like to get this finished and maybe get it in to Symposium. We'll see.

One Stitch Forward, Two Stitches Back....

I've always admired beautiful hand embroidery -- which to me, is one of the most beautiful arts. I have several hand embroidered family linen pieces that are well over one hundred years old and they are among my most treasured possessions.

A while back I bought myself the Embroidery Stitch Bible and have been working on some basic stitches by putting together a stitch journal, and translating those same stitches into this Van Gogh piece.

I'm using a combination of seed and straight stitching in the sky, straight and back stitching for the houses, spires, and mountains and tiny little french knots to form the illusion of treetops which I have just started layering in different shades of green. Jude a while back had suggested using some little bits of shimmery fabric in the sky. I think I might undue the moon (or add to it) and see about putting some bits of lame' in there.

Inasmuch as this is a learning process for me, I began to wonder "what if" -- instead of working on one section at a time -- I pick up a certain color of thread and work that color all "around" the entire piece - even if I only take a stitch or two in an area with a particular color. Will this result in greater depth and texture? I think so.

I'm enjoying working in this way as it really creates a bit of mystery. I love watercolor painting -- and stitching in this fashion reminds me of painting because I'm layering, blending, highlighting -- with thread! It's all about experimentation.

There's definitely a learning curve for me here. I'm still trying to figure out the best needles to use, how many strands of floss to use, do I like cotton, rayon or silk thread for clouds, etc., etc. My first conclusion: rayon thread is NOT fun!

Needless to say I've done plenty of "unstitching." And I can see in these photographs, I still have some "unstitching" to do.

Hence the title for this post:
One Stitch Forward....... Two Stitches Back!

Gizmo....

is as much a permanent fixture in my sewing room, as my Janome sewing machine is! So Sabrina figured, why not decorate him! "NOW" he looks like your sewing assistant!!" she told me.

He's such a kind, and patient soul.

I Don't Know What it is About This Dog...

... he just makes my heart melt.

Art Slice for Jean's Quilt DONE!

Here is the Renoir picture that Jean wanted reproduced into an art slice quilt.

I have drawn a box around the section I am responsible for reproducing....

And here is my reproduction which measures about 14x15" (approximately). You can click on the picture below to enlarge it and view details.

Jean seemed pleased with it. It actually didn't come out too bad. I used a dense weave burlap for the foundation which really made it look like an art canvas. I then painted much of the background on with acrylic paint. I used some orange hand dyed fabric for the oranges, that I painted with highlights and details, stuffed with looose woold and satin stitch embroidered with shiny orange rayon. For the tablecloth, I painted much of that, but then used a piece of hand dyed grey and white fabric. I folded it for texture, and once I got it just how I wanted it, I brushed it with a solution of uva glue and starch. Once it dried, I painted in detail with various shades of blue, grey and white acrylic paint.

I had to leave the meeting before the others showed up with their slices, so I don't have pictures of those -- but later this week I should have some pictures and will post them then.

We have one last art quilt to do and I will be starting on it this week. It's a great picture with a classic car (with lots of chrome) and a surfboard. It should be fun to do.

I am looking forward to getting these behind me so we can start working on our next project. Everyone is going to select a 4-6 block "big block" pattern and each member of the group is going to do one block which will then be given to the owner to put together, sash, bind and quilt. I am really looking forward that one. More on that later.

Painting Textiles with Metallic Paint...

...one of my favorite things to do! Particularly when I've been focusing on hand sewing the past few days -- it was refreshing to put on the overalls, put the hair up in a pony tail -- and get out the sponges and stuff brushes.

I'm actually making progress on my hand-stitched piecing (oh -- see -- there I go again "progress" -- always thinking, focusing, obsessing about "progress." Note to self: "process NOT progress -- remember that!" Um, I'm actually "enjoying" the process (there, that's better) and am really getting the hang of it. I will post those pictures later.

Anyway - here are the results of my painting session today -- some cotton duck and canvas that I cut up, treated with textile medium, sponge painted, crinkled, and then "removed" medium by pressing down with stamps and texture plates for added interest. I photographed these outside (I dry these types of projects in the sun because the sun also helps to "heat set" the paint. It was difficult getting their "true" colors to show - because the luminosity of the metallic paint causes reflection and glare -so these pictures do not do the colors justice.

I'm thinking the leaf piece (which is metallic olive, gold, copper, nickel and brass) is going to make its way somehow into my giveaway surprise -- and the others I will probably cut up and use elsewhere. I have a basket in my studio that I throw these pieces into and then when the urge (or the project) dictates - I grope through the basket. It's great having a bunch of stuff already painted and/or dyed that you can just go in and grab when you need it -- rather than having to paint it right then and there. That's why "painting days" are very necessary. Don't you agree???

Ahhhh Take a Deep Breath.....

Summer is almost here. And while Summer is my least favorite season of the year -- it's onset is still a signal to take a deep breath and s l o w down.

I've always had a problem with that -- slowing down. I try to - I really do -- but my brain is always on fast forward -- always thinking about what needs to be done later, tonight, tomorrow, next week, by the end of the month, etc., etc. I even spend my leisure time -- trying to "finish" that book, complete that project, wrap up that painting, etc. Reaching the finish line -- is always on the brain and of the utmost importance.

You miss a lot -- with that mindset. You really do. There is great joy to be found in the moment, as well as in the smallest of details that tend to accompany those moments. Those lovely little details that often get missed -- when one is in a hurry. And while I've been pretty good at teaching my kids to appreciate the moment and drink in the details, I really need to heed my own advice.

This leads me to my real topic -- S L O W cloth. Have you heard of it? Probably. It's a hot topic right now in the fiber art community. And, to tell the truth I've been admiring thinking a lot about "slow cloth" -- what it stands for, what it means, what it symbolizes. Actually, I' ve been thinking about it for quite some time.

If you're not familiar with the "slow cloth" movement or concept and would like to know more, here are some places to get a good education on the subject. But keep in mind -- the concept of Slow Cloth is very personal and means something different to every artist. I have found that it is a concept that evolves with YOU.

Take some time and read the article written by Elaine Lipson that discusses in detail -- Ten Qualities of Slow Cloth. Once you've read this, you will certainly want to experience slow cloth first hand and you can do that at the oh so appropriately named (consequently my absolute favorite place to spend time) Spiritcloth where Jude has the instinctual ability to intertwine fiber and words into a visual and spiritual journey. Make sure to thoroughly explore Jude's site -- particularly the visual journey, breadcrumbs, textile studies, etc. links on the right-hand side.

And NOW, as I find myself faced with the onset of summer, I look forward to the "quality" not quantity of my time. I intend to take that deep breath and slow way down. It is my intention to STOP -- and enjoy every breeze, every song, every giggle and every stitch.

Enjoy the Moment!!

Last Minute Gift....

Here's a padfolio I made as a gift for one of Sabrina's teachers. I went by one of Sue B's patterns for reference. I hand painted a nice heavy white cotton duck cloth with metallic Lumiere paints. After it dried, I texturized the surface with a nickle paint and hot fixed some Swavroski crystals into the upper right corner. I satin stitched around the whole thing with metallic turqoise thread, sewed a gorgeous glass button to the front for a wrap closure, and added some beads to the bottom of a fancy yarn wrap. The inside is lined with hand dyed turquoise fabric that is a stunning shade. I also painted the top of the little pad inside so it wasn't that yucky red. I painted it with Lumiere paint -- and now it matches nicely. Click on the picture so you can see the glass button and the texture in the cover. Cotton duck cloth is really cool to paint on -- it's stiff, keeps it's shape and doesn't suck in the paint, particularly if you cover it first with a "light" coat of gesso or textile fixative. I think this really came out nicely. I'm thinking of making another one of these for a giveaway -- what do you think???

Progress on Placemats & Dear Jane....

I'm still working on these placemats. I finally got them pieced, and now I'm adding some outline stitching to the center panel -- through the leaves, around the crows and maybe outlining the flowers. I dug out my Embroidery Stitch Bible which is the greatest little book with step by step illustrations as to how to execute each stitch. I find that I am enjoying the process of stitching these little details very much. I would like to do more of that. Once I finish stitching in some detail, I will back these, do a little outline quilting, bind them and then they'll be finished and off to their new home.

I have NOT been diligently working on Dear Jane as I find these tiny blocks a bit err, uh ..........

.

.

F R U S T R A T I N G! I do resolve to keep plugging away at them though -- because I do need to learn to ACCURATELY piece (as is evidenced by these horridly crooked blocks!!) so I am looking at this as a learning experience. I am trying to do at least 2 blocks (or more per week). Once school is out and Sabrina starts tennis over the summer, it will be great because I can bring a few with me and work on them at the court. Anyone else currently working on a Dear Jane??

So Many Plants, So Little Time.....

In case you've been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing for the last week - I've been planting, moving, rearranging, mulching, fertilizing, pulling, weeding, trimming, watering and replanting. Whew!

We have about 4 acres with hundreds of trees and two buildings on our lot -- which cast tons of shadows at different times of day. Every 50 feet represents a different "microclimate" in our shadowy, hilly yard -- so knowing which plant to put where has been a major problem. They might do well for a few weeks, and then the sun moves over slightly and -- a whole new microclimate has developed which may NOT be suitable -- causing yellow leaves, sparse blooms, root rot, mold and - um- an untimely death. :(

It's taken me two years of documenting shadow zones and times, damp areas, dry crests, etc. to figure out which plants do well where. I've moved things about 3 or 4 times in the last 2 years -- totally revamping the beds - pulling everything out -- putting everything back in - but finally, I think I've gotten it right. My family just doesn't understand that a "true gardener" is constantly moving things around in an effort to locate the ultimate "sweet spot" for each plant.

Here are the results of my obsessive/compulsive moving, pruning, watering, mulching, weeding and seeding...... (and it's only Spring!!!)

Front Yard:

Back Yard:

This is a four-tiered water fountain that was constantly getting full of leaves, birdseed, and other delightful birdie tidbits that, if not cleaned out every few days -- just didn't look right. So, I filled it with dirt and planted in it. I miss the sound of the water -- but it makes an awesome planter. I'll probably clean it out at the end of the year and try the "water thing" again next year. But for now .....

Notice my purple picnic table in the background? Sabrina and I love to sit out there in the early evenings and in the mornings and have tea.

Perennial Lavendar - grows fantastic in North Carolina. Green all year and doesn't bloom only in January and February. And smells soooooooooo good....

Gizmo follows me around the yard - everywhere I go.....

and is NOT camera shy in the slightest!!

And finally, the vegetable garden. Hey Tammy - the sunflowers are about 6 inches tall already -- and there are peppers on my pepper plants, and flowers on the tomato plants!!!

Now I can't take all the credit for our landscape as my husband keeps the trees and bushes pruned, the lawn green and the brush cleared -- a HUGE job -- and he keeps things looking great :)

As an aside - I've also been doing some sewing -- but nothing blogworthy. In fact, I am not happy with what I've been working on so I'm not even going to talk about it right now. I'm still ripping out seams!

Enjoy your week.

Vincent van Gogh

"We spend our whole lives in unconscious exercise of
the art of expressing our
thoughts with the help of words."

Vincent van Gogh

Did you know that van Gogh only sold ONE painting during his lifetime???

Did you know that van Gogh's life ended when he tragically shot himself in the chest?

Did you know that van Gogh painted Starry Night while residing in an "asylum?"

I never knew that.

I've recently acquired a fascination with the work of Vincent van Gogh. After I selected his painting Iris for my fractured art quilt I have been picking up books at the library , and doing a bit of internet research on van Gogh's life and body of work. It is a triumphant and tragic story -- the story of van Gogh's Life and death. (van Gogh)

With the exception of a few drawing and pottery classes, and one university art appreciation class -- I have no formal "fine arts" training, however I am able to recognize certain styles, movements and genres in the visual arts movement. What I love about Van Gogh's work is his combination of extraordinary color usage and shortened (impressionistic) brush strokes -- which blend together and make his vivid imagery come alive with movement and texture.

I think what inspires me most about his work is that it is so "uniquely" his. We have a wonderful art museum here in Raleigh, and I have to admit that even after umpteen visits, I still have difficulty at times identifying with certainty the work of many particular artists when co-mingled with similar technique. Even with the unique styles of Monet or Matisse, I still confuse their work on occasion, with other artists. But van Gogh -- ah, now his work is so very unique in every conceivable way that it would be impossible to mistake it as belonging to any another.

As a fiber artist, when I look at van Gogh's paintings I can see his bold landscapes emerging from co-mingled pieces of fabric and his brush strokes transformed into thread painted images. Much like what I (we) did with Iris, but on a more intricate level. I can also see his wonderful paintings (like Starry Night) being transferred into magical beaded images, or embroidered images. Sabrina and I were even talking about how some of his work (like Sunflowers) would lend itself wonderfully to carved clay slab landscapes or still lifes -- with the carvings from clay tools simulating his elevated, short and highly textural brush strokes and layering on the color with bold, high gloss glazes. Do you see the endless possibilities here?

Which van Gogh is your favorite? How would you go about interpreting it in "your" medium?

She's a Stunner.....

Meet "Love Squared!"

You can't help but notice the "Pink Artist" button on the right side of my blog. As you may recall, I joined this group as a response to a call from Monica Magness of Girl Gone Thread Wild:

"the pink artist"is a community of artists joining together to create one joint art doll to benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. When the doll is complete, it will be mailed in to Art Doll Quarterly™before finally being auctioned off on eBay at a later date. ALL PROCEEDS WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT CHARITY." Upon hearing of this call, back in January I sent four art squares to Monica - three for the cause and one for her.

Here are the squares I sent:

Here also just a few of the squares others sent. To see all 180 squares, you can click on Girl Gone Thread Wild and take a tour of not only all of the squares that were sent in, but you can witness the creation of Love Squared from start to finish as Monica and her husband Jeff documented the entire process.

Grace of Grace Beading made the beautiful crown that sits on Love Squared's lovely head which doubles as a bracelet for the lucky winner of the auction. Take a look at Grace's blog as she too has been and continues to be involved in many worthwhile causes.

Three months have elapsed since squares began pouring in for this cause that has touched so many lives. During that time Monica has labored unselfishly receiving, sorting, stitching these beautiful squares to a beautiful art doll body and face that she lovingly created.

I'd like now to quote Monica's introduction of this beauty:

"Her name is "Love Squared." She wears 180 two inch art squares. 182 artists total created her.
She is just under 40" tall and weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces.

She smiles because already she knows love
and is able to give love unconditionally.
To many, she is a symbol of hope.
She stands for COURAGE and was built
by a community of givers. "

Love Squared is a physical manifestation of the pain, heartache, heartbreak, hope, love, inspiration, hopelessness, hopefulness and joy of the artists who created her -- many of whom suffer from, or love someone who suffers or has suffered from breast cancer.

Yes, Love Squared is a stunner -- but unbelievably - her beauty pales in comparison to the beauty contained within the hearts of her creators and the hearts and "souls" of those for whom she was made - those touched by breast cancer.

Please take time to visit Monica's blog to experience Love's journey -- from concept to completion. Also, please visit some of the blogs of the wonderful artists, like Grace, who donated their time, talent and love to make Monica's vision become a reality. You can find most of the artists listed on Monica's blog roll -- on the left side of her blog.

Love is going to be photographed and included in an upcoming issue of Art Doll Quarterly prior to her auction on E-Bay. As details concerning the publication of the magazine AND the E-Bay Auction emerge, I will certainly post them here.

Let's NOT allow this to be the end of the journey -- but rather, the begining. Hopefully this inspiring project will light a fire beneath many of us to take it "one step further" - whether it be creating something else to raise money, donating money, or volunteering time to this, or some other vital cause.

"Wild Girl" to you I say --- I suspect you have no idea as to the magnitude and impact your vision has and will continue to have -- in the future on the lives of the people you have touched with this project. You -- are a force to be reckoned with!! I can't wait to see what's next! XO